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Coldfusion on the Google App Engine with Open BlueDragon

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:54:00 GMT

The future is now!

A little melodramatic maybe, but this technology is exciting. Free cfml app servers with clustering (including data and file storage).

First, if you don't know what the Google App Engine is yet, go here first and do a little reading. Once you have read enough of that to be sufficiently excited, we need to set up the development and deployment tools. Paul Kukiel has put together a really nice demo on how to do this here. NOTE THERE IS ONE THING THAT IS INCORRECT IN THE VIDEO Do not delete the "war" directory, merely paste the openbd war over the existing one. This is important.

Next, reading and writing data with the Google datastore.

Storing data in a scalable web application can be tricky. A user could be interacting with any of dozens of web servers at a given time, and the user's next request could go to a different web server than the one that handled the previous request. All web servers need to be interacting with data that is also spread out across dozens of machines, possibly in different locations around the world.

Thanks to Google App Engine, you don't have to worry about any of that. App Engine's infrastructure takes care of all of the distribution, replication and load balancing of data behind a simple API—and you get a powerful query engine and transactions as well.

Thanks to the fine people at Open BlueDragon, this task is made very very simple. Every cfc in the openBD GAE inherits the following methods from component.cfc. GoogleWrite(), GoogleRead(), and GoogleKey().

-- Example object Status.cfc:

<cfcomponent displayname="Status" output="false">

	<cfproperty name="Message" displayname="Message" type="string" />
	<cfproperty name="DateTimeCreated" displayname="DateTimeCreated" type="date" />

	<cffunction name="init" access="public" output="false" returntype="Status">
		<cfreturn this/>
	</cffunction>

	<cffunction name="getMessage" access="public" output="false" returntype="string">
		<cfreturn this.Message />
	</cffunction>

	<cffunction name="setMessage" access="public" output="false" returntype="void">
		<cfargument name="Message" type="string" required="true" />
		<cfset this.Message = arguments.Message />
		<cfreturn />
	</cffunction>

	<cffunction name="getDateTimeCreated" access="public" output="false" returntype="date">
		<cfreturn this.DateTimeCreated />
	</cffunction>

	<cffunction name="setDateTimeCreated" access="public" output="false" returntype="void">
		<cfargument name="DateTimeCreated" type="date" required="true" />
		<cfset this.DateTimeCreated = arguments.DateTimeCreated />
		<cfreturn />
	</cffunction>

	
</cfcomponent>

-- Writing data to the datastore:

<cfscript>
//saving a new Status to Google datastore
Status = createObject( "component", "model.Status" ).init();
Status.setMessage( "I love Google App Engine and OpenBD!" );
Status.setDateTimeCreated( Now() );

/*now all we do is call the googleWrite() method on our object, notice this returns the objects new google key*/
googleKey = Status.googleWrite();
</cfscript>

-- Querying the datastore: for more on this visit the openBD wiki page on the datastore

<!---
notice dbtype="google" and the quasi-SQL 
--->
<cfquery dbtype="google" name="result">
Select from Status
</cfquery>

<!---
The result of this query, is an array of matching Status objects.  Not the usual query recordset.
--->

Securing your new web app with the UserServiceFactory (com.google.appengine.api.users.UserServiceFactory)

Once I figured this step out, it was almost embarassingly easy to secure a page, allowing access only to validated Google account holders.

<cfscript>
UserServiceFactory = CreateObject("java","com.google.appengine.api.users.UserServiceFactory");

User = UserServiceFactory.getUserService().getCurrentUser();

/*Here I am doing a test to see if there is a valid user object returned, aka "logged in".  At this time, I haven't found the ideal solution for this*/

isLoggedIn = false;

try{
   user.getEmail();
   isLoggedIn = true;
}
catch (any excpt){}

</cfscript>

<!---

building login/logut links

--->

<cfif NOT isLoggedIn>
YOU NEED TO <a href="<cfoutput>#UserServiceFactory.getUserService().createLoginURL(toString("http://#cgi.SERVER_NAME#"))#</cfoutput>">LOGIN</a>
<cfelse>
	<cfoutput>#request.user.getEmail()#</cfoutput>:  All your email are belong to us 
	<br />
	<a href="<cfoutput>#UserServiceFactory.getUserService().createLogoutURL(toString("http://#cgi.SERVER_NAME#"))#</cfoutput>">LOGOUT</a>
</cfif>

Time to build some real applications. Early indications from some experimentation by Dave Shuck, are revealing that the Mach-ii MVC framework along with the Coldspring IOC framework are working on the Google App Engine.

Other features, new or otherwise:

There is just no reason that we as cfml developers shouldn't be churning out app after app on this platform.

Big End of Year Meeting! 12/8/2009

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:27:00 GMT

Date and Time:

December 8, 2009 from 6:30pm - 9:30pm

Agenda:
Somehow another year has rolled around and it is time for the last DFWCFUG meeting for 2009. It has been a great year for CFML developers with the release of ColdFusion 9, big surges in the open source community with Open BlueDragon and Railo becoming real players in the CFML world, and locally as the job availabilities in DFW have been plentiful. We are going to send the year off with a bang. Here is what is on deck for the night:

We will be continuing our ongoing series as we explore the Head First Design Patterns (HFDP) book and give illustrations about how the concepts fit into our world as CFML developers.

HFDP4CF - Chapter 4: The Factory Pattern - If you recall, Andrew Leaf gave us a real world illustration earlier this year about how the factory pattern is being leveraged in his daily work. In this presentation, he will be walking through the topic in the HFDP book and covering their examples using ColdFusion.

HFDP4CF - Chapter 5: The Singleton Pattern - Dave Shuck will be covering the chapter explaining how the singleton pattern can be used in the CFML world. As with the other chapters in our series, Dave will be demonstrating the samples using ColdFusion.

Remember that if you would like to read ahead a bit, you can see much of the HFDP book for free on Google Books: http://books.google.com/books?id=LjJcCnNf92kC&printsec=frontcover

GIVEAWAYS!

As a year-end wrapup, we will have a number of giveaways. We will be giving away one software license for any Adobe project worth up to $2000 to one attendee (CF9 Standard definitely applies!). Additionally, our sponsor Paladin Consulting will be giving away electronic goodies, gift cards and more.

As always we will be meeting at the Paladin Consulting offices at Webb Chapel/635 in the ClubCorp building at 6:30. Food and drinks will be provided.

Zu Besuch beim Götz

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:35:00 GMT

Bei all dem Herumgereise darf natürlich nicht eine Besuch in der Hauptstadt Englands fehlen ... passt ja eigentlich auch gerade hervorragend nach Dublin und Cardiff, gings also vergangen Samstag nach London.
Da der liebe Götz auch noch ein paar seiner Stunden für mich opfern konnte, gings auch noch mit kompetenter Führung durch die Stadt. Wohl gemerkt, wir hatten nur einen reichlichen Tag zeit, aber was für alles zusammen geschafft haben uns anzusehen, war echt unglaublich.

Also Götz falls du das ließt, was ich doch stark für dich hoffe. Danke :)

Am Samstag hatten wir leider mit dem Wetter pech. Es fing nach einem kleinen Kaffee bei Starbucks, dann ziemlich schnell an richtig ungemüdlich zu werden. Aber so ein bissl Regen und Sturm kann uns dann doch nicht aufhalten... naja eigentlich schon, es hat vor dem Buckingham Palast so dermaßen gegossen, dass mein Schirm das nicht überlebt hat und irgendwie auch das Versprechen mein Rucksack wäre wasserdicht, kann ich nun wiederlegen ... Aber hey mein Schirm hat immerhin 10 Wochen gehalten, das haben viele andere nicht geschafft...

Erstmal ein paar Bilder vom Samstag

Harreds und das Natural History Musuem


Natural History Museum und Royal Albert Hall



Hyde Park und Buckingham Palace

St James Park

Götz neue Heimat die Library des UCL ;)

Für eine kleine Stippvisite am Gleis 9 3/4 haben wir uns auch noch Zeit genommen und am Abend ging es noch für ein Halbes in ein Pub um die Ecke.

Am Sonntag war zum Glück besseres Wetter, so konnte man die wenigen verbleibenden Stunden noch richtig genießen.
Diesmal gings auf die Sightsing Meile, was man an den Maßen an Menschen spürte ...

Tower of London

nochmal der Tower und der Big Ben gehört zum verregneten Samstag ;)

Tower Bridge und Shakespeare's Globe

Im Kontrast die die City Hall und die Tower Bridge

Palace of Westminster

Mehr war leider in den paar Stunden nicht zu schafften, aber nach dem Wochenende wird mich London sicher noch mehrmals wiedersehen.

Hervorzuheben ist sicher noch der HMV Besuch, bei dem wir beide uns nur schwer zurück halten konnten CDs zu kaufen ;)

So viel erstmal von mir
Grüße aus Bham

Best Undergraduate Degrees

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:33:00 GMT

The 2009 PayScale College Salary Report Released.

The list is based upon PayScale Salary Survey data for full-time employees in the United States who possess a Bachelor's degree and no higher degrees and have majored in the subjects listed.

Take a look at the result!

This has something to do with your job search and your career.

The Best Undergraduate Degrees By Salary (Best Listed First):

Undergrad College Degree / Starting Median Salary / Mid-Career Median Salary
1. Aerospace Engineering / $59,600 / $109,000
2. Chemical Engineering / $65,700 / $107,000
3. Computer Engineering / $61,700 / $105,000
4. Electrical Engineering / $60,200 / $102,000
5. Economics / $50,200 / $101,000
6. Physics / $51,100 / $98,800
7. Mechanical Engineering / $58,900 / $98,300
8. Computer Science / $56,400 / $97,400
9. Industrial Engineering / $57,100 / $95,000
10. Environmental Engineering / $53,400 / $94,500

This means that college-bound students with an interest and talent for math- and science-related subjects should think about engineering as a major. When choosing a major, students need to think about not only their interests, but also their skills, talents, and personality. While employers consider communications one of the most important characteristics in potential employees, other important characteristics include analytical skills, ethics, leadership abilities, work experience, motivation/initiative, teamwork skills and technical skills.

Think about it!

Thinking 'bout Career while on College

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:19:00 GMT

It’s really good to think about career and employment, but I think - over the course of the next 5 or six years, plans will change drastically.

Focus on doing well in school, but don't focus too hard on any one thing that you hedge your bets for success on. There are many paths... don't force one because you think it might be better - it might only be for some people.

With that said there are a few things you can do to improve your chances:

Strange advice #1

Control your image: Youtube, Facebook, Twitter and Myspace can make you look bad. You are growing up in a world of social-image permanence which no other generation has had. Bad behavior can be researched by your company. You can have fun, just make sure you and your friends put your best food forward on all these sites when possible. Also - you need to be on all these sites - professionally... just keep the image clean.

Strange advice #2:

When you go to college, if you need a crappy job consider working for a screen printer. T-shirts have fast turnover, varying level of interest, provide you opportunities to market a high volume product, give you some level of creative outlet and testing, and can leave you with a negative profit margin if you overprint an unpopular T-Shirt. These are good experiences to have in college and are directly applicable to any marketing job in the real world.

Strange advice #3:

Econ is not Marketing - its good to understand, but Econ and Finance are measurements. Marketing is enticing people to buy something. Econ and finance can effectively set budgets - but creating a successful campaign can make you priceless as a marketeer... Neither is more important. Neither is in charge... Neither ensures that you'll reach the food chain - its an interdependent relationship. Both are god paths if you are at the top of your game. Maybe - just maybe, you have a bit more flexibility with an economics or finance degree...

Strange advice #4:

Stay computer savvy - particularly database savvy. Learn how SQL works, learn how Access works. Learn to leverage data. Learn statistics. Learn how to manipulate statistics. Learn how people are manipulating statistics you see.

Strange advice #5:

Blog on a financial or product target. Start now. Review advertisements, advertisement campaigns... poll your school. Start doing your own research... start reading the WSJ and learn how stuff works...

3 Quick Ways To Start Your Own Online Business In Less Than 24 Hours

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:45:00 GMT

The Internet and online business especially are becoming more and more popular by the day in todays world simply because people are starting to see the true benefits of the web, consumers are starting to trust the web more, and more importantly, the start up costs for a online business are next to nothing compared to the offline world of business start ups.

The only set back most people run into when wanting to start one of their own online business is How and Where to get started.

I did a search under the keyword term "home based business" and the search results returned 575,000,000 results for that keyword alone.

That's a pretty intimidating number for someone wanting to start their own home based business on the web wouldn't you say?

These were the same obstacles I was up against when I first ventured into the online world of business.

But I didn't let that stop me and I hope that won't stop you either from wanting to start your own internet business.

So, I saved you the hassle and put together 3 of the quickest ways for ANYONE(that's You) to start their own online business with next to no investment required and can get started in less than 24 hours.

Are you ready? I hope so.

Business Model #1. Affiliate Programs.

Affiliate Programs are simply programs set up by the business owner for others to sign up for and promote for the business owner for a agreed upon commission(usually between 10 - 75%).

The great thing about Affiliate marketing is it doesn't cost you a single penny to get started, you don't have to worry about refunds or customer service that come with owning your own product.

All you have to worry about is generating the traffic to your affiliate link and collecting your commission cheques.

This is the quickest way to get started online... Period!

Here's a few Affiliate Directories to give you a start:

Associate Programs - http://www.associateprograms.com

Refer It - http://www.refer-it.com

Business Model #2. Resell Rights.

Resell Rights are simply products that have already been created and are available to anybody who is willing to pay for the Resell Rights to market them.

The upside to this is you get Ready-To-Go websites with PROVEN sales letters that convert. The best part of all is... you get to keep 100% of the $Profits$.

The draw back is you can't claim those products as your own. The original creator of the product maintains full rights. You just get to keep all the profits.

Not such a bad trade off wouldn't you say?

Business Model #3. Private Label Resell Rights.

Private Label Resell Rights are simply products that are ready to be branded with your name to it.

What I mean by that is you get full rights to the product or products and are able to claim them as your own even though you didn't create them yourself.

This is the fastest way for anyone to start a online business who really doesn't have any experience or knowledge on how to create their own products.

The other really cool thing about Private Label Resell Rights products is they come with Ready-To-Go websites which then again saves you time and money in having to create them yourself.

Well there you have it, 3 Quick Ways To Start Your Own Online Business In Less Than 24 Hours.

The easiest way to locate any of the above via the search engines is by entering something like this into there search engine web form:

affiliate programs + "what your niche is"

(Note: make sure you use the quotations around what niche you want to target. Very Important!)

This will save you time and target your search much better, where as if you were to just enter 'affiliate programs' into the search engine web form you would get a gazillion results, leaving you frustrated.

Now, the only thing left for you to do Right NOW is make a decision on what you would really enjoy doing as a business online.

Once you've figured that out the only thing left for you to do is put together a... Plan For $Profit$.

Getting the Job You Want

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:29:00 GMT

The career and employment world is inundated with jobseekers, many of whom are applying for the very same jobs as you. Disappointing? Sure. Hopeless? No way.

Many smart companies are using the deluge of talent saturating the job market to improve their talent base, and in the book Get the Job You Want Even When No One's Hiring, [Wiley, 2009] executive career coach Ford Myers [ExecuNet] details how to distinguish yourself from the competition and find a great job even in these difficult times.

In this exclusive interview of ExecuNet Editor Will Flammé asks the author to discuss the elements of a successful approach to job search. Here's an excerpt:

Q. What are the most important job search tools?

A. Candidates need to stop relying exclusively on their résumé, which is actually one of the least important job search tools, in my opinion. Vital tools include the professional biography, target company list, testimonials sheet, professional references list, networking agenda, accomplishment stories, positioning statement and so forth. Using all these tools "synergistically" takes some education and practice — but once the approach is mastered, it generates exceptional results.

Q. What role does networking play in one's search for the right job?

A. I'm telling my clients they should be spending 90 percent of their time networking. For people in career transition, networking is no longer part of their job search — networking is their job search! Until someone comes up with a better idea, networking is still the single most effective means of researching, identifying and securing the RIGHT position. Of course, there is a right way and a wrong way to network — so I'm obviously talking about a structured, proven, effective approach that consistently leads to interviews and eventually, job offers.

Q. How does an online presence help in a job search, and how does one go about creating such a presence?

A. In today's world, executives MUST have an online presence. It has to be positive, and it needs to project the sort of image you desire. This is what my colleague Eric Kramer calls "Online Identity Optimization" (OIO). Job seekers can create their online presence by posting their résumés online and by using blogs, personal websites, email campaigns and social media websites (such as LinkedIn). It's also a good idea to buy the domain of your own name (www.yourname.com). Having a strong web presence is a great way to differentiate yourself.

Excerpt: ExecuNet

Strategy video games

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:34:00 GMT

Strategy games played on computers generally take one of four archetypal forms, depending on whether the game is turn-based or real-time and whether the game's focus is upon military strategy or tactics.Real time strategy game usually has a very detailed story line and are generally role play online games. Some examples are: Age of Empires, Command & Conquer, StarCraft and Total War series.RTS games have the events of the story happening in real time in the game (the flow of the story does not pause if the player stops moving his/her units). The two distinct types of strategy games are Real-time strategy in which players make in game actions at the same time and Turn-based strategy in which players take turns to perform in game actions.This is perhaps the most realistic type of strategy games. This type of strategy game is not "free flowing", i.Most real time strategy games offer the player an almost-true world which can experience climate/weather/day-night change (depending on the game). e.Some very fine examples would be Age of Empires, Stronghold, Age of Mythology and Company of Heroes.Real-time Strategy Game.

A real-time strategy game (RTS) is a video game in which events unfold as you are issuing commands (as opposed to, say, chess, where the players take turns issuing commands). here a player gives turns to move his units.Its more specific meaning are games in which you must mine resources to build a base of increasing sophistication, which in turn lets you build more sophisticated units, which in turn lets you achieve the mission objectives (often but not always to destroy your enemy’s base). He/She has certain limitations of moving units (like restricted number of moves for each unit).Games that lack the resource mining aspect are called Tactical Real-Time Strategy Games. After a user completes his/her turn, the opponent starts the turn.

Dune II is widely considered to be the first real-time strategy game. In this alternate way the game proceeds.

Real-time Strategy Games offer a blend of action and strategy. Examples: Poxnora, Gunrox, Silent Storm and Steel Panthers: World at War! as well as UniWar.

Powerful Message: 7%

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:25:00 GMT

A holy man was having a conversation with God one day and said, ' God , I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.'

God led the holy man to two doors.

He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in.

In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water.

The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished.

They were holding spoons with very long handles, that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful.

But because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths.

The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering.

God said, 'You have seen Hell.'

They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one.

There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water.

The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking. The holy man said, 'I don't understand.'

It is simple,' said God . 'It requires but one skill.

You see they have learned to feed each other, while the greedy think only of themselves.'

Its estimated 93% won't forward this. If you are one of the 7% who will, forward this with the title '7%'.

I'm in the 7%

Remember that I will always share my spoon with you.

Sample Application Letter

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:17:00 GMT

October 26, 2009

Panay, Clarin,

7200 Occidental USA

09067510032

Carlotabiljr08@gmail.com

The Manager

Universal Creative Advertising

Yacapin- Kabayo Sts.

Cagayan States

Dear Sir/Maam,

I am interested in applying for an entry level position as Graphic Artist as posted (in a banner) in front of your office. I am a recent graduate of La Salle University –Ozamiz City where I completed BS in Computer Science. As requested, I am enclosing my resume and my references.

The opportunity presented is very interesting, and I believe that my strong technical experience and education will make me a very competitive candidate for the position that you may grant. The key strengths that I possess include:

I have successfully designed, and developed software application during my thesis project.
I can work individually and a good team player.
I strive for continued excellence and I am willing to learn new things about Multimedia.
I am knowledgeable in Multimedia Applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Cool Edit, Sony Vegas, & Corel Draw.

With my degree, I have a full understanding of the full life cycle of a software development project. Please see my resume for additional information on my experience.

I can be reached anytime via my cellphone number 09067510032. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speak with you about this employment opportunity.

Sincerely,

Carlo S. Tabil

Strategy video games

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:44:00 GMT

Dune II is widely considered to be the first real-time strategy game. In this alternate way the game proceeds.

Real-time Strategy Games offer a blend of action and strategy. Examples: Poxnora, Gunrox, Silent Storm and Steel Panthers: World at War! as well as UniWar.

Strategy Game Programming

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:37:00 GMT

I will develop a C skeleton for strategy games to which only game-specific code will have to be added, but which takes care of the rest of the strategy game playing part.Strategy games offer a wide variety of fun and exciting ways for players to test their ability to outthink and outmaneuver their opponent on the way to victory.

Perhaps you wonder whether you should read this stuff.In broad terms, strategy video games typically fall into two categories—turn-based and real-time. What does this guy know anyway.Turn-based strategy war games consist of a series of distinct moves, much like in a chess match, in which there are definite starts and stops with each move. As an avid chess player, I wanted to write a chess program as soon as I got my first computer, an Atari ST back in 1987 or so.Real-time strategy games (also known as RTS games) are games in which the action plays out on an ongoing basis as the player implements tactics and strategies for success.. Knowing nothing of all the things I'm writing about now, I failed miserably. I went back to square one and started over with simpler things. I wrote a connect four program, and a program to solve the game of Solitaire for my grandmother, and that was about that for a long time. In 1996 I started a checkers program which today has become the de-facto standard for checkers, since it is - at the time of writing - by far the best free checkers program around. I generated the 8-piece endgame database for checkers, and also wrote an automated opening book generator for checkers. Finally, in the summer of 2002 I wrote a chess program. It's a decent amateur program, but nothing more. I never found the time to work on it seriously - I'm sure I could improve it, however I have no idea whether it would become a really good program.

Abstract strategy

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:35:00 GMT

In abstract strategy games, the game is only loosely tied to a real-world theme, if at all.Wargames are simulations of military battles, campaigns or entire wars. The mechanics do not attempt to simulate reality, but rather serve the internal logic of the game.Players will have to consider situations that are analogous to the situations faced by leaders of historical battles.

A purist's definition of an abstract strategy game requires that it cannot have random elements or hidden information.As such, war games are usually heavy on simulation elements, and while they are all "strategy games", they can also be "strategic" or "tactical" in the military jargon sense.Traditionally, war games have been played either with miniatures, using physical models of detailed terrain and miniature representations of people and equipment to depict the game state; or on a board, which commonly uses cardboard counters on a hex map. However, many games are commonly classed as abstract strategy games which do not meet these criteria.

Popular miniature wargames include Warhammer 40,000 or its fantasy counterpart Warhammer Fantasy. Games such as Backgammon, Octiles, Can't Stop, Sequence and Mentalis have all been described as "abstract strategy"[citation needed], despite having a luck element.Popular strategic board wargames include Risk, Axis and Allies, and Diplomacy. A smaller category of non-perfect abstract strategy games incorporate hidden information without using any random elements.Advanced Squad Leader is a successful tactical scale wargame.. An example is Stratego.

This type of game is an attempt to simulate the decisions and processes inherent to some real-world situation. Most of the mechanics are chosen to reflect what the real-world consequences would be of each player action and decision. Abstract games cannot be completely divided from simulations and so games can be thought of as existing on a continuum of almost pure abstraction (like Abalone) to almost pure simulation (like Strat-o-Matic Baseball).

For the video game genre

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:33:00 GMT

Once you've found your sign-up offer, you need to input the specified code while making your deposit.After a seven-year hiatus, Electronic Arts Inc. There will be a field for it on the deposit screen.(NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced the return of Red Alert, one of the most beloved and best-selling real time strategy (RTS) series of all time. If you sign-up and make a deposit without putting in the correct information, your opportunity to get extra cash to play with on that casino will be lost.Command & Conquer. Once you've put in the info and made the deposit, you will need to meet a wagering requirement.: Red Alert. This is how much you must wager before the extra money is released into your account (or, if it is a "sticky bonus" that cannot be withdrawn, how much you must wager before you can withdraw any money from your account). 3, for the PC, Xbox 360TM video game and entertainment system and the PLAYSTATION. The wagering requirement will usually be a multiple of the added cash, your deposit or both.3 computer games entertainment system, takes players on an epic adventure to a breathtaking alternate future spawned by time travel run amok .

“It’s been too long.Developed by EA Los Angeles, Red Alert 3 breaks new ground in the RTS genre, featuring a fully co-operative campaign while bringing back the series’ light-hearted style and classic, action-oriented gameplay. ” said Chris Corry, Executive Producer at EALA.

“The Red Alert games are known for challenging hardcore strategy gamers with depth, variety, and innovative gameplay. “Fans have been waiting for a new Red Alert game for seven years, and we’re working hard to ensure its well worth the wait.But they also belong to that rare breed of games that can draw in more casual play online games with their over-the-top stories, instantly accessible mechanics, and straight-to-the-fun design,” said Mike Verdu, General Manager of EALA. The team is staying true to the series’ roots while adding new elements like a co-operatively played story-driven campaign, an astounding new faction that will shake-up the Red Alert universe as we know it, and units that will help make Red Alert 3 everything our fans have been waiting for.“With Red Alert 3, our team is continuing that proud tradition by introducing genre-first features like co-operative campaign play, which rewards veterans and casual players alike. And by bringing naval combat into the heart of the game design, we’re transporting that fast, fun and fluid C&C gameplay to the high-seas in ways that you’ve never seen before.In Red Alert 3, friends and family can always have your back!”

Here's a great way to uncover hidden jobs

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:57:00 GMT

      Though slow, the recovery is prompting employers to add new executive jobs as they see light at the end of the tunnel.

       But as Mark Anderson, ExecuNet President and Chief Economist points out, finding these opportunities will be more challenging than it was before the recession. "Companies are less likely to advertise openings in this environment given the sheer volume of talent in the market and their focus on improving existing leadership teams. This means infiltrating the hidden job market will be more important than ever before."

      Creating a target company list will give you a starting point for uncovering the hidden jobs. But how do you create a target list?

Here are a few great approaches our career experts have shared with ExecuNet members:

Use online job postings as a guide to those companies that are hiring and what those companies needs are, recommends Rick Balsiger, president of Balsiger Partners LLC. You can then match your unique skills and abilities against the needs of the companies you've researched to compile your target list.
Don Orlando, a career coach and president of Alabama-based The McLean Group, suggests connecting with the economic development officer at the local chamber of commerce. "You are not asking him or her for a job," Orlando stresses. "The director of economic development relies on the quality of the local workforce to influence corporate decision-makers to expand their presence in your backyard. You are a critical part of that workforce." The economic development officer may know what companies are planning to relocate or expand in your area, and a referral from this individual could increase your chances of securing an interview, notes Orlando.
Frank Slugaski, an executive coach with Connecticut-based Hire Aspirations, suggests visiting the local town hall and taking a look at the tax roll. "Companies are usually the top payers of taxes and can be easily identified," he says.

Once you've created your target list, it's time to share your list with your existing network of contacts to see if one of your contacts either works at one of the companies or knows someone who does. If your existing networking can't help you get an interview with your target companies, then it's time for you to turn to the social networking sites to make new connections with new contacts who work at or "have an in" at one or more of the companies on your list.

There are many great executive jobs out there! But they take skill, ingenuity and a long-term focus to get. Try these approaches to uncover the job that's right for you. And for more help with your job search, visit ExecuNet.

GatorMoto Low Speed Vehicles Qualify for Extensive Tax Credit

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:13:00 GMT

Receiving up to a $5,335 tax credit for purchasing an electric vehicle in 2009 may seem hard to believe, but is possible. In effort to go green, from now till December 31, 2009, the government is offering the tax credits of up to $5,335 for qualified street legal electric vehicles. After the New Year however, the electric vehicle tax credit will lower significantly.

Although most of the low speed electric vehicles look like golf carts at first glance, they are completely different. These vehicles are street-legal on roads that have speed limits up to 35 mph, have seat belts, turn signals, windshields and wipers, can travel 40 to 50 miles on a single charge, and can go up to 25 miles per hour.

Justin Jackrel, owner and president of GatorMoto at 7065 NW 22nd St, takes pains to point out that they aren’t the same carts used on golf courses or darting across streets in gated communities. GatorMoto sells street legal golf carts and a line of low speed vehicles, named the Bubble Buddies. They range from two-passenger to eight-passenger and come in an assortment of colors. With prices starting at only $6,995 for a fully loaded vehicle, the end cost after the credits can be as low as only $2,160.

“We cannot build them as fast as the orders are coming in,” Jackrel said. “We placed large orders to make sure we have enough in time for the holidays, but the last few weeks have been crazy around here. Our current inventory is low and most of the vehicles on the future build schedule are already pre ordered!”

There is no better time than now to purchase an electric vehicle, and with gas prices on the rise, you are sure to love the fact that they only take one cent of electricity to go one mile.

What makes my Mocha Special

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:31:00 GMT

I am at Gloria Jean's Coffee last Wednesday sipping my mocha-latte when a question just popped out in my mind. I am thinking where did mocha come from and how it was made. We know chocolate comes from cacao beans and coffee comes from coffee beans. I was in this state when Jill one of my girl friends handed me a research paper about coffee and it's variants. I learned that mocha got its name from a port city in Yemen. It also has an Arabic descent and it's taste was derived from a coffee bean that is generally from Mocha, Yemen. What I really love is the aroma of mocha and when it's mixed with cream, it really soothes my senses. Mocha-latte always keeps me up especially at night where I assist my sister in homework help task. The best part of mocha is that it can be made in other products other than a beverage. It can be a flavor of an ice cream, cake and other sweets.

November Monthly Meeting - CFHFDP Chap 3: The Decorator Pattern

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:31:00 GMT

This meeting will be a continuation of our series: Head First Design Patterns for ColdFusion (CFHFDP). We are taking each chapter out of the HFDP book and writing ColdFusion implementations of each pattern that is covered. So far we have broken down the Strategy Pattern and the Observer Pattern. November brings us to Chapter 3 - The Decorator Pattern. Adrian Moreno will be presenting this topic as our main session of the night.

We have had some great feedback on this series, so make sure to join us as we continue. If you wish to catch up on Chapters 1 and 2, you can watch the recordings of those sessions at the links below:

Dave Shuck - CFHFDP - Chapter 1: The Strategy Pattern
http://experts.na3.acrobat.com/p50727167/

Adam Presley - CFHFDP - Chapter 2: The Observer Pattern
http://experts.na3.acrobat.com/p34878675/

The intro topic for the first hour is currently TBA as of the time of this posting. If you have a topic you would like to share, please contact Dave Shuck.

Additionally, we may be tackling 2 chapters, so if you are interested in presenting on Chap 4 - The Factory Pattern or Chap 5 - The Singleton Pattern please contact Dave Shuck.

Date and Time:

November 10, 2009 from 6:30pm - 9:30pm

Address:

Paladin Consulting, Inc.
3030 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1140
Dallas, TX 75234
google map

Pushing Weight: Back to Basics

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:21:00 GMT

This post is going to be the kick-off for a new series of blog posts tracking my strength and fitness progress. In the past I have followed complex body-part split routines that focused more on bodybuilding, with a secondary goal of getting stronger.

Back to Basics is my simple plan. Eat enough food to keep the scale moving up (.5 lb to 1lb per week) and strive to get stronger in a few basic lifts. This approach is very different from what I am used to in terms of volume and variation. As long as strength continues to increase, then I will consider this a successful routine.

The Routine consists of four workout days with a focus on Squat, Deadlift, Bench, Overhead Press.

Workout 1 - Lower

Squat (6 sets / heavy)
Deadlift (4 or 5 sets / moderate)
Calves

Workout 2 - Upper

Bent over Barbell Row ( 3 sets / moderate)
Bench (5 sets / heavy)
Overhead Press (4 or 5 sets / moderate)

Workout 3 - Lower

Deadlift (5 sets / heavy)
Squats (5 sets / moderate)
Calves

Workout 4 - Upper

Pull - ups (4 sets / bodyweight)
Bench (5 sets / moderate)
Overhead Press (6 sets / heavy)

I have created a log here proglog.instantspot.com to track my progress and updates.

Warwick Castle

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:11:00 GMT

Bevor es heute Abend nach Dublin geht, will ich mich noch einmal bei euch melden. Letzte Woche hat mir leider eine Erkältung zu schaffen gemacht, so dass es nicht viel zu berichten gab.
Am Samstag ging es mit dem Computer Science Department nach Warwick Castle, eine traditionellen, britische Burg ...
Am besten ich lass die Bilder für sich sprechen. Obwohl es am Morgen nicht so aussah, war natürlich wieder wunderschönes Wetter :)

The Mound und die Library

Warwick Castle Park mit Bootshaus

Halloween Witch

Für den Moment soll es das erstmal gewesen sein, ich muss erstmal zur Vorlesung. Ein bissl studieren tue ich natürlich auch noch, irgendwie brauch ich auch ein paar Aufgaben für die Woche.
Ende der Woche gibt es dann sicher wieder ein paar Eindrücke aus Dublin und eine Fahrt nach Wales steht auch bald auf dem Programm :)

Grüße aus Bham