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Walt Disney World Resort Updateby Mark Goldhaber, staff writer
Update for January 31 – February 6, 2011
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Coming Soon | Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Discounts/Promotions
News and Views
Disney supporting legislation to further regulate handbill distribution | Final countdown for Toontown Fair | DVC reduces benefits for aftermarket purchasers | Flower Power concert series line-up finalized | Chilean miners visiting Walt Disney World | Passholder merchandise discounts extended through 2011 | La Nouba offers discounts to DVC Members, Passholders | Construction update | Quick takes
Disney supporting legislation to further regulate handbill distribution
If a bill currently making its way through Florida's legislature makes its way into law, those seemingly ubiquitous flyers for pizza delivery that seem to magically appear under your door multiple times each week at Disney resorts may disappear, according to an article in the Orlando Sentinel (link). The "Tourist Safety Act of 2011" (HB63, SB366) would permit police to arrest violators even if they do not witness the crime. Initial fines would be increased from $500 to $1,000, and second- and third-time offenders could be fined $2,000 and $3,000, respectively. Police could even seize vehicles driven by third-time offenders to distribute the flyers under provisions of the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act, a Florida state version of the federal RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act.
The Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association and Walt Disney World both sent lobbyists to testify to the Florida legislature in favor of the bill, which was derailed last year by debate over an unrelated measure.
The new legislation would require prospective advertisers to get written authorization from the hotel to distribute handbills (defined as "a flier, leaflet, pamphlet, or other written material that advertises, promotes, or informs persons about a person, business, company, or food service establishment"), instead of the verbal permission currently allowed. This may be a means of both eliminating the unprovable oral agreements and documenting the full names of the distributors in case of adverse actions attributable to them.
This legislation seems a bit harsh for cracking down on the young people generally hired to distributed the flyers for local pizza shops and other businesses, but Central Florida hotel owners allege that some of those distributing these menus are using them to dupe tourists out of their credit card numbers or other information necessary for identity theft, or even to find unlocked hotel rooms and steal guests' belongings. While this is likely not a frequent occurrence, and is even less of a problem at Disney resorts that other resorts in the area, it may be a way for Disney to more successfully limit access to their guest rooms by outside vendors.
In the meantime, your safest best is to check with your hotel's front desk for a list of recommended establishments. Just because the scammers might constitute a small minority doesn't mean you shouldn't be careful. If a pizza flyer doesn't include the shop's address, or uses an unusual phone number, they might be using a throwaway cell phone, waiting to get your credit card number over the phone so they could start racking up the charges while you're on vacation.
Final countdown for Toontown Fair
The countdown continues for Mickey's Toontown Fair. The land is scheduled to close permanently on Friday, February 11 to make way for construction of Dumbo's Storybook Circus land as part of the New Fantasyland expansion. As the circus-themed land is scheduled to be the first section of the expansion to open, work is expected to get underway quickly once the gates are closed. Expect a construction wall to go up past the Mad Tea Party a week from Friday. The Walt Disney World Railroad continues to stop at the station to take on water and to blow off steam, but will not board or discharge passengers at the station. It is likely that another construction wall will be erected at the train station. At this time, it's expected that a wall blocking off traffic from Tomorrowland would go up near the Tomorrowland Power & Light Authority arcade, to prevent guests from taking the long back walkway to Toontown Fair only to find that there was nothing at the end of the path.
The sun sets permanently on Mickey's Toontown Fair next Friday. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.
Mickey Mouse begins receiving his mail at a meet-and-greet in the Town Square Exhibition Hall starting this spring. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.
The Barnstormer at Goofy's Wise Acre Farm is being themed to fly over the circus as The Great Goofini in the new Storybook Circus land. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.
DVC reduces benefits for aftermarket purchasers
With the economy rendering finances tight for most guests, many prospective Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members have opted to find a lower-cost alternative by purchasing their ownership interests from those who can no longer afford to maintain their existing interests, or who need the immediate cash provided by selling their DVC ownership points on the aftermarket. Unfortunately for Disney, this means that new DVC members are not buying directly from Disney, cutting DVC revenue. With the number of prospective members shrinking, this is proving problematic for Disney.
In seeking to stem the aftermarket sales of Disney Vacation Club points and increase the incentive to purchase points directly from Disney, DVC has instituted a new policy limited exchanges for DVC points not purchased directly from Disney. Any members who purchase points from anyone other than Disney Vacation Development, Inc., on or after March 21 will only be able to use those points for stays at DVC resorts and for RCI, Club Cordial, and Club Intrawest exchanges. Those points would no longer be able to be used for reservations through the Concierge Collection, the Adventurer Collection, or the Disney Collection (which includes non-DVC Disney resorts and the Disney Cruise Line).
Since those soon-to-be-restricted exchanges are not part of the official ownership interests and are instead benefits provided by DVC, those rights will sunset for new aftermarket purchases. Only those who purchased their points directly from Disney or via the aftermarket on or prior to March 20 will have access to them.
All standard membership activities, such as banking, borrowing and transferring DVC points, will continue to be available to all members. While this will not have much of an effect on prospective members who have no plans to use their points for anything other than staying at DVC resorts or trading out through RCI, Club Cordial or Club Intrawest, anyone who had plans of other uses for their points and were considering an aftermarket purchase may need to adjust their plans.
Flower Power concert series line-up finalized
The 18th Annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival kicks off just over a month from now, and runs from March 2 through May 15. While it continues its recent 75-day length, though, the audience is still mostly locals (as compared with the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival each fall), and so the Flower Power concert series runs weekends only for the third straight year (versus every night for Food & Wine's Eat to the Beat concert series).
Performances are held three times nightly (at 5:00, 6:45, and 8:15) on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights during the festival at the American Gardens Theatre across from The American Adventure. The concert schedule has now been finalized, with Jose Feliciano once again leading off the series and Davy Jones again taking the Mother's Day Weekend slot. Also returning from last year are Chubby Checker, Starship, The Nelsons, Paul Revere & The Raiders, and Herman's Hermits. Only four acts did not perform at the series last year: The Guess Who, Melissa Manchester, Juice Newton, and Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. Concerts, as with much of the festival, are included in the price of admission to the park. Here's the final lineup (subject, as always, to change):
- March 4–6: Jose Feliciano
- March 11–13: The Guess Who
- March 18–20: Chubby Checker & The Wildcats
- March 25–27: Melissa Manchester
- April 1–3: Starship starring Mickey Thomas
- April 8–10: Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.
- April 15–17: Juice Newton
- April 22–24: Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring The Nelsons
- April 29 to May 1: Paul Revere and the Raiders
- May 6–8: Davy Jones
- May 13–15: Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone
Chilean miners visiting Walt Disney World
The 33 Chilean miners rescued last fall after 69 days underground, as well as their rescuers and immediate families, are currently at Walt Disney World, enjoying the hospitality of the resort, and will serve as honorary Grand Marshals of a special parade today at 2:15 p.m. at the Magic Kingdom. Disney is providing the miners, their families and rescuers with complimentary family vacations from last Thursday through this Wednesday, January 27-February 2.
The Chileans were treated to a welcome character dinner with Chilean cuisine, and are also being provided with a $500 gift card per family, a group photo in front of Cinderella Castle, and personal photo albums of their vacations.
Passholder merchandise discounts extended through 2011
Walt Disney World Passholder merchandise discounts have been extended through the end of 2011. Epcot After 4pm, Weekday Select, Seasonal and Annual Passholders get 10 percent off purchases at selected locations, while Premium Annual Passholders (including bi-coastal Premier Annual Passholders) get 20 percent off. The discount is available at Walt Disney World-owned and operated shops, but not those stores owned by "operating participants" (third-party stores). The discount is also not valid on a long list of products, and can not be combined with other discounts, offers or promotions. For a full list of what is not included in this discount, check out the Art of Disney Parks website (link).
La Nouba offers discounts to DVC Members, Passholders
Disney Vacation Club members and Passholders can get 30 percent off Category 2 tickets to see La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil when purchased in advance. The discount is good on any performance from February 1 through April 9. You can purchase your advance tickets by calling 407-939-7604. The offer is valid for DVC members and/or Passholders plus up to 5 guests. This offer provides a deeper discount than even the troupe's own Cirque Club, which is offering a 25 percent discount over the same dates.
Tickets will be available for pick up at the La Nouba Box Office's Will Call window. You'll have to present valid DVC Member or Passholder ID to pick up your tickets. Please plan to arrive at least one hour before show time. This offer isn't good for gift certificates or on tickets you've already bought, and you can't combine it with other discounts. The offer is subject to availability.
Construction update
Here is the listing of interesting items from paperwork filed with Orange County in the last week:
- Magic Kingdom Pinocchio Village Haus – general construction.
- Epcot Wonders parking lot – addition of 60-foot concrete pole and camera.
- Epcot – completion of construction.
- Disney's Hollywood Studios – Star Tours graphics package.
- Disney's Hollywood Studios – Rock 'n' Roller Coaster building – installation of antenna and wiring.
- Disney's Hollywood Studios Hollywood Boulevard Left, Center and Right Block – completion of construction.
- Disney's Hollywood Studios Pixar Place – completion of construction.
- Disney's Animal Kingdom Dinoland U.S.A – light pole electrical work.
- Disney's Animal Kingdom Kilimanjaro Safaris – completion of construction.
- Blizzard Beach – completion of construction.
- Palm Golf Course – cart path concrete replacement.
- Magnolia Golf Course – cart path concrete replacement.
- ESPN Wide World of Sports – HP Field House rotunda wall graphics package.
- Downtown Disney AMC Pleasure Island theater – interior illuminated and nonilluminated signage.
- Grand Floridian Resort main building – addition of water chilled oil cooler at bird cage elevator.
- Grand Floridian Franck's Studio restrooms – electrical work.
- Wedding Pavilion chapel restrooms – electrical work.
- Saratoga Springs Resort DVC Preview Center – general construction of Aulani model rooms.
- Saratoga Springs Resort Carriage House – painting.
- Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground Campfire area – electrical work.
- Caribbean Beach Resort Aruba building 5100 parking lot – restriping and rejuvenation.
- Pop Century Resort Hippie Dippy Pool deck – concrete work.
Quick takes …
…Artist SHAG (JoSH AGle) appears at Walt Disney World today from noon to 2 p.m. at Uptown Jewelers on Main Street U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom (link) after spending the past weekend on the maiden voyage of the Disney Dream cruise ship. SHAG is previewing his collection for the 40th anniversary of Walt Disney World and signing his work. Deluxe prints (16"x20") of the 40th anniversary map print will be available for $35. After today's event, the prints will not be available again until the entire collection is released some time this summer.
SHAG's map art celebrating Walt Disney World's 40th anniversary will be available at a preview today in the Magic Kingdom. Image © Disney.
…Walt Disney World has filed construction permits for converting the model DVC rooms at the Preview Center located at the Saratoga Springs Resort to be models for the new Aulani Resort opening in Hawai'i later this year. A minor fire last week caused some damage at the Aulani construction site, but it is not expected to delay the resort's opening.
…D23, the official Disney fan club, has extended its 10 percent discount on new Gold and Silver memberships for DVC members. Originally scheduled to end on December 31, the discount has been extended with no set termination date at this time. Check the D23 Web site for the promotional code needed to get the discount. Please note, this is only for new memberships and not for renewals.
…This year's Disney Vacation Club Condominium Association Meeting has been set for December 8, 2011, somewhere at the Walt Disney World Resort. Details will be announced at a later date.
…Registration is now open for the Expedition Everest Challenge (link). The Champion 5K during ESPN The Weekend (link) is also open. Sign up now!
…The 2011 Disney' Princess Half Marathon is 96 percent full for individual and team registrations. Disney's Royal Family 5K and Kids' Races are each 75 percent full. If you want to run any of these races, time is running out! You can register at the official event web site (link).
Join our networks
Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email Mark here.
Talk about these stories and more on our Walt Disney World discussion forum here.
Coming up
- February 5: Love is Magical pin trading event at Epcot (link).
- February 7 to March 31: Atlanta Braves Spring Training (link).
- February 11–15: UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship (link).
- February 25–27: Disney's Princess Half Marathon (link).
- March 2 to May 15: Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (link).
- March 3–6: ESPN The Weekend (link).
- March 12–13: UCA National All-Star Cheerleading Championship (link).
- April 28 to May 2: USASF Cheerleading and Dance Worlds (link).
- April 29, 30, May 6, 7: Grad Nites (link).
- May 7: Expedition Everest Challenge (link).
- May 8: Danskin Women's Triathlon (link).
- May 15: Rohto Florida Ironman 70.3 (link).
- September 30, October 1: Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (link). Registration opens February 14.
- September 30 to November 13: Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (link).
- November 24–25, 27: Old Spice Classic (link).
- January 5–8: Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (link). Registration opens March 15.
Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Magic Kingdom
- Splash Mountain – closed for refurbishment through January 31, 2011.
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed for refurbishment through February 4, 2011.
- Mickey's Toontown Fair – closing permanently on February 11, 2011, to make way for Fantasyland expansion.
- No known scheduled closures.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Star Tours – closed for refurbishment through May 19, 2011.
- Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage! – closed for refurbishment through March 5, 2011. A new segment will be added, and the show will be rebranded from Playhouse Disney to Disney Junior.
Animal Kingdom
- Primeval Whirl – closed for refurbishment through April 16, 2011.
- Saratoga Springs Resort – Paddock Leisure Pool closed through June 29, 2011, for expansion into a new feature pool, wet play area, and quick-service eatery. During the renovations, the Paddock bus stop and laundry facility will also be closed. Guests can use the High Rock Spring pool near the Carriage House or the leisure pools at Congress Park or The Grandstand. Nearby bus stops can be found at The Springs, Congress Park and The Carousel. Alternate laundry facilities are located at The Springs and Congress Park.
- Yacht & Beach Club Resorts – The main slide and kiddie slide at Stormalong Bay are closed through mid-February, 2011. Guests that wish to use have a pool slide as part of their resort pool experience can use the Luna Park pool at the BoardWalk Resort.
- Polynesian Resort – Leisure Pool closed for refurbishment through February 18, 2011.
- BoardWalk Resort – the Keister Coaster slide at the Luna Park pool will be closed from February 7 through mid-March, 2011. Guests that wish to use have a pool slide as part of their resort pool experience can use the Stormalong Bay pool at the Yacht & Beach Club Resorts.
Water Parks
- Blizzard Beach – closed through March 26, 2011 for annual refurbishment.
- Cirque du Soleil La Nouba – performs Tuesdays through Saturdays.
- Pollo Campero at Downtown Disney – now open on the site of the former McDonald's.
Current Discounts & Promotions
Room-only discounts now available through mid-April
Discounts of 15-30 percent are available for room-only reservations for stays at Walt Disney World for most nights February 17 – April 16, 2011.
- Value resorts – 15 percent off
- Moderate resorts, including Fort Wilderness Cabins – 20 percent off
- Deluxe Resorts – 15-25 percent off
(Note: Animal Kingdom Lodge is 15 percent off. Polynesian Resort is 20 percent off.)
- Deluxe Villa Resorts – 30 percent off
Deals are also available for January 2 – February 16, 2011. Discount percentages appear to match those for the other dates.
You can book the deal from now through February 13, 2011. Note that the rooms may go fast. The number of rooms available at these rates is limited. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals.
Reservations may be booked through the Walt Disney World Web site (link), by calling Walt Disney World at 407-939-7678, or your travel agent and using booking code XV9. MousePlanet's preferred Disney travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link) and Small World Vacations (link).
Room-only discounts for April-June and August-October
Room-only discounts are being offered for April 28 to June 14 and August 14 to October 1, for which you must make your reservations by March 27. Fall discounts are for five percentage points more than the late spring discounts, and discounts vary by type of resort. Here are the discounts applicable for each resort type:
|April 28 - June 14
|August 14 - October 1
|All-Star Movies
|15 percent
|20 percent
|Remaining Values, Port Orleans French Quarter
|20 percent
|25 percent
|Remaining Moderates, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Polynesian
|25 percent
|30 percent
|Remaining Deluxes
|30 percent
|35 percent
|Deluxe Villas
|35 percent
|40 percent
Note that the rooms may go fast. The number of rooms available at these rates is limited. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals.
Reservations may be booked through the Walt Disney World Web site (link), by calling Walt Disney World at 407-939-7722, or your travel agent and using booking code TSU. MousePlanet's preferred Disney travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link) and Small World Vacations (link).
Kids Stay and Play Free through October
Walt Disney World has released a Kids Stay and Play Free offer that has availability February 17 to April 16 (book by February 13), as well as April 28 to June 14 and August 14 to October 1 (book by March 27). When booking a non-discounted room and ticket package, kids ages 3 to 9 staying in the same room as an adult get a free base Magic Your Way pass. Additional restrictions may apply.
Note: Rooms may go fast. The number of rooms available at these rates is limited. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals.
Reservations may be booked through the Walt Disney World Web site (link), by calling Walt Disney World at 407-939-7684, or your travel agent and using booking code GW8. MousePlanet's preferred Disney travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link) and Small World Vacations (link).
Passholder discounts now available through mid-April
Passholders can save 32 to 42 percent off their room rates for stays at Walt Disney World for most nights February 6 – April 16, 2011.
- Value resorts – 32 percent off
- Moderate resorts, including Fort Wilderness Cabins – 35 percent off
- Deluxe Resorts – 32-42 percent off
(Note: Animal Kingdom Lodge and Polynesian Resort are 32 percent off)
- Deluxe Villa Resorts – 42 percent off
Deals are also available for January 2 – February 5, 2011. Discount percentages appear to match those for the other dates.
You can book the deal from now through your day of arrival, through the rooms may go fast. The number of rooms available at these rates is limited. Suites and 3-bedroom Grand Villas are not included. An adult passholder must show their pass at check-in. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals.
Reservations may be booked through the Walt Disney World Web site (link), by calling Walt Disney World at 407-939-7939, or your travel agent and using booking code AU6. MousePlanet's preferred Disney travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link) and Small World Vacations (link).
Military ticket offer
From now through September 28, 2011, active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with either the Park Hopper or Water Parks Fun and More option for $138 per ticket, plus tax, or with both the Park Hopper and Water Parks Fun and More options for $165 per ticket, plus tax. No Base ticket is available with this offer.
The tickets expire and may not be used after October 1, 2011. The tickets may not be used at all Walt Disney World theme parks and other gated attractions on the following blockout dates: December 27-31, 2010 and April 17-23, 2011. Additionally, the tickets may not be used at the Magic Kingdom on July 4, 2011.
Eligible service members include active or retired members of the U.S. military including the U.S. Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reservists. Disney Military Promotional Tickets can be purchased at Shades of Green or at a participating military base (MWR/ITT) office. There is no tax charged for these tickets but they must be activated at a theme park ticket window. Tickets may also be purchased at Walt Disney World Park Ticket Offices and Guest Relations Offices where tax will be charged. No more than six tickets may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (or their spouse, but not both) for themselves, family members, and friends, and all tickets must be purchased at the same time. If the immediate family has more than five dependents, additional tickets may be purchased for the dependents, however, additional tickets for guests may not be purchased. Valid military identification is required. The tickets are non-transferable and may not be resold.
The tickets may be upgraded to Seasonal Passes or Florida Resident Weekday Select Passes (for Florida residents), or Annual Passes, Premium Annual Passes, or Disney Premier Pass with credit toward the upgrade based on the actual price paid. The no-expiration option and other upgrades, such as additional days, are not available.
For complete information regarding Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets, military personnel may call (407) 939-7830 or participating U.S. military base ticket offices.
Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email Mark here.
- By Little Mitchie
I can understand the issues of having a dead end walkway from the Tomorrowland Power Authority building back to the Toontown Fair train station. But it will be a bummer if they do block it off. It is the best location for getting photos of the trains.
- By Drince88
Plus, if that station is closed - there's TWO stops for the train? Not exactly a transportation option at that point, IMHO.
- By Mark Goldhaber
Of course, if they're doing construction work on the station, it's not the safest place to be getting on or off the train, anyway.
- Discuss this article on MousePad.


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Genoa-Kingston (0-1) at Rockford Lutheran (1-0)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday
Location: Rockford Lutheran High School, 3411 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
Last meeting: Lutheran 56, Genoa-Kingston 10, in Week 2 of the 2012 season
Scouting the Crusaders: It wasn't too long ago that Lutheran was a pushover. However, last season the Crusaders turned things around, going 8-1 and winning the Big Northern West, earning a playoff win before falling in the second round of the Class 2A playoffs. Watch out for Lutheran tailback James Robinson, who ran for more than 2,000 yards as a freshman last season.
What's at stake: It's too early to call this a must-win, but after an opening-week loss at St. Edward last week, the Cogs certainly could use a victory with the always-tough Richmond-Burton Rockets heading to Genoa in Week 3. In last week's loss, G-K allowed four touchdowns of 50 yards or longer. The Cogs have to limit the big plays against the Crusaders.
– Steve Nitz, email@example.com
North Shore Country Day (0-1) at Hiawatha (0-1)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday
Last meeting: North Shore 39, Hiawatha 22, in Week 5 of the 2012 season
Scouting the Raiders: With four receivers and a quarterback always in shotgun, the Raiders mix passes with a quarterback read option with a lone back. Defensively, NSCD lines up in a 5-2 and blitzes one of its linebackers nearly every play. With six on a rush that crashes up field hard, the Raiders play man coverage in the secondary.
What's at stake: A win provides the Hawks with a path to the playoffs that doesn't require considerable obstacles. Starting running back Nick Doolittle carved up Mooseheart for 70 yards in just less than a quarter of action last week before suffering a knee injury that will sideline him tonight. Michael Speer and Matt Wendt will get Doolittle's carries and quarterback Mike Mercado will have an even greater role in the Hawks' offense.
"At the end of the Mooseheart game we had 14 healthy bodies," said Hiawatha coach Sean Donnelly about the 45-6 loss Saturday. "We just ran out of bodies. We were down 18-6 and just scored after a turnover. It looked like we'd have some momentum. Instead, we had three straight turnovers on the first play of three straight possessions. Give Mooseheart credit, they scored on all three turnovers."
Although Donnelly said Doolittle's injury is a "huge blow," the Hiawatha offensive line provided running lanes. The Hawks worked on running backs hitting their holes this week in practice.
– James Nokes, firstname.lastname@example.com
DeKalb (1-0) at Hampshire (1-0)
Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday
Location: Hampshire High School, 1600 Big Timber Road, Hampshire
Last meeting: Hampshire 33, DeKalb 27, in Week 2 of 2012 season
Scouting the Whip-Purs: After winning only three games last year, the Whip-Purs rocked Burlington Central with a 41-7 win last week, and their running game was a big reason why. Hampshire returned three offensive linemen this season along with running backs Nick Kielbasa, Mason Fluery and Chris Calvin. Kielbasa racked up 134 yards last week at 5.8 yards a carry, and Calvin finished with 81 yards on 10 carries.
What's at stake: A win tonight could be a huge confidence-builder heading into next week's game against Sycamore. The Whip-Purs looked like a playoff contender in Week 1, so this will be no small feat. With conference games against state title contenders Morris, Kaneland and Sycamore, a loss would leave little room for error for the rest of the season if the Barbs want to win five games and qualify for the playoffs.
– Anthony Zilis, email@example.com
North Lawndale (0-1) at Sycamore (1-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last meeting: Sycamore 40, North Lawndale 7, in Week 2 of 2012 season
Scouting the Phoenix: North Lawndale held a fourth-quarter lead against Chicago Christian in Week 1, but a late touchdown handed the Phoenix a 20-18 loss in their home opener. North Lawndale finished 5-4 last year, but didn't play in the postseason. The player to watch is senior Imani Payton. He was part of North Lawndale's 4x100-meter relay team that took fifth place in the Class 2A state meet last year and also finished ninth in the 300 hurdles.
What's at stake: If there's a more prime example of a potential let-down game, please tell us. Sycamore pummeled North Lawndale on the road last season and could be looking ahead to next week's matchup against DeKalb at Huskie Stadium. Although there are no Northern Illinois Big 12 implications, this game will have potential playoff consequences for Sycamore. The difference of one win can mean hosting or playing a road game in the postseason.
– Ross Jacobson, firstname.lastname@example.com
Immaculate Conception (1-0) at Kaneland (1-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last meeting: No meeting in past 16 seasons
Scouting the Knights: Immaculate Conception went 7-4 last season and lost in the second round of the Class 3A playoffs. The Knights have a big hole to fill at quarterback as Demetrius Carr graduated. Coach Bill Krefft told Shaw Media in the preseason they would be running more of a zone scheme rather than the option attack they featured last season. Immaculate Conception defeated Chicago Noble Street Charter, 47-6, in the opener.
What's at stake: Kaneland had turnover issues in the first week against Brooks, throwing three interceptions. The Knights still managed to score 27 points, but that's a smaller output for the typically high-powered Kaneland offense. Before a big test against Sterling on the road in Week 3, Kaneland will need to get back on track offensively. Also on the line is Kaneland's regular-season winning streak, which dates to the 2009 season.
– Ross Jacobson, email@example.com

subset: commoncrawl


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Rafael Nadal yesterday booked an all-Spanish Australian Open semi-final against Fernando Verdasco as Serena Williams clawed back from a set down in searing heat to keep her dreams alive.
The world No. 1 fought off a determined rear-guard action by battling French six seed Gilles Simon to win 6-2, 7-5, 7-5 as he goes in search of his first title here.
The victory earns him a crack at Verdasco for a place in the final against Roger Federer or Andy Roddick after the left-hander sent French fifth seed and last year's runner-up Jo-Wilfried Tsonga packing 7-6 (7/2), 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.
"For Spain it is incredible to have two of us in the semi-finals. It means at least one Spaniard will be in the final and we have to happy for that," Nadal said. "But I know it will be a tough match against Fernando."
Verdasco, previously best known as Ana Ivanovic's boyfriend, has shot from nowhere to join a long line of players to make a name for themselves at the year's opening Grand Slam, powering into his first Major semi in 23 attempts.
"What I'm thinking right now is that I'm playing good, I'm feeling good," Verdasco said. "I just think that I can beat anyone. I don't put a limit in this tournament. I'm in the semi-finals right now and I think that I can lose in the semi-finals but also be in the final or win the tournament."
In contrast to Verdasco's seven-year wait to make the business end of a Grand Slam, Williams booked her 15th Grand Slam semi-final as temperatures soared to 41˚C.
The roof was finally closed on the Rod Laver Arena and Williams was a beneficiary.
The three-time champion was a set down to Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova at the time but recovered her composure against the fuming eighth seed to run out a 5-7, 7-5, 6-1 winner.
It earned the experienced American a shot at ice-cool Russian Elena Dementieva, who powered past unseeded Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro 6-2, 6-2.
The other semi-final sees third seed Dinara Safina play her Russian compatriot Vera Zvonareva.
Williams looked in serious trouble as she struggled in the first set of her match but was granted a reprieve when the stadium roof was closed early in the second set under the tournament's extreme heat policy.
The 28-year-old admitted the move made a huge difference.
"I was in a lot of trouble today but I just relaxed and I really wanted to fight and at least go three sets," she said. "I said, 'Serena you can do it' — it's when I play my best."
Despite making the last four, she said she was yet to hit top form.
"It's really encouraging [to win] because this whole tournament I felt I've been off and I haven't been playing my best," she said.
Kuznetsova handled the heat better but could not cope with the pressure generated by the nine-time Grand Slam champion, failing at crucial moments in the match.
The Russian was angry that they were ordered off court for the roof to be shut while she had a grip on the match.
"Yeah, I was definitely angry. Why should I not be? The game was going my way," the 2004 US Open champion said.
Dementieva, who is now on a 15-match unbeaten streak, was untroubled by giantkiller Suarez Navarro, who knocked out Venus Williams in the second round.
But she was not happy after playing her entire match, which preceded the Williams-Kuznetsova clash, with the roof open.
"Why not close the roof? Not only for the players, but for the spectators, as well," she said. "I think if you have a roof, why not use it?"
She was nevertheless relieved to overcome the dangerous Suarez Navarro and set up a showdown with Williams.
"You don't know what to expect from her. All the matches that we play, all the last three matches, were completely different games," she said of Williams.


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Nokia Money shot: Mobile banking service axed
Nokia is axing its banking service in India, the only place it was ever launched, as the company continues to scale back to focus on selling mobile phones.
Following trials going back to the start of 2010, leading up to a national launch across India late last year, Nokia Money is shutting down in the face of increasing competition from local rivals. The company's new focus on making mobes has seen a load of periphery projects lopped off.
"We are exploring options for a structured exit from the Mobile Financial Services business," says the statement from Nokia, as one can't just pull the plug on a such a service overnight. But the intent is clear: Nokia's dream of providing banking to the unbanked is dead.
That had been the intention of Nokia Money: to provide services to the billions of people around the world who have a mobile phone but not a bank account. The service converted Nokia retailers into cash points, and relied on the company's extensive infrastructure to move cash around cheaply and quickly. Nokia Money can be accessed from the most basic handsets using SMS, or with a smartphone app, but despite all that the service never took off and now it won't get the chance.
Not that such schemes won't succeed; the GSMA reckons there are 130 deployments of similar services around the world - although notably the GSMA's tracking system logs when a service is launched but not when one subsequently fails. With banks and finance houses getting in on the act, Nokia decided it was time to get out.
Nokia has been busy shutting down anything not directly related to making phones. Thankfully the cull hasn't reached Nokia Life Tools, a service providing information and advice to subscribers that has just been rebranded Nokia Life. It now includes lessons in accountancy and social etiquette, not to mention pregnancy and parenting.
Nokia Life is a rare success among the plethora of markets into which the cash-rich Nokia launched itself during the sunshine years. More than 50 million people have used Nokia Life since it started, and most of them have paid for it too as it's not a free service for all its social aims.
Hopefully that revenue will save Nokia Life, as the only other survivor of the cull seems to be Nokia Navigation. Having sunk so much money into Navteq, and signed a deal with Microsoft to provide data for Bing, Nokia now argues that developers will pay for quality information rather than relying on freebies from Google or the OpenStreetMap project. Neither is Nokia going to give in to local advertising, saying that third parties are welcome to pay for the data that way but it's not Nokia's core business.
Which brings us back to the death of Nokia Money - it might have made some dosh eventually, it might even have changed the world, but it had almost nothing to do with mobile telephones and thus no place in the new Nokia. ®
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Ice Dragon Get Drunk, Get High, Make a SinglePosted in Whathaveyou on January 18th, 2013 by JJ Koczan
So here's how it apparently went down. A week ago, the dudes in Boston-based doomly three-piece Ice Dragon got loaded on a bottle of mead gifted to them by the band Merlin. One imagines from listening to Ice Dragon's prolific level of output that it's not the first time they've been drunk on mead, nor will it be the last. While bombed in the viking tradition, they decided to record a new single, called "The Soul's Midnight."
The result was fittingly dark, moody and languid. Here's what they had to say about it at the time:
We just finished a great bottle of homemade mead, given to us from our friends in the band Merlin. We can't figure out how to tag them because we're drunk. Anyway we made a new song too and rather than be assfaces and give a "release date" and leak the cover art and tracklisting and all that stupid bullshit bands do nowadays. HERE YOU GO. It's free. Don't make fun of us if it sounds bad, please. We made it tonight. We're drunk.
Fair enough. Last night (Jan. 18), they posted a revisited version of "The Soul's Midnight," this time recorded while high. What could possibly drive them toward such scientific aims, discovering — at last — the differences between putting a song to tape under varying influence? I don't know, but the track is killer and the nihilism only adds to the enjoyment level.
Ice Dragon posted the results of this bold experiment last night. Here's that post, followed by both versions of "The Soul's Midnight," which is up for pay-what-you-will download at the Ice Dragon Bandcamp:
So, we made a HIGH version of "The Soul's Midnight". The original is still on there and that is now the drunk version. We're not "signed" so we can do whatever the hell we want, and this is what we want. We hope you want it too.
Might want to re-download if you already did. Or not.


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Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has refuted suggestions that the mega-rich French club have a made an approach for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, with a view to a summer transfer.
Rooney has been linked with a transfer away from Manchester United ever since his omission against Real Madrid last week, although Sir Alex Ferguson maintains that the England striker will remain at the club.
PSG are reported to harbour an interest in Rooney, who will be offered the chance to extend his stay at OId Trafford, with claims the Ligue 1 leaders are preparing a summer transfer window bid for the Manchester United star.
Although he categorically denies such supposition, Leonardo realises links to Europe's prominent players, Rooney included, will continue with PSG's vast riches making them the continent's newest superpower.
But the Brazilian has assured Manchester United that there is no genuine interest in Rooney and, should PSG eventually decide to move for the 27-year-old, Sir Alex Ferguson and the club will be the first to know their intentions.
"I think, a little bit, that PSG became a team that [people think] can buy all the players," he told Sky Sports News.
"I think that now we are in the opposite sense of other clubs in terms of economic problems, that's why. It's nice to see that some big players - not only Rooney - want to come, it's something we are happy about. But Rooney is one of the best players in the world.
"We never approach anyone, never talked with anyone, and if one day we do, the first one who will know will be Manchester United. That is not the case now, there is nothing, nothing, nothing."
Do YOU want to write for GiveMeSport? Get started today by signing-up and submitting an article HERE: https://www.givemesport.com/writeforgms


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Marlins signed INF/OF Eric Campbell to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.
James Paxton allowed just two earned runs, three hits and a walk with eight strikeouts in a complete-game victory against the Tigers on Saturday.
Daniel Robertson connected for his first-career grand slam in Saturday's 5-3 road victory against the Angels.
Devin Mesoraco went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run and two runs scored in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Diamondbacks.
Rich Hill (blister) is expected to go on the 10-day disabled list.
Howie Kendrick suffered a ruptured right Achilles Saturday and will undergo surgery Monday.
Josh Hader earned the win and got the last seven outs Saturday against the Twins, closing out a 5-4 win.
Nationals top outfield prospect Juan Soto will be promoted by the team Sunday, a source tells MASN Sports' Byron Kerr.
Jose Quintana tossed seven innings of one-hit, one-run baseball in Saturday's 10-0 win over the Reds in the second game of a doubleheader.
Gary Sanchez went 4-for-5 with two solo home runs, an RBI double and three total RBI in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Royals.
Gleyber Torres went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Royals.
Corey Kluber held the Astros to two runs in seven innings and earned a 5-4 win on Saturday.


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Dear Kagan, I hate you.
Courts have made policy decisions since time immemorial. When laws are ambiguous, somebody needs to decide what the fuck is supposed to happen, and those people are called "judges". People whining about "legislating from the bench" are invariably people without legal backgrounds (or deliberately hypocritical politicians, but then I repeat myself).
AND often when they make policy, they will layout how the legislative body can change the law if they don't like the outcome. Sometimes they decide on a constitutional ground, but even then they might say something like, "if the legislature had done this... it would have been acceptable."
People whining about "legislating from the bench" are invariably people without legal backgrounds (or deliberately hypocritical politicians, but then I repeat myself).
Cute generalization there. That group also happens to include people who are concerned about the courts abusing their powers. For example, the classic case is Roe v. Wade [wikipedia.org] where abortion was made legal over the entire US. From Wikipedia:
In Section X, the Court explained that the trimester of pregnancy is relevant to the weight of the factors in this balancing test. Thus, during the first trimester, the state cannot restrict a woman's right to an abortion in any way; during the second trimester, the state may only regulate the abortion procedure "in ways that are reasonably related to maternal health"; during the third trimester, the state can choose to restrict or proscribe abortion as it sees fit when the fetus is viable ("except where it is necessary, in appropriate medical judgment, for the preservation of the life or health of the mother").
The Court could have merely struck down the Texas law without claiming a right to abortion based on a trimester system. In my view, they went beyond their legal power in doing so. It is legitimate for them to declare anti-abortion laws to be unconstitutional. It's not legitimate for them to work out the details of valid abortion laws. That's what Congress does. For an example, which I don't think crosses the line, is Miranda v. Arizona [wikipedia.org]. Here, the court states a requirement (the arresting officer has to inform the suspect of their rights) to be done at the arrest of a person. They don't say exactly what the wording of this statement should be (it turns out that the court's own words were used with slight modifications) and there's apparently a number of changes made to this statement. That's an aggressive court, but it stayed out of the legislative side.
Courts have made policy decisions since time immemorial. When laws are ambiguous, somebody needs to decide what the fuck is supposed to happen, and those people are called "judges".
Not in the US legal system, at least not at the Federal High Court level. The three branches were designed not only to have their powers limited, but the scope of their duties as well. John Roberts is more right than wrong when he says a SCOTUS judge should be an umpire, calling balls and strikes. At SCOTUS, if you're doing anything other than declaring a law "Constitutional" or "Unconstitutional", then you're infringing on the duties of the Congress. In messy reality, sometimes they do it anyway, but the point is they're not supposed to under the design of the US federal government. Not even John Marshall... arguably the most influential SCOTUS judge in history... thought that the bench should be legislating. "Saying what the law is" doesn't not include making legislation. That's Congress' job.
Now, lower courts are a bit different in America. Judges there have more of a traditional English Common Law duty, including decreeing specific remedies to specific problems. But the Constitution clearly lays out the duties of the SCOTUS, and unlike other courts, their scope of action was created from the start to be limited, for the sake of keeping limited government, and in the views of the Founders, preventing too much power in any branch. "Limited Government" doesn't just mean that three sets of bodies are balanced in power... it also means that what they can do is also limited in the American model of government.
People whining about "legislating from the bench" are invariably people without legal backgrounds (or deliberately hypocritical politicians, but then I repeat myself).
You don't need a legal background to understand how the United States government was designed to work. A basic civics class will do. Perhaps you need a refresher on the American concept of "seperation of powers".
There's a system we have called common law, where judges actually do play an active (although very subdued) role in protecting the public good, flexibly interpreting law, and other uses of judgement. "Judicial activism" has been part of the system for longer than we've been a nation.
There's a system we have called common law, where judges actually do play an active (although very subdued) role in protecting the public good, flexibly interpreting law, and other uses of judgement. "Judicial activism" has been part of the system for longer than we've been a nation.
Didn't think of that. I've been brought up in a society with civil law. Most nations [wikipedia.org] use it.
Don't mess with porn, it's the only thing keeping some people sane.
Don't mess with porn, it's the only thing keeping some people sane.
Pornography is regulated everywhere in the world; the lawmakers of various nations have mostly decided that bestiality, child porn, etc. are not to be allowed. In addition to the laws covering the actual pornographic content, there are laws regulating who you may sell pornography to, where, at what times, and under what circumstances.
So, the question is not "regulation?" but "how much regulation?".
If you read the article, Kagen seems to think that the Government should have the power to outlaw the production of pornography altogether. Significantly more troubling is the fact that she thinks we need to prohibit "hate speech".
We should be looking for new approaches, devising new arguments," Kagan declared, according to video of the event reviewed by POLITICO. She seemed to count herself among "those of us who favor some form of pornography and hate speech regulation" and told participants that "a great deal can be done very usefully" to crack down on such evils.
"Statutes may be crafted in ways that prohibit the worst of hate speech and pornography, language that goes to sexual violence. Such statutes may still be constitutional," Kagan assured the meeting. She pressed for "new and harsher penalties against the kinds of violence against women that takes place in producing pornography, the use of pandering statutes and pimp statutes against pornographersperhaps the initiation—the enactment of new statutes prohibiting the hiring of women for commercial purposes to engage in sexual activities."
So, we can outlaw the production of pornography (by making it illegal to pay actresses for performing in it) and whatever the Government deems to be "hate" speech. So much for the 1st amendment. So where's the outrage from the civil libertarians in the Democratic Party? Russ Feingold, I'm looking at you.....
Did you notice her use of the word "regulation"? If so, you need get a dictionary, because it does not mean the same thing as "ban".
Not that I'm with Kagan on this issue. But then, I'm an extremist: I feel the same way about the 1st amendment that Charlton Heston felt about the 2nd. But I know I'm an extremist, and respect more nuanced opinions.
And no, banning kiddie porn and hate speech (which I don't put in quotes: some text, such as "kill the niggers" is clearly hate speech) is not the first step down a slippery slope. People tend to see slippery slopes in every trend they don't like. They're actually pretty rare.
They left out the comma, I think she means
""those of us who favor some form of pornography, and hate speech regulation"
There we go, now we're all on the same page.
I'm really looking forward to her hearing later today...there isn't much to go on about her, so I'm reserving judgement exclusively to how she handles herself during the questioning.
supposed to start to day
I wonder when Slashdot will be burned down to the ground by English teachers.
As an angry wanker, I find this very troubling.
As an angry wanker
Doesn't that hurt? Or at the very least, chafe?
Doesn't that hurt? Or at the very least, chafe?
A little, but the make-up sex is great!
Milton Diamond, The Scientist magazine, March 2010. "Porn: Good for Us?"
This opinion piece takes a look at scientific research around pornography. Higher consumption levels os correlated with lower abuse. Many studies have shown the opposite, but they tend to study abusers like rapists, find they use pornography, and say that porn is bad. You should be able to see the flawed methodology easily.
When you look at the entire population, the percentage of male porn users stays around 100% in countries where it is allowed and available, and abuse is low. In countries where it is not allowed or available, usage is obviously lower and abuse rates are higher.
People need an outlet, and if you don't want to see it you don't have to. But make your decisions based on what's best for the country, not your own moral stance. Outlawing alcohol was not intended to start the Chicago mob into overdrive, but it did, unintended consequence.
By restricting porn, you are essentially saying that men should satisfy their urges using real women instead of pictures or videos. Is that what you want Kagan? Are you that anti-female that you are calling for their abuse of a massive scale? I know it sounds like I'm twisting your words around, but given the evidence in question the law of unintended consequences makes it clear that's what you would prefer.
If I called for country-wide home schooling of kids, I would be calling for the death of America. Not every parent is capable of, nor interested in, schooling their own children, and the kids would not learn much. I don't mean for education to stop for most families, but that's what would happen. Unintended consequences, learn them.
Not every parent is capable of, nor interested in, schooling their own children, and the kids would not learn much.
You're jumping to conclusions when you assert that learning nothing is worse than the status quo.
If, in fact, what's learned in school is a net negative then learning nothing would be an improvement.
What exactly [cantrip.org] do schools really teach in the first place? Would we be better off [johntaylorgatto.com] without it?
People need an outlet, and if you don't want to see it you don't have to.
Even the Catholic church used to agree with you. Back when they and their priests ran brothels and it was widely accepted, pedophilia within the church was exceedingly rare. If anything, the church itself has become the poster child of what happens when you condemn and outlaw a species' natural, biological imperative; which is in fact, contrary to their own bible's teachings.
In short, any religion which is actively preventing consensual sex or marriage of their leaders is actively endorsing deviant sexual behavior; regardless of however much they may cry foul as such accusations.
Are you that anti-female that you are calling for their abuse of a massive scale?
Yes, that's exactly what they want. That's also why prostitution is outlawed, despite the fact that globally, where its legalized and regulated women are treated much, much better, and often remains healthy, ensure they receive fair compensation, becomes a tax base, and johns bring home far, far fewer diseases, if any.
Treating consensual sex as a crime, is in itself a crime against biology. Sociologically it has an endless list of associated crimes, deviant behaviors, and medical issues which everyone then pretends doesn't exist. This directly translates into oppression and victimization of women and children; which is extremely ironic in the end, given that its largely those who fight to stop victimization of women and children who are largely responsible for creating it.
I can just picture Dirk Hilter saying "who's your Fuhrer?" while spanking a Nazi medic.
OTOH, I guess if you changed your thinking over the course of seventeen years, you're a weak-ass no-good hippie flip-flopper?
Another egotistical prick who knows what's best for us and is all-too-willing to save us from ourselves.
Maybe once she saves us from looking at naked people and hearing mean comments we can move on to tackling other such pressing social ills like power-hungry sociopaths who systematically defraud an entire population of various liberties under the guise of protecting them.
Oh wait. Sorry, let me get back in line for my RFID chip and social reeducation. Did you guys SEE what happened on Cat the Midget Bounty Ghost Hunting Cake Survivor last night?
It will be defined as whatever best suits the agenda of the base of the political party currently in power.
I think perhaps you need to reconsider what you mean when you define yourself as a conservative.
Are you "conservative" in that you don't get into other peoples business or are you "conservative" in that you want to restrict things that you find immoral or distateful?
The label of "conservative" and "liberal" are really misnomers, they both distort and fail to describe what people use the terms for.
It's hard to find a blanket label to apply to one's ideals sometimes.
I personally fit virtually no current political party.
I am 100% pro-personal freedom. That means that I fully support (in full) the first amendment, the right to keep and bear arms, etc. I think that whatever chemicals people wish to put into their own bodies is their own business, and I think that whatever happens between two legally consenting adults (whether it involves cash transfer or not) is not the governments business.
Basically, I'm mostly Libertarian oriented when it comes to personal liberties.
At the same time however, I DON'T have any problem with applying some sane regulations to businesses. Treating a huge corporation the same as a person is just nonsense IMHO. The government SHOULD have regulatory power to prevent monopolies, promote competition, and prevent stupid decisions like those that lead to the housing bubble.
I also don't mind the government providing some level of social services. Public schools, the road system, even healthcare and homeless shelters (welfare I do take some issue with. I think that people who have fallen on hard times deserve help but I think that help should be provided in the form of lodging, basic clothing, and food - not directly paid funds). I don't mind paying my fair share of taxes for those services to be provided (admission: my job is closely tied to the the calculation and collection of property taxes, so I may be biased on that issue).
Unfortunately, no political party even comes close to matching my ideals. Instead I end up having to vote for a candidate's opposition to vote AGAINST them more often than not. It's truly a sucky situation.
There is no such thing as hate speech only speech and its supposed to be free. Even advocationg violence I do not think meets the clear and presant danger test. As to hate crimes laws; its those laws that are biggoted. There is a very specific enumerated list in every state of when you are permitted to use violence against other citizens. Those are mostly when they are endangering your life or that of family member.
The rest of the cases its boolean matter or it should be. The issue is you beat someone half to death without one of the few good reasons we have listed. Why you specifically did it does not matter, it was wrong and equally so no matter weather it was because you hate gays or the guys dog defecated in your yard. It is an in excuseable crime. I don't think as a society we should go down the path deciding when its more or less ok to hurt someone. Its ok because you had not other legitimate choice or its not ok. Its unforgivable and you should be kept away from society forever if it was premeditated, and if it was a crime of passion well made some reform and you can rejoin the rest of us at some point.
Back in 1995, Kagan said (widly reported
When the Senate ceases to engage nominees in meaningful discussion of legal issues, the confirmation process takes on an air of vacuity and farce.
So it should be an interesting nomination
If you believe in Free Speech you will defend even those you disagree with.
However, not being able to shout fire in a full theatre is censorship that I have trouble arguing against.
Censorship of sexuality is what kept information about birth control from women in the 19th Century and Abortion in the early 20th.
Censorship of porn is censorship of women. Literally.
This woman is poison. Every. Single. View. That she has demonstrated has been contrary to the primary tenants of our country: free speech, peaceful assembly and security of our persons, the right to keep & bear arms, and so on. The only demographic she's appealing to is the "let's trample the rights and liberties of the populace" demographic.
She's got no history to speak of - 2 years of actual practice - and everything she has done has been "activist". She's a SC variant of Obama.
Kagan included herself among 'those of us who favor some form of pornography and hate speech regulation"
Me too. I am in favour of regular pornography and hate speech.
I am a major proponent of free speech and I am Jewish. If someone wants to write speeches against me or my group, fine, it is their right to do so so long as speech is all that it is. One of the most important and cherished freedoms in the United States is free speech, even if it's racist or what people deem vile and disgusting. The best way to counter racism and hatred is not through laws that regulate its associated speech and expression, but through education. Combatting racism begins with education! I hate racism as much as any educated person but I realize that regulating speech leads down a slippery slope where there is no return. I can cite Governor Lester Maddox as a result. Lester Maddox was probably a last symbol of the bastion of Jim Crowism in America. As he got older and became more educated, he realized he was wrong and publicly admitted being so.
Finally, pornography does not need regulation beyond child pornography. Child pornography does exploit children and minors and needs to be rigorously enforced, but beyond that, the government need not further regulate/criminalize the industry. I see absolutely no harm in adult pornography. We as Americans are puritanical and hypocritical about sex and pornography - look at the Europeans and Japanese as they take a much more liberal stance. Overall, they have a healthier and less conflicted society.
"If someone wants to write speeches against me or my group, fine, it is their right to do so so long as speech is all that it is."
So you'd be fine if someone went around inciting other people to violence against you but never suffered any consequences himself because he never personally did anything other than talk?
Once the U.S. starts implementing "hate speech" laws...
"Hate speech laws" is used to describe a wide array of laws, many of which are already on the books in much of the US. For example, laws against telling others to commit violent crimes against other people of a certain social group. Then there are "hate speech laws" that make it illegal to make discriminatory, but nonviolent comments about some social group. The fact that the phrase refers to both, makes it pretty much impossible to have a relevant argument about constitutionality without going into more de
If she gets on the court, you can go up and down the list of born with rights and start kissing them goodbye. Just today, with the important second amendment issue, that would have failed.
She is a Constitutional disaster and has NO business on the Supreme court..or any court for that matter.
There is no good single word equivalent of an extreme left wing fascist, but if it existed, her picture would be next to it in the dictionary.
My good friend, John Wirenius some time ago published a book on free speech called "First Amendment, First Principles: Verbal Acts and Freedom of Speech." [paperbackswap.com] The book is kind of hard-going, so unless you're interested in carefully-researched legal argument covering the subject, you're in for a slow read.
My point is this (and John makes it in detail): Immediately upon the adoption of our current Constitution here in the United States, the Supreme Court began hacking away at this First Amendment -- and with a really large axe, rather than an ice pick. There are current definitions for what one may present or do or say that consider speech a "verbal act" that may be Constitutionally limited. It is this tortured creation of an action from one's words that really defies any and all logic.
Everyone is familiar with the "limitation" on "free speech" that is described thusly:
... crying "Fire" in a crowded movie house
Something like this is, presently no problem for the Supreme Court, as saying that word in that situation is re-defined, not as "speech" but as a "verbal act," and thus, not protected by the First Amendment. So, I don't really see Elena Kagan as proposing anything different than what has been going on in the United States for 200 plus years. The definition of "Free Speech" versus "verbal act" is one that is entirely subject to interpretation of any Court, be it local, federal, a court of original jurisdiction or an appellate court.
Loose bits sink chips.


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Kidd Kraddick was known for his humorous morning show and for his children's charity called Kidd's Kids, which sends chronically and terminally ill children to Disney World. Kraddick died Saturday while at a charity golf tournament. His charity Kidd's Kids has had a direct impact on East Texans.
"It just brought tears to your eyes because of all the memories we had on our trip," said Lydia Munoz.
Munoz and her daughter Danielle went on a Kidd's Kids trip in November 2011.
Danielle was eight years old at the time and diagnosed with Cockayne Syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by short stature and an appearance of premature aging.
"Some people won't even leave their hometown because it's hard financially, or due to the illness of the kids. He knew that and he went above and beyond to make sure we get to experience that," said Munoz.
Kraddick made millions smile over the years through his show, without leaving these kids behind.
"Him and his staff made time to sign autographs and they took pictures with all of us. They played with the kids, rode rides with the kids and ate with us and everything. On the plane we interacted with them. It was just something you will never forget," said Munoz.
His contagious personality blended perfectly with these kids.
"He was like a kid himself when he was playing with the kids and interacting with the kids. He never treated or looked at you or the kids wrong. He was just happy, always laughing and smiling. He always had a smile on his face and was always happy person," said Munoz.
It was an experience of a lifetime for Danielle, not possible without Kidd's Kids.
Lydia has one final wish; that his legacy to continue.
"He did everything he can to help these families out and that's going to be missed. I hope they continue Kidd's Kids so other kids can experience what we did. He wouldn't want it to end. He would want to continue helping kids. He would want to help more kids and more people," said Munoz.
Preliminary autopsy results are in on the radio host. The coroner said it appears Kraddick died from an enlarged heart. Kraddick had three heart arteries with between 40 and 80% blockage. The final autopsy on Kidd Kraddick will not be out until a toxicology report is complete.
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Hey Folks -- get ready for Talk Like A Pirate Day on September 19th!
It's Friday, time for some fun, and for my family this is one of our favorite days! We practice our Pirate expressions, collect new ones each year to try out, and call our family members to swap our swashbuckling lingo. I even answer my business phone that day with a hearty "Ahoy Matey!" Everyone laughs. Having conversations like a pirate is fun!
So get your Pirate game on -- you've got plenty of time to practice. Shiver me timbers, now go have a blast!
This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling at www.scoop.it/t/just-story-it


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Finkelmeier plan: Councilor proposes longer terms, staggered races
To avoid a potential political pitfall, a Wapakoneta City Council member suggested lengthening the terms of office for councilors and council president and staggering the terms of all city elected officials.
Councilor-at-large Tom Finkelmeier Jr. proposed a plan to extend the terms of councilors and council president to four-year terms from two-year terms. He also proposed having the council president elected the same year as councilors representing the wards and the mayor, auditor, treasurer, law director elected the same year as councilors-at-large.
"Every four years, the totality of the elected government of Wapakoneta could be voted out of office," Finkelmeier told his colleagues during Monday's council meeting. "I feel I have done a fairly decent job throwing myself in all there is to do and to learn with this job and I still feel I am barely scratching the surface, so it is a concern with me that we could lose the entire institutional memory of this legislative body.
"I would suggest we have a discussion that we propose to the electorate that the president of council office become a four-year term and stagger the term so the city could not lose its institutional memory of both the council president and the mayor at one time," he said, presenting a chart for a possible new election cycle.
He noted the electorate would have to vote in favor of the change during a general election, which the 2012 November election is.
Council President Steve Henderson, who placed the issue into a special committee, under the direction of Finkelmeier, favored a larger committee to review the proposal.
A special joint Health and Safety Committee and Communications and Rules Committee meeting is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Jan. 17 to start addressing the issue. Communications and Rules Committee is chaired by newcomer 4th Ward Councilor Chad Doll, while the Health and Safety Committee is chaired by Finkelmeier.
Henderson favored the longer terms for councilors and especially council president as well as the staggering of the terms, a move he thought was a good idea when broached by former Council President Don Jump.
"I think the change makes sense for council and for the people of Wa-pakoneta," Henderson told the Wapakoneta Daily News. "I think the move benefits the citizens because at no one time will the city lose all of the legislative experience gained in the last term — at the least some of the people serving will have two years in office.
"While I encourage new people to become part of the process and to seek political office in an effort to give back to their community," he said, "there is a learning curve to sitting in these chairs and to wipe the slate clean would eliminate the experiences gained by current councilors, not only in this chamber but in their committees, and would ultimately slow down the legislative process and the responsiveness of council."
Mayor Rodney Metz said he understood Finkelmeier's reasoning behind the proposal, but the mayor advised the committee do its due diligence.
"I agree with the concept and other communities have done it successfully and unsuccessfully," Metz said after Monday's meeting. "One of the difficulties is they found it harder to adopt controversial legislation during the election cycle because it can split the council."
He voiced some concern that the entire council and elected office holders could be voted from office under the current system.
"There are those dangerous years where everyone could be ousted from office and that has always worried me," the mayor said. "This would eliminate the dangerous year where you could have everyone replaced and it does provide continuity for the electorate. No matter what we want the city to function and function effectively.
"There are a lot of day-to-day activities that an experienced council does help with so it makes sense to maintain at least some in office," he said.
During the meeting, Finkelmeier gained the quick vocal support of two councilors — 2nd Ward Councilor Dan Lee and Councilor-at-large Dan Graf.
"I would like to see this council take this under advisement," 2nd Ward Councilor Dan Lee said. "I would like to see this come to fruitition. It just makes sense."


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Fresher's Raspberry Pi pages
First off, congratulations on making your offer and getting into Cambridge - there's an exciting year ahead of you!
This year the department has bought Raspberry Pi boards for each of you to play with over the next few weeks. The boards have been distributed to Colleges, and you should be receiving yours soon if you haven't already!
Firstly, doing anything with the boards is completely, 100% optional. But there are lots of fun things to do with your Pi that will potentially give you a headstart this year. As I'm sure you know, no computing experience is assumed by the course so don't worry if you don't know where to start - the info below should help!
The Pi is yours to keep so feel free to use it however you want: overwrite the OS/firmware, run a media centre with it or whatever else you can think of. As well as playing with the pi before you arrive you should join the Facebook freshers group that some second-year students have started for hints and tips -
Just for fun, we'll run a little competition to see who can do the most interesting thing with their Pi between now and the start of term. "interesting" is deliberately vague - hardware, software, tutorials, whatever - just do something cool! We'll ask for entries at the start of term...
Raspberry what? How do I get started?
The Raspberry Pi is a small, cheap (£25ish) computer designed to encourage tinkering at home, in schools, or wherever. It was developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, which has its roots here in the Computer Laboratory. It's received a lot of press, and googling it will get you a lot of info about it.
We've supplied your Pis with a blank SD memory card. To get started, you'll need to put a system image on that card and you'll need to find a few cheap peripherals. These will probably include a power source, keyboard, mouse, HDMI cable and TV/monitor - see our simple guide. The easiest way to power a Pi is through its micro-USB port - this needs the same type of USB cable that most of us use to charge our phones. Alternatively, you can use just about any of the "multipurpose" DC adapters that come with different connectors (the Pi needs 5V, 0.7A).
Now you will want to get something useful onto that SD card so your Pi can be used. Start here:
What do I do now?
Explore. Fiddle with it. Break it. Fix it. Improve it. Here are some specific suggestions:
Get used to the Linux environment in the stock Raspberry Pi distribution. Getting used to working in a command line environment and knowing the basic UNIX tools is incredibly useful. Make sure you can do simple things like search for files, search for words within files, write simple bash scripts, install packages, etc. If you're completely lost, open a terminal and follow the University of Surrey tutorials.
Follow our Pi tutorials. Some current students have been working on teaching/tutorial material for the Pi this summer - check out the tutorials pages for some simple and advanced projects that will set you up for the first year.
Try some programming. Probably the easiest language to start with on the Pi is python, but it does support many other languages. Don't get bogged down creating graphical interfaces - concentrate on the core programming tasks (generally the algorithms). There are lots of tutorials you can follow, including the official python one.
In addition, there are many web resources for the Pi, including the Raspberry Pi Wiki
I'm stuck/confused
You could start by contacting your College's Director of Studies for Computer Science. But also feel free to email Robert Harle (the IA course co-ordinator) with any questions/issues or check out the Facebook group if you want to talk to other students.
|Join the 2012 CompSci
Fresher Facebook group


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IT'S a very real statistic that at the latest Olympic Games, among the supplies for the athletes were a staggering 150,000 condoms. Not each, of course, but to share. It seems after years of training, training and more training (and the occasional picture opportunity in gun shops) the competitors apparently like to ''let off a little steam'' and socialise. Horizontally. A lot. It comes as little surprise then to see New Idea's cover this week promising all the news on the ''Hot Hook Ups'' and ''Olympic Love Shocks''. Strangely, however, it's all a bit tepid, with no reports of wild orgies. Australian beach volleyballer Natalie Cook is hoping to have a baby with her partner Sarah Maxwell, swimmer Christian Sprenger has proposed to his girlfriend using (no kidding) the knotted drawstring from his budgie smugglers as the ring, there's a pic of Steph Rice sitting next to Kobe Bryant (''her management have denied the romance rumours'') and that's about it.
To be fair though, it does seem to be something of a week for rampant hyperbole, with Famous quoting a tearful Posh Spice as saying: ''He's left me''. ''He'' is husband David Beckham and the ''left me'' bit seems to be because he's gone motorbike riding with his mate Gordon Ramsay.
''Mary's family under siege'' announces Woman's Day, before explaining the ''siege'' is from an utterly inconsequential blogger that Princess Mary is ''unlikely to take much notice'' of.
Then there's Famous and its speculation Katy Perry and John Mayer have been secretly dating for years, possibly even through her marriage to Russell Brand. ''That would certainly explain why the notorious womaniser [Mayer] unexpectedly vanished off the dating scene two years ago,'' they surmise, jumping past the far more obvious reason, that Mayer himself said he was laying low after a series of ''really dumb'' interviews including one where he called his penis ''a white supremacist''.
And finally, condolences to NW for its exclusive revelation that Jennifer Aniston's boyfriend Justin Theroux has been caught out with another woman. ''Unlucky-in-love Jennifer just can't catch a break,'' it reports. How strange then that just as the magazine was hitting the stands, ''devastated'' Jen was announcing she and Justin were engaged. We expect to see a backflip of truly Olympic proportions next week. Possibly impressive enough for New Idea to cover.


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The Super Bowl is one of the biggest sporting events of the year with millions of Americans watching every year. The day after the "Big Game" has become an unofficial holiday for many. According to a survey by the Workforce Institute at Kronos Inc., 1.4 million people call in sick and about 4.4 million people will show up late to work on Monday.
A petition was created to make the Monday after the Super Bowl a national holiday. The online petition by 4for4.com Fantasy Football has over 12,000 signatures, but they need 87,000 more for the petition to be sent to the White House.
The petition says, "We at 4for4.com Fantasy Football petition the Obama Administration to consider declaring the Monday following Super Bowl Sunday a national holiday. By doing so, the Obama Administration can promote camaraderie among the American people, keep the streets safer for our children on Sunday night and Monday morning, promote a productive workplace when work resumes on Tuesday, and honor the most popular event in modern American culture."


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Two questions.... first, is there a "baseline" from 3rd to home? If yes, then how was Ichiro not out of it?
Two questions.... first, is there a "baseline" from 3rd to home? If yes, then how was Ichiro not out of it?
I don't see exhausted bullpens being the issue when it comes to the playoffs. Last year, both the Cards and Rangers pitched more innings out of the bullpen than starters did and it didn't have a negative impact on each teams ability to make it to the World Series. The amount of off days plus the idea that teams can reorganize their rosters as they see fit seems to make the exhausted bullpen issue a moot point. Besides, the Cards have guys like Shelby Miller waiting to be called in if there is an overstressed bullpen issue. He's a rookie but he's proved more than capable of getting outs when the Cards need him to.
Gold glover Derek Jeter gets let off the hook again.
Games are won on run differential -- scoring more than your opponent. Runs are runs, scored or prevented they all count the same. Worry about scoring more and allowing fewer, not which positions contribute to which side of the equation or how "consistent" you are at your current level of performance.
Jim Thome's helmet looks like an oriole dropped a bird bomb on it.
Eric Stratton, Rush Chairman. Damn glad to meet ya.
In my estimation, an exhausted bullpen will only happen if they were abused in the regular season to begin with. Not saying it can't happen in the playoffs, but all the off days make it harder.
"No matter how good you are, you're going to lose one-third of your games. No matter how bad you are you're going to win one-third of your games. It's the other third that makes the difference." ~Tommy Lasorda
Yay!! The Orioles just won and tied up their series with the Stankees!!!!! GO O's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"I tried to play golf, but I found out I wasn't very good." -Joey Votto on his offseason hobby search
An MLB.com reporter asked what one thing Votto couldnt do. I cant skate or play hockey, Votto said. Well, I can skate ... but I cant stop.
Very happy for The Orioles.
I'd be all for a Reds-Orioles World Series.
Can't win with 'em
Can't win without 'em
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Preface The purpose of the book This book was designed as a textbook for a junior-senior level second course in linear algebra at the University of Texas at Austin. In that course, and in this book, I try to show math, physics, and engineering majors the incredible power of linear algebra in the real world. The hope is that, when faced with a linear system (or a nonlinear system that can be reasonably linearized), future engineers will think to decompose the system into modes that they can understand. Usually this is done by diagonalization. Sometimes this is done by decomposing into a convenient orthonormal basis, such as Fourier series. Sometimes a continuous decomposition, into d functions or by Fourier transforms, is called for. The underlying ideas of breaking a vector into modes (the Superposition Principle) and of decoupling a complicated system by a suitable choice of linear coordinates (the Decoupling Principle) appear throughout physics and engineering. My goal is to impress upon students the importance of these principles, while giving them enough tools to use them effectively. There are many existing types of second linear algebra courses, and many books to match, but few if any make this goal a priority. Some courses are theoretical, going in the direction of functional analysis, Lie Groups or abstract algebra. "Applied" second courses tend to be heavily numerical, teaching efficient and robust algorithms for factorizing or diagonalizing matrices. Some courses split the difference, developing matrix theory in depth, proving classification theorems (e.g., Jordan form) and estimates (e.g., Gershegorin's Theorem). While each of these courses is well-suited for its chosen audience, none give a prospective physicist or engineer substantial insight into how or why to apply linear algebra at all. Notes to the instructor The readers of this book are assumed to have taken an introductory linear algebra class, and hence to be familiar with basic matrix operations such as row reduction, matrix multiplication and inversion, and taking determinants. The reader is also assumed to have had some exposure to vector spaces and linear transformations. This material is reviewed in Chapters 2 and 3, pretty much from the beginning, but a student who has never seen an abstract vector space will have trouble keeping up. The subject of Chapter 4, eigenvalues, is typically covered quite hastily at the end of a first course (if at all), so I work under the assumption that readers do not have any prior knowledge of eigenvalues. The key concept of these introductory chapters is that a basis makes a vector space look likeR n (or sometimesC n ) and makes linear transformations look like matrices. Some bases make the conversion process simple, while others make the end results simple. The standard basis inR n makes coordinates easy to find, but may result in an operator being represented by an ugly matrix. A basis of eigenvectors, on the other hand, makes the operator appear simple but makes finding the coordinates of a vector difficult. To handle problems in linear algebra, one must be adept in coordinatization and in performing change-of-basis operations, both for vectors and for operators. One premise of this book is that standard software packages (e.g., MATLAB, Maple or Mathematica) make it easy to diagonalize matrices without any knowledge of sophisticated numerical algorithms. This frees us to consider theuseof diagonalization, and some general features of important classes of operators (e.g., Hermitian or unitary operators). Diagonalization, by computer or by hand, gives a set of coordinates in which a problem, even a problem with an infinite number of degrees of freedom, decouples into a collection of independent scalar equations. This is what I call the Decoupling Principle. (Strictly sSadun, Lorenzo A. is the author of 'Applied Linear Algebra The Decoupling Principle', published 2000 under ISBN 9780130856456 and ISBN 0130856452.[read more]
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Snow Removal: What is Your Liability?
These contracts state everything you need to know about your task as a contractor, and what areas you must be fully responsible for. If the contract states that you are responsible for all liability claims, it's up to you to make sure that you're covered for the possible costs that might come about. "This is a major responsibility by whoever holds it," says Luciano. "Managers of properties, commercial buildings and shopping centers, etc., do not want to be held responsible for these occurrences, so they put everything in the contract that you sign."
Randy Strait, president of Arctic Snow & Ice in Frankfort, Illinois, notes a few important things to remember when starting or signing a new contract. He says, "When starting a relationship with a new client, many will draw up a non-contributory contract. This means that the store or client will not contribute to or be a part of a liability claim; it is the sole responsibility of the snow removal contractor. If a customer or employee is injured, the contractor, not the client, takes the blame."
Strait also added that in addition to placing all liability on the contractor, this agreement states that a client cannot instruct a contractor on how to service the property.
Clients cannot say where to put the snow, how much salt to use, and when to hold off service. If instructions are given to the snow removal contractor, the client assumes all responsibility for any potential slip-and-fall claims.
Proper monitoring is a major part of the snow removal business. Monitoring means knowing exactly where your crews are working, what they're doing, what they're using, and how they're moving. Keeping track of all the specific details of each service is extremely beneficial, should liability claims arise. As a contractor, you have to be able to prove that you were doing what you were assigned to do, and you will need to refer back to the proper evidence to defend that.
A contractor should have a specific method, and plan for each location that's serviced. When an employee of a snow removal contractor services a customer, he's supposed to follow the guidelines given to him by his supervisor. When a slip-and-fall accident occurs, it's the contractor's responsibility to prove that his employee did exactly what he was told to do, based on the assignment.
Be mindful of how the snow is cleared. In most cases, slip-and-fall accidents happen in areas with heavy traffic, like shopping centers and sidewalks. Making sure that snow is properly cleared from these areas (pushed into proper piles, avoiding drips and re-freezing) will help avoid major slip-and-fall accidents. It is important to keep track of when the snow fell and how much accumulated.
Rick Bell, COO of Arctic Snow & Ice, says that liability lawsuits can be frivolous, but contractors have to take ownership of what happens. "It all comes down to negligence. Was the person who filed the claim, or the property involved, provided the proper services that you as a contractor are supposed to give? In most cases, people will try to say that you were negligent. But at the end of the day, you did what you were supposed to do, and you have to be able to prove that."
When accidents occur, people generally have about two years to file a claim. However, they often wait until the very last month to file, in hopes that the landscape company did not keep the files dating back to when the accident occurred.
Therefore, a major step in ensuring that you're safe from liability claims is keeping secure reports on all services going back at least five years. It is extremely beneficial, should any claims arise.
Mark Borst, president of Borst Landscape and Design in New Jersey, has transitioned his company into an electronic tracking system that makes an audio record of every single service his company has done. "You have to keep records of many years past, to know what that storm was like, what the weather was, and how the property was serviced. When did the snow start? When did it end? Every single detail needs to be proven if a case arises."
Seminars on protecting yourself from liability claims are held annually by the Snowfighters Institute of Erie, Pennsylvania. They prepare you by providing analysis of your company's documentation methods. They can help you discover what needs to be changed in your overall preparedness.
It's a great way to learn about causes and cases in liability, and how to protect yourself as your business continues to grow. "No longer are snow contractors just guys that plow snow. They are risk managers, providing safe environments for vehicular and pedestrian traffic on customer sites. Understanding liability issues is key to a snow contractor's ultimate success," said John Allin, president of the Snowfighters Institute.
Be clear in all conversations. Be strict in your contracts. Make sure that your client understands your method of work so that if a claim does arise, you can refer back to the contract. This will help you get out of many lawsuits. Liability claims are more common than ever, so it's important to be very detailed and precise when you sign or send out contracts. This will help ensure that your company is kept well-covered through the cold season.


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Last week, sitting in my recliner watching TV, I had the privilege of watching one of the more incredible, emotional, and amazing moments I've witnessed in my life as a sports fan. I saw Mariano Rivera, a living, breathing legend, enter the field at Yankee Stadium from the bullpen for the final time, his trademark intro song "Enter Sandman" blaring over the loudspeaker and the crowd noise in the stadium at a deafening roar. That moment sent chills up my spine, and I was thankful to be watching such a special, once in a lifetime moment. But, at the time, I didn't realize the best was yet to come.
The next inning, with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th inning, a pair of Yankee players walked out of the dugout and onto the field, making the journey to the pitcher's mound to honor their teammate and friend, in the most memorable way they could imagine, in front of 50,000 screaming fans and millions of television viewers.
Along with the scene around Cal Ripken's breaking of Lou Gherig's record for consecutive game splayed, that moment with Rivera goes down for me as one of the most memorable in all of sports. They are most memorable for me not because of Rivera's dominance on the mound or Ripken's ironman performance, but because of the moment created, and the realization that history had been made, and the people that allowed it to happen.
For Rivera – to have Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte walk to the mound, share a special moment, and walk him back to the dugout, was obviously special and emotional – you could see that from his reaction. It was unorthodox, out of the ordinary, and I'm not even sure it was allowable by rule in major league baseball. (But, if it's not, I'm thankful the umpires had the common sense to let it slide!) But – that act by Joe Girardi, to let Rivera's teammates of nearly two decades share that moment with him – turned a special night into an incredible, unforgettable night.
At King, it's highly unlikely we'll ever have the chance to experience any moment of that magnitude. We have had, and will have in the future, numerous special student athletes who have made contributions to our programs and community, who have been honored at the end of their careers. We've inducted former coaches and players into our Athletic Hall of Fame who are practically legends among those familiar with the rich traditions of Tornado athletics. But certainly nothing of the magnitude of what happened last night.
Even though a moment like that may never happen at King, last night reminded me of why we do what we do at King. Our coaches and staff work long hours recruiting, preparing, scouting, practicing, training, etc. in order to create the best experience for our student athletes. Yes, winning is important – but as last night reminded me – we are all here to create a memorable, unforgettable experience for our student-athletes.
There may be individual moments that certain student-athletes or coaches will never forget, and that is fantastic. But we must strive to create not unforgettable moments, but an overall experience that impacts the lives of our student-athletes and prepares them to impact society and their world when the leave King.
Creating this tremendous experience is a daily mission. Last week in Yankee Stadium was a great moment – but at King, it is about a daily effort to create a series of experiences and moments. In the midst of practices and games, successes and failures, it's important for us to never lose sight of the purpose of our efforts, and that is to create significant, positive experiences for those around us.
The Yankees situation last week was somewhat providential in that the game was meaningless for them, since they were already mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. That allowed them the flexibility to create that special moment – if the Yankees were one game out of the playoffs, maybe that moment never happens. I would like to think it still would have occurred, but who knows.
Regardless, it's important for us as coaches and administrators to strive to never lose sight of the fact that it's the people in our programs – in our lives – that are most important. Certainly winning plays a huge role in creating a memorable experience, and that must be factored in the decision-making process. But, it's also important to step back and look for opportunities to create unforgettable experiences.
Those opportunities may come in a thousand different ways – maybe it's giving a kid a little extra playing time because his grandparents are in attendance or you're playing in her hometown. Maybe it is as simple as doing something different and special instead of practice to recognize or honor a student-athlete for a special accomplishment, or to help them meet a personal need. Perhaps it's as simple as taking 10 minutes out of your day to listen and talk, to offer advice. Maybe it's the time you spend volunteering and serving those in need.
Those moments come in many shapes, sizes, and they all look different. The important thing is not what we do at those moments – the important thing is that we recognize those moments and that we do something to create a memorable experience. Maybe it is a single moment, maybe it is a series of moments where coaches are able to impact a student-athlete's life in a significant way. Whatever the situation, coaches and administrator's must never lose sight of the reason we do what we do – and that reason is the student-athletes.