text:
Military Families
PTA values the service of all men and women who serve in the military. We can never forget that even as our military personnel make sacrifices each day for our country, so do their families. Regardless of whether they are located overseas or at home, our military families provide a level of support that many of us may never understand, and we want to return the favor.
PTA provides resources and opportunites for enriching activities for the service men and their familes. Military families bring a richness of experience to their schools, their communities, and their PTA units. We owe it to them and to ourselves to help them make their family sacrifices as painless and successful as possible.
Celebrate and Show Support for Military Children! -- April is Month of the Military Child
Each April, America honors the courage and recognizes the sacrifice of over 1.7 million children in military families nationwide. The life of military children has always had its challenges, foremost among them being frequent relocations. Every time families move, children have to make new friends, get used to new schools, and find new clubs and teams to join. A lot of military children take these changes in stride and some even thrive on them, but it is hard - kids have to rebuild their world every time and find their place in it. Month of the Military Child provides a powerful opportunity to raise awareness and build support to help these children meet the unique challenges they face! It is an opportunity to recognize military children and youth for their heroism, character, courage, sacrifices and continued resilience.
This year's theme, "Proud, Ready & Resilient," highlights military children's unique lifestyle and their ability to succeed despite frequent relocations, reintegration, deployments, loss or care for a wounded parent.
Below are a number of resources to help guide you with ways that you can raise awareness of the military children in your schools and local communities during the month of April:
National Military Family Association
Military Teens Toolkit http://www.militaryfamily.org/publications/teen-toolkit/
Operation Military Kids
Check with the state contact of Operation Military Kids for opportunities to cross-promote and partner with existing events during the month of April.
Month of the Military Child is an important observance and can be a lot of fun. So please be encouraged to get the word out in your school and your community! Join in honoring and celebrating military children during the month of April.
Note: PTA presidents can "Google" Month of the Military Child, for lots of information and ideas!
Military Family Essay Winners
Every year Utah PTA, in partnership with Utah National Guard, holds an essay contest for Military Families. The three winning students from Elementary School, Middle School/Junior High, and High School receive a cash prize and are honored at the Utah National Guard Veteran's Day Concert in November
A Military Family is one that has a family member presently serving or who has served in the Active, Reserve or National Guard (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard). If children live with guardians or grandparents who are presently serving or who have served, they are also included.
The theme for the essay contest is "Why I am proud of my Veteran!"
The 2018 Essay Contest Winners are:
Riley Eaton (Elementary), Laynie Allred, (Junior), Shaheen Takmili (High School)
National PTA and Military Child Education Coalition Unite to Support Military Families
Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
• Military families encounter significant school challenges when dealing with enrollment, eligibility, placement, and graduation of their children, due to frequent relocations in the course of service to our country. Most military children will have six to nine different school systems in their lives from kindergarten to 12th grade.
• The Council of State Governments' National Center for Interstate Compacts, in cooperation with the Department of Defense, has worked to develop an interstate compact that deals with these issues.
• The compact reflects input from policy experts and stakeholders from 18 different organizations, including representatives of parents, teachers, school administrators, military families, and federal, state, and local officials.
• The Compact will allow for the uniform treatment, at the state and local district level, of military children transferring between school dists and states.
• Each participating state must adopt the Compact through legislation; it will go into effect when adopted by 10 states. (This is not a mandate to states, as participation by states is completely voluntary.)
• Each Compact state will appoint representation to an on-going governing Commission which will enact necessary rules and give further guidance to the Compact's implementation. Only those state commissioners will have voting authority.
• Efforts have begun to educate state policymakers regarding the need for the Compact, and the nature and widespread use of Interstate Compacts, generally.
The National PTA Partnership will Educate and Mobilize Communities to Support Military-Connected Children
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 12, 2011) – In response to First Lady Michelle Obama's and Dr. Jill Biden's "Joining Forces" initiative, National PTA and the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) announced they will partner to engage military families and support the more than one million grade school-age military children.
The partnership will work to build connections between military and civilian parents and students through programs and activities in highly military-impacted school districts. The two organizations will also work together to educate state PTA leaders on fostering a common understanding of military child education issues and communicate the role that they can play in supporting these families.
"For decades our military-based PTAs around the world have worked hard to increase family engagement and student achievement. This partnership helps us take it a step further by educating all of our PTAs and civilian parents on military family life so that we all are more aware and responsive to the unique needs of military children and families," says Charles J. "Chuck" Saylors, National PTA President.
"We have enormous respect for the mission of the PTA and this robust partnership presents a powerful opportunity to support America's military-connected children," said Mary M. Keller, Ed.D., President and CEO of MCEC. "Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden have done so much to mobilize support for the children of our men and women in uniform- these children also serve," added Dr. Keller.
Some of the key deliverables to the partnership include the development of a toolkit and guide for parents that describes the unique needs of military families and provide strategies and ideas for them to better engage military families. The toolkit will include a "Guide to Engaging with Military-Connected Parents" developed by MCEC. The partnership will also work to increase the number of schools nationwide participating in their parent and student engagement programs.
When the New School Beckons: Military Families in Transition
When the New School Beckons: Military Families in Transition
by: Kathleen P. O'Beirne
Every year, many students move with their families to new communities. Some moves are to allow one or both parents to pursue a new job opportunity, or unfortunately, a move may be the result of a job layoff or divorce. Children in military families move more frequently than their civilian peers. In addition to their mobility, these children may be faced with multiple deployments of one or more parents. More National Guard and Reserve members are being called up, and many military parents are receiving back-to-back combat assignments. It is crucial for educators and school families to understand and talk about these dynamics so they can act as partners in supporting children in military families.
The first step in supporting mobile military students is understanding the normal reactions to a move. While the process can go smoothly, there can be especially trying times as well, depending on the age and developmental stage of the child. Teens tend to have an especially tough time leaving their peers; on the other hand, late elementary school students may love the adventure. Knowing the basic stages of a move can help educators and school families understand the emotions often felt by transferring students and their families—and can help them find ways to ease the transitions.
Stages of transition
Stage 1: Anticipation and notification of a move
Once the orders actually come, parents should be sure to alert their children's schools at least several weeks before the move is scheduled to occur to allow the schools enough time to compile a thorough cumulative folder for each student and provide exit counseling. Key during this period is for the transferring students to hear from their teachers and peers how they have made a difference. Research on military families shows that the exit time is even more critical than the first days at the new school. The quality of the landing is largely determined by the quality of the launch.
A transferring student's parents and current school counselor should communicate with the new school to share information about the student's special needs and achievements and to ensure proper placement. If the family has been active in PTA, the PTA president at the family's current school should offer to alert the PTA president at the new school of the family's impending arrival. The PTA at the new school will be able to ease the family's transition by helping the family get acquainted with the school, the community, and other PTA families.
Stage 2: The actual move
Many military-connected high schools now have the Military Child Education Coalition's (MCEC's) counseling referral system, which connects families and students with counselors so they can discuss upcoming moves and their ramifications. (The MCEC website [www.militarychild.org] lists participating schools.)
Despite the widespread use of e-mail to send documents, military families should hand-carry copies of official school documents to ensure that there are no delays in enrollment.
Stage 3: House-hunting
Stage 4: Making it home
Stage 5: Getting to know the new school
Teens often find the transition to a new school very trying. They tend to be sensitive about social matters and usually hate being the object of attention. Because their parents are unfamiliar with the new area and the new students, transferring teens may temporarily lose some of the privileges they had in their previous home, such as driving and staying late after school with friends—and they may resent that loss of freedom. It may take teens one to two months to become comfortable in the new school. Flipping through scrapbooks and e-mailing friends from their previous school may help students keep a sense of self during this time.
Stage 6: Self-discovery
Students will need to exercise care as they navigate the choices available. The "fringe groups" are always looking for new members, but the other groups tend to take a while to open up. If counselors, teachers, and families are supportive during this time, mobile students will emerge with a strong sense of themselves and a purposeful commitment to their new school and community. Students may connect to a school community more quickly if they join a school group, such as band or a sports team.
Stage 7: Turning point—recognition and acceptance
The pitfalls of mobility
If families move more frequently than once every two years, they may experience cumulative relocation or cumulative deployment fatigue, which occur when there is insufficient time for achieving a full transition. Students and families who have not stayed in the same place for at least 18 months after stage seven may need extra help with their new transitions.
A healthy new start
Military families bring a richness of experience to their schools, their communities, and their PTA units. We owe it to them and to ourselves to help them make their frequent but necessary transitions as painless and successful as possible.
Kathleen P. O'Beirne has published many articles on and resources for military families. She was raised in a military family and is a Navy wife and mother. She can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.
5 Things School Leaders Can Do To Connect With Military Families
The average military family moves three times more often than its civilian counterpart, according to the Department of Defense. This transiency often disrupts a military family child's friendships, academic progress, and sense of connectedness. School leaders can ensure that during the time military children are in their schools—however short that time—these students have a sense of stability and safety and stay on track toward graduation. Here are 5 things school leaders can do to build connections:
1. Develop a welcome packet for military children. Include information about the mission of the school district, graduation requirements, curriculum requirements, attendance requirements, dress code requirements, immunizations, and school calendar, as well as school-specific information about clubs and organizations, a map of the school, and bell schedule. Also include information about resources for military families, including special workshops, orientations, and transition activities. (See a sample Checklist for Transferring Students on the Military Child Education Coalition website.)
2. Establish a buddy program for military children at each school. The buddy is a friendly face; a key source of information about the school, its programs, extracurricular activities, sports, expectations, and traditions; and someone to sit with at lunch and at athletic events. The Junior Student to Student and the Student to Student transition programs developed by the Military Child Education Coalition are effective models (www.militarychild.org).
3. Encourage parents and guardians to be active in the school. Their presence in the school may provide a sense of comfort to ease their child's transition. Encourage their involvement in the PTA, on committees, and on school and district planning teams. In addition, parents may be able to share some insights into how the school can make their child feel more connected. Publicize volunteer opportunities in school newspapers and on the school and district websites.
4. Promote student participation in extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities are an excellent way for students to meet classmates and quickly feel a part of the school, so help them explore all the options. Military students may come to the school after the deadline for signing up for activities, auditioning for drama productions, or trying out for sports—encourage teachers and coaches to find a place for them anyway.
5. Encourage parents, guardians and students to become involved with national organizations. Involvement in national organizations such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and 4H will help families connect to the community. Association with national organizations also will pave the way for continued connections when the families move to a different community, where the organization can provide a sense of continuity.
Military Family Board Specialist
By Kathy Allred, Utah PTA Military Family Specialist, National PTA Military Family Support Committee, email@example.com
The life of military families and children has always had challenges, foremost among them being frequent relocations and separations. Every time military families move, children have to adapt, make new friends, get used to new schools, and find new clubs and teams to join. It is hard for kids to have to rebuild their world every time and find their place in it. Having a PTA board member as a Military Family Appointee or Specialist provides a powerful opportunity to raise awareness and build support to help these children meet the unique challenges they face! It is an opportunity to recognize military children and youth for their heroism, character, courage, sacrifices and resilience.
Did you know?
- Two million military children have experienced a parental deployment since 2001.
- There are currently 1.7 million military children of active duty members worldwide.
- Nearly 80 percent of military children attend public schools throughout the United States.
- The average military family moves three times more often than their civilian counterpart.
- The repeated and extended separations and increased hazards of deployment compound stressors in military children's lives.
- One third of school-age military children show psychosocial behaviors such as being anxious, worrying often, crying more, and/or acting out.
- The U.S. military consists of approximately 1.4 million active duty service members and 810,000 National Guard and Selected Reserve. Usually Active Duty military families live on or near military installations. National Guard and Reserve families might never live near a military installation, and look within their community for educational services, friendship and support.
- A positive school environment, built upon caring relationships among all participants—students, teachers, staff, administrators, parents and community members—has been shown to impact not only academic performance but also positively influence emotions and behaviors of military connected students.
- Supporting the military child takes a school-wide and community-wide effort, and professional development opportunities to inform school staff of the academic and social-emotional challenges military children face.
Utah PTA has a Military Family Specialist and we encourage all local PTAs to have one. On our website, www.utahpta.org, under Programs then Military Families, you will find numerous ideas and resources to help all school personnel, PTA leaders and members understand, identify and recognize these military families and children. In Utah there are over 18,000 children who have one or more parents, step-parents, siblings, or extended family members on full-time duty status in the military, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty. Help us to help them!
What are the challenges our Military Families face? They face frequent relocations, educational inconsistencies-different school systems, adjusting to new neighbors and communities, leaving friends and making new friends, family separations, grandparents as care givers, disability or loss of family member and many other challenges.
What can PTA do? Communicate with military families, educate the community, advocate eliminating nation-wide educational inconsistencies, and being a source of information and support.
How do we reach and include them? Identify them, and find out who they are. Invite them, welcome them, and ask them to participate. Inform them of events and programs and communicate with them. Involve them, because volunteering is what they do. Include them, because no job is too small to use their skills.
How does PTA benefit Military Families? PTA supports them by reaching out to them. PTA sustains them by being there for them. PTA leaders and members recognize and honor their sacrifice and acknowledge their service.
Ideas to Celebrate and Recognize Military Families and Children
- Have a patriotic program in a School Assembly (See Planning Assembly on website: www.utahpta.org) and wear a camouflage ribbon or article of clothing on Assembly Day, or on Veteran's Day, President's Day or any patriotic day.
- Have the students wear red, white and blue to school and have each child describe what each color means to them. Then discuss the real meaning of the colors.
- Have students create artwork that promotes patriotism and display it in the classroom and/or school. This could be done anytime during the school year but throughout November, Military Family Month or April, the Month of the Military Child, or around any patriotic holiday it would be especially meaningful.
- Encourage the reading of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.
- Present a patriotic play or story in class prior to Armed Forces Day, Veteran's Day, Flag Day or Memorial Day.
- Have a "Take Your Veteran to School Day" (See ideas on website: www.utahpta.org) Suggest veteran wear his/her military uniform to the assembly, or a program or to the child's classroom. The child could introduce him/her.
- Have students write a paper on "Serving our Nation" by interviewing a former or current member of the military.
- Sing a patriotic song, or learn a dance or memorize a patriotic poem as a class.
- Have students write a paragraph, poem or short story about, "Why I am Grateful to Those in Military Service".
- Invite a student's military family member to the class to explain what their military service meant/means to them.
- Have the students write a letter, as a class or individually, to a soldier. (Mailing addresses can be provided)
Celebrate Patriotic holidays and/or Military Family Month in November and Month of the Military Child in April (See ideas, planning timelines and suggested patriotic program on website: www.utahpta.org)
National PTA Supports our Military Families by creating and continuing The National PTA® Military Alliance for Parents and Partners. This is a group of organizations that work together to provide resources to and advocate for military-connected families. MAPP develops collaborative strategy to create awareness of military families and their needs. National PTA has a Military Family Support Committee. Along with MAPP, it serves military families and PTA by providing and developing resources that will help and support them.
The participants include: AUSA: Association of the United States Army, DoDEA: U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity, MCEC: Military Children Education Coalition, MISA: Military Impacted Schools Association, and the NMFA: National Military Family Association
Resources on the Internet: Utah PTA: www.utahpta.org, National PTA: www.pta.org, Military Children Education Coalition: www.militarychild.org , National Military Family Association: www.militaryfamily.org, Military Impacted Schools Association: www.militaryimpactedschoolsassociation.org., U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity: www.dodea.edu.org.
Q&A: Meeting the Military Child's Needs
An interview with Professor Robert Blum of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Q: Does deployment have an impact on kids in the school setting?
Blum: It can have a tremendous impact and it can depend on the type of school setting. A child who has a parent in the Reserves, for example, may be in a school where there are no other children whose parents are deployed. That child may feel extremely isolated. We often don't ask if children have parents who are deployed, so at times schools don't even know about it until a problem arises.
Other kids are in Military Impacted Schools, where there are large numbers of children who have parents who are deployed. Those children also face challenges associated with deployment.
Q: What can schools do to support kids who have parents who are deployed?
Blum: The kinds of things schools can to do include:
- Ask kids if they have parents who are deployed, particularly deployed in combat zones in Afghanistan or Iraq.
- Be very sensitive to timing issues, such as when a parent may be home on furlough, or when a child may be particularly distressed under other circumstances.
- Reach out to the residual parent [the parent who is not deployed] and see what he or she sees as needed for their child in the school.
- Be sensitive to how current events are taught. Most of us discuss current events, such as the war Afghanistan and Iraq, as relative abstractions. But children talk and think about it in terms of their father or their mother. It is at a very different personal level. This isn't to say we don't discuss it, but it is to say we need to be sensitive to those kinds of issues.
Q: What are some challenges military kids face when transferring to a new school?
Blum: There are a range of issues.
- Military families and military children are amongst the most transient of populations. It is not uncommon to see kids who have grown up in military families who have been in 5, 7 or 9 different schools by the end of their high school career. There is very high mobility. With high mobility come issues of engagement, disengagement and reengagement. These are stressful for kids.
- Transfer of records from one school to another has historically been very complicated. Delays in transfer of records, which often can take weeks or months, can be problematic and can result in students being placed in inappropriate classes, for example.
- Coming into a school at a time of the year when most people don't come into schools – at the middle of a term, for example – is also very challenging for kids.
- State graduation requirements, such as "you can't graduate unless you take fill-in-the-blank course," can preclude a student who enters the school in the middle of their senior year from graduating.
- Joining extracurricular and sports programs can be another challenge. In a previous school, a student may have been a gifted athlete, but in the new school he or she may not have those opportunities.
So I would suggest that schools need to be attentive to all of these complications that military children face.
Robert W. Blum MD, MPH, Ph.D., is the William H. Gates, Sr., Professor and Chair of the Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Take a Veteran to School
Take a Veteran to School
Take a Veteran to School Day is a national program developed by HISTORY to link veterans with students nationwide. Schools and communities invite veterans of all backgrounds to share their stories and receive thanks for their service. Schools typically organize these programs on or around Veterans Day, but you can plan an event all year round to honor veterans and hear their stories of service. Teachers, register your Take a Vet to School Day event today and we'll send you 30 free Take a Veteran to School Day wristbands while supplies last.
Click here to register!
Launched in 2007, thousands of schools nationwide have participated in Take a Veteran to School Day. From single class visits to all-school assemblies, these events provide a way for students to learn more about the history of Veterans Day and about the experiences of veterans from all backgrounds and walks of life. Inviting veterans to share their stories connects generations while helping our young people learn about the past.
HISTORY has created curriculum guides for grades K-12 to help connect this program to your curriculum. We also have an easy How-To guide which gives suggestions for organizing a Take a Veteran to School Day event, whether it be large or a more simple gathering. On this site, you will also find guidelines for interviewing veterans and links to the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress. All veterans have important stories to tell, and Take a Veteran to School Day is a great platform for oral history and community-based projects involving veterans.
View and download the resources on this site to get started organizing your event. Questions? Email us at email@example.com
How-To Guides
How-To Guide (English) (584K)
How-To Guide (Spanish) (971K)
For more resources for "Take a Veteran to School"l and "Thank a Veteran at Work" visit the Resources section.
Teacher Resources
Ideas to Recognize Military Families
- Wear a camouflage ribbon or article of clothing on Assembly Day, Veteran's Day or any patriotic day
- Have students create artwork that promotes patriotism and display it in the classroom and/or school. This could be done anytime during the school year but throughout November, Military Family Month or April, the month of the Military Child, it would be especially meaningful.
- Encourage the reading of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.
- Present a patriotic play or story in the classroom, prior to Armed Forces Day, Veteran's Day, Flag Day or Memorial Day.
- Invite a student's military family member to the class to explain what their military service meant/means to them.
- Recommend Military Family members wear their service uniform to a program, assembly or to the child's classroom. Have the military child introduce them.
- Have students write a paper on "Serving our Nation" by interviewing a former or current member of the military.
- Sing a patriotic song at the beginning of class.
- Have students write a paragraph, poem or short story about, "Why I am Grateful to Those in Military Service".
- Have the students write a letter, as a class or individually, to a soldier. (Mailing addresses can be provided)
- Memorize a patriotic poem as a class.
- Have the students wear red, white and blue to school and have each child describe what each color means to them. Then discuss the meaning of the colors.
- Tell the story of Betsy Ross and the making of our flag.
- Learn a dance or a game that was played in the colonies and perform it as a class for the school.
- Have books on early patriots and/or American heroes available. Have the children do book reports on the men and women who made our nation great.
- Learn a dance or a game that was played in the colonies and perform it as a class for the school.
Utah PTA Military Family Proclamation
Utah PTA Military Family Proclamation
WHEREAS, this year, 2013, marks Utah PTA's second annual Utah PTA Military Family Month observance… paying tribute and giving appreciation to military families for their strength, commitment, sacrifices, and unconditional support of our troops; and
Whereas, tens of thousands of brave Utahans have demonstrated their courage and commitment to freedom by serving in the military and have taken the oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; and
WHEREAS, there are over 18,000 children in Utah who have one or more parents, step- parents, siblings, or extended family members on full-time duty status in military service of the United States, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty orders; and
WHEREAS, we appreciate the strength and sacrifice of military families who also serve when their family members and other caring adults sacrifice to defend our freedom, and who provide support to their enlisted family members, endure long periods of separation, and move frequently; and
WHEREAS, the children of military men and women face unique challenges, Utah PTA has committed to be an active participant in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children which will help these military families when they transition from school system to school system across state lines; and
WHEREAS, the spouses, youth and children of our service members are major contributors to the fabric of strength in their classes and schools every day; and
WHEREAS, military families continue to make significant contributions to families, schools, communities, our state and the Nation, despite prolonged and repeated absences of one or both parents; and
WHEREAS, these military families are a source of pride and honor to us all, and it is only fitting that we take the time to recognize their contributions, celebrate their spirit, and honor their sacrifices; and therefore
Therefore, I, Liz Zentner, President of Utah PTA, do hereby proclaim and recognize November 2013 as Utah PTA Military Family Month, and urge my fellow citizens to observe this month by connecting with military children, military families and the communities where we work, live and play to provide support to all our Utah Military Families and call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.


text:
Aspyr Media announced today that fan-favorite martial arts RPG Jade Empire™: Special Edition is now live on Google Play, iTunes and Apple's Mac App Store.
Q: What's the cost of the game?
A: You can pick it up from Amazon AppStore, Google Play, the iTunes or the Mac App Store for $9.99/€9.99/£9.99.
Q: What OS works for the game?
A: iOS 9.3.5 & 10.0.2
macOS 10.10.5, 10.11.6, & 10.12
AndroidOS 4.4 (Kitkat), 5.0 (Lollipop), & 6.0 (Marshmallow)
Q: Is there Cloud support for the game? A: Yes, iOS has iCloud Support.
Q: Help! I just upgraded to iOS 10.12 – where can I find my achievements now? A: Aspyr supports
iOs 9 and iOs 1O, macOS 10.12, macOS 10.10, macOS 10.11, macOS 10.12.
If you just upgraded to iOS 10.12, you can find your Jade Empire achievements for Mac App in the Game Center button next to "Play" button in Aspyr's Game Guide.
If you just upgraded to 10.12 on iOS, it's the same button, but it's on the Main Menu of the game in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
Q: Where can I find a tutorial for the new Expert UI controls?
A: Check out our Expert Controls video on YouTube HERE!
Q: What iOS devices does Jade Empire work on?
A: iPhone: 5, 5s, 5C, 6, 6 Plus, SE, 6s, 6s Plus, 7 & 7 Plus iPad Mini: 2nd Generation, 3rd Generation, 4th Generation iPad: 3rd Generation, 4th Generation, Air, Air 2, Pro 9.7, Pro 12.9 and also iPod: 6th Generation.
Q: What Android devices and OS does Jade Empire run on?
A: Google Play: 4.4 (KitKat) and above, Amazon: FireOS 4 and above
- Samsung:
- Galaxy S5
- Galaxy S6
- Galaxy S6 Edge
- Galaxy S7
- Alpha
- Galaxy Note 3
- Galaxy Note 4
- Galaxy Note 5
- Galaxy Tab S
- Galaxy Tab Pro
- Nexus 10
- One M8
- One A9
- Nexus 9
- Nexus 4
- Nexus 5
- Nexus 5X
- Optimus
- Motorola:
- Moto X
- Moto X (2nd Gen)
- Moto X Pure
- Droid Turbo
- Droid Turbo 2
- Nexus 6
- Sony:
- Xperia 2
- Xperia 3
- Xperia Z5
- Nvidia
- Shield Tablet
- Shield Portable
- Huawei:
- Nexus 6P
- One Plus
- One
- Amazon:
- Fire (5th Gen)
- Fire HDX 3rd Gen
- Fire HDX 8.9 (3rd Gen)
- Fire HD 8
- Fire HD 10
- Fire Phone
Q: What are the technical requirements?
A: Your Mac must meet ALL of the minimum system requirements below in order to maximize your Jade Empire experience.
- Full touch and MFi extended controller support
- Expert Mode (intuitive, UI-free controls)
- Achievements
- AutoRun capabilities
- Supported Languages — Interface/audio/subtitles available in English. French, Italian, German, Spanish, Czech, Russian, Hungarian, Polish and Simplified Chinese text localizations and subtitles supported.
- CPU: 2.2 GHz
- Hard Drive: 10 GB free disk space
- GPU: ATI: Radeon 3870, Nvidia: GeForce 330M, Intel: HD 3000
- Retina — 4K and 5K support up to 1920 x 1200
- Controller support — including PS3/PS4 controller support, wired Xbox 360/Xbox One controllers, and third-party controllers
- Achievements — Game Center
- Support for widescreen resolutions — Up to 1920 x 1200 resolutions
- Supported Languages — Interface/audio/subtitles include English, French, and German. Italian, Spanish, Czech, Russian, Hungarian, Polish and Simplified Chinese text localizations and subtitles supported.
Doh! Didn't find what you were looking for? We can help! OPEN A SUPPORT TICKET WITH US NOW

subset: commoncrawl


text:
With the new Ladder season comes a new map pool! But before the maps enter the fray on Ladder, they will be available for testing in Custom Games starting today. Read on for more of our philosophy on maps.
Thank you everyone for working towards pushing map diversity through really distinct maps. As we've discussed many times before, the primary goal of map diversity is to mix up strategies and build orders—when playing online as well as when viewing tournaments. It's a much better experience to be able to explore various strategies by making each map as unique and different as possible compared to other maps in the pool. For map cuts, the obvious three to cut are the oldest maps, Orbital Shipyard, Lerilak Crest, and Ruins of Seras. The last map we decided to cut was Central Protocol, the weakest map out of the remaining four.
With that said, let's talk about the unique features of each new map going into 1v1.
This is one of the map layouts that we discussed with the community a couple months ago. This map features an easily defended main attack path. A small ramp leads down to the center path that players can easily build structures and send units to defend. Once this is taken care of, the main avenues of attack will be the farther ground paths. We're hoping to see a good mix of positional play around the center of the map as well as mobile or air units being a bit more effective in utilizing the far paths.
This is the second map that came from the many community discussions asking "Are there ways to slowly push a more island-like map, without making an actual island map?" Destructible Rock Towers right outside of your natural expansion can cut off all ground paths to your base, and provide up to four bases that you can secure while watching over the blocked-off paths. We will evaluate how something like this works, and then maybe push the idea further in the future.
This is the map we also discussed as being a potential replacement to Central Protocol. The main similarity is that the third base is much more difficult to take than other maps. The improvement we believe Invader has to compensate for this disadvantage is that the fourth base is much easier to take once the third is secured. We're excited to see how this map turns out.
The main cool factor of this map looks to be the fact that Destructible Rocks and Rock Tower usage will be critical both on offense and defense. For example, if the back door rocks to the main base aren't broken at the correct time, it could be very difficult to stop harassment attacks. On the flip side, we liked the fact that there is a Rock Tower that can be broken very close by, so holding that location is much easier. Overall, this map really pushes the boundaries of heavy strategic usage of Destructible Rocks and Rock Tower mechanics, so we're very interested in seeing how the maps turn out.
Team Maps
For team maps, our main focus was to create overall good diversity on a per format basis, and we also wanted to make sure that each map doesn't become too complicated, especially if the formats were bigger. There are so many more variables in team games due to more players being involved, so we feel that it's important to not overdo the complexity.
This map is a close quarters air fortress style map where players will have a fairly easy time coordinating with their allies. We expect that players can play a straight forward macro game on this map.
By introducing multiple spawn points, we hope to bring in the importance of scouting and reacting gameplay that we have on 1v1 to 2v2. As there is a lot of fun to be had in terms of scouting the opponent's location before committing to a strategic decision, we wanted to create a bigger map again.
This is a map where all players start separated, and more aggressive play will be rewarded. The center of the map is the main (and only) attack path, so gaining control of that location will be important. We feel that we were a bit low on this type of map for 3v3, so we wanted to create a fun map that can fill this slot.
This map features one of the players gaining easy access to a High Yield base as the natural expansion, and other players have potential High Yield bases that they can utilize. We hope to have a lot of interaction and engagements at these key locations.
This is a 4v4 map where two sets of two players start together, and the other teammates start separated. Depending on which teammate started next to you, players will have to plan their strategy accordingly.
This map is unique in that three of the players start in the same fortress, but the rush distance to the opposing team's three players is quite close. On the other hand, the separated players per team have a really far attack path. What makes things more interesting is that the main path leading to allies can be blocked off by breaking Rock Towers. We hope to have some cool situations that arise from such a unique map.
We look forward to seeing what kind of unique strategies players are capable of on these new maps. Thank you for your time and we'll see you on Ladder!


text:
Yes, videos.
Yes, 6 days a week.
And did I mention free?
You can read the descriptions of all the classes on the Two Peas blog. It's a great time to take a fresh start as a scrapbooker and capture those memories of the upcoming year. If you happen to be starting or thinking about starting Project Life, I'll be contributing a video to that class series once a month.
So I'll go ahead and confess..
I am super nervous about doing a video.
Super excited and super nervous. That's a good combo, right?
It's going to be a great year. You know how I know? It started with impromtu-Avett Brothers-p.j.-blurry photo-dancing.
Looking forward to sharing the new year with you.
Happy 2013 to you & yours.
P.S. The winer of the Elle's Studio number it stamp set is Robin. Congrats! I'll be getting in touch with you.


text:
Thursday, 24 December 2009
A good read
We've mentioned a few books on this blog over the years but possibly not J A Baker's classic, The Peregrine, first published by Penguin back in 1967 and reprinted many times since then.
Writing prose which is still regarded as probably the best to describe a wild bird and the habitat in which it was found, Baker became fascinated by the peregrines that wintered along the Essex coast where he lived.
Baker was neither a bird expert nor a professional writer, yet his book captures the essence of the countryside around him. He writes:
"I came late to the love of birds. For years I saw them only as a tremor at the edge of vision. They know suffering and joy in simple states not possible to us. Their lives quicken and warm to a pulse our hearts can never reach. They race to oblivion. They are old before we have finished growing."
Having just seen his first peregrine he writes:
"I have seen many since then, but none has excelled it for speed and fire of spirit. For ten years I spent all my winters searching for that restless brilliance, for the sudden passion and violence that peregrines flush from the sky. For ten years I have been looking upwards for that cloud-biting anchor shape, that crossbow flinging through
the air. "
Of course, the 1960s were the years when peregrine numbers plummeted due to the pesticide residues that accumulated in their bodies. This decline eventually brought an end to Baker's birds and his joy in watching them. He wrote:
"For ten years I followed the peregrine. I was possessed by it. It was a grail to me. Now it has gone. The long pursuit is over. Few peregrines are left, there will be fewer, they may not survive. Many die on their backs, clutching insanely at the sky in their last convulsions, withered and burnt away by the filthy, insidious poison of farm chemicals."
Baker went on to write one or two more natural history books. Perhaps he lived long enough to see his birds return to their former haunts. I hope so.
His book should be available in libraries, in some shops and doubtless on line too.
Nick B (DWT)
38 comments:
I have had this book by J.A. Baker for many years, and re-read it periodically. I would recommend it to anyone who loves these magnificent birds.
- 24 December 2009 at 18:05
one on the nest ledge
- 25 December 2009 at 16:58
One on the tower cam
- 25 December 2009 at 19:02
What has happened to the Jury's Inn sign - the hotel exterior looks as though it has been debadged?!
- 26 December 2009 at 11:29
one on the lower cam, and it looks like new prey on the tower cam
- 27 December 2009 at 08:02
just saw one arrive on the tower cam
- 27 December 2009 at 18:45
- Gio said...
I *love* Baker's book. I have also an Italian translation (not very good but helping many times).
His love for the peregrines has been a great one and, yes, Nick, hope too "he lived long enough to see his birds return to their former haunts."
- 27 December 2009 at 19:41
That last extract is so tragic ... "For ten years I followed the peregrine. I was possessed by it. It was a grail to me. Now it has gone. The long pursuit is over. Few peregrines are left, there will be fewer, they may not survive. Many die on their backs, clutching insanely at the sky in their last convulsions, withered and burnt away by the filthy, insidious poison of farm chemicals." How thrilled Baker would be now, I wish he could know. He'd think it was a miracle if he could see this webcam - as indeed it is. We're all just so lucky, and we mustn't forget it.
- 30 December 2009 at 21:04
- Gio said...
Sue, I totally agree. I would like he could know our love for peregrines and somehow see the webcams all around the world!
And, yes, we always have to remember how lucky we all are
and never forget J. A. Baker.
- 31 December 2009 at 00:16
There are loads of Baker's books on Amazon (UK) - I've just ordered 2, one for me and one for my equally besotted brother. I think he and Baker would have been soul mates, the passion sounds so similar. I'm so glad you agree too, Gio - and take heart from the fact that we're remembering Baker in the best way possible by picking up the torch he lit and running with it. I've just got home from work, where I've been staring at County Hall (see my id picture) all day only to be told the elusive peregrines were there all day, on the other side! Doh!
I do believe it's a "blue moon" tonight - whatever that is?
- 31 December 2009 at 17:54
- Project Member (Derby Museum) said...
Hi Sue - and everyone else.
Good to know Baker's book is still available. For UK birdwatchers with an eye for other bargains, may I recommend a trip to a shop called "The Works"? At the moment there is a brilliant identification guide to UK birds, by Hayman and Hume, simply called "Birds" available in some stores. Reduced from £25 to £9.99 this is a stunningly good deal. I've just bought a copy for Derby Museum (and another for myself at home!)
We wish everyone a Happy New Year, and we'd like to thank all our readers, commenters and contributors for their interest and support during 2009, and we think we might be able to get 2010 off to an impressive start with some news that will knock the socks off quite a few peregrine watchers around the world. And maybe a few national magaqzines and newspapers, too.
So watch this space!
Best wishes for 2010 from the whole Project Team.
- 31 December 2009 at 19:30
- Project Member (Derby Museum) said...
Oops - forgot the whole point of addressing Sue in Bucks in my last comment: A blue moon is TWO full moons in one month - quite a rare event. Look up in the sky tonight and you'll see it.
UK viewers have just missed the 7.30pm partial eclipse of the moon on New Year's eve, which saw the earth's shadow just clipping off the lower right corner of the moon.
Did anyone elsewhere in the world see the full lunar eclipse tonight?
- 31 December 2009 at 19:48
Can't wait to hear the exciting news! Happy New year to all the team and looking forward to 2010.
Mary T - Belper
- 31 December 2009 at 21:23
- Karen Anne said...
Thanks for the eclipse note. I rummaged on the web and it looks like it was mostly not visible in the U.S.
If I did the time calcs right, max was two hours ago where I am, when it was still light :-)
A very Happy New Year and Major Thanks to the Derby folks for their amazing work.
- 31 December 2009 at 22:00
Happy new year to you all, still in 2009 here, just under 3hrs to go.
Cant wait to hear what the big news is:):)
- 1 January 2010 at 05:06
- Karen Anne said...
Peregrine on the nestbox.
- 1 January 2010 at 12:31
Happy new year to you all from Italy
- 1 January 2010 at 12:58
- Ann ( Canada ) said...
Oh I wonder what exciting news you are going to reveal!
How long will we have to wait?
Did you enjoy the snow in Derby?
Not had much time to check in lately but had a few glimpses of at least one of the birds. Hopefully time will fly by lol soon and another season will be up and away. Can't wait. All the best to everyone for 2010.
- 1 January 2010 at 17:55
One on the tower cam
- 2 January 2010 at 08:20
one on the tower cam
- 2 January 2010 at 17:25
There's one on the nest ledge enjoying breakfast, and another perched on the letter J at Jury's Inn 08:45 Sunday 3rd
Joyce S in Derby
- 3 January 2010 at 09:02
new prey on the lower cam
- 3 January 2010 at 21:19
A new item of prey was left in a nestbox during the day & it's still there now. It seems to have longish legs but that's really all I can see clearly. Anyone able to identify it?
- 3 January 2010 at 23:01
one on the tower cam, one on the nest below
- 4 January 2010 at 16:22
Hello peregine-philes everywhere
A very belated, but no less sincere Happy New Year. Thanks Derby Museum for the "blue moon" info. I did see it, it was amazingly bright, shining, magical moonlight ... but I'm still puzzled by the "blue" part of the name - it didn't look remotely blue to me. I'm also itching to hear the special news - you are way better at keeping secrets than me, Derby Museum! I see you set the counter back to zero - I wonder how far it's gone up already (I'll look after I've finished typing this) My JA Baker peregrine books arrived from Amazon today and a fine pair they are too - pristine condition. It's a different edition to the diary header but the content is identical. Mine is published by The New York Review of Books,2005.
Surely this at least is positive - a book from the English countryside in the 1960's is printed in 21st century New York!
- 4 January 2010 at 22:01
@Sue, I think it is called a blue moon when a full moon occurs twice
in one month, it does not happen very often :)
- 4 January 2010 at 23:26
one on the twer cam, tucked away from the cold
- 5 January 2010 at 08:13
A peregrine is on the far side of the tower cam, enjoying a late breakfast
09:50 Tuesday 5th Jan
There is a good article about blue moons on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_moon
Joyce S in Derby
- 5 January 2010 at 09:55
- Terry, Herts UK said...
When I was a kid, I remember being told that the phrase "once in a blue moon" (meaning a very rare occurence), originated from the massive eruption of the volcano, Krakatoa.
The eruption was so great that it sent huge numbers of particles into the sky which resulted in the moon appearing to be blue to many people around the world.
Happy New Year, everyone.
- 5 January 2010 at 11:43
Frozen tower prey has started to be devoured, obviously not much flying around with the current weather system.
- 5 January 2010 at 14:56
- Project Member (Derby Museum) said...
Thanks, MEL, we were talking about that woodcock earlier today, when it was still undisturbed. We have a video of it being brought back on 20th December - 16 days I think. Like all game birds, perhaps it tastes better after being well hung!
- 5 January 2010 at 15:00
I've just driven past Jury's Inn and could see two peregrines, one on the J and one on the first N of the sign
Joyce S in Derby
- 5 January 2010 at 15:38
Hi all
No birds but lots of snow, I see, up in Derby - same here in the Chilterns. That dratted "blue moon" is still bugging me, I'm still having problems with the logicality of the colour. I think I'll just have to accept the explanation that it comes from the old word "belewe" meaning betrayer (or sort of unusual). I'm used to stuff (like winning the lottery, kissing a frog who turns into a prince, peregrines nesting in Bucks) happening to me "once in a blue moon". Interestingly, one of my favourite artists, Nanci Griffith, has a band named "The Blue Moon Orchestra" plus one album named "Once in a Very Blue Moon". There's a YouTube entry with her singing it, when she says she'll explain the meaning of the saying - but of course, not the literal meaning that a pedant like me is demanding.
- 5 January 2010 at 21:48
- Karen Anne said...
With the holidays, I forgot to check Colin's blog, I see he has an update that Cathy is well, dated 26/11/2009. Thanks, Colin!
- 6 January 2010 at 08:16
One on the tower cam
- 6 January 2010 at 08:48
Prey just brought back to the nestbox.
- 6 January 2010 at 14:49
- Gio said...
Go Derby!!!
Lots of friendship from here! :D
- 7 January 2010 at 01:49
Hello all
The webcam almost gives the impression it's not working, it's all so peaceful and quiet in Derby - all I've observed is one lorry passing by on the road. Of course, it's just because of the weather conditions. It looks about the same up there as here in Bucks, lots of snow and ice but blue skies and sunshine. I beleieve the cold is far from gone though.
Great news about 010, thanks Colin.
- 7 January 2010 at 10:24


text: When we were the Ranters Dance Band our fee was ten shillings each and 10/- for petrol, (£2.50 in today's money for the whole band!) and I remember that we played regularly in Bournemouth for this princely sum. Then one night the organiser said "We've made enough money from your dances to hire the Ranchers (they were a top band charging probably ten times as much as us) and we were gutted. However as the years went by we became very good friends with the Ranchers and played many festivals and shows together. This tune were given to me by their leader Bryan Willcocks, as a bit of a test.


text:
Peeps is the term used by Hoobs to refer to humans. Peeps live on what the Hoobs call the Peep Planet. Young Peeps (children) are known as "Tiddlypeeps." Baby Peeps are called "Squigglytiddlepeep." Elderly Peeps are known as "Wrinkly Peeps."
Hoobs are willing to speak to Tiddlypeeps (and occasionally Wrinkly Peeps), but they rarely speak to the adult Peeps. This is not only because the Hoobs become too nervous around adults, but because the adults don't appreciate or understand the Hoobs. The Tiddlypeeps ultimately provide the Hoobs with all the essential information they need to answer the question of the day.
See also
- Silly Creatures, Fraggle term for humans
- Uprights, rain forest term for humans


text:
My Mother found this little basket at a flea market near their winter home in Florida. She lovingly hand made a little mattress, blanket, and decorative edging all around the basket that we used for my son when he was first born.
Sadly, my parents are now gone and when I brought this little basket out to the light of day last week, I also brought out a flood of precious memories.
My mother had decorated this basket with a gingham fabric that was printed with bunny rabbits in reds and blues. Just perfect for a little newborn boy. Just seeing it again after so many years, made my heart stop.
There was no way that I could preserve all of the fabric decorations, so I ever so gently removed my mothers careful stitches one at a time so that I could make this little basket brand new and fit for a little Princess. I know my Mother would have loved and approved of this little creation, but it broke my heart to have to undo some of her stitches.
Even though I removed the outside fabric, I saved the mattress as it was originally covered by my mother. I just simply wrapped the mattress in this little pink blanket, tucking it in along the sides - it can easily be removed for washing. I also have saved the original blanket that she made - just in case. (Don't you think that it would be sweet to take a picture of our grand baby laying on the matress and covered by the blanket that was once used by her Daddy?)
The outside of the basket is decorated using two crochet lace pillow shams that once belonged to my paternal grandmother. This bedspread and pillowcase set was one of the treasures that became mine when she past away last year. (I am planning to use the bedspread as a table covering at the baby shower---).
The pillow shams were then tacked to the basket from both the inside and out. I like the way that they are lined with the muslim cloth, it seems to make the lace design look prettier. They are also rather heavy and seem to hang nicely along the basket.
The top and sides of the basket are decorated with pink ribbon roses, pink satin yo yo hearts, crochet green leaves, some green ribbon from my stash, and a beautiful flower that is complemented by some exquisite ribbon embroidery.
Each piece is individually sewn on by hand and it took me one very long day to complete this project. This is not the kind of project that you can do in your lap - so I had to stand and lean over the basket to do all the sewing. (Ouch for my back!)
This last little heart is not actually attached to the basket, but rather hangs freely from the little green ribbon. (I was feeling a little whimsical I guess--).
The beautiful green ribbon was left over from my last year's Christmas gifts that were wrapped by my friend, Mary. (She knows that I save everything!) I was thrilled to have an opportunity to use this pretty ribbon in such a delicate and dainty way. There is also a little tiny piece of this beautiful ribbon in the top of the beaded hat that I knitted for "Little Baby No Name". (Go back to the top of that posting and see if you can see the ribbon!)
The lace design on the pillow shams was just perfect for me to weave the ribbon through along the edge of the basket. These little bouquets of ribbon roses look so pretty around the bottom of the basket and also at the sides, near the handles.
Decorating this little basket was indeed a labor of love. Following the stitches created by my Mother, with my own little hand made stitches, gave me a feeling that I can not describe - except to say that it filled my heart with some tender feelings that I know have not been there in a very long while. (I miss her so--).


text:
AAP dares Cong, BJP to form govt in Delhi; to launch anti-graft campaign on Feb 23
Senior AAP leader Yogendra Yadav said the AAP, barely 17 months old, would fight the polls under Kejriwal's leadership and dared the Cong and the BJP to form the next govt in Delhi. Poll: Do you think this decision will help improve Kejriwal's tally in the LS polls? | AAP to contest LS polls under Kejriwal's leadershipindia Updated: Feb 15, 2014 19:41 IST
Hindustan Times
A day after Arvind Kejriwal announced his resignation from the post of Delhi chief minister, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) looked set to jump into the Lok Sabha fray with renewed vigour in the face of a scathing attack by the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
While Congress and BJP leaders accused the AAP of going beyond the Constitution to table the jan lokpal bill and triggering instability, the rookie party shifted its focus to the upcoming 2014 general elections.
Senior AAP leader Yogendra Yadav said the AAP, barely 17 months old, would fight the polls under Kejriwal's leadership and dared the Congress and the BJP to form the next government in the Capital.
The AAP has already decided to contest at least 350 Lok Sabha seats. Kejriwal had earlier ruled out fighting the elections. However, later in an interview with two TV channels, Kejriwal had said he might reconsider the decision if the party wanted.
Yadav also said Kejriwal would launch an anti-corruption campaign ahead of the polls in Haryana on February 23. He added the rookie party would come up with its list of Lok Sabha candidates on Sunday after a meeting of the party's political affairs committee.
Read:No point staying in power after jan lokpal setback, says AAP
Moments before, Kejriwal wrote on Twitter, "Friends. This is decisive battle against corruption."
Last month, the AAP had claimed its membership drive had yielded success and it had now more than one crore members. Besides, Kejriwal had also come up with his list "corrupt' politicians and announced his party would field candidates against them.
Meanwhile, Kejriwal's decision to step down on Friday night for failing to table the jan lokpal bill in the Delhi assembly triggered sharp reactions.
Former chief minister Sheila Dikshit, who came under the scanner in the 49-day AAP rule over the illegal colonies controversy and the 2010 Commonwealth Games scam, said, "... I don't think they (the AAP government) succeeded because they started going beyond the constitution... and that is when they really failed."
Read:Kejriwal hits and runs, pulls plug on own govt after failing to table jan lokpal bill
Referring to the series of controversies during the AAP's short stint in power, senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley wrote in his blog, "Thank God, the nightmare is over."
Expelled AAP legislator Vinod Kumar Binny said Kejriwal never really wanted to get the jan lokpal bill passed. "He was just playing politics on this issue and he will continue to do so."
But scores of AAP supporters who thronged the party's office on Friday night did not think so. "What he (Kejriwal) did was correct. There was simply no other way," said Rajnish Kumar, an auto-rickshaw driver.
Refuting the Congress' allegations that the AAP, which had won 28 seats in a stunning debut in the Delhi assembly elections last year, was running away from responsibilities, Prashant Bhushan said the party was left with no option but to quit as implementing jan lokpal bill was the government's top priority.
Read:AAP to contest LS polls under Kejriwal's leadership
"From the beginning, Congress and BJP were against this bill and that is why they didn't support the government. They don't want the country to be corruption-free.
"As we were not allowed to pass this bill, we did not have an option but to get out of the government," the AAP leader said.
Yadav reiterated the AAP was the only party committed to the fight against corruption. Now, the lieutenant governor, home ministry and the President should ensure the corruption cases lodged against the previous Congress government and the FIR against Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) chairman Mukesh Ambani reach a conclusion, he said.
After his resignation, Kejriwal had accused the BJP and the Congress of "colluding" against jan lokpal in the wake of the FIR against RIL over revision of gas prices. The allegations have been, however, trashed by the RIL in a statement saying the company would weigh legal remedies "to protect our reputation".
Read:Will Kejriwal contest Lok Sabha elections now?
Full Coverage: Arvind Kejriwal, a common man in politics
With PTI, IANS, ANI inputs
HT asks the following questions to understand the political impact of Kejriwal's decision to quit as Delhi CM.
First Published: Feb 15, 2014 15:08 IST


text:
Hey all, welcome to another edition of "What, the idiot thinks he can talk in public", also known as Big Bear Butt on the WoW Insider podcast.
Amusingly enough, this week follows the trend where Mike Scramm remembers my blog name, but mangles my last name. And calls me famous, as though I have appeared on Oprah.
Can someone please tell me, when do you know you're famous? I'd think it would be when someone has actually heard of you before, but hey. That's just me. 🙂
Anyway, if this kind of fun interests you, by all means, go check it out. I think it's neat.
I admit, I enjoy doing the podcasts. Unfortunately, this one had me a bit off balance.
About 10 minutes before the show started, I had just sat down at my desk after getting back from urgent care that Saturday morning, after taking my son in to find out that "Oh he has a pneumonia".
I'm not going to rant about it. I'm not going to tear my hair out in frustration. But can I simply ask, since when do doctors at clinics care so little about patients that they have stopped actually telling you anything about your condition? I'll grant you, I don't visit doctors very often. Is this new?
Same thing now with three different doctors, whether for me or my son. Come in, present a list of symptoms, submit to inspection, and be told in a single line 'Looks like x, here is a prescription for y. Have a nice day." And they get up to leave! No "See me in two weeks for a follow up", no "This is such and such, and can have these implications. You might want to do such and such, such and such, and look out for such and such. If you see signs of such and such, bring him in immediately."
Okay, screw it, it is a rant… okay, ear infection, fine, I'm a big boy and I guess I can find out if there are other things I need to know, like how the sub-zero temps of Minnesota will affect it.
But frankly, when I bring a 5 year old (Alex is 5 years old TODAY!!! W00T!!!) boy into Urgent Care, and the doctor listens to symptoms and checks him out, when I hear the words "Oh, he's got a pneumonia" said in a disinterested, casually flippant dismissive tone of voice, followed by nothing except what drug she's prescribing, I want to rip her heart out in my big fucking hands.
……::::::deep breath::::……
Not that I have any anger issues where protecting my family is concerned.
Anyway… yes, so I felt just a teensy bit distracted on the podcast. But I still think it was a lot of fun.
A few bits of advice, if you ever try to do a podcast;
Make absolutely sure that you are NOT rushed for time to get ready. If you are, then you may find, over the course of the show, that you have forgotten a few basic rules.
Such as… do not have a phone in the same room, as it WILL, at some point, ring. Thatnks for catching the call so fast, Cassie. 🙂
If you have pets, make sure that they are secured in other rooms… because the cats that love you, and think that when you are seated at your desk is play time, will not realize anything is different.
And cats that do not get their normal amount of attention will abandon their normal 'lay on your lap/desktop/shoulder routines, and show you how playful they are by dancing on your keyboard…. or jumping on your lap with claws extended, and miss their leap, slipping and sliding back down your crotch… claws fully extended and holding on for dear life as if they are sliding down into a thousand foot pit.
And engage in a fun game called "grab and chew on the headphone cables"… and leap with the cable stuck in his paws, ripping your headphones completely off of your head and slamming them, live mic and all, onto the chair next to you. by the way, to those that heard teh massive crash, I apologise. I hope your hearing returns by the next podcast.
You know what? Nevermind. I don't think I'm the one you should listen to for podcast advice, after all.


text:
Check out the new Dynamic Hosting site at http://www.dynamichosting.biz/!
Included in this roll out are:
- Updated Shared Hosting Products
- Updated VPS Products and Pricing
- A brand new billing system
Let us know what you think!
Comment by
1 Dec 2010
New site looks awesome! really glad the old nav was done away with.
Only real gripe is the mouseovers for "Did You Know", "100% Canadian" etc are quite jarring. make it less hostile on my retinas pls 🙂
Also, in the tables where you have checks and Xs for features, my instincts tell me that you just want to leave that space blank rather than X it out. the red is a lot more noticeable than the green checkmark, It feels like you're loudly announcing the deficiencies of the lower package, rather than promoting the benefits of the higher packages.
But hey, what do i know?
Comment by
6 Dec 2010
Thanks for the suggestions Adam!
Sorry, comments are closed.


text:
An Amazing Story: Traveling to Planet 'Public Domain'
This is the cover of the October 1948 issue of Amazing Stories, which some neglector of intellectual property has prematurely let fall into the public domain. Project Gutenberg has a bunch of amazing artwork and history like this that you might find with a search of [science fiction covers].
I love the teaser for the featured story, The Brain: "A Giant Calculating Machine Decides To Rule The world!" A calculating machine! And it has decided to rule the world!
Project Gutenberg is one of my favorite sites on the internet. Their more-than-five year mission: "To encourage the creation and distribution of eBooks." Free electronic books. Free as in free beer and freedom.
I think they mostly draw from the public domain, which means most of their stuff is from the 1920s or earlier, so I was surprised to see these publications from the 1940s and 1950s. But each of them is accompanied by the note, "Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed."
Wonderful! (Amazing!)
Although I bet this rankles some people. The public domain isn't very popular with a certain crowd. I can imagine them being offended by this idea that stuff should become "free." (That it must be free.) These cultural nitwits probably see this as an egregious oversight by the copyright owners. They don't get that our current copyright system is wrecking the commons. They're fools if they don't see how they benefit from "free culture" for everything they do.
It makes me sad that copyright has become effectively forever. So much stuff could be entering the public domain every year even with the previous too-long maximum term of 56 years. Take a look at Duke University's depressing summary of what would have become available this year, but now we likely won't see freed in our lifetimes.
(More specifically, the summary is from Duke Law School's "Center for the Study of the Public Domain." They put one together every year and publish it as a special New Year's Day bummer.)
But at least there is Project Gutenberg and other rocket ships, helping us to occasionally travel to that amazing planet, 'Public Domain,' where we can see and use and share our common culture, even as it recedes fast into the past.
And many of us are committed to sharing our own present day work as much as possible, and allowing it to be shared in turn. I generally use the Creative Commons ShareAlike license instead of dedicating my work to the public domain, because I want to promote that idea — that our culture is a commons, and we should share it freely. You can use my work, but to the extent that I have "power" to tell you what you can do with it, I only ask that you share the work under the same terms if you decide to use it.
We share a common culture. It's our culture, and little pieces of it shouldn't be "owned" by anyone. (I'm speaking of the pieces that exist as bits and bytes, of course. The copyable parts.)
I suppose this might seem like science fiction to many, but science fiction has a way of predicting how things will go with giant calculating machines and other weird concepts. It will be the future soon enough. We'll figure out better ways to deal with all this "stuff." For now, we can opt in easily enough. Please, copy and share my words!


text:
Festivals & Events:
Mountain Village Sunset Concert Series: Joint Point
3-Wednesday, July 20 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Joint PointJam Band / Psychedelic / Rock, from TELLURIDE. Hailing from the mountains of Southern Colorado, and built on the strength of their original and improvisational musical adventures, Joint Point is quickly becoming a coveted commodity for the hungry Colorado music scene. Smooth, driving melodies in collaboration with intricate foundations that can grow into adventurous organic jams around any corner. Members: Jeff Haldeman Vocals, Guitar. Nate Prendergrast Vocals, Bass. Ren Terkuile, Drums. Stu Sundel-Norlin, Vocals, Guitar.


text:
Monday, September 22, 2008
Capalayan Falls
Capalayan Falls is located in Barangay Capalayan some 12.75 kilometers off the city of Surigao. A very far estimate if you'll look at the numerical figure of the distance. But once you're on the road traveling the coastal strip with so much vistas along the way, you will just hope you're not any closer for a stop in Capalayan.
Getting to the falls. There were no signs installed as of the moment that provides direction to the location of the falls. An inquiry from some of the locals who will amiably entertain and assist you with the landmark leading to the area will do. And that landmark, a field with a deep cut like the photo below, is not even recognizable by a glance. Again, you can carry one local for a guide.
27 comments:
- Allan Barredo said...
great outdoor destination bro! parang ang sarap maligo sa falls na yan
- September 22, 2008 at 12:22 PM
- Paulette said...
coool!!! ganda naman dyan!
- September 22, 2008 at 1:59 PM
- Ishna Probinsyana said...
Woooow! Topless!!! Yeeeaaboooy. Hahaha. =))
- September 22, 2008 at 2:54 PM
- the donG said...
parang mambukal sa bacolod.
- September 22, 2008 at 5:32 PM
- caryn said...
wow, those falls are lovely and the surrounding terrain is so lush! ;-)
- September 23, 2008 at 8:28 AM
- salingPUSA said...
hanep ang posing a, para lang mowdel ng waterfalls.kkk.peace.
- September 23, 2008 at 2:52 PM
- Lawstude said...
i love waterfalls. lalo na pag mahirap puntahan kasi napakarewarding pag napuntahan. great job bro.
- September 23, 2008 at 3:41 PM
- olan said...
waterfalls trekking has always been my favorite adventure. bben to few beautiful beautiful falls in our region. the highest one is in our town. the latest i've been to was at Maragusan. this waterfalls is cool too. great adventure dude. pag nagawi ka ng Davao, gumala ka rin ng ibat ibang falls dito. :)
- September 23, 2008 at 4:16 PM
- Nanaybelen said...
wow! ang ganda naman pero masyado naman yatang maliblib kaya hindi masyadong abot ng mga tao. pero ok lang kasi dyan yata ang pinanggagalingan ng patubig ng mga farmers. God is really good.
Bilib din ako sa tyaga ninyo. Grabe. Hanga ako.
- September 23, 2008 at 6:39 PM
- the spool artist said...
does it get more water than that during rainy season? waterfalls destinations here in cambodia drastically change depending on seasons. when did you go there?
- September 23, 2008 at 9:13 PM
- The Islander said...
@allan.. sobrang sarap. lalo na't summer time. masarap na escape from humidity. it is far from our place but i did not mind about it. the ride going there is very rewarding anyway. so everything's an enjoyable experience.
- September 23, 2008 at 9:32 PM
- The Islander said...
@paui.. haha! sana nagstay ka pa ng konti when you go to siargao so you have visited the place din sana. anyways, may time pa naman. balik ka ulit next time.
@ishna.. to ang hilig sa topless. haha. minsanan nga lang ako magkalakas ng loob e kinakantyawan mo pa. hehehe
- September 23, 2008 at 9:34 PM
- The Islander said...
@dong.. parang nakita ko din yun somewhere. di ko lang matandaan kung kaninong blog ko nakita. maganda nga sya pero parang mas remote ng konti yung mambukal. ito e mga ilang metro lang na lakaran from the road.
@caryn.. thank you po maam for appreciating the place. i bet we both love the greeneries of nature. hehe cheers!
- September 23, 2008 at 9:36 PM
- The Islander said...
@tonyo.. hahaha. maghintay ka. makakabawi din ako. sayang nga lang at nagtimpi pa ko ng hirit dun sa mga poses mo dati. nyahaha!
@lawstude.. right. the more na pinaghirapang puntahan, the more rewarding is the feeling. sayang nga lang at medyo di ko naexpound ang narratives. medyo dinugo na ko. kinapos ng english. haha! at walang draft yan, type lang nang type. aside sa kapos sa english, kapos din sa oras. hehe
- September 23, 2008 at 9:39 PM
- The Islander said...
@olan.. you are in davao oriental noh? cge pag nagawi ako sa bandang jan, ill try to explore everything you have posted in your blog.
one time, magpang-abot tayo sa dubbed niagara falls of surigao del sur.. dun sa tinuy-an falls in bislig. saw it in the mag, maganda! enticing. at mahirap din daw puntahan.
- September 23, 2008 at 9:42 PM
- The Islander said...
@nay belen.. thank you po nay. as we've said, mas rewarding po ang feeling pag mahirap puntahan ang isang place. kaya ok lang ho kami. hehehe.
btw, sorry if medyo di na ko napapagawi sa blog mo. yaan nyo po, tatambay ako dun pag pwede nang tumambay. salamat ng sobra sa dalaw...
- September 23, 2008 at 9:44 PM
- The Islander said...
@spool artist.. that was last summer, loven. sometime in april or may.
yup, it gets more water during rainy season. and more exciting at that. because the rush of waterflow is swifter when heavy.
- September 23, 2008 at 9:47 PM
- neens said...
Didn't realize how beautiful pinas really is until I started reading your blogs...
I've only been back to the Philippines twice and didn't really get to explore...
Mukhang masarap mag swimming sa falls. It's gorgeous!
posted 5/05/2008 11:30 PM
- September 23, 2008 at 9:49 PM
it's rather small but it's very picturesque. ^_^
posted 5/06/2008 11:56 PM
- September 23, 2008 at 9:51 PM
- Ar-wee-der-yet said...
Ang ganda ng falls at pwede pang tumayo sa gilid, how cool is that? Ang sarap maligo. I bet malamig ang tubig na yan.
- September 24, 2008 at 8:29 AM
- .::. Vanny .:. said...
wow macho! hahahaha
- September 24, 2008 at 4:58 PM
- salingPUSA said...
yang last picture mo---lagyan mo na ng copyright baka ariin yan at ilagay sa mga magazine. \Baka makita namin yan sa tiktik cge ka.kekeke
- September 26, 2008 at 5:00 PM
- dazedblu* said...
ahem, anu ba yung nasa last pic, nahilo ako.. ok na san yung view from prior to tht one, hehe XD
Nice adventures.. XD
- September 29, 2008 at 6:46 PM
- dodong flores said...
This place is heaven here on earth. I am wondering why I am confined in the four corners of my cubicle here in Manila when there are lots of beautiful places to explore out there (spots most particularly very near to my hometown). I'm glad you post this. I should note down this place for my future travel and adventures...
A side note: I hope this falls will be left at its current state for purist nature-lover to appreciate. I remember having came across some online forums about oldies who were talking about how beautiful Boracay was before its commercialization.
During my college days (about two decades ago), Katibawasan Falls in Camiguin were only accessible by locals and there were no tourist facilities whatsoever. Now, I learned there were already buildings constructed providing rest and recreation facilities for vacationers - which is good in general
Capalayan Falls is simply just one of uncorrupted nature's treasure. Commercialization doesn't necessarily ruin a place but a purist like me simply despise artificial improvement.
Maayo unta kung virgin pa ni nga lugar sa panahon nga maka-visit ko diri (maybe during sa akong retirement, Hehehe)
- October 11, 2008 at 4:19 PM
- The Islander said...
October 2008 pa man diay ni imong comment sir. hehe.
bitaw, unta commercialization has its limit. we cannot prevent developments especially if it benefits the local economy but there should be some limitations. like to remain some aesthetics as it is. mas nindot lakwon ang usa ka place to reach than shortcuts. pero naanad man gud ta ron sa instant.
- March 12, 2009 at 5:14 PM
huh surigao city is very nice,,,living here was a good thing..
- October 28, 2009 at 10:12 PM
- 日月神教-任我行 said...
- May 12, 2010 at 12:39 AM


text:
Our Agency in Linz / Upper Austria is located in Deggendorfstrasse. To the west, the city borders on the Kürnberger Woods as well as the Eferdinger Becken. With approx. 190,000 residents, Linz has become the third-largest Austrian city. For a long time, Linz had the reputation of being a dusty industrial steel city. In order to change this impression, Linz has undertaken numerous initiatives in the areas of environmental protection and culture. With success! In the year 2009, Linz was elected European Cultural Capital.
Our Linguistic and Translation agency in Linz (Austria) provides the following services:
- Translations:
- Technical translations (engineering, electronics, energy, patents, material safety data sheets MSDS, ...)
- Financial translations (annual reports, risk analyses, ...)
- Legal translations (contracts, general terms and conditions GTC, certificates, ...)
- Medical and pharmaceutical translations
- Urgent translations
- Official translations
- Website translations
- Specialised translations (logistics, cosmetics, tourism, fashion, marketing, food and beverage, insurance and many more)
- Linguistic Services:
- Proofreading & Editing services
- Page layout, publication and printing (DTP)
- Transcription of multimedia mediums
- Voice-over services
- Subtitles
- Interpreter Services (consecutive Interpreting, whispering interpreting, liaison interpreting, telephone interpreting ...)
More than 100 languages:
German, English, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, Polish, Czech, Chinese, Arabic, Hungarian, Slovak, Romanian, Bulgarian, Ukranian, Croatian, Serbian and also other languages can be provided.
Please do not hesitate to contact our translation agency in Linz for further information by e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm.
German Version: Übersetzungsbüro in Linz


text:
After starting this blog a few weeks ago, I have to admit, I'm addicted to checking my blog stats. It's become a personal challenge to myself to see if I can draw more readers today than I did yesterday. I frequently look and wait for the stats page to load with the hopeful excitement of a wanna be daddy watching for that plus sign to the EPT.
I just downloaded the BlackBerry WordPress application while sitting at lunch. Now I can not only write and publish posts but I nervously see how many more people are reading what I have to say. As I was waiting for that WordPress "plus-sign"to load and wondering if people would think my baby was ugly, my mind wandered to our mobility strategy. I maintain that we've yet to scratch the surface when it comes to the benefits of mobility in HR apps. The last time I raised the point I was asked, "how often do you really need to change your direct deposit information while you are waiting for you latte anyway?"
Self-Service is so much more than just allowing you to change your information as an employee. For starters, as managers, we need to keep tabs on many things for our employees, from needing to be able to look up PTO balances and approve vacation requests to make comments on the Employee Performance Profile.
One of mandates of the business is to keep distractions from the associates so that they can focus on the customers. Makes sense. This particular business unit has a number of large call centers and the managers in those centers handle are charged with removing those distractions. What would a distraction be? Let's say Sally CSR wants to take the day off and asks her boss about it. She tells her to send an email and she'll check the schedule and her balances and let her know. From that point forward, Sally is distracted by waiting for a response from her boss.
Enter MMSS (Mobile Manager Self Service – I came up with that all on my own!). The manager has a nifty tablet device other than the iPad because those come from the competition and are illegal here. Sally CSR asks about the vacation day and Molly Manager is able to pull up the schedule on the spot, check Sally's PTO balance and then approve the request while updating the schedule, all in a matter of second, all without taking a step. The distraction is removed.
Another problem is that the managers need to be on the floor instead of in their office. Managerial tasks like maintaining notes on your employees for performance reviews take time off the floor, which lowers customer service as well. With MMSS and that nifty tablet again, the manager can be making notes in the employee's performance profile as she encounters something noteworthy.
Molly manager can review call metrics and pull up analytical reports on the fly that might show that Billy is taking too long to resolve calls today. While listening on calls, she might learn that Billy is taking longer because he continually has to look up the answers to questions and needs more training. On the spot, she can register him for the next available training class to resolve the issue.
When thinking about mobility, the question is often asked, what would the employee or manager want to see as a mobile application. We need to stop thinking that way and instead think of it in terms of allowing the manager to take their desk with them. That is empowerment.


text:
Ride Among Us Premiere in Baton Rouge
Rukus Boardsports and Integrity Wake have joined forces to bring you one of the most anticipated movie premiere's to hit the Gulf Coast!
"Ride Among Us" is Integrity and Mutiny Wakeskate's first full feature film directed by Mitchell Cobb and features riding from Ryan Lemons, Nick Taylor, Blake Steele, Josh Norman, Andrew Fortenberry, Collin Gee, Jen GilanFarr & Gabe Paulson.
Ronnie Saurage from "Rukus Baton Rouge" will be tearing down the house with the Integrity and Mutiny Team along with Live Art Paintings from Marc Fresh & Jacob Zumo. Also, DJ Digital will be playing all night long with other art/swag booths from Heartthrob Skateboards and Bricks & Bombs.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Movie starts around 9:30 pm.
Cold Beer, Warm Friends, Pro Rider Guest List, Hot Shit!
Product give away!
Show up !
3353 Highland Road Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 383-7018


text:
Installation Instructions
The installation of the Leak-Guard dishwasher pan can save expensive repairs caused by an undetected water leak. We refer to it as an indicator pan as its sole purpose is to indicate a leak that could otherwise go unnoticed causing thousands of dollars of damage to cabinets, floors, and walls.
- Disconnect the dishwasher from its power source by unplugging the power cord &/or turning off the breaker.
- Turn off the water valve which is located under the sink that has a water line which travels through the cabinet wall toward the dishwasher.
- Open the door to the dishwasher & remove 2 screws that connect the dishwasher to the bottom side of the countertop.
- Remove the toe plate which covers the bottom portion of the front of the dishwasher.
- Disconnect the water line on the bottom of the dishwasher. (It is helpful to slide a cookie sheet under the dishwasher at this point to catch the water that will drain out of the line.)
- Disconnect the power cord either by unplugging the cord from the wall, or by removing the 2 wire caps & disconnecting the power wires under the dishwasher.
- Raise the front 2 legs of the dishwasher by turning them counterclockwise.
- Slide the dishwasher out. (A piece of Masonite or cardboard should be placed on the floor to protect the floor from damage while sliding.)
- Set the Leak-Guard dishwasher pan in place & follow directions in reverse.
Please be certain that the surface in front of the dishwasher is level or below the surface where the pan sits.
If the pan is recessed below the grade of the flooring in front of the dishwasher there will be no way to determine that there is a leak.
We also recommend caulking along the bottom of the front edge of the pan. This will prevent water from seeping underneath should a leak ever occur.


text:
We Endorse Jay Wiley for TX House
We enthusiastically endorse Jay Wiley for Texas House District 47. Jay has signed the Patriot Pledge.
"Travis County needs a principled conservative in the Texas House fighting for tax relief, a stop to illegal immigration, and common-sense budget reforms that encourage greater prosperity. My mentor former Texas Senator Phil Gramm taught me that bold, principled conservatism is what moves public policy, not lukewarm moderation. I've helped craft legislation at the Capitol and I know how badly we need strong conservatives willing to stand up to Democrats as well as their appeasers in the Republican Party." - Jay Wiley
Help us support Jay Wiley for the Texas House by making a donation to NRNPAC, today.
Other Candidate Endorsements
Jay Wiley agrees with the following video message -
About NRNPAC
Take Our Texas Top Ten Conservative Challenger Candidate SURVEY!
NRN Institute Initiatives
State's Rights Initiative
Education Initiative
Citizens Impact Initiative
Candidate Questionnaire
Our American Heritage
NRN Community
Coalition Partners
Friends of NRN
Patriot Brigade Sign Up
Speakers Bureau
Calendar of Events
Newsletter Sign Up


text:
Attached is a link to a lesson I recently taught to a group of teens at a weekly home group. Follow me on Twitter or Facebook to get regular updates, I post one free lesson a week. Talk- Christian Truths- Love youthproject.net
Author Archive for Guy
3 Big Ideas I Wish I Knew When I was 14
by Guy • • 0 Comments
A lovely, insightful and genius post from Mark gives these 3 pieces of advice/encouragement to a 14 year old girl who was at one of his talks: Risk. You were not made for a boring and safe and mundane, punch the clock and eat dinner in front of reality TV, find a vice and stick with…
How to use your #youthministry down time wisely
by Guy • • 0 Comments
Average Youth Ministry just posted a great blog about what to do when your youth group take a break or a vacation. For me this is a real issue, in my ministry the kids physically leave town as soon as there is a school vacation, so I am left with a different set of challenges.…
3 Reasons #Facebook is bad for #YouthMinistry
by Guy • • 0 Comments
So last week I made this post about helping your youth group with Facebook. Truth be told, I am 50/50, I am not convinced that Facebook is good for my youth group. In most cases it isn't always negative, but I am not convinced it always has a positive effect on youth ministry. Here's my…
Funny Stuff
Monday #Youthministry #Meme: So I said (did sayeth)….
by Guy • • 0 Comments
I your Mondays are anything like mine, you are catching up on a weekend's worth of email and clearing out admin. So a little laugh makes things a little more easy.
5 Ice Breakers and Introductions for Teen Church Groups #youthministry
by Guy • • 0 Comments
Small groups and teen activities in general can sometimes feel a little awkward in the Church environment. When I plan a small group I usually have a few ideas for an introductory activity up my sleeve. I'm usually flexible about which one to use until I arrive. If there are new members of the group…
How to take criticism in Youth Ministry
by Guy • • 0 Comments
For me, this isn't something I learnt at college or even, at the I needed it most, had a mentor to work it out with. Josh is pretty much the Big Don of Youth Ministry bloggers and his post is perfect: Criticism always ruins the moment It doesn't matter how awesome you were feeling about…
Do you devote your life to your #youthministry?
by Guy •
When we try to say that we are indwelt by the Spirit of Christ, and yet we do not devote our lives to the eternal good of other people, there is a deep contradiction within that gnaws away at our souls and dissolves our confidence and leaves us feeling weak and inauthentic. John Piper, talking…
5 ways to help your #Church youth group with #Facebook #youthministry
by Guy • • 1 Comment
Facebook, love it or hate it lots of teens still use it (although that maybe changing). I've been using and abusing Facebook since about 2007 so I think I am well placed to give some tips on how to get the best out of it for your church's youth group. Here's five simple tips.
Funny Stuff
Monday Meme
by Guy • • 0 Comments
From Kyle's awesome blog.


text:
After loading photos backwards for 4 years, it's downright weird to load them normally! But what the hey, at least it's allowing me to insert words now!
Anyway.....this project above (the before photo didn't load at all) was a large broken mirror with cool metal birdie/branch frame that I found for under 10.00.
I just removed the broken bits of mirror (thankfully it had a lovely backing board--no having to get out the jigsaw!) and painted the wood with multiple coats of blackboard paint to make a quick and simple chalkboard--easy-peasy! (a rare occurrence in my projects....usually I spend hours finding just the right screw or re-doing something endlessly in search of perfection!)


text:
I. Why the midshipmen balked.
II. Proving their training.
III. The trouble-making fop.
IV. In the view of the Navy department.
V. Navy football in the air.
VI. The hate of A Rival.
VII. "Did Jetson do it?".
VIII. Dan tries hard to keep cool.
IX. A narrow squeak with the O. C.
X. The gridiron start.
XI. The band couldn't make itself heard.
XII. Joyce is bitten with the trouble Bug.
XIII. Hepson is "Some wild".
XIV. Two sides of A story.
XV. The Navy goat weeps.
XVI. The man with A scowl on tap.
XVII. An affair of sulks.
XVIII. The class meeting sits as jury.
XIX. Dave stands on principle.
XX. "Don't be A fool, darry!"
XXI. Midshipman Jetson has the floor.
XXII. The birth of A gentleman.
XXIII. "Ragged" And no mistake.
XXIV. Conclusion.
Dave Darrin's Third Year at Annapolis
"So Tom Reade and Harry Hazelton have been here?" demanded Midshipman Dave Darrin.
That handsome young member of the brigade of midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis was now in mufti, or cits,—meaning, in other words, that he was out of his Naval uniform and attired in the conventional clothing of a young American when calling on his sweetheart.
It will make the situation even clearer to the reader to explain that Dave was back in the home town, on his September leave, after just having completed his second summer practice cruise with the three upper classes from Annapolis.
Dave was now a fine looking and "husky" second classman. He was just a shade more than half way through his course of instruction at Annapolis.
Being back in the home town, where would Midshipman Darrin be more naturally found than in the parlor at the home of his sweetheart, Miss Belle Meade?
The first greetings had been exchanged fifteen minutes before.
Since that time the young people, being sweethearts as they were, had naturally talked about themselves.
And Dave, who, in the Naval service, was fast learning to become a good listener, had been content to have Belle do most of the talking, while he sat back watching the motions of her pretty lips and catching glimpses of two rows of pearly teeth.
But now Belle had just mentioned two of Dave's former High School chums.
"So Tom and Harry were really here?" he repeated.
"Yes; they came up from Arizona on leave."


text:
The OHSF Youth Water Sports Program: FUN and FUNdamentals Water Sports Camp is a youth-focused program built with the community spirit of and contributions from all OHSF member clubs in the outer harbour. Our objective is to provide Toronto's youth with opportunities to develop skills and knowledge leading to a life-long enjoyment of our sports, and to provide our students with:
- a safe and fun environment;
- the means to participate regardless of social and/or economic background;
- safe and current boats and equipment;
- a curriculum designed to develop fundamental skills and knowledge compatible with the CANSail framework;
- committed, professional certified instructors;
- the opportunity to pursue each student's own personal goals.
Campers can choose to row, sail, windsurf or combine all three sports by taking half-day courses!
10% discount
Please tell your friends and family about the FUN and FUNdamentals Water Sports Camp and have them register their kids before May 1st to enjoy a 10% discount.
Contact Alan Hall, Watersport Program Director at 416 571-9105 for further details. Please join us in our Facebook page as well.


text:
resembl | A New Way to Find What You are Looking For
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Today I'm psyched to share a new way of searching for items online. Have you heard of resembl? resembl is a site that has made the searching process super easy! They asked me to be a guest editor and so I pulled together some of my favorite slip covered dining chairs.
When you visit resembl, all you do to get started is click on one of the pictures.
Then, lots of options appear. When you see one you like, hold your cursor over it for more options. You can also sort by color, price, size, etc. Easy!
More searching options will be added over time. Once you have a chance to check it out, I'd to hear what you think.
9 comments:
What a great name! How many times have I thought - I'm looking for something like this... Off to check it out now.ReplyDelete
I just checked it out, it works great! I was able to find six more area rugs for a client. Thanks for the tip.ReplyDelete
Love this new resource ... thanks for the intro! xoReplyDelete
Great new site that I have not seen yet...Thanks for the tip!ReplyDelete
Thats great ! Have to check it out for sure!!!!ReplyDelete
shut up. this is both brilliant and at the same time bad for me...my husband thinks I need decorating rehab already and this is not helping! cant wait to go explore it :) but don't tell him I said that.ReplyDelete
So what you're saying is there's a new way to spend money quicker? Sweet! Gonna check it out :)ReplyDelete
Thanks for sharing. I checked it out and it looks like a fab promising resource and am following it on Twitter:)ReplyDelete
Thanks so much for stopping by! Your questions will be answered here or you can email me at email@example.com


text:
Bromide Hill
This nearly vertical wooded bluff rises 140 feet above its base along Rock Creek. Along its top is found one of the most obvious ecotones in the area, where a growth of dense oak, ash and elm vanishes and short grass and prickly-pear cactus become predominat. One can see for several miles in all directions from the Bromide Overlook, a vantage point from which the various natural landscapes of the park can be seen from a different perspective, as well as the Arbuckle Mountains and the Washita River valley on the southwest. Local legend holds that this location was once used by early-day outlaws, hence it is also known as Robbers' Roost.
Last updated: February 24, 2015