text:
The Beguiling Signing
Submitted by Faith on January 18, 2008 - 23:50
Hey, guess which shaky cam monster movie was sold out? If you guessed 27 Dresses, you'd be wrong. So thus a night on the town quickly evaporated to everyone standing around muttering "so what do you want to do?" "I dunno, what do you want to do?" Well, I thought I'd come home and write a crack-tastic entry about my wild (okay, this is me, and I consider plaid socks "wild") signing at The Beguiling over Christmas. Yes, a little late in the writing, but I wanted to do a long and cracktastic entry, and hadn't had the fortitude to do it before now. So anyway! First a dorky comic to get things started:
A fairly accurate representation of the difference between my interactions with those who'd come to get their book signed, and Svetlana, who is, as the comic says, a total pro at all this and probably has sold a billion copies, where I'm trundling along being totally thrilled that I sold more than three copies of my book. Yes, I suppose it'll all wear off eventually, but for the moment ... YAYFUN!
So anyway, I got there with Mom and two of the three brothers in tow, and the first question was "where's the washroom?" (don't worry, there's a point to this). Mom and I trekked downstairs and were confronted with DEAR LORD PILES AND PILES OF COMIC BOOKS to which Mom commented "Faith, you're one of millions."
... yes, nothing like a hilariously unguarded comment from your mother to boost your confidence in your comic book specialness. I'm one IN a million, Mom. Right? Yikes. Seriously, I don't know how anyone who works at a comic store gets anything done, surrounded by books all day. Books to read and devour and be swept away on, pages and pages of graphic novel goodness ... wait, where was I?
Oh right. Eventually I was pried out of the bathroom and trundled upstairs to meet Chris Butcher, who looks just like his icon (IT'S SO WEIRD!), who introduced me to Eric Kim. Once again I busted out my MAD CONVERSATIONAL SKILLZ and shrieked something like "OMG COMICS ARE SO GREAT I THINK YOU DRAW COMICS TOO BY THE WAY DO YOU KNOW MY FRIEND OMG YOU WENT TO SHERIDAN TOO WHEEEEE!!!!!"
Did I mention my New Years Resolution is to be quieter? And not so hyper, and listen better? Well, it is.
Anyway, so apparently some local people were doing a documentary on comic books (and especially Canadian comic books), so I dashed next door to talk to them. I'm completely fascinated by filmmakers and cameramen (they see everything!) and after asking about a dozen stupid questions about being a cameraman and The Amazing Race I figured I should let the poor bloke do his job.
We ran out of time and I had to dash back to the store (shouting "HI!" at some poor guy hanging around outside, after mistaking him for Chris) because Svetlana was there, and also people were starting to collect and wanted their books drawn in. People! Yay! I love people! And I'd like to stress that my curiosity is legitimate. Really, I'm not putting it on. I really do want to know who read my little book, what other books they read, do they draw, who are you, in general? I suppose when the newness and novelty of the whole thing wears off (remember, this was my second signing), I might get tired of it all, but for the moment I'm completely fascinated. My favourite was a mom and her teenage son; she said she was buying the book for her teenage daughter who liked my stuff. I don't know, I thought that was really cool. I totally want a teenage readership. I mean, I want to write for everyone too, I don't ever want to be exclusive in my comics, but I remember me at 15 and how much I longed to read comics about ... I don't know, girls being cool and having awesome adventures ... I think it's so great how many young girls are starting to read comics now. And how many people are actually writing and drawing in a non-exclusionary way. It's so cool. Yay comics!
So I drew in a ton of books. Still haven't mastered the talking/drawing thing. I guess I want to interact with the person buying the book, and I feel that I'm rude if I put my head down to draw, so I end up looking at them and then the drawing gets neglected and I hold up the line. The sketches were better this time, though, which made me glad.
A bunch of my friends came too, which made me so happy. My work buddies from the Maritimes, newly back in Ontario, a friend from university (after six years she still looks the same, thin and naturally blond ... not fair), a friend from Sheridan. It was great. My brother slunk around, taking pictures. He took some surprisingly flattering ones:
LOLcats! I actually look like a human being!
Anyway, so many people! So great!
Later, after the crowds cleared out everyone rumbled next door to eat, and I got free chicken wings and an unlimited supply of diet Coke! Awesomesauce. Ah, the perks of comic book artistry. I got to hang a bit with my lovely former co workers (I miss you, Wes and Megan!), and after they left, listened bug-eyed to [CENSORED] of the [CENSORED]. Oh man, somewhat terrifying. At one point I had to wail "[CENSORED CENSORED CENSORED TO PROTECT NAIVE ARTIST GIRL FROM ACCIDENTALLY STARTING STUPID RUMORS]" And afterwards I heard about [CENSORED SERIOUSLY HICKS DON'T YOU KNOW BETTER THAN TO REPEAT GOSSIP CENSORED]. In conclusion: whoa. One regret: didn't really get to talk much with Svetlana and TK. Maybe next time.
Anyway, it was wild. I had a ton of fun. I wish I had comic book people to hang out with everyday. I guess I could go down to Strange Adventures and hang out there, but I always feel so bad, distracting those poor fellas from their work with my need to talk about OMG! COMICS!
And after the signing I also finished up my interview with the nice documentary film people, and and one point was trying so hard to sound knowledgeable and introspective I completely forgot what question they'd asked me, and had to stop and ask... so embarrassing. So much for not looking like a complete idiot. Oh well.
So finally, thank you so much to Chris Butcher and the rest of the Beguiling folk for inviting me out and making me feel welcome and buying me chicken wings. I had such a great time, really. Hugs and stupid comics for you all. :D


text:
Leading European insurance groups are set to combine resources to establish a Luxembourg-based company to cover property against acts of terrorism.The agreement comes after calls by insurers and reinsurers, following the September 11 attacks, for state/private partnerships to cover the threat of losses from terrorist action.
Zurich Financial Services, XL Capital, Swiss Re, France's Scor, Hannover Re and Allianz have agreed to support the company, which will be called Special Risk Insurance and Reinsurance Luxembourg (SRIR). The company aims to start underwriting by the end of the year, and will be backed by Eur500 million in capital.
The companies said SRIR would limit losses to Eur275 million per event within a radius of 600 metres. Business interruption losses will not be insured.
In a joint statement, the companies stressed that private solutions "remain complementary to state-sponsored schemes… and are not meant to replace them". A spokeswoman for Zurich Financial Services said the private solution was created in order to provide cover as soon as possible.
Scor holds a 9.1% stake in the SRIR. The other backers have 18.2% each.
Topics: Allianz
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Rose Under Fire
By Elizabeth Wein
(Disney-Hyperion, Hardcover, 9781423183099, 368pp.)
Publication Date: September 10, 2013
Other Editions of This Title: Paperback, MP3 CD, Compact Disc, MP3 CD, Compact Disc, MP3 CD
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While flying an Allied fighter plane from Paris to England, American ATA pilot and amateur poet, Rose Justice, is captured by the Nazis and sent to Ravensbr ck, the notorious women's concentration camp. Trapped in horrific circumstances, Rose finds hope in the impossible through the loyalty, bravery and friendship of her fellow prisoners. But will that be enough to endure the fate that's in store for her?
Elizabeth Wein, author of the critically-acclaimed and best-selling Code Name Verity, delivers another stunning WWII thriller. The unforgettable story of Rose Justice is forged from heart-wrenching courage, resolve, and the slim, bright chance of survival. Praise for Rose Under Fire
* "Wein masterfully sets up a stark contrast between the innocent American teen's view of an untarnished world and the realities of the Holocaust. [A]lthough the story's action follows [Code Name Verity]'s, it has its own, equally incandescent integrity. Rich in detail, from the small kindnesses of fellow prisoners to harrowing scenes of escape and the Nazi Doctors' Trial in Nuremburg, at the core of this novel is the resilience of human nature and the power of friendship and hope." -Kirkus, starred review * "Wein excels at weaving research seamlessly into narrative and has crafted another indelible story about friendship borne out of unimaginable adversity." -Publishers Weekly, starred review
Elizabeth Wein (www.elizabethwein.com) was born in New York City, grew up abroad, and currently lives in Scotland with her husband and two children. She is an avid flyer of small planes. She also holds a PhD in Folklore from the University of Pennsylvania.


text:
Become a Top Performer – 2014 I-9 Workshop
April 18, 2014 § Leave a comment
Join us for our popular I-9 Workshop Training Seminar! The workshop will take place on Thursday, June 5 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Delta Dental Auditorium in Concord, NH. Participants earn three Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) continuing education credit hours for completing the training.
This is a hands-on workshop where participants will complete sample I-9 Forms and have an opportunity to ask questions. All participants receive a copy of the current GoffWilson proprietary workbook and reference manual as well.
The registration fee for the seminar is $115, which includes intensive Form I-9 training, the updated 2014 version of the GoffWilson proprietary I-9 manual, breakfast, and three hours of HRCI credit. Early registration is recommended as space is limited, and the workshop sells out every year.
To order tickets, visit the Eventbrite listing.
8:00 a.m. Registration and Breakfast
8:30 a.m. Seminar Begins – Introduction
8:45 a.m. Intensive Training Part I: Completing the I-9 Form
- Overview
- Lists of Acceptable Documents
- Receipt Rule Samples and Establishing Office Procedures
10:00 a.m. Break
10:15 a.m. Intensive Training Part II: Retention and Maintenance
- Issue Spotting, Retention Requirements, Social Security
- No-Match Letters, E-Verify requirement
- Federal Contractor, I-9 Compliance Resource Guide
11:45 a.m. Questions & Answers
Noon: End of Seminar
Don't Miss Our Seminar on How to Complete the New I-9 Form and E-Verify
April 8, 2013 § Leave a comment
Employers and human resource professionals, do you have questions about how to complete the new 2013 I-9 Form? Don't miss our training seminar, "The Brand New I-9 Form: How to Complete it & E- Verify for 2013" on Thursday May 16 at the Delta Dental Auditorium in Concord, NH.
We urge you to register early as this event always sells out quickly.
With a revised format and e-verification stipulations, it's essential you understand how to properly complete the new I-9 which will be required for all new hires starting on May 7, 2013. We'll cover everything you need to know about the new I-9 Form and how to complete it properly. We will also review E-verify. The workshop will offer extensive I-9 compliance training, with topics including:
- Lists of Acceptable Documents
- Receipt Rules Samples
- Establishing Office Procedures to Ensure Compliance
- Issue Spotting, Retention Requirements and Social Security
- No-Match Letters and E-Verify Requirements
- Federal Contractor and I-9 Compliance Resource Guide
In addition to intensive I-9 training, attendees will receive three hours of HRCI credit, the updated version of the GoffWilson proprietary I-9 manual, and breakfast. Space is limited and this event sells out fast, so register today to reserve your seats!
Only 3 Seats Left – Register Today!
October 31, 2012 § Leave a comment
Our popular I-9 seminar is almost sold out. Register today!
Registration will close on Monday, November 5th
Seminar Date: November 8th, 2012
8:00 am – 11:45 am
Delta Dental Auditorium in Concord, NH
Here are some reasons you should register right now:
- You want to be current on the latest trends in I-9s, the proposed revisions to the form plus E-Verify and the IMAGE program.
- You need a refresher. We'll review common mistakes made in completing I-9s, how to correct flawed forms and how to avoid them.
- Your remote hires, recent merger or federal contracts present considerable challenges that can be met following this informative seminar.
- HRCI credit and a certificate are provided to you so you maintain your HR accreditation.
- A delicious complimentary breakfast – need we say more?
Visit the seminar page for more information or click here to register now.
Save The Date For Our Popular I-9 Seminar – Register Today!
October 10, 2012 § Leave a comment
November 8th, 2012
8:00 am – 11:45 am
Delta Dental Auditorium in Concord, NH
Registration always fills quickly so be sure you don't miss this great opportunity. Here are five good reasons to attend this seminar:
1. You want to stay compliant with I-9 Regulations
We will teach you how to correctly and confidently complete I-9 forms to avoid penalties and fines for you and your business.
2. Hands-on workshop
Practice filling out the I-9 forms during the workshop with every imaginable identity document (Social Security Card, I-94 card, Passport, etc) while our attorney provides immediate feedback on the results.
3. Our coveted and proprietary 2012 I-9 Workbook
You will receive the updated version of our most requested publication. Only attendees can receive a copy!
4. HRCI Credit
We are preapproved to issue 3 credit hours from the Human Resource Certification Institute and you will receive a Certificate of Completion.
5. Rewards
We always have a raffle or giveaway!
Visit our Seminar Registration Page for more information and to register for this invaluable seminar today.
Form I-9 and E-Verify Seminar, May 10: Register Now!
April 9, 2012 § Leave a comment
On May 10, 2012, Attorneys John Wilson and Grace Miller will be giving a presentation on Form I-9 and E-Verify at the Delta Dental Auditorium in Concord, New Hampshire. Registration is now open!
This workshop will provide an in-depth look at each section of the I-9 Form and the Lists of Acceptable Documents. Your questions about E- Verify will also be answered, as we will explain the program, how it relates to the I-9 Form and the obligations created by enrolling and participating in E-Verify.
Each participant will receive GoffWilson's up-to-date reference workbook that has been tailored to contain a practical guide to completing the Form I-9, examples of correctly completed I-9 forms using the most recent documents issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Service, frequently asked questions and issue spotting examples.
The presentation will be from 8 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and a yummy breakfast will be provided. GoffWilson is pleased to offer participants three recertification credit hours through the HR Certification Institute for PHP, SPHR and GPHR.
For more information and to register for the event, please click here.
The Popular H visa: What You Need to Know
March 9, 2012 § 2 Comments
On April 1, 2012, the U.S. Immigration Service will begin to accept new H-1B visa applications for those with specialized knowledge and advanced degrees. The actual start date for employment cannot be any earlier than October 1, 2012, but we urge employers to start considering their hiring strategies now, because the coveted H-1B visas are limited in number (called the H-1B Cap). Last year the H visas ran out in November. With current hiring trends and the economy looking better, we expect the H visas to be exhausted sooner than November this year.
Our 60 minute webinar (including 15 minutes of interactive Q & A) will explain the nuts and bolts of H visas including basic eligibility to assist HR departments to evaluate candidates quickly, definition of common terms like OPT, STEM, cap-gap, portability and more, plus strategies for other visa options in the event H visas run out before you secure them for your potential employees. Our H visa webinar is currently pending HRCI credit.
Join us for the webinar on April 5, 2012 at 2 p.m., and be at the forefront of your hiring best practices to ensure you get the best and brightest talent for your business. If you are interested in signing up, please email firstname.lastname@example.com and we will send you more details as we get closer to the date.
GoffWilson Approved To Offer HR Credits At Seminars And Webinars
December 15, 2011 § 1 Comment
As a leading immigration law firm, GoffWilson is pleased to announce that we have again been approved as an HR Certification Institute "Approved Provider."
Our certification is valid until December 31, 2014. This empowers us to offer all of our seminar and webinar attendees PHR, SPHR, GPHR certification for credit earned by participating in GoffWilson training sessions. GoffWilson is very excited to again be certified by national SHRM in this category.
"Certification for HR folks is an important tool in keeping their continuing education credits current," said GoffWilson Attorney John Wilson. "We are glad to be able to assist the HR community in this way by offering seminars on topics of import to them in their field."
In recent years, GoffWilson has offered education seminars and webinars geared toward the HR community including sessions on I-9 compliance and E-Verify. As always, if you have suggestions about topics of interest for future seminars, please be sure to contact us at email@example.com or comment below.
Remember, you can also connect with us on our Facebook page and Twitter account.


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Synthetic Gear Lube
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Larimer County
Posts: 6,562
Synthetic Gear Lube
With the weather the last couple of days by transmission has been telling me it's not too terribly enthusiastic about working with thick, cold lube. It's no spring chicken anymore and the 2nd gear syncro is also getting pretty balky even in good weather. So it's probably time to give 'er the good stuff for the winter so that I don't destroy the syncros with gear lube syrup. I've always just used regular Castrol Hypoy-C, but have wanted to use synthetic for a while. Thing is I can rarely find enough bottles of one weight to bother buying it. I would need about 5 for the tranny and t-case and another 3 or 4 for the axles. I'd rather get it locally or at least have a source locally. So who stocks synthetic gear lube in real quantities?
'91 Toyota Pickup
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News from WTOP
News from the AP
Mike Causey
Shows & Panels
Shows & Panels
- The 2014 Big Picture on Cyber Security
- AFCEA Answers
- American Readiness: Renewable Power and Efficiency Technologies
- Ask the CIO
- Building the Hybrid Cloud
- CDWG/NetApp
- Connected Government: How to Build and Procure Network Services for the Future
- Continuing Diagnostics and Mitigation: Discussion of Progress and Next Steps
- Delivering the Digital Government Mission
- Federal Executive Forum
- Federal News Radio's National Cyber Security Awareness Month Special Panel Discussion
- Federal Tech Talk
- The Future of Government Data Centers
- The Future of IT: How CIOs Can Enable the Service-Oriented Enterprise
- Government Perspectives on Mobility and the Cloud
- The Intersection: Where Technology Meets Transformation
- Maximizing ROI Through Data Center Consolidation
- Mitigating Insider Threats in Virtual & Cloud Environments
- Modern Mission Critical Series
- The New Generation of Database
- Reimagining the Next Generation of Government
- Targeting Advanced Threats: Proven Methods from Detection through Remediation
- Transformative Technology: Desktop Virtualization in Government
- The Truth About IT Opex and Software Defined Networking
- Air Traffic Management Transformation Report
- Cloud First Report
- General Dynamics IT Enterprise Center
- Gov Cloud Minute
- Government in Technology Series
- Homeland Security Cybersecurity Market Report
- National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
- Technology Insights
- The Cyber Security Report
- The Next Generation Cyber Security Experts
Shows & Panels
HP says gov't investigating troubled Autonomy unit
Friday - 12/28/2012, 11:48am EST
By MICHELLE CHAPMAN
AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) - Autonomy, the British business software company now owned by Hewlett-Packard Co., is facing a Justice Department investigation over improper accounting under previous management, according to HP.
In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission late Thursday, HP said Justice officials had informed the company on Nov. 21 that they were opening an investigation into the allegations, which HP said in November that it had uncovered after a senior Autonomy executive came forward.
HP also reiterated that it provided information to the SEC and the U.K. Serious Fraud Office related to "accounting improprieties, disclosure failures and misrepresentations at Autonomy." HP said it was cooperating with all three government agencies.
Justice officials had no comment.
HP, which bought Autonomy for $10 billion in 2011, took an $8.8 billion charge to reflect that the U.K. company isn't worth what it paid. HP says about $5 billion of that charge stemmed from improper accounting. HP also faces shareholders lawsuits related to the troubles at Autonomy.
Autonomy founder and former CEO Mike Lynch has said the allegations are false. He responded in a statement Thursday that HP had yet to provide a detailed calculation of that $5 billion or provide any explanation of the allegations. The statement was posted online at Forbes magazine's website.
The Autonomy mess has deepened a steep decline in HP's stock price, which has cut the Palo Alto, Calif., company's market value by nearly half this year. HP had already been struggling because its personal computer and printer businesses have been faltering as more people buy smartphones and tablet computers.
As a result of its alleged accounting practices, Autonomy appeared to be more profitable than it was and seemed to be growing its core software business faster than was actually the case. HP has said the moves were apparently designed to groom the company for an acquisition.
Once HP bought the company, Autonomy's reported revenue growth and profit margin quickly declined. Lynch continued to run the company as part of HP, but HP CEO Meg Whitman forced him out on May 23 because it was not living up to expectations. With Lynch gone, according to Whitman, a senior Autonomy executive volunteered information about the alleged accounting irregularities, prompting an internal investigation.
Among other things, Autonomy makes search engines that help companies find vital information stored across computer networks. Acquiring it was part of an attempt by HP to strengthen its portfolio of high-value products and services for corporations and government agencies.
HP's stock fell 27 cents, or 1.9 percent, to $13.77 in midday trading Friday.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)