Entertainment Archives - Page 2 of 4

Arts and Crafts: String Art

Updated: July 23, 2013 by Amy Brooks Leave a Comment

I was watching The Chew today and Clinton was demonstrating string art. I have not seen this before, but apparently it has come and gone and is now making a come-back. I thought this was a really neat idea, seeing as I have 2 small children.

This will definitely be a fun project for us to do together. Then we will proudly display the work in each of their rooms. My nieces and nephews are visiting this week, so I thought this would be a fun project for all of us to do together and they can bring their artwork home with them for a neat memory.

What you will need:

Plywood/old cutting board
Flathead nails
Hammer
Needlenose pliers
String- your favorite color or multiple colors
Image/word to trace

How to Make It: 

1. Find a board – plywood, old cutting board, or tree wood – will work.
2. Print word or picture and then cut and tape it on the board.
3. Start hammering nails around outline of letter or shape.
4. Tear off paper from board.
5. Start stringing. You can use embroidery floss, thin yarn or twine. Make a slipknot and tie string to starting nail. Then string around the outline of letter or shape. Next string back and forth to fill in letter or shape and end by stringing another outline. Finally, tie string to last nail, then cut the excess.

You can print a picture from the internet to outline with nails, or you can create words or a name. I look forward to doing this on one of the many rainy days we’ll be having during our last few days of summer vacation!

Images credit: www.stringartfun.com

Best Books of the Year so Far for Middle School (Ages 9-12)

Updated: February 12, 2014 by Floyd Brooks Leave a Comment

These are the best books of 2013 so far according to Amazon. I have compiled them here for you. Therefore, you can easily obtain a copy of these books in your preferred format or formats. Enjoy!

#15: Ghoulish Song by Alexander, William

#14: Jinx by Blackwood, Sage

#13: Zebra Forest by Gewirtz, Adina Rishe

#12: Better Nate Than Ever by Federle, Tim

#11: Wednesdays in the Tower (Tuesdays at the Castle) by George, Jessica Day

#10: Doll Bones by Black, Holly

#9: The Apprentices by Meloy, Maile and Schoenherr, Ian

#8: Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin by Shurtliff, Liesl

#7: Pi in the Sky – FREE PREVIEW EDITION (The First 7 Chapters) by Mass, Wendy

#6: Seven Wonders Book 1: The Colossus Rises by Lerangis, Peter, Norstrand, Torstein and Reagan, Mike

#5: Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made by Pasti, Stephan

#4: A Tangle of Knots by Graff, Lisa

#3: Paperboy by Vawter, Vince

#2: Navigating Early by Vanderpool, Clare

#1: Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Grabenstein, Chris

#Newbooks : J.K Rowling Revealed and Eliot is on the Comeback

Updated: July 26, 2014 by Floyd Brooks Leave a Comment

Protecting Capitalism Case by Case

by Eliot Spitzer

Former New York Attorney General and Governor Eliot Spitzer is trying to raise from the ashes even further. The former governor had to leave the Governorship early because of allegations that he was a frequent customer of an escort service. Today, Spitzer is trying to get back into direct politics by running as New York City Comptroller in New York. His book, Protecting Capitalism Case by Case, is currently on sale in the Kindle Bookstore and the Amazon Bookstore ranking #1 in the Franchising Law category. In the book, Spitzer outlines his role in high profile cases as Attorney General and as Governor. The book is described as:

“…a book for anyone interested in the positive force of government and the behaviors and economic roles of the largest American corporations. Its message is that we will always need a vigilant government presence, and that ultimately American capitalism will be better for it.”

Mercy College: Yesterday and Today

By Eric Martone, Michael Perrota

A new book, Mercy College: Yesterday and Today, published by The History Press and co-authored by Mercy College’s School of Education Assistant Professor Eric Martone and School of Liberal Arts Assistant Professor Michael Perrota explore the past and present of Mercy College.
According to a quote from their PRWeb press release:
“Featuring beautiful photography throughout, “Mercy College: Yesterday and Today” takes readers from the founding of Mercy College in 1950 by the Sisters of Mercy through the College’s transformations to become coeducational and nonsectarian, while remaining true to the mission to provide motivated students with a quality education. The book explores the expansion of campuses throughout the New York metropolitan area, changes in leadership, student life and athletics.”

“It is important for all students on campus to understand how Mercy College was created and the path our founders traveled to get us where we are today, ” said Michael Perrota, assistant professor and co-author. “Those students are a part of that history now. As soon as they step foot on campus, they become a page of history in this book.”
“We hope this book elicits fond memories for alumni while enlightening current students on the College’s rich and meaningful history, ” adds Perrota.

The Cuckoo’s Calling

By Robert Galbraith

The Guardian has declared: “JK Rowling unmasked as author of acclaimed detective novel”.
When Rowling was approached and asked about the coincidence of the publisher and editor she noted:
“I had hoped to keep this secret a little longer because being Robert Galbraith has been such a liberating experience. It has been wonderful to publish without hype or expectation and pure pleasure to get feedback under a different name.”
The book is about an investigator, Camron Strike, who is running out of money when John Bristow walks through his door with an amazing story: His sister, the legendary supermodel Lula Landry, known to her friends as the Cuckoo, famously fell to her death a few months earlier. The police ruled it a suicide, but John refuses to believe that. The case plunges Strike into the world of multimillionaire beauties, rock-star boyfriends, and desperate designers, and it introduces him to every variety of pleasure, enticement, seduction, and delusion known to man.” Pick up your copy of the exhilarating crime novel from Amazon today.

Visions of Seaside: Foundation/Evolution/Imagination. Built and Unbuilt Architecture

by Dhiru A. Thadani

The Visions of Seaside details the rich history of a Washington DC community of Seaside. This book was partially funded by a KickStarter project. Take a look at the video below. The goal of the project was to raise $25, 000. Instead they raised $35, 000 from 117 backers-some backers paying as much as $5000 to receive signed copies of the book plus more perks.

The book is currently on sale at Amazon for $58.00, thanks in-part to the funds raised on Kickstarter. The selling price of this 608 page book widens the possible audience for the book.

Georgia Stray Wills 1733-1900

by Ted O. Brooke
Brooke has collected and published 541 wills of regular and prominent families in Georgia.
Georgia Stray Wills is a collection of 541 Georgia wills dated prior to 1901, located in Georgia Supreme Court case files, Superior Court records, original wills filed in county probate offices and the Georgia Archives, private papers, secondary published records and various other obscure and ambiguous sources. They are not found recorded in Georgia colonial or county probate records.

According to a post in the the AJC:
“…began to hear from people who found other wills that had been probated but not recorded in county will books. There were instances, for example, where a courthouse had burned and the will turned up in a court case, or in private hands.”

Killer Girlfriend: The Jodi Arias Story

By Josh Hoffner, Brian Skoloff

This murder trial that was viewed around the world and encouraged by the media that was hungry for ways to capture and retain audiences. The case was sensationalized and heightened by the details of the trial that went beyond murder to include suspense, sex and lies. This book by Associated Press (AP) authors Josh Hoffner and Brian Skoloff summarizes the details around the Jodi Arias murder trial. You can get a copy of the book from Amazon that is, so far, garnering mixed reviews. The main complaint that reviewers seem to be having is that the book includes nothing new for people who followed every detail of the trial. For example, Cynthia Jedlicka declared:
“This was nothing more that I heard on the news everyday. Very dissapointed. I wish that I could get my money back on this one.” Jessi Kolar noted, “Fascinating Read! Couldn’t Put It Down! The Jodi Arias Story is so intoxicating! The authors really got into all the details, twists and turns of this case! I really enjoyed that they focused on the whole picture, before during and after Jodi and Travis’s relationship. Thanks for the great read! I couldn’t put my Kindle down!”
You can pick up a copy of your book here and add it to your AccuTeach shelf.

Icons and Idiots: Straight Talk on Leadership

by Bob Lutz

The venerable Robert Lutz has come out with a new book Icons and Idiots: Straight Talk on Leadership. The book talks about the leaders of various automobile producers. Lutz talks about why they failed, eventually resulting in the collapse of the American Auto Industry.

Comic: What is the Best Coffee?

Updated: June 26, 2013 by Floyd Brooks Leave a Comment

I found this really funny comic on this site, and I think you will like it just as much as I do. The best coffee is what you like. Enjoy!

50 States in Less Than 5 Months-A Book of Adventure

Updated: June 19, 2013 by Floyd Brooks Leave a Comment

Add this Book to your AccuTeach Shelf

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This is an inspirational story of a woman, an adventurous Sue Austin, who has decided to live life her way. She does not see her age as an impediment to achieving her goals. One of her main goals was to follow in the footsteps of her parents and see the country–and the world. Her book, Never Too Old for Adventure has Sue outlining her adventures as she visited all 50 states in less than 5 months. She chronicles her experiences criss-crossing the country by land, air and sea, and outlines how she was able to achieve her goal of seeing the entire country.

According to a press release published by PrWeb, some of the experiences that Sue encountered included:

“Among the experiences Austin details are the cliff swallows of San Juan Capistrano, Colonial Williamsburg, Potomac River tour, Clippership sail in New York City, Cape Cod Bay, Plymouth Rock (a nod to Austin’s four direct descendants who sailed on the Mayflower), Badlands National Park in South Dakota, Devils Tower in Wyoming, Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park, Grand Canyon and Waikiki Beach. She saves money on souvenirs by buying T-shirts at thrift shops for places she planned to see. Thanks to her flexibility about accommodations – sleeping in her car, staying with friends and family and using vouchers from Groupon and Living Social – Austin saved thousands of dollars on her trip, inspiring anyone with an eye for deals and an adventurous spirit to plan his or her own journey.”

To read the press release in its entirety click here.

[Read more…]

[18 Best Sites] How to Type like a Pro and Stop Pecking Around

Updated: July 26, 2014 by Floyd Brooks Leave a Comment

Image Credit: pixienicki

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There are quite a few games and websites out there that try to make learning how to type fun. I have compiled a list of the very best websites and programs that will help you to learn and master your typing skills online. And by the way, they are FREE. What were the criteria for this list of best websites to learn typing? All the sites named must do one or more of the following to be able to make the list:

1- The website’s main goal is to help users master their typing and keyboarding skills.
2- The site has a user management system that allows that user or administrators to keep track of that user’s achievement through useful informational and analytics.
3- The site has games focused on the user’s ability to improve their typing skills.
4- Site has some online component for the users to interact with. You will notice that some websites on the list only offer the program as downloadable software. However, they have a component that allows the user to be engaged on their website.
5- The site is not too spammy inundating the users with useless ads.
That is it, let’s get cracking!

18. Mr.Kent

Provides a clean and simple interface that allows anyone to improve their typing skills. For the beginner, there is an onscreen display of where the keys ares, providing a simple way for you to get going on your way to typing stardom.

17. KeyHero

KeyHero provides a simple interface that allows anyone to quickly and easily see how they can type. If you create an account you will be able to keep track of your typing progress.

16. PowerTyping

PowerTyping is a free online typing tutor for keyboards. PowerTyping offers an array of options to get you on your way to becoming a better typist by offering typing assessments to see how fast you are as a typist, typing lessons to get you to where you want to be, and typing games for you to have fun while you are learning how to become a better typist.

15. Type Online

Provides a simple interface that allows users to practice their keyboarding skills to become better typists and develop their keyboarding skills. There are a number of activities to practice your skills to help you on your way. Also, they provide a number of useful tips on how to remain healthy while using the computer.

14. Typing Web

TypingWeb provides a free course management system that allows students and teachers to interact as the students progress along their learning goals. TypingWeb also provides useful analytics to let you know where your strengths and weaknesses are. Also, teachers are able to print certificates to hand to students. If you want to take advantage of the full potential of Typing Web then you will need to upgrade to their paid plan-additional typing lessons. Check it out; you will be happy that you did. This is an awesome program and I highly recommend this program to any teacher, student, or just about anyone who wants to keep track and improve their typing and keyboard skills.

13. Learn2Type

No bells and whistles here. Learn2Type provides a simple interface that allows you to create a profile, take a typing test and get going with your lessons to help you improve your typing and keyboarding skills.

12. Free Typing Game

FreeTypingGame provides numerous typing games that will allow users to play games while simultaneously improving their typing skills. Along with the games you can take the typing tests and practice exercises online all for free.

11. KeyBoard

Keyboard is perfect for the beginner up to the expert typist and keyboard masters. However, I believe that it falls short for the real beginning typist. I like the sleek and simple interface. Also, there is a profile section so that users may be able to keep track of their progress through useful analytics.

10. Type Racer

Provides a simple game that allows users to type-race against each other. Users are able to invite their friends by simply sharing a link to race against them. Or users can race a random user through the global page. This application can be very useful in that it will motivate users to want to become better through the ability to win a race.

9. Rapid Typing (windows)

Rapid Typing is downloadable software that allows PC users to download and run the application on their user’s PC. The fact that there is no need to have an internet connection to utilize this application is a feature that many institutions, I am sure, will be very fond of. However, there are a few typing games that require an internet connection to take advantage of.

8. Typing Test

Typing test provides a downloadable program for PC’s. Users are able to practice their typing skills without the need for an internet connection. However, you are able to take the typing test online to gauge your current typing speed. If you would like to have coaching, you will need to purchase the typing course to help you even more while you progress.

7. Typing Lessons

Typing Lessons provides a very simple interface with useful information to help you on your way to typing and keyboard mastery. There are quick links available to allow you to easily move from one tutorial to another.

6. BBC Dance Mat Typing

The BBC promises that if you make your way through all 12 courses you will be a typing pro when you are done. Why not take up the challenge and try out the fun typing exercises that they have over there? Let us know if you made it all the way through.

5. Sense Lang

Sense Lang offers a free course management system that allows a teacher to manage a class of students. Also, the free practice exercises and games that are provided are top notch. Here is a handy guide to get you going on setting up your class and you will be on your way in no time.

4. GoodTyping

GoodTyping provides a very useful system to get you on your way to typing stardom. You will enjoy this very clean and simple interface that will help you along the way. There is not a clock to pressure you as you are starting out. You will be able to learn at your own pace. However, you will need to create a free account to get started with this system from Good Typing.

3. 10FastFingers

10FastFingers is a hugely popular website that allows users to practice their typing skills while comparing themselves with other members around the world. 10FastFingers is following the motto that you can only learn by doing. They offer typing exercises that help you practice your typing and see how you are doing versus other members. You can create typing competitions. The user’s profile pages provide useful analytics that show you how you have been doing over time. Finally, 10 Fast Fingers provides a leader-board and you earn achievement badges as you practice your skills.

2. TypeScout

TypeScout is a great service for school and classroom teachers who are looking seriously into having their students improve their typing skills. See my full review of Typing Scout here.

1. Typing Club

Typing Club is also a great program for schools and teachers. This is a full blown typing management system that allows schools and teachers to keep track of students’ typing progress. All schools will have their own domain at “School Name. TypingClub.com”, which I think is a really cool feature to have. Currently the program is all free, however, before August of 2013 they will be shifting to an optional paid service that allows a bit more control. For example, with the paid plan administrators will be able to keep students’ data for 2 years. This service is really growing in popularity and is currently being used in numerous schools and universities, and also by individuals. Finally Typing club has a Google Chrome App that will add a shortcut to their service.

Conclusion

There are many sites that offer to help you improve your typing skills. We do hope that you appreciate the list. I have personally tested each website. If you find a site that you think needs to be on the list send me that site so that I may test it out for myself. In the meantime, why not take the opportunity to add a few books on typing to your AccuTeach Shelf here?