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Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Weekly Update
The most recent loadscreen is another one previously seen here, but it's one I like quite a bit. Moving into Act III, the action switches to more urban lands. This loadscreen is of Dock Street in Waterdeep with the massive cathedral of Tyr dominating the harbor skyline in the early morning.
So on to the progress. What did I get done this week? Hmmm...
XP placement - Check
Loot placement - Check
Journal scripting - Check
In addition, remember that list I spoke about last week that had three items left on it? Well it ballooned this week to ten items, although I whittled it back down to the same three from before. The last three will require a bit of creativity on my part, so I need time to sit down where I have no distractions and can just figure it out. Hopefully, I'll have a night this week because a small family emergency is going to wipe out the weekend.
All-in-all, I have to report what I've been saying for a while. The end of scripting is near. The parts are nearly all glued together. Then comes play-testing, and as I've not tested a single thing in Act II yet, I imagine the first play-through will be wretched to say the least.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Moving On...
Load Screen Sunday... Yeah, Whatever
I'm going to go ahead and throw out the last three new load screens for Act II. I think versions of all of these have been released before, but these might be new angles. The first is of a nice serene little hut in the forest. Ah, so peaceful... until you realize what sick evil lies within.
Second, is a little mountain village with a serene little river running through it. It's the simple tribal life... until you realize the horrific secret it hides.
So What Progress, You Ask?
I am essentially done with the scripting of the various dialogs, and I am done with the OnEnter scripts for all the areas. I managed to uncover about eight major issues I needed to address during my scripting work thus far, and I took time this weekend to whittle that list down to three. These include things like writing additional dialogs or writing major additions or amendments to existing ones.
When these are done, I have the following general tasks to complete: scripting the journal entries (updating, etc.), finalizing a few extraneous quest scripts (death scripts, inventory disturb scripts, and the like), loot placement, and XP placement. With any luck, that will finish the Act II scripting, and I'll proceed to testing.
Act II testing should take a short while, and I need to finish my tweaking of Act III (whenever patch 1.22 is released to fix the OnEnter area triggers), and then there's the testing of the full three acts stuck together to ensure global variables are stored correctly... Lots to do, but I'm getting there.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Mysteries of Westgate At Last!
We do have a projected release date, but not one that is sure enough yet to announce. Depending on certain developments, it may slip by a few days. Given the bad feelings about the previous seemingly-interminable delays, they don't want us to mention the date until it is 100% rock-solid. But, it seems the day it is announced will also be the day you will be able to buy. So there won't be any further anticipation once we hear.
In addition to the official Bioware and Atari boards, keep an eye out on the Ossian web site in the coming days and weeks. I understand that there will be some significant updates that will include a message board specifically about Mysteries of Westgate which will almost certainly contain useful information, especially once it is actually released!
And suffice it to say, I think that will be much sooner than most will at this point believe!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Hail, Rome!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Load Screen... Not Today
But since I mentioned it, I am now just over 75% done with the dialog scripting, and I have completed all of the OnEnter scripts, some of which are a bit on the complex side. The village of Navatranaasu is supposed to have a population of around 120, but you won't meet most of them. There are 19 individual characters (as of right now) that come and go and have daily cycles, so they won't always be available to talk. Some are major and some are minor, but these represent the core that is necessary to solve the mystery of the village. When this core is fully tested, I may add another few ambient characters to provide a bit of flavor and increase the sense of "business" about the place.
So There's This Article...
I have also managed to finish the first season of Rome. I've been collecting my thoughts, but a review is coming shortly. Indeed, it needs to, because I just got my CDs for the second season of The Tudors, and I'm already through the 3rd (of 10) episodes.
Anyway, I was Googling The Tudors out of general interest, and I stumbled across the following article from 2007. I mention it here because both it and the readers' comments are the type of thing that generally piss me off. OK, so yes, it's the Daily Mail, and that should be my first clue to not take it seriously, but nevertheless... The title says it all: "Henry VIII: The glaring errors in BBC's sexed-up, dumbed-down Tudors."
The criticisms, both in the article and the accompanying comments, generally fall into two categories. First, there is gratuitous sex. Second, there are historical inaccuracies. Taken together, this equates to "dumbed down." Where to start?
First, yes, there is sex in The Tudors, but is it gratuitous? I suppose that's a matter of preference. On the extreme position, I could argue that any sex scene is gratuitous, as there are always ways to imply what is happening without explicitly showing it. I would also note that the sex shown in The Tudors pales in comparison to that shown in Rome. I could also argue that I'm pretty sure they did have actual sex back then, as the human race somehow survived to the present. But none of that matters if it crosses the viewer's threshold. All I can say is that it didn't cross my threshold, though I would advise those who are more sensitive to take caution.
The second criticism is more interesting to me. I noted in my review of season one that there were definitely inaccuracies but that the essence of the story was true. This was in stark contrast to a quote in the article from a "Tudor biographer" that stated that the essence was not true, so I read further to see exactly what inaccuracies so bothered the quoted authorities. The following is a summary of the main bones of contention I found.
Modern radiators, Tarmac driveways, concrete bollards and Victorian carriages have all made appearances in the tenpart series set in the 16th century.
The characters talk in completely unnatural ways, addressing their own family members as "Anne Boleyn" or "Mary Boleyn" so that we, the stupid audience, understand who they're supposed to be.
Henry VIII was exceedingly powerful, both politically and physically, but Rhys Meyers is pretty, rather than macho and thus completely unconvincing.
Henry had red hair, not black hair as this actor has...
Henry was a very discreet king; he would never have indulged in womanising openly. While he may have liked the ladies he would never have been so indiscreet - that is why there is so little evidence of his affairs.
Let's nail these one-by-one. First, yes, the series has made the choice to give the Tudors a distinctly anachronistic tone by using props more suitable to the 17th century instead of the 16th. This was made clear in an article about clothing, and it obviously is true for other items as well. By the way, some of the guns used are completely inaccurate too. I don't know that I agree with the artistic choice, but I don't see how stupid things like the carriage suspension system leads to a charge of "dumbing down" or how using the correct carriage would be so much more interesting.
Second, I remember one time that Anne Boleyn's father referred to her as "Anne Boleyn" when talking directly to her, and it did seem slightly awkward to me at the time, but I didn't notice it as a general rule. One time in ten hours is hardly cause for concern in my estimation.
I agree that Jonathan Rhys Meyers is completely miscast, at least physically, as Henry VIII. Not only is he too young for the events depicted, but he doesn't bear a resemblance to Henry at any time in his life. I have to believe that there's an actor somewhere in the U.K. that could have been a better fit, but again, does Rhys Meyers really cause that much angst?
Finally, the subject of Henry's discretion. At least this finally gets to something of his characterisation and so has a little weight to it. I also note that this criticism is made by Alison Weir, who actually is a name of note, though she is not without her own critics. However, we know of at least two mistresses of Henry's: Bessie Blount and Mary Boleyn, and this doesn't count mistresses who later became wives. Second, the series doesn't exactly show him cavorting in the open. At most, the series shows his friend, Charles Brandon, with knowledge of his affairs and maybe one or two others. Having the secrets known by a few members of the court hardly qualifies as indiscretion.
So I'm a bit perplexed. There are certainly inaccuracies in the series, some of which I noted in my review, but of all of them, why concentrate on such trivial details? The concrete paving, red hair, and supposedly open sexual liaisons? This is what incenses the "authorities?" How about the curiously compressed timeline? How about Henry's two sisters being merged into one person? Isn't there anything more meaty you can be upset by?
Some of the comments are equally funny. At least a couple viewers noted the problem with Henry's sister(s) and how the series shows her marrying the Portuguese king (she didn't), but others obsessed about the clothing, lack of red hair, and a generic lack of historical accuracy.
OK, enough. My point is that all of this criticism smacks of something that really irritates me about the historical profession: namely that anything that's not an outright documentary doesn't "ring true." If it's made to be entertaining, then it's dumb, cheap, or otherwise suitable only for the great unwashed who are too stupid to understand the truth. The whole thing smacks of elitism and the need for some to demonstrate how much better they are than others because they "get it" and we ignorant brutes don't. As many here know, I'm slowly working on my masters in history, and unfortunately, I get a lot of that attitude around some of my fellow class-mates. I guess it allows them to feel important in a world in which they're going to make minimum wage when they get out because they stupidly got a degree that private enterprise doesn't especially prize. Oh, I'm sorry. Was that snarky?
The real merit in a drama like The Tudors isn't that it examines the period from every possible angle. It's that it presents the material in an interesting way that both educates the viewer and might cause them to go ask someone more knowledgeable or do further research on their own if they really become interested - sort of like a gateway drug, but for history. In the end, they may not be Tudor experts, but they'll certainly know more than when they started.
In short, I've seen precious little in the noted criticisms that I would classify as substantial, and I stand by my earlier statement that the first season of The Tudors did actually "ring true." I'll see if I also think that about the second season after I've watched the whole series.


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Subpoenas could be headed out to officials at the Office of Personnel Management after a massive data breach gave hackers sensitive information for millions of government workers, Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Jason Chaffetz said during a taping of C-SPAN's "Newsmakers" program .
Chaffetz's committee is holding a hearing on the data breach Tuesday, and the Utah Republican doesn't seem to have much sympathy for government cyber security workers. "It's clear we should have seen this coming a long time ago," Chaffetz said, adding that OPM officials have been "very resistant" to coming to testify before the congressional panel. "I'm prepared to issue a subpoena, if need be, to get them there," Chaffetz continued.
The OPM hack appears to be much larger than first reported. Millions — potentially more than 10 million — government workers had sensitive data accessed by hackers for months, maybe even more than a year. While there are whispers that China was behind the cyber attack, Chaffetz would only go so far as to call them "very nefarious actors," though he did allude to the reports that it could have been China.
Chaffetz said he didn't think U.S. officials took the cyber threat seriously enough, and he's looking to find out during Tuesday's hearing exactly what kinds of information was exposed.
Chaffetz also spoke about another cyber issue: Hillary Clinton's private email server. While he expressed concern that Clinton's email arrangement could have subverted federal records laws — laws which are under the purview of his committee — Chaffetz seemed reluctant to commit to a full investigation in his panel.
He noted that Benghazi Select Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., was already addressing Clinton's emails, and he said that, while there might be some aspect for the Oversight Committee to explore, "certainly Trey Gowdy's committee will go first."
Chaffetz also spoke about the need to address the overall Freedom of Information Act system, which he criticized the Obama administration for not responsibly addressing. "They haven't been handling it," he said, citing the more than 550,000 times the administration has claimed exceptions to requests.
"So we need to change the law so that no matter who is in the Executive Branch, the public, which has the right to know, can access that information," Chaffetz said. Specifically, the Oversight chairman pointed to FOIA-rewrite legislation sponsored by his controversial predecessor at the committee, Darrell Issa, R-Calif., and the committee's ranking Democrat, Elijah E. Cummings of Maryland.
While Chaffetz seemed to support the legislation, he did say he wants there to be consequences for the administration if they don't respond to FOIA requests in a timely manner, and he wants to limit the number of exceptions.
Still, despite his criticism of the administration on transparency, Chaffetz wasn't sympathetic at all to criticism that Congress isn't subject to FOIA requests, nor was he sympathetic to complaints that Congress was improperly making decisions for the District of Columbia. He said the role of Congress in legislating D.C. decisions was "just as our founders laid it out in the Constitution."
In the "Newsmakers" interview, which aired Sunday, Chaffetz also addressed the IRS political targeting scandal, as well as his reaction to border security, having just returned from a trip to the U.S.-Mexico border himself. "If apprehensions are at their lowest levels, does that mean security is better or worse?" Chaffetz asked, adding that the reality of the border situation is that hundreds of thousands of people cross every year. "And that scares the living daylights out of me," he said.
Chaffetz was particularly harsh on Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, who has argued that the border is safer. "He's doing this country a disservice by telling them apprehensions are down, so it's safer," Chaffetz said.
Chaffetz was also emphatic about the changes that he thinks need to be made at the Secret Service. He said there was a "deep-seated cultural problem" at the agency, and he said "the glean, the shine" at the Secret Service no longer existed.
Chaffetz also defended a comment he made last year when he told officials he would have their backs if they shot someone jumping the White House fence.
"Use unbelievable force, use excessive force, use — do whatever it takes," Chaffetz said in the C-SPAN interview, "but you never, ever, ever, get close to the president, and you never get in that White House. No questions. It cannot happen."
Chaffetz Lays Out Different Direction for Oversight See photos, follies, HOH Hits and Misses and more at Roll Call's new video site. Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call in your inbox or on your iPhone.

subset: commoncrawl


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It's our hope at the Pupil Health Middle (SHC), that our college students can have a healthy and successful expertise while attending CSU Chico. Health Middle clinicians work with psychologists and social staff in the Ithaca School Workplace of Counseling and Wellness, housed in the identical building, to care for students in crisis and those requiring remedy to supplement their counseling.
At the pupil health middle, our objectives are to maintain our college students healthy and, when ill, get them back on the mend" as rapidly as attainable. The Campus Health Center is a nationally accredited out-patient ambulatory health care heart providing providers in acute medical care, mental health , women's health , immunizations , and health education. One among my meds that I was paying $10.00 for 90 days with my insurance, I now pay $15.00 for 90 days and I haven't got any health insurance coverage premiums to pay anymore. The blossoms are picked within the early hours of daybreak simply after the dew on them has evaporated. Comprises the necessities for digital call heart assistant and residential based mostly call middle outsourcing. The Health Heart works in collaboration with Vivature Health to invoice insurance.
I needed it to get those horrific 2 weeks of meds out, which just about killed me. I don't do antibiotics. Ketoconazole drug does intervene with many prescription medications so it is best to take your really useful dosage two hours before or two hours after your other medications. Within the late Nineteen Nineties, the US Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) started to look at and examine treatment outcomes amongst hospitals paid by Medicare. However what actually matters is you're happy and also you take pleasure in it. Let us know what happened after few months okay 🙂 Good luck and cheers in your call center profession! Faculty/Workers: Add some bucks to your Purple Hawk Dollar Account to pay to your companies corresponding to flu shot at the College Health Heart. Plainly many Individuals concern common health care however pretty much each developed county in the world has this as a basic right. Monday through Friday 8am-5pm with walk-in/same day appointment hours 8am – 4pm.
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Cannons of Burlington
Burlington, IA: Des Moines County In between cold spells and snow showers, we figure out ways to get out and see some of the historical landmarks of our state. There is so much history to experience everywhere and for much of it you don't have to pay a penny to see it. This is just… Continue reading Cannons of Burlington


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Is the U.S. economy now dependent on the "kindness of strangers?"
Philip Klapwijk, David Morgan, Adrian Day, Mary Anne Aden, Doug Casey
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Video Transcript
Female Host: Possibly one of the clearest signs of the danger facing the United States is the fact that the U.S. has gone from being the world's largest creditor nation to the world's largest debtor nation. The U.S. has such enormous deficits that we can only be kept afloat if other countries, in affect, lend us the money to continue by purchasing U.S. Treasury Bonds, bonds whose yield is paid by U.S. dollars created on a printing press. Therefore, we are indeed dependent on the kindness of strangers. At a time in history when conflicting monetary and political interests and even terrorism are telling us it's not wise to rely on this economic lifeboat much longer.
Philip Klapwijk: The U.S. essentially is dependent on foreign savers and has been to sustain a standard of living it wasn't producing for itself, difference was funded by foreigners accepting American IOUs. I think that whole system is coming to a close now as the recirculation of this money which has enabled the U.S. to essentially consume beyond it's means. And for that to be financed by those with massive trades with the United States is a system that's had it's day.
David Morgan: The United States, really, is not producing much. All their doing is producing debt and they're sending it over in exchange for these products. Now it would be equivalent to you having a tree in your backyard and taking money off that tree and giving it to me. I am manufacturing shoes, for example, so every time you want to get in the shoe business. So all you do is go in the back and pick up all the paper you want and you have this beautiful business going. It cost you nothing to go and take the money off that tree so to speak except maybe a few minutes. You give it to me, and I accept that, and I give you all these shoes, and you've got a booming shoe business, how long can that go on?
Adrian Day: Basically, it's unsustainable. More importantly however is the amount, because we're running these huge deficits, the amount of money the foreigners have to continue to put into the U.S. dollar, into the U.S. economy, and into U.S. financial assets just to keep the U.S. dollar where it is. Basically, we're talking about 80% of the world export flow of portfolio money, 80% of that, 4/5ths of that have to flow into the United States simply to keep the United States dollar at the same level at where it is. That is absolutely unsustainable; it cannot continue.
Mary Anne Aden: This is a sign that if this trend continues, and it's already in motion, it's going to be negative for the dollar, because as these countries get rid of their dollars, their selling them, converting them into other currencies like the Euro, they might move some gold into their reserves. This is something that is a cause for concern and it will affect gold in the sense that as the dollar falls, and especially if that fall begins to intensify, then gold is going to rise sharply.
Adrian Day: People say that one day foreigners are going to start selling the dollar, maybe they will, but the simple truth is foreigners don't have to sell a single dollar for the dollar to go down. They simply have to stop putting 4 out of every 5 export dollars into the U.S. and then the dollar goes down.
Male Host: So it's becoming more and more clear that relying on the rest of the world or the kindness of strangers to borrow and finance our way out of debt is a real problem. Now are we entering a so called tipping point for the U.S. dollar, especially considering enormous city, county, and state deficits, a downgraded U.S. credit rating, and the fact that entitlements like social security, Medicare, and other safety nets, would appear to keep the U.S. deep in debt beyond what most people could imagine just 10 years ago.
Mike Maroney: If we are going to have trillion dollar deficits as far as the eye can see, who's going to lend us the money? When you look at the world economy and you think the world economy is basically somewhere in the neighborhood of $60 trillion or something in that general vicinity and you think that we have to borrow $2, $3 trillion dollars each and every year just to stay afloat with this year's problems. That's 5% to 10% of the world economy that we have to borrow on a yearly basis. The money is not out there, but the money is going to have to be created and I think the government is making that perfectly clear. We're not going to continue to receive this type of money from the rest of the world. We're going to have to use quantitative easing. We're going to have to continue to print. It's just a matter of time before the rest of the world says, "Enough is enough." If the U.S. dollar starts to fall into the preverbal abyss and the rest of the world says, "No!" to buying additional treasuries, then that will be the last key catalyst to kick into gear. You better own gold before that happens, because once it happens there's no turning back.
Doug Casey: There's going to be a rush towards the exits. Everybody is going to see, you know, all these other people have trillions of these dollars, they're not backed by anything, the U.S. government is creating them by the bushel basketful, and there's going to be a rush where they all try to sell and be first out the door.


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Delco Bell | Making America Mexico Again
Never let it be said that Table on Ten doesn't shred the gnarlacious curl of the zeitgeist.
Pickled beet stems and caper buds. Cold brew, bacon, PG Tips, wine in mason jars, artisanal sriracha, bone broth, foraged this, foraged that. So much shredded kale you started to look like a brassica. Ramps. Kimchee workshop. Ironic Ass Beer.
Pull out your sauvecito pomade and your Mayan sun print bikini. We're going mondo Mexican.
And in case you think we're just another bunch of hipster Juanny-come-latelies, plundering some flavour-of-the-month food fetish, whereby stuff everybody's been tossing on the BBQ for decades is now serious eats because we're pronouncing it in Yucatan dialect and cooking it with flame … well, we want you to know we were at Coqui Coqui when it was just us, Heidi Klum and some campesinos raking seaweed off the beach. And while the Tuluminati were perfecting their Bharadvajasana at Bikini Boot Camp, we were blazing pioneer trails through the jungle in a 4-Runner with really shoddy a/c. An hour-and-a-bit to Valladolid, past poorly signposted cenotes and cut-throat snorkel traders, elbowing aside Instagram zombies to score Spiderman underpants from authentic artisans. Hey, we climbed that pyramid at Chichen Itza too, and Caleb lost his sarong! And barely made it back in time for whole-animal Grouper Ceviche de Wahoo and Dash Berlin's set at Gitano. 'La Pura Vida, muchacha!' Wait, was that Costa Rica?
Saturday 6th of August – 12 till 3 and 6 till 9
Table on Ten and The Pines present:
Featuring –
La Pared Hermosa (Carne Asada) – Greenane Farm flank steak, chilis, garlic, lime
El Donaldo (Cochinita Pibil) – slow-cooked Home Grown Farmstead pork, sour oranges, garlic
Las Pequeñas Manos (Pollo en Mole) – blind mole on a stick. Or Key Farm chicken in mole sauce
La Melania (Vegetariano) – roasted Star Route cauliflower, beans, Bovina Valley cotija
Tortillas de Asesino – hand-made with masa from Trevor Wilson's local yellow heirloom corn
Elotes del Extranjero Indocumentado – charred local first corn with butter, cotija and lime
Ensalada de Siete Cárteles – black lentils, avocado, pickled peas, arugula, honey, cotija
Salsa Verde
Salsa Rojo
Salsa de Soplete Esteban – Burnett's gizzard-searing smoked maple tomatillo sorcery
Torta de Cuatro y Veinte – chocolate chili from Brooklyn with Table dulce de leche ice cream
Cervezas Mexicanas
Vino Francés e Italiano
And there you have it! Grab your sombrero, your crossed ammunition belts and assless chaps, head over to La Casa de la Risa in downtown Pueblo Floración. The oil-tank grill will be roaring, there'll be plastic party banners in the trees and mariachi in the air. But get there quick, before the Albondigas have turned to Pho and the mezcal back to bourbon.
Saturday 6th of August 12 till 3 and 6 till 9


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Written on:
13 June, 2017
Can a Bad Influence Affect a Child's Personality?
Bad influences a child encounters can affect his personality, and can lead to emotional problems, risky behaviors, and problems with family and social relationships throughout life. A March 2004 article published for the American Psychology Association's "Monitor on Psychology," points out that while genetics are a factor in a child developing a personality disorder, environmental influences can play a role. Recently, researchers are leaning more toward a relationship between the two.
Watching too much television can be a bad influence on a child, particularly watching programs that portray violence and show TV characters involved in risky behaviors. According to the American Psychological Association, the Surgeon General's Advisory Committee on Television and Social Behavior, along with the National Institute of Mental Health's report that watching violence on television can negatively impact a child's personality. Research shows that repeated exposure to violent programming can make a child more likely to act aggressively toward others or desensitize her so that she shows less empathy for other people's problems. Some children become more afraid because they see the world as a dangerous place.
Video Games
Like inappropriate television programs, video games can have a negative impact on children, as well. Many action-adventure video games expose a child to violence and aggressive behavior. Some focus on horror, which can frighten children or blur the line between realty and make believe. The APA reports that studies conducted by psychologist Dr. Craig A. Anderson from Iowa State University show that playing violent video games can increase a child's aggressive thoughts and can lead to aggressive behaviors. The findings of a 2000 study led by Anderson suggests that playing violent video games may actually have an even greater effect on a child than watching violent television programs or movies. Unlike television, video games are interactive, and assign the player to the role of the aggressor.
Bad Language
In a 2012 article titled "Will Swearing Harm Your Child?" in "Psychology Today," Dr. Ronald E. Riggio, an expert in organizational and social psychology, points out that while there hasn't been much research on whether exposure to profane language is harmful to a child, it's more likely that the reason why someone swears has more of an effect. For example, swearing in the context of verbal abuse could be harmful to a child. However, in an article published by the Association for Psychological Science's "Observer," authors Timothy Jay and Kristin Janschewitz say their research suggests swearing does not usually lead to negative consequences and generally is not seen as being harmful. The researchers recorded more than 10,000 incidents of public swearing.
Childhood Trauma
Although depression runs in families, which genetically predisposes some children to depressive disorders, the death of a parent or other early childhood trauma can also lead to depression, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Children who are physically, emotionally or sexually abused, those who are neglected or feel rejected and those who witness domestic violence often experience feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, anger and guilt. Life experiences such as the loss of a nurturing adult, family dysfunction or living with a depressed parent can contribute to a child's outlook on life, potentially diminishing her self-esteem and affecting the way she handles hher feelings. An article first published in the February 2002 issue of the Harvard Mental Health Letter explains that depressed preschoolers often have a tendency to experience phobias, whereas early school-age children who are depressed can sometimes behave aggressively. Depression in adolescents may come out as delinquent behavior, and can include drug and alcohol abuse.
- KidsHealth: How TV Affects Your Child
- Education.com: Negative Potential of Video Games
- Psychology Today: Will Swearing Harm Your Child; Ronald E. Riggio
- American Psychological Association: Monitor; Where Personality Goes Awry; Charlotte Huff
- American Psychological Association: Violence in the Media - Psychologists Help Protect Children from Harmful Effects
- Association for Psychological Science: Observer; The Science of Swearing; Timothy Jay et al
- Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images


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Adoption Form
Foster Application Form
Beck – Currently Seeking Foster
Beck is a young beagle mix who was displaced by the hurricane that hit Florida in September, 2017. Beck is currently being treated for heart-worm through December. But, no worries – the only contagious thing about him is his sweet affection! Please reach out to us to meet this spacial guy. 💜


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Double Eye Bracelet W-D
Regular price €865.00
Our 18k White gold double eye bracelet is strung with a circular evil eye pendant which is believed to protect its holder from negative energy. This delicate piece is set with stones on both sides and is encrusted with 0.12-carats of diamonds and has a hand-painted glass center on both sides.
- White diamonds, total weight: 0.12-carats;
- 18k White Gold
- Hand-painted glass center
- Total Circumference: 18cm (approximately)
- Charm Radius: 0.6cm (approximately)
- Lobster clasp fastening


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You can't tell me you don't love a day full of sundresses and dancing and good (free) food and some of your best friends in the world.
Saturday was Richmond's annual Pig Roast, also known as the best day of the year. People look forward to it all year long and this year's was just as great.
Basically, you wake up around 6:30 and get ready with your friends and go hang out for the morning until you go to the fraternity lodges in the afternoon. They provide tons of food and you just hang out in the sunshine dancing with your friends. A lot of alumni come back into town and guests are brought and it's really just a great day for all.
This year, we went to our friend's apartment and felt just oh-so-fancy and fun. After, we headed back to campus and had a blast. Some snap shots:
Is this not the cutest bar cart?! Lauren does such a great job with all her decorated bar carts!
One of my best friends in the world came to visit me! Logan and I went to high school together but he's still a senior in high school and is considering coming to Richmond! Tweet at him to tell him he should be a Spider this fall....!
But hey, are YOU going to be a Spider this fall?! Let me know by tweeting at me @mlscroggin!
Have I told you how much I love Jessica?! Oh yeah, a time or two.
An overall amazing weekend and I'm so happy for such a great time!
But of course, for the outfit details:
This dress was from Charlotte Russe! Yup, you better believe it. While I do love Lilly, it's fun to have a change. I really loved the fit and flare and the floral pattern on it! While I can't find the exact dress online, here's a similar one. Just goes to show you should never forget about Charlotte Russe!
While I wish Pig Roast had been complete sunshine, it was also sort of muddy and gross, so I was excited to wear my new Georgica Jack Rogers I got for Christmas. They're jelly, so I simply washed off all the mud. Absolute game changer.
And as for these sassy sunglasses, I was pretty excited. I bought them at a store in Richmond called Love Culture because I felt like I needed some fun sunglasses. I felt so fun. Here's a similar pair from H&M. Or, if you're feeling SUPER fancy, here are some Dior ones.
Boom. Roasted. Here's to next year.


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My Content
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Track Listing: Marinet; Deblozay; Hope Springs Eternal; Isaura; Route de Freres Part 1: Hills of Anjubeau; Route de Freres Part 2: Memories of Port au Prince Afternoons; Route de Freres Part 3: Manhattan Swing; C'mon Baby; Sankofa; Spirit Music; Mais; Ti Kawol.
Personnel: Andrew Cyrille: drums; Hamiet Bluiett: baritone saxophone; Lisle Atkinson: bass; Alix Pascal: acoustic guitar; Frisner Augustin: percussion, vocals.
Title: Route de Freres | Year Released: 2012 | Record Label: TUM Records
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SCF Board Report: Special Meeting March 18, 2013
President Probstfeld's Contract Approved
(Bradenton, Fla., March 18, 2013) – State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) District Board of Trustees unanimously approved a two-year contract for Dr. Carol Probstfeld at a special meeting March 18, 2013, formalizing the agreement that made her the college's sixth president.
Probstfeld accepted the position as president at a special meeting Jan. 22, 2013, after serving as interim president since November 2012. She came to SCF in 2003 as vice president of business and administrative services.
Probstfeld said she appreciated the board's thoughtful discussion.
"I am especially pleased that my contract as president includes well-defined goals that will help keep me and the board focused on our core mission of serving our students and preparing them to succeed," Probstfeld said.
The new contract includes an annual base salary of $235,000 for the initial contract year; provides the option to drive a vehicle currently owned by the College with operating expenses paid by the College or convert to a monthly automobile allowance of $1,500; ties an additional annuity contribution to Probstfeld meeting performance goals and targets agreed to by the board and president; and includes other executive benefits and provisions.
Trustee Ed Bailey made the motion to approve the contract, and it was seconded by trustee Eric Robinson. The contract is effective immediately with two minor revisions approved by the board.
The board's next regular meeting is scheduled for March 26 at 6 p.m. at SCF Venice.


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Folks who know me, know I'm a fan of Rhona Mitra. I'll watch pretty much anything she's in…whether it's good or not. So it's no mystery that my DVR was set to record TNT's new summer post-apocalyptic-drama The Last Ship, two months ago. I've been waiting for this show since the rumor-mill started last year.
The Last Ship is the latest from director Michael Bay and chronicles the crew of a U.S. Navy ship amidst a global pandemic. The show is based on a novel of the same name by William Brinkley. On board the ship is Dr. Rachel Scott, played by Mitra, a British paleomicrobiologist, in search of a cure.
Oh, and the cool stuff? The pilot episode was filmed on board a REAL Navy ship. (Other episodes are filmed on a set because let's face it, those ships are a little cramped). The Navy, apparently, acted as an adviser for the show. So everything you see is accurate, or at least as accurate as possible. Pretty nifty!
You've been warned.
Ready to go? Alrighty then.
When the episode starts, we're introduced to the main characters. Dr. Scott (Mitra), the ship's captain, Commander Tom Chandler (Eric Dane), and the XO or Second-in-Command, Mike Slattery (Adam Baldwin). The ship is on its way to the Arctic for what the crew thinks is weapons tests and for Dr. Scott to check out some cold-weather seagulls. Ok, Arctic Terns. For four months they have to maintain radio silence. Just when they think their mission is over and they can call home the Russians attack! It's a great snowy chase scene with helicopters and EXPLOSIONS! Given that this is literally the only scene Michael Bay actually directed, it screams of his style.
After that clearly WTF moment, the crew calls home to tell Washington what just went down. They're shocked when it's not the President that answers the phone, but the Speaker of the House. Turns out the President and Vice President are dead. Oh, and so are 80% of the World's population.
Commander Chandler corners Dr. Scott and demands to know what's going on. She eventually tells him about the virus and that she's not really there to study birds. Go figure. Her real reason for being there is to find the primordial strain of the virus. Her theory is, if she can get her hands on the primordial strain, she can possibly develop a vaccine. I guess no one ever thought the virus would spread as fast as it did. Oh, and by the way, all of her colleagues think she's insane. Insane OR right? I'm sure we'll find out, but my money is on right.
Without summarizing the rest of the episode, we're left with several conundrums at the end.
1. Can Dr. Scott develop a vaccine?
2. What are they going to do about fuel and food? How are they going to survive?
3. What's the deal with Russia?
4. What happened to the dog? Because I didn't see him on the snowmobile when Russia was attacking. Just sayin'.
All good questions. Number 2 is a question that comes up in all post-apocalyptic shows. It's a question that can lead to disappointment among viewers. Why? Well, the writers have two options. They either realize they've painted themselves into a corner at some point and do a ton of handwaving to get the characters out of the situation or they run with it and use it as a natural point of contention. There are shows that have run with it and done very well. Take The Walking Dead for example…though even then there's some handwaving going on. There are other shows, such as Stargate Universe, that realize they've got the basics of survival as their overriding plot and decide to POOF make everything better.
What happens in the remaining episodes of The Last Ship will determine whether this show deals with the situation head on or if they use Magick Missals and suddenly find unlimited food and fuel. Honestly, I hope they don't take the easy way out. The hunt for the basic necessities makes for an interesting plot device and creates natural drama.
While the acting was good, the dialogue was a little dry and just kind of meh. The actors did a good job with what they were given, but I'd like to see all little more…I don't know, something, in future episodes. The character development seemed forced, or rather, haphazardly thrown in there. For example, one of the bridge officers mentions to Commander Chandler that she dreamed the next time she would go to Paris would be with her girlfriend, not to raid a desolate cruise ship for supplies. Touching? Yes. Relevant? No. Not at all. Especially not for a so-far minor character.
We learn a little bit about Commander Chandler. We learn that his wife and children are safe in a mountain cabin somewhere. And we learn that unlike Chandler's family, Mike Slattery's didn't fair so well. His wife and daughters are safe for now, but he lost his son to the virus. As for Dr. Scott? Um…we know she's a doctor, she's looking for a cure…oh and her colleagues think she's crazy. But we've covered that already.
Overall, The Last Ship made for an interesting pilot. Am I in love with the show? No…not really. Am I interested in seeing where it goes? Yes!
The Last Ship airs Sunday nights at 9/8c on TNT. Check out TNTdrama.com for behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and really neato video diaries about the evolution of the virus from Dr. Scott.


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This is a short post about the new Paladin Tier 19 set. I will be short about this one...AWESOME Set ! Must have if you are a paladin (if you are not..just make one). Enjoy the pictures!
Set Bonuses:
Paladin T19 Holy 2P Bonus - Increases Holy Shock's critical strike chance by 15%.
Paladin T19 Holy 4P Bonus - Infusion of Light has 2 additional charges.
Paladin T19 Retribution 2P Bonus - Your Holy Power attacks deal 20% more damage.
Paladin T19 Retribution 4P Bonus - The effect of Conviction can stack 2 additional times and you have a 20% chance to gain an additional application each time it triggers.
Paladin T19 Protection 2P Bonus - Avenger's Shield increases the effect of Shield of the Righteous and Light of the Protector by an additional 10%.
Paladin T19 Protection 4P Bonus - Shield of the Righteous has a 35% chance to reset the cooldown on Light of the Protector.
picture: mmo-champion.com
More Tier 19 Sets!
Paladin Tier 19


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The Mikado
Click a tab to view operas by Gilbert Without Sullivan (GWOS) or Sullivan without Gilbert (SWOG)
Composed by Arthur Sullivan
Premiered 14 Mar 1885Initial run of 672 performances
From Benford's Gilbert and Sullivan Lexicon:
All friction between Gilbert and Sullivan was dissolved -- at least for a time -- when Gilbert hit on the idea of setting the next opera in Japan, turning his back on topsy-turvydom and the magic lozenge -- also at least for a time. Although the setting was Japanese, the butt of Gilbert's wit was very much English, albeit kimono-clad. Everything about The Mikado fell perfectly into place. The story line is clever, the characters are nicely drawn, the lines are witty, and the music is of enduring beauty and perfectly suited to the words.
The Mikado opened at the Savoy on March 14, 1885, and ran for a record-breaking 672 performances. It remains the most popular of all the Savoy operas and may well claim to be the most-often-performed theatrical work in world history (182).
Video Clips from this Opera
To see other videos, click on the Videos menu.
Mikado Numbers
I am so proud
Finale Act I
As some day it may happen


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Home SS15 is now over! We had a great show and met lots of lovely people. Thank you Katie of COADG and the organisers of Home. We'll put some photos up soon but first we need to tidy up and put away!
Home SS15 is now over! We had a great show and met lots of lovely people. Thank you Katie of COADG and the organisers of Home. We'll put some photos up soon but first we need to tidy up and put away!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! We would like to say thank you for all your support in 2014. It was a great year for us and 2015 is looking good too! We are starting the year with a showing at the fabulous HOME at Olympia. An extra big thank you goes to Katie of Confessions of a Design Geek who has invited us to exhibit in the COADG2 space. We will be unveiling some new products so come along and say hello.
Register here for free entry: http://www.home-london.net
September is show time and once again we exhibited at the wonderful Designjunction. We launched our new 'Tile' collection featuring 5 new designs: Olé, Nessie, Hoof, Hombre and Tile available by the metre and as cushions. We also launched a beautiful screen/room divide made in collaboration with Baines and Fricker. Details for all these products are on the website.
This month we took part in the Slow Textiles Geometrics Pop Up from 28th June to 19th July, which took place alongside an exhibition of Slow Textiles members work at the SLOWstudio in Kingsgate Road, London, NW6.
We met some wonderful people whose work and interests somehow overlapped with ours, including founder of Slow Textiles Emma Neuberg. We also met tapestry artist Tina Francis, Zoe Burt of Seeds of Fashion who is running a project to grow flax in allotments across London to make into linen for clothing and painter June Mendez whose wonderful monochrome geometric print from the 1960's is featured below. Her late husband painter Theo Mendez was head of the Textile Department at Camberwell College from 1976-1984 and two of his painting are also pictured below. It was great to meet everyone and share thoughts.
One of the reasons we have been busy is Heal's. We were delighted to be asked to design an exclusive cushion for Heal's AW14 season. Our new design is called Hombre and it comes in 3 colourways on natural linen, 30cm x 50cm. We thought we'd share some images of the production process and soon I will add some images of the cushions themselves!
We have been so busy the last few months and our dear blog has been neglected. Over the next few days I will be catching up, starting with May:
On the last weekend of May Theo and Vicky , along with Gary Simmonds, took part in the Artist Fleamarket at the Artist Village, Brockley. We presented a selection of paintings and works on paper in an ad hoc way, stacking, leaning and pinning. This is the first time we have exhibited together and we used the space as an opportunity to start a light-hearted conversation between our works with a view to further projects.
It was a beautiful, sunny day in the 'Sham when Theo decided to try waxing some of our printed linen. His home made concoction of bees wax, linseed oil and turpentine smelled wonderful. It was a bit tricky to apply...you have to work fast and get it on evenly but it worked! The waxed items hung around airing and drying for a few weeks and are now in daily use.
We are delighted to be buddying one of this years Crafts Council Hothouse participants, Rosie Moss. As former Hothouse Alumni we know how useful it is to get advice and training on the business side of things and as buddies our role is to give her the benefit of our recent experiences and a friendly ear. We wish her lots of luck and look forward to getting to know her and her practice better.
In February we visited the wonderfully evocative Traces exhibition, which took the form of a 1930's Peckham department store. The exhibition featured a number of notable designers and artists one of whom was Polly Granville who used our Sounds Around fabric on two chairs.
Lots of Thorody items were featured in the March issue of Good Homes Magazine, including our Pigeon Coop wallpaper, a Brockley Cross cushion, an Ivor tote, an Ivor cushion and a Hex cushion!
Feb 2014: The Heal's Modern Craft Market is in full swing and is on until 16th Feb. There are lots of workshops and demos for all ages... it's well worth a visit.
Thank you to Heal's for including us in your 'contemporary crafters to watch' http://bit.ly/1dwZGfq
Jan 2014: Thorody have been selected to take part in Heal's Discover: The Modern Craft Market, 3rd - 16th February, at their Tottenham Court Road store.
"DISCOVER: The Heal's Modern Craft Market – exciting contemporary craft, by a carefully selected group of innovative designers, artisans and craft collectives at work in the UK today."
Follow the link for more information:
Thorody have been selected to take part in Heal's Discover: The Modern Craft Market, 3rd - 16th February, at their Tottenham Court Road store.
"DISCOVER: The Heal's Modern Craft Market – exciting contemporary craft, by a carefully selected group of innovative designers, artisans and craft collectives at work in the UK today."
Follow the link for more information:
Our 30 x 50cm Ivor cushion in four colourways will be available exclusively in Heal's stores from mid January for SS14.
No rest for the wicked! We are working hard over Christmas and New Year preparing our order for Heals...more details to come soon.
Sept 2013: This month, during the London Design Festival, we are exhibiting at designjunction, which is open until Sunday 22nd September at the Sorting Office, New Oxford Street, London. It's been a great show so far, and well worth a visit if your in town.
We also wanted to share (again) Wonky Geometry, the film RA Collaborations made about us, because we like it so much.
July 2013: Thorody are very excited to be taking part in designjunction 18-22 September 2013! We will be launching our new collection of fabrics, wallpaper and products, come and say hello we are on stand F13.
Thorody are delighted that O SC ARS Pop-up Store at NEO Bankside will be open throughout July and August and perhaps beyond, who knows... For further information visit O SC ARS
June 2013: This is why we love linen...
Earlier this year Thorody spent some time with the wonderful Simon Cooper, expert on all things flax... www.flaxland.co.uk , Simon makes boats with his linen!!!
May 2013: Thorody at O SC ARS new Neo Bankside shop.
Throughout May and June Thorody will be at O SC ARS new pop up shop at NEO Bankside, right opposite Tate Modern Turbine Hall. It's a great area for a day out... Tate Modern, The Globe Theatre, Borough Market, Clink Street Museum, the Thames Path, Millenium Bridge...and O SC ARS!! the list is endless suffice to say the area is packed with more history than you can shake a stick at.
March 2013: Richard and Arron of RA Collaborations have made a lovely short film about us called 'Wonky Geometry, take a look at 'Wonky Geometry'


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Swanogt19's's Gamespot Rank
Swanogt19's Emblems
Readers' Choice 2009 Chooser
Participant in 2009 Readers' Choice Awards. "Sure, that game is good... FOR BABIES!" "That game sucks! It doesn't even have online capture the flag!" "Barbie Horse Adventure: Riding Camp just lost so much of the magic that made Barbie Horse Adventure great." And so on. These intrepid readers braved the chaos of the Readers' Choice process and let their opinions be heard above the cacophony of argumentative commenters. Congratulations, voters!
April Fools!
You've been spazzed!! You participated in an epic 2010 April Fools joke hosted in GameSpot's Off-Topic forum, involving two moderators spazzx625 & solidruss, whether you thought this prank rocked, or you thought it sucked rocks, you were still involved in the prank of the century! April Fools!
E3 2010 Microsoft Conference Attendee
I was there for Microsoft's E3 2010 press conference! No really, I was. I even saw it live, with the Kinects and the Halos, and I've got this sweet achievement to prove it!
Greatest Game Villain Bouncer
Because we can't just let anyone in. This user voted in the All Time Greatest Game Villain wild card round to help determine the final ten villains to join the battle royale.
Greatest Game Villain Henchman
Hey, everyone's got to start somewhere. These loyal minions created a bracket to guess at who is the most vile of them all. Let's hope they don't get caught betting against their overlords!
Greatest Game Villain Loyal Minion
Amplifying word of mouth by motivating influencers in the social graphspace. These faithful servants helped to spread the word about the Greatest Game Villain competition by sharing their votes or brackets by Facebook...evilly.
Greatest Game Sidekick Broter
Sick voting, bro! This user owned the poll booth and voted for 64 sidekick in the character vote phase.
Greatest Game Sidekick Bracket Bender
Have you seen my bracket, bro? It's straight baller! This user predicted the greatest sidekick and created a bracket. Let the bropacalypse begin!
E3 2012 Microsoft Conference Attendee
This viewer saved up all their Ballmer Buxx to buy a new Windows-compatible PC so they could log onto Internet Explorer and watch the Microsoft press conference and bear witness to all the Better-With-Kinect titles coming to their Xbox Entertainment Systems in the upcoming future.
E3 2012 Sony Conference Attendee
This viewer knows that the PlayStation Move isn't dead, it's just gone to that special place in the sky where the SNES Super Scope and the Tony Hawk Ride skateboard live. So while this viewer waits for the Move to make its triumphant return to glory, they figured they'd tune in and see what sharp business slacks Kaz Hirai has added to his wardrobe this past year.
E3 2012 EA Conference Attendee
This viewer took an hour out of their daily routine of sobbing uncontrollably over the lack of a Mirror's Edge sequel in order to watch the EA press conference and confirm that EA still isn't making a Mirror's Edge sequel. But, hey, at least there's a new Medal of Honor game. So there's that.
E3 2012 Connoisseur of the Arts
E3 is about a lot of things (exhaustion, hot dogs, etc.) but if you can boil it down to its absolute purest form, it's a about the art. So that's why this viewer tuned into GameSpot's live stage show--so they could see the art live as it happened.
E3 2012 Literature Enthusiast - Day 1
Taking a break from watching YouTube videos of kittens playing with a ball of yarn, this viewer made the excellent decision to read the fine E3 coverage on GameSpot's official E3 site on day one of E3.
E3 2012 Literature Enthusiast - Day 2
Taking a break from watching YouTube videos of kittens playing with a ball of yarn, this viewer made the excellent decision to read the fine E3 coverage on GameSpot's official E3 site on day two of E3.
E3 2012 Literature Enthusiast - Day 4
Taking a break from watching YouTube videos of kittens playing with a ball of yarn, this viewer made the excellent decision to read the fine E3 coverage on GameSpot's official E3 site on day four of E3.
System Wars E3 2012
This emblem is awarded to the warriors who willingly braved the jungles of System Wars just to catch the pre-E3 2012 threads.
System Wars E3 2012 Lucky Dip
Ah, the System Wars E3 2012 Lucky Dip Emblem... This emblem is awarded to those users who were simply there at the right place and at the right time. Didn't get it? No need to worry; you can always get it! You just have to wait till next year! trololololololol
Retro World
Totally Retro These emblem holders contributed to the massive list of retro classics for GameSpot's Gaming History Show. Emblem Created by tmaclabi
GameSpot Anniversary
It's your first anniversary at GameSpot, boy does time fly when we're having fun, gain +1 to your awesome score!
3rd Year Anniversary
After all this time, your desire to stay with us is slightly stronger, gain +3 to your loyalty score!
Hey look, it's a totally original dude wearing armor. With a huge gun and a helmet (a visor?). And he's riding a unicorn. This user was granted this magical emblem for not having any of their user profile images hosted on untrusted websites during The Great Purge of March 2013.


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Motherhood is one tough bitch.
Us Moms work our hineys off keeping our kids alive and maintaining everything else that goes along with that.
It's hard.
You give it 100% but sometimes it's just too much.
You need some real life mom hacks to make your life as MMMMMMMMOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMM a little bit easier:
Make a reference sheet
There's nothing worse than this conversation:
Person: "Can I please have your child's full name and date of birth?"
Me: "…………………………………………"
You'll look like super woman if you can fire off an answer without saying "umm, let me check the birth certificate a second" or plain giving the wrong answer. Keep a handy guide close by at all times that has all of this information written down. You can probably get some bonus points if you offer extra information like blood type and astrological sign, so make sure to keep track of even the tiniest of details.
Organize. Fucking. Everything.
Keeping your possessions in order is only half the battle, as you well know.
However, that's step 1:
Purge your stuff. Get rid of anything that doesn't have a purpose. Your mind will feel so much less cluttered if your house is. If you have a clean house, you're more likely to have a clean mind (like, mostly clean…there's some times when you don't want a clean mind). This will make you a more effective mother.
Step 2:
This is the hardest part. This is the part when you organize your entire life. Plan your meals and grocery trips, keep up to date with school forms, maintain a schedule of chores for you and the kids, stay on top of your bills, stay up-to-date with your calendar, keep a to-do list so you don't forget everything (#Mombrain!), and still look like a sexy Mama doing it!
Sounds a little daunting, huh? It doesn't have to be. Take it bit by bit. ASK FOR HELP. Use these handy printables to keep everything in order. Place them in highly conspicuous areas so that even if you never follow them you'll at least look like one of those super organized Mamas…and that counts for something!
Wear shorts under your dresses
Let's face it. You're constantly picking up kids or cleaning mysterious substances off the floor. Dresses and skirts aren't the most practical items of clothing for you to be wearing. That said, you haven't lost yo' sexy feminine self just because you've had a kid or two. Combine practicality and "damn, look at that Mama!" by simply wearing a little pair of spandex shorts under your dress or skirt. Now you can maintain your motherly duties comfortably and fashionably! You no longer have to live in fear that your little angel is going to lift up your dress revealing the undies you peed a little when you sneezed 5 minutes ago!
Add alcohol to everything
Not actually, but the kids don't need to know that. Are they eyeing that last piece of cake that you thought you hid fairly well and were saving for later? Maybe they're hoping to scoop out some of the whipped cream on your triple shot mocha?
Tell them they can't have it because there's alcohol in it.
It becomes a closed case. They can't argue with that!
*Don't consume these "alcoholic" treats while you're driving for the following reason: "My mom drinks her coffee with alcohol in it while she drives us to school."
Do everything you possibly can in the car
They're buckled in, contained, and perhaps even sleeping. Whether it's all that paperwork you need to finish, giving your tired feet a nice pedicure, or simply enjoying the lack of tiny hands touching you for 5 seconds, you can do it all in the comfort of your vehicle. If the kids start to fight or whine simply put up that partition wall between the front and back seats. Oh, wait, right, that part is only a dream…
What are your favorite Mom hacks to make your life a little bit easier?


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Lougheed Imports Ltd. v. United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, Local 1518
Lougheed Imports Ltd. (West Coast Mazda) v. United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, Local 1518, 2010 CanLII 62482 (BC LRB) (PDF, 73KB)
Question(s) to be Determined:Whether the postings made by employees on their personal Facebook pages created a hostile work environment and damaged the Employer's reputation and business interests.
Findings:The British Columbia Labour Relations Board disagreed with the union and accepted that the employer had cause to terminate the employees on two grounds. First of all, the comments made by the complainants on Facebook were damaging comments about the employer's business. Second, since the threatening and belittling comments posted about management personnel were able to be viewed by other employees who were also on Facebook, the Board accepted the employer's argument that these comments are akin to comments made on the shop floor.
Reasoning: It was determined that the greivors did not have an expectation of privacy vis-à-vis their employer in the content they posted on their Facebook profiles and that the inclusion of other employees ultimately renders the conduct within the workplace. The comments were "offensive, insulting, and disrespectful" and the parties referenced could be identified and therefore this cumulatively amounted to insubordination.
Summary:Firing of two employees of a car dealership over crude, insulting and threatening Facebook comments made about their supervisor and manager and comments discouraging the public from doing business with employer upheld. In this case, the Union argued that the Employer did not have proper cause for dismissal and even if it did, the terminations were motivated at least in part by anti-union animus. Therefore, the Union charges that the Employer committed an unfair labour practice and the terminations should be rescinded by the Board. In conclusion, the Employer was found to not be motivated by anti-union animus. Furthermore, it was found that the comments were inappropriate and insubordinate and created a hostile work environment for co-workers and supervisors. It also said they were likely to damage the reputation and business interests of the Employer. As a result, the Employer was found to not have breached the Code and termination was deemed appropriate.
The Union alleges that the Employer breached Sections 5, 6 and 9 of the Labour Relations Code (the "Code") when it terminated the employment of two employees in the bargaining unit. The Employer asserts that it had proper cause to terminate the employment of the employees and therefore did not breach the Code. The Union says that the Employer did not have proper cause and even if it did, the terminations were motivated at least in part by anti-union animus and therefore the Employer committed an unfair labour practice and the terminations should be rescinded by the Board.
Some of the Facebook postings in question included the following:
- [J.T.'s status] "Sometimes ya have good smooth days, when nobodys fucking with your ability to earn a living....and sometimes accidents DO happen, its unfortunate, but that's why there called accidents right?"
- [J.T.'s status] "When a labour relations lawyer calls ya at 7PM and ya fax him 25 task sheets, ya gotta wonder??? Unfair labour practices, coupled with workplace harassment....C'mon Guys??? At least read up on the laws before ya throw the first punch...because that second punch can by a DOOZY...."
- [J.T.'s stuatus] "If somebody mentally attacks you, and you stab him in the face 14 or 16 times....that constitutes self defense doesn't it????"
- [J.T.'s status] "Hhhmmmm??? According to this reprimand at work, Im confrontational & disruptive to the WHOLE shop ... AND .... My outburst yesterday was threatening and didn't allow The WestCoastAutoGroup to conduct regular business.... well????All I Gotta say is they pissed off the WRONG GUY ....big time."
- [A.P.'s status] "west coast detail and accessory is a fuckin joke....dont spend your money there as they are fuckin crooks and are out to hose you... there a bunch of greedy cocksucin low life scumbags... wanna know how I really feel??????"
A.P. denies making any of these postings on September 30, 2010. This critical evidentiary dispute will be dealt with in more detail below. A.P. also says he has had problems with his Facebook before when someone else posted things on it in his name. He said he changed his password.
On October 7, 2010, J.T. and A.P. were advised that their employment was terminated and were given letters setting out the reasons. They were terminated for making disrespectful, damaging and derogatory comments on Facebook. The Employer found the comments were inappropriate and insubordinate and created a hostile work environment for co-workers and supervisors. It also said they were likely to damage the reputation and business interests of the Employer. The Employer also relied on the Complainants' denials during the investigation meeting and said that they had compounded their wrongdoing by being dishonest during the interview.
The Employer submits that A.P.'s claim that a hacker, or someone else, made the September 30 posting on his Facebook is not credible.
The Employer submits that for J.T. this is not a momentary aberration. It escalated to the point of being unbearable for the Employer to not intervene. It says J.T. was extremely hostile and threatening. Concerning A.P., the Employer says his one posting was extremely egregious and he continues to lie and say he did not post it. It says in these circumstances, the Complainants cannot be returned to the workplace.
On a consideration of all the ETL factors, I find that the Employer was not motivated by anti-union animus. The fact that the Complainants had no previous discipline and the Employer knew they were key supporters of the Union does not outweigh the fact that the Employer had never encountered similar conduct, and the work offence was serious insubordination and conduct damaging to the Employer's reputation. The manner of the Employer's investigation was the most important factor to determine if there was anti-union animus in this case. However, for the reasons noted above, I find that it does not support a finding that the Employer was motivated by
anti-union animus.
I found A.P.'s testimony that a friend called him and told him there was harsh stuff on his Facebook to be believable. However, as set out in Faryna, the demeanour of a witness is not always a reliable indicator of the truth. When I consider the totality of the evidence, I find that he had the motivation and the opportunity to make the postings. I also find making his apology without saying at that time that someone hacked into his Facebook account leads me to conclude that A.P. made the Facebook posting on September 30, 2010. The comment was very egregious in that it named the Employer and attempted to encourage people not to spend money at the Employer's business. A.P. only made the comments on September 30 and therefore it is an isolated incident. He also apologized to F.Y. who was the person most personally insulted during the ensuing Facebook conversation. A.P. apologized the very next day before he was aware that the Employer knew about the posting. If A.P. had admitted the postings and been honest during the investigation meeting and these proceedings, my conclusion may have been different. However, the Employer found that the dishonesty in the investigation meeting compounded the misconduct and determined that it justified termination. I agree and find that there is proper cause for the termination of A.P.
I find the Employer has not breached the Code and dismiss the Union's application.


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Category: Nation
A song that celebrates the gift of bread and Thanksgiving. The refrain is words of Ralph Waldo Emerson.
A song for families that celebrates Thanksgiving. The verses emphasize values, health and justice, country and world peace.
A hymn celebrating the gift of God's planet, calling us to be stewards of the earth. Like a psalm, it is an acrostic.
Although using military imagery, this hymn calls for the nation to follow God's rules to be blessed. Combating flasehoods is stressed.
This children's hymn focuses on the Star of Bethlehem, wondering what kind of special person the baby will be. It underscores children's well-being.
Daniel remains faithful in a foreign land.One in a series of children's songs about prophets or God's Truth-tellers.
Featuring Deborah, who is a judge and leader of the tribes, this song is one in a series about prophets.
This song is about Esther, a queen, who saves her people. It is one in a series about God's truth-tellers.
Isaiah is a young prophet who in his long career offers God's salvation to his nation. One in a series.
This song,recounts Jeremiah's proclamation that God would someday make a new covenant with the people. One in a series.
This song tells Ruth's story of finding a new life in Judah and becoming an ancestor of King David. For children.
In this easy to sing song series on prophets, or God's Truth-tellers, Amos calls a nation to turn to justice. Written for children.
This lively song celebrates, with bells if possible, four freedoms which citizens of all countries should enjoy.
Based on Colossians 3:12-14, this hymn states disciples are "clothed" to act in special ways, just as at work we may wear special clothes.


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text: One of the most important factors to consider as a pool or hot tub owner is the quality of your water. With a Water Test Kit you can effectively and efficiently detect whether your water is safe to swim in, or if it needs some additional work before you can have your pool party. We offer a wide variety of test kits, test strips, test strip readers, and other maintenance items that are sure to provide the most effective reading of your pools water quality.


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On February 25, 2017, fifty one (51) couples from the Jesus Nazareno Chaplaincy in Dansolihon got married in the Catholic Church. According to the parish priest Fr. Jan Krzyściak, SCJ, this was the first batch of three hundred twenty (320) couples being prepared for the Sacrament of Matrimony. Due to the different circumstances like lack of money or papers many of the couples were living in this irregular situation for several years. With the help of the local SCJ community (Fr. Jan Krzyściak, Fr. Szymon Bendowski and Br. Yohanes Sismadi) and some lay leaders, they were able to correct this irregularity. The SCJs helped them to gather all the needed documents and organized special catechesis. Each couple had to attend five preparatory meetings. All the administrative expenses were handled by the chaplaincy.
Tag Archives: Fr. Szymon Bendowski
Regional Assembly 2017
On February 6, 2017, the SCJ Philippine Region started its annual assembly. The assembly is being held at the Sacred Heart Formation House in Cagayan de Oro City and is attended by 35 participants. Among the invited guests there are: Fr. Paulus Sugino, SCJ, the general councilor from Rome, Fr. Phong Tran, SCJ, Fr. Vincent Sri Herimanto, SCJ and Fr. Khoa Viet Nguyen, SCJ, members of the Vietnamese District.
Since the theme for the Year 2017 endorsed by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is "The Parish: Communion of Communities", the assembly will reflect and try to elaborate some common guidelines of the Dehonian ways of doing things based on the SCJ spirituality and the pastoral needs paying special attention to the "Marks of Mercy", in formation, with the poor and in evangelization, as proposed by the General Administration in its programatic letter "Mercy in the footsteps of God."
The first day of the assembly started with the reflection on the "Vow of Obedience" delivered by Fr. Paulus Sugino, SCJ, and was followed by the rite of communal reconciliation led by Fr. Szymon Bendowski, SCJ, personal confession and adoration. In the afternoon, the group started personal sharing, to be continued on the next day and followed by reports from communities and different commissions. The day was concluded with the Holy Eucharist presided by the regional superior Fr. Francis Pupkowski, SCJ.
On February 8, 2017, in the afternoon, Fr. Florencio Salvador, SSJV, from the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, will help the group to focus on the main theme by giving a special input, which will be one of the basis for discussions and workshops during the following days.
The assembly will conclude on February 10, 2017 at noon with the Holy Mass presided by Fr. Paulus Sugino, SCJ.


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Asclepia Orange
|A small flowering plant, Asclepia is a popular filler that is wonderful color to wedding bouquets, table centerpieces or flower arrangements. Available during the spring to early fall. Must be ordered 2 weeks in advance (call or email for shorter notice)
- All orders should be made two weeks in advance to avoid 20% surcharge
- Shades of color may vary at Mother Nature's discretion
- If you have any specific requests please make them upon ordering


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St. Louis Arts + Culture Events: Catch Murmuration, Strange Folk and Greater St. Louis Hispanic Festivals This Weekend
Sept. 21: "Race, Gender and Ethnicity in the Museum"
The Washington University Center for Diversity and Inclusion presents "Developing Identity Literacy: Race, Gender and Ethnicity in the Museum," hosted by the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum on Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 4-6pm. The event includes a curator-led tour, followed by a reception featuring Washington University student performances.
1 Brookings Dr., University City
Sept. 22: Goodie House Poetry Reading
This month's Goodie House poetry reading series will be on Thursday, Sept. 22 from 6-9:30pm at Human Spaces. Featured readers include Rashid Hughes, ReeCee, Travis Massotti and Jacqui Germain, who will also be selling copies of her book. The event is free to attend and open to the public. Wine and snacks provided.
216 Haven St., Carondelet
Sept. 22: Critical Conversations: Art and the Black Body
Critical Mass for the Visual Arts has organized a panel and discussion event, "Critical Conversations: Art and the Black Body," on Thursday, Sept. 22 from 7-9pm, hosted by Contemporary Art Museum. The panel will feature Dr. Rebecca Wanzo, Associate Professor at Wash U; Dr. Bukky Gbadegesin, Associate Professor at SLU; Kat Simone Reynolds, local photographer; and Lyndon Barrois, Jr., artist and museum educator at CAM. The event is free, but registration is requested and can be completed here.
3750 Washington Blvd., Grand Center
Sept. 22: Common Field Meet Up for Independent Arts Organizers
The Luminary is hosting an informal gathering and discussion for independent arts organizers across the city, on Thursday, Sept. 22, from 7-9pm. The event is an opportunity for the arts community to discuss ways individuals can better co-organize and support one another. Complimentary food and drinks will be provided at the event.
2701 Cherokee St., Cherokee Street
Sept. 22: The Music of Marvin Gaye, featuring Brian Owens
The Sheldon Concert Hall presents a tribute concert to legendary musician Marvin Gaye, featuring soul vocalist Brian Owens and the Deacons of Soul, on Thursday, Sept. 22 at 7:30pm. Tickets are available for purchase online.
3648 Washington Blvd., Grand Center
Sept. 23: WE Speak: Art as Social Activism
Human Spaces is hosting an evening presentation event, featuring Broolyn-based artist and activist Traci Molloy, focusing on art, collaboration and activism, on Friday, September 23. Doors open at 6:30pm, and the event is from 7-8:30pm. The event is free to attend, but registration is requested and can be completed online.
216 Haven St., Carondelet
Sept. 23-24: "Mean Girls" Screening at The Tivoli
The Tivoli is doing two midnight screenings of the popular film, "Mean Girls," on Friday, Sept. 23 at 11:55pm, and Saturday, Sept. 23 at 11:55pm. Tickets for each screening can be purchased online.
6350 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop
Sept. 23-25: 2016 Murmuration Festival
The long-awaited Murmuration Fest 2016, called "the convergence of art, music, tech and science," kicks off this weekend, running from Friday, Sept. 23 to Sunday, Sept. 25 at Cortex Innovation Community. The three-day festival features influential speakers, thought-leaders, an art competition and multiple music performances. Information about ticket pricing, performance schedule and line up, is available online.
4320 Forest Park Ave., Central West End
Sept. 23-25: "Then and Now, Again: A Worker's Opera"
Produced by Bread & Roses Missouri, the show, "Then and Now, Again: A Worker's Opera," will open this Friday evening, Sept. 23 at 7pm at the First Unitarian Church. In addition to opening night, there will be a performance on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 7pm, and a matinee performance on Sunday, Sept. 25 at 3pm. Tickets can be purchased online here.
5007 Waterman Blvd., Central West End
Sept. 23-25: Greater St. Louis Hispanic Festival
Hispanic Festival, Inc. presents the 2016 Greater St. Louis Hispanic Festival in Soulard Market Park this weekend. The festival runs from 10am-10pm on Friday, Sept. 23, 10am-10pm on Saturday, Sept. 24, and 11am-8pm on Sunday, Sept. 25. The weekend will include Hispanic Folklore dancers, more than 70 booths, live Latino bands and cultural foods. A full line-up and schedule of performers is available online.
Soulard Market Park, Soulard
Sept. 24: "NO SHOW Museum" at fort gondo
The traveling curatorial project, "NO SHOW Museum," will be stopping by fort gondo compound for the arts on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 6-9pm, featuring work from more than 120 international artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. Curator Andreas Heusser will give a performative artist talk and lecture at 7pm.
3151 Cherokee St., Cherokee Street
Sept. 24: Print and Poetry Workshop at Central Print
Central Print Studios is hosting a print and poetry workshop at its location in Old North St. Louis, on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 11am-1pm. Tickets for the workshop are available online.
2624 N. 14th St., Old North St. Louis
Sept. 24: SEX+STL and Rustin's Place: Queerin' the City
SEX+STL, in collaboration with Rustin's Place, presents a sex education discussion from a queer perspective, on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 2-4pm at the Rustin's Place Community Space. The event will include small group discussions and information on resources for further education.
1024 N. Sarah St., Vandeventer
Sept. 24: The Get Down! at Yeyo Arts
Yeyo Arts Collective is hosting a nighttime dance party dedicated to the origins of hip-hop on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 9pm-1am. Music will be provided by DJ Xolani, featuring hip-hop, disco, soul, house, reggae, afrobeat and more. Admission is $5, and proceeds will benefit the community-building efforts of the St. Louis Pan Afrikan Movement.
2907 S. Jefferson Ave., Benton Park
Sept. 24-25: 2016 Strange Folk Festival: Belle Epoch
The 2016 Strange Folk Festival, "Belle Epoch," is this weekend, from 10am-6pm on both Saturday, Sept. 24 and Sunday, Sept. 25. The indie craft show features 200 artists and makers from all over the country, 10 live bands, and multiple quirky art installations. More information on the festival grounds map, transportation, a full list of makers and artists and musical entertainment, and much more is all available online.
Lafayette Park, Lafayette Square
Sept. 25: Better Billion Finalist Presentations
The finalist groups for the Better Billion competition will be making their final presentations on Sunday, Sept. 25 from 6:30-8:30pm at Radix House. The six finalists are Beth Weeks and Phillip Weeks, Tim Krupinksi, Erica Hallman and Rodney McGruder Brown, Casey Renee, Norman Ross, and the Good Journey Development Foundation. Finalist judges include Tara Thompson, Derek Laney, Alisha Sonnier, Michael Butler, April Wright, Megan-Ellyia Green, and Nick Apperson.
3406 Halliday Ave., Tower Grove East
Photo courtesy of Strange Folk Festival


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What if you could develop a leadership skill that was simple, inexpensive and enabled you to get more done by doing less? Would you be interested? The ability to ask good questions is quite possibly one of the most effective and under-utilized leadership competencies. This seemingly simple but surprisingly difficult skill will not only help you become more effective at managing and developing others, it can contribute to improved problem solving, better decision making and increased capacity for organizational learning—all of which add to increased organizational agility.
Like many leadership competencies, asking good questions is harder than it sounds. Why? It's likely that your problem-solving ability and business expertise have propelled you upward in your career. You have been rewarded for providing answers and scoring wins for your organization. One of the toughest developmental challenges for someone advancing up the organization is to shift from being the "go-to person" to getting things done through others.
In fact, one of the most frequent complaints I encounter comes from managers who are frustrated by employees who constantly come to them for help with problems that they believe the employee should be able to handle on their own. A common refrain goes like this, "I have no time to get my work done. He constantly comes to me with problems that he should be able to solve. That's why I gave him this job. What am I paying him for anyway?"
Generally, there's a fairly obvious reason this happens. When you always provide answers you teach people to come to you for help. Other than the consideration of your available time, there's a bigger reason you should be concerned about this. In an expanded managerial role you must learn to transition from star problem solver into a coach and a developer of others. Problem solving is a management skill, while getting things done through others is a leadership skill.
Knowing you need to ask questions is just the beginning. How you ask questions is crucial. If your questioning makes others feel confronted rather than supported, you won't get the promised end result. What we're addressing here is intention. Intention is the difference between coaching and coercing. Behind the coaching process is the simple but essential belief that while each of us has an inner wisdom that can give us the guidance and understanding we need, it is often obscured by inner and outer interference. Good coaching helps individuals work through this interference.
To become an effective coach, you have to make sure your intentions are not coercive. You must:
- Remember you're trying to help the person being coached to understand the situation, not fix it for them.
- Make sure you're not just trying to make yourself look good. Good coaches never forget that the goal is for the team (the organization) to win, not to be the star player.
- Make sure you're not trying to make the person being coached understand your perception of the problem. As the coach, you must keep in mind that your job is to ask the questions; their job is to come up with the answers.
- Be open to questioning your own assumptions and beliefs.
- Recognize when a question is not a question but advice or suggestion disguised as a question. Ask clarifying not leading questions.
While it may be difficult, learning the art of asking good questions is definitely worth the effort required. Mastering this highly under-utilized leadership skill will not only help you become more effective at managing and developing others. The biggest payoff may be the new time you find now that your employees can solve problems and make decisions without you holding their hand.


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Last night, Ken Ham engaged in a debate with Bill Nye the Science Guy. The topic for the debate was "Is Biblical Creation a viable scientific explanation in today's world." After watching the debate, it is apparent that Mr. Ham is a better teacher than he is a debater. And it's a shame, because he had all of the facts on his side. Mr. Nye could only offer snide conjecture, lots of straw man fallacies, and several examples of false information. But Nye was charismatic, funny, and believable.
I've composed a few talking points based on Nye's snide debate points where I think Mr. Ham could have refuted Nye's arguments and shown himself to be in more confident control of the debate.
- At one point, Mr. Nye mocked the idea of the size of the ark by saying that large wooden vessels in the past torque and twist so badly that they leak and sink. Mr. Ham should have responded that the ark had no masts or engines. It wasn't going anywhere; it only needed to float, not sail. The twisting would have been exacerbated by the SIX masts and huge sails that Nye mentioned were on the huge wooden vessel in the 1800s. None of those were needed on the ark since it only had to float.
- Mr. Ham had only a limited time to answer the questions of radiometric dating, and he did fairly well for those of us that understand the assumptions inherent in the radiometric dating. I think the sentence he should have said is, "If we find that rocks of known age (Mt. St. Helens) are dated with radiometric dating with incorrect dates (2.8 million years), why should we trust the dates provided by radiometric dating on rocks that were not observed being formed?"
- Nye said several times that he thinks Ham is saying that physical laws changed over the last 4000 years. This is a typical straw man argument. Ham has said nothing of the sort. It is Nye, who says that physical laws have changed over time since:
- Physics has to be altered to accommodate the Big Bang. The Big Bang as proposed is counter to known physical laws.
- Biology has to be altered to accommodate Nye's belief in abiogenesis. Life comes from rocks, Bill? This is counter to known biological laws.
- Chemistry has to be altered to accommodate the creation of elements (with an atomic weight higher than 26) in stars. To speculate that the heavier elements were formed in supernova pushes the evidence beyond the testable boundaries of science.
- Stellar evolution has to be redefined since the birth of a new star requires the death of an old star (chicken/egg problem).
- Ham clearly stated that Biblical kinds are loosely synonymous with the scientific classification of family rather than species. Nye put another straw man argument that since there are currently about 16,000,000 species then approximately 11 new species would have needed to emerge each day since the flood ended. Almost all of those 16,000,000 species are bacteria, bugs, and fish. None of these would have been specifically protected within the ark, so their biological development could have continued from creation 6000 years ago. The real problem is for evolution since they cannot answer (with evidence) where the new information came from to generate new/unique traits in organisms over time. Creation follows the evidence that information can only come from intelligence.
- Nye spouted that there are no fossils of kangaroos in the proposed path from Asia to Australia, but he must not understand how fossils are formed. Fossils form in very specific conditions…flood conditions. An organism has to be buried quickly to avoid the concentric ring of scavengers. We would not expect fossils of kangaroos from Asia to Australia since the flood was already over. Nye's contention is simply ridiculous. How many American Bison fossils do you expect to find in the American southwest? There were millions of these creatures roaming North America and were nearly wiped out without the formation of any fossils. Evolutionists have a huge problem with the existence of fossils since dead things do not lay on the surface for millions of years as they are slowly buried. Fossils are a direct expectation/prediction from the Biblical history. Christians expect billions of dead things to be buried in sedimentary rock layers.
- Atheists still unable to answer the questions of the origin of logic/mathematics/natural laws/matter/information. Nye refused to answer this question, and Ham should have held his feet to the fire. Atheists cannot account for immaterial ideas (logic/mind/beauty) in the constantly changing material-only universe.
- Nye repeated that Christians need only find one out-of-place fossil to bring down the entire story of evolution, but he rebutted himself with the comment on a young buried forest in the midst of old rock. The theory of evolution is so flexible that it cannot be falsified (therefore it has no explanatory power). There are many known out-of-place artifacts that refute evolutionary expectations. The appearance of dinosaurs in human artwork (Ica stones, stegosaurus at Angkor Wat, Bishop Bell's brass behemoths, cave paintings of dinosaurs, dinosaur figurines, dinosaur jewelry…) It is an assumption that organisms are buried in an exact order. The geologic column is not consistent. Ham should have pointed out that Christians do not expect nautilus and rodents to be buried together not because they did not live at the same time; they did not live in the same place. Nautilus were sea creatures…rodents live on the land. Therefore, they were buried in different places. The same goes for humans and coelacanth fish. They have never been shown to be buried together, but they are living at the same time. If you're interested in further research on this topic, look here.
- Nye claimed that ice core drillings from Antarctica had hundreds of thousands of winter/summer cycle markers. These markers do not denote winter/summer cycles. This is a false assumption. Ham had to rush through his rebuttal of this falsehood from Nye, but the short story is that 1942 era planes crash-landed on and were buried by ice in Greenland. When an enterprising collector went to dig them out, he found that in 50 years over 250 feet of snow accumulated on top of the squadron. Hundreds of layers were recorded by the collectors as he worked to remove the planes. How could hundreds of layers be present after only 50 years? The answer is clear that these are not winter/summer cycle layers. Nye is misinformed.
- In the question/answer portion of the debate, Nye was asked how he was able to account for the contradiction of evolution in reference to the 2nd law of thermodynamics. He went into a completely unrelated answer regarding technology and the importance of the sun. When he finally did get back on track his one assertion was that evolution added complexity from the sun's energy. The sun adds energy, but this is a huge mistake since the energy from the sun is destructive…just like all other energy without an energy converter. Try this experiment: Add the energy of fire, microwaves, bullets, lava, radiation, sunshine, or whatever to a frog to see if it evolves. Adding energy to something without a perfectly designed energy converter (chlorophyll, differential, gears, cylinders, solar panel…) then that something is doomed for destruction not evolution.
- When asked where matter or consciousness comes from, Nye's only reply was "It's a huge mystery." Thanks for clearing that up, Bill.
- What would change your mind? My presupposition is God and His word are true. There is no evidence that contradicts God's Word. The reverse is actually true since all branches of science are finding more and more that the Bible is confirmed. That question is like asking, "Would your mind be changed if someone showed you a square circle?" Everyone has the same evidence as Ham pointed out several times. People interpret evidence according to their worldview, so worldview analysis is important. Which worldview can account for reality and has no contradictions. Atheism is filled with contradictions and cannot account for immaterial items such as information, consciousness, origin of matter, or the laws of logic/mathematics.
- Nye brought up the fossil, Tiktaalik as evidence of evolutionary predictions being shown to be true. The problem is that the evolutionary niche that Tiktaalik was supposed to explain was preempted by another fossil uncovered in soil that was much older (according to evolutionary dating). But the Tiktaalik looks nice in the artist's rendering like almost every other "evidence" for evolution.
- Nye continually spewed the straw man argument that Christians do not embrace technology. This is ridiculous. Nye conflates evolution with science/technology, which is related to the bait and switch that Ham talked about earlier.
There are many others, but these are the notes that I took during the debate. Ham taught very well even if was exposed a bit as a debater. All of the evidence was on Ham's side and he explained his point very well during his 30 minute portion, and Nye continually disregarded points that Ham had made without refuting them. It's unfortunate that Nye was charismatic and seemed to "control" the debate. We can continue to pray for him and those who might have been led astray by Nye's arguments.