Niezwykle ambitnym planem jest wypuszczanie debiutanckiej płyty tej jesieni, kiedy planowane jest wydawanie takich płyt jak “Kilka numerów o czymś” czy też “Album Zeusa”. Na te, przed chwilą wymienione, projekty ciśnienie było niezwykle duże, nie zważając na to czy to mainstream czy under. Te albumy są po prostu czymś ponad poziom rapu w Polsce. Zajawka, masa interakcji i przede wszystkim dużo dobrego rapu.

W kilkanaście dni po premierze tych dwóch wydawnictw swoją EP wypuszcza zawodnik ze Szczecina – Roka. To człowiek może nie rozpoznawalny na scenie – ale za to z potencjałem na to, by być kimś więcej niż tylko przeciętnym graczem. Do tej pory na swoim koncie miał dwa całkiem przyjemne featuringi – u Berta/Mateja w “Kolejnym razie” i u bardziej rozpoznawalnego dzisiaj, głównie dzięki występom na WBW, Ensona w tracku “W nas nie ma nas”.

Jego “Zimna krew” utrzymana jest w konwencji singla o tytule takim samym jak tytuł tego projektu. Rzecz, w której, tak jak zresztą być powinno, bit jest przyjemnym tłem dla głosu i flow rapera. Tekstowo nie można mieć zastrzeżeń – teksty nie są napisane na 5 minut przed wejście do studia – przynajmniej takie sprawiają wrażenie. Jeśli było inaczej, to tym bardziej, propsuje.

To za co po części krytykowano Małpę, to brak wyróżniającej się linijki, w szesnastkach, wbrew pozorom jest atutem takiej produkcji. Pewna, swego rodzaju, spójność tekstów oraz równy poziom. Moim zdaniem to mega podbija wartość płyty, ale wiadomo rzecz gustu.

Może od początku – wracając do tematu głównego, czyli “Zimnej krwi”. “Możesz mieć t-shirt z wielkim nadrukiem raper, ale to nie nauczy Cie płynięcia pod sample..” - albo za chwilę – “Flow to mój człowiek, co przypala mi lolka”. Fajny bit, mocny głos – w sumie zajebisty tember. Matek – odpowiedzialny za bit też się sprawdził. Wybór singla okazał się moim zdaniem trafny – ten tylko podsycił moją chęć sprawdzenia i oczekiwania tej EP.

Drugi numer na sam początek uderzył mnie bitem, który moim zdaniem jest zrobiony bardzo podobnie do pierwszego. Może nie mam słuchu do tego typu rzeczy, ale takie są moje odczucia.Do sfery flow i tekstów zastrzeże nie mam – podoba mi się.

Trzecia pozycja jest radośniejsza, szybsza i sprawia właśnie, jak przed chwilą napisałem, wrażenie pozytywniejszej. “Rap, rap wierzę w jego moc” – chciałbym częściej tak mówić – takie produkcje pomagają mi w niego uwierzyć. Chciałbym, żeby za kilka lat nadal nam “bit brzmiał w głowie”. Oby tak było, bo coraz częściej wątpię w niego.

“Mur” to czwarta produkcja – trochę więcej basu, albo ważniejsza jego rola w układzie bitu. Tematyka poważniejsza i flow pomagają mi sprawić wrażenie, jakby nawijał to Blef. Bardzo podobny track do tych, które on proponuje słuchaczom. “Billing” jest płytą utrzymaną w koncepcie tego utworu. A jeżeli ktoś potrafi sprawić takie wrażenie, dla mnie ważne – jako, że Blefa jako rapera szanuję – to mega props.

Na “Wietrze” w końcu usłyszałem bit Mateja, którego w otoczeniu Roki, szanuję. Lubie jego bity, bo robi to z pasją, fajnie i dobrze po prostu. Co do tekstu to jaram się foliołapem do Laika – mało kto potrafi ogarnąć jego rap tym bardziej cieszę się, że są jeszcze ludzie potrafiący to zrobić. Laikiem nie będę się tutaj zajmował, ale kto chce się zagłębić to sprawdzi O.C.B.

“Wpadłbym na Hip-Hop Kemp, gdybym ciągnął z legali“, czyli szósty numer. Fajnie płynący Roka, w mega refleksyjnym kawałku na temat rapu – przyszłości autora w “biznesie”. Nieźle – tym bardziej, że kolejną opcją zaproponowaną przez niego jest “Wyżej”, który nawiązuje do progresu. Ćwicz, wbijaj, rapuj – a osiągniesz, co chcesz zdaje się mówić Roka. “Rap miał być złotym środkiem” – celnie puentuje autor.

Jednym z tych, który najbardziej wkręcił mi się jest “Spłacamy swoje długi” z celnymi może nie tyle ripostami, co spostrzeżeniami. Dokładając do tego, co nawinął Roka, świetnie pasuje zaproszony na płytę Keller. Jaram się przeokrótnie tym trackiem.

“Flow naturalne, jak czerwień krwi“, czyli ostatni już numer na płycie. Mega dobrze zaprezentowało się wejście “obcojęzyczne”, czyli kilka wersów z angielskim rapem, na polskiej płycie. “Bicie serc” to follow do prawdy, uczucia i zajawki – to przede wszystkim też świetnie wpisujący się w koncept płyty, a także tytułu, utwór. Możnaby uznać ostatni utwór jako podsumowanie i wybór takiej kolejności wydaje się być świetnym pomysłem. Dobrym bitem posłużył z tej strony Słoneczny, znany przede wszystkim z bitew na wolnym stylu oraz duetu z Białasem. Mało kto wie, że potrafi on zrobić całkiem sympatyczne bity, a na potwierdzenie moim słów zrobił ten.

W każdej z płyt staram się szukać pozytywów. Jeżeli ich ilość przeważa nad wadami można uznać płytę za udaną.W przypadku tej przewaga na ich rzecz jest mega duża, czytaj płyta warta nie tylko uwagi, ale i bliższego sprawdzenia i wsłuchania się w to, co chce przekazać Roka.

Możesz, czytając tę i wcześniejsze “recenzje”, uznać że ciąglę propsuje. Może i fakt – ale zważ na to, że słabych projektów nie będę opisywał, bo szkoda na to czasu. “Mogę mieć najdzieję” – nawiązując po raz kolejny do Roki – że ogarniasz to i rozumiesz.

Roce udało się coś o co w moim przypadku było trudno. Odłożenie na chwilę Małpy i Zeusa, aby sprawdzić coś nowego. W przerwie między odsłuchem jednej i drugiej płyty na mp3 miałem folder, na którym pierwszą pozycją była “zimna krew”. Teraz mam już cała EP i na pewno zagości na dłużej na moim sprzęcie.

Ciekawym, przykuwającym nie tyle słuch, co oko jest projekt okładki. Można mieć jedynie zastrzeżenia do wielkości czcionki napisu na frontowej okładce – nazwa autora jest mała i właściwie może być niewidoczna, choć na białym tle powinna kontrastować w dość interesujący sposób.

TRACKLISTA:
01. Zimna krew (prod. Matek)
02. Gdy ja feat. Bez Ryzyka (prod. S.Z.W.)
03. Zawsze (prod. Szatt)
04. Mur (prod. Matek)
05. Wiatr (prod. Matej)
06. W końcu zgniotę mikrofon (prod. Matek)
07. Wyżej (prod. Aliant)
08. Spłacamy swoje długi feat. Keller (prod. S.Z.W.)
09. Bicie serc (prod. Solar)

Pobierz:

http://www.sendspace.pl/file/c8fe7352aae013f6e7a7788

http://www.slizg.eu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19176

http://tczew.net.pl/~bert/Roka%20-%20Zimna%20krew%20%5b2009%5d.rar (link bezpośredni)

Dobra, napisałem, więc spadam już – pjęć!

Icon

iLohn soll am 1. December veröffentlicht werden, auf Englisch, Französisch, Italienisch und natürlich Deutsch. Diese wird €0.79 (CHF 1.10) kosten.

Diese App ermöglicht dass man, wenn man pro Stunde arbeitet, eine Übersicht über sein Einkommen hat. So soll man nach dem arbeiten die gearbeitete Zeit eingeben und die Zeiten werden kummuliert und angezeigt. So sieht man, wenn man die App öffnet, wieviel man bis jetzt verdient hat. Die Eingabe ist sehr schnell erledigt, darauf wurde anscheinend aufgepasst. Sobald die App geöffnen ist, ist auch die Tastatur offen und das eingeben erfolgt sehr schnell.
Eine weitere nützliche Sache ist dass man “Neuen Monat” wählen kann. Dann wird die Zeit hinten, auf der zweiten Ansicht gespeichert und man kann den nächsten Arbeitsmonat anfangen.

Farzit:
Diese App ist nicht ganz wie man es erwarten könnte, mit zB Listen der eingetragene Zeit mit Detail oder so… Aber eben das macht diese App zu einer sehr intuitive und einfache iPhone App. Beim täglichen Einsatz stört es nicht die App zu offnen, die Zeit eintrage und wieder schließen, man hat nicht das Gefühl dass man Zeit verliert. Also iLohn ist für die die auf Stunden Basis arbeiten auf jeden Fall entfehlenswert.

Link zu allen Apps vom Entwickler EnzoApps.

“Regular” – HA!

Well, you’ve waited long enough.  I promised myself I’d put up a new picture of Raptor Jesus every week and I have failed on that promise.  But, as Beecher on OZ would say “the good thing about breaking a promise to yourself is that only one person gets hurt.”

But I apologize to you all.

And so, without further ado, here is Jesus riding a dinosaur, surrounded by battling unicorns.

And here are a few more little updates about what’s been going on with me, if you’re interested:

-This morning I woke up at 9:45 and by 10:00 I was already out the door on my way to Best Buy to buy the new Them Crooked Vultures CD that came out today and is totally KICK ASS.  Seriously, go buy this album right now.  Josh Homme from QOTSA, Dave Grohl on drums (just like the Nirvana days) and John Paul Jones (you know, from that little band… what was it… “Led” something?)  Seriously, it rocks hardcore and you need a copy.

-There are two shows I am addicted to and they both have a lot in common.  Namely: actors.  The shows are OZ, the prison drama on HBO, and Law & Order: SVU.  Tuesday is my day off from school and, luckily, it’s also the day on which USA airs its all-day SVU marathon.  WHOOPEE!!!  That show is so dramatic and intense and I LOVE IT.  It also stars Chris Meloni, who played Chris Keller on OZ from seasons 2 to 6.  OZ is also very addictive.  I recommend going out and renting it on DVD – you’ll be blown away.  It’s dramatic, violent… everything a girl could ask for.    And it has a lot of Chris Meloni in skin-tight shirts, if you’re in to that sort of thing (which I am, thankyouverymuch).  To see Meloni go from playing a bisexual psychopathic killer in OZ to a guy who hunts down psycopathic killers on SVU is really awesome.  He maintains the same sort of intense presense and no-nonsense attitude, and that is why I find him so very appealing.  GO WATCH ‘EM!

I know it's corny... but thank God for this picture.

El día sábado estuve visitando la Expo Moto Show; la verdad es que para ser la primera exposición de motos a la cual asisto, me fui muy satisfecho. El predio fue muy bien elegido por los organizadores; amplio estacionamiento y buenos pabellones para los expositores, así como también una pista para realizar los test de las motos, la cual era medio pequeña debo reconocer.

Entre las novedades con las que me encontré y me sorprendieron, la pole position se la lleva Zanella, quienes presentaron un modelo 250cc tipo calle-naked, bastante bien logrado, el cual piensan lanzar a mediados del 2010; me hubiese gustado poder conocer las información técnica sobre la moto, pero lamentablemente no había nadie en el stand que pudiera hablarnos de la moto.

Otro punto a destacar fue el stand de Yamaha, en el centro del mismo estaba la infaltable Vmax 2009, un verdadero monstruo; pero lo que más me sorprendió del stand no fue la Vmax, sino la ausencia de las Fazer FZ1/6!, no había ninguna!!, solo pude ver las XJ6 naked y carenada.

Quienes faltaron, y me hubiese gustado verlas presente fueron Suzuki y Kawasaki. Realmente me tome mi tiempo para recorrer y poder disfrutar tanto de las motos de los expositores, como las motos de la propia gente que fue a la expo; eran cientos!.

No me queda más que esperar hasta el año que viene para volver a gozar de esta exposición, mientras tanto me quedo esperando que me llamen a ver si me gane la moto que sorteaban!!

Saludos.
www.MotoVsMoto.com.ar

So, die filigrandecke des kellers ist drauf, der elektriker legt gerade die kabel für die keller- verstromung.

Und dann noch ein bild vom zukünftigen ausblick. Welcher landschaftsarchitekt denkt sich sowas eigentlich aus. 20 verschiedene stangen und alle in unterschiedlichen farben. Wunderschön …

I began reading Keller’s Counterfeit Gods over the weekend. In a word, profound. Another word, convicting. And still another couple words, gloriously hopeful. The book is about idolatry. In the first chapter, Keller defines idolatry by alluding to comments on American culture penned by Alexis de Tocqueville, who in the 1830s said that there “is a strange melancholy that haunts the inhabitants… in the midst of abundance” because “the incomplete joys of this world will never satisfy [the human] heart.”

Keller asks, “What is the cause of this ’strange melancholy’ that permeates our society…? De Tocqueville says it comes from taking some ‘incomplete joy of this world’ and building your entire life on it. That is the definition of idolatry.”  Usually, idolatry takes place when I take a good thing (an incomplete joy) and make it an ultimate thing (like planting a church, or winning a game, or making an income, or whatever). It is that thing that, if I lost it or failed at it, would cast me into despair.

Of course, the gospel offers us that which can truly satisfy, which is to know the God of grace who pours out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit whom he has given to us. The Spirit who enables me to cry out “Abba, Father,” and to be convinced that I am fully forgiven and completely accepted sons. Reconciliation without fear. That is what my heart longs for, and that is what we receive through faith in the promises that are bound to the cross of Jesus. Embracing the ultimate thing as the best thing.

It is the power of the gospel that breaks the power of idolatry and brings genuine peace, joy, hope and soul satisfaction. It enables me to possess something and lose it, to pursue something and fail at it, and to remain sane—even sanctified, possibly sorrowful, but not despairing—in the process.

Posted via web from mckaycaston.com

Another autumn day in Chicago, enjoying not only a fabulous Indian summer, but also some Pinot Noir.  Pinot Days occurred on the lakefront, in Navy Pier, an awesome venue for any event.  With such great weather in the city, people were strolling down the pier, fishing, shopping, and sitting while admiring the view of our lake and skyline.  I enjoyed the view as well, like I always do, while strolling to try Pinot Noir from over 50 different producers.

So Pinot Noir has quickly become one of the world’s favorite varietals, and there is much to like about the grape.  It produces wines that can be easy drinking, with light and vibrant red berry fruit, bright acidity (which helps with many food pairings), and can also have many spice components, and earthy/mushroom qualities, though mostly (but not only!) found in European versions.  The color can go from translucent and light ruby to light deep purple, and the tannins as well can vary from light to grippy and firm.  These wines can also age, and show many more complexities with maturity.

The producers at this event were here to impress.  I started off by visiting Tim Olsen of Olsen Ogden Wines in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley.  I’ve met Tim before, and not only is he a great guy, but he makes outstanding wine.  He introduced me to two of his Pinots, which demonstrated extremely different styles.  His 2007 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir has deeper color, more tannins and weight.  It also has dark fruit flavor and spice.  On the other hand, his 2007 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is lighter, full of red fruit and bright acid, and has more earthy complexity.  These wines illustrate two basic styles of Pinot Noir.  I was also lucky to try both a Syrah/Grenache blend, and the Unti Vineyard Syrah.  Love the body and peppery spice with those wines.

Next I was on to Inman Family Wines, a small winery in Sonoma, with some great wines, especially their estate organically grown Olivet Grange Vineyard Pinot Noir.  This wine exhibits much depth and flavor, and will age well.  The tannic structure is much more intense than many other Pinots, and I guarantee you will enjoy it.  They also feature a few other Pinot Noirs made with fruit from other vineyards, and a Pinot Gris.

I also found another one of my favorite Sonoma Pinot Noirs, the Keller Estate Precioso.  This is made from the estate’s best select barrels, and aged 15 months in oak.  This wine is not only full of rich fruits like raspberry and pomegranate, but also exotic spice, and depth.

A few other California wineries I enjoyed:

• Demetria.  Family owned winery making biodynamically grown grapes, and a great Pinot in the Santa Rita Hills appellation of Santa Barbara.
• Belle Glos.  A Sonoma producer with three single vineyard Pinots: Taylor Lane, Clark and Telephone, and Las Alturas.  This family has a long history with California wines, so watch out for these wines!
• Goldeneye.  This label was created by the Duckhorn family, with a vision to create world class Pinot Noir in Anderson Valley.  They now make excellent Pinots from four different estate’s fruit.
• Papapietro.  A family owned Sonoma winery not only making great Pinot Noir, but also Zinfandels.

There was also some Pinot Noir from Oregon, my favorite state for the varietal:

• Domaine Serene.  A historically acclaimed producer, making world class Pinot Noir from three estate vineyards in Dundee Hills, north Willamette Valley.
• Le Cadeau.  A Willamette Valley producer making excellent Pinot from a volcanic microclimate.
• Stoller.  Not only making world class wines, but also the nation’s first LEED Certified winery, a mark of not only true sustainability, but also a commitment to being “Green”.

There were also some German Pinot Noir, also known as Spatburgunder, represented.  The style is traditionally lighter in body, tannins, and color, though bigger versions are being produced in seasons offering longer summers and more intense sunlight.

All things considered, this was a great tasting event, with not only some extremely enjoyable wines, but also some nice food and olive oils.  Looking forward to Pinot Days 2010!

I love art more than I like most people.

My friend Nemo took me to this place called ART BOX, created by Frankie Rockett and Violet Sweetwater, where you can become the art itself. Allow me to explain.

When you arrive on the second floor, you see a bunch of kiosks with some of your favorite paintings or scenes from pop cultures. You simply click the art you want, the kiosk brings you down to the first floor, and then a stage is set for that scene. It will include pose balls and even props where necessary! In the case of the Attack of the 50ft Woman, it gave me a miniature car to hold! RAWR! If the scene does have props, it will come in the form of a crate off to the side. Make sure you look out for it because it does help create the mood.

Attack of the 50ft Woman

I can’t tell you how much fun it was to fuck around with this. My inner child was happy as a clam playing with the Jackson Pollack splatter canvas. You can tell that a lot of love was put into this project.

Also, make sure you bring some friends too, a bunch of the selections need cohorts fill them out. Once you have some pictures, do upload them to Flickr. Here’s the link to their Group page: http://www.flickr.com/groups/theartbox

Honestly, for the art history lover this is where it’s at. It’s all run at the generosity of Mr. Rockett and Ms. Sweetwater, so do donate to the cause. Go be the muther fuckin’ art. Dare to dream.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Klaw/26/19/46

The Son of Man (Le fils de l’homme) by René Magritte

Man on the Moon - Buzz Aldrin, Apollo landing

Christine Keeler

]]> http://coachparker.org/2009/11/14/2009-keller-youth-football-season-ended-too-early/ Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:38:21 +0000 stevep264 http://coachparker.org/2009/11/14/2009-keller-youth-football-season-ended-too-early/

The 2009 Keller, Texas Select youth football team that I was assisting for as Offensive Line Coach this season, lost its first playoff game a couple weeks back.  I’ve been stewing about the loss and finally had the urge to talk about football today, because the team I coached in Arvada (Denver CO) won its playoff game today which puts them in the Jefferson County Youth Football Carnation Bowl / Super Bowl.  I am very proud of both teams, but Go Arvada Pirates and congrats to Coach Cox and all the Pirate Coaches, families and players.  I miss you.

My oldest son starts playing Jr High ball next year, which will be very exciting, but sad for me.  I have coached Berndt “Bear” since he started playing flag football at 5 years old.  It was unfortunate for Bear that he did not make it to a Super Bowl as I did as a youth player.  My youngest son, Zane also lost his Keller youth football playoff game this season.  Zane’s Arvada team won the Super Bowl last season, so Zane was a little disappointed that his Keller team was not a Super Bowl contender this season.  I am considering helping Zane’s Keller Youth Association select sophomore team next season as the offensive coordinator, so that will be fun for Zane and I since I have never coached one of Zane’s youth sports teams.

I’m not ready for football to be over in the Parker house.  I am already bored and have too much time on my hands.  I guess I will start updating my playbook again.  Its a never ending process.

I hope your season did to end early but if it did, there’s always next season.

Cheers,
Coach Parker
Keller, TX

Foto vergrößern.

Um den unwissenden Menschen einen kleinen Einblick in die Messevorbereitung der bonding Firmenkontaktmesse am 1. und 2. Dezember in Hamburg Harburg auf dem Schwarzenbergplatz zu geben, hier ein Foto unseres Kellers mit den Messekatalogen und ein Foto des ersten Katalogturmes im Audimax 1 des TUHH.

I rarely post magazine deals, but Amazon has a long list of magazine subscriptions on sale for $5 this week that is too good of a bargain not to mention. I’ve never seen this many magazines selling at such rock-bottom prices (even the 2 year subscriptions are incredibly cheap!).  If you already subscribe, you can use the offer to extend your subscription (just make sure you use the same name and address).

There is an abundance of $5 subscription titles to choose from. Here is a small sample of the list (great gift ideas!):

Home & Garden Interests

•  Cooking Light (1-year),  $5  (The $5 Cooking Light offer Expires Saturday, 11/14!)
• House Beautiful (1-year), $5 (After $5 Instant Savings )
• Country Living (1-year), $5    (After $5 Instant Savings )
• Good Housekeeping (1-year), $5 (After $3 Instant Savings )
• Southern Living (1-year), $11 (After $5 Instant Savings )
        The 2-year subscription is $14.97
• Food Network Magazine (1-year), $10 (After $5 Instant Savings )
• Ladies Home Journal (1-year), $7 (After $5 Instant Savings )

 Magazines for the Family

• Disney Family Fun (1-year), $5  (After $5 Instant Savings )
• Sports Illustrated for Kids (1-year), $15 (After $5 Instant Savings )
• National Geographic (1-year),  $10 (After $5 Instant Savings )

Special Interests

• Popular Mechanics (1-year), $5    (After $5 Instant Savings )
• SmartMoney (1-year), $5 (After $5 Instant Savings )
• Road & Track, $8.97 (After $3 Instant Savings )
• Smithsonian, $12

Savings Tip:  Bundle your purchases.  If you have any other shopping to do with Amazon, magazine purchases will work as a great filler to get the FREE Shipping from Amazon when you spend $25 or more.

These make excellent stocking stuffers at this price! 

Enjoy!

Für unser haus steht die schalung bereits, die keller-außenwände werden sicherlich in den nächsten tagen betoniert.
Im nebenhaus sind die außenwände schon fertig und die haustrennwände werden stein auf stein aufgebaut.

I am in the Foreign Service for the US Department of State which is first and foremost a diplomatic and political organization. The culture there is not one that is openly welcome to new technologies as it is still an organization that runs on the written word. Words at the Department of State make up the fabric of our existence. Words become peace treaties, internal policy, the foundation of some laws and eventually tradition. However, that tradition can actually prove to work against new initiatives, because with tradition comes a natural resistance to change.

One instance of this resistance was before the State Department’s Risk Scoring Model, was implemented. The risk scoring model was developed by our internal bureau of Information Resource Management’s, Office of Information Assurance. The main premise was to encourage the Department’s IT personnel to maintain and remediate the systems under their control with a higher rate of frequency. Prior to the institution of this model, there was a high degree of complacency, and despair based on the seeming impossible task of well maintained systems. Most IT professionals did not exert a great deal of efforts because of the perception. The Risk Scoring Model’s design meets the criteria of satisfaction, based on its design and how it allowed IT professionals to remediate in a more structured manner while seeing real benefit from their efforts.

Two vital components to this Risk Scoring model was the means to take a real-time scans of every system throughout the Department State’s Enterprise, and a central repository to view the results of the scans.

The first of the two components was a centralized system, under my supervision (Enterprise Vulnerability Scanning) within the Office of Computer Security/ Monitoring and Incident Response Division. This centralized system does compliance scoring against our own security control configurations, and vulnerability scoring against industry wide vulnerability signatures from Microsoft, VERITAS, Avert labs and the like. My component meets the criteria of Attention and Confidence according to Keller’s (1987) ARCS model. Attention because of the regular scans that my team provides for the Department on a consistent basis, and confidence that the scans are factual and free from error.

The second of the two components is a central repository managed by the Operations Division of Enterprise Network Management which is a web based dashboard called iPost. iPost serves as the central portal for different data sets such as antivirus, systems management services (SMS), active directory (AD), patch management (PATCH) and my compliance and vulnerability data. Based on its design, iPost meets the criteria of Relevance according to Keller’s (1987) ARCS model because all IT personnel can judge and see what resources to concentrate on, and which areas to give priority.

This Risk Scoring Model was implemented across our Global Enterprise both IRM and DS recently won the 2009 Rowlett Award from the National Security Agency.

Reference

Kruse, K. (2006). The Magic of learner motivation: the arcs model. E-learningguru.com, Retrieved from http://www.e-learningguru.com/articles/art3_5.htm

I love me some hit men. I don’t know what it is about professional assassins that make them so captivating, but there’s nothing like a good hit man story. And Lawrence Block has taken this to almost Seinfeldian levels of hilarity and glory. The humor comes from the mundane and the practical, sharp dialogue exchanges and a desert dry wit, without ever descending into slapstick or over-the-top setups.

In the third installment of the short story collection series starring everyone’s favorite snuff artist, Keller is looking to retire. He’s getting old, and it’s becoming too much trouble to keep killing. His stamp collection still holds his interest, but he wants out of the game. So he teams up with his trusty booking agent Dot, taking practically every job that comes along with reckless disregard for his usual meticulous control, all so he can get that final big score.

Hit Parade is comprised of several short stories that all share a general arc. Think graphic novel series. They all interconnect, some characters in earlier stories paying off in the later pieces, and all framed around the same overall goal of Keller and his big cashout. What fascinated me about this novel is that it dealt primarily with the events of 9/11. Keller lives in New York, and watching the impact of the towers falling adds such a layer of depth and wistful beauty to the stories that I absolutely did not expect. Aside from the concerns for heightened security — Keller can no longer pay cash for flights, getting weapons on the plane is virtually impossible — it has a personal impact on Keller. He ends up volunteering at the food service lines, spooning food to the fireman working at Ground Zero. It’s terrifically honest, and amazingly selfish in it’s portrayal.

The casual back and forth between Dot and Keller is still the bread and butter of this novel. I’m rarely one for asking for novels to be turned into cinema, but this begs for it. It’s beyond the whole Moneypenny/Bond innuendo, as there’s never even the thought of a romantic interaction between Dot and Keller. It’s a business arrangement, but the personal relationship is so strangely intimate without being sexual. Dot cares about Keller, because he makes her money, but because also because he’s her top guy.

There are attempts on Keller’s life, threats, screw-ups, sour deals, and the usual, but it never goes for that ridiculous hyped-up finish: nobody breaks into Dot’s White Plains home to take her hostage to get to Keller. Nobody is hunting Keller for sport. Everything is so casually put together, so matter-of-fact, and yet there are plenty of exquisite twists and plot points. If Garrison Keillor ever decided to write episodes for the Sopranos, this is how they would have turned out.

I’ll probably be reviewing the most recent book, Hit and Run, in the coming months, but you can definitely get copies of the first two books, Hit Man and Hit List. I cannot recommend this series highly enough, as it’s quick, refreshing, and has never disappointed yet.

Homebuyer Tax Credit Changes:

First Time Homeowner Tax credit has been extended so long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close. First Time Buyer amount of credit $8,000

Modified to include Current Homeowners – Must have used the sold home or being sold as a principal residence consecutively for 5 years.  Current Homeowner amount of credit $6,500

Beautiful Woodbury home for sale. 

4 bedrooms  – 3 bedrooms on one level

4 bathrooms

Built 2002

2 car (large extra space for work bench)  insulated garage

Floor to ceiling windows overlooking large backyard,  vaulted ceilings, beautiful state of the art home theater all equipment stays with the home (audio visual components all speakers), large kitchen with center island and walk-in pantry,  master suite with whirlpool tub, main level laundry, in-ground sprinkler system.  Beautiful home in golf course community a must see.  For more information and showing requests see contact information.  To search more properties visit my website at www.cindyblanchard.com

Cindy Blanchard

Keller Williams Premier

Email cindyblanchard@kw.com

Cell  612-414-2139

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It’s Easy to sign up!

1. Let us know your favorite savings tip.  Click here to post your tip (scroll to the bottom of the page in the comments section ).

2.  Help us spread the word about Frugal in Fort Worth and you can be entered up to FOUR MORE TIMES!

Click here for more details!