text:
This is a small game to test how many words you can type in one minute
made it for fun and i havent seen one yet.
!words = this will Prompt you about the start of the game
!Score = this will display your best score so far
Basicly when you are told to start typing.
you type as many words as you can within 60 seconds.
It will only count words that are 4 letters or more in length, to stop people doing:
j j j j jj j j j j j jj j j j j jj j j j j j j j j jj j j j j j jj j j j j jj
although i know they could still dfsdf dsfdsf dsfdsfsd dsfsdfsdf dsfdsf
but what the hell.
Thanks to SanitariuM for that regex
and Thanks to PsYcHo[X] for the other way you gave me.
Tt all seems to be clean so far ,
but if there is any problems just let me know.
Any advice would be MUCH appreciated.
on *:TEXT:!score*:#: { if (%spam) { halt }
else {
set -u10 %spam 1
msg $chan $nick your best score so far is... $readini(wordscore.ini,$nick,score) words per minute!!!
on *:TEXT:!words*:#: {
if (!%gameon) {
set %wordnick $nick
if (!$readini(wordscore.ini,%wordnick,score)) { makeini }
set %gamechan $chan
set %gameon 1
notice $nick Type as many words as you can in 60 seconds.
notice $nick These words must be atleaset 4 letters long to count.
notice $nick You MUST press enter before your 60 seconds are up.
.timer0 1 3 notice $nick You have 10 seconds to prepare.
.timer1 1 8 notice $nick 5 seconds to go.
.timer2 1 13 startgame
else { notice $nick there is already a test in progress! }
alias makeini { writeini -n wordscore.ini %wordnick score 0 }
alias startgame {
if ( %gameon == 1 ) {
set %on 1
notice %wordnick Type away biatch.
.timer 1 55 notice %wordnick 5 seconds remaining press enter before your time runs out!
.timer 1 60 timerend
else { halt }
; Thanks alot guys/gals from us.undernet.org #mircscripting
; /me needs to learn regex XD
on *:TEXT:*:#: {
if (%on) && ( $nick == %wordnick ) { inc %words $regex($1-,/\b\w\w\w\w+\b/g) }
else { halt }
on *:KICK:#bots: {
if (%on) && ( $nick == %wordnick ) { notice %wordnick lol pwnt for flooding?
else { halt }
alias timerend {
if ( %words > $readini(wordscore.ini,%wordnick,score) ) {
.timerlol0 1 1 notice %wordnick Well done! %wordnick you managed to type %words words in 60 seconds!
.timerlol1 1 2 notice %wordnick Thats more then your previous score of $readini(wordscore.ini,%wordnick,score)
.timerlol2 1 3 notice %wordnick Why dont you have another go and try beat it.
writeini -n wordscore.ini %wordnick score %words
.timer 1 5 endgame
elseif ( %words <= $readini(wordscore.ini,%wordnick,score) ) {
.timerlol0 1 1 notice %wordnick You managed to type %words words in 60 seconds!
.timerlol1 1 2 notice %wordnick Thats less then your previous score of $readini(wordscore.ini,%wordnick,score)
.timerlol2 1 3 notice %wordnick Why dont you have another go and try beat it.
.timer 1 5 endgame
alias endgame {
unset %wordnick
unset %words
unset %on
.timerlol3 1 5 unset %gameon | msg %gamechan You can now test your typing speed, type !words. | unset %gamechan
ok wait i found it :D
here is my thing i made for a game i made...
not the whole one... but ya... just maes sure no one types words like hhhh hhhh hhhh hhhh
on :TEXT::?: {
close -m $nick
if %version2.state == $null { halt }
if $nick iswm $read(players.txt, w, $nick) {
write times\ $+ $nick $+ .txt $1
if $len($1) == $left(%letters.dic,1) {
if $1 !iswm $read(players\ $+ $nick $+ .txt, w, $1) {
if $1 iswm $read(%letters.dic, w, $1) {
write players\ $+ $nick $+ .txt $1
if $1 iswm $read(players\ $+ $nick $+ .txt, w, $1) {
msg $nick 10CLONING WORDS WONT HELP YOU
oh well never mind
cant find it... ill just make the addon for your game...
if u dnt mind, ill code so long, and only paste once u say i may
if i may post an addon i made for a game i made in 17 hours...
could give u a few pointers...
will post it now... just have to find my code ^_^ sorry
that doesnt even look half nice,
looks like some 1 hasnt taken a 5h17 for 2 weeks
dammit, we dont got no burger king now, they sold to some nubs and now it burger knight and there shizzle
/me wants burger king back


text:
Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel are among the folks who show up in Toronto Mayor Rob Ford's Facebook photos, according to social-media research by Buzzfeed.com
There's nothing unusual about a big-city mayor interacting with other political leaders, but Ford has been the subject of Marion Barry-style publicity of late since admitting crack cocaine use and surfacing in a video in which he appears to be drunk and rants about murder.
Scott's office didn't immediately respond to a request for details on his encounter with Ford, which featured the mayor inspecting Scott's cowboy boots.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
At a time when the aviation sector is poised for growth, issues like inadequate infrastructure, high operational costs and escalating fuel prices are major concerns. To discuss it all, an expert battery of panelists from the aviation sector not only discussed the issues that have plagued the sector but suggested long-term solutions to counter the problems.
In his opening remarks, Ashok Chawla, secretary, ministry of civil aviation said, Passenger traffic is growing exponentially and the inadequate infrastructure and insufficient human resources in terms of cabin crew engineers and pilots need immediate attention.
However, indicating that the FDI limits in the passenger segment will not be raised from the current 49%, Chawla added that the industry needed to mature before the FDI cap is relaxed further.
The industry was progressing but with difficulty, expressed V Thulasidas, CMD, Air India. He said the single largest challenge for the airline was to manage their operating costs which majorly includes high aviation turbine fuel prices. Other issues like flight delays shall be done away with since Air India is inducting new aircraft in its fleet.
Saroj Datta, executive director, Jet Airways, continued that whether it be a government owned or privately owned airline, both were affected by the rising fuel prices. Deliberating on the uneven tax structure on importing ATF, Datta said, The entire tax structure pertaining to the import of ATF is not structured. Different states pay different taxes. The government has to look at those duties in a more relevant manner.
Agreeing with Datta, Kapil Kaul, CEO, Indian subcontinent and the Middle East (CAPA)Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation added that airline profitability was central to the business and the industry needed a special treatment from the government, He also said the country needed a structured policy for the development of greenfield airports apart from the other related infrastructure.
Replying to the issue of un-structured taxation policy, Chawla said that the ministry of civil aviation had been making persistent pleas to the finance ministry that the aviation fuel be announced as a declared good, so that the taxes were reduced and were uniform in all the states. Therefore on the suggestion of the finance ministry we are taking up the issue through the empowered group of state finance ministers, said Chawla.
Pointing out that outsourcing of technical staff in the airlines could help the airlines, Jeh Wadia, managing director, GoAir said once outsourcing of engineering or security or ground handling


text: A. Anthony Bruno, CCIE No. 2738, is a Senior Principal Consultant with British Telecom with more than 17 years experience in the internetworking field. Previously, he worked for International Network Services. His other network certifications include CISSP, CCDP, CCVP, and CWNA. He has consulted for many enterprise and service-provider customers in the design, implementation, and optimization of large-scale, data and IP Telephony networks. He completed his MSEE at the University of Missouri-Rolla in 1994 and his BSEE at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez in 1990. Anthony is also a part-time instructor for the University of Phoenix-Online, teaching networking courses..


text:
View Album
Galapagos: Isabela and Fernandina Islands
Renee's Ecuadorian Adventure
We hiked along the beach and did a short loop on a trail. We never covered a lot of ground on our hikes, but we took our time, so the guide could explain everything we were seeing. The sun was incredibly strong, and I was thankful to have sunblock, a hat, and sunglasses. We saw an incredible amount of wildlife on our short hike - penguins, flightless cormorants, iguanas, Darwin finches, pelicans, flying fish, hermit crabs, and giant tortoises. After the hike, we snorkeled at the beach. The water was a little too rough for the snorkeling to be very good, but I really enjoyed swimming along the shore and spending time on the beach.
We visited Fernandina Island in the afternoon. This island was not as lush as Isabela, but the wildlife viewing was phenomenal. The sea lions, blue-footed boobies, flightless cormorant, crabs, and marine iguanas were a dime a dozen. We had to keep an eye on the ground, as to avoid stepping on the iguanas! There is only a very small area of the island that is open to tourists, but you see enough wildlife to make a visit to Fernandina worthwhile.
There was a special BBQ dinner served outside on the deck of the ship that evening. The food was delicious, and everyone seemed to mingle more on the deck than in the dining room. A few of the staff even demonstrated several traditional Ecuadorian dances. It was an enjoyable night on the ship.


text:
Nicholas Beeby is the College's Director of Drama. He was Housemaster of Chevron, one of the College's day boys' houses between 2008 and 2013. Nicholas is married with two daughters.
Nicholas' feelings about the culture of the house are similar to the ethos he promoted in Chevron. He is interested in the house turning out civilised young people who are equipped to thrive in the wider world and who have a clear sense of what it means to do the right thing.
Angela's three sons attended a local Independent School during which time Angela was a very active 'housewife'. Subsequently, she joined the IPC (Magazines) Division of Reed Business Information from which, some 9 years ago, she joined Hurstpierpoint College. Her husband Mike, now retired from the Stock Exchange, also works for the College.
St John's House sits in its own grounds yet is conveniently close to the centre of the campus. It is Hurst's Upper Sixth Form co-educational day and boarding House. Its structure, facilities and the light touch with which the House is managed, ensure that it provides an environment best suited to students' academic, personal and social development in their final school year. Each pupil has a study bedroom and all are encouraged to undertake independent study in their own time, not least as preparation for the less structured life they will experience later at university.
All study bedrooms have a desk, bed and handbasin; girls and boys are housed in separate wings, each of which has its own laundry and social room. The centre of the House contains the communal TV room, computer room, conference/workroom and social centre with a bar and kitchen. Its facilities are outstanding and enable students to work together in an atmosphere similar to that found at University.
Inherent in the St John's concept is the principle that the students will manage their own community. There will be opportunities for them to arrange School functions both for themselves and the rest of the school, to foster links with the local community, organise charity events and establish a close working relationship with both Prep and Senior Schools. Life in St John's provides an exciting challenge at the crucial point in a student's school career whilst continuing to provide firm foundations for many aspects of their future life.
The primary focus for St John's students will, of course, be their academic studies and students are greatly encouraged and assisted to organise themselves and enhance their independent learning skills. Academic seminars, discussion groups and the dissection of quality broadsheets are all encouraged. Learning styles, levels of motivation and details of personal organisation are individual but the common goal is working towards the achievement of their UCAS targets and, in this, students are supported and guided through a strong tutorial system.
The Upper Sixth are also encouraged to be active participants in the broader life of the school. Members of St John's are encouraged - where appropriate - to work with, and alongside, adult members of staff. As elite performers academically, musically, dramatically and on the sports field, the students are encouraged to coach, guide and inspire younger pupils, as positive role models and for the benefit of themselves and the younger pupils.
St John's also has a powerful social function. The year group is now fully integrated (although each student maintains a link with the school house of which they were formerly a member) and quickly establishes a group ethos and loyalty which develop into strong, sometimes lifelong, friendships. The St John's committee gives the students an opportunity to express their views on matters of their choosing, whether relating to the House itself or to wider school issues. Various social functions punctuate and highlight the passage of the year, culminating in the magnificent Leavers' Ball at the end of the Summer term. On a domestic level, pupils are encouraged to do their own washing as part of their preparation for the 'next step'.
It is our aim that by the end of the year, Hurst 'graduates' will face the world with confidence and maturity, having achieved grades that each individual once regarded as 'ambitious'. We hope that each individual's overall results will enable every student to embark with confidence on the next stage of their chosen path through life.


text:
An actual old-fashioned filibuster brings drones to the forefront
The following editorial appeared in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Friday, March 8:
The 13-hour filibuster in the U.S. Senate carried on between noon Wednesday and early Thursday morning by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., has so many fascinating angles to it, it's hard to know where to start.
There's the fact that it was one of the few actual standing filibusters these days, and one of the longest in history. Mr. Paul openly stated his reasons for blocking a vote and talked as long as he could in service of his mission.
There's the fact that while Mr. Paul was wrongly standing in the way of President Barack Obama's choice to lead the CIA, John Brennan, the reason he chose — seeking more information about the president's rationale for using drones on American citizens — was a worthy one.
There's the fact that when it comes to that issue — an American's constitutional right to due process, as guaranteed in the Fifth and 14th amendments — those on the left and right of the political spectrum are in agreement. Mr. Paul, who is more libertarian than he is Republican (by today's standards anyway), is far to the right on most issues. But here's New Yorker writer Ryan Lizza, a favorite among liberals, following the filibuster last night on Twitter: "Shameful that no Dems but (Oregon's Ron) Wyden have joined this. I mean some things are just not partisan."
Case in point: We have been trying to draw attention to the drone issue since October 2011, when we wrote: "But the Constitution grants rights to U.S. citizens, no matter how hateful and loathsome their beliefs, that it doesn't afford to citizens of other nations. It makes no exception for citizens who take up arms against their country. Traitors can be hanged, but not summarily."
There's the fact that after the filibuster failed, as it inevitably had to, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., went to the Senate floor to harangue his colleague and anybody who supported him, saying: "I don't think what happened yesterday is helpful to the American people." Presumably Mr. McCain believes his increasingly frequent, but shorter, harangues are helpful.
With all due respect to the one-time maverick, he's just dead wrong. Mr. Paul's filibuster was helpful for two reasons.
The most important one is that Americans, some of them anyway, turned their attention away from all the sequester spin cycle long enough to discover that Attorney General Eric Holder wrote a letter Monday suggesting that, hypothetically, if the president knew that another Sept. 11 or Pearl Harbor was about to be carried out by an American on U.S. soil, that he might have the constitutional authority to shoot a Hellfire missile into that American's car for the purpose of saving thousands of lives.
That's a big deal. That's a very specific and drastic extension of the authority the president claims, and has used once, to target American citizens on foreign soil who have joined the enemy.
For more than two years, Congress has been mostly absent in this very important debate. It is far too complicated to fit into easy partisan sound bites.
Mr. Paul changed that. Good for him.
The answers aren't easy. Would we sacrifice one life to save thousands, even if that person deserved the same constitutional protections the rest of we Americans have? Would all other options have to be ruled out first? What if the president is wrong? Where does the slippery slope begin and where will it end?
This is the debate the country had about the Patriot Act, but mostly too late, after post-Sept. 11 fears led our leaders to rush to limit civil rights to protect us from terrorists. It's the debate we should be having about the drone technology, which changes the battlefield and the ethics surrounding the use of deadly force.
The key here isn't whether Mr. Paul and his supporters are right, or whether hawks like Mr. McCain are, it's about forcing the debate and bringing it into the American consciousness. Mr. Paul did that.
At the same time, he brought attention to how truly broken the Senate is by using an old-school filibuster. Just a day before Mr. Paul's filibuster, the Senate blocked yet another of Mr. Obama's judicial appointments. We don't know why. We don't know who. Nobody stood. Nobody talked.
Maybe that's why Mr. McCain was so upset on Thursday: Mr. Paul called out his own party for its failure to have the courage of its convictions.
The truth hurts.
©2013 St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Visit the St. Louis Post-Dispatch at www.stltoday.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services


text:
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Club Nintendo Rewards For April Include Super Mario World, Art Academy
By Ryan Winslett 2 years ago comments
The time has come for yet another monthly refresh on the Club Nintendo Rewards, bringing four new games to the rotating lineup of games available for Coin exchange, including a fresh pair of Wii U Virtual Console games and another couple of downloadable 3DS games for players to enjoy.
In case you havent noticed, every piece of Nintendo hardware and software you purchase comes with an insert inviting you to register your game with Club Nintendo. Doing so earns you Coins for your purchase, which youre able to keep track of at the Nintendo Rewards website. You also get Coins for purchasing digital goods, as well as completing surveys telling Nintendo why you bought the game and, after youve played it, what you thought of the title.
Once youve saved up enough Coins, you can then trade them in for virtual and physical goods, including pencil holders, postcards, T-shirts and even more games. As for the games, the roster switches up on a monthly basis, offering up two new 3DS and Wii/Wii U games for participants to download in exchange for their Coins. This months new additions have officially gone live, including Trajectile and Art Academy: First Semester for the 3DS, Super Mario World for the Wii U and Mario Golf (The N64 version) for the Wii and Wii U.
For the umpteenth month in a row, I cant help but feel like the 3DS is getting the short end of the stick on these deals, making me wonder if perhaps the more enticing offers on the Wii U are being passed out in hopes of encouraging more gamers to hurry up and adopt the console. Either way, lets take a look at this months games.
Im pretty sure that Super Mario World for the SNES doesnt really need an introduction at this point, as its one of the most beloved platformers of all time but, in case you need a refresher, then you can take a look at the video above. The same goes for Mario Golf, which basically blends an arcade golf game with the characters and locations of the Mario universe. See below, in case youre curious what it looks like in action. Mario World can be yours for 200 Coins while Mario Golf will set you back 250.
On the 3DS, your options are a simple brick-busting game in Trajectile and a pretty nifty and creative educational title in Art Academy. Both are going for 200 Coins.
Get em while theyre hot, as this group of Club Nintendo Rewards games will rotate out on May 11.
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text:
Grimaldi's Is Closed
Tourists are totally confused.
Grub Street knew it was happening this week, and now Gothamist has confirmed that the 19 Old Fulton Street Grimaldi's is officially closed for business. No need for dramatics, however, as the new location — just a sausage link away — is set to open very soon. We'll see how that unfolds!


text:
Hip Hop legend Snoop Dogg and rising star Wiz Khalifa have more in common than just a love of marijuana. The Long Beach and Pittsburgh natives have gone from mere collaborations to making movies together. "We created a movie called 'High School,' created like six songs, and we're looking forward to dropping that later on this year," Snoop told MTV.
Snoop can't take credit for spotting the young talent, it was his son who put his Dad on the Taylor Gang leader. "I never knew him, but my oldest son used to play his music all throughout his house, and I'd be like, 'Who is this mother----er he is playing?' " Snoop said. "I'll be going downstairs, and I'd hear it in the bathroom downstairs and then I'd hear it upstairs. I'm like, 'Man, who is this?' Then I got hip to him and I started peepin' him and watching him and listening, and I'm like, 'Man, this guy is fly.' "
The Doggfather will turn 40 this fall while he approaches nearly 20 years in the game. Nearly as many years as the 23 year old Khalifa has been alive. "It's amazing the way two people are the same kind of people from two different generations, but we're cut from the same cloth."


text:
According to an article of the German magazine "Der Spiegel" some people in the SPD demand to renounce of the last Tranch of the Eurofighter.
"There are some projects which are more important like new heavy helicopters or the missle defence system MEADS," Hans-Peter Bartels said in an interview with the "Berliner Zeitung".
Link in German
Please check your spelling (press "Check Spelling" above)
©Copyright 2016 Demand Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved


text:
Criminal Law
Criminal Law Questions? Ask a Criminal Lawyer.
In both counties he is charged with a felony on drug charges (pot). However, the one county where he is deferred was going to be reduced to a misdemenor if he appeared back in court and did not break his probation. I am just concerned that he is going to be sent back to prison. I believe the time he is spending in RID which is 6 months will be good for him and that when he gets out he will do okay. As a mother this has been a very upsetting time for me. I am a teacher and never thought my son would be where he is. He always did fine in school. I just want him to be able to move on when he completes this. Also, I am wondering if he will be able to ever apply to law school and be accepted with these felony charges in any state? Thanks so much for your help.
If he was on probation for a felony drug charge and picked up another felony drug charge, the court is not going to be very happy. While they may not send him to prison, he could face jail time or a lengthy probation period. Moreover, the felony will not be reduced to a misdemeanor and thus, he will have felonies on his record. He will be able to apply to law schools but his admission will be determined by the school. He will also have to be able to get license in the State, which he wishes to practice.
DISCLAIMER: Answers from Experts on JustAnswer are not substitutes for the advice of an attorney. JustAnswer is a public forum and questions and responses are not private or confidential or protected by the attorney-client privilege. The Expert above is not your attorney, and the response above is not legal advice. You should not read this response to propose specific action or address specific circumstances, but only to give you a sense of general principles of law that might affect the situation you describe. Application of these general principles to particular circumstances must be done by a lawyer who has spoken with you in confidence, learned all relevant information, and explored various options. Before acting on these general principles, you should hire a lawyer licensed to practice law in the jurisdiction to which your question pertains.
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text:
Well, I had another 'hallway' conversation with my colleague, Adam Mendoza, who is the Strategic Planner for Cloud Storage and I thought you would like to weigh in on our conversation. The discussion we had was how do you effectively and efficiently store data so that it is always available and secure? Here is Adam's take...do you agree?
Is "Cold" data really cold?
The days when we declared data to be "dead" went out the window once legal discovery became the norm because of the "Enron incident". Fast forward and we get to the "tape is dead" timeframe and TCO actually indicates that this was one of those "just kidding" moments. Now all data is online, all considered important and we have all kinds of tiers of storage, including Cold Storage, that is used to store data using the lowest cost possible (and trading off performance).
Although it would be nice to actually determine the value of the data, emerging analytics techniques are making data value determination easier to consider - not necessarily to get rid of data but more along the lines of what data can be used for business decisions. So, just when we thought that we could put data in an on-line archive, sometimes called Cold Storage, that is designed around the lowest cost model available, we find that much more consideration needs to be made on leveraging the data, and that in turn may mean that you have to build a yet another tier. Maybe we should just build in the ability to conduct analytics on the cold storage platform because that's where your data is? Expect that this will continue to be an ongoing requirement and maybe, we can finally figure out what data really is important and confidently keep or delete it?
So what do you think - do you want the lowest cost possible storage that forces you to buy more tiers in order to extract data value or maybe we just build it in upfront? Just saying.


text:
Impressed that you have time for mapping and writing with 7 kids ... and welcome to the guild - start by going to the tutorial section and find something you like - then post it in the WIP section for critique and help
Hi all! I'm interested in making some detailed maps for a fantasy novel/series I'm writing. I need the maps to help me write the books because I need see things to be able to describe them. I've thought for a long time that the only way I'd be able to make maps is to shell out money for Campaign Cartographer, but coming here has helped me figure out that I do not necessarily need to do that which is great because with 7 kids, I have no budget! LOL
So I'm here to learn how to make maps of planets, continents, countries, cities, and even buildings with GIMP. I am still feeling lost. I was hoping to find a good random generator to get me started, but all the ones I've seen just confuse me more.
Well, thanks for having this forum and I hope that someday I can contribute.
Impressed that you have time for mapping and writing with 7 kids ... and welcome to the guild - start by going to the tutorial section and find something you like - then post it in the WIP section for critique and help
regs tilt
:: My art on Deviant Art :: My work Catapult ::
:: Finished Maps :: WIP Breakwater - Gungnerhafn -Battle City :: Competion maps - A Ghastly Rest ::
:: FREE Tiles - Compasses :: Other Taking a commision - Copyright & Creative Commons ::
Works under CC licence unless mentioned otherwise
Welcome Aboard!
My Finished Maps | My Challenge Maps | Ghoraja Juun, my largely stagnated campaign setting.
Unless otherwise stated by me in the post, all work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 United States License.
Hi Mom !!!
I write a continental autogenerator for windows which is dead easy to use as all you have to do is page to next and next again until you like one then hit the save button. If you want it higher res then go to the previous one, up the Map Size box and go next again. Its not very sophisticated tho so don't expect great geography.
There's some planetary generators as well but cities are not so easy to autogenerate and are still the hardest of the set to produce. The tutorials will help greatly in all types of map tho.
Good luck - perseverance is what you in most need of tho
ViewingDale Map maker and VTT . Recent CG posts . Keyword Index . Intros Index . Member Locations . CWBP Place Index
Welcome! There are quite a few of us mapping for our novels; try some of the tutorials, you'll find yourself making great maps (and being inspired by them) in no time!
Welcome to the Guild!
Daniel the Neon Knight: Campaign Cartographer User
Never use a big word when a diminutive one will suffice!
Any questions on CC3? Post them with CC3 in the Subject Line!
MY 'FAMOUS' CC3 MAPS: Thunderspire; Pyramid of Shadows; King of the Trollhaunt Warrens; Demon Queen's Enclave


text:
Interview and giveaway from author Karyn Gerrard
Today we are talking to author Karyn Gerrard about her vampire series, Blackthorne Clan, and her latest release, Black Desire.
Make sure you keep reading after the interview to learn how you can enter to win an e-copy of Black Desire for yourself.
Can you explain what Black Lust is?
My clan of vampires has the last name of 'Black' so the titles of the books in this series are a play on the name.
Can you tell us who and what the Blackthorne Clan is?
They are an old clan/family of vampires living in a fictional coastal village in Nova Scotia, Canada. Back in the 1700's the name of the clan was Blackthorne, but the name became shortened to Black in the ensuing years.
Can you describe what a Thrope is and why they would have conflict with the Blackstone clan?
Don't you love that every paranormal author has their own twist on the mythology? I broke my wolves into three groups. Thropes, Lycans and Weres. The Thropes are the elite; they can shift into wolves and have other powers. Thropes are very cold and detached, they hide their feelings. They are also very devious. They also take their breeding very seriously, which will tie into the conflict with the Black's.
What sets your vampires apart from all the others in paranormal romance genre?
My vampires are very emotional. In my paranormal world, the Blackthorne Clan has done the impossible, they have children. So I have Dhampyres (half-vampires) and Quarters (1/4 vampires) in my vampire world.
Can you tell us a little about the two main characters in Black Desire, Tristan Black and Katrina Hammond?
Tristan Black is a Dhampyre (half-vampire) and the son of the leader of the clan, Deegan (a pure-blood vampire). Tristan's last mate was human and died of old age in 1939. He has closed off his heart all the decades to follow until a chance meeting with a woman in a pub. He feels the Mate Bond.
Katrina Hammond is a historical romance author (I couldn't resist!) on vacation visiting her cousin in the small village in Nova Scotia. The attraction to Tristan is immediate and potent. Katrina can't believe what she's been pulled into. Vampires? Wolf-shifters? Some vacation!
What is the relationship between Lucius Black from Black Lust (the first book in the Blackthorne Clan series) and Tristan Black from Black Desire? What are their positions in the clan?
Lucius Black in the first book is a Quarter, and Tristan's son and Deegan's grandson. The book takes place in the U.K. where he has been staying with a cousin who is part of another branch in the Blackthorne Clan tree.
In the second book, the scene shifts to Canada and focuses on Tristan. Lucius will show up again in Book 4. Book 3 is about Deegan, the leader.
How many books do you have planned for this series?
I only planned on three, but Marcus Steele, a Thrope, (who appears in Book 2 and 3) had such an impact on me, I had to do his own story. I hope to submit Book 3 and 4 this fall and fingers crossed they will be accepted.
Did the series come out as originally planned or did it evolve as you went along?
It did come out as planned, the three books all fell into place. But Marcus wouldn't let me leave it at that. *grins* I'm sure four books is all I will be doing, but I certainly left it open to explore other characters should I wish to at another time.
Is there a routine you use to help inspire you when you write?
I limit my computer and writing time to the weekdays when my teacher hubs is at work. I usually take the weekends off. Usually all it takes is a pot of hot tea, Earl Grey is my tea of choice. I also crank up the music, crack my knuckles and I'm off! So far, writing block hasn't been an issue, and as long as it stays fun and publishers keep accepting my manuscripts, I will keep going!
More about Black Desire:
Tristan Black of the Blackthorne Clan has known heartache and pain. He is a Dhampyre (half-Vampire) and most would say blessed with extreme longevity. Tristan would say cursed as he observed the long, slow decline and then death of his human wife due to old age while he seemingly aged not a day. Now seventy years later, he meets Katrina Hammond who piques his interest.
Katrina is a romance writer on summer vacation when she meets the mysterious and dangerously sexy Tristan. Katrina now finds herself in the middle of a clash between the Blackthorne Clan and a pack of Thropes (wolf shape-shifters).
Can Tristan protect Katrina, and can he protect his heart?
She awakened feelings in him he thought he would not have again. He considered these passions to be little more than vampiric mythology. She awakened his…black desire.
How you can contact Karyn:
Website || Facebook || Twitter || Goodreads || Pinterest || Newsletter
Karyn is giving away a PDF copy of Black Desire. This giveaway is open internationally and will end on May 15th.
About Stephanie G
Stephanie is a Paranormal Haven co-creator & reviewer. She loves coffee, Supernatural & most importantly, paranormal romance & urban fantasy books. Connect with her on: Facebook - Twitter - Goodreads


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Fiscal deficit, CAD to act as party spoilers
Jan 20 2013 , Mumbai
Consdier this: Retail or small investors have been exiting the market every time its goes up. This time, there is hardly anybody left in the market, whether those investing directly in stocks or those investing via mutual funds. Like in all bull markets, they may return when stock prices touch dizzying heights, just before another collapse.
Other factors also favour Indian stock markets at this moment. The government is taking tough steps to tackle the growing oil subsidy, while it has opened retail, aviation and insurance sectors to more foreign direct investment. Meanwhile, inflation is cooling off, the interest rate cycle is turning, and the economy may have bottomed out.
While this sets the pitch for the next big bull run, similar to the one witnessed from September 2004 to January 2008 (the Sensex went up from 5,192 all the way to 20,869 in that period), there are three-four key concerns that can hamper a smooth upward climb.
So, what are the major risks?
Analysts at Kotak Institutional Equities led by Sanjeev Prasad have pinpointed three major challenges viz., balance of payment (BOP), fiscal deficit and non-performing loans (NPL) and said an evasive attitude towards the challenges and ambitious approach to addressing them was unlikely to address the problems, but only postpone them.
Experts also caution on other risks, such as early general elections and spike in oil prices. The possibility of a populist budget also cannot be ruled out entirely, given this will be the last budget by this government ahead of the 2014 elections.
"In our view, India stands at an important juncture in its journey. The way it manages the macroeconomic challenges and finds appropriate solutions (or not) will shape its destiny (and investment opportunities for investors). This is not an intellectual debate as it will affect India's macroeconomic outcomes and growth for the next several years," Kotak analysts wrote, in a report dated January 14.
On the BOP problem, Kotak said: "We are worried about India's rising trade deficit and CAD (current account deficit) and India's decision to increase overseas borrowing limit for the government and companies. There is yet little focus on enhancing India's competitiveness to increase exports in order to reduce a burgeoning CAD. India's external debt has risen rapidly to $365 billion against $172 billion at end-FY07. Indian companies have been swapping domestic loans for foreign debt, attracted by lower borrowing cost. This increases the risks to India's BOP position from any unexpected depreciation in the currency or change in view about India and its prospects."
According to Aditya Narain, strategist at Citigroup, the rising market has raised economic and political expectations. "We believe the rebound in the real economy, corporate risk appetite, investment cycle and demand, will lag expectations," he wrote, in an India strategy note. "This, combined with the ongoing political battles and impending general elections in 2014, is likely to make 2013 a noisy year. Simultaneously, more government action and an easing in macro pressures (inflation, interest rates) should support markets," he said.
Another worry for the market is on bank asset quality. Goldman Sachs, an American brokerage, reckons it is not a big threat. "Banking balance sheet indicators are generally solid. The key risk is asset quality. We think that the latter will trough in FY13, and may improve gradually thereafter due to an economic recovery, better liquidity, and lower interest rates," said Goldman Sachs, in a report.
But analysts at Kotak believe bank NPL is a big problem.
"We believe the widespread practice of restructuring and "ever greening" may result in potential problems in the Indian banking industry. In our view, the fallback option of such practices results in moral hazard issues and looser lending practices in parts of this industry. Also, such practices implicitly assume (1) a recovery in the economy and the financial condition of the stressed companies and/or (2) eventual recovery of the loans. In practice, banks have been quite lax about extending the "grace" period for bad loans. NPLs and restructured loans have risen to quite high levels over the past few quarters," said Kotak.
Another concern for the market is whether the UPA government goes for a populist budget next month, ahead of the general elections in 2014. But, many now believe this may not be the case actually.
"We expect the government to present a market-friendly budget for FY14 (and may even try to contain social spending), with a clear roadmap for fiscal consolidation. This is important, in addition to the reforms process, to bring the economy back on track, and should ultimately give the government fiscal leeway for more social spending in late 2013, closer to the 2014 elections," said Suresh A Mahadevan of UBS Investment Research, a foreign brokerage.
Abhay Laijawala of Deutsche Bank is sticking out his neck to say that the government will continue with the reform moves, and the chances of a populist budget are very low. "Our extensive meetings with New Delhi government officials have reinforced our belief that policy-making will be pragmatic, endeavouring to restore GDP growth to 7-8 per cent; this, and a capex cycle turnaround will form the hallmark of the policy end objectives. This will entail, in our view, difficult decisions that include subsidy rationalisation and accelerated decision-making. Since September last year, government action has been swift, suggesting an end to the paralysis, which has characterised Indian policymaking over the past two years. The forthcoming credit policy and the Union budget should be keenly watched for positive government intent on economic reforms," he said, in a note.
Laijawala also see no major threat for India in the form of a spike in crude oil prices.
As far as the fisc is concerned, Kotak analysts believe India will have to change its approach to reduce the burgeoning fiscal deficit. "Instead of resorting to one-off revenues (sale of natural resources, divestment of stake in government-owned companies) to offset rising entitlements (subsidies and welfare payments), it may be better off reducing entitlements. Entitlements result in related problems of high inflation and higher costs of products and services," the analysts said.
To sum up, the path ahead for Indian stocks looks bullish, except for the concerns highlighted above. The long-term strength of the market, and economy, will depend on how we tackle these challenges.
For the moment, it looks like the positives outweigh the negatives. zz


text:
- Ebenezer Slocum's Profile
- Family Tree & Genealogy Tools
This person was created through the import of dyermaeettaaug2010.ged on 11 September 2010. The following data was included in the gedcom. You may wish to edit it for readability.
User ID
- User ID: 36D0ABA090819044B0E4CE20F934B4049D75
- Source: #S174
- Page: 281
While processing relationships in the gedcom some additional information was found which may be relevant.
- Husband: @I9640@
- Wife: @I6764@
- User ID: 55D3D68EA28DDC4EB2153B0957C2EFA29A68
- Marriage:
- Date: 1778
- Source: #S174
- Page: 281
- Husband: @I880@
- Wife: @I3149@
- User ID: 10630649877830438B5E9E76D2B917DFB2F9
- Child: @I12493@
- Child: @I6480@
- Child: @I6590@
- Child: @I7778@
- Child: @I3060@
- Child: @I13296@
- Child: @I12354@
- Child: @I1665@
- Child: @I16691@
- Child: @I11355@
- Child: @I10393@
- Child: @I9640@
- Marriage:
- Source S174
- Call Number: R929.2 H913.3
- Title: The Hull Family in America
- Author: Weygant, Col.
- Publication: The Hull Family Association
- Abbreviation: The Hull Family in America
- Note: A record of the descendants of George Hull, Rev. Joseph Hull, and Richard Hull.
- Source Media Type: Book
- Master Listing Source: Y
- Source S363
- Title: World Family Tree
- Abbreviation: World Family Tree
- Note: Source Media Type: Manuscript
- Master Listing Source: Y
- Source S364
- Title: The Slocum Genealogy
- Author: Charles E. Slocum, M.D., Ph.D, of Syracuse, N.Y.
- Publication: NEHGR, Volume 34, October 1880
- Abbreviation: The Slocum Genealogy
- Note: Source Media Type: Book
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text:
Need Help? Call 1.866.472.4001
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Beadboard Basic Corner Desk
$199 – $1,099 Sale $99.99 – $1,099
- Overview
Create an organized and stylish study with this collection, detailed with classic beadboard paneling. It features two basic cabinets of which contains two drawers an open cubby and a pullout work surface. All is expertly crafted with quality kiln-dried solid wood frame to ensure this product will not expand, contract or warp but to last a lifetime.
- 82" wide x 36.5" deep x 30.5" high
- Crafted with a kiln-dried wood frame.
- Desk includes two basic cabinets and a corner desktop.
- Each basic cabinet is built with two drawers, an open cubby and a pullout work surface.
- English dovetailed drawers open smoothly on waxed wood glides.
- Drawers and pullout work surfaces feature safety stops.
- Finish is hand-applied in a multi-step process to add depth of color and durability.
- Simply White is a warm and bright white finish.
- Dark espresso and chestnut finishes are stained and have wood grain finish adding extra character.
- Make sure it fits! Use our interactive room planner to design your floor plan.
- Create the setup you need to succeed with our Design Your Own Study Space Tool.
- Dimensions + Care
Corner Desk
- Overall: 82" wide x 36.5" deep x 30.5" high
- Wall Space Needed: 58" along each wall
- Desktop Center: 49.5" wide x 36.5" deep
- Desktop Wings (2): 23" wide x 24.5" deep
- Legroom: 19.5" wide x 42" deep x 29.5" high
Basic Cabinet
- Overall: 18" wide x 22.5" deep x 29.5" high
- Pullout Surface: 14" wide x 16" deep
- Cubby Interior (1): 16" wide x 22" deep x 7" high
- Drawer Interior (2): 13" wide x 15" deep x 4" high
- Distance drawers extend: 11"
- Clearance below desk: 2.5"
- Dust with a soft, dry cloth.
- To protect the finish, do not apply abrasives or household cleaners.
- Shipping Info
This item is delivered by our In-Home Delivery Service. With In-Home delivery, the item is brought into your home, unpacked, and assembled (except for some headboards and Style-It Desk components, which are not unpacked or assembled. Our service also does not mount hutches and shelves to customer's walls.) Delivery is by appointment. Weekdays in all areas; Saturday delivery in some areas. Our delivery service will contact you to arrange a day. This service is available in the contiguous 48 states only. Please allow approximately 2-3 weeks for delivery.
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The Secrets to a Super-Happy Winter
Embrace the season
by Leslie Barrie
Freezing temps? Check. Gray skies? Check. Crabby mood? Check again.
But not for long! It may be gloomy outside, but your outlook doesn't have to be.
"There are simple things you can do to stay positive," says Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, and author of The How of Happiness. "It's important to keep your mood up because it can help you avoid everything from gaining extra pounds to feeling lethargic." Try these techniques to stay sunny all winter longno trip to the Bahamas required!
Next: Winterize your workout
Get the latest health, fitness, anti-aging, and nutrition news, plus special offers, insights and updates from Health.com!


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Giving Children Hope Giving Children Hope
Here's a sample of our volunteer opportunities:VIEW AS
Please wait . . .
Mission Statement
Giving Children Hope is a faith-based organization providing local and global assistance to the neediest members of society.
Giving Children Hope supports local agencies and provides direct service to hungry children through local programs. We provide emergency disaster relief supplies and engage in sustainable medical development projects on an international level.
Giving Children Hope accepts donations. Donate Now.
- Drew Bryson
- 714-523-4454
- Need admin access?
Would you recommend Giving Children Hope?
by Melissa E. (July 16, 2012)
Giving Children Hope is an amazing organization. They have a great staff who is very caring. I've been fortunate to volunteer there off and on for the past 2 yrs. now. They do wonderful things not only for the community but around the world. They are so worth your donation time and money! :)
by beatrice a. (March 3, 2010)
because i believe children are the next generation and most vulnerable they need to be cared for.
by Annelise S. from Huntington Beach, CA (February 27, 2009)
I helped donate some toys to this organization around Christmas and it really warmed my heart to see their facility and to learn about what they do more closely. My coworkers and I gave toys and food to them and I helped wrap the toys. I just received a thank you package from them which included photocopies of the some of the children's thank you notes and I was really glad I could help. It's too bad I cannot help them on more a full-time basis since most of their volunteer hours are in the day-time during the week.


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//tableau vivant, on stage.
Actors in "Anne Made Me Gay" - a one-night-only performance at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre over the weekend. Hysterically funny.
NEWS: The Doublecrossed Holiday sale is late, but ON. Head over to my ETSY SHOP to browse through all sorts of discounted artwork. Most are pieces from the summer show tour. So far, around 35 small matted pieces are up, and I'll be uploading large pieces and framed works throughout the day (so check back!).
2008-12-03 // Category: [Events]


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When she arrived at the museum Charcoal weighed 12 pounds. She has more than doubled her weight since then and is still growing! Her preferred diet includes rats, mice, quail, chicks, and ground meat, but she is not a pure carnivore. She eats a variety of fruits and vegetables as well and particularly likes apples. She also welcomes yogurt and raw eggs as a treat.
The wildlife staff works hard to socialize Charcoal and give her stimulating enrichment items. She prefers enrichment activities that involve digging, especially in big tubs of shredded paper or piles of mulch. Her favorite game to play with staff members is tug, with either a towel or a rope toy.
Charcoal is extremely food motivated and eager to please so her training is going very well. Here is a picture of Charcoal standing on her station a few days after her arrival:
And here is a recent picture of her stationing. One can see that we had to upgrade to a larger station to accommodate her rapid growth!
Charcoal is also kennel trained so that we can take her to the vet and target trained so that we can move her to desired areas around her exhibit. We have been doing some tactile desensitization with her too so that if we need to give her injections in the future she will be used to us touching her. She has been receptive to this and I don't think any staff members complain that part of their jobs is to pet a young coyote!
Overall Charcoal has adjusted very well to her new home. She is healthy, playful, and captivating. Come stop by the Perkins Wildlife Center for a visit and watch as she continues to grow!


text:
Dynasty Marching Bass DrumsProduct #465797 Dynasty 465797 MBA Marching Bass Drums https://www.esnapw.com/rses/ESnapServlet?MerchantNumberSent=63655
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Plant Sciences (PLSC)College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
2139 Plant Sciences Building, 301-405-4359
Chair: A. Murphy (Prof & Chair)
Director: J.H. Sullivan (Prof and Coordinator)
Professors: S. Cohan (Prof Of Practice), J. Culver, K. Everts, J. H. Sullivan, J. Lea-Cox, M. McIntosh, C. Walsh
Associate Professors: M. Carroll, G. Coleman, R. Kratochvil, M. Neel, T. Turner, S. Xiao
Assistant Professors: Y. Balci, P. Chaverri, L. Johnson (Asst Prof), S. Micallef, B. Phillips (Asst Clin Prof), J. Roberts (Asst Prof), B. Schulz (Asst Prof), C. Swett (Asst Prof), K. Tully (Asst Prof), J. Zhu
Lecturers: K. Petroff
The Major
Plant Sciences combines basic science courses with applied technical classes to prepare students for the many and varied careers in this growing field. Students seeking a Plant Sciences degree must complete requirements in one of the following Areas of Concentration: Horticulture and Crop Production, Landscape Management, Plant Science, Turf and Golf Course Management, or Urban Forestry.
The Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture also offers two additional degrees: the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Agricultural Sciences and Technology and the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA). Courses offered may be found under PLSC and LARC.
Program Learning Outcomes
Requirements for the Major
1 Note: Courses with an asterisk are suggested electives for students planning on graduate study in Forestry.
Requirements for the Minor
Minor in Landscape Management
The Landscape Management minor provides students with a foundation in plant sciences and business management. The required science courses lead to an integrative understanding of plant growth and development and the plant's responses to its environment. These courses also teach students the skills needed to recommend best management practices and to identify plant abnormalities in the landscape. The business courses in this minor foster an understanding of the business structure, human resource management and financial management associated with landscape management companies.
All courses presented in this minor must be passed with a grade of "C-" or better. To complete this minor, students will be expected to complete an 18-19 credit course sequence. Students should also be aware that many of the courses in this minor list PLSC100, Introduction to Horticulture, as a prerequisite.
Total Credits: A minimum of 18 or 19 credits is required to complete this minor. (Depending on which AREC or BMGT course is chosen)
The Department has mandatory faculty advising for each of its major and minor programs. Students are required to meet with their faculty advisor at least twice a year. See the Program Management Specialist in Undergraduate Studies in 2139 Plant Sciences Building (301-405-4359) for additional information.
Internships with scientists are available at nearby federal and state agencies. Numerous internships also exist and can be readily arranged for students interested in private sector employment.
Student Societies and Professional Organizations
The department sponsors student teams that participate in regional and national contests. These teams prepare in the following areas: turf, weeds and crops, and landscape contracting.
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
Several scholarships and awards are available to PLSC students. Contact the Associate Dean's office at 301-405-2078 for additional information. The Department also maintains a listing of scholarships. Contact Jessica Trotta in 2102 Plant Sciences, 301-405-4356.


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IRC Regular and Ex-officio Voting Members: Judith Adkison, College of Education; Ginny Anderson, Fiscal Affairs; Donna Asher, Administrative Affairs; Craig Berry, School of Visual Arts; Cengiz Capan, College of Business, GALC; Bobby Carter, UNT Health Science Center; Christy Crutsinger, Faculty Senate; Jim Curry, Academic Administration; VACANT, Student Association; Duncan Engler, University Planning Council; Don Grose, Libraries; Jenny Jopling, Instruction Program Group; Joneel Harris, EIS Project Group; Elizabeth Hinkle-Turner, Standards and Cooperation Program Group; Abraham John, Student Affairs; Christine Mitchamore,Graduate Student Council; Ramu Muthiah, School of Community Services; Jon Nelson, College of Music; Robert Nimocks, Director, Information Technology,UNTHSC; Patrick Pluscht, Distributed Learning Team; Mark Rorvig, Research Program Group (Acting Chair); Paul Schlieve, Communications Program Group; Kathleen Swigger, College of Arts and Sciences; Philip Turner, School of Library and Information Science and University Planning Council (Chair, IRC); Virginia Wheeless, Chancellor for Planning. IRC Ex-officio Nonvoting Members: VACANT, Telecommunications; Charles Andrews, GALMAC; Bill Buntain, Computing Center Networking; Jim Curry, Microcomputer Maintenance Shop; Richard Harris, Computing Center and University Planning Council; Coy Hoggard, Computing Center/Administrative; VACANT, UNT Health Science Center; Maurice Leatherbury, Computing Center/Academic; Sue Ellen Richey, Computing Center (Recording Secretary). [As of 9/2001]
October 23, 2001
VOTING MEMBERS PRESENT: PHILIP TURNER, Chair, RICHARD HARRIS, DON GROSE, ELIZABETH HINKLE-TURNER, JUDITH ADKISON, JONEEL HARRIS, DONNA ASHER, PAUL SCHLIEVE, ROBERT NIMOCKS, JON NELSON, MARK RORVIG, CENGIZ CAPAN, NANCY MCCRAY (for VIRGINIA WHEELESS), RAMU MUTHIAH, KATHLEEN SWIGGER, DUNCAN ENGLER, WIL CLARK (for JOHN PRICE), CRISTINE MITCHAMORE, BECKY MORGAN NON-VOTING MEMBERS PRESENT: PATRICK PLUSCHT, DOUG MAINS, RICHARD HARRIS, MAURICE LEATHERBURY, COY HOGGARD, CHARLES ANDREWS, SUE ELLEN RICHEY (Recording Secretary) GUESTS: JENNIFER LAFLEUR, LOU ANN BRADLEY, BETTY TOMBOULIAN
The minutes of the September 18th meeting were approved as distributed.
IR Steering Committee
Richard Harris reported that the IR Steering Committee has not met but a draft of the revised IRC Charge has been given to Dr. Pohl and Mr. Diebel for review. The revised Charge document will be considered by the IRC at todays meeting. Harris stated that the main changes to the old document were updates of members titles, the addition of a System Center representative, a clearer definition of the Steering Committee as well as Planning Groups (in place of the Program Groups), along with membership designations for these groups. The revision clarifies the relationship of the GALC to the IRC, also.
Harris distributed copies of the revised IRC Charge showing the Red-line and strike-outs 1), as well as copies of the finished draft . During discussion, it was stated that the Chair of each Planning Group should represent that group at IRC meetings, although a designated representative can attend IRC meetings if the chair is unable to attend. Mark Rorvig suggested that the word centralized be removed from the description of the Research Program Groups responsibilities. Donna Asher suggested that the UNT Staff Council be represented on the Council. The membership of the EIS Planning Group was questioned and after discussion, it was agreed that the group would consist of the Core Project Team with the addition of faculty members chosen by the Faculty Senate. Patrick Pluscht asked for clarification of his position on the Council. It was explained that because of the service aspect of the Center for Distributed Learning, it should have Non-Voting Ex-Officio representation on the Council. Harris said he would make the suggested changes and bring the new Charge to the Council for a vote at the November meeting.
Distributed Computing Support Management Team
Maurice Leatherbury reported for the Distributed Computing Support Management Team that they have met regularly and announced that there is a new security analyst position in the Computing Center which will be working with Charlotte Russell, the Security Coordinator. The new analyst will be scanning equipment on campus to provide a baseline of information on what vulnerabilities exist. Cengiz Capan asked if there is a group looking into just what assets need to be protected. Maurice replied that there is a group called UNT First which consists of Computing Center personnel who are concerned with this issue. Cengiz suggested that persons outside the Computing Center should also be included in that effort. The DCSMT has also discussed the rolling out of Office XP and a sub-committee has been formed to look into this.
Instruction Program Group
Maurice Leatherbury also reported for the Instruction Program Group, in Jenny Joplings absence. The groups primary item of business has been negotiating with the UNT Testing Center on how many machines will be available for the distance learning testing facility. Dr. Turner explained that UNT spearheaded the formation of centralized testing centers at various sites across the state so that students taking distance learning courses can go to these centers to take tests, as opposed to traveling to the campus from which the course originates. The difficulty seems to be finding staff to supervise the testing facility, since the Counseling & Testing Department does not think they have the staff to handle it.
Kathy Swigger suggested that a method of evaluation be developed for classrooms that contain computer technology, stating that faculty need to be able to report to someone their satisfaction or lack of it in these classrooms.
Cengiz Capan suggested that there might be some creative way to combine general access lab usage with the testing facility, thereby making more efficient use of resources, as well as providing staffing for the testing facility. It was also suggested that the Department of Business Services, which manages the Gateway Center, might be able to provide the staff needed to supervise the testing facility.
The consensus of the group was that Dr. Turner should take the issue of the testing facility before the IR Steering Committee.
Communications Program Group
Paul Schlieve reported that the Communications Program Group has not met since the last IRC meeting.
EIS Project Group
Joneel Harris reported for the EIS Project Group that they have completed the preliminary evaluation of the software vendor RFP responses. PeopleSoft, Oracle and SCT were the only vendors who responded. All three vendors passed the preliminary evaluation phase and stayed in at least two of the major software family areas. They have also completed the preliminary evaluation of the implementation services vendor RFP responses. PeopleSoft plus eight other vendors responded as being able to provide professional services for PeopleSoft software; Oracle plus two other vendors bid professional services for Oracle software; and SCT was the only bidder for professional services for the SCT software. The Project Group will meet this week to coordinate site visits and establish what software demos are desired. Joneel noted that the very first step after deciding on an Implementation Services vendor will be to have a much more comprehensive project plan prepared. Joneel pointed out that there is a Web site that contains all the information that is available concerning this project.
Research Program Group
Mark Rorvig reported for the Research Program Group that he is still seeking members to serve on this group. Kathy Swigger stated that faculty researchers need a group that can help them with their equipment and software problems.
Standards & Cooperation Program Group
Elizabeth Hinkle-Turner reported for the Standards & Cooperation Program Group that they now have completed revisions of the Information Resources Security Policy, the Computer Resources Security Standards Policy, and the Microcomputer Data Integrity Policy. Elizabeth credited Charlotte Russell, the UNT Security Coordinator, for her assistance in re-writing these policies. It was important to have the policies conform to what the Department of Information Resources requires, and that their definitions and the ones used in these policies conform. The revised documents were taken before the Distributed Computing Support Management Team for their input, since members of that committee deal with security issues in their areas daily.
This being the first reading of these documents, the floor was opened for discussion. Mark Rorvig suggested a different approach when writing these policies, one that would first look at what data needed to be protected and then laying out procedures for establishing various methods for the protection of that data. Paul Schlieve suggested that a procedural document be written that would be more specific as to the methods of protection, and which would be referred to in the policy documents. Elizabeth agreed to work with other program groups to re-work the policies as well as prepare a procedures document.
Distributed Learning Team
Patrick Pluscht reported that the distributed learning team has not met, but there is a WebCT Conference beginning Wednesday, October 24, 2001 and continuing through Saturday, October 26. Also, UNTs Center for Distributed Learning won the award for the best e-learning program in higher education at Telecon, which is the national expo and conference for videoconference web-based communication.
Other Business
Kathy Swigger reported that her department is having difficulty getting software contracts processed through the Legal Office. The Chair asked that Kathy talk with him after the meeting.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:50 p.m.


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SIGTARP auto report out.
The short version? Having the government do your restructuring for you isn't necessarily the brightest thing in the world. Particularly when there's a variety of conflicting objectives. At least, if what you're trying to do is actually create a better version of your company; if your goal is to use government fiat to streamline the operations of your newly government-owned automobile manufacturer it apparently works | Read More »


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I've written about mindless political correctness, but there was an eye-popping example on HuffingtonPost.com the other day:
"Lincoln Journal, West Virginia Paper, Prints Anonymous Rant Claiming Gays, Minorities Be Put To Death."
The rant was screamingly offensive or brilliant satire at the expense of Appalachian culture. I'm undecided.
HuffPost's indecisive editors managed to be incorrect and offensive and their incoherent response to the rant was so politically correct that it was weird.
The subject of the newspaper article and HuffPost story was a rant left on the paper's "Gripes and Gratitudes" phone voicemail.
Apparently, the complaint arose from the unresolved controversy about Kelli Burns, a gay teacher recently fired by her school board. Here's what the Lincoln Journal and HuffPost posted online, saying it was the verbatim transcript of that voicemail:
"We were really glad to hear that School Board is getting rid of them queers. The next thing is we need to get rid of all the n****rs, the spics, the kikes and the wops. You know even them Catholics, they are wrong as baby eaters. We need to clear them people out and have good, white, God-fearing Christians and everybody else needs to be put to death for their abominations. We'll keep Lincoln County white and right. Thank you."
The Lincoln Journal didn't bowdlerize "niggers" in its print edition. Or anything else: n****rs appeared only on the paper's website.
By including n****rs online in the transcript while spics, kikes and wops are spelled out, HuffPost gets goofy. In its online image of the rant printed in the Journal, HuffPost blacked out all four slurs: niggers, spics, kikes and wops.
I'm tempted to suggest some possible reasons for this editorial meltdown, but neither makes much sense. That's OK, neither did HuffPost.
The first reason may be HuffPost feared angry responses from Lincoln County's 0.2 percent black population (U.S. Census, 2011).
Or the second reason may be that there are even fewer Hispanics, Jews and Italo-Americans in Lincoln County and liberal HuffPost was willing to risk their wrath over the antiquated slurs.
Local television station WCHS interviewed Lincoln County residents about the rant, and some said they were very offended by it. Janet Dooley, interim dean at Marshall University's School of Journalism, said the rant "hit several of the markers of hate speech." Brilliant. Sounds like a journal article in the making.
In an interview with HuffPost, Lincoln Journal Managing Editor Sean O'Donoghue defended the decision to publish the rant in print and online. He said the firing of Kelli Burns was an emotional and widely read story the Journal had been following for several weeks.
After the rant arrived on voicemail, O'Donoghue had Burns come in to the office, listen and give her perspective. Her reaction was filmed and posted on the newspaper's website.
"Gosh, that just about says it all," Burns said after listening to the rant. "It's really hard to believe that opinions and such bigotry still exist anywhere in the world and especially also in West Virginia. But yet there you have a perfect example of appalling viewpoints and statements about other people."
The paper ran the screed only after O'Donoghue inexplicably sought Burns' permission to publish it. What would he have done if she said not to? After all, he told HuffPost, he hoped to raise awareness of local hate and bigotry. "We made clear, that while all readers are entitled to their views, we feel pity for people who resort to racial slurs."
Whether the caller's views were representative of a "large swathe" of the populace was unclear, O'Donoghue added, but of the handful of people WCHS-TV interviewed, one supported the sentiment.
O'Donoghue said people outside of the county called him to complain about the gripe but few from inside the community had reacted so passionately. "What does that say?" O'Donoghue asked. "I think that says that people in the county are not shocked to hear somebody say that. Locally, there's more of an understanding that there are people in our community capable of such hateful things."
Meanwhile, unrequited lust for Hispanic votes compelled GOP leaders to force Alaska Rep. Don Young to recant his "insensitive term" for Mexican farmworkers. Recalling his youth in rural California, the politically incorrect 79-year-old Republican told an Alaskan TV interviewer, "We used to have 50-60 wetbacks to pick tomatoes."
That slur does "nothing to elevate our party," Texan and Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn said.
Curmudgeon notes:
• Speaking of politically incorrect, Rick Green's attempt at public service blew up in his face at the Des Moines Register. After the Newtown, Conn., massacre, Iowa's dominant daily surveyed school security statewide. It posted the information on an interactive map along with its story.
Kapow! Fox News and The Blaze.com, the right-wing web site started by Glenn Beck, went after the Register. As Fox's Megyn Kelly put it, "If I'm some psycho, I might wanna play my odds."
Green, a former Enquirer local editor who is boss at the Register, hoped to answer parents' questions about police presence in school districts. Fox News, The Blaze and others focused on identification of unprotected school districts.
Green said the map "showed no schools, showed no addresses (and) it did not go into detail" about security, but he killed the map.
Andrew Beaujon at Poynter.com says the Register did not tell readers what happened to the map.
In a world of space-filling maps, graphics, etc., maps showing school security apparently have joined those showing owners of conceal/carry and other firearm permits.
I recall that years ago, the feds discouraged publication of security information at such places as the Cincinnati Water Works where deadly chlorine is stored and used to treat drinking water. The information was published in the name of public safety: First responders, especially fire fighters, needed that information and some laws or regulations required its easy availability.
• How many structure fires do Cincinnati fire fighters fight every day? And how many "ambulance" runs do they make in those same, typical 24 hours? I haven't seen that in news stories about reducing the city deficit. Firefighters do more than put out blazes, but is there a real threat to public safety if some are laid off to help balance the city budget? I'm not talking about the pain of being laid off — emotional as well as financial — but since the mayor and others tell us layoffs will threaten public health, I'd like numbers instead of reporters stenographically repeating what they're told by partisans in this budget fight.
• If I heard him correctly, Cincinnati mayoral candidate John Cranley wants to fight local gun violence by prosecuting perps under federal law. I hope the next reporter who hears this bullshit asks him how city prosecutors will do that. Or why Hamilton County prosecutors wouldn't do the job using state laws.
In almost 20 years of covering federal courts and agencies, I never found federal prosecutors and judges with any desire to prosecute persons who only violated the federal ban on possession by felons. This pattern continues although it could bring years in prison. That's a powerful tool for taking bad guys off the street; possession doesn't require using the weapon.
But no one seriously expects the feds to prosecute this kind of stuff or federal judges to take kindly to tying up their courts with felon-in-possession prosecutions.
• New York Times op-ed columnist Joe Nocera is after the NCAA again, this time writing about rare coaches who stood up to the NCAA. His March 29 column includes an unflattering image of Bob Arkeilpane, then at SUNY Buffalo and now UC deputy director of athletics.
The primary subject of that column is former SUNY Buffalo basketball coach Tim Cohane. Nocera says that Cohane's essential complaint is that in 1999, Arkeilpane, the new SUNY Buffalo athletic director, "ginned up a series of phony NCAA rules violations to force out Cohane … NCAA obliged. Although the primary alleged violation — watching prospects work out in a gym — is incredibly insignificant, the NCAA charged Cohane with unethical conduct and hit him with a dreaded 'show cause' order. Any school that wanted to hire him as head coach would have had to explain its decision to the NCAA. Branded with that Scarlet 'A,' as (attorney Sean) O'Leary put it in court, Cohane's career as a college head coach was over."
Cohane is in federal court, trying to get his complaint before a jury. Defendants are NCAA, the Mid-America Conference and SUNY Buffalo. NCAA wants Cohane's case dismissed, saying he has no standing to sue. Nocera said Arkeilpane "declined comment."
Nocera said Cohane also alleges that "a back channel developed between the conference and the NCAA as they conspired to give Arkeilpane what he wanted: a report that would doom the coach."
Nocera added that "a Buffalo assistant
coach whom Cohane had decided to fire after he was caught in a hotel
room groping two high school girls — a photo of the incident is part of
the evidence — was the only one of Cohane's staff to keep his job. The
NCAA and SUNY Buffalo gave him a pass because he had aided in the
investigation." On April 2, Desiree Reed-Francois,
senior associate athletics director at UC, told CityBeat that Arkeilpane
"respectfully" would not comment but he looks forward to an opportunity
to refute allegations levied against him in Cohane's suit.
• If NPR did an April 1 story, the hoax was so good I still haven't gotten the joke. However, someone's bacon-flavored condom hoax soared. Even Jay Leno bit, warning guys not to use them when the dog's around and remarking on the irony of the role of bacon and (women's) eggs. Or maybe it wasn't a hoax but a tasteless way to bring people to an existing product. Tuesday's Enquirer says P&G did a hoax that went viral for a bacon-flavored mouthwash, but it was demur compared to the condom prank (or brilliant marketing ploy).
• The New York Times was victim of an ugly hoax and it made it to Monday's Page 1: Impoverished Afghan father must give 6-year-old daughter as a bride to the son of lender to whom he failed repay the equivalent of $2,500. The Times doesn't do April Fools … knowingly. But Tuesday, the Times said it was misled. An anonymous private donor repaid the debt weeks ago, but as recently as Friday, the father didn't mention that to reporters.
• Unless this guy suddenly went over the edge, West Virginia's Supreme Court is stunningly slow to sanction unfit judges or local news media ignored a great story. Poynter.com credits National Law Journal for this gem:
"The West Virginia Supreme Court on March 26 suspended Putnam County, W.Va., Family Court Judge William Watkins III without pay until December 2016, citing 24 violations of the state's judicial ethics rules. The justices said that, while in court, Watkins shouted profanities at people and threatened litigants. On one occasion, he called a woman seeking a protective order against her husband 'stupid,' they said. He told her to shut up and criticized her for 'shooting off [her] fat mouth about what happened.' One YouTube video of Watkins yelling at litigants last May has racked up more than 200,000 views."
• It's been years since the Enquirer had an environment reporter. Our Sole Surviving Daily left the position unfilled when the its last environment reporter left. That put the Enquirer in the vanguard of dailies and broadcasters who found little news in the environment that didn't come from some distant news service: glaciers melting in the Himalayas, polar bears threatened in the Arctic and, maybe, climate change. So, in the celebration of sloth, here are some reasons to restore the Enquirer environment beat:
Rivers and aquifers on which we depend for drinking water and food are threatened.
Until natural gas or alternative energy replaces coal, pollutants from coal-fired power plants will continue to waft up the Ohio River valley and over us. Even when utilities meet horribly misnamed "clean air" standards, pollutants include brain-injuring mercury and lung-damaging soot.
Coal is mined, moved and burned up and down the Ohio River valley. Environmental degradation from mining is well known; political battles to mitigate the damage and pollution are endless.
Ohio oil and natural gas are abundant but require now-controversial "fracking" to extract. Any hope of near-term energy independence depends on those fuels, but industry secrecy and campaign donations degrade public debate about the environmental impacts of drilling. Dumping toxic fracking wastes into disposal wells and inescapable drilling leaks into underground drinking water are inescapable problems.
Successful fracking means coal mining and transportation will suffer as cleaner, easily transported fuel becomes plentiful.
The uptick in severe weather and
partisan/scientific debates over climate change could be newsworthy,
too, unless you don't want to offend entrepreneurs who tell tourists
that humans rode dinosaurs two-by-two on to a big boat to escape a
global flood.
• News media should abandon euphemisms for medical risks and reassuring health studies. Tell us what the risks are and the studies said. The Enquirer all but abandoned serious medical reporting years ago, so I rely on the daily New York Times and its Science Tuesday sections. Recently, my frustration with Times reporting and editing boiled over.
The Times said the FDA "toughened a warning" because the
popular antibiotic, azithromycin, "may lead to a fatal irregular heart rhythm
in some patients." Pfizer markets it as Zithromax.
The March 13 Times cited a study from the New England Journal of Medicine that found a small increase in the likelihood of death compared to other antibiotics. OK, but an increase from what to what, and who says it's a small increase: Pfizer, the FDA, the NEJM, or Times reporter? Tell us the numbers. If we can swallow the pills, we can stomach the facts rather than indigestible adjectives.
A few days later, the Times produced a smarter, detailed
story. It said Zithromax risks were almost triple those from the popular
antibiotic amoxicillin or no treatment. That story attributed those results to
a study of about "540,000 Medicaid patients ages 30-70 in Tennessee from 1992
to 2006." And it gave context: "there were few sudden deaths … fewer than 100
combined among those taking azithromtycin, amoxicillin or no antibiotic."
• Meanwhile, I asked Pfizer for the Z-pack risk numbers. Pfizer did not respond, unlike Merck, which provided details of risks that led it to take the painkiller Vioxx off the market. I'd contacted Merck after Times reporters covering Vioxx-inspired litigation mentioned "increased" risk without saying increased from what to what. Here's what I wrote:
"More than 2,500 people participated in Merck's post-approval three-year clinical trial. It was analyzed in 0-18 month and 19-36 month periods. Merck found essentially no difference between people who took the placebo or Vioxx in the 0-18 month period. That changed in the 19-36 month period. Merck reported about one heart attack, stroke or other vascular death annually among every 263 patients given the placebo. However, among patients who received Vioxx during the same period, there was about one heart attack, stroke or other vascular death annually among every 70 patients. In short, for that 19-36 month period, Vioxx users faced more than three times the risk. During the entire 36-month clinical trial, patients taking Vioxx faced twice the risk of those given the placebo."
• More recently, the Times wrote about corporate pressure on
physicians to use Intuitive Surgical Inc.'s robotic da Vinci Surgical
System in place of conventional surgery. The story recounted questions over da
Vinci cost and safety and surgeon training. It quoted responses from Angela
Wonson, Intuitive's vice president for communications.
Wonson said studies showed that da Vinci produced better outcomes than conventional open surgery and "the most objective" measure of its robotic equipment is in the "comparative clinical outcomes." The Times does not tell us what those studies or "comparative clinical outcomes" were. I'm not sure what's worse, a reporter who didn't ask or editors who let this into the paper without describing the reassuring studies or comparative clinical outcomes.
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text: WOW.. hard to believe it's been nearly two years since I stumbled across this incredible community. I came here still drawing things (badly) by hand and now I like to think I'm not too bad. I want to thank EVERYONE who has commented and gave me suggestions on all my work. I look forward to another two years and another 2000 posts !!


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Barre U-13 squad earns title berthFebruary 25,2014
Barre U-13 squad earns title berth
This past weekend's State Tournament for Peewee AA youth hockey teamsfeatured plenty of drama and excitement at the Georgetti and Spartan Arenas in Rutland.
Barre's under-13 team suffered a 6-1 loss to Essex in Saturday's opener, with Tyler Murray scoring the lone goal for the Granite City squad. Rutland skated to a 5-3 victory overBarre in the following game, with Murray scoring two goals and teammate Parker Spaulding adding another.
Barre returned Sunday without a serious chance to advance in the tourney, but goals from Murray and Heath Atwood helped fuel a 2-0 victory over Middlebury. After hours spent waiting to find out which teams moved onto the semifinals, Barre wound up in third placeafter edging fourth-place Rutland by 0.5 points in the standings.
Barre's players returned to the iceagainst Essex knowing it could be their last game and served up a 6-2 victory. Murray led the way with a hat trick,Taylor Coburn scored twice and Spaulding also found the back of the net. Barre also received a lot of offensive contributions from Jesse King and Daniel Ruel. Cam Gosselin, Owen Kresco and Miles Aja anchored the defense in front of tough goaltending by Kyle May.
Barre will travel to play CSBon March 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the championship game in Middlebury.MORE IN This Just InThe National Retail Federation, based in Washington, D.C., recently named Rep.Peter Welch, D-Vt. Full StoryBURLINGTON PC Construction of South Burlington won the annual Deane C. Full StoryMORRISVILLE The Lamoille Economic Development Corp. Full Story
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WILMINGTON, Del. — WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Gannett Co. has named Susan Leath president and publisher of Delaware's largest newspaper.
Gannett announced Tuesday that Leath takes over at The News Journal in Wilmington after serving as publisher of the Centre Daily Times in State College, Pa. since 2009. Leath succeeds Howard Griffin, who was named vice president of national sales for U.S. Community Publishing earlier this year.
McLean, Va.-based Gannett publishes 82 daily newspapers, including USA Today, the nation's largest print circulation paper.


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If you have over £4,500 in unsecured debts that you are struggling to repay, then an IVA could help you write off some of that debt*. Find out about IVAs now and costs.
Make your monthly repayments more affordable. Debt management plans can help you pay off your debts without going bankrupt. Find out more about DMPs now and costs.
Are you facing repossession? Already been to court and due to be evicted? We can help. Get repossession help.
If you have a lump sum of money and unsecured debt you can use our settlement service to help save you money. If we don't manage to save you anything, then the service is free! Click here for details.


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Criminal Law
Criminal Law Questions? Ask a Criminal Lawyer.
yes. but you should check with the court and see how they appear on your record and if they are present - then you will need to get an expungement and the clerk can give you that paperwork to file -
if the charges were dropped there should be nothing - but the arrest record would need to be sealed and you can ask the clerk for those forms, too.
on the adjudication withheld, this is viewed as a conviction, so you will probably see it on your record. when you file for the expungement, file to have that arrest record sealed, too
the clerk cannot give you legal advice but they can give you the proper forms to file and any written instructions on how to file the documents
good luck
if it was not a felony, you should not be precluded from obtaining your medical licenses - boards of licensing will deny with felonies, but not misdemeanors . though you might be asked about it - so you will need to be prepared to explain the minor incident, and what you have done since then to correct the behavior.
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For the busy professionalFriday, October 29th, 2010
Here we are approaching the last few months of 2010. This is a time when many business professionals are looking back to reevaluate the year. Where did we succeed? Where did we fall short? What can we learn and apply for 2011?
Recently I read an article named "Clutter that Blocks Money". This article discussed how an unorganized workspace can lead to inefficiency and chaos, which ultimately will get in the way of accomplishing our goals. A cluttered office will also buzz with negative energy. Clear the air (and your desk) to help your business blossom. Change doesn't have to be drastic to bring remarkable results.
For help paving the way to your professional success in 2011, consider the help of a professional organizer.


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Monk looking for Swans reaction
Swansea, Updated:
[[views]], BY ClubCall
Swansea manager Garry Monk is hoping that his players can bounce back against Crystal Palace after being dumped out of Europe.
The Swans put in a valiant effort against Napoli on Thursday and were close to progressing further in the tournament having held the Italians at 1-1 for most of the game, however late goals from Gonzalo Higuain and Gokhan Inler ended the Welsh side's hopes.
The defeat has come as a bitter disappointment to the Premier League outfit, but Monk is hoping they can bounce back to winnings ways when they take on Palace on Sunday.
Exit from the Europa League may come as a blessing in disguise for Swansea, whose league form has suffered due to the extra games played this season, and the team sit just four points clear of 18th-placed Sunderland in 13th position in the Premier League table.
A win for the Swans would improve their standing considerably and would go some way to ensuring Premier League safety, something Monk is fully focused on.
"The idea is to take the disappointment from going out of the competition into Sunday's game," he said. "Hopefully we will get the reaction that we want after our disappointment, I will request my players give one last mammoth effort before we get a two-week break."
Swansea have particularly struggled to keep out the goals this season, having already shipped 40, the fifth worst record in the league, and punters may decide to use their free bet now and back Crystal Palace to claim what would be only their third away victory of the campaign.
Monk has admitted he may make several changes for the game due to the intensity of the clash with Napoli on Thursday.
"As I've said before, it's impossible for me to play the same 11 players every single game in this period. We've had a lot of games, with the Palace game it will be seven games in 21 days, which is a lot to take on for a player, physically," he added.


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Celebs Wish Betty White A Happy 91st Birthday
January 18, 2013 03:30 PM by Stephanie Gustafson
We love Betty White (doesn't everyone?!) and as such, were excited to hear that the Hot In Cleveland star recently celebrated her 91st birthday! This special occasion has the celebrity Twitterverse bowing in reverence, with Mario Lopez, JWoww and everyone in between wishing Betty a very happy birthday.
Dancing with the Stars alum Mario Lopez has fond memories of working with Betty White back in the days of Golden Girls, as he explained in his birthday tweet: "Happy 91st birthday Betty White! Honor to have worked with you on the 'Golden Girls' back in the day… Such an inspiration. #Icon."
Did you expect any members of the Jersey Shore cast to harbor secret crushes on Betty White? Turns out, JWoww's a definite fan! The guidette adorned her birthday tweet with hearts and kissy faces: "Happy birthday @BettyMWhite ❤❤❤❤❤"
Katie Couric spends plenty of time interviewing today's hottest reality stars, but she'll always have a soft spot for Betty White. She tweeted, "Happy 91 years young to @bettymwhite!!!" Included in the post was an Instagram picture of Katie, Betty and Bravo's Andy Cohen, all kicking back with delicious cocktail drinks.
A lover of parties, Betty certainly is not one to limit her birthday festivities to Twitter. The actress will be celebrating in style (albeit, a bit late) during the upcoming Betty White's 2nd Annual 90th Birthday Special. Blake Shelton, Bill Cosby, Whoopi Goldberg, Bill Clinton and Sarah Silverman will all be joining in on the fun! Last year's birthday special was a big hit and we're sure plenty of fans will tune in once again to see their favorite Golden Girl celebrate her 91st birthday.
Are you a Betty White fan? Feel free to leave your birthday wishes below!
Want more? Follow our tweets on Twitter and like us on Facebook! Click here for more information about Jersey Shore. For other great reality TV news, please feel free to check out SirLinksALot: Jersey Shore.
Photo Credit: NBC
Topics: ABC Reality TV Shows, Dancing With the Stars, Jersey Shore, MTV Reality TV Shows |
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If Hunter S. Thompson were to write a story about his trip to a parallel, prehistoric dimension, then Land of the Lost might be the most accurate representation possible of its subsequent film adaptation. Directed by Brad Silberling and starring Will Ferrell, this update on the Sid and Marty Krofft television series from the 1970s is the strangest, filthiest summer movie I think I've ever seen – and it opens against one that features Mike Tyson, a tiger and Zach Galifianakis. But just as strangely, it's also damn entertaining, although it's hard to know whether you should or definitely shouldn't be indoctrinated beforehand to its weirdness. Regardless, Land of the Lost offers a sobering alternative to the pre-packaged and otherwise conventional blockbuster fare offered by studios this summer, even if its charms would ultimately benefit from (if not require) chemical enhancement of some kind to be properly enjoyed. Ferrell plays Dr. Rick Marshall, a disgraced scientist who unexpectedly gets a second chance to test his radical theories on time travel after getting sucked into a space-time vortex with a research assistant named Holly Cantrell (Anna Friel) and a huckster tour guide named Will (Danny McBride). Landing in a parallel, prehistoric dimension, Rick forges a tenuous friendship with a primate named Chaka (Jorma Taccone) even as he insults or otherwise offends virtually every other living creature, including a foul-tempered Tyrannosaurus Rex. But when Rick, Holly and Will stumble across Enik (John Boylan), an outcast member of a mysterious race of creatures called Sleestaks, they inadvertently become embroiled in a plot to conquer Earth, and must try to prevent an interdimensional invasion - even if it means they can never return home again.
Most importantly, and in the interest of protecting young, corruptible minds, Land of the Lost is absolutely not for children. There's at least one f-bomb, Rick and Will talk about Sleestaks "tapping that ass," and there are multiple sequences in which our heroes are violently threatened by a Tyrannosaurus – although he is nicknamed Grumpy. Like many, I was prepared for, well, a movie based upon a kids' television show, and expected something more like Ferrell's Elf, albeit in a prehistoric setting; instead, I essentially got a Jurassic version of Anchorman, which suggests... if not maturity, necessarily, then at least humor that's decidedly for grown-ups.
Not unlike Anchorman, much of the film has an improvisational quality, which is certainly uncharacteristic for effects-laden blockbusters, but it distinguishes Land of the Lost from much if not all of its summer movie competition. Specifically, its set pieces are jumbled together, its CGI wildly inconsistent and its story structure virtually incomprehensible, at least once you realize that minutes of screen time have passed without anything in particular happening. But at the same time, you do have to actively realize that, and what the film possesses in spades is a certain kind of fearless, seat-of-the-pants ambition that doesn't always succeed but generally distracts you from the fact that it's failing.
A centerpiece sequence in which Rick, Will and Chaka share a hallucinatory bond after ingesting psychedelic produce counts as one of the riskiest scenes ever shoved into a film of this kind, but its length and its pointlessness almost dares you to acknowledge that it existed only to provide enough off-screen time for Holly to get herself in trouble. Meanwhile, the fact that director Silberling punctuates the moment with Seals and Crofts' "Summer Breeze" – a druggy, AM-radio classic that's a personal favorite of mine – only further suggests that a sure and steady captain is at the helm, even if he's more interested in reimagining our memories of '70s kids TV than faithfully recreating the shows themselves.
Ultimately, while Land of the Lost feels like Silberling's most idiosyncratic, and daresay personal film to date (even after the introspective, semi-autobiographical Moonlight Mile), the film as a whole seems more a natural extension of the kind of comedy that is Will Ferrell's specialty – namely, the kind of meta-humor in which characters can both experience a moment, and step outside themselves to acknowledge the conventions they're either indulging or inverting. Needless to say there will be folks for whom the film's sense of self-awareness simply proves distasteful, if not offensive. But inspiring fear and loathing may actually be what this film is trying to do - which is why with or without Hunter S. Thompson, Seals and Crofts and the Sleestaks, it qualifies as the trippiest, weirdest, and all-around most unpredictable movie of the summer thus far. Whether that's a good or bad thing may come down to how you prefer your epic adventures - carefully constructed or cobbled together on the fly - but as the birthplace of the gonzo blockbuster, Land of the Lost is if nothing else an interesting place to visit.
categories Reviews, Cinematical