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Dave Kinsey - Woman in Repose Print Friday, 26 August 2011 /// Written by Van Edwards
Dave Kinsey released the 4-color screenprint Woman in Repose through BLK/MRKT Editions this morning.
Nice looking 100% cotton rag print in an edition of 120. 24" x 18" - signed/numbered/stamped Bought here for $95
"Nebraska" Film Saturday, 21 December 2013 09:00
Director Alexander Payne (About Schmidt, Sideways, The Descendants) directed the great film Nebraska which is in theaters now. NYTimes Pick, trailer, and go and see it. Worthy of a theater visit. ~ now playing @One Embarcadero Center.
Hooray for Thee Ohsees Friday, 20 December 2013 14:06
SAN FRANCISCO --- Thee Ohsees aren't breaking up, but they are taking a long hiatus as front man John Dwyer (our podcast interview) told the crowd at Wednesday's performance at Great American. "This will be the last Oh Sees show for a long while," he told the crowd. "So dig in."
Dwyer's off to LA (yet another artist leaves San Francisco) and Brigid Dawson leaving for Santa Cruz while bass guitarist Petey Dammit and drummer Mike Shoun are staying in the city.
We just want to thank Thee Ohsees for bringing the brilliant music for years and can't wait to see them live again in the future!
////////// Wednesday, 16 June 2010 16:39
Advertise Here
Eric Petersen Illustration Thursday, 19 December 2013 12:38
Illustrator Eric Petersen hails from Olympia, Washington <-- My style is influenced by instructional graphics, video games and the look of vintage comics of the 1940s. I draw uniform lines on a computer to strip away some of the human element and expressive quality seen in non-digital work. I use perspective and unnatural colors to set up a voyeuristic feeling and create an unsettling mood. I am interested in the combination of a purely functional illustration style with an emotional scene.
/// Wednesday, 25 April 2012 10:56
Tiffany Bozic's "Strigiformes" Print Friday, 13 December 2013 09:00
Tiffany Bozic's print "Strigiformes" is available online here and, if you order soon, we can still get you one by Christmas as we ship priority.
In The Random Dept. Thursday, 19 December 2013 10:07
AARP CELEBRATES BRAD PITT'S 50TH BIRTHDAY <-- we thought it was an Onion article headline.
The FAILE BÄST Deluxx Fluxx Arcade - Miami Beach 2013 Wednesday, 18 December 2013 11:49
The FAIL BAST Deluxx Fluxx Arcade was one of the highlights of Miami Art Week 2013. This video summarizes it all. Video Directed By: Priest Fontaine
Jud Bergeron @Hotel Biron Tonight, Thurs Thursday, 12 December 2013 15:16
Our buddy Jud Bergeron is hosting the small works show Gimcrackery tonight at the wine/ art bar Hotel Biron (7-10pm) featuring an exclusive series of small silk screened prints which expand on the motif of fatherhood. In addition to the prints a survey of ceramic and bronze wall reliefs are presented alongside four large rarely viewed abstract drawings. ~complete details
Sgt. Pepper by Tim Gough Thursday, 12 December 2013 15:08
I (Tim Gough) wanted to share these Sgt. Pepper screen prints I made. They started as torn paper collages as a way to break away from the computer. I eventually brought them into Photoshop to finish the details and make the separations. This is a 18x24, 7 color screen print, with a transparent gold overlay. This is a limited edition of 100 and printed by the Half and Half. available here
27' Sailboat - Ocean view and other benefits Wednesday, 11 December 2013 09:32
People associate sailing with Thurston Howell, think it's incredible expensive and only for the rich, but we think this ad does a job well done with why sailing is amazing and worth every little penny it costs.
////////// Wednesday, 25 August 2010 11:50
*Prints ordered by Dec 6th guaranteed for Christmas
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Material published on FECAL FACE DOT COM online service is copyrighted by Fecal Face or its licensors, including the originating wire services. Such material is protected by U.S. and international copyright laws and treaties. All rights reserved.
Users of the Fecal Face online service may not reproduce, republish or redistribute material found on the web site in any form without the express written consent of the copyright holder. xhamster warez


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EL PASO COUNTY, COLO. -- The owner of a shooting range in El Paso County east of Colorado Springs said his wife was the one who died Thursday night in a strange accident.
Dragonman's owner Mel Bernstein, who is better known as the "Dragonman" himself, said his wife Terri was hit by a smoke bomb device that went off like a rocket unexpectedly.
The range was being used to film a national TV show. The scene the crew was filming Thursday night was the last 30 seconds of the show after a week of 8-9 hour days.
The scene involved cast members walking through smoke with guns in the air. Bernstein said one of the "smoke bombs" shot off like a rocket, going right through Terri's chest.
The 51-year-old woman died instantly.
Bernstein said he felt the rocket whiz within four inches of him before turning to see his wife fall to the ground.
Dragonman's is a shooting range, paintball park and museum near Highway 94 and Curtis Road. On Wednesday, a woman was burned during the filming, though she was quickly treated and released from a hospital.
El Paso County Sheriff's deputies are investigating the incident.

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This was probably our 8th stay in this hotel. Rooms are like all other Courtyards. It is a way out of town, but the freeway gets you in in a very short time. Plenty of shops for whatever you need 3 blocks away. We have stayed at all of the Marriotts in College Station, and this is the best deal... More
- Also Known As:
- Courtyard Bryan College Station Hotel
- Courtyard Bryan College Station Hotel College Station
- Courtyard College Station
- College Station Marriott
- College Station Courtyard
- Reservation Options:
- TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Orbitz, Expedia, Marriott, Priceline, Booking.com, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Venere and Tingo so you can book your Courtyard Bryan College Station reservations with confidence. We help millions of travellers each month to find the perfect hotel for both holiday and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.


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Thank you
Hi Brian, just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for another wonderful album of yours!!! As usual, cannot get enough of it. Great to hear your voice. Also enjoying watching you on the TV shows ... Always loved you in Westlife, love you as a solo ... keep going mate. Hope to meet you as well ... somewhere in Oz. It has been way too long since Wembley 2003! Best of luck with everything you do! My love to you and Delta also. xoxo Erika, Dee Why NSW


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We were only here two nights. The hotel is about 1.5 miles from the center of Stavanger. You can go to the center on foot, on the road which is near the lake shore, you will be able to enjoy the park, if the weather is good. The hotel has free parking for cars! Receptionist was very helpful and got... More
- Also Known As:
- First Hotel Stavanger
- Official Description (provided by the hotel):
- We are located 2 kilometers from the city center of Stavanger, close to a small lake with beautiful natural surrondings. At the same time we have the best access to all major roads. We offer FREE Wi-Fi, FREE parking, a delicous breakfast and modern rooms with flatscreen televisions with all the channels you would expect and more.All rooms in First Hotel Alstor have a desk and own bathroom with shower. More than half of our rooms also have balcony.You can relax after a long day in our lounge area or dine in our restaurant which serve Norwegian specialities and international favourites from Monday to Thursday.The paths that circle the lake or go into the forrest are ideal for walking, running or bicycling. Only a few minutes away you will find Stavanger Forum, all major sports arenas and less than 10 minutes away you can enjoy some golf.NOTE: First Hotel Alstor have been through a MAJOR renovation that ended in September 2011! ... more less
- Reservation Options:
- TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Booking.com, Travelocity, Priceline, Olotels and Otel so you can book your First Hotel Alstor reservations with confidence. We help millions of travellers each month to find the perfect hotel for both holiday and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.


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Gifts for Babies - Under $25
Gift Buzz
You don't have to spend a fortune to make the men in your life feel special. With a variety of cool gifts for guys of all types, our list of great gifts under $25 for men will point you in the right direction and help you stay on budget. Read More »
Looking for a great gift for a man, and your budget is $50 or less? Check out these gifts; all are less than the cost of dinner and a movie (and will last a lot longer). Read More »
As a mom-to-be myself, I have been having so much fun researching baby products that will help simplify my transition into a chaotic and wonderful new life with a baby. You've seen my post about lightweight strollers, baby shower gifts for... Read More »
As a parent, it can sometimes be a daunting task to make sure that you have everything you need for a day out, especially if you have baby or toddler. Babies, whether the first or fourth or more, require a lot of stuff. Help out the moms in... Read More »
Hand-pickedGifts for Babies
Our goal is to find the very best gift ideas for babies from the top stores online. We work with trusted brands known for their high quality and attention to detail. View unique and creative gifts for babies and refine by category, occasion and price.
At Gifts.com, holiday gift shopping starts early. We seek out the cool new gifts that they are sure to love this season. Find a great selection of ideas perfect for every age. |


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Origins News Round-up for December 6, 2013
This week's Origins News Roundup features highlights from a recent conference of evangelical theologians, exciting human fossil finds, tell-tale lice, and a few words from the Pope.
The Resource Finder has powerful filtering features — check out the tutorial to learn more.
This week's Origins News Roundup features highlights from a recent conference of evangelical theologians, exciting human fossil finds, tell-tale lice, and a few words from the Pope.
A deep love for scripture, coupled (ironically) with a lifelong struggle with religious doubt, led Robert Boyle to write several important books relating scientific and religious knowledge. We explore aspects of this fascinating interaction.
"It's tempting to think that the church needs to decide quickly which of these [original sin] scenarios is right, and which ones must be wrong. I believe the church is better served by taking its time, holding several different scenarios in tension for a while as we think through the implications of each."
"Where many scholars in previous generations simply assumed that Christianity and science have always been in conflict—and not just over evolution—recent scholarship has decisively debunked that view. The main message from today's historians is complexity, not conflict."
Today's Origins News Round-up takes us from some cosmic data on the possible existence of life elsewhere in the universe, to some surprising theories about the origin of life, and some interesting general news and editorial items on science and religion.
In this series, Ryan Pettey offers several clips from his powerful documentary "From the Dust". This feature-length film is divided up into various sections, each of which wrestles with the difficult problems that arise when reconciling Scripture with the theory of evolution. A light of hope dawns on the science-faith conversation, however, as scientists and theologians engage in honest dialogue about tough issues such as the interpretation of Genesis, the nature of the Fall, and the idea of random design. Their profound insights are sure to enlighten all minds, raise deeper questions, and provoke new thought.
In this series, James Kidder provides an intriguing study on transitional fossils and the evolutionary history of modern humans. He begins by discussing the fossil record, explaining how new forms are classified. He then explains the physically distinguishing trait of humankind—bipedalism. From the discovery of Ardipithecus, the earliest known hominin, to the australopithecines, the most prolific hominin, Kidder focuses on the discovery, the anatomy, and the interpretation of these ancestral remains.
It is precisely the recognition of the qualities of elegance, economy and naturalness which solves the problem of the under-determination of theory by experiment, so often pressed by philosophers of science, who sometimes speak of the process of discovery as if it were a dull routine of fitting curves to data points.
What do today's pastors think about science? What views do they hold on creation and evolution and how strongly do they hold them? How do origins issues impact their ministries? These were just a few of the questions that motivated us at BioLogos to commission a survey of pastors on origins
Christian theology asserts that humans are spiritual creatures, a unity of body and spirit or "soul," integrated, not reducible downwards to mere matter or upwards to mere spirit.
The problem is that as human beings, we know that goodness exists, so it must be accounted for, and if one is a staunch believer in scientism, it must be accounted for scientifically.
Although committed to the principle of sola Scriptura, Calvin recognized that the Bible would have been written in terms its original recipients would have understood. Calvin inherited the medieval cosmology of his time, a way of viewing the world heavily influenced by Greek thought and one which was about to receive shocks from astronomers such as Copernicus and Galileo. But not just yet.
People hold clearly discordant points of view, and it would be dishonest to ignore the conflict. Yet some voices emphasize the dissonance without any note of harmony to put it in context. Too often, science and faith becomes a hostile battle of worldviews, sounding angry, dissonant chords even among fellow Christians. But civil, gracious dialogue is possible.
This ongoing series written by historian Ted Davis begins with a brief synopsis of his personal background, and then goes on to reveal his passion for debunking "the now-common view that the history of science and Christianity is one of ongoing, inevitable conflict."
Once we have a scientific hypothesis for how something exists, it is tempting to make the philosophical inference that this is also why it exists.
In this three-part series, Cal DeWitt offers insights and examples of why science and ethics must work together to help us make informed, practical decisions within our society. DeWitt's science-ethics-praxis model provides a framework by which we can live more effectively as God's stewards.
In this series, Mark Mann explores what many of the great Christian theologians and saints of the Church have said about how God speaks in and through God's other great book: Nature, or Creation. Listening to figures from the the 2nd to the 18th centuries,Mann proposes three main points: Christians should think of Scripture and Creation as two "books" that should be read together for understanding the fullness of God's self-revelation; Science is a God-given tool for discerning the handiwork of God in Creation, and is fully compatible with God's Word revealed in Scripture, and therefore, Christians have nothing to fear from science.
In this series, David Buller pays careful attention to the original language and cultural context of Genesis 2, revealing that our responsibility to care for creation is a sacred task given to us by God, not merely a modern secular activity. By taking Scripture seriously, we learn that we have a God-given mandate to be diligent stewards of His creation.
Historian of science James Hannam writes that the notion of inherent conflict between Christianity and science is a pernicious myth. In fact, by the middle ages, science already had a central place in Christian centers of learning. Indeed, it was a Christian worldview that proved especially compatible with—even necessary for—the rise of modern science. In this two-part essay, Hannam describes the conditions in the West in the medieval period that set the stage for the spectacular advance of science in the centuries to follow.


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The sun sinks low over the western horizon, painting the area in purple and red hues. You realize you've just searched the same area for the third time in a row. This is getting you nowhere!
You're shaken from your frustration by a feather-light touch on your shoulder and a whisper like a soft kiss in your ear. "This way," she says.
You turn around, bu... [click here for more]
This is the Savage Worlds edition. A d20 System edition is also available.
East Texas is an unlikely spot for a commune, but Harmony Farm has a long-standing reputation in the community as a place for kooks and weirdos. Still, everyone knew the old hippies and their friends were essentially harmless. Now something is different. The residents of Har... [click here for more]
People often say that there are no such things as monsters. They are wrong. Vampires, werewolves, ghosts, and other unnamable horrors co-exist with us. Watching us. Using us. Preying upon us.
Welcome to Pinebox, a sleepy little East Texas town with a lot more than its share of trouble. Whether it's the haunted diner luring weary travelers, the unexplained 'alligator attacks", or th... [click here for more]
The O'Conner brothers own and operate a small chicken farm in the hinterlands of Golan County, Texas. Unbeknownst to most citizens, the brothers also run an illegal cockfighting operation on the side. Unfortunately, the high-class attendees of these illegal matches have become somewhat jaded towards the normal brand of bloodsport, which has caused the brothers to seek out more exotic match-ups.... [click here for more]
Ed's Midnight Tales collects several issues of the Modern Dispatches written by Ed Wetterman, and converts them to the Savage Worlds system.
Ed's Midnight Talesbrings Pinebox, Texas to life with several great tales including a trip into the Big Thicket; a party involving beer, chicks, a Ouija board, pretzels and a demon; a new horror icon known as the Soul Gazer; seve... [click here for more]
This 11 page PDF (plus cover and product page) presents a quick, easy, and flexible system for incorporating the effects of extreme fear (aka Horror or Insanity) into your modern game.
The Horror check is an important mechanic in any horror roleplaying game. It's a mech... [click here for more]
So you think strapping a nuclear reactor to your back and waving a proton-thingamahoochie around makes you a ghost hunter? Think again! My name is Jackson Green, and I'm a professional ghost hunter. I've seen some stuff that would make your hair curl if it's straight or straighten it out if ... [click here for more]
Jerry's Midnight Tales collects issues 26, 30, and 34 of Modern Dispatch and converts them to the Savage Worlds system. These issues represent the Rising South plot point arc written by Jerry Blakemore.
Jerry's Midnight Tales brings Pinebox, Texas to life with a trio of short encounters against a small-town racist organization, the Texas N... [click here for more]
Last Rites of the Black Guard is a modern-day ghost-hunting adventure using the Savage Worlds game system. A modern d20 System edition is also available.
The Nazis left their cruel mark on the world more than 50 years ago, and some of those wounds still bleed. Hitler and other high-ranking Nazis were enamored by the idea of using the Occult in their attempt... [click here for more]
Most folks around Pinebox, Texas are excited that the Green Mark Corporation is moving in. With the timber company comes jobs--jobs that are most welcome in this rural community. But not everyone is happy. When Green Mark employees start turning up dead, the small community acts shocked—at least until some of the supposed victims are spotted alive and well. Were there actually any mur... [click here for more]
When an strange auto accident leads to a murder investigation, it's up to the heroes to uncover the true culprit. What is the connection between a college student and the stranger's van in which he was found? Was there someone else on that lonely stretch of highway? As the heroes follow the clues, they'd better watch their step. They are not the only hunters in Pinebox.
The... [click here for more]
Usable as an independent adventure or as part of a R.E.A.C.T. campaign.
An ice shelf collapses in far-off Antarctica, revealing a geologic vent of staggering proportions. Satellite photos show a mysterious expedition camping on the edge of the newly-revealed ravine. The players are dispatched to expose the unk... [click here for more]
Agents of Oblivion is the highly anticipated Savage Worlds setting book we like to call The Perfect Cocktail of Horror and Espionage. Within these pages grace everything you need to play the style of spy game you want to play from "The Company Line" where every nightmare and conspiracy you can imagine is real and you can wield the powers you need to drive back the... [click here for more]
A Halloween Mini-Mission for Agents of Oblivion, the agents are sent to the wilds of Boise, Idaho to find out why children are disappearing in the midst of The Pumpkin Festival. Can they stop the horrors which await them?
Ready for the perfect blend of horror and espionage? Try the ONE SHOTS series out for size.
ONE SHOTS #2 : STARSTRUCK will send your Agents on an exotic adventure to retrieve a mysterious meteorite. Can they survive the fallout?
Each ONE SHOT is full of a surprising mix of horror and espionage designed for an evening's diversion.
Ready for another One Shot?
In ONE SHOTS #3 : HARDWIRED , our agents are sent out to gather intel about the shadowy Cylex Systems and learn more than they bargain for! Each ONE SHOT is a surprising mix of horror and espionage designed for single session play.
Nestled among the dark forests of lake country stands a summer camp. It is a place named after an old Indian word; Camp Wicakini. On the shores of Lake Wicakini, the Lake of Ressurection, the camp has stood for decades. However, now something evil walks the woods; something terrible, something...hungry....
In this adventure, the players are shown the surroundings of Camp Wicakini, and t... [click here for more]
The road to Hell on Earth is paved with good intentions.
This is the world you have inherited: Billions dea... [click here for more]
This map is scaled for use with our Deadlands Noir 28mm miniatures, and can be printed with or without grid lines.
For printed and packaged, dry-erase versions, see the Pinnacle website.
These gorgeous and creepy landscape Game Master's screens for Tour of Darkness (Weird Wars: Vietnam) are designed for Great White Game's Customizeable GM's screen available at www.greatwhitegames.com! Included are two choices of front cover art, weapons summaries, support summaries, and more!
Trapped at a nowhere motel on a dark stretch of road, the PCs are forced to confront a horde of zombies, and once the doors lock at 9pm, they don't open again until dawn.
Check out time is at 9am, but will the PCs be able to leave?
What you get:
What you need:
Vietnam 1968: As the Tet Offensive pushes forward and casualties mount, dark secrets are at play. Amongst the bloodshed, an ancient evil struggles to be reborn deep in the jungle. They say that in war, one can lose their mind to the hatred and violence... but there are worse things. Far, far worse.
InfestAsia is a Savage Worlds ad... [click here for more]
It's 1999 and monsters don't exist. They're the stuff of legend and myth, right? Wrong. Our world is filled with paranormal creatures just itching to enslave humanity or wipe it off the face of the Earth.
Only the world's finest agents stand between the paranormal horror and an unsuspecting public. Outfitted with the best technology and tradecraft, it's time to get to work.<>... [click here for more]
This Savage realm of Suzerain is the tale of the 1930s Great Depression as you've never experienced it. For Heroic rank characters who are feeling particularly heroic, Noir Knights is part of our American Grit realm, where government agents investigate paranormal activity across a hard boiled film noir America.
Whether it's a supernatural swampland encounter in Florida or otherworldly c... [click here for more]
Mrs. Amethyst, Mr. Flannigan, Mr. Shao, Mr. Dolby, and Miss Herne... These are some of the 1930s SPA agents ready to combat the trails that await them!
All of these characters are Heroic rank and all ready to play. They are designed for Noir Knights, but can be played in any Heroic rank Suzerain game.
Product contains: A 11-page high resolution PDF plus a print friendly version ... [click here for more]
While certain powerful entities have the ability to pierce the Veil and breach the Maelstrom to reach some other place, there are also natural portals that exist here and there.
Stull, Kansas just so happens to have one of those places...
Chasing Rainbows is a free "One-Sheet" adventure for Savage Suzerain, a short adventure to give you a feel for the 1930s realm of Am... [click here for more]
It could be said that the 'good' doctor means well, but it just as easily raises the question: do the ends justify the means?
In the Name of Science is a free "One Sheet" adventure for Savage Suzerain, a short adventure to give you a feel for the 1930s Realm of American Grit where we set our Noir Knights book. You'll want characters of Heroic rank to play thi... [click here for more]
The voodoo Loa are interesting beings in that their relationships with their human worshipers are much more symbiotic than is typical of 'gods' – especially modern gods. While this normally isn't an issue, sometimes there is a case that deserves a little more attention.
Such is the case of one Jean-Pierre Gudot, a practicing Taximancer bearing a misguided obsessi... [click here for more]
Great Spirit of Oppression wants Tamagozushi, but there's a Lord of Flame who has an interest too. The heat is on.
Oppressive Heat is a free "One Sheet" adventure for Savage Suzerain, a short adventure to give you a feel for the 1930s realm of American Grit where we set our Noir Knights book. You'll want characters of Heroic rank to play this adventure.
Pro... [click here for more]
The Ordo Hermeticus Octostium is just one of many 'mystical orders' that sprang up in the spiritualist craze of the previous decades. In general, they're no more or less problematical than Freemasons or Rosicrucians, but occasionally you'll find members of those sorts of groups who believe that 'with great power comes an obligation to further your own agenda'... [click here for more]
Someone or some thing has been stalking the aband... [click here for more]
Enter the world of R.E.A.C.T., the Research, Engineering, And Crisis Team! Psychics and cyborgs battle mutants to defend mankind from extra-dimensional destruction in this sci-fi espionage themed action-adventure game world. Forget games with nebulous morality where the characters are reprobates, monsters or anti-heroes; R.E.A.C.T. is absolutely the good guys and are out to save the world... wi... [click here for more]
It's a dark and snowy night. The snow is falling like heavy ash from a well-stoked fire, and there's no sign it's letting up any time soon. If anything, it's coming down harder as the day turns to night; the snow so thick it's almost blinding in the headlights.
Your eyes burn with the intensity of your gaze as it tries to pierce the veil of fal... [click here for more]
It\'s 1999 and monsters don't exist. They\'re the stuff of legend and myth, right? Wrong. Our world is filled with paranormal creatures just itching to enslave humanity or wipe it off the face of the Earth.
Only the world\'s finest agents stand between the paranormal horror and an unsuspecting public. Outfitted with the best technology and tradecraft, it\'s time to get to work.
... [click here for more]
Take your Savage Worlds games to new depths of darkness with the Horror Companion. Inside are new rules for playing monsters, signs and portents, buckets o' blood, ritual casting, new spells, sanity, gear, new Edges & Hindrances, Setting Rules, over 100 new monsters, advice on creating and maintaining atmosphere, and MO... [click here for more]
Compatible with Savage Worlds, Tour of Darkness, or any other 25mm scale games, this bonus download includes everything you need to play Blood of the Innocent by StoryWeaver, or any other Vietnam or Jungle setting game.
NOTE: THIS TOKEN & MAP PACK IS ALSO INCLUDED IN FULL IN THE BLOOD OF THE INNOC... [click here for more]
SGG 12006 - Pine Ridge Horror.indd
The Pine Ridge Region is a large territory of heavily forested ridges, buttes, and canyons, stretching across northwest Nebraska and into South Dakota. On the South Dakota land is the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, home to the Oglala Sioux Nation. The Pine Ridge is densely covered in pine trees, with cot... [click here for more]
Our first follow-up to our smash hit Weird Wars in the new Savage Worlds system takes us to the jungles of Vietnam. Your grunt has 365 days and a wake-up to learn what really lurks in the jungle. Surviving is tough enough, but if your GI is really on the ball, he just might get drafted into the super-secret Phoenix Program and discover far more than he ever wanted about the Plain of Jars and th... [click here for more]
This 17-page PDF contains player characters and most every monster you can encounter in this exciting new Savage Setting for Savage Worlds!You'll find grunts for the US, Special Forces, NVA, ARVN, and Montagnards! Look for free vehicles at www.greatwhitegames.com as well!
This Player's Guide for Weird Wars: Tour of Darkness contains the first 35 pages of the book, including all the Edges and Hindrances, rules for character creation, complete equipment lists for America, French, and Vietnamese forces, and the setting rules (including resupply and the all-important fire support).
Our Player's Guides also feature a site license that allows the GM to print a... [click here for more]


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NBA AM: The Trade Talk Is Heating Up
The Scuttle Is Heating Up: Chris Broussard of ESPN.com put out a couple of fun nuggets last night, so let's get into them:
Lakers And Beasley?: Broussard points to Michael Beasley as the player the Lakers and Wolves have talked about. Wolves' sources have labeled Beasley as expendable since the draft, when the team selected Derrick Williams with the second overall pick.
Like most teams that draft a rookie when an incumbent is already on the roster, the Wolves wanted to give Derrick room to learn and grow before making a decision. They also wanted to provide a little competition for Beasley, which has not sparked the 6'10 forward as the team expected.
The Wolves did something similar with Ricky Rubio. Not only did they not trade Luke Ridnour, wanting to keep him around as a safety net for Rubio, the team also signed J.J. Barea in the offseason.
With Williams and Rubio playing and adjusting well, it's believed that Ridnour and Beasley are the odd guys out.
Both players could solve real problems for the Lakers, the questions is what would it cost LA to get both?
The Lakers do hold a $8.9 million Traded Players exception, but could not acquire both players using that tool.
Beasley is owed $6.2 million this season and due for a qualifying offer of $8.17 million this summer or he'll become an unrestricted free agent.
Ridnour is owed $3.68 million this year and has two more years on his deal worth $4 million and $4.32 million respectively.
Point Guards: The Lakers have been linked to several point guards including free agent Gilbert Arenas and Cleveland's Ramon Sessions.
Broussard points to Sessions as a preferred target, suggesting that closer to the trade deadline he might be obtainable for just a draft pick.
Arenas is an option now, and an inexpensive, low-risk one at that. However according to Arenas, he's not close to signing anything just yet.
Gilbert spoke to Sam Amick of SI.com this week on a wide range of issues, including his workout with the Lakers.
"I was actually training in New York," explained Arenas "My agent, Dan Fegan, told me to come out and work out for the Lakers. My whole thing is, I don't want to play for anybody until I'm finished rehabbing and finished doing what I need to do, so that's not going to happen until at least All-Star break. So I decided, well, I'll just go out there and work out.
"I'm just showing you what I have. You can either keep reading newspapers articles where they say I'm 40 pounds overweight and I lost a step — all the fantasy stuff people want to talk about because they're going off my last year where I was basically mentally out of it. Or you can just see for yourself: This is what I am. A 6-foot-3 guard, 6-10 wingspan, still got his quickness, can still jump, still fast. I make shots, and that's what I am. I'm not here to sell anything, but look, here's what I am and then I'm going back home to my family."
Arenas underwent several rounds of Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy including injections in both knees and his hips and has been working on his game and his physical conditioning.
Gilbert says he'll look at his options more seriously after the All-Star break this weekend in Orlando.
The Lakers are expected to do the same, not only with Arenas who still appears to be an option, but also in trade.
The Cavaliers continue to say they are not looking to tear their team apart just yet, but it seems inevitable that Sessions or guard Daniel Gibson would be moved for future assets like draft picks or salary cap room.
Gibson may be more valuable in trade because the final year of his contract is non-guaranteed. But that may also make him the more attractive player of the two to keep especially if the Cavs goal is to get cap space to sign new players.
As things stand today the Cavs have $31 million in salary commitments next season including the $4.55 million Player Option on Sessions and the $4.79 million non-guaranteed option on Gibson.
This one will be interesting to watch.
Frustrations In Atlanta: First it was Tracy McGrady… now it seems Marvin Williams is unhappy with his role.
Let's be honest. If the Hawks could move Marvin Williams, they would. Marvin's contract has been a bad deal for a while now and if the team could trade him even for little to nothing in return they would do it just to get the contract off the books.
Williams has also been problematic with the coaching staff and been labeled something of a diva in Atlanta.
So to be fair to Marvin, who is reportedly unhappy and looking for an exit, if the Hawks could find a door to push Marvin out of, they'd likely do it yesterday.
Marvin is a good guy and a reasonably good player, but he has never lived up to the huge five-year $40 million contract he signed in 2009.
Marvin is owed $7.5 million this year and has two more years left on his deal worth $8.287 million next year, with a Early Termination Option worth $7.5 million in 2013-2014.
That's a tough deal to swallow for a guy that's averaging 9.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game and shooting a career low 42.6% from the field.
The Raptors: There is no doubting that Raptors guard Jose Calderon has played himself back into the trade market. Last season the Raptors couldn't get a serious offer for Calderon, now the line of teams that are interested in him is real and fruitful.
The Raptors are where they should be with the talent they have collected… they are winning some games, but losing more than they win. The question is should the Raptors start selling off assets to remove long-term money?
Chris Broussard floated out Andre Bargnani in addition to Calderon, as players teams are calling about which shouldn't be a surprise.
Moving Bargnani would remove more than $41 million from the Raptors' balance sheet over the next four years, as well as gain $10 million more in cap space next summer.
Prior to missing the last month with a calf injury, Andrea was playing extremely well, which begs the question of how good could he be next season with Jonas Valančiūnas, the Raptors' draft pick this year and what's looks to be another lottery pick next year?
Trading Calderon and his final $10.5 million contract year and Bargnani would get the Raptors to just $21 million in salary commitments making them one of the top cap space teams next summer, but they would have little by way of proven players to build around.
The Raptors are not mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, but sitting on just nine wins, the odds of a second half surge is slim.
Is it time to start selling off the assets… several NBA teams are trying to get Toronto to do just that.
The NBA Trade Deadline is 23 days away, so as teams get ready for the All-Star Break, expect the conversation level to pick up as teams try and figure out who they are going to be for the second half of the season.
Moving Rondo?: Gerry Callahan of the Boston Hearld brings up a great point on Boston's Rajon Rondo.
If the Celtics are going to have to move into rebuild mode, will Rondo sit idle and lose while the team restructures?
As Callahan so accurately states:
"Rondo has three years (and $36 million) left on his contract after this season, and even when things are going OK, he appears impatient, annoyed, petulant."
As good as a Rondo can be as a player, is he the guy that you want trot out to the media after losing a 10th game in 12 tries?
The truth of the rebuilding cycle in the NBA is that when you have been to the top, you generally get at least one trip to the bottom at some point and with all of the Celtics' core getting older by the second, wouldn't it be smarter for the Celtics to deal Rondo and try to jump start the rebuild/retool?
There is no doubting that Rondo is a chip the Celtics would cash and have explored cashing.
So when you ask yourself 'why would Boston consider moving him?'; keep in mind they may feel the same way about Rondo as Callahan does. Rondo might not have the temperament to go through rebuilding and that's something the Celtics have to consider as the season carries on.
The Celtics are currently sitting at 15-16 on the season which is good enough for eighth place in the East which would match them up in the post season with Miami if the standings hold true.
The Celtics have 34 games remaining on the schedule, including 18 home games and 16 away games. Of the remaining games Boston will see 19 teams with a record above.500 and 24 teams from the East.
There is no doubting that Boston has the talent and the fire power to shoot themselves into a better playoff seed, but at some point Boston is going to have to decide when they are going to be sellers and based on the frequency and variety of Rondo rumors, if the Celtics are out of the playoff picture come March 15th, circle Rondo as a name likely on the move.
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That's a good approach: The valuable info in an announce thread and all the discussion in another thread [with a link].
Patiently waiting for the Revelation on the 13th of November...
yes karapetkov.. with a thread of "one sole post" seems the reception can never be bad.. ehehehehehe
So is the DSMC forum here going bye-bye?
Im not breaking a NDA by repeating what I've heard:).... that it is a NIKE commercial with a director well known for trying new techniques.
Some/all cameras will be synchnonised and it is a fairly short post production period before it airs.
Over half a billion pixels utilised in one place at one time!
Beats Lars Von Trier's record of Dancer in the Dark with 100 DV cams...
Mike Brennan
The same director who's been working with the Viper a lot?
Do you think this might be a clue:
Or maybe it's for one of those "3-D frozen time" things but with a much longer duration, since you could just let all the cameras free-run for 6 minutes.
« Previous Thread | Next Thread » |


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Asia at the head of the Euro: A welcome respite !
In a way that demonstrates how countries outside Europe are concerned by the evolution of the European currency and its faltering economies, China and Japan have taken public initiatives which indicate that the fate of the Euro does not indifferent. There are even rumors of intervention in the form of bond purchases could come from the United States.
Admittedly, this is not a purely altruistic act, even if, contrary to what the cynics think, there is a real sense of solidarity between nations in times of crisis. At the opening of European markets, the statement of the Bank of Japan are intended to subscribe to 20% of the bonds placed on the Irish market had the effect of stopping down the Euro, and avoided what would have could be a black day both on the foreign exchange markets as the stock and bond markets. For now, the yen supports the entire weight of the two currencies weakened, the dollar and the euro.
Few months ago, China had announced its intention to subscribe for Greek bonds for 3 billion euros. She has repeatedly reaffirmed its support for Euro. Major investor in government bonds, China represents a real support capability.
On the Asian perspective, the weakening of the euro is bad news. The arrival of the European currency was indeed a major breakthrough for Europe, but also constituted an alternative to the dollar as reserve currency. All Asian central banks have not only U.S. Treasury bonds, but bonds of European countries. A collapse of the Eurozone would destroy this alternative in that currency bonds of the States of the Eurozone would have neither the size nor the liquidity requirements. For Europe, it would mean higher costs of funding.
Moreover, Asia "gate" the resumption of economic growth around the world. If Europe is weakening, this burden is increasing: in fact, the Europeans may no longer be buyers of Asian products and it would threaten their own export industries. Suffice it here to think of Japanese cars that are hitting Europe.
Yesterday was a day of silence at European level. The action was located in the countries concerned and the European Central Bank bonds issued by Portugal were swallowed by the ECB. This is not healthy and dangerous long-term. This is especially a risky precedent. However, the ECB could not sit back and let the panic spreading.
In these circumstances, the situation in Portugal is the central concern: Portugal do not ask for help because he will not accept conditions that accompany such aid, namely a policy of austerity. Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, said it was in Portugal to decide and not the European Union. The Irish had "kept" two months ...
The greatest danger now lies in the quality of banks in the countries concerned. They lost their notation following that of their country of origin. Added to this is that states are desperately trying to refinance with their own banks already weakened by the crisis.
To strengthen confidence, the only cure is a new stress test for European banks, but with a more robust test than the previous which had reassured that policy. The banks are not there to support their governments to the detriment of their own strength. If this trend continues, some banks are likely difficulties of financing the domino effect would be fatal to the European banking system.


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Lenovo decided to kick off CES 2013 by announcing an enormous 27-inch tablet running Windows 8. Dubbed the Lenovo IdeaCentre Horizon Table PC, this tablet – or "table't," as we've nicknamed it – boasts some impressive specs, including an Intel Core i7 processor, an NVIDIA GeForce GT 620M GPU capable of 1920 x 1080, 8GB of RAM, a 1TB hard drive (plus an optional 64GB SSD), and a 720p HD front-facing camera.
Of course, a tablet this big comes with a few downsides. It weighs a hefty 17.9 pounds (did the little girls really just grab it off the table in the above promotional video?) and it has a scant two hours of battery life. But with a 27-inch form factor, portability isn't exactly its goal anyway.
Lenovo is attempting to hype up the tablet's strengths for gaming, entertainment, and in-person collaboration. The All-in-One even coms with a kickstand, four joysticks, and e-dice.
All of this can be had for $1,699 when the IdeaCentre Horizon is released this summer. And if you're interested in something even bigger, Lenovo is actually looking into the possibility of releasing a 38-inch model as well.


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One hundred billion reasons to call this a milestone
Apparently, 100 billion humans have walked on this planet through the ages. But don't quote me on that. (Although I'm sure these guys will know.)
Apparently, the human brain has about 100 billion neurons. But don't quote me on that. (Although I'm sure if you leaf through The Scientific American Book of the Brain, you'll find out for certain.)
Apparently, Dr. Evil decided to hold the world ransom for 100 billion dollars. Though he later lost his wits and upgraded his demand to one billion, gagillion, fafillion, shabolubalu million illion yillion… yen. Still, don't quote me on that. (Instead, get these guys to back it up.)
And now, Skype has served 100 billion minutes worth of Skype-to-Skype calls. Please, do quote me on that.
This figure is so mind-numbingly large that it's nigh impossible to wrap my head around it. (Even if attempted, the exercise would likely result in a headache of cosmic proportions that no amount of pickle juice can possibly cure.)
But consider this:
- Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls are free
- Skype's been around for about 4.5 years
- As of the end of 2007, Skype had 276m registered users, adding 30 million in Q4 alone
When mixed together, this cocktail gets explosive. And it becomes obvious that at 100bn minutes, Skype conversations are really getting out of hand. In a good way.
Thanks for getting us where we are, folks. And keep talking. Next stop: one billion, gagillion, fafillion, shabolubalu million illion yillion Skype-to-Skype minutes.
11 thoughts on "One hundred billion reasons to call this a milestone"
michael.gisonno said 6 years ago
I would like to know if I can buy 3skype phone in the UK, and have it work in the usa??? does anyone know???
sapperj said 6 years ago
It depends if the phone has dual voltages. In the US 120v is the dominant voltage.. Also we run at 60hz. If past memory is intact, the UK runs on 208v, 50hz. I would think that the telephone lines themselves are compatable.
If you can't get a better answer if no one else replies) you can send me a phone and I'll test it out for you…
rocketrodmoroney said 6 years ago
Well, I'm willing to give this a go. I have already passed the free phone call test.
I must only get one, because I couldn't get one this time, the last one was some time ago, aand i didn't have enough spare money to get credit to make skype phone calls. But now is a different story, so I am going to have a go.
I don't really want to download it again, but I can't get the padlock to open so I can get credit.
I will have another try though, it sounds worth it. -
bertiebrooke said 6 years ago
Phones work the same way in the USA as they do in the UK. The ringing signal is about 105 to 150 volts and as soon as you 'lift' the handset the voltage drops to about 5 volts. The DTMF tones (Dual Tone Multi Frequency) that tells the exchange which number you are pressing is the same too. The only difference is the plug that fits in the phone outlet. The UK is standardised on the BT jack with the spring loaded plastic tab to stop it falling out if you pull on the cord. The American one is different, but you should be able to take your UK phone , go to a Radio Shack store in the USA and buy a USA plug to fit the local phone socket. You will need to wire it yourself of course.
jimcanuck said 6 years ago
First, the technical issue: The 3 Skypephone will only work on the 1900 MHz GSM band in North America. See http://skypejournal.com/blog/2006/11/gsm_850_mhz_band_not_to_be_ove.html. It does not support the 850 MHz band so there will be significant coverage holes.
Second, the phone is locked to the 3 service, so, if it did work you would be tied to roaming charges back to 3. (And I am not sure whether it would work in a roaming mode.)
What we really need in North America is a rebel GSM network who needs to make market penetration with a unique offering at a price point of the 3 service. And T-Mobile is the only viable candidate at the moment (since AT&T is tied up with Apple). (And a Skypehone that supports both 1900 MHz and 850 MHz bands.)
denismen said 6 years ago
Is it possible to use a mobile Skype3 phone when traveling in Europe and North Africa and are there any hidden charges or extras charged by 3?
Also, what is the quality of the calls like?
Last, Skype to Skype calls are free and they have set rates for other calls, but are there additional charges from 3 on top of these costs whilst in the UK? -
lerche7 said 6 years ago
Vista and Skype? Something has changed since Feruary update and I can no longer get Sound when I am trying to mak a call. Does any one has the same problem. I am in USA. Thank you
lerche7 said 6 years ago
Vista and Skype? Something has changed since Feruary update and I can no longer get Sound when I am trying to mak a call. Does any one has the same problem. I am in USA. Thank you
tony.tanchiewseng said 6 years ago
Skype & Pervasiveness? Go-Baby-Go. Make sure it stays free forever…at least the skype-to-skype model. Lets hope microsoft & the giant telcos can be persuaded to leave skype alone to growth, share, care and free. Willing to offer some free minutes to help make sure it stay free.
zb19901 said 6 years ago
i am in the usa.. if i have the 3 skype phone sent over from the uk, can i still call people skype to skpye for free while i am in the usa or will the network not allow it?
tbear9 said 6 years ago
Has anyone received any notice from customer service 3 about winning a skype lottery? It says you have to fly to London or pay a courier to bring the check to you. If it's legit and I lived in London that would be great, but I'm in Alaska.


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Parus Ater wrote:
admin wrote:I'm loading up the smiles this week and can't grab the ones Paris Ater supplied as the links are broken so have disappeared any chance you can link them back in for me please? I have grabbed the rest does anyone have any others they would like, also do you really want the Hitler one in there?
grant wrote:I can't see the Hitler one ending well.
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81M91 - Bissell Trilogy Pet Bagless Upright Vacuum - Blue
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I just picked up on this story today, and I have to say it kind of creeps me out.
The gist of it is that an Apple Store employee in the UK posted some disparaging remarks on a private Facebook page (I'm not sure what "private" really means in the context of Facebook, but that's a different issue). Someone (a coworker I believe) saw the post, printed it out, took it to the store manager, who then fired the poster. The UK Employment Tribunal upheld the firing.
A critical component of the story is that part of Apple's employee indoctrination includes specific prohibitions on posting anything negative regarding Apple (the company, it's employees, or it's products) on social media sites. So the employee presumably understood that this was a condition of his employment, and he presumably understood that what he was doing was a career-limiting move.
What's disturbing to me (ignoring the creepiness of Apple's social media policy for now), is that the Tribunal cited the fact that even though the employee took precautions to make sure his post wasn't public, the fact that "Once posted, it will be difficult to show the necessary degree of control over Facebook comments as—by the very nature of the Internet—these may be copied and passed on with ease." was part of the reasoning that the termination was "justified and proportionate".
My inner Libertarian doesn't see a problem with this situation… it was a voluntary contract between two parties, the employee understood the terms of employment and violated them, and got fired. That's how things should work. But the fact that the employee took steps to keep the post private, and it was still considered a public post, gives me the chills. Think about it… his coworker consciously subverted the security mechanisms in Facebook by printing and distributing the post. I assume that cutting and pasting it into an email would have been legally equivalent. What if the employee had simply complained about Apple in an email to his dad, and his dad forwarded the email to a friend, who then forwarded the email to the store manager? Wouldn't that essentially be the same scenario? Maybe the Apple employment rules specifically define what social media is, but it's no leap at all to include email in the social media category and emails are just as easy to copy as private Facebook posts. I guess that is the nut of the problem for me. The employee used the available mechanisms to keep the post private (i.e. making it non-social), but that doesn't matter. The fact that even private Facebook posts can be publicized by printing or copy-and-paste seems to be what made the firing appropriate.
I can't help but think that the PR fallout of this event will grossly outweigh any negative publicity from a practically invisible post on a private Facebook page. Then again, public opinion (as represented in comments posted on news pages) seems to be running strongly in favor of Apple, with the primary thought being that "if you hate your job, you should quit and get another one." In the era of nominal 9% unemployment, that seems particularly harsh. Maybe Apple has mobilized the faithful to make sure this doesn't turn into a PR nightmare.
You can read more here, hereand here.
I just saw thisin the SANS vulnerability alert this week. If you don't want to parse the text yourself, it is essentially four separate remote denial-of-service vulnerabilities in the MIT Kerberos implementation for krb5-1.8 and later.
It's amazing to me that we are still finding fatal flaws in a core security service like this. I'm not sure exactly how old the MIT Kerberos implementation is, but the protocol as defined in RFC 1510(which has been obsoleted by RFC 4120) has been around since 1993, and as far as I know, the MIT Kerberos implementation was the original.
Patch your code!
Identity and Access | Security
This articledescribes how a disgruntled IT worker used a back-door account he had created to wreak havoc on his former employer. The story is notable not just in how familiar it is, but in all the ways basic identity and access governance (IAG) practices could have prevented the attack.
The story line goes like this (sing along if you've heard this one before): David Palmer, an IT administrator, was fired from his job at McLane Advanced Technologies, a military contractor and IT service provider. He had set up a back door account before he was escorted out. Some time later, he used his backdoor account to log into his former employer's systems via the Wi-Fi at a local restaurant, and deleted the payroll files for one of McLane's customers, and apparently accessed files belonging to another customer. The customer was unable to process timecard entry or payroll for a few days, and ultimately McClane contacted the US Secret Service to report that their computer systems had been attacked. Palmer admitted his guilt in Federal Court and stated that "The only reason for logging into any of these servers was to create general havoc and disorder for McLane Advanced Technologies the following day." Just to add a little insult to injury, McLane advertises themselves as "… adhering to a strict set of values and ethical standards by doing what's right for our customer" in the areas of (among others) "Software Development", "Data Management", and "Information Security". Fine sounding words for a company that apparently couldn't muster enough ethics to implement even basic identity and access governance processes. Thank goodness it was only a payroll system. What if it had been something more critical?
Ok, I'm being harsh. I don't know the company, and perhaps there are some extenuating circumstances. But there are so many ways that this attack could have, and should have, been prevented, I can only conclude that no one was paying attention. Let's see how many simple identity governance practices might have helped prevent this mess:
So that's eight different IAG activities, any one or two of which would have prevented this attack. All of them are well-known practices, and all but the last one are implementable using commercial off-the-shelf software such as Quest One Identity Manager, Active Roles Server, Quest Privilege Manager, Change Auditor for Active Directory, and Defender. Some of these processes and controls are implementable (with effort and some scripting) just using what's in the box with Windows. For a Gold Certified Microsoft Partner boasting a CMM Level 3 software development certification as McLane is, putting these processes in place should not have been a problem provided someone was actually paying attention. And there's the point. If you host sensitive data on your computer systems (and who doesn't?), someone in executive management has to be paying attention. Typically this would be the CIO or CSO, but at the end of the day it's on the CEO to ensure that the company is taking due care to ensure that access to critical corporate assets is controlled and audited in a way that ensures the security of the data and of the company. Perhaps that's something they should be teaching at Famous CEOs School.
In case you didn't get that last reference, see Famous Artists Schoolon Wikipedia.
My colleague Eckhard sent me these pictures from Hamburg, Germany. It is of the construction of a new retail store on the main shopping street in Hamburg. You might think that it would be a new Microsoft store, but you would be wrong. Look carefully at the "Windows" logo. What's wrong with it? Are the blue and green squares in the right place? Why no, they're not!
It turns out this is of the new Apple Store. Nice to see someone in a large corporate marketing department has a sense of humor. Good one, Apple!
Other technology-related
The priority of backwards-compatibility in the Microsoft development culture is sometimes overlooked. Check out this video of upgrading a single machine from DOS/Win 1.x through each successive version of Windows up to Windows 7. You can still run many (most?) 20-year old DOS and Win 1 apps on Windows 7. http://www.networkworld.com/community/blog/absolutely-brilliant-windows-upgrades-through
Believe it or not, this is the 10th year for The Experts Conference(formerly The Directory Experts Conference). We (as NetPro at the time) hosted the first DEC in Scottsdale, AZ in 2001 with an audience of about 40 or so who all shared a strong interest in Active Directory. Since then, we've tweaked and expanded the conference to reflect changes in the technology landscape as well as the fickle whims of our corporate masters (I exaggerate. But not really. :Q) Today we routinely bring 500 or more people together to provide advanced Microsoft technology training and professional networking, for the experts, by the experts.
Starting in 2008, we expanded the technology scope of the conference beyond Microsoft directory and identity technologies, while maintaining the model that has made TEC so successful. We added a conference for Exchange in 2008 (now moderated by David Sengupta), a conference for Sharepoint in 2009 hosted by Joel Oleson, and new for 2011 is the Experts Conference for Virtualization and Cloud, organized by Dmitry Sotnikov. The agendas for all of the conferences look really strong. Just browsing through the current lineup, several sessions jump out as being particular compelling (yes, in the interest of not showing favoritism, I picked one from each conference).
There are a ton of other sessions of course, and you can check them all out at http://www.tec2011.com.
Another new item this year is the Powershell Deep Dive that will provide "deep technical and strategic engagement within the PowerShell community." There should be about a half-dozen PS product group members attending, so you can get some quality face time with the guys who are building the next version of PowerShell. You can see that the size and scope of TEC has really expanded in the ten years we've been hosting it, and astoundingly, the same two women who organized the first TEC in 2001 for 40 people are laboring behind the scenes to bring you TEC 2011 for upwards of 700. Christine McDermott and Stella Lowe bring the attention to detail and their unique personal touch to each and every conference to make TEC the one conference you have to go to each year. Organizing a conference like TEC is a giant PITA, particularly when you have to juggle competing priorities, recalcitrant vendors, and technical prima donas that don't know the different between a deadline and a lifeline. If you do make it to TEC in Las Vegas this year, take the time to give them a hug and say thank you. Bring a nice gift, perhaps some flowers or a bottle of wine (keep the Jack Daniels till the last day of the conference, ok?).
I hope to see you at the Red Rock in Las Vegas!
Identity and Access | TEC 2011
Robert deLuca and Dean Wells are organizing another Customer-Focused Design (CFD) session for TEC Europe. The CFD session they ran at TEC Europe last year was by far and away the most popular event at the conference, and I'm really excited that we get to have them do it again. For those of you who aren't familiar with the idea, CFD is a structured process for generating and prioritizing software requirements. In this case, Dean and Robert will lead you through a process of developing requirements for the next version of Active Directory and its related technologies. I expect that a lot of the discussion will be around the connection between Active Directory and the cloud, but even so, I'm sure there will be a lot of features discussed for on-premises AD as well.
Identity and Access | TEC 2010
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Join Winterthur's horticulture staff for monthly garden walks highlighting interesting and seldom seen parts of the Winterthur landscape.
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Learn fascinating, little-known details about the estate with our horticulture staff. Dress for the weather and wear walking shoes. Walk lasts about 90 minutes. Members free. Included with admission. In case of inclement weather, an update message will be left at 302.888.4915 after 10:00 am on the day of the walk.
Wednesdays at Winterthur
Wednesdays from April–October (except August), 11:30 am
Join us for demonstrations, talks, and guided walks covering a wide range of gardening topics. Programs take place on Wednesdays starting at the Brown Horticulture Learning Center. Visit Wednesdays at Winterthur for dates, titles, and detailed descriptions of each program. Members free. Included with admission.
Farm Stand
Tthe Farm Stand will be located in front of the Museum Store at the Cottage. Visit us on Thursdays beginning July 11 through the end of September, 2:00–6:00 pm to select the best fresh produce SIW Vegetables has to offer. Parking is available behind the cottage near the Winterthur Post Office. Note: Guests who would like to tour Winterthur's exhibitions or grounds will require a ticket. No ticket is required for the Farm Stand or Gift Shop.
Estate Tour
Wednesdays, June through September, 4:30 pm
Visit the former dairy and farm while exploring the ever-changing estate landscape on this narrated tram tour. Hear accounts of estate history as you see how we have repurposed historic work areas. Glimpse behind the scenes on this tour led by a specially-trained guide. The 45-minute tour will leave from the east circle near the Dorrance Gallery. Reservations recommended by 4:00 pm, $5 per person upgrade, members free, capacity of 40, weather permitting, handicapped-accessible, recommended for adults.
Garden Tram (seasonal and weather permitting)
This 20-minute narrated tour features highlights of the garden and introduces the history of Winterthur. The tour begins at the Visitor Center ends at the museum building. Stops include Azalea Woods, Magnolia Bend, and Enchanted Woods. During Point-to-Point each year, we do not offer garden trams.
Garden Workshops & Talks
Vegetable Gardening Month by Month with H. G. Haskell
"Root Crops, Early Greens, and Peas"
Friday, March 1
2:00– 3:30 pm, Brown Learning Center
Join us each month for a workshop with local farmer H.G. Haskell and learn from the best on how to raise your own vegetables. This month we'll feature root crops and early greens and peas and will offer a takeaway plant to get you started. $10 per Member. $20 per nonmember.
"Starting on Warm Season Veggies"
Friday, April 5
2:00–3:30 pm, Brown Learning Center
This month we'll continue with root crops and early greens and peas and make suggestions on starting your warm season veggies. Class includes a takeaway plant to get your garden started. $10 per Member. $20 per nonmember.
"Corn, Tomatoes, and Squash"
Friday, May 3
2:00–3:30 pm, Brown Learning Center
It is about time to put those warm-season vegetables outside. Learn how to make the most from your corn, tomatoes, and squash this season. Class includes a starter plant to get you going. $10 per Member. $20 per nonmember.
"Tips for Getting Your Vegetable Garden in Full Swing"
Friday, June 7
2:00–3:30 pm, Brown Learning Center
Your vegetable garden should be in full swing by now, but if it's not, don't worry, we'll give you some tips to get it going. Class includes a takeaway plant to add to your vegetable patch. $10 per Member. $20 per nonmember.
Volunteering in the Winterthur Garden
Friday, March 29 & Saturday, April 13
9:30–10:30 am, Brown Learning Center
Are you interested in learning more about gardening and about Winterthur? Join us for this introduction to volunteering in the Winterthur Garden led by staff members and current volunteers. Free. Call 302.888.4600, ext. 7029 to register.
Walking and Running at Winterthur
Friday, April 19, 1:30–3:30 pm
Saturday, May 11, 10:00 am–12:00 noon
Brown Learning Center
Winterthur is a fantastic place to walk and run, with 10 miles of roads, nearly 1,000 acres of scenery, and readily accessible staff and amenities. Learn how to make the most of walking and running on this famous country estate. Our introduction will include a review of paths and roads, maps, and a list of resources and tips for making the most of your time on the property. Free. Membership card or registration required.
Peonies in the Winterthur Garden
Wednesday, May 15
1:30– 3:30 pm, Brown Learning Center
Enjoy the spectacle of Winterthur's peonies in bloom while you learn how to select, plant, and care for these remarkable plants. Class will include the essentials of peony history and cultivation and will include a peony for every participant. Class takes place indoors and in the field. $25 per Member. $35 per nonmember.
Chickens: The New Garden Ornament
Friday, May 24
1:30–3:30 pm, Brown Learning Center
Several Winterthur staff have taken to raising chickens in their backyards – and not just for the eggs. Discover why our chicken-loving staff got interested in poultry, how they learned about raising them, and what resources are available for would-be backyard farmers. $10 per Member. $20 per nonmember.
Building a Stone Path: Masonry Workshop with Winterthur's Stonemasons
Friday, June 14
1:00–4:00 pm, Brown Learning Center
Learn the ins and outs of building a dry fieldstone or slate path, including how to pick your stone, prepare a base, organize and lay out the stone, and then install it so that it stays put. Our expert staff will share their insights and make sure you understand how to get started SAFELY with your own projects. $75 per Member. $100 per nonmember.
Ferns to Know and Grow
Wednesday, June 19
1:30–3:30 pm, Brown Learning Center
Ferns are such versatile plants. They can be used as groundcover plants in difficult situations, and they can also be featured as exquisite specimens in a shade or woodland garden. Class will include the basics of fern botany and cultivation, an introduction to the best ferns for our area, and a fern for every participant. Class takes place indoors and in the field. $25 per member. $35 per nonmember.
Discovering Streams
Saturday, June 22
1:00–2:30 pm, Brown Learning Center
The streams in our neighborhoods are teaming with life and are essential reservoirs of biological diversity. Learn about the basic flora and fauna of a stream and discover how your garden and your neighborhood can positively affect the health of your local streams. $20 per Member. $35 per nonmember.
Seed Saving with Happy Cat Farm
Wednesday, June 26
1:00–2:30 pm, Brown Learning Center
Once upon a time, all gardeners and farmers were seed savers. In this class you will learn the how to save vegetable seeds and why. After this workshop, you will be equipped to start some seed saving of your own. $20 per Member. $35 per nonmember.
Family Fun Garden Workshops
Making a Mason Bee Box
Thursday, August 22
2:00–3:00 pm, Brown Horticulture Learning Center
Mason bees are native pollinators of fruit trees and flowers. Learn how to make a bee box from recycled materials. Registration required. Limit 10 families (children ages 7–14). $10 per child.
*Call 800.448.3883 to register for workshops.
*For information on floral arranging workshops in the Brown Center, visit the adult programming page.
KIDS GROW Children's Vegetable Garden
June 8–August 3
Exclusively for Members! Children of Member families are introduced to vegetable gardening in this 8-week course that runs from June to July. Kids plan, cultivate, care for, and harvest their own plots as well as form a community garden with staff horticulturists. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All garden tools and seeds will be provided. Members only; free. Call 302.888.4779 by May 1 to register. Space is limited.


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It is a sad truth that – as much as we would like to – the Library simply can't keep a copy of every wonderful book ever published. Considerations such as shelf space and budget certainly play a role, but so does the availability of a book (i.e. if it goes out of print) and the "popularity" of a writer. The latter is particularly hard to take when a once favorite author gets left behind in the wake of shiny new titles and changes in publishing trends.
So imagine my happiness to have two old favorites back on our shelves! The first is A Man Lay Dead by Ngaio Marsh, the book that kicks off the series featuring gentleman detective Roderick Alleyn. These days, some may be more familiar with her detective from the "Inspector Alleyn" miniseries (available on DVD at the Library) which are based on Marsh's books. Marsh is one of the classic writers from the "Golden Age" of British detective fiction (think Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers) and the title was reissued by the funky Felony & Mayhem Press.
The second old friend to return is The King Must Die by Mary Renault. This rich novel is a plausible recreation of what might have really happened to inspire the myth of Theseus (particularly the legend of the Minotaur). I remember staying up late at night to finish it, and then years later buying my own copies of all Mary Renault's titles so I can enjoy them whenever I want to. (They fall into my "dangerous to dust" category of books, i.e. it's a challenge for me to dust them without wanting to immediately stop the housework and start rereading them all over again!) I think Renault will appeal to anyone who enjoys historical novels with rich characterization, adventure and an evocative sense of place.


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SOURCE LDR Interactive
Using revolutionary technology from LDR Interactive (Listener Driven Radio), JACKfm2 turns the audience into the Music Director!
OXFORDSHIRE, United Kingdom, Oct. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- For years, radio stations across the UK have been telling listeners they're in charge of the music. They're choosing it. They're in control. But here's the thing: they weren't.
Now, for the first time ever in the UK, JACKfm2 are really doing it.
Here in Oxfordshire, from today at 9am, listeners will be able to choose what plays on the radio station four times a day. It's genuine; there are no tricks, no smoke and mirrors. The playlist is totally empty until people take control and choose the music at the brand new shiny www.jackoxfordshire.co.uk
JACKfm2 is the first station in the UK to use the innovative LDR.Takeover technology from the USA. Listeners click 'like' on songs they like to bump them up the playlist and can also bump songs they don't like down the list. There are also opportunities to dedicate songs to people and message them via social media to let them know.
New Content Director Joe Thomas commented: "The power of LDR.Takeover and the creative freedom of the JACK 2 brand are about to smash themselves together and bring you Control The Music! At JACK 2, we're truly playing what you want. Listeners will have the power to become the head of music and choose what's played next; no other station in the UK trusts their listeners this much… but we do (guys, just don't mess it up…) The integration of Control the Music at jackoxfordshire.co.uk is just the start of the JACK 2 Revolution, we've got a lot more up our sleeves coming very, very soon."
CEO of LDR Interactive (Listener Driven Radio) Daniel Anstandig commented: "We've consistently seen exceptional increases in ratings, revenue, and web traffic on stations that take an interactive approach to their programming using LDR's technology. JACKfm2's expanded use of LDR technology sets a new precedent for the way that audiences and broadcasters can work together to transform a radio station into an interactive community."
©2012 PR Newswire. All Rights Reserved.


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plese delete
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Last edited by genia; 02-20-2012 at 09:50 PM.
are you reporting PHP errors?PHP Code:
Adrian ~ facebook | gist/github
['126.96.36.199','184.108.40.206'] // ip,ip array!
"Take that sticker *off* your hat; you look stupid" --Wil Wheaton
ive added the error reproting setting on the top(right after session_() )
and still nothing happens - blank page


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NP Rank:
Why Gold's Worth a Look on Dips
Why Gold's Worth a Look on Dips
By George Leong for Investment Contrarians | Jan 10, 2013
Gold is currently in a holding pattern at below $1,700 an ounce, but one thing is for sure: in spite of what some pundits are saying, it's not time to sell yet. In an interview on CNBC, Marc Faber, also known as "Dr. Doom," suggested that gold could correct 10% or more to as low as $1,550 or $1,600. (Source: "'Dr. Doom' Faber Sees Possible 10% Gold Correction," Yahoo! Finance via CNBC, January 8, 2012.) While I'm not as negative, I do believe gold could retest support between $1,600 and $1,625 in the near term. Failure to hold cou
In my view, gold continues to be a place to park some capital, and for this reason, I feel the metal will likely continue to hold above $1,500 after 11 straight up years.
For instance, if we assume the global economy will weaken, especially in the eurozone, the impact on global gross domestic product (GDP) growth would be negative. Stock values would fall, so you would need a safe haven to park your capital, which many of you know is in gold.
There's been plenty of talk around here regarding whether the precious metal is heading for $2,000. In my view, the current global risk will support and drive gold higher.
Read Full Article>>> http://www.investmentcontrarians.com/gold-investments/why-golds-worth-a-look-on-dips/1215/


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The Annual Eagle Scout Recognition and Reunion Dinner will be held at 6 p.m., Jan. 7 at the Doubletree Hotel, Syracuse.
Reservations forms have been mailed. There is no charge for members of the 2013 Eagle Scout class to attend. Tickets for friends and family will be $25. This fee covers the costs of the event. Any questions can be directed to Gary Bogner, Ontario District executive, at 463-0201 ext. 113 or firstname.lastname@example.com
The Doubletree Hotel is located on Route 298 east of Carrier Circle. The program is expected to conclude by 8:30 p.m. Registration for the even is now open.
Fastrac Markets is a proud sponsor of the 2013 Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner.


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Security Podcasts Roundup
We at PaulDotCom security weekly listen to many podcasts in an attempt to assimilate as much information as possible. Each podcast we listen to has its own strengths, and there are few on this list that I would dismiss altogether, but I'll let you be the judge. There have been a few other blog postings related to security podcasts:
- Hack Media: Security podcasts, by Eliot Phillips
- What are you listening to?, by Martin McKeay
- IT security podcasts you can't miss, by Roger A. Grimes
What follows is an attempt to be a comprehensive list of what we've found out there, so if we miss something, just let us know!
- PaulDotCom Security Weekly - This is our podcast. If you are already a listener, we thank you profusely, if you are not, give us a try and let us know what you think. We are really just out to have fun and hopefully educate people at the same time.
- Security Now! - Steve Gibson and Leo Laporte talk about security topics. They did a great job covering different VPN options for home users. Steve tends to talk, a lot, and gets into trouble sometimes. I think Leo is learning more about networking than he bargained for, and continues to impress me with his professionalism.
- SABAG Security - Two employees of Mcafee do their take on a security podcast. Its very heavily Mcafee and malware/virus focused.
- Cyberspeak - I just started listening to this one again, and really enjoyed their interview with Bruce Potter. Their a down-to-earth couple of guys that talk about security, with a focus on forensics and investigation.
- Sploitcast - These are a great bunch of guys who do a great job covering various security topics. And one of the dudes mom is a security geek!
- Binrev - An underground take on security, they have a great discussion on IRC and many other hacker topics.
- Basenet Radio - If you prefer the "adolescent" approach to security/geek podcasting then this one is for you.
- PLA (Phone Losers of America) Radio - Some may question the value of this podcast beyond great entertainment, however it is a really good example of how easy it is to socially engineer people.
- Crypto-Gram Security Podcast - If you prefer to have Schnier's newsletter read to you, then this podcast is for you.
- Liveammo: Digital Forensics & Hacking Investigations - Haven't had a chance to listen to this one yet, but supposed to have some good forensics information.
- The Security Catalyst - A CISSP view of the security world, lots of info on the policy and non-techie stuff.
- Martin McKeay's Network Security Podcast - Our good buddy Martin Mckeay talks security, vulnerabilities, and general security information. He also has a roundtable series that is pretty interesting. Martin also has a security blog at Computerworld.
- A Day in the Life of an Information Security Investigator - Security Monkey Podcast - Since scrap has left the show its more enjoyable (nothing against scrap, but he scrambled his voice so it felt like I was listening to a serial murderer talk security!). Good information on security investigations.
- Security Wire Weekly - A short, very down-to-business, summary of IT security news.
- CSO Magazine Podcast - Haven't listened to enough of this one to comment, but sounds like an NPR approach to security news.
- Blue Box Podcast - All VoIP security all the time. A good podcast, but very narrow focus.
- Hacker Voice Radio - British folk talk hacking.
- T.W.A.T. Radio - This used to be a daily podcast that produced all sorts of tech and security tips, however they have not produced content in a while. However, just today they released a really good one on WRT54G hacking.
NOTE: The link for cyberspeak was incorrect and I fixed it.
- Infonomicon TV - Great hacking tutorial show, everything from hacking printers to making custom handsets for your cell phone.
- Hak.5 - Very well done professional show on hacking, they even stop segments and say, "You are on your own from here because this violates DMCA".
- The Packet Sniffers - Some great interviews with hackers from 2600 conferences.


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Here is the list of closings and delays for Thursday, January 17 and Friday, January 18:
Cumberland County (scheduled off day Friday)
Harnett County (all after-school activities canceled and scheduled off day Friday)
Village Christian (games scheduled for tonight have been canceled and a two-hour delay Friday)
Robeson County (two-hour delay for staff and students)
Moore County (two-hour delay for staff and students)
Fayetteville Christian School (two hour delay on Friday)
Fayetteville Academy (two hour delay on Friday)
Flora MacDonald Academy (two hour delay on Friday)
Northwood Temple Academy (two hour delay on Friday)
Sandhills Community College (two hour delay on Friday)
Academy of Moore County (two hour delay on Friday)
Fort Bragg (operating on a two-hour delay Friday)
Be sure to check back often for the latest updates.
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Believe in Santa? Basta!
Prepare yourself for a special holiday memory.
I'm seven years old. It's Christmas time. My mother is leaning against the butcher block in the kitchen.
"I have to tell you something," she said to me. She paused. She struggled to surpress a laugh. "There's no such thing as Santa," she said. And then the laughter came pealing out, like Christmas bells.
I think I said, "All right," and then went on with my childhood. After all, we lived on one floor, so I could see the Christmas tree, and my parents putting presents under it, from my bed at night. Spoiler alert! If that was something people said in 1982.
And Christmas went on, too. We always hung stockings, got presents, and listened to worn cassettes of my father's favorite carols (like Snoopy vs. The Red Baron). We drove around in the evenings to look at the neighborhood lights; we went to Rockefeller Center, and saw the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. My father decorated a meticulous tree; my mother made Belgian waffles on Christmas morning. Glad tidings, comfort, joy, all of that.
I asked my mother about this special memory recently, to confirm that I didn't dream it up, and to see if she would admit to it. "Oh yeah," she said. "If I couldn't have Christmas when I was little, why should anybody else?" she said in a sing-song voice. Her sense of humor saves her from being the cynic of the Western world.
My mother emigrated to New York from Italy when she was five years old. She was born in a tiny mountaintop town, Mongrassano, in Calabria, one of the poorest southern regions. The house she was born and lived in was built, like much of the town, around 1450. Dirt floors; smoking fires in the hearth; animals in the courtyard. There may have been a manger.
"There was no Christmas over there like here. We didn't have much. Definitely no Santa," she said. "Christmas was about going to church, the presepio [the Nativity scene], and the food.
"We didn't have these endless supplies of food, everything was very limited. So whatever sugar or honey you had, you saved for Christmas." My grandmother made Calabrese Christmas sweets, things we still love to eat, mainly variations on fried balls of dough dipped in honey or sugar: scalidi, struffoli, zeppole, turtiddi. And Christmas cookies. My husband likes to joke that cookies in my family are basically hard pieces of bread with sprinkles on them. But when you think about how getting sugar would mean walking an hour to San Marco Argentano, the market town, it doesn't seem so strange.
"And then, La Befana would come for Epiphany." La Befana is the Italian equivalent of Santa Claus, in the form of a witch, left over from Pagan times, who comes on Epiphany Eve (January 5), and fills stockings, certainly not plush ones with Snoopy on them like mine, with oranges, nuts, and candy. These are things that are part of my children's daily lives, but were cherished treats in Mongrassano. If you were bad, La Befana brought you coal. So that part translates. It's the only part that does.
"When we got here, we didn't speak English. We just didn't get how Christmas was done," my mother said. "The first year, we didn't have a tree. We certainly didn't have presents. Later we did have a tree, but Christmas was always a hard time. Your grandfather worked in construction, remember, so he was out of work all winter. So things were very lean until he could work again in the spring." My mother was the youngest of five, with two sisters who were much older. "When they started working in the factory [they were seamstresses], I would get a doll, or they would make me a dress or a sweater. But still, the presents were the least of Christmas."
Even in New York in the booming 1950s, where they had come to escape the want of the isolated villages of the Italian South, they still would hold sugar and honey in reserve till Christmas. I can see why the idea of Santa – even now, when we can dump entire pots of store-bought honey on trays of scalidi – would make you laugh, a little bit.
"But when we got married and you guys were little, we did Christmas the usual way. Your father always had that kind of a Christmas. Your grandparents would put up the Christmas tree on the 24th after all the kids were in bed, so they would wake up to a big surprise on Christmas morning. It was special for him. And Christmas was always special for you, too. But as for Santa, I don't know. I just could never get into it."
We gave Santa Claus lip-service growing up, but I don't have any memory of really believing, waiting for him to materialize in our house in the night. We didn't have a chimney, so that didn't help either. The presents, in my mind, were always from my parents, even though they kindly wrote "from Santa" on the labels. I have a friend whose parents did not go in much for Santa either. "We worked hard to buy those presents," her mother told me. "Why should Santa get all the credit?" A fair point. My husband, on the other hand, was raised as a Santa fundamentalist; I think his mother still thinks he believes.
As for my all-American kids, my five-year-old is excited about Santa Claus. As is his privilege. And I encourage him to believe. But what I don't want, especially when I think of how Christmas used to be for so many in my family, and how it still is for so many people, is for the focus of Christmas to be receiving gifts.
Instead, let it be sweet treats, bright lights at night, being good to each other. My two-year-old is thrilled to screaming at the sight of Christmas lights glowing in the dark; I would rather him hold on to that wonder than the mystery of a man in red bearing judgment, and Legos.
That's not to say those two will wake up on Christmas morning to a house full of nothing but the smell of good cheer. I look forward to treating them at this time of year. What I don't want is to dangle the old man in front of them as a threat, and tell them he'll turn the sleigh around if they are not good; if they don't stop yelling; if they don't pick up their toys, or eat their vegetables. That doesn't seem right. (Like that ubiquitous Elf on the Shelf. It's a little Orwellian, no? And I resent that the cover of the book says, "A Christmas Tradition." I'll be the judge of that, thanks!)
So, how to handle Saint Nick? Short of calling the boys into the kitchen to deliver some bad tidings?
"Am I a good boy?" my five-year-old asked me the other day. I could see he was apprehensive of the judgement that was coming, the ups and downs of his behavior that year dancing through his head.
"Listen to me," I held his face, looked him in the eyes. "You are a good boy. Let's end the suspense. Santa is coming for you."
His eyes widened. "But can he see what I am doing? Can he see me when I do things that aren't good?"
"Santa can see that you have a good heart. You are a good brother. You are a good friend. Even good boys make mistakes sometimes, and he knows that. Everybody makes mistakes. But he knows you are good. So just keep showing him the good boy you are inside, OK?"
I guess the best thing about Santa is that it gives you something magical to believe in, in the bleakest nights of midwinter. So let him believe. But also let him believe in the good within himself, year round.
And let him believe that Santa uses the same wrapping paper as us. And has the same handwriting as me. Wouldn't that be magical?
Merry Christmas to all! Buon Natale a tutti!
Michelle #
I don't remember a time in my life when I ever believed in Santa. I distinctly remember trying to believe and feeling guilty for not. My mom never pushed it. She'd be damned if she was going to let a fictional character take credit for her work. My conversation, probably around the same age was like "mom, about Santa…." "not real.Don't tell you brother." Now I'm watching my own 5 year old grapple with his natural inner sceptic vs. desire to believe, and I'm torn between trying to convince him or just calling it. One of my best mom moments this year, maybe ever, came when we were decorating the tree. He pulled out a heart shaped ornament, held it up and exclaimed "look mom! I found the spirit of Christmas!" I mean, THAT'S what it's all about, right?! Screw Santa.
December 23, 2012


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