Me and Sam on Thanksgiving night

I’m not sure if everyone got this but Sam sent most gardeners’ this:

It is called a banquet table and is great for that Thanksgiving day dinner in gpw. Here is what it looks like in your house:

I hope all you U.S. people have a great Thanksgiving!

So Fallon and I are kind of obsessed with lame court shows like People’s Court and Judge Judy. They’re totally ridiculous and feature some really hard up people. Our favourite one is Judge Alex, or as we call him Judge Eagle for his likeness to the Eagle from the Muppets. Anyway, Judge Eagle features the low-classiest of low classy participants. It is ridiculous and that is why it’s amazing.

There is another show called Divorce Court on which other low classy people resolve their divorces for the world to see. It is this program combined with a talk about fathers rights that led me to think up what could be the most amazingly low classy court show of all time. ABORT COURT!

The premise is rather self-explanatory. A woman gets pregnant and she wants to keep it but her potential BabyDaddy does not. What to do? Go on Abort Court! A judge would weight each of their cases and ultimately decide whether or not they should keep the baby. This is obviously ridiculous although I do actually think it’s kind of unfair that men get no say on whether or not their lady friends go through with a pregnancy or not.

Be honest, you would totally watch Abort Court.

ABORT COURT!

There was a Disney cartoon on TV during breakfast in which Mickey Mouse was standing between Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck. Sam commented that Mickey was lucky to be surrounded by girls. I smiled as I was a little confused ~ this is in stark contrast to his attitude since birth. He smiled at me and says “I’ve changed my mind”. I replied “I noticed. Why do you think Mickey is lucky?” He answered “I don’t know. I just do.”

The not knowing was what shocked me the most. If he had some logical reason then that would just be him trying to understand the way things work. However, this suggests that his thoughts are beginning to be formed by emotion. Oh dear, here come the teens. I don’t think we can go backwards from here!

What am I grateful for?  Let me count the ways… 

And of course this guy.

He rocks my world everyday.

Thanksgiving makes me happy.  It’s always been one of my favorites.  I hope everyone has a blessed holiday!  I’m off for four lovely days.  Amen to that.  

♥♥♥ 

Prior to Round 9 of the PETRONAS AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship that will be held on December 5 and 6, the Sepang International Circuit (South) will be open for testing on Thursday of the race week. It is scheduled to take place on December 3, 2009.

There will be two test sessions for the day. The first will session kick off at 10am till 1pm while the second will begin at 2pm till 5pm. The fee is fixed at RM100 per bike for one session and is open to all the Cub Prix teams and privateer riders.

Unlike other venues in the Cub Prix calendar where the layout is narrow, more focused on technical skills and designed to match the capacities of ‘kapcai’ machines, Sepang (South) is intended more for machines with greater abilities, power, durability and speed.

Therefore the set up required to master this circuit is completely different from the ones used by teams for other venues on the race calendar- hence this is why the promoter, Safe Aim Mutual Sdn Bhd (SAM) is organizing the test session.

Mr. Ron Hogg, Promotions Director for SAM encourages Cub Prix teams to take full advantage of the opportunity given. He says it is utmost essential to make sure each and every element of man and machine is reviewed and tested before the race because the Championship is now at its crucial and final phase.

“Even though, Sepang track is not new to all of us as we have been racing year in and year out but I hope the teams and riders will take the testing session to improve on their bike set-up. One of the challenges I foresee is the weather. In Round 5 that was held in the month of July this season, we were racing under the scorching sun but this time around, we might be racing under a cooler environment as it is rainy season now.”

“Therefore, I believe the test session will not only boost the chances of bagging good results but it will also help ensure the machine set-up is in top form. Furthermore, both the Expert and Wira epg titles are still wide open and I am sure the riders who are in the running for the title chase will want to collect as many points in Sepang,” added Ron.

Tickets priced at RM20 can be purchased at ticket outlets : MAJU MOTOR, Shah Alam (03-55108036), AH HONG MOTOR, Kuala Lumpur (03-40417576), YY PANG RACING MOTOR, Shah Alam (03-51215821), SAFE AIM MUTUAL SDN BHD, Kajang (03-87348787),  RACELINE SDN BHD, Petaling Jaya (03-77852400, 77859500), SCK MOTOR, Shah Alam (03-55112594), SHAHROL YUZY MOTORSPORT, Puchong (03-83186062), LIBERTY CYCLE MOTOR, Puchong (03-80702227), ARTREE MOTOR, Petaling Jaya. Tickets can also be bought at Sepang Circuit on race day. 1000 early birds to the race will receive an event cap by the organizer.

(Versi Bahasa Malaysia)

Peluang pasukan uji trek Sepang

MENJELANG saingan Pusingan 9 siri Kejuaraan Cub Prix Malaysia AAM PETRONAS yang berlangsung pada 5 dan 6 Disember ini,penganjur perlumbaan Safe Aim Mutual Sdn Bhd (SAM) membuka peluang untuk pasukan menguji jentera di Litar Antarabangsa Sepang (Trek Selatan).

Sesi ujian sehari yang diadakan pada 3 Disember depan itu akan dibahagikan kepada dua sesi. Sesi ujian pertama akan bermula pada 10 pagi hingga 1 petang manakala sesi ujian kedua bermula pada 2 hingga 5 petang. Setiap jentera akan dikenakan yuran sebanyak RM100 dan ia terbuka kepada semua pelumba Cub Prix dan pelumba persendirian.

Berbeza dengan venue yang disenaraikan dalam kalendar Cub Prix, venue Sepang (Trek Selatan) amat berbeza kerana ia memerlukan setiap pasukan melipat gandakan kelebihan jentera seperti kuasa, ketahanan, kepantasan dan pelbagai lagi.

Menurut Pengarah Promosi SAM, Ron Hogg, dia berharap semua pasukan Cub Prix akan mempergunakan peluang keemasan ini sepenuhnya. Sesi ujian ini adalah persiapan terakhir buat pasukan menguji pelumba dan jentera sebelum perlumbaan sebenar bermula. Tambahan pula, pada peringkat ini, persaingan semakin sengit kerana Kejuaraan kini telah memasuki fasa terakhir.

“Sekali pun, trek Sepang bukanlah asing, saya berharap setiap pasukan dan pelumba mengambil peluang sesi ujian ini untuk membuat penyelarasan yang terbaik pada jentera. Antara cabaran getir yang saya ramal adalah dari faktor cuaca. Pada saingan Pusingan 5, Julai lepas, keadaan cuaca cukup baik namun kini jika kita teliti keadaan cuaca ketika ini, kemungkinan besar saingan akan berlangsung dalam cuaca buruk.

“Oleh itu,saya percaya, sesi ujian ini bukan hanya membuka peluang setiap pelumba dan pasukan memperolehi keputusan yang baik tetapi juga membantu mereka menyediakan penyelarasan terbaik pada masa perlumbaan sebenar.

“Dalam pada itu, saingan merebut mahkota kelas Expert dan Wira epg masih terbuka. Saya yakin pelumba yang mendahalui carta keseluruhan  pasti mahu mengutip sebanyak mungkin mata Kejuaraan di Sepang bagi merealisasikan harapan mereka untuk bergelar juara,” tambah Ron.

Tiket berharga RM20 boleh didapati di ejen-ejen berhampiran seperti berikut : MAJU MOTOR, Shah Alam (03-55108036), AH HONG MOTOR, Kuala Lumpur (03-40417576), YY PANG RACING MOTOR, Shah Alam (03-51215821), SAFE AIM MUTUAL SDN BHD, Kajang (03-87348787),  RACELINE SDN BHD, Petaling Jaya (03-77852400, 77859500), SCK MOTOR, Shah Alam (03-55112594), SHAHROL YUZY MOTORSPORT, Puchong (03-83186062), LIBERTY CYCLE MOTOR, Puchong (03-80702227), ARTREE MOTOR, Petaling Jaya. Tiket juga boleh didapati di Litar Antarabangsa Sepang pada hari perlumbaan. 1000 pengunjung pertama akan menerima topi istimewa dari pihak penganjur.

Issued by: Global PR Sdn Bhd

Copyright to: Safe Aim Mutual Sdn Bhd

Como la mayoría de la series por estas fechas Sobrenatural también a entrado en periodo de hiatus, y no volverá con nuevas emisiones hasta el día 21 de enero. Mientras tanto os dejo la promo que ha salido del episodio 11 de la quinta temporada títulado “Sam, interrupted”.

Sinopsis: [proximamente]

O terceiro livro da série “Crepúsculo” terminou deixando um grande suspense no ar: se a família Cullen iria ceder as ameaças dos Volturi e transformar Bella em vampira. E a grande expectativa também gira em torno do pedido de casamento proposto do Edward e aceito por Bella.

As respostas a todas estas questões e novas aventuras, além do surgimento de novos personagens marca o quarto livro da série, “Amanhecer”. Um ponto interessante neste volume é que ele é dividido em três partes e narrado não apenas pela narradora que já estamos acostumados, mas também por Jacob.

Bella casa-se com Edward, que faz uma surpresa para a esposa escolhendo como local para a lua de mel, uma ilha privada na costa do Rio de Janeiro, no Brasil, pertencente a Esme, dada de presente pelo seu esposo Carlisle. O acordo firmado entre os dois era que ele transformaria ela em vampira quando ela aceitasse casar com ele. Na ilha, motivados pelo isolamento, privacidade e o clima paradisíaco, eles tiveram a primeira experiência sexual.

Como eles pertencem a espécies diferentes, sendo o vampiro muito forte e, muitas vezes, incapazes de controlar a força quando estão sob forte emoção, e os humanos frágeis e mais sensíveis que os da outra espécie, a relação entre os dois fica ameaçada, porque após a primeira noite de amor, Bella fica coberta de hematomas. Edward não se perdoa e fica irritado consigo mesmo. A garota insiste em que eles tentem de novo e, a princípio relutante, ela o convence e ele cede.

Após novas tentativas, para surpresa de todos que achavam algo desse tipo acontecer, Bella engravida. A funcionária da casa onde eles estão tenta alertar a garota do perigo em que ela está se metendo, prevê o que acontecerá com ela e tenta ajudá-la, mas Bella entende muito pouco o que ela realmente está falando e não dá muita importância.

Edward fica muito surpreso com a inusitada gravidez de Bella e conversa com Carlisle a respeito. Como eles não sabem o que pode acontecer do fruto dessa relação, decidem que seria o melhor e o mais adequado para manter a vida da garota a salvo, fazerem um aborto para que a criança não acabe matando Bella. Ela fica horrorizada com a decisão deles e defende com unhas e dentes o seu filho. E conta com uma ajuda muito importante: Rosalie. Esta nunca quis ser vampira, sempre condenou a vontade de Bella de se tornar uma e brigou com todos que apoiaram essa opção. Com esta novidade da gravidez, Rosalie parte em defesa do bebê e impede que qualquer um encoste na garota para prejudicar o bebê. Mas Rosalie não faz isso para proteger Bella, seus interesses são bem mais egoístas.

O líder dos lobos, Sam, ao descobrir que a garota está esperando um filho de um vampiro, decide que é importante destruir “a criatura”, pois acreditava que seria um perigo à vida de todos. Mas Jacob enfrenta a decisão de Sam e rejeita de todas as formas a destruição do bebê, pois isso significaria a morte de Bella também. A partir daí os conflitos entre a família unida dos lobos dá-se início.

Apesar dos fortes e convincentes argumentos de Jacob, Sam não os aceita e se mostra irredutível, tendo o apoio de todos os membros da alcatéia, exceto o de Seth, que se mantém firme e leal ao lado de Jacob e defende a vida do bebê e de Bella. Sam, então utilizando o argumento de que ele é o lobo alfa, tenta obrigar os dois lobos dissidentes que se unam aos demais para atacarem os Cullen, já que eles, logicamente, defenderiam o bebê e Bella.

Jacob não acata as ordens de Sam e passa a exigir a posse da sua herança sanguínea de alfa, o qual sempre rejeitou, pois considerava que Sam seria um líder muito melhor do que ele. A consequência desse conflito? Jacob abandona o bando, sendo seguido por Seth e, posteriormente, por Leah, irmã de Seth. O novo líder do novo bando decide contar para os Cullen os planos de Sam e, assim, a luta não acontece.

A gravidez de Bella não é normal, de um bebê totalmente humano e, com isso, os processos naturais da gravidez também não seguem os prazos normais e naturais. O bebê se desenvolve muito rapidamente e a medida que a gravidez avança, Bella vai sentindo o pesa da sua escolha em manter o bebê a salvo. Ele suga toda a energia e vitalidade da garota, deixando-a cada vez mais fraca e debilitada. Segundo o médico Carlisle, as chances de Bella sobreviver a essa gravidez são de 50% e se seu coração parasse de bater, nem mesmo o veneno dos vampiros seriam capazes de lhe salvar a vida. A garota estava cada vez mais fraca porque o bebê estava ficando cada dia mais forte que ela e a futura mãe não se alimentava corretamente, já que sempre que tentava comer, o bebê rejeitava o alimento e Bella acabava vomitando. Ao perceber o dilema de Bella, Jacob tem um pensando que é captado por Edward e ele percebe que como o bebê é filho de um vampiro, pode ser que ele esteja na verdade precisando de sangue humano. Edward então sugere que a futura mãe talvez precise beber sangue, o que foi prontamente aceito por ela, já que ela faria qualquer coisa para salvar o filho. Carlisle monta um verdadeiro estoque de sangue em casa, e Bella bebe sempre que o bebê sente fome, sentindo-se prontamente melhor.

A gravidez de Bella é muito sofrida, o bebê cresce de forma muito rápida e a barriga da garota já não suporta mais o tamanho da criança. Toda vez que o bebê espichava mais um pouco, ela quebrava as costelas de Bella. Poucos meses após descobrir que estava grávida, Bella dá a luz e quase morreu, mas em tempo hábil Edward consegue transformá-la em vampira.

Bella descobre que é mãe de uma menina, e para homenagear tanto a mãe como a sogra, ela resolver dar ao bebê o nome de Renesmee, a junção dos nomes René e Esme. Jacob brincava chamando-a carinhosamente de Nessie – uma referência ao monstro do ‘Lago Ness’, o que desagradava muito a Bella, mas com o tempo ela desencana e leva na esportiva.

Ao ver Renesmee, Jacob acaba tendo um imprinting (processo descrito no livro em que os lobos sentem que aquela pessoa será sua quando estiver em idade suficiente para ter um parceiro. Meio como uma premonição e eles assumem a fidelidade total para com a pessoa, cuidando dela desde pequena, se mantendo próximo, até o momento que possa tomá-la como esposa) com ela. Bella fica completamente histérica e indignada com isso, mas depois compreende e eles conseguem conviver com isso em harmonia. O que faz com que Jacob seja uma “babá” perfeita que sempre ajudou Bella e Edward na criação da garota.

Assim como aconteceu quando ainda era um feto, a menina cresce em ritmo acelerado, assustando a todos com a velocidade com que se desenvolvia e como era madura para tão tenra idade. Renesmee apresenta poderes especiais e assustadores para uma criança, o que surpreende a todos os membros da família. Bella, como era uma recém criada foi obrigada a manter distância da filha, para não ser tentada pelo cheiro de sangue que circula nas veias da menina, já que ela é metade humana e metade vampira. Mas Bella se mostra uma excelente recém criada, controlada demais, extremamente forte e ágil.

Irina, pertencente ao clã Denali, que está com muita raiva dos lobos, pois eles mataram Laurent, que era o seu parceiro, quando ele em “Lua Nova” tenta matar Bella, acaba vendo Jacob se transformar em lobisomem, acompanhado de Renesmee e Bella em uma caçada. Irina, com raiva, conta aos Volturi o que viu, achando que a criança é imortal, e segundo a lei dos vampiros, deve ser destruída.

Alice, tem uma visão do que está para acontecer e eles começam a se preparar para a luta. Mas não para brigarem com os Volturi e sim para reunir o maior número possível de vampiros amigos e aliados para servirem de testemunha e dar tempo de os Volturi ao mesmo ouvirem que a criança é filha biológica de Edward e Bella, que crescia e se desenvolvia como humana, possuindo um coração que batia forte no peito e sangue que fluía em suas veias, antes que possam atacar a criança, evitando assim uma terrível batalha.

No processo de recolhimentos das testemunhas, os Cullen enfrentam um pouco de problema. Nem todos querem ser testemunhas e desacreditam no que eles tentam provar, bem como alguns se mantém resistentes no início, mas depois de conviverem um pouco tempo com a criança ficam encantados e conseguem comprovar o que os Cullen alegavam.

Quando os Volturi aparecem, Irina se mostra arrependida do que fez, mas já era tarde. Aro, líder do seu grupo, então usa seus poderes para descobrir toda a verdade através de Edward. Mas independente disso, os outros Volturi não demonstram ter certeza se deixariam Renesmee viver, sob alegação de que a criança poderia representar um perigo. Entretanto, todos os Cullen e algumas das testemunhas que se encantaram pela criança e pela lealdade que tinham pelos Cullen, estavam dispostos a lutar para salvar a criança.

Bella que tem o dom do “escudo” à sua volta, bloqueando qualquer tipo de ataque e defendendo a quem ela ama, utiliza o seu dom evitando o confronto direto, até a chegada de Alice.

Alice e Jasper que tinham ido embora, fazendo a família acreditar que estavam abandonando a fampilia, utilizando isso como estratégia, caso os Volturi invadisse a mente de alguém em busca dos dois membros da família, reaparecem com a solução para o problema. Em uma pesquisa que eles fizeram na América do Sul, eles encontraram um homem, que assim como Renesmee, é meio humano e meio vampiro, provando, assim, que a criança não representa qualquer tipo de perigo. Os Volturi convencidos pela presença do outro meio-imortal, vão embora.

Ao fim, Bella acaba aprendendo a controlar o seu escudo e permite que Edward possa passar a ler seus pensamentos. Como grand finale, ao estilo dos contos de fadas antigos, Bella e Edward vivem felizes… por toda eternidade (ou seria após a vida humana?).

“Amanhecer” encerra com chave de ouro a série “Crepúsculo”. Uma história surpreende que modifica um pouco toda a mitologia que girava em torno dos vampiros. Nos romances de Meyer, as lendas se enfrentam ao mesmo tempo em que convivem em paz e harmonia. O leitor é ainda agraciado com o fato de ter uma visão dos fatos sobre a ótica do Jacob, quando as coisas não estão nada bem para Bella.

Apesar de eu já ter declarado que torcia por Jacob, não havia como eles pudessem ficar juntos, mas Meyer dá ao leitor que torcia por Bella e Jacob, uma nova chance ao jovem lobo, pelo seu imprinting com Renesmee. Jamais pensaria nisso, o que mostra a magnitude de Meyer ao pensar em todos os buracos que poderia surgir na história. Todo o amor que Jacob sentia e sente por Bella sendo transferido para sua filha, simplesmente genial!

Hello folks,

Tim & Sam have been offered a slot at Xfm’s monthly Xposure live night at The Barfly in Camden on Thursday 3rd of December.

It should be an amazing show by all accounts, they are playing the main support slot for Warner signed Animal Kingdom.

John Kennedy has been a long term supporter of Tim & Sam, the band a delighted to play for him.

Click the image below to purchase tickets:

If you missed Tim & Sam’s Radio 1 session with Bethan Elfyn the other week, you can now listen to the tracks on Tim & Sam’s bandcamp page. Simply click the link below to listen:

The kids school have a movie night every month or so. Last Friday, Sam, Ashleigh and I went to see E.T. Unlike the last movie night Permanent Link to Lovely weather for a ride I made the smarter choice to drive. I did suggest that Sam should ride his bike there and back but he didn’t want to go for that! Also, Ashleigh was able to join us because ringette was not on that night.

I was nervous about the movie since neither of the kids have seen many real people in movies (as opposed to animated). I was also concerned that there would be a few moments for Ashleigh that may be a little too much. She can be quite sensitive and is still only 6.

All was fun for the first half and then the fire alarm went off. Ashleigh didn’t even have socks on! We quickly put on shoes and socks, gathered our stuff and exited. Everyone stood outside for probably around 15 minutes before being let back in. Apparently a cleaner bumped the alarm. (Oops) It was quite chilly out. Couldn’t have been more than a few degrees above zero. Fortunately, I had extra jackets in the car and a blanket. When we’d left home, we weren’t dressed to be outside since we were going from house to car to school and not walking very far. Luckily, our car is equipped for this situation. (Phew)

The second half was sad (when the government steps in and Elliot and ET both get very sick). Ashleigh watched in my lap. We quietly chatted through the scary bits and cuddled through the sad parts. I decided to use a new track and instead of telling her all would be fine, it’s OK, it’s just a movie, I simply agreed that it was a sad part and it’s OK to feel sad. Not sure if this worked or whether she just wasn’t very upset, but she managed to make it to the end and loved it.

Sam was interesting to watch. We all sit on mats on the floor. Some parents sit on chairs, I prefer to sit with the kids. A bunch of Sam’s classmates were sitting with us. They laughed together, discussed the “cool” parts and all went very quiet when ET was dying. The whole hall was very quiet and then cheered loudly when he came back to life. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a combined emotional response from any other movie at school movie nights. The boys loved it. Ashleigh and her friends loved it. What an excellent family movie.

The kids and I have since been making movie references and amusing ourselves with quotes. What a great age!

Last night, i accepted an invitation to see the World’s Greatest Wrestler, Hulk Hogan! A friend of mine, Ben Rosenthal, is a massive wrestling enthusiast/nerd, and has been trying to drag me to a ‘fight’ for years. “But it’s fake, and the result is pre-determined, so what’s the point?” i’d say to him. To which, he’d reply (in blog form of course);

Ask yourself a question; Do you go to the movies?  Were you entertained by it?  Guess what, movies are FAKE!  Read a good non-fiction book recently, like Lord of The Rings or Wayne Carey’s autobiography – FAKE!  My point being, just because you know something isn’t real doesn’t mean you cannot be entertained by it.  Wrestling, just like tv, books and movies, is an escape from the day to day drull that is life.  For an hour or two you can boo the evil bad guys, cheer the wholesome good guys, or be confused by the tweeners (wrestling lingo).

Thanks Ben, NOW GET THE HELL OUT OF MY BLOG! 

He actually makes a pretty good point. I cheer for Batman at the movies. I cheer for Dexter on the television. I cheer for Team Jacob when i’m reading…..err….i mean, nothing. *clears throat*

My night at the wrestling was hilarious. Before the wrestlers get down to business in the ‘fight’, they partake in a 10 minute role play. They call each other names, they flex their muscles, they tell their opponent what they plan to do to them, and they flex their muscles. Did i mention the muscle flexing? Cool. It’s kind of like the dialogue in a porn film before they get down to business. Only the acting in porn is more believable. 

The ‘fight’ itself is even funnier. Chess is more of a contact sport than wrestling. A three count with your opponent on the floor equals victory. The referee will count to two and a half at least ten times per ‘fight’. Apparently this is suspenseful. They stamp their feet on the mat for sound as they throw faux-punches that rarely land within a metre of the target. The crowd cheers. The crowd boo’s. One of them is hit over the head with a chair that looks suspiciously like it’s made out of cardboard, and then a winner is announced. Pretty simple formula really. 

This year, inspired by the Danny Wallace book ‘Yes Man’, i’ve decided to say yes to more opportunities. Last month i went to a Britney Spears concert. There, i said it. This blog is fast becoming a form of therapy. But it brings me to my new game (drumroll), welcome to HULK, BRITNEY, OR BOTH? Simply pick one of those three options for each of the following;

- Performed in front of thousands of people at the Burswood Dome?

- Provided a fake performance?

- Failed to speak to their fans once?

- Had a show with an abundance of leather, lycra, knee high boots, sequins and exposed nipples?

- Main drawcard was a slightly out of shape blonde thing waddling awkwardly around a stage?

If you answered ‘Both’ to all of the above, congratulations, you’re absolutely correct! 

Eleven by Patricia Reilly Giff

My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I’ve been reading a lot of mystery lately.

I’ve probably read more mystery in the last month than I have in the rest of my life combined.

And I think I like it.

But this is my one caveat: if you’re going to promise me a mystery, then you’d darn well better deliver the goods. If you’re going to present a twist, then it had better leave me open-mouthed, doubled over, and gasping.

Eleven by Patricia Reilly Giff left me shaking my head, rolling my eyes, and feeling cheated.

The premise of the book is that a young boy who lives with his grandfather begins to have strange dreams and memories of his past. He remembers the number eleven, which he thinks is because he’s turning eleven years old. But (dun-dun-DUN!): It’s not!

Possibly because of the previous trauma in his life, Sam is having a hard time learning how to read. He’s the only kid in his class that can’t read very well. One day, he’s in the attic and finds Mack’s secret stash of Sam mementos (“What is this fascination with my Forbidden Closet of Mystery?” – points if you can name that quote), amongst which is a newspaper clipping with a picture of Sam with a headline stating that he’s missing – and has a different last name!!

Intrigue!!

Since he can’t read the rest of the article, he makes friends with the new girl at school, Caroline, who helps him to read the clipping and research what really happened to him.

I won’t spoil the rest of the mystery, but I will say this: some mystery.

The ending of the book to me was like going to a mystery dinner theater and having the host declare: “And the murdered is someone in this very room!!”
(The audience gasps.)
“By the way, the victim of the murder isn’t actually dead. This is just pretend, people.”

Read the book. You’ll see what I mean.

Ms. Giff got me all riled up for nothing. She promises this huge payoff by working up all this intrigue and tension, and she simply doesn’t deliver.

And this book doesn’t even count as a Cannonball Read because it’s not long enough.

Phooey. I’ll be sticking with Trenton Lee Stewart and Ellen Raskin, thanks.

View all my reviews >>

They are amazing kiddos.  I love who they are becoming.  Most of the time.  lol  Let’s be honest, they have their moments.  They are boys!

 Because basketball has become very dangerous, 

lol  I’m pretty sure he was rollerblading right before he was shooting hoops.  I love the ruddiness of his cheeks.

 All photos are courtesy of Malissa Mom  – Ripon Photography 

♥♥♥

Maybe you asked for this, maybe you didn’t. Here’s the last post showing photos of the game against Storm B1 on November 22.

The game was exciting right to the end.  The B2 Black team never let up, even though they were behind by 3.

Drew braces himself as he approaches an opposing player

Sam races past the center line

Surrounded by a sea of blue

At the end of the game, it was terrific to offer congratulations to old friends.  This is the way hockey should be played.

Dylan, a teammate from last year, accepts congratulations

Coach Jacob Mars congratulates opposing players after our loss

Why should you implement a Software Asset Management (SAM) Plan in your business?

Financial Security

The complexities of managing software across an organization make controlling costs a big challenge and can leave you feeling financially vulnerable. Implementing a good SAM plan controls your costs with standardization throughout the software life cycle. You can thereby secure the information needed to choose the most cost-effective licensing programs, provide better IT forecasting for budgeting, and receive tax benefits associated with software depreciation.

Volume discounts for better price points

SAM can help you save when purchasing your licenses, improve relations with your software resellers, and give you an advantage in future negotiations. These benefits and others are possible because a fully implemented SAM plan gives you a better understanding of what types of licenses—and how many—your organization has purchased and deployed, and what you are actually using and therefore need. Should you buy on a per-PC basis, or could you save money through volume licensing? Your SAM plan will provide you with the insights to help you make efficient and effective decisions for the unique needs of your organization.

More liability control

A good SAM plan helps you avoid financial penalties and legal costs by ensuring that your licenses are compliant, and helps prevent any potential damage to your reputation that could arise from a lawsuit. SAM can also help you achieve compliance with government regulations that require strict standards of IT governance and controls.

Good corporate governance

Effective corporate governance begins with two basic steps: identifying the risks facing your business, and controlling and mitigating those risks before they can have an impact. SAM can help you identify your business and compliance risks associated with software management (or lack thereof) and establish a set of well-defined best practices that help ensure consistent management of these assets throughout your organization.

Increased employee satisfaction

A good SAM plan will give your employees the right tools they need to do their jobs. Trouble-free software and IT systems that function as they should will result not only in increased efficiency, but also in better overall employee morale.

Smoother operations

Your entire organization runs better with SAM. Initially, by providing better automation and standardizing processes to help reduce complexity, SAM optimizes your software and IT resources and lets you focus on running your business. Infrastructure Optimization can take your business from a non-managed reactive state to a proactive, optimized, and dynamic state. You also have an added peace of mind by ensuring your software is genuine and not pirated. This provides an extra layer of security and efficiency that pirated software cannot, and which might in fact interrupt your IT systems and overall business.

Reduce/eliminate waste and redundancy

Overlapping, non-integrated, and outdated applications are just harder to manage. SAM gives you the information you need to make the best use of your software assets and to pay only for what you use. Thorough and ongoing reconciliation can reveal software overlap, as well as software that you no longer use and can consequently retire but are still maintaining. SAM therefore enables you to reduce/eliminate maintenance plans and additional fees on software you no longer use.  *Always check your license agreements before transferring software. Certain agreements may limit the transfer or redeployment of software.

Better market position

SAM can help your business gain the competitive advantage it needs in the marketplace. Up-to-date licensing and an extensive, comprehensive documented media library can result in faster, easier processes and streamlined software functionality throughout the organization; both with day to day activities and in times of mergers and acquisitions.

Increased long-term business value

Implementing SAM can increase your organization’s agility and enhance its future value by ensuring that you make strategic use of resources in times of changing business conditions. With consistent and effective SAM practices in place, your business is more efficient and can respond quickly to market conditions and opportunities. Following the best practices in your SAM plan results in better information for decision making and a higher degree of operational excellence; ultimately driving long-term business value.

Flexibility for the future

SAM gives you better insight into your future software needs and provides a scalable foundation for growth. Instead of buying all the newest software and updates available, you’ll be able to decide exactly what software is needed and when you’ll need it. With SAM, you can plan for your future needs now.

[Ref: http://www.microsoft.com/sam/en/us/reasons.aspx]

Komiko – Feel Alright

Blir alltid lika glad när jag ser den blå skivetiketten med SAM skrivet i rött högst upp. Det var en av de etiketter som oftast hade godis att komma med när det gällde skivsläpp på 80-talet. Komiko är en underbar hybrid av disco och funk som var ganska vanlig i början på 80-talet.

Hade den här favoriten snurrandes i min freestylebandare en hel sommar i början på 80-talet när jag sommarjobbade på Lysingsbadets Campingplats i Västervik. Har skrivit om det tidigare och då nämnt andra låtar som snurrade på den favoritkassetten. Det är en sån där kassett som jag borde leta upp och rippa bara för att kunna ladda min MP3-spelare med den och uppleva känslan igen.

Tjillevippen

notbugs

“-Vad skulle du säga till de som inte kan acceptera det här bland de som är jämnåriga till dig, vad skulle du vilja säga till dem?

- Jag vet inte, jag tycker de är rätt löjliga som håller på att reta mig bara för att jag är den jag är. Det är inget fel på att vara det, för de är ju sig själva och jag kan ju inte gå och reta dem. Så jag tycker att de ska sluta med det.”

Sam är 16 år och har blivit mobbad på sin förra skola för att han är transsexuell. Hans mamma och hans storasyster och tvillingsyster stöttar honom, och han går på stopphormoner och ska få börja med testosteron. Sam har vänner som inte tycker det är någon stor grej, men så var det inte förut innan han bytte skola. När han sitter i soffan hos Malou i Efter tio och får frågan svarar han så underbart, och med en röst som om det han säger är helt självklart. Mamma Camilla ställer dessutom hormonläkaren Olle Söder mot väggen och frågar varför det är så svårt att få stopphormoner innan puberteten hinner gå för långt åt fel håll.

Jag läste om Sam och Camilla i Aftonbladet för någon månad sedan, och blev oerhört imponerad av mamma Camillas lyhördhet. Jag sa då att “Att våga lita på sitt barn, och välja att försöka förändra omvärlden istället för barnet, det är mod för mig“. Idag måste jag säga att jag är minst lika tagen av Sams mod – och klokhet.

Man kan ju inte gå runt och reta människor för att de INTE är transsexuella, för de kan ju inte rå för att de föddes med en kropp som matchar deras självbild, så då kan man inte reta folk för ATT de är transsexuella. Frågan är väl kanske om de som mobbat Sam vågar se sig själva i spegeln?

Han själv har i alla fall inget att skämmas för – tvärtom. Även om man inte kanske känner sig stolt över att vara transsexuell så tycker jag att man ska vara stolt över att man vågar vara sig själv. Det är mod.

Tyvärr kan jag inte bädda in Tv4-filmer, men det går att se avsnittet här. Cred: Rikkie. Läs även andra bloggares intressanta åsikter om transsexualism, HBTQ, komma ut, garderoben, Sam, Camilla, könskorrigering, könsidentitet, tv, tv4, Efter tio, hormoner, stopphormoner, vård, transition, testosteron, Olle Söder, barn, acceptans, respekt, föräldraskap, mod, mobbing, självkänsla