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Southwestern/Great American, Inc., dba The Southwestern Company, and its family of businesses, including Southwestern ConsultingTM, respect your privacy. We may collect certain information about you in connection with any orders and personal information that you give us or services we may provide you. A version of this "Privacy Policy" is found on the Web at www.southwestern.com. It describes the information we may collect online and the manner in which we may use such information. This document is a partial excerpt of that general Privacy Policy and addresses more specifically the information we may obtain from you in connection with orders you place for goods and services provided by Southwestern ConsultingTM. We may modify or supplement this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we decide to change this Privacy Policy, we will post those changes on our website prior to the change taking effect.
When you request certain merchandise or services, whether or not you use Southwestern's website, we may ask you to provide certain information about yourself. This information may include name, mailing address, e-mail address, telephone number and a credit card number. In some instances, this information will be necessary for you to receive ordered goods or services and to be billed properly, (e.g., name, address and credit card information, etc.).
When you visit our website, we may now or later automatically collect information regarding your use of our website. Certain functions may help us track items for purposes of order entry, customer service and marketing.
Southwestern may use your information not only to process orders, follow up with customer service and monitor receivables, but also to attempt collection on a delinquent receivable if such ever becomes the case. In addition, we also may use the contact portion of information to promote marketing ONLY by Southwestern and its affiliated entities and not by any unrelated third parties. We also may use this information to notify you of special offers, discounts and new products and services via e-mail and other on and off-line communications. If you do not want to receive these communications from us, please notify us by e-mail at [email protected] (Tim Nowak who may be reached in Nashville, TN at switchboard number 615-391-2577) designating the subject of the e-mail as "Privacy".
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Moderator: Tournament Directors
Each "game" is up to 3 periods long and 3 goals wins the game.
1st period - Country A's home map (1 goal)
2nd period - Country B's home map (1 goal)
3rd period - Vancouver map (2 goals)
OT - Classic map (1 goal)
Medal Games follow the same period structure but it takes 4 goals to win.
Sir Sinclair wrote:in canada
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Musicians Named to 2011 South Dakota Inter-Collegiate Band
Fifteen members of the Augustana Band have been selected to perform in the 2011 South Dakota Inter-Collegiate Band. Along with students from eight other universities and colleges, they will perform at the 2011 South Dakota High School All-State Band Convention on Friday, March 25.
Titze, Seeley Named 2011 Peace Prize Forum Scholars
Sophomore Thad Titze and junior Michael Seeley have been named the 2011 Peace Prize Forum Scholars. The pair will spend seven weeks at the University of Olso's International Summer School deepening their understanding of issues related to peace, justice, democracy, and human rights.
The Augustana: Winter 2011
The Augustana is published three times per year for alumni and friends of Augustana College by the Office of Marketing and Communications. The Augustana is named in honor of the College's first student newspaper, first published in 1908 in Canton, S.D.
New Underwood Senior Wins Covenant Award for Community
Jenny Lockhart, a senior English and journalism major from New Underwood, S.D., is the recipient of the 2011 Augustana Covenant Award for Community, an honor given to individuals who have been committed to serving the Augustana community.
Eide/Dalrymple Gallery to Feature Works by Eleanor Spiess-Ferris
"Shallow Waters: The Art of Eleanor Spiess-Ferris," an exhibition of large-scale paintings and drawings, will be on view March 11 through April 16. An opening reception with the artist will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 11. The artist will give a gallery talk at 6 p.m.
Writer-in-Residence, S.D. Poet Laureate to Read, Discuss Poetry
Dr. Patrick Hicks, Augustana's Writer-in-Residence, and David Allan Evans, Poet Laureate of South Dakota, will read and discuss poetry during "An Evening of Poetry with 'The Guys'," at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, at Zandbroz Variety in downtown Sioux Falls.
Jazz on the Upper Great Plains to Feature Northlanders Jazz Band
The 37th annual Festival will feature world-famous trumpeter Wayne Bergeron, the Northlanders and 55 bands from area high schools and middle schools. In addition to performing, band members will participate in workshops hosted by Augustana music faculty and guest artists.
IN THE NEWS: Alumnus Argues 'Why Art Matters'
Executive Director of the Arizona Commission on the Arts Bob Booker, class of 1977, spoke about "Why Art Matters" at the Augustana Thought Leader Forum on Thursday, Feb. 24, in Sioux Falls.
'Augustana at 150' to Recount College's First 15 Decades
Pre-order your limited-edition hardcover memento of Augustana's Sesquicentennial today. The book tells the story of the College's first 150 years through never-before-seen images and interviews with iconic faculty members, administrators and students.
Civitas Lecture Series to Feature Ecologist, Theologian
Ecologist Dr. Carter Johnson will discuss "South Dakota's Prairie Farm: An Experiment in Ecological and Economic Sustainability," at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 14. Theologian Dr. Michelle Bartel will discuss "Love, Something a Good Deal More Dangerous: The Power of Subversive Ethics," at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 28.


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INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Bruce Arians says he has plenty to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
``I'm thankful for the Pittsburgh Steelers letting me go to be here,'' he said. ``Truthfully. I couldn't think of a better place to be at this point in time and to have felt more needed probably in my entire life. So, thank you, Pittsburgh.''
The interim coach of the Indianapolis Colts is also thankful that last week's game is over. The Colts were drilled 59-24 at New England and rookie quarterback Andrew Luck was inconsistent.
They'll get their chance to get back on track Sunday against Buffalo.
Luck passed for 334 yards against the Patriots, but he threw three interceptions. In the Colts' four losses, Luck has five touchdown passes and nine interceptions. In their wins, he has seven touchdowns and three interceptions.
``If you look at all the losses, turnovers have killed us, especially on my end with fumbles or interceptions,'' Luck said. ``I realize I've got to cut down on those if we want to have a chance to win.''
Arians wants Luck to think about each aspect of his performance against New England.
``I want him to remember how well he played early and how poorly he played in the middle,'' he said. ``Don't ever forget what was going on because you might play them again real soon. Don't add up the numbers until the end of the season and just play each week.''
The numbers look good for Luck at Lucas Oil Stadium. He's thrown eight touchdown passes and two interceptions at home, where the Colts are 4-1.
``I don't know how to explain it, but we play well at Lucas,'' Luck said. ``I think it's the familiarity, less travel, I don't know. But we're decent at home this year.''
In recent weeks, Arians has talked to his rookies about the ``rookie wall,'' a high degree of physical and mental fatigue that many first-year players deal with at the time their college seasons would normally be winding down. Now, Arians says those first year players, including Luck, aren't rookies anymore.
``They've logged enough snaps to be second-or third-year players right now,'' he said. ``There is no such thing as a rookie wall unless you got here three weeks ago.''
Luck knows he can't afford to get caught being drained, so he's been extra careful to take care of himself. He also knows he can't get into a mental rut worrying about the New England game.
``I realize I'm not allowed to feel it, especially with where this team is right now, what's at stake,'' he said. ``It's been all right to this point, and I think it would be a disservice to the teammates if I started feeling sorry for myself or down or what not. We know what's at stake.''
Whether the Colts won or lost last week, Arians said the team's approach must remain the same.
``We talk about the process all the time, that it has to be consistent every week, win, lose or draw,'' he said. ``You put that one behind you Monday night, then you move on. If you bask in the sunlight of a win, you're going to get beat. If you pout and worry about getting beat, you'll get beat again. It's back to work.''
Arians said this is the time of the season where ultimate success or failure will be measured.
``This is when the big boys play - December,'' he said. ``November doesn't mean a daggone thing, it's what you do in December that they remember. These guys have a chance to do something special if they will stay in the moment and not worry about the future.''
Notes: The Colts should be relatively healthy against Buffalo. CB Vontae Davis (knee) and TE Coby Fleener (shoulder) practiced in limited roles after missing last week's game. Cory Redding (hip) expects to play after leaving the New England game in the fourth quarter.


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Gareth Bale has insisted his individual performances will not overshadow Tottenham's bid to secure Champions League qualification this season.
The winger scored a stunning winner from nearly 30 yards in the final minute of normal time as his seventh and eighth goal in his previous six games lifted the north London side to a 3-2 win and into third place in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old was, however, modest about his own contributions of late and insisted the most important aim was for the team to secure a return to the Champions League.
"I'm just enjoying the football. The team's playing well which makes things easier. But it's not about me it's about the team," Bale told Sky Sports.
"We know it's going to be a massive game, they are a great team. We obviously want to get the three points to keep our Champions League hopes alive.
"Yeah, it was a massive victory for us. We knew the result for us yesterday, we knew we had a massive chance to get into third, which obviously gives us more of a cushion."
Bale gave his side a 13th-minute lead, before an Andy Carroll penalty and neat finish from Joe Cole turned the game on its head.
However, with Jussi Jaaskelainen in impressive form, Spurs were thwarted time and time again before Gylfi Sigurdsson scrambled home an equaliser for his first Premier League goal for the club and Bale's last-gasp winner.
And the Welshman believes his side were good value for the win, despite its dramatic nature: "It was a hard performance out there but I thought we deserved the victory.
"We had a lot of chances, especially off corners. Caulks [Steven Caulker] had a few chances, one went on the post, Ade [Emmanuel Adebayor] had an easy one. The important thing was we got the three points.
"We know what we're capable of. We've got some last-minute winners in the last month. So we're confident and we keep battling until the end."


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Four years ago, California's healthcare workers declared open season on the law.
When Governor Pete Wilson issued emergency regulations prohibiting state employees from providing pregnancy-related care to undocumented immigrants, the reaction was swift and unequivocal. Public health professionals from San Francisco to Orange County declared they would defy the Governor and continue to provide care.
The defiance took two contrasting routes: legal and illegal. The San Francisco Public Health Department sued the Governor, arguing that his executive order was unfairly issued because there was no emergency. But a groundswell of revulsion against the regulations led clinicians to a far more extreme measure: Twenty thousand of them in the Bay Area signed pledge cards stating that they would disobey any law that required them to deny services.
Dr. Sandra Hernandez, then San Francisco's public health director, recalled that her staff circulated through beauty salons in the Mission district to reassure immigrant women that they could still get care. "We intended to openly break the law," said Nora Roman, a nurse at San Francisco General Hospital. "We expected whole facilities to break the law."
As it turned out, they didn't have to. Within the month, a San Francisco judge issued an injunction against the state order, so the clinicians stood down. But their threat was an early blueprint for medical insurrection, which has grown steadily beneath the surface of managed care.
It's been almost six years since the Clinton Administration's healthcare reform plan went down in flames, and public discontent with corporate medicine continues to grow. Doctors have tried to regain control of care by joining labor unions in record numbers; patients, and even some doctors, have sued HMOs. But healthcare professionals have also been crossing the line into subtly and overtly illegal acts–from manipulation of the system and defiance of laws they deem unjust to fraud and threats of violence–in defense of their patients.
At Cambridge Hospital in Boston, a group of doctors formally pledged to ignore provisions of the new welfare legislation and to make the hospital a "sanctuary" for all patients, including undocumented immigrants. In Toledo, Ohio, a distressed mother convinced the billing department of a major hospital to charge the care for her uninsured, dying son to an expired Medicaid card–and let the government try to catch up with them. In North Carolina, doctors overwhelmed by paperwork requirements write "The Body Is Clean" and other absurdist phrases on patients' medical charts. Dr. Deb Richter, while working as a physician in Buffalo, told a managed-care representative who was trying to enter one of her examining rooms, "Get out, you're not touching my patients," and forced him from her office. Other healthcare professionals talk of organizing wide-scale civil disobedience to attract attention to the system's injustices.


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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Fans sent enforcer John Scott to the NHL All-Star Game by voting him captain of the Pacific Division.
Then they made him tournament MVP.
Scott scored twice during the league's new 3-on-3 All-Star tournament, bringing cheers from fans and smiles from teammates, and was named MVP as a write-in candidate after captaining the Pacific to a 1-0 win in the championship Sunday night.
The career journeyman was not listed among the three MVP candidates for a Twitter vote late in the final game, but fans took it upon themselves to select him once again, casting their vote for the 6-foot-8 forward with five goals in 285 career games.
"I'm sure he won...


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SSD Toolbox deployment in an Enterprise setting ?Mystery_Machine Aug 18, 2010 11:19 AM
I work in for a large corporate with thousands of Lenovo XP notebooks and we are retrofitting Intel SSDs. The TRIM tool wasn't written with the managed environment in mind and documentation is lacking. A problem is the scheduling running under the context of the end-user. Obviously AD passwords change but the Scheduled Task credentials remain the same. When a task tries to launch with an out of date password .... user accounts locked out.
Plus the command line for the tool includes the unique drive serial number ! Annoying for automation.
Today I've written a script to be deployed with SCCM that reads the disk's serial number, creates a scheduled task to launch SSD optimisation using that serial and runs the tool in the SYSTEM context, rather than end-user. It appears to be working. It certainly runs the process.
Question Time:
1) how to know if the optimiser is running correctly ? All I know is that it is running when scheduled.
Other questions
2) Do we really need to run this tool ? Any figures on performance degradation ?
3) Updating firmware seems to be only possible by booting a machine from a CD. This is not feasible in a global environment with many remote branches. Does Intel have a more credible deployment method ?
We have Version 1.2 deployed. Version 1.3 available from 22 March 2010. Release Notes don't explain what changed apart from 'continual improvements'. 4) What changed ?
5) Intel Read Me explains there can be an issue with encrypted drives. All disks are encrypted at my place. Anyone encountered trouble ?
6) Intel ReadMe also advises not to have defragmentation as hangs can occur. We are using 3rd party PerfectDisk. Should we disable?
7) I read on forums that the optimiser isn't working well with non-Intel motherboards. Any comments ?
8) Optimisation duration appears to be unpredictable. I've seen it take some seconds. Read of case taking up to 25 minutes. ??
This could be a problem as Intel advise not to use the machine during optimisation. My wish is to schedule optimisation once a week at lunch time. There should be no risks to end-user productivity.
9) Can there be conflicts with other system management activities like AV scans or SCCM processes ?
10) Intel warns Hibernation during optimisation can result in a non-booting machine. Can standby also be affected?
Overall, I'm not too impressed.


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Baby Boys Coats & Pramsuits
Baby Boys' Coats and Pramsuits
Come rain or shine, your little one will need protection from the elements. Our baby boys coats and pramsuits come in fun, bright colours and a range of designs. Pop any of them on over some of our great value baby clothes, and your little monster will be snug – and dry – as a bug.
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Reality TV star Sharon Osbourne has shed 11 pounds (4.99 kilograms) in two weeks after embarking on a new diet plan.
The rock matriarch has struggled with weight issues over the years and famously lost 100 pounds (45.35 kilograms) in 1999 after undergoing surgery to fit a gastric band to shrink her stomach.
However, the successful results of the operation didn't last and she had the lap band removed in 2006.
Osbourne, who turns 60 in October (12), has now found a non-surgical way of keeping the extra weight off with the low carbohydrate food plan.
Speaking on her U.S. daytime show The Talk, Ozzy Osbourne's wife says, "I sort of realised I am approaching 60 very, very quickly... and I wanna lose weight. I've tried everything in my life, you know I've had things, a band that didn't work, I tried everything. And I went in and tried the Atkins diet and in two weeks, I've lost 11 pounds...
"The Atkins diet is a perfect combination for me of vegetables and protein, and I've never felt so good. I want to be an inspiration for women between the ages of 50 and 60 to say, 'You know what, I want to do that, I can do that!' because 60 is the new 50!"


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Towards a Green Economy in Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya
It is within this paradigm that the conference 'Towards a Green Economy in Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya and the Role of Strategic Environmental Assessment' took place in Maputo, Mozambique between 23rd and 27th April 2012.
"The main objectives of the three-country Conference on Green Economy were to advance road maps to a green economy and agree on post-Rio regional process, collaborate on their implementation, as well as to promote integration of Strategic Environmental Assessment in future green economy planning processes," said Dr. Peter Scheren, Regional Coordinator of WWF's Coastal East Africa Programme.
The economies of the three countries are largely based on natural resources extraction (natural gas, oil, minerals, agriculture, tourism, fisheries and timber trade). The management of this 'natural capital' is crucial in order to allow the countries lift out of poverty, create jobs and ensure long-term livelihood of the population.
Currently, this 'natural capital' is under-valued as key economic assets and consequently over-exploited for short-term benefits. Fortunately, all countries in the region are already working, to varying extent, towards implementation of Green Economy principles. The heightened attention raised by the 'Rio +20' conference offers an opportunity to scale-up this progress.
"At this moment, Mozambique is in the process of preparing its country report to the Rio +20 Summit. The country is also preparing its roadmap for a green economy with a focus on three sectors that will be considered more in-depth; agriculture, energy and urban planning," said Her Excellency Alcinda de Abreu, Minister for the Coordination if Environmental Affairs, Mozambique, during the conference's opening session.
One of the key conclusions of the Conference was that some key sectors provide excellent opportunities to drive Green Economy at country level. These sectors are agriculture, forestry, fisheries, tourism, urban development and renewable energy.
In regard to the latter, the Conference concluded that the potential for renewable energy (wind, geothermal, hydropower, solar, etc.) in the region are enormous and there was an urge for Governments to create the necessary enabling conditions (policies, regulations, tax incentives, etc.) to advance investments in this sector.
There are commonalities between the economies of the three countries–including the aspect of shared resources and cross-border trade. The delegates recommended further regional cooperation and exchange of experiences and lessons between the countries. They further defined and agreed upon a regional roadmap towards a Green Economy, including the roles of various partners therein.
Considering the profile and importance of Rio +20, it was recommended that a regional side event would be organized at the Conference. Here, government delegates and partners could solidify and launch a regional partnership for a Green Economy. In the same regard, it was recommended that further opportunities should be investigated to advance the regional partnership through side events at the upcoming Conference of African Ministers of Environment (Dar es Salaam, September 2012) and the Nairobi Convention Conference of Parties (Maputo, December 2012).
The Conference brought together representatives from various key Government Ministries in Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique, including Planning, Finance, Environment, Fisheries, Forests, Agriculture, Tourism, Mining and Energy, and Education, to discuss prospects and progress made in the implementation of Green Economy principles in their respective countries. The Conference furthermore involved a number of key partners in support of this process: UNDP, UNEP, ILO, the African Development Bank, the International Institute of Environment and Development, the Millennium Institute, WWF, Care International and the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED).


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By Romeo Agresti
Juventus have not given up hope of signing Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente in the winter transfer window rather than at the end of the season, Goal.com can reveal.
The Primera Division side announced on Thursday that the Serie A champions have opened talks with the striker over a free transfer once his contract with Athletic expires in June.
However, the latest developments do not mean that Juventus have accepted that a transfer in January is out of the question.
The Old Lady recently saw a €4 million [£3.2m] offer for the 27-year-old turned down by his current club, but they are now preparing a €7m [£5.7m] bid to test Athletic's resolve.
Juventus are desperate to add a high-profile striker to their squad this winter, and Llorente could be their only remaining high-profile alternative after players such as Robert Lewandowski and former Chelsea star Didier Drogba were seemingly ruled out.


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Kevin's 40th Birthday
Party Recap
Party Details
Theme & Decor
When Kristina approached me to plan her husband, Kevin's, 40th birthday, she knew she wanted a casino somehow involved, but she didn't want just any normal Vegas-styled birthday. After a little brainstorming we emerged with "Kevin's Forty Deuces": an old Vegas burlesque club theme. The color palette of red, black and silver was accented with sequin and metallic linens (we used the New York linen from La Tavola), crystals hanging from the centerpieces and giant feather arrangements. There was Vegas bling everywhere!
Kristina wanted no detail overlooked! We branded every napkin, sign and favor with Kevin's Forty Deuces (including the deck of cards that were handed out to all the guests as they departed and the cigar wrappers) and on every table were baby and family photos of the birthday boy. Elizabeth from Posh Paperie did a beautiful job creating all the paper products including the huge banner that hung over the delectable dessert table.
Food & Entertainment
The party was held at their home, so we were able to use the different rooms and areas to create unique entertainment areas for the guests. The elaborate dessert bar by Cupcakes Couture of Manhattan Beach was definitely a focal point for the eye and the stomach! From blackout cakes shots to salted tuxedo and red velvet cupcakes to berry filled macarons decorated with hearts, spades, clubs and diamonds to cheesecake bites and mini chocolate nutella cake pops, the desserts hit the mega jackpot.
In the next room we had an indoor "lounge" with the bar serving "Sin City Coolers", blackjack tables (the dealer looked like Kenny Powers!), a DJ mixing up some beats, tray passed appetizers of seared ahi, tiger shrimp, lamb chops, lobster cakes and caviar, and a design-your-own risotto martini bar with osso bucco and lobster risotto by 24 Carrots catering. Outside we created a cigar lounge where the guests could design, smoke and take home their own cigars by Mursuli Cigars.
The highlight of the night, however, was the main "surprise"... a burlesque dancer! It was a tasteful and shocking performance for the shy birthday boy. Her champagne dance was a nice lead in to the evening's toasts and her provocative final routine definitely caught a lot of attention!
This party was so much fun to plan as Kristina wanted this to be the best birthday party Kevin's ever had! With guests flying in from the East Coast and traveling from all over CA, I think it was definitely a party to remember!
Party Highlights
Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes: Red Velvet Salted Tuxedo Other Dessert: Cheesecake Bites (on a stick) Mini Chocolate Nutella Cake Pops French Macarons Dessert Shots: Blackout Cake with vanilla frosting & raspberry jam
Activities / Games
Gambling at the black jack tables, Cigar roller, Burlesque dancer
Party Favors
Personalized Playing Cards
What People Ate
Grilled Beef & Scallion Rolls with Soy Dipping Sauce Buckwheat Blini, Caviar and Creme Fraiche Grilled Petite Lamb Chops with ribbons of red bell pepper basil pesto Sesame Seared Ahi with Wasabi Aioli on Crispy Wonton Sugar Cane Skewered Tiger Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce Maine Lobster Cake with Hollandaise Dollop Risotto Martini Station: herb & butter & lobster risotto Toppings - gulf shrimp & braised osso bucco Accoutrements - baby sweet peas, fresh basil, roasted garlic, shitake mushrooms, italian parsley, shallots, sun dried tomato, asparagus tips, pancetta and shaved parmigiano Stationed Appetizers: Regional & International Cheese Station Mediterranean Landscape - bread & crostini station with assorted toppings
What People Drank
Sin City Cooler {Raspberry Vodka, Lemon Lime Soda, Pineapple Juice, Fresh Mint} Kevin's Drink Order {Captain Morgan & Diet Coke}
Party Helpers
Preppy Chic Events
Party Planner
24 Carrots Catering & Events
Cupcakes Couture of Manhattan Beach
Cake designer
Magical Blooms
Posh Paperie
La Tavola
Red Shoe LA
South Bay Casino
Casino Rental
Mursuli Cigars
Cigar Rollers
The Lala's
Burlesque Dancer
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Salem to decide on bridge, road reconstructionBy APRIL GUILMET
Union Leader Correspondent
March 06. 2013 11:08PM
SALEM - Voters at the March 12 polls will have their say on a variety of town and school warrant articles next week, including a $1.9 million bond item for bridge reconstruction, a $5.3 million road reconstruction program and a $37.4 million municipal operating budget.
Article 6 on the town warrant, a $1,189,909 bond item for the reconstruction of the bridges at Bluff Street and Providence Hill Road, would have zero impact on tax rates next year, with possible funding coming from state aid and other revenues.
Article 7, a $5,336,899 item for the improvement, reconstruction, maintenance and engineering of local roadways, would have a tax impact of $1.20 per thousand dollars of assessed property value.
Article 8, the proposed $37,482,302 municipal budget, would have a $5.64 per thousand impact on residents' property taxes.
Article 14 calls for funds from the proposed sale of the former Mary Foss School on Lawrence Road to go toward reducing the residential property tax rate.
On the school side, voters will decide the fate of Article 2, which proposes spending $16,205,213 for additions to Fisk and Soule schools, and renovations at Haigh School, including a fire safety sprinkler system, security upgrades and improved lighting.
The bonded article requires a three-fifths vote to pass.
Due to available funds, the item would have zero tax impact in the coming year.
Article 4, the district's proposed $62,247,816 operating budget, represents a 1.43 percent increase.
According to Superintendent Michael Delahanty, the end result would be a school tax rate of $17.08 per thousand next year.
Article 6, a petitioned item, asks voters to approve spending $679,800 to build a new multi-purpose room at Soule Elementary School. This article is contingent upon the passage of Article 2.
The passage of all school articles would increase the tax rate by 38 cents per thousand dollars, a 3 percent increase on the school tax rate. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with District 1 voters going to Fisk School, District 3 voters going to the Ingram Senior Center, District 5 voters going to Lancaster School and District 6 voters going to North Salem School.


text: And The Wind Came Ben Markley and Scott Turpen: And The Wind Came By Anna Rader, Micah Schweizer & Ben Slater • Nov 11, 2013 Anna Rader Ben Markley is a composer and jazz pianist. He is also a visiting Assistant Professor of Music for the University of Wyoming Music Department. Scott Turpen is a saxophonist and Professor at the University of Wyoming Music Department, teaching Jazz Studies. "And The Wind Came" was written and composed by Ben Markley.


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Founded in 1964 as DeKalb College by the citizens of DeKalb County, the school was acquired by the Board of Regents and the University System of Georgia in 1986. In 1997 it was renamed Georgia Perimeter College, and in 2016 it was consolidated into Georgia State University, making it the largest institution in the state. Georgia Perimeter College provides online Associate in Arts degrees, Associate in Science degrees, and Associate in Applied Science degrees in subjects such as English, political science, computer science, health studies, psychology, social work, and more. Annual tuition is $4,050 .
Established in 1945, the Atlanta Technical College ispart of the Technical College System of Georgia. The college offers severalonline associate degrees through its eCampus. Available online degree programs include associate degreesin accounting, business technology, and marketing management.Before starting classes, online students are encouraged to participate in Atlanta Technical College's online orientation to help prepare them for their degree programs. The school also gives all online students access to an online tutoring service and the Georgia Library Learning Online System, a library system with access to a wide variety of academic journals, magazines, and newspapers.Tuition for an online Associate in Marketing Management is an affordable cost of $4,102 per year.
While its central campus is found in Arkansas City, Kansas, Cowley County Community College has several other locations across the stateas well as an online college. Cowley County CC offers over 30 degrees that can be completed online, which include Associate of Arts degrees in everything from accounting to history, an Associate of Scienceincomputer science, Associate of Applied Science degreesin fields such as medical transcription and business administration, and various Associate of General Studies programs. Most courses are asynchronous, meaning they don't require online attendance at specific times. Tuitionfor online associate programs is $112 per credit.
Shoreline Community Collegewas founded in 1964 and is located just north of Seattle, Washington. This college offers 14 onlineassociate degrees in subjects such as business, accounting, criminal justice, health information technology, and psychology, amongothers.Those who live nearby can take advantage of in-person information sessions where students can learn tips for distance learning and get an overview of Canvas, SCC's learning management system. Distance students also have access to free online tutoring services through the Western eTutoring Consortium. The annual tuition costfor associate degrees starts at $4,257 .
People often show me pictures they've taken of indian pipes, proudly displaying their photographic fungal acumen. Imagine their surprise when I tell them that it's actually not a mushroom , but a unique organism known as the "ghost plant".it's actually not a mushroom
That's right, a plant! I used to think they were mushrooms too. Yet these beautiful ghosts are actually perennial plants that lack chlorophyll, a feature that gives them their pale white color.
Although not a mushroom, I felt indian pipes deserved their own page to clear up some of the confusion about these crazy perennials. We'll start with some basic ghost plant facts, and then look at some of their unique features such as how they feed themselves and why they're cheaters.
Now you may be wondering how a plant with no chlorophyll survives. Read on to learn more!
What's a ghost plant to do when it contains no chlorophyll and gets very little sunlight? You steal energy from others! With this process:
We were taught in school that all plants contain chlorophyll, a green pigment critical for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the chemical process that uses energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into necessary sugars, allowing the plant to feed.
Very simply, with chlorophyll and sunlight a plant can produce what it needs to nourish itself.
Yet there are some glorious exceptions to this rule. Indian pipes are known as myco-heterotrophs, which are plants that get their food by parasitizing other fungi instead of through photosynthesis. It does this by linking its roots with the mycelia of a fungus.
Once it's connected to the underground threads of a fungus, it can interrupt the flow of nutrients and feed itself. It gives nothing back to the fungus in this exchange, and takes what it needs to survive.
In most cases, the fungus itself also has a mycorrhizal relationship with a tree. A mycorrhizal relationship is a beneficial exchange where mycelia of a fungus connects to the roots of a tree. The fungus gets access to nutrients such as sugars from the tree, and in return it widens the tree's root system. This allows the tree to take in more water and nutrients.
Yet the ghost plant doesn't parasitize just any mushroom. It prefers those from the Russulaceae family, which include the Russula and Lactarius genus. The next time you see these white plants be sure to look around the area. Do you see any Russula or Lactarius mushrooms nearby?
Myco-heterotrophs are sometimes called "mycorrhizal cheaters", meaning they form what looks like a mycorrhizal relationship but give nothing back. In this case the indian pipe steals from both the plant and the tree. Making it, like your brother in law who raids your fridge and leaves nothing in return, a true parasite.based on the deep morphosyntactic and semantic analysis
In addition, the rules incorporate advanced expressions (regular, proximity, logical operators) and macros that multiply their expressiveness. The advantage is that instead of basing the rules on literal forms of the terms we can base them on the function and meaning of the expressions . In this way, an optimal trade-off between simplicity (abstraction) and power in the creation of categorization models can be achieved.instead of basing the rules on literal forms of the terms we can base them on the function and meaning of the expressions
The scenarios that can benefit from a detailed and precise categorization are innumerable, among them:
Classifies with great detail and precision all types of content (e.g., web pages, news) to be able to retrieve them, navigate them, and relate them better or insert targeted advertising.
Discover the topic and subtopic structure of a complex document (contract, financial report) to have a map of its meaning and to be able to focus subsequent analyses (e.g., extraction of terms in contract clauses).
analyze the unstructured feedback generated by customers in surveys, contact centers, or social media to discover their needs, perceptions, and preferences. Available as a
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Manage talent more efficiently in your organization by discovering the opinions, desires, and skills that your employees express in performance assessments, surveys, or interviews. Available as a
VogueZone009 Womens Closed Toe Pointed Toe High Heels Spikes Stilettos PU Frosted Solid Pumps Red 55 UK HSpdA
Deep Categorization offers great advantages over other more traditional classification technologies:
It categorizes at the snippet level, discovering the thematic structure of a document, for example, to identify the clauses and passages of a contract that have to do with a certain topic.
Based on semantic rules, you can increase accuracy and recall to levels that are unattainable with other technologies, simply by adding focused rules.
Personal dictionaries can be used to define entities and concepts in certain semantic classes (e.g., brands) that are dynamically used in the rules that define the categories.
It justifies the assignment of the categories to the snippets, showing the expressions that have triggered the corresponding rules, and provides confidence metrics.
The rule-based technology provides good results both in texts with few words and in documents with multiple sections.
Use the API immediately taking advantage of its pre-prepared categorization models, such as those for the analysis of the Voice of the Customer or the Voice of the Employee included in
AllhqFashion Womens Open Toe Pullon Frosted Assorted Color HighHeels Sandals White ztFglCaKhQ
Use our tools for rule creation and validation to easily build models that are fully adapted to your scenario.
Unlike other technologies, semantic rules allow the development of models without the need for an extensive training set, with no more than an abstract understanding of the categories.
Currently available in 6 languages and soon in many more.
The Text Classification API offers a perfectly viable alternative when it comes to categorizing contents according to a predefined taxonomy, especially when you have training texts that serve to feed its machine learning technology. However, there are scenarios for which we recommend using Deep Categorization:


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Free school meals rejected as Manchester board bucks federal programBy TED SIEFER
New Hampshire Union Leader
August 25. 2014 11:23PM
MANCHESTER — The school board on Monday rejected applying for a federal program that would have covered the cost of breakfasts and lunches for all students at a cluster of elementary schools.
Under the Community Eligibility Provision, part of the larger overhaul of the federal school nutrition program enacted by the Obama administration in 2010, none of the students at schools where at least 40 percent of the children were deemed low-income would have to pay for the meals.
The program has been in place since 2010, but only 11 state have implemented it. The 2014-2015 school year marks the first time it will be available in all 50 states.
District Food Services Director Jim Connors told the board that a cluster of five elementary schools would likely be eligible for the program: Beech Street, McDonough, Wilson, Gossler Park and Bakersville.
But he also cautioned that the number of students partaking of school meals would have to increase 45 percent for breakfast and 25 percent for lunch for the district to realize the revenue expected in this year's budget. The U.S. Department of Agriculture would reimburse the district for the cost of the meals, but not at the same high rate it currently does for students who qualify for free meals.
Connors said the application for the program had to be finalized by the end of the month.
Mayor Ted Gatsas was supportive of pursuing the program.
"There are kids that may not qualify for free or reduced lunch that go hungry," he said.
But several school board members raised concerns about the program, both on ideological grounds and because they weren't given enough time to review it.
"We keep saying we're not going to pay for it," Ward 6 board member Robyn Dunphy said. "But it's another entitlement program."
Ward 10 board member John Avard, who has been an outspoken critic of changes to the school meal program pushed by the federal government, slammed the proposal.
"I don't want to be locked into federal guidelines that really have destroyed the school lunch program in my mind," he said. "I want to see us go in the other direction, away from government control."
Superintendent Debra Livingston said she saw advantages and disadvantages in joining the program.
"It's ensuring that every student can have breakfast, and they don't have to fill out forms ... they can just grab it. But there is a risk," she said, referring to the potential drop in revenue.
The board narrowly rejected applying for the program, but passed a motion to have the administration consider applying for it next year.


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Say what now!? It's not everyday that a product so life changing, and so amazing comes along. We live in a world where we are encouraged to consume as much as we want, and to take take take. That's right, don't worry about tomorrow, or where you will put all of your stuff. Just get more stuff! Well prepare to be sucker punched in the face, because this product is going to change the way you think and live. More importantly, it will change the way you store your stuff.
Cap-sac isn't just a hat, it's a fanny pack for your head. No joke.
Cap-sac launched this Spring, and they have been flying off the shelves. I know, I know. This is not your fathers fanny pack, but they have been getting a lot of good publicity, and that translates into a lot of good sales. I was hired to photograph the Cap-sac ad campaign and press photos this summer. Anytime I can work in shorts and a tee, in 90 degree weather, it's a good shoot in my opinion. Since this was a fun one, I thought I would share a behind the scenes look at the shoot itself. Enjoy.
And since we are talking about fanny packs on your head, here is a little something extra for ya. This video contains language that may not be suitable for all audiences, and may not be safe for work. Unless you work on a ship, or a construction site. Then it's probably not a problem.
* If you are using a blog reader, you may need to visit my actual blog post to see the slide show and video. Can anyone tell me why that is? I have been trying to figure this out for a long time, and nothing seems to work. Why won't flash content show up in Google Reader? Ahh.


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History in the making
Tuesday was not an ordinary day. It marked a day of historical significance. The work required on the part of the candidates to reach that monumental moment was astounding.
It didn't start when everybody decided to enter the contest. The preparation it took to have the right stuff to make the grade and get the nod took years to develop.
After being accepted, every move the participants made was closely scrutinized. The unrelenting media attention and nitpicking criticism had to be maddening. Every time they appeared in public, even if it was just to go out for a morning walk or jog, they had to wear a game face. They had to because they would be recognized.
But people like that are accustomed to the public eye. You can't do that for a living without enjoying meeting and responding to strangers.
Nonetheless, I can't imagine having to smile that much. I suppose if you have enough grit to enter a contest of that magnitude, you can tolerate petty annoyances like judgmental remarks from people you don't know.
The truth of the matter is I am one of those judgmental people. I watched the contest closely from day one. I read all the blogs. Every morning and evening, I was glued to my television set switching between news programs to see if there was anything new on the contestants.
It was a big deal when the first person dropped out. Although I don't recall who it was, I remember feeling bad for him. It must be difficult to take after putting forth so much hard work and dedication just to be cast aside as if your efforts were meaningless.
And to think, if you are one of those chosen few and you fail, it isn't just you that is cast aside. It's your support team, family and friends, and those who look up to you to succeed. How must it feel to disappoint all those people who believed in you? I imagine it must feel awful. First, you have to resolve dealing with failing, then you have to deal with failing those who mean so much to you.
When I think about it, whether they win or lose is of little consequence in the grand scheme of things. They were winners before they were chosen to compete for the crown, the chance to grab the ring. When people like that lose, they go back to leading successful and productive lives. It isn't as if that contest were the only thing they had going for them.
Once the field narrowed down to the last few, I picked my favorite. I couldn't help myself. It would be nice if everybody could win, but that's not the way the world works. One person is going to come out ahead of everybody else.
Whenever my contestant waved at the crowd, when the standing ovation seemingly went on forever, I held my breath. I worried that he would not make the most of each moment. It must be so hard to be humble yet confi dent, but not arrogant all at the same time.
That's all it takes is one slip for the media to crucify you. Look a little too confident and it will be construed as arrogant or egotistical. On the other hand, if you respond to applause and praise too meekly, you will be accused of being insecure. Such a fine line must be walked with absolute precision.
As the days went by, the competition got stiffer. Every contestant had his own cross to bear. But in the end, the winner stood alone. If it weren't for the merits of the contestant himself, the best support team in the world would fail.
The gossip columns, blogs, and opinion journals were unmerciful. I joined chat groups, compared notes with other fanatics. I was more anxious than the contestants.
Then it happened. Tuesday night was pre-empted. It was election night. I had to wait until Wednesday to see if my favorite contestant won "Dancing With the Stars." I suppose it's another part of living in a system I can't understand.


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Discussion in 'The Bar' started by acagirl98, Jan 26, 2013.
Portland in particular, k tnx.
Kill yourself, slut.
It's the only state with only one other state bordering it.
Nice little coastal hamlet, quaint downtown area with a nice mix of mom and pop as well as chain store shopping, great eateries, a wonderful place to just stroll the afternoon away with your honey walking hand in hand taking in the ambiance. Also it is a bit trendy as well as artsy, but that is all good too.
A lot of fun bars and restaurants on the water. I would go with someone (spouse, BF/GF)
You're not very nice. I don't think I like you. You are hostile toward women.
Also you have to take the ferry over to the islands off the coast of Portland.
I will say that for my money Portsmouth NH is a much better and nicer place than Portland is.
the cat is slurping the blood out of my wrists as I type
I did not know this. what's the other?
I will try to do this
I dont gots a choice.
I totally disagree
yes dude. tell me what you know about all of the provinces. really.
You were not asked what you know about the states.
It's cold there.
Have you ever enjoyed the daily sampler at the Smuttynose brewery? Served on a boat oar, 13 beers.


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I thought I would take the opportunity to explain the pictures which are in the album to the right. The British pictures are from the blessed land of Northern England and Wales. I served as a missionary in Northern England in 1998-2000. While there I served in the vicinity of Manchester and Liverpool the whole time. The exact areas were Moreton on the Wirral Peninsula, Hyde near Aston-under-Lyne, Eccles (West Manchester/Salford), Runcorn, Wigan. These pictures were taken during a trip back to Britain during the summer of 2003. While I visited Wales several times on the mission, this was my first real get to know the area trip. Conwy, Caernarven, Harlech, and others were the only castles we visited. I traveled there with a friend and mission companion, Brad Hales, and his sister, Amy. It was a trip not to be forgotten and I hope to make it back in the next few years. I thought there were some pictures of London in there, but apparently not. None of England made it either, I will have to fix that situation.
The next set of pictures are of Amanda and me. The most amazing girl in the world. Not only because she loves me, but as she is just that, amazing. There are pictures of her and I at my Sister's wedding, note the classy 1956 Dodge Coronet. If anyone is interested in purchasing it for a reasonable price, let me know. It needs a little work, but sure looks and runs great. There is a pic after the 4th of July Water Parade in Kaysville, Utah. Then there are pictures from Spring Formal at Utah State University 2005.
In May 2005, I went with a Hemsley Family (Amanda's family) traditional fishing weekend. It was a totally new experience for me. I have never fly fished before. In fact, I had not fished for probably 15 years. Not really into the whole fishing game. It was very fun, fascinating, and terribly beautiful. It was a good chance to bond with the future in-laws. I need to learn how to clean a fish, perhaps we can save that for next year, if I am invited. We also did a little rafting on the trip, some of which photos you wil see.
While I was living in Logan and in the year 2003 we organized a Manti Temple trip. In the end, only five ended up going out of the 20 who committed. Never mind, we enjoyed ourselves. Brian and Karene on the trip found it so wonderful, they fell in love and were married later. Some of Karene's family were from Fountain Green so we got to meet them as well. The Manti Temple is an impressive structure. I think it will need some renovating in upcoming years, but a magnificent monument to the pioneers who went before us. It has not been renovated and modernized like the Logan Temple was. In my opinion, they ruined the Logan Temple. Especially where it was considered the more grand of the two similarly designed temples. Oh well. Life moves on. I have family from Spring City, Wales, Ephraim, and other areas of the San Pete Valley. I could do without the sometimes troublesome smell of turkeys. What a beautiful valley.
The last bunch of current photos is of cars. Yep, some of the loves of my life. I have not done much with cars recently, but I used to quite a bit. There is a 1956 Dodge Coronet which was owned by my mother. She purchased it off a Dr. Karchner, who delivered me as a baby. It is still in my possession. I will have to one day work on fully restoring it, or finding a home for it. I just can't stand to see it sit. The 1955 International R-100 pickup was fully restored. I drove it for my Senior Year in high school at Minico in Rupert. I had it until 2001 when I sold it to John Tanner of Hollywood, California. I doubled the money of which I paid for it, but I had that much in the pickup. A rebuilt engine, and then the restoration after my sister rolled it in 1998. I do still have a 1949 GMC pickup which has just finished being restored. We are looking to sell it at the moment. I also have a 1946 Chevrolet pickup which is all torn apart ready to begin a restoration. I need to divest myself of these autos really. I just am so sentimental, plus I can't keep them. They require upkeep, maintenance, and other expensive help. With getting married and all, I should get rid of them. I can't move to Virginia with them. Oh well. Someday I know I will kick myself for doing so, especially where I see so many of my friends parents doing the same. Well, I am totally rambling, so I am going to close this little entry.
Enjoy the photos. Perhaps I will put some more up sooner than later.


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Forum Home > General > Humour
A medley of jokes...
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Joined: 06 December 2008
Location: United Kingdom
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Posted: 08 December 2008 at 8:28pm
Just a wee note - if any of these appear exceedingly crass or vulgar, by all means remove them, and apologies. I am trying to keep in with the same brand of humour, as has been posted elsewhere in this awesome forum. I would, however, be rather curious to see which ones are moderated...
And finally...
This personal one is quite possibly the best to date. I was reading through a UK broadsheet and stumbled across this absolute gem:
The article was written back in 2003 around the time of the Iraq invasion and dealt with British-American animosity towards one another behind front lines, back at base-camp.
What had initially started out as friendly-on-friendly banter eventually precipitated into a full blown "dissing" contest. Such snide exchanges between 'grown-up, professional men', had naturally made their way into the Khazi's in the poetic form of toilet graffiti. Some of the American soldiers (the perpetrators in this case) had decided that this would be the most appropriate way in which to kick off. And it all started off with, "Yo Mama..!".
-- NOW. I should just point out that apparently, over in the States, this seemingly heinous comment has lead to the unfortunate demise of many a poor unsuspecting "Fool" and is thus considered to be the 'NO-NO' of all insults...Hallowed ground - Thou shalt not tread there!
Whereas this side of the pond, such an opening gambit would most likely be met with, "Well...Great?! Do you know her?"
"Well yeah!! Last night, I did such and such <insert crude expletives> to her"
"Did she now? Goodness! I never thought the old badger had it in her to land such a charming and endearing gentleman such as yourself..! Good on her!" --
Sorry, I'm detracting. The point is that this retort has led to much widespread confusion and thus flummoxed many a marine. Nevertheless, undeterred they continue in their quest to put down their British counterparts.
So - "Yo Mama is <this and that>...an' dont do <such and such> and aint even <blah-blah>..." - You get the picture. SONG & VERSE, ALL THE WAY DOWN THE WALL using a black marker pen, till it appears to have run out.
The British response?
A red highlighter going over the graffiti - circling grammatical, punctuation, spelling and syntax errors.
I nearly had a hernia.
And on that note, I bid you all Salaam and adieu!
Edited by icforumadmin - 09 December 2008 at 11:23pm
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Nothing buttoned up about these collectors
Blame it on grandma's button tin.
That's how George and Gretchen Gauthier of Groton explain certain people's fascination with collecting clothing buttons.
The Gauthiers would know - they estimate they've got 30,000 to 40,000 buttons of their own.
"That old grandmother was born in 1880 or 1890 and she was inheriting her grandmother's buttons. In those days, they were saving every button," said George Gauthier, 73, a retired Pfizer Inc. chemist and the president of two local button clubs. "Most people get started because of their grandmother's button box. They get the button box and they get curious. They ask, 'What is this? What's the style? It's so pretty.'"
That's how George Gauthier's late wife, Joy, got hooked on buttons. She was too busy raising four children when she first received her grandmother's giant jar of buttons. But later, when she had more time to pour them out and look at them, she was smitten.
"Mostly they were shell, or what they call pearl, or simple little cheap metal buttons, but mixed in were a few beautiful glass and china buttons," George Gauthier said.
Joy Gauthier separated and organized her buttons, and later, after she attended her first button show, she was all in.
George admits he became "a button enabler" when Joy was sick with lymphatic cancer. He asked friends and family "to raid their grandmother's button box because Joy needs something new."
People were sending her buttons from all over the country and from two doors away.
Gretchen Beckius and her husband, Brian, who lived practically next door on Tyler Avenue, were good friends of the Gauthiers, and Gretchen, like everyone else, went looking for buttons for Joy. While undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, Joy found solace in her growing button collection.
But Joy succumbed to her cancer in May 2005, and about six weeks later, Brian Beckius suffered a tragic, fatal injury after he fell off a ladder while trimming a tree in his yard.
Already friends and neighbors, George and Gretchen would help one another through the difficult months ahead, as each adjusted to the loss of a longtime spouse. George would do yard work for Gretchen and she would cook him meals. Over time, their relationship grew and the two married about two years later. Then, Gretchen, 53, also got interested in buttons.
George jokes that when he first invited her to go upstairs to "the button room," she gave him a look as if he had asked, "Would you like to come up and see my etchings?" In fact, she did go up to see the buttons, but she asked George to stay downstairs.
She spent several hours letting it all sink in, looking over the cards and trays - collectors organize their buttons on 9-by-12-inch, acid-free pieces of cardboard, sorted by size, composition, decoration, historical period, or some other theme.
"It was like Alice falling down the rabbit hole, only it was Gretchen falling through the button hole," Gretchen Gauthier explained.
A former biologist at Pfizer Inc., she was attracted by the orderliness.
"The taxonomy of buttons is very similar to the taxonomy of biology," she explained. "All mammals, animals, birds are in groups - and buttons have their own taxonomy. I get it because they're organized in a way that my brain already thinks, but you don't have to be a scientist to enjoy buttons."
The Gauthiers have 700 button trays or cards, each holding about 30 to 40 buttons.
There are buttons made of fabric, glass, ceramic, china, shell, horn, metal, wood, plastic, enamel, polymers and more. They have 40 cards of black glass buttons, the result of British Queen Victoria's extended period of mourning following the death of her husband, Prince Albert, in 1861. The queen wore black for almost five decades, and her court and constituents followed suit, creating a demand for black buttons, many of which have found their way to family button boxes.
The couple said a collector may focus on a variety of buttons or concentrate on certain ones, like military, art deco or livery.
Livery buttons - the ones cast by wealthy Europeans for the uniforms of their household staff starting in about 1780 - got a lot more attention when the "Downton Abbey" series came along. A footman like Thomas Barrow on the popular PBS television show would sport buttons decorated with the Grantham family crest on his waistcoat and jacket.
The Gauthiers admit they are always scanning close-ups when they watch the show to see whether the buttons look authentic.
George Gauthier most enjoys collecting calico buttons - a calico pattern inked on an orb of porcelain - which originated near Calcutta, India, but were being mass produced in England by the mid-1840s. There are 327 known patterns that come in a variety of sizes, and he would like to have an example of every one.
Gretchen Gauthier's favorites are the glass buttons. Some in her collection date back to 1850 and others she's recently purchased at a notions' shop.
"People will find glass buttons in their treasures because they survive, they live through fire and other abuse, some hundreds of years," she said.
Scouring tag sales
On average, the couple said they spend about one hour every day focusing on their buttons. George is president of the Owaneco Button Club, which was founded in 1956 and recently moved its monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of every month from Lisbon to Groton. He's also president of the Nutmeg Button Club, founded in 1942, that meets the second Friday of the month at the Killingworth Public Library. And he's treasurer of the Connecticut State Button Society and is active in the National Button Society.
Gretchen is awards chairman of the New England Regional Button Association and also is active in the national group.
At meetings, the Gauthiers and other button club members share their expertise with newcomers, helping them identity and organize what they have.
Once a family button tin has been exhausted, collectors scour tag sales, consignment shops that carry vintage clothing, websites and button shows, where, when a coveted button is found, there's often a loud commotion. George Gauthier said his button friends know when they hear Gretchen whistle that she's found a treasure.
For the initiated, there are three facets of button-collecting: The fashion, style and beauty of a button; its history and how clothing and buttons have changed over time; and the technology or various ways buttons have been made.
Button collectors the couple have met have been as young as 10 and as old as 98. About 85 percent of them are women, George Gauthier said.
In the U.S., button collecting was recognized as an organized hobby with the founding of the National Button Society in 1938.
According to its website, the society emphasizes the preservation and study of clothing buttons and boasts more than 3,000 members on four continents, with 39 of the 50 states represented by state and local button clubs. Its focus is on educational research and exhibitions, the publishing and dissemination of information about buttons, and the preservation of the aesthetic and historical significance of buttons for future generations.
For the Gauthiers, who have other interests and collections, buttons are educational, affordable and easy.
They have a friend who collects pinball machines, and said buttons are easier to handle and organize.
"It's like collecting little pieces of historical art," Gretchen Gauthier said.
"It's a hobby that will take you anywhere you want, and it's manageable," George Gauthier said.
For information on either the Owaneco or Nutmeg button clubs email the Gauthiers at firstname.lastname@example.com
For the National Button Society: www.nationalbuttonsociety.org
For the Connecticut State Button Society: www.connecticutstatebuttonsociety.org
Where have all the bugs gone? 'Hyperalarming' study shows massive insect loss
Senator apologizes for misidentifying sexual assault victims in newspaper ad
Police: Waterford child who died in mother's car lived in deplorable conditions


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Peyton Manning goes elsewhere
Just hours after he announced he was parting ways with the Indianapolis Colts in 2012, Peyton Manning ended up -- where else -- in South Florida. Manning's arrival was chronicled by shaky, grainy video images of him stepping off a plane. Later, his caravan was followed O.J.-style by hovering helicopters. All this set off speculation that Manning soon would be a Dolphin. But the Dolphins meeting with Manning never happened in South Florida. They were forced to meet him in Indianapolis. Manning signed with Denver and the Dolphins signed David Garrard and drafted Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE
Copyright © 2018, Sun Sentinel


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Magnetic Pen, Pencil, or Chalk Holder - Limited Design - Raccoon. This listing is for the magnetic pen/pencil/chalk holder in picture number 1. Picture number two is provided to show this item in use.
Yes, you can find pens with a magnet embedded into or attached to the pen, but when the pen runs out, you have to buy another one. On the other hand, my great little cube will hold virtually all writing utensils less than 3/8 inch diameter. You have got a pen or pencil right where you need one, and the holder can be used again and again.
These are 100% made by me starting with a block of wood and some rubber, and I have customers that are still using pen holders they bought in 2005. So, buy handmade, and buy with confidence!
If you're anything like me, you have at least one magnetic note pad on your refrigerator, but you can never find a pen to write on it. This special cube looks attractive and keeps that pen or pencil right next to the magnetic pad with no string to get tangled or torn.
You'll want to buy more than one of these great handcrafted pencil holders because they disappear fast! Sneaking into your craft room, the office, and the garage or workshop!
**Not intended for ages 12 and Under**


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Dec 30, 2007 at 10:53 pm
Dude, I love your Beretta! Looks great in white with the clean Euro kit on it. Haha, awesome pictures of your autocrossing and rallying! I'm making my V6 Mustang out to be an autocross/drag car.
Sep 6, 2007 at 9:14 am
Whats up dude? another Bstuffer in da house!
Feb 28, 2007 at 9:07 am
Nice Bird. you have done well with it. Have lots of fun. If you can, come on the Bandit Run with us. It shall be a BLAST!


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SHARJAH: AB de Villiers stormed to an unbeaten century to help South Africa beat Pakistan convincingly by 117 runs in the fifth and final one-dayer in Sharjah on Monday, winning the five-match series 4-1.
De Villiers scored 115 from 102 balls with ten boundaries and three sixes, his 15th one-day hundred, to lift South Africa to an imperious 268-7 before bowling Pakistan out for 151 in 35.3 overs.
Sohaib Maqsood top-scored with a solid 53 but otherwise Pakistan failed to capitalise on a weakened South African bowling attack, with spearheads Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, and spinner Imran Tahir rested for the meaningless match as the series had already been decided.
De Villiers said it was satisfying to win the series after the team's 4-1 loss in Sri Lanka in July.
"It is satisfying to win the series and I think the players played exceptionally well throughout the series and played as a unit," said De Villiers.
"It was tough to bat on this pitch but I hung on and we were thinking of 220-plus, but in the end we got a good total."
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq rued another batting failure.
"I think they played very well," said Misbah.
"They deserved this win and it was the same old batting collapse. We have to seriously think about this."
Pakistan were 8-2 with Ahmed Shehzad (two) and Mohammad Hafeez (six) by the fifth over, once again highlighting their top-order failure in the series.
It was Maqsood, who hit 56 on his debut in Abu Dhabi on Friday, who gave some consolation to another lackluster batting effort with a 63-ball half-century before he became one of two victims for Jean-Paul Duminy, who finished with 2-14. Wayne Parnell finished with 3-36.
Umar Akmal made 30 while Misbah managed 18. Shahid Afridi (nine) and Umar Amin (five) failed once more as South Africa took the last six wickets for a mere 41 runs.
South Africa won the toss and batted on a slow Sharjah stadium pitch.
De Villiers lifted the tempo in the final overs, hitting Sohail Tanvir's final over for 25 runs, reaching his hundred with a four towards mid-wicket, which came off 99 balls.
He then hit the left-armer for six, four and four to help South Africa add 114 in the last ten overs.
At 105 he also completed 6,000 one-day runs, becoming the fifth South African batsmen to reach the milestone. Jacques Kallis (11,469), Herschelle Gibbs (8094), Graeme Smith (6976) and Gary Kirsten (6798) were others to score 6,000 or more one-day runs for South Africa.
De Villiers was initially slow, reaching his fifty off 70 balls, with a big six off Saeed Ajmal towards mid-wicket. He added an invaluable 83 for the sixth wicket with Ryan McLaren (27) before lashing out in the final overs.
De Villiers had built the innings with an invaluable 62-run stand for the fourth wicket with Faf du Plessis, who made an 89-ball 46 with the help of two boundaries.
Quinton de Kock (34) added 50 with Du Plessis after Hashim Amla fell in the first over of the innings for three. Ajmal finished with 3-45 while Khan took 2-57.
South Africa won the first match by one run in Sharjah before Pakistan levelled the series with a 66-run win in Dubai. South Africa then won both the matches in Abu Dhabi by 68 and 28 runs respectively.
The two teams now play Twenty20 internationals in Dubai on Wednesday and Friday.


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A simple one page layout makes it easy to see news items, events, emails, action items, documents (in all formats) and other information. This page can serve as your project or consortium's home page with links as appropriate to external URLs.
The following sections highlight the key features of a Plato site. Note that there is total flexibility in which features are used in any one site, and also flexibility in features visible at different access levels.
Access to information is available at a number of levels, with access to each level controlled through membership of one or more mailing lists. The names of each level can be customized to suit the project needs. A public view and up to three levels of controlled access views are provided. Confirmation of the level you are accessing is displayed in the left navigation panel for controlled access views:
Emails sent to specified mailing lists are automatically made visible in the mail archive section:
Other information can be entered online without the need for an html web page editor, and documents uploaded through your web browser without the need for special upload software (for example ftp client). All information is secured on our web, database, and email servers.
The Open Group's online document review system is integrated to allow authorized users to add comments in context and view all comments with the authors' names. A voting capability provides a mechanism for authorized users to vote, for example, to vote for acceptance or rejection of a proposed amendment to a document.
Navigation bars, headings, custom pages, and content are under the control of the client's administrator(s). A separate group of administrators can be defined who can access the maintainers links.
The overall look and feel, and the style sheet can be customized on the client's behalf. The system interfaces to The Open Group's email and web access system which in turn links to the membership database and conference/event management system. New facilities developed for clients are available to other clients who make us of the common resources.


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Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel believes returning striker Daniel Sturridge will be key to his side's bid for victory against Swansea on Sunday.
The 23-year-old missed Monday's clash with West Brom due to a hamstring injury and was cup-tied for the trip to Zenit St Petersburg on Thursday - with both games ending in 2-0 defeats.
|Daniel Sturridge is 9/2 to score the first goal when Liverpool take on Swansea with BetVictor
But, after manager Brendan Rodgers revealed that the former Chelsea man will back for the visit of the Swans, Skrtel has claimed his reintroduction is a big boost.
"I think in the games Daniel has started, he has shown his skills, his quality and his strengths," the defender told the club's official website.
"He's proved he can help the team and so I hope he will be back in the side for Swansea.
"With him our attacking strength is much higher. You can see that in the games he's played so far. He links with Luis Suarez and with Steven Gerrard and he is a real danger for every defender he faces. He will help us to get the three points.
"He's a difficult player to mark, he's a top striker and its difficult to play against him in training."
Michael Laudrup's men face Bradford in the Capital One Cup final a week after their trip to Anfield, but the Slovakia international does not think the visitors will be distracted.
"It doesn't matter if it's before or after the cup final because they have good experience in their team," he added.
"It's going to be tough and we know we have to do our best. After a few bad games, we have to show our quality and get the three points."


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Gov. Hassan signs Joshua's Law on domestic violenceBY GARRY RAYNO
New Hampshire Union Leader
June 19. 2014 12:50PM
CONCORD — Becky Ranes, the mother of slain 9-year-old Joshua Sayvon, helped convince lawmakers that New Hampshire needs a separate crime of domestic violence.
Thursday, Ranes joined Gov. Maggie Hassan in her office when she signed Senate Bill 318, or Joshua's Law.
Joshua Sayvon was killed by his father, Muni Savyon, at a Manchester visitation center at the city's YWCA last August. Savyon was under a protective order for threatening his family.
Hassan said Ranes has shown remarkable courage in sharing her story and advocating for the law.
Joshua's Law will not change current law or enhance penalties but gathers existing laws under one section of the criminal code.


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Posted by: Jack Santos
As a general rule, IT is not very unionized, although there are exceptions. I have been lucky in my career - as a software developer (25 years ago) I never had to cross a picket line, or participate in a job action. As an IT manager and CIO (over the past 10 years), I rarely had to take into account union actions (the exception being the collateral damage from nurses unions and hospital service employees). The relationship between company management and unionization has always been a curious one for me, and one with which I have had ambiguous feelings.
At a recent party, I fell into a conversation with an older, retired gentleman. He was engaging, and had a fair amount of knowledge about technology and the telecommunications industry - which we talked about. The conversation migrated to one about the future of the country (vis a vis the healthcare bill recently passed), and how the US is bankrupt if you take into account unfunded liabilities - such as pensions and retiree benefits. This fellow thought that the day of reckoning is near, and that the level of funding for many pension plans - state, federal, and at some Fortune 500 companies - was a crime.
In the same breath, as a retiree he acknowledged that he was a recipient of the largess of the past 50 years - for which he feels fortunate. But this is where the conversation took an interesting turn. When I asked him what he did for work, he fessed up: he was the most senior union representative for the telecommunications workers union, and was singly responsible for negotiating those pension benefits - for which he was proud.
Talk about cognitive dissonance! How, I asked, did he sync up his life's work with his assessment of where we are today? His response was hostile: the senior executives across the table caved and because of that are fully responsible for the current issues. His job was to work the best deal possible, even if he knew that it could lead to the demise of the company, much less the country. The big picture was not his concern. If company CEOs, such as at Verizon, had stood their ground and done their job, we wouldn't be where we are today -- on the verge of financial chaos. The blame, he said, lies at management's feet.
My role at Gartner does not involve corporate management - but my mindset and training as a CIO has always been to consider the big picture, to avoid black and white thinking, and to value collaboration. Burton's Executive Advisory Program raises the level of discourse in IT above pure technology decision-making, and address the short and long-term implications; and to make IT decisions in a business context for IT practitioners, as well as senior management teams. Chris Howard does this by talking about "Post Modern IT"; Mike Rollings addresses the need to move away from black and white thinking in Enterprise Architecture; Michael Disabato looks at ITIL and makes the case against ITIL as a pure cookbook approach to IT services.
This union leader's perspective has been adjusted to avoid what would certainly be a crisis for his self-esteem, his value of his life's work, and his legacy. As he spoke, I saw the struggle in his eyes, words, actions. Company executives that were across the table hold some degree of accountability, too - but the real shame in what has transpired over the past 50 years has been our collective inability to rise above individual self-interest. This, like the real estate bubble and CDOs were in the recent "Great Recession", is the foundation for the next major financial crisis.
In IT, the lessons are similar - a focus on individual technologies and architectures alone without context is just preparation for long-term failure. IT practitioners and IT leaders alike need guidance and perspective.
That's what I do.


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Visitor's Register
The Governmental Accounting Standards Board's constituent database helps the GASB focus its efforts to obtain input on its research projects, to involve a broader range of constituents in its standard-setting activities, and to target its educational and outreach efforts to the appropriate audiences.
Please take a few minutes to fill out the following informational questionnaire. Any information you provide will be kept strictly confidential, and will not be shared with anyone outside of the GASB or the Financial Accounting Foundation.
If you have any questions, please contact Dean Michael Mead at 203-956-5294, or email@example.com. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and assistance.
ATTENTION: If you have previously submitted this form to the GASB, you do not need to do so again unless you wish to change some of the information. If you need to update or change the information you previously submitted, please check the box below, enter your full name and address, and enter only the information that has changed. Thank you.


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Mars: Past, Present, Future
My research project is about the planet Mars. In my project you will learn what we knew and believed in the past and in the present, and then I will explain what might happen in the near future. Will there be a manned mission to Mars? Is there evidence that there is life on Mars? I will also include what fascinates me about this topic. You probably know that Mars is the fourth planet from the sun. You might even know that NASA is running many tests and observing Mars very closely, but did you know that the Babylonians first observed Mars as early as 400 B.C.?
We knew very little about Mars in the 1900s, compared to what we know today. Many astronomers observed Mars through telescopes. Each astronomer had a theory, or belief about Mars. Many of these theories were incorrect. Take a look at some of the information we knew, believed, and "thought we knew" in 1900.
In 1887, Giovanni Schiaparelli discovered dried riverbeds, using an 81/2-inch telescope at the Brera Observatory in Milan, Italy. He called his discovery canali, the Italian word for canals and channels. Percival Lowell, an American astronomer, viewed the canals in the early 1900s. He believed the canals were made by Martian life to bring water from the polar ice caps to the equator where they lived. The late 1800s and early 1900s are known for this "canal craze." In 1900, we knew about the dried riverbeds or canals. We hadn't been to Mars yet so we didn't know what the Martian landscape looked like. Astronomers didn't know that the canals were dry; some thought they were filled with water.
Another theory was that the color contrasts on the Martian surface were great oceans. Some astronomers believed the oceans were filled with fishlike animals. Other astronomers, including Percival Lowell, believed the color contrast was vegetation. Today we know the color contrasts are huge dust storms rolling across the planet.
There was some speculation between astronomers whether there was or wasn't water vapor on the planet. W. W. Campbell, then-director of the Lick Observatory in California, said he had detected water vapor. Many astronomers disagreed with him. Another theory was that the atmosphere was full of oxygen, like on Earth. The late 1800s and early 1900s were a time of theories and beliefs. The next century's discoveries would prove them right or wrong.
The time between 1900 and 2000 was one of trial and error. If we made a mistake we would learn from it and try to solve it the next time around. The following information outlines facts we learned between 1900 and 2000. I have also included some information we now believe about the Red Planet.
In 1938, a radio station broadcasted a novel called The War of the Worlds, by H. G. Wells. The story tells how Martians come to Earth to try to take over because they had run out of things they needed on their planet. The broadcast caused many people in the United States to panic. The reading made many people think that Martians were taking over the world. This shows that in 1938 some humans believed it possible for Martians to exist and come to Earth.
In the 1950s little was done about Mars observation due to the beginning of the "moon race" between the United States and the former Soviet Union. In the 1960s, we began to reach toward Mars. The main question about Mars was whether life existed on the planet. We still ask the same question today. Missions in the 1960s and 1970s included soil samples and mapping the planet. In 1976, Viking 1 became the first vehicle to land on the planet. This was a huge accomplishment in Mars exploration. Viking 1 took soil samples to look for any evidence of life. They found none, but it was a huge success anyway because it beamed back pictures of the Martian surface.
In 1975, the tallest mountain in the solar system was discovered on Mars. It was named Olympus Mons. It is a shield volcano that reaches 15.5 miles high.
In the 1980s, the United States didn't send any orbiters or landers to Mars.
The 1990s were a productive time for Mars exploration. Many trips to Mars resulted in new information. One very successful mission was the Mars Pathfinder, only the third vehicle to land on Mars. It sent back panoramic images of the Martian surface and also took soil samples.
In 1996, a very interesting discovery was made on a meteorite that was found in 1984. Astronomers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) believed they found evidence of life on the meteorite. They said that there was microscopic waste in the crevasses of the meteorite. Scientists said that this could be evidence of ancient life on Mars. Along with the good in the 1990s there was some bad. In 1999, NASA made some very costly mistakes. Recently, the Mars Climate Orbiter crashed into Mars. Also in 1999, the Mars Polar Lander was declared lost after NASA tried several times to make contact with it after its [projected] landing on the Martian surface. We have to remember that we learn from our mistakes.
In 2000, we know about the geography, atmosphere, and climate of the Red Planet. I think the twentieth century was very successful in learning new information about Mars.
During the current century, I think a lot will happen. I believe that in the next 30 years we will have sent humans to Mars. At the end of the century we might even see people living on the Red Planet! Here are some events already planned for the twenty-first century:
In 2003 and 2005, NASA is planning two sample return missions. In 2003, one lander will be launched and land on Mars. It will drill into the planet and gather several different samples. After gathering samples, the rocks will be placed in a "small chamber" and launched into orbit to wait for retrieval. In 2005, an identical lander will be launched and land in a different region of the planet. It will also collect samples. It will be launched into orbit in a different chamber; a French orbiter will then retrieve the two chambers and bring them back to Earth. This mission should be completed by the year 2008.
NASA is planning a manned mission to Mars around 2010. The mission will take a series of stages, and will include the astronauts having to stay on Mars for 16 to 18 months to make new fuel for the journey home.
One thing that might be done in the next century is terraforming. Terraforming is when scientists change the temperature and atmosphere of a planet to allow life to exist on it. This is a long process that would take many years. Terraforming is another option for living on Mars.
What will we believe in the next century? It is hard to know because we do not know how much we will have learned. Maybe we will think there is life underground or maybe we will think there is life on one of Mars's moons. Whatever we believe, the next century is bound to be very successful.
Why are people so interested in a barren planet? We are probably interested in Mars because we are curious about what has happened on the planet. We want to know everything we can about our neighbor. Maybe one day we will need to live there.
Before I did this project, I think the thing that fascinated me the most was the study of life on Mars. After doing this project, the thing that fascinates me the most is the amount we have accomplished in the last century, and the plans for the new century. At the beginning of the twentieth century, we had only viewed Mars through telescopes; now we use computers to take orbiters and landers there. I think it is amazing we can learn this much through computers and other technology about a place that is so far away.
I have learned a lot about the planet Mars while doing this project. It was very interesting to see how much we have learned and what we might know in 2100. I think that if we keep going at this rate, we will be living on Mars by 2100.
Encarta 1999.
Exploring Mars: History [Web site no longer active]
Henbest, Nigel. The Planets. Great Britain: Viking, 1992.
Karon, Tony. "Whoops! A Wrong Turn--and a Spacecraft is MIA" Time Daily, (September 23 1999). http://www.time.com/time/daily/0,2960,31381,00.html
Life on Mars. Videocassette. Finely-Holiday Film Corp., 1996. 59 min.
National Space Science Data Center, NASA, "A Crewed Mission to Mars." http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/mars/marsretu.html
Newcott, William R. "Return to Mars." National Geographic, August 1998: 2-29.
Slipher, E.C. Lowell. "Our Knowledge of the Planet Mars." Scientific American, October 17, 1914: 317-318.
Stott, Carole, and Clint Twist. Space Facts. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
Very, F. W. "Water Vapor on Mars." Nature, October 20, 1910: 495.
Wells, H. G. War of the Worlds. United States of America: Watermill Press, 1980.
More About This Resource...
This winning entry in the museum's Young Naturalist Awards 2000 takes a look at Mars. Andrew's narrative essay covers:
- astronomers' beliefs about Mars in the early 1900s
- how research over the next century lead to what we know now about the Red Planet
- the more than 30 Mars exploration trips conducted by the Soviet Union, U.S., and Japan
- his predictions about what Mars discoveries the next 30 years will bring
Completion Time
Less than 1 period
Teacher Tip
Supplement a study of astronomy with an activity drawn from this winning student essay.
- Send students to this online article, or print copies of the essay for them to read.
- Have them write a brief essay that explains their predictions about what new discoveries will be made in the next 30 years.
OriginYoung Naturalist Awards


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About this time last year Tame Impala's psych vibes were only familiar to a small-ish band of very cool psych heads. Then came that single, the genius album and world domination, and a BlackBerry ad, followed.
Another psych band who I think might just be about to take off in the same way are LA's Foxygen. Put simply they are, IMO, the best American band, since oooh The Strokes. Their debut EP, Take the Kids Off Broadway, was fun but their new album which came out a few weeks ago, We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic, I do not think will be bettered this year. It really is that exceptional.
Admittedly ace producer Richard Swift has shorn the band of some of their quirkiness, but by making them focus on the songs themselves, and the superbly clever arrangements, he has done them a huge favour.
That isn't to say you haven't heard some of the music before. But this is no Oasis style slavish homage to long gone musical era. For me the band's spiritual forbears are the incredible US psych band The United States of America, a band whose only album drew heavily on all manner of American music – from classical through to gospel and folk – to create what was for the time an astonishingly ambitious record.
And so it is with Foxygen. There's a whiff of Elvis here, a Dylan touch there. I can also make out snatches of cult acts like The Music Machine (in On Blue Mountain) and The Zombies too. But even if moments of the songs sound familiar the tracks themselves are utterly unique and never ever short of incendiary.
Best tracks? Well all of them. But you have to love the opener In The Darkness for its Magical Mystery Tour era Beatles sunny optimism and Shuggie for its really clever structure and killer chorus. And then there's No Destruction already infamous for its line – 'You don't have be an asshole you are not in Brooklyn any more,' pay off line. In San Francisco (see above) they have a gorgeous tune that sounds like Syd Barrett fronting Belle & Sebastian.
Also in an era of faceless musicians, frontman Sam France has the swagger, the self-belief and the hair to rival Jacco Gardner as the poster boy for a new generation of psych acts
Just pray that the don't do a Strokes and piss any momentum they had away by hanging out with models and starring in lame fashion shoots
Foxygen have just played a series of sold out dates in London. I saw them at The Lexington and they are every bit as manic and ambitious live as they are on record.
They will be the biggest psych band of the year, no question, and maybe as huge as Tame Impala were last year. Perhaps what they lack is that annoying killer track for BBC 6 Music to get all over like the Impala's Elephant. I am sure that will come.
They are back in the UK in June, so make sure you catch them then.
Here are some images from the gig the other night courtesy of Ashley Nissim.


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Kate Gosselin refuted rumors that two of her children had been expelled from school.
The reality show star and mother of eight elected to pull out Collin and Alexis, both 6, from a Pennsylvania private school so they could be homeschooled, she recently told "Entertainment Tonight."
"Two of my children are being tutored at home, with a teacher who is working closely with our kindergarten teachers in school, doing the identical curriculum," Gosselin said on the show.
Gosselin, who went through a very public divorce from ex-hubby Jon last year after 10 years of marriage, said the fallout from the high-profile split was affecting the kids.
"The pressure was getting to them," she said. "You have the divorce anger mixed in with that. ... The goal is to get them back into school as soon as possible."
The reality show mom said she plans to share Thanksgiving with ex-hubby Jon.
"We have been able to work out the holiday time peacefully," she said. "So I will have the first half, he will have the second half, and, we just take it year by year, and holiday by holiday."
Selected Reading: Entertainment Tonight, New York Daily News, CNN


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I thought I'd write long prose about how fantastic this Spring was for our Guild. I was going to write lovely things about my trip to Toronto. . .
How Fantastic our Retreat was. . .
(Honestly, it was TONS of fun. . .don't let this picture throw you off! Start saving your pennies for next year!)
Go on and on about how I loved the Stash Swap and Sale at our last meeting. . .(Sorry, I forgot my camera for this one, but trust me, we all enhanced our stashes while getting rid of some major amounts of yarn we didn't want.)
Talk about my knitting a top especially for Prom. . .(you'll have to imagine us not on our sides. . .and BOTH of these are hand knit tops, Gloria's was her first sweater!)Share all of the wonderful things about the Shop Hop we went on in Lansing. . .
Have a finished "do-over" top to show you (now I'm just ripping it out all together, it's a long story. . .)
Brag a bit about all of the socks I've knit. . .I think I'm on 17 or 18 since January. . .
Tell you some things about my weekend at Insel Haus with Christa. . .
But honestly? All I want to do is work on this.
Kim sucked me in without even trying. . .Who else is in?