text:
Old clothes can help community programs
By JULIANNE WU
© St. Petersburg Times, published March 22, 2001
CLEARWATER -- The Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin and Junior League of St. Petersburg will collect used clothing for a good cause at area Stein Mart stores Friday and Saturday.
The Style Exchange, patterned after a similar event begun in 1998 in Milwaukee by Stein Mart, allows people to drop off their "gently used" clothing items to the Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Seminole and St. Petersburg Stein Mart stores.
In exchange for their donation, they will receive a tax receipt and 20 percent discount coupons. On both days, Junior League volunteers will accept donations during regular store hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Donations to the Style Exchange in Clearwater and Palm Harbor will go to the Junior League's thrift shop, the Scot Shop, 1265 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin. Clothes collected at the Seminole and St. Petersburg Stein Mart stores will go to the Junior League of St. Petersburg for use at the thrift shop operated by the Center Against Spouse Abuse. The Junior League supports a number of community programs.
"We are so excited about this project," said Susan Benjamin, president of the Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin. "We're partnering with Stein Mart, a member of our local community. And it ultimately gives us a chance to give back to the community in the form of programs and projects."
Last year, the Scot Shop in Dunedin netted the local Junior League about $40,000, Benjamin said.
"We found this to be quite a successful way to help the Junior League," said Dawn Lacross, Stein Mart agenda consultant. "In Milwaukee, for instance, we helped the Junior League there raise about $40,000."
Stein Mart, based in Jacksonville, has more than 200 stores nationwide, Lacross said. The local Stein Mart stores involved in this weekend's exchange are: Clearwater, 320 Cleveland St.; Palm Harbor, 33591 U.S. 19; Seminole: Seminole Mall, intersection of Park Boulevard and 113th Street, and St. Petersburg, 218 37th Ave. N.
© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-893-8111
From the Times
North Pinellas desks


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Vancouver Canucks 2 Detroit Red Wings 1
A game between the top two seeds in the West saw players from both sides missing from the line up as both are battling injuries as the playoffs inch closer.
The game had not even started yet when the Michigan Blue Cross Youth Skater stole the show when he took a few extra laps and got some high-gives from the players:
The first period went scoreless while the second saw Daniel Sedin score early in the second to give Vancouver the lead over Detroit.
It was another goal from Sedin gave the Canucks the 2-0 lead over the home team; and earned him the first star of the night.
Roberto Luongo took second star of the night with his 39 saves. Only a power play goal from Jiri Hudler midway though the third got past Luongo. Luongo's Red Wing counter part Jimmy Howard took third star with his 0.939 save percentage. Red Wings have had some goaltending woes as of late with three-time Stanley Cup winner Chris Osgood bouncing on and off the Long Term Injured Reserve list still recovering from surgery shortly after his 400th win. Jimmy Howard hitting a sophomore slump; but seems to be rebounding. Joey MacDonald has been bounced to and from the Grand Rapids Griffins oh and the Red Wings signed Troy Passingham to an emergency contract.
Florida Panthers 0 Chicago Blackhawks 4
For the second straight game the Panthers have been shutout. The New York Rangers shut the Panthers out 1-0 at Madison Square Garden the other night and now the Blackhawks have in Chicago.
No once scored in the first though each team was given a power play: Chicago with one less than a minute into the game when Florida's Mike Weaver took a penalty for hooking. The Panthers had one late in the first when Chicago's Marian Hossa was called for hooking the stick.
It was penalty trouble for the Panthers in the second that lead to the Blackhawks finally scoring on their third power play of the period. Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook put a slap shot past Panthers net minder Tomas Vokoun to start the flood of scoring for Chicago.
Less than a minute into the third Viktor Stalberg made it 2-0 Blackhawks. It would be Patrick Kane that would make it 3-0 shortly after the halfway point in the period and Tomas Kopecky would notch the final goal late in the game.
Anaheim Ducks 4 Dallas Stars 3 (OT)
Things are looking good for the Ducks as they fight their way into a playoff spot. Their All-Star goaltender Jonas Hiller who has been sitting on the sidelines pretty much since the All-Star game with vertigo has been reactivated. The Ducks have said they are going to carry three goaltenders for the remainder of the season. That gives them Hiller, Ray Emery, and Dan Ellis to fight their battles in net to get to the playoffs.
It was a power play goal from Lubomir Visnovsky within the first minute of play in the second that opened up the scoring and put the Ducks up over the Stars; by the end of the period it would be a tie game with a power play goal from Stars Alex Goligoski.
With the domatium from the game tying goal the Stars Loui Eriksson scored early in the third to take the lead for the first time in the game. Ducks Corey Perry was not about to let the Stars keep the lead as he retied the game 11 seconds later off his backhand.
Stars defenseman Trevor Daley regained the lead for Dallas as he put a wrist shot past Ray Emery with Mike Ribeiro and Steve Ott getting the assist.
It looked as though the Stars were going to win this one in regulation and take the much needed two points from the Ducks – that is until Teemu Selanne reminded everyone why he is The Finnish Flash. With seconds left on the clock in regulation Selanne put a quick snap shot in past countryman Kari Lehtonen from a pass from Saku Koviu.
A lot of Finnish to the end of regulation.
Overtime lasted a mere 1:42 as Anahiem's rookie defenseman Cam Fowler (picked 12th overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft) score the game winner – helping him to take the first star of the game (teammate Selanne was second star while Dallas Stars Trevor Daley took the third star).
Calgary Flames 3 San Jose Sharks 6
Unlike the rest of the games last night were there were no goals scored in the first there were six goals cored in the first period between the Flames and the Sharks.
It was three minutes exactly into the game with the Sharks took the lead with a goal from Torrey Mitchell. It would be matched little over 4 minutes later as Flames captain Jarome Iginla took advantage of a power play after Sharks Dany Heatley was called for boarding.
San Jose would regain the lead a few minutes later when Andrew Desjardins put a wrist shot past Miikka Kiprusoff to make it 2-1 Sharks.
Not to be out done Cory Sarich put a slap shot past Sharks Antti Niemi to tie the game at two with six minutes left in the first. Exactly one minute after Sarich's game tying goal Patrick Marleau backhanded one in for the lead and then Marleau scored again on the man advantage as Flames Alex Tanguay was called for holding late in the first.
There would not be another goal until 13:20 of the second period when Calgary's Rene Bourque would put in a wrap-around goal on Niemi to bring the Flames within one goal of the Sharks.
Torrey Mitchell increased the Sharks lead to two goal lead over the Flames before heading into the second intermission.
The third period started with a fight between Flames Cory Sarich and Sharks Ryane Clowe; and the only goal scored in the third was from Sharks Logan Couture to make double the score count for the Sharks over the Flames 6-3.
Up into the Netting
First off – please visit www.phoenixcoyotes.com to vote for the hardest working player on the team. The annual award has been renamed after long time Coyotes/Jets franchise Massage Therapist Jukka Nieminen whom unexpectedly passed away last year.
A video about the Western Michigan Bronco Hockey team (CCHA) You have to see to believe:
The Detroit Red Wings may have goaltending depth but that doesn't do any good when you can't get them to the game on time as Detroit signs Troy Passingham to an emergency contract.
He became the first 4th generation NHL player this season and now Blake Geoffrion has his first career hat trick with the Nashville Predators. It is too bad he only recently got the call up from the miniors or he would probably be in the Calder debate:
Washington Capitals to offer Standing Room Only Season Tickets for next season. Only $2,550 and you can enjoy all the action – just you can't sit down.
The Flyers announced that Jody Shelley will be having surgery on Thursday on his orbital bone near his left eye and will out for 4 weeks.
The HBO 24/7 special about the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals leading up to the Winter Classic has been nominated for three Sports Emmys.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Kevin Rose, Digg founder at TC Disrupt discovered that a new "Digg This" button had just been launched both on our site and on Digg.com itself. While prettier and faster, as earlier the button opens up a pop window where you've to "Digg" the story.
To add the button, just take you pick, and include the following JavaScript script element into your site at the desired loaction. Including the file in this manner will cause the file to load asynchronously and not block other downloads.

Reference: Digg Button


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'Godzilla': As pointless as everMay 14, 2014
Here's a misleading metric: This new film of "Godzilla" is miles above Roland Emmerich's turgid mess of a film from 1998, which starred an embarrassed-looking Matthew Broderick and a bemused Jean Reno.
There are lots of movies that make Gareth Edwards' new "Godzilla" look like a masterpiece. That, however, is not the same as saying that this movie is actually worth seeing or, more crucially, worth making in the first place.
And when I say the first place, I'm looking back at the 1956 original, as snicker-worthy an endeavor as ever graced a movie screen. The original "Godzilla" may have been the film that acquainted the mass audience of American moviegoers with the idea of badly dubbed foreign films, at least until Steve Reeves' "Hercules" came along.
It was huge at the time – just as this "Godzilla" is going to (insert verb denoting destruction) the box office this weekend.
Again, not much of a metric, particularly in a year when both "Ride Along" and "Mr. Sherman and Peabody" have won the box-office weekend. Popularity and quality should never be confused with each other.
But the subject at hand is "Godzilla," which promises scenes of the aforementioned destruction, with monsters running amok in Japan, the Philippines, Las Vegas and San Francisco. It all looks fairly convincing – but why should anyone give a rat's ass?
Indeed, it's hard to imagine anyone who's serious about film taking this movie seriously. So there you are.
Edwards is a British-born director whose last film, "Monsters," managed to create a creepy, unsettling vibe by NOT showing its monsters, except glancingly. It was an interesting idea, shot for pennies, one that managed to be ingenious and tedious at the same time.
Which is about the best that can be said for "Godzilla," a bloated extravaganza of special effects which, occasionally, turns the camera around to look at the humans. The actors, in turn, make a Sisyphean effort to seem relevant to the story. Much of that effort is devoted to not looking like they're acting in front of a blank green screen.
The human stories here are so generic, so formulaic and predictable, that you assume actors as distinguished as Bryan Cranston, Juliette Binoche, Ken Watanabe and Sally Hawkins had to hold their noses while they read the scripts. That, and taking a long disinfectant shower after cashing their massive paychecks.
And the action? It's on a par with "Man of Steel" and "Pacific Rim," in terms of the scale and square mileage of urban landscape that's flattened in the course of the film. But in terms of actual excitement? There isn't any. In that respect, "Godzilla" suffers from the same lack of humanity that have made the numerous "Transformers" films all but unwatchable.
Just as it's hard to get excited about giant computer-generated robots fighting with each other, the idea of a battle between giant computer-generated monsters does nothing to make my pulse race. I found more thrills during Guillermo del Toro's "Pacific Rim," because each of those giant robots was being piloted by a pair of tiny humans, so you had an actual character to root for, instead of a pickup truck that turns into an automaton.
Over the years, critics and scholars have made an effort to attach metaphor or symbolism to "Godzilla," from fears and regrets about atomic weapons to a statement about nature rebelling against human despoilment of the planet. But those overlays can't disguise what this is now and has always been: a movie about giant lizards rampaging through our cities. Yet here, even as whole blocks of offices and apartment buildings crumble, there's no sense of the humanity within. As convincing as it looks, it might just as well be cheesy miniatures being stomped by a guy in a Godzilla suit.
Critics have gushed over this movie already, particularly the fact that, while he shows another monster early on, Edwards doesn't do the reveal of the title behemoth until an hour or so into the movie. But who cares, if "Godzilla" doesn't actually scare you? Or thrill you. Or excite you in any way.
This is an expensive and mediocre movie which, for great stretches of time, has no dialogue that matters – or even dialogue that qualifies as a conversation. Because when Godzilla shows up in your town, there's no point in talking about him. Running away is the obvious response.
So don't mistake reviews that say "Hey, this isn't so terrible" with critics actually attributing anything resembling quality to this massive pile of CG product.
"Godzilla" doesn't suck. The fact that it exists, however, does.Print This Post
66 Responses to "'Godzilla': As pointless as ever"
Halderic Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 12:12 pm
You sound like you were biased against this before you even saw it.
That is somewhat of a bad idea when you are a professional movie critic. Though like I have always thought, aggregate reviews are best for an overall films quality, not individual reviews.
Mad Mann Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 12:38 pm
OK, would you mind elaborating that last statement? How could the existance of a movie suck? The main purpose for the existance of a movie is to entertain, and I am sure this Godzilla movie will entertain many people. I did not see the movie yet, but I am faily positive that I will be entertained. Does that make me stupid?
Mike Coolidge Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 12:59 pm
First of all the original Godzilla was called "Gojira" and it was 1954, the American crappy version came out in 1956. Secondly I get it you don't like monster movies. If that is the case why even bother reviewing it since your not going to give it a fair shake.
The movie is about Godzilla (in case the title didn't give it away to you) not about humans. Granted you need a human backstory to keep the audience connected but ultimately it is about nature personified restoring balance. It is tough to cast 6 foot tall humans next to a 355 ft superstar, they are going to get lost in the story.
Is it the best movie out there. No, not really it does have it's flaws. Is it medicore? not even close. You want great dialogue go watch the "Hustler" you want giant monsters crushing cities under foot? Watch Godzilla and take it for what it is. Entertainment.
Greg Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 1:26 pm
Why are you concerned about what other critics are saying about this or any movie? You seem too insecure in your own loose prose to let it stand on its own. To be honest, your tortured and disjointed observations would be more in keeping of how a 13 year old girl would write while experiencing her first menstrual cramps.
Liam Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 1:49 pm
You must be the most boring person to watch movies with.
SloppyJ30 Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 1:51 pm
Man, were you born old? No crappy "cartoons" and "creature features" for you as a kid; straight to the Bergman and Fellini? Did you dismiss the neighborhood kids and their inane games of "kick the can" in favor of reading articles about deep focus shots and the narrative ambiguity of the French New Wave?
I take film seriously . . sometimes. I also indulge my inner ten-year-old . . sometimes. My actual ten-year-old self, circa 1972, would watch every Godzilla movie he could on Saturday afternoons, sometimes recording the audio on a cassette to listen to later. He would probably respond to your review by flinging raisins at your noggin and lampooning you in a series of rudimentary drawings with captions employing the word "poopyhead" more than can reasonably be defended. Luckily I'm now 42 and beyond such juvenile responses, poopyhead.
Not that nostalgia completely overwhelms my critical faculties. I was well aware of how bad the 1998 Godzilla was as soon as I saw it. I was also a true child of Star Wars and only managed to enjoy most of the prequel trilogy by sheer force of will. But from what I've read so far and knowing what I like, Godzilla 2014 will probably be well worth two hours in a theater with my own kids and a blu-ray purchase in a few months.
We'll see, but I can't imagine anyone holds such disdain over the mere existence of a movie about a 350-foot lizard is equipped to provide a useful review of same. You're saying "If you find the concept of a Godzilla movie stupid, you won't like a movie about Godzilla." OK, then. By God, you may be onto something.
Bill. Biscieglia Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 1:58 pm
This entire review strikes me as a desperate cry for relevancy through contrariness. Oh my look so many people like it! Well allow me to be haughty and highbrow and tell them how wrong they are. This review does suck, and the fact that it and the reviewer exist sucks as well. Do have a nice day.
Cory Walter Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 2:03 pm
When it comes to reviews, from professional critics, one has to keep in mind that personal taste is a factor.
It's a Godzilla movie. And if you've never been a fan of the original film, or any of the subsequent sequels, then any fan of the series shouldn't bother reading your review. Because all it's going to do is incite negative feelings towards you.
As a huge fan of the series it took some restraint to not outrightly dismiss your review and insult you over it.
I realize you're paid to review films, so clearly someone feels you're qualified to do so. I hope you're paid well to do your job, because I choose to look through some of your reviews to films I've seen and some of your thoughts on those films. There are a few we agree on in recent months and years,however, in many cases films that garnered the admiration of both the public and other critics… received negative reviews from you.
You and I likely wouldn't enjoy discussing the merits and importance of certain films and series because I find your reviews pretentious and lacking the connection to the audience that's required to be a good critic.
Ultimately, it won't matter to me or many others that you felt that the film wasn't worth making or has any business being produced:
"So don't mistake reviews that say "Hey, this isn't so terrible" with critics actually attributing anything resembling quality to this massive pile of CG product.
"Godzilla" doesn't suck. The fact that it exists, however, does."
I'm sorry, sir. But if you don't get it, you'll probably never get it.
Bill. Biscieglia Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 2:14 pm
What a desperate cry for relevancy through contrariness. Stick to reviewing highbrow art house and Indy movies. I'm pleased you dislike the franchise as I'd be mortified to count you among those in a fandom I enjoy. The unmitigated gall to state that Godzilla had no deeper meaning is only possibly exceeded by the arrogant snobbish manner in which other reviews are dismissed as lacking relevancy. Are you just deficient? Or just honestly believe everyone else is? In either event your opinion is duly noted and ignored. This is the type of review that leave people wondering why people like you get paid for this drivel. Or to put it another way. This review sucks , and the reviewer does as well.
lore Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 2:15 pm
What kind of garbage review is this? "The fact that Godzilla exists sucks" ? From this review, you seem like a racist, unconcerned with the quality of this film and more interested in putting down a movie with the premise and genre of Godzilla, which is a story rooted in very relevant history. It's a story which deserves to be retold more than most.
Are you incapable of watching a movie with metaphorical and symbolic characters? It certainly seems like it from this review.
Al Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 2:22 pm
Suck a dick.
José Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 2:23 pm
This guy sounds like a complainer, and if his biggest complain is that this is a monster movie then I can't take him serious. It's labeled a monster movie, I wonder what kind of movie this critic calls amazing?
Josh Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 2:34 pm
One of the most important things any critic can do is go into a movie with an open mind.
After reading a few of your reviews I can see that this is a skill you have never developed.
What kind of a pretentious jerk ends a review saying a film doesn't suck, just the fact that it exists? How is that even remotely fair? Basically if a film's budget exceeds $50 million and it is released in the summer it has drawn your ire before you sit your jaded butt down. You have got to be one of the most ridiculous reviewers I have ever had the displeasure of reading. Just thought you ought to know.
Ben Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 2:42 pm
I've certainly got no intention of criticizing your judgment with regards to a film I haven't seen, as I've got no ground to stand on for measuring its own quality or lack thereof. Having said that, there was a tone here that gives me pause and forces me to question your legitimacy as a film critic.
It's hard to imagine anyone who is serious about film dismissing one of the most important works of Japanese cinema as merely "snicker worthy" due to a bad dub.
Perhaps you owe the reader an elaboration? At the very least you owe the legacy of Ishirō Honda an elaboration. Judgments regarding quality of the craft aside, you seem to be implying that certain metaphors, ideas and subjects are simply "too silly" for the theater loving elite to even a knowledge.
You couldn't be more alarming wrong.
Film critics are important because film is a dialogue… the critic is a participant in that dialogue. To be a valid participant, you've got to be willing to actually engage… and everything I've just read implies that the very subject matter is so far beneath you, and by your estimation so fat beneath any relevant value to humanity, that it's very existence offends you. Now it's all well and good if you didn't like a film, and it's perfectly fine if you don't even have much affection for a classic as culturally significant as the 1950's original, but you seem to be outright refusing to acknowledge that anyone could or should see any value in these works, and are dismissing not only the tastes and intelligence of their audiences but the value of the efforts out forth by the artists themselves.
Perhaps when I get around to seeing it myself I'll be as unimpressed with this film as you were… but I'm glad to say that I'm not sure I'm capable of the rank cynicism by which you've elected to dismiss an entire class of film by implication, presumably because you don't want to engage with "silly little foreign pictures." Perhaps you could have circumnavigated these ugly implications had you elected to express anything but disdain for a film considered a classic by many genuine film lovers, or clarified that there are different versions of that film and you are aware of them and at the very least made an attempt to engage the subject. Perhaps you wouldn't come across so terribly if you didn't come right up to the edge of outright stating that any critic with a positive outlook I this film is either a) covering for it's mediocrity and by extension being dishonest, or b) is clearly less intelligent than you.
If you love movies, we want to see what you think and feel about movies and that's your job… but the most common misconception regarding the purpose of the critic is that he or she is a mere scale for values. One function is not the sum of your parts, and in that I think one can also see your fatal flaw as a reviewer.
This piece of criticism does suck… but not quite as much as the fact that it exists.
Joe Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 2:59 pm
Funny,I could say the same thing about your existence.
Josh Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 3:09 pm
Wow your seriously have a stupid view. It is 2014 everything had been done before. The reason why this movie was made is because we Godzilla fans wanted a cgi created version of Godzilla that was not lame like 98. Sounds like your anger for this movie is not from the movie itself but perhaps in your mind.
Art Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 3:18 pm
Such pretentiousness.
Nick Poliseno Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 3:19 pm
Your last comment, in particular, and overall entire review makes no sense. For many Godzilla fans, which you are obviously not, as your review shows that you have no interest in such a film, they will be the ones to judge, if just by existence, it sucks… This review is very disappointing!
David Mackay Ballard Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 3:30 pm
""Godzilla" doesn't suck. The fact that it exists, however, does."
The latter can truthfully be said about the proliferation of movie critics on the worldwide web, which are as abundant as ticks and equally as useful.
I'm eternally grateful that you deigned to touch down on terra firma and deliver this epiphany to intellectual lepers such as myself; the haze has been removed from my vision and I can now see clearly how much of my life I have wasted enjoying films like this. I hearby solemnly swear to live the remainder of my days basking in the knowledge that redemption is possible even for those whose hope has long seemed extinct.
I'll leave you with some heartfelt words of advice: A) Your own hype is actually not worth buying into, and B) You should seriously consider having a licenced professional remove the lampost extruding from your arse.
While the best possible response to the above waste of web space would be to ignore it entirely, there is admittedly much satisfaction to be gained by knocking bloated egomaniacs off of their shuggly cardboard pedestals. For this modest service to my fellow man, I seek no personal reward; 'tis, as the saying goes, all in a day's work.
noneofyourbusiness Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 3:51 pm
It sounded like you clearly didnt want to like this from the very start
as-long as it brings out a inner 8 year old in 20 to 30 year old men. Job accomplished
btw the orignal came out in 1954 not 1956 thats the American version
Acid Rap Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 4:01 pm
What a crab you sound like. How can somebody take this review seriously when you are dogging the fact that people wanted a new Godzilla? Probably the worst review I've read on this movie so far.
Andrew Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 4:03 pm
As you are entitled to your opinion, I feel though that this is more of a bitch fit than an actual review. In countless interviews, director Garth Edwards has stated the slow burner was for the character development(Jaws jurassic Park-Alien). Could the narrative have been better? Of course but this is not a typical monster movie. This is a different breed of monster movie. You also stated that this was, "as unbearable as watching Transformers". For many people here in the states Godzilla is a giant monster that destroys cities. Many do not know about the metaphor itself. Its kind of like when you are young and read for the first time about Christopher Columbus. You didnt know who he was, until you studdied the material. Dont bash the metaphor man. Its there. Here is my question, if you are not about these movies anyway then why would you even see it? I think Godzilla fans will appreciate one thing out of this bitch fit though. You stated it was, "miles above" Emmerichs' Godzilla(which made 380 Million dollars worldwide). We applaud you for that and we want to wish you the best in all your future reviews. Don't worry, Transformers:Age of Extinction is right around the corner :). -Andrew Theiss
Andrew Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 4:07 pm
I must admit I am rather taken aback by your review of this movie. This is not to say that you aren't entitled to your opinion about Godzilla. There are probably plenty of people that would agree if not applaud your skewering. However, based upon your review I am dumbfounded as to why you even saw the film. Your title choice is decent, but, wouldn't "Godzilla: A Review From Someone Who Hates the Premise of the Story" fit better? I could understand if this iteration was comparably subpar to say, the original. Yet, you admit quite frankly that you found the original film to be preposterous. It didn't win any awards in my mind, but, given the political climate and time period it was a decent movie. In my humble opinion, Godzilla has always attempted to evoke that vestigial fear of predation. A remembered nightmare, chock full of embellishment and destruction. If that is not your cup of tea then this is all kind of a moot point. Additionally, for better or worse, CGI is here to stay. It has become such a staple of the times for critics to scoff over it. Riddle me this, how would you go about filming hundred meter tall monsters battling in a city? Again you are entitled to your opinion. Nevertheless, your personal biases towards this franchise are so overwhelming it is hard to take you seriously.
Guest Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 4:36 pm
Your dismissive assessment of the 1956 Gojira is shockingly ignorant.
GDA Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 4:45 pm
It's also "hard to imagine anyone who's serious about film" making the mistake of claiming it's "critics and scholars" who attach "overlays" of larger meanings to Godzilla movies (especially the original), when it was the filmmakers who built the entire original film around the trauma of having nuclear weapons exploded in their country, and said as much, repeatedly.
Rejecting the notion that the trifling, or silly–or whatever negative word you'd care to attach (I'm sure you have many)–elements of horror/sci-fi films are frequently masking more serious cultural ideas or critiques offered on the part of the filmmakers is both shallow and ahistorical.
So there you are.
DB Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 5:24 pm
What kind of reviewer states that the movie isn't bad yet gives it a bad review because it was made?
Sounds like hipster BS to me.
david peterson Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 5:30 pm
Wow… This review smacks of pretentiousness and arrogance. You clearly don't know anything about Godzilla or his history, and saying that there is no real symbolism behind him proves it. Do you know about Gojira (original Japanese film) and why it was made? You state that "critics and scholars have made an effort to attach metaphor or symbolism to "Godzilla," from fears and regrets about atomic weapons to a statement about nature rebelling against human despoilment of the planet," as if the movies where not made for this reason, and the meaning is attached after the fact.
Gojira is a product of American censorship not allowing Japanese film studios make movies about the atomic bombings at the end of WWII. So they had to get creative with it. Does it have a giant lizard in it? Yes. Is it filled to the brim with allegory? Yes. This allegory got past the censorship, but not the translation to American audiences, as the original film was transformed from symbolic and meaningful movie, to a popcorn flic with only a microscopic amount of the original message left intact.
By the way, why even bother reviewing a movie that you know beforehand that you are going to hate? Just to be contrary? Just to be superior to those who like monster movies? You mention that "It all looks fairly convincing – but why should anyone give a rat's ass? (really, profanity in an official review?) Indeed, it's hard to imagine anyone who's serious about film taking this movie seriously. So there you are." This one line is where most people will stop paying attention. You have already given your opinion, and have stated that no one should take this movie seriously. You also place yourself on a pedestal above people who enjoy such movies (allegorical or not), a tactic that will not make them listen to you, but instead, make them not care about what you have to say.
However, I'm just wasting my breath, as you can't see past the giant monster and special effects to the core of what's being said. In the minds of some people CGI + fun = shallow and lazy. A movie would dare to be imaginative and fun, and you blast it calling it a waste of time by merely existing.
You Suck Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 5:40 pm
The fact that you exist sucks too. What a whiner and how original to bash critics that actually critique instead of just hate on a genre that you hate. The world sucks today solely because people like you have an opinion and voice on the internet. You mean nothing to anything and your attempt at some attention is as weak as it comes… so here's your attention. Now stop wasting natural resources and disappear soon. please. How do you live with yourself. pathetic
jak0lantern01 Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 5:42 pm
Wow, sounds like someone took their dour grumpy pills before writing this review.
PDC1987 Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 5:45 pm
A hipster would read this and gag on the smug. Good god. You must be fun at parties.
First of all, the original is from 1954, not 1956. The Raymond Burr version was a re-edited, added-to hollywood massacre of the original Toho film. Gojira is a brilliant film and universally considered so. Calling it "snicker-worthy" is disgusting. People aren't "attempting" to attach symbolism to Godzilla, it's fact. Toho made the film as commentary on the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings in WWII. Godzilla *is* a metaphor for nuclear war and the danger of the technology. Several of the sequels Toho made were also direct commentary on political, social or environmental issues of the time. The phoned-in sequels mixed in between don't change that.
In regards to the new film, people want to see giant monsters fighting and destroying cities, so Edwards provided it. Why should anyone give a rat's ass? Because some people like to have fun at the movies.
Falchion Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 5:47 pm
"'Godzilla' doesn't suck. The fact that it exists, however, does."
It's fine to dislike the movie, but what does this even mean?
Jim C Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 6:04 pm
Mr Fine may be a nice man, but idiocy runs rampant throughout this review.
gooched Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 7:30 pm
"Over the years, critics and scholars have made an effort to attach metaphor or symbolism to "Godzilla," from fears and regrets about atomic weapons to a statement about nature rebelling against human despoilment of the planet. But those overlays can't disguise what this is now and has always been: a movie about giant lizards rampaging through our cities."
Not true at all, it started out as a parable for the atomic bomb (you know considering the japanese weren't even a decade removed from that disaster) that isn't opinion, that's just fact. It's fine that you didn't enjoy it, but to be flat out wrong and misunderstand the roots upon which the entire franchise was built upon and easily dismiss it as something you wrongly thing it is.
Maybe you are just the wrong person to judge this film.
Phillip Reese Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 8:44 pm
So in your review, you criticize CGI and practical effects, and yet want to see more of the monster. It's hard to tell what it is you want. You also sound very Biased in the fact that you compare your review to that of other critics. Sometimes it's more fun to go against the current, and in your case, to talk trash about a movie simply because others liked it. And to say that Godzilla is going to rock the box office this year is a big statement, considering all the blockbuster movies slated for this year. Frozen alone shattered records, (for some strange reason) You might want to stick to reviewing other things, like food maybe, or perhaps your life.
MFGreth Says:
May 14th, 2014 at 9:03 pm
What a pretentious knob, you are.
Chris Finney Says:
May 15th, 2014 at 12:02 am
Mr. Fine just doesn't know how to have fun. I guess I am just a delinquent, stupid, over aged 58 year old child at heart, but I have to tell you I am excited about seeing this movie. Nothing that I have read, including Mr. Fine's nasty piece of work, will disuade me. This looks like a kick ass movie – great cast, great special effects, outstanding music, and best of all the one and only GODZILLA. My kids and I are going to have the time of our lives.
Ron Brown Says:
May 15th, 2014 at 12:51 am
Geez someone give this guy a chill pill. Insulting the classic Godzilla 1954 because of dubbing? Would you prefer subtitles? The film is a recognized art piece. Godzilla 2014 was a an ambitiouswork and its all in good fun. If your gonna review a movie try to see it in its genre for what it is.Obviously its not your cup of tea but come on already slamming it like that is unnecessary.
Jimbo Jack Says:
May 15th, 2014 at 1:55 am
If you have a lifetime hatred for Godzilla that prevents you from writing an unbiased review why did you even bother to go watch this movie in the first place?
What next, is one of your KKK relatives going to review a Tyler Perry movie for us?
What a hack.
Chad Says:
May 15th, 2014 at 10:14 am
*Mr. Peabody and Sherman* thank you very much.
Dominic Frigosi Says:
May 15th, 2014 at 6:56 pm
Slam a human-interest movie and nobody cares. Slam a monster, super-hero, anime or any other adolescent genre film and every self-righteous comic-book geek emerges from their parents' basements to voice their outrage and indignation as if their opinions are at all relevant. Fine is completely correct in his assessment. The movie sucked. Accept it and move on.
Anthony Tyler Says:
May 15th, 2014 at 9:02 pm
Oh, dear.
K.H. Orth Says:
May 16th, 2014 at 2:46 am
You Sir don't know nothing about films you should be even be banned to right a review ever again in your sad and lonely heart.
Yosuck Says:
May 16th, 2014 at 4:00 am
Another poorly written review that dwells so much on the fact that there wasn't enough human characteristics in a movie about a giant lizard. Give me a break, anyone that is interested in film or serious about it for that matter would know that it is about entertaining and storytelling. We don't want to watch a Tranformers movie where it's about the humans. These movies are called Transformers and Godzilla for a reason. But don't hurt yourself thinking about that.
BadReview Says:
May 16th, 2014 at 1:53 pm
You obviously weren't going to give this film a fair shake when you saw it involved giant monsters. The acting is superb. Cranston is as believably passionate as ever. Godzilla himself is a force of nature. And the film overall is the best film I've seen in theatres other than Captain America 2 since Argo. Review the film on its merits, don't just say it isn't worth watching because it involves a giant monster. If thats how you feel then don't review it.
Cliff Says:
May 16th, 2014 at 7:39 pm
I just watched Godzilla a few hours ago and feel this review is right on par. The plot holes, the rip offs of other movies (Aliens, Cloverfield, etc), not to mention you don't see any more than Godzilla's back till half the movie is over. It was absolutely awful and a monster sized piece of garbage. I'm certain the only folks who will find this debacle even remotely entertaining, will either be poorly educated or mentally handicapped. If you do venture out to watch the new Godzilla, I recommend you take a blanket and pillow and enjoy your 3D nap.
David Mackay Ballard Says:
May 16th, 2014 at 10:11 pm
Dominic: nice of you to display the same overweening arrogance that Mr. Fine exhibits in his review. "…every self-righteous comic-book geek emerges from their parents' basements to voice their outrage and indignation as if their opinions are at all relevant." The opinions of those you disdain are just as relevant as Mr. Fine's; the difference is (for some rather inexplicable reason), the latter gets paid to voice his. The problem with so many film critics is their ridiculous and completely unfounded sense of self-importance; they believe their opinion is some sort of Holy Grail that the brain-dead masses have no choice but to accept. The main problem I have with Mr. Fine's rant is not that he didn't like the film – everyone is, after all, entitled to their own opinion – but in the unnecessarily patronising and dismissively insulting manner in which it was written. Believe it or not, it is not only "self-righteous comic book geeks" that indulge in Godzilla movies. I look forward to the day when people like Mr. Fine realise (yes, I did spell that with an 's', not a 'z' as you write it Stateside) that enjoyment of Godzilla and Solzhenitsyn are not mutually exclusive of one another.
Wee Claude Says:
May 19th, 2014 at 3:12 am
Actually, even though I'm a Godzilla fan, I agree with a lot of this review. The new movie is disappointing. As Fine suggests, the great cast is largely wasted, the human relationships are dull, and the action scenes somehow fail to excite. He's also correct to point out that the initial wave of gushing praise for the film was misleading. More recent reviews have tended to be more critical (and I think, more accurate).
That said, I disagree with Fine's trashing of the original Godzilla film (which many reputable critics praised upon its unedited re-release in 2004 – why is Fine still referring to the edited and dubbed version that no one watches anymore?) He's also too glib in his dismissal of the political content in these films – there's a lot of raw, sad commentary on the atomic bombings in that first film.
But the 2014 version? Yeah, it's pretty shallow. And it's nowhere near as much fun as "Invasion of Astro Monster." Actually, I'm surprised that the Godzilla "fanboys" (a category that I admit includes me) are defending the movie so vigorously. It's a drab drag – nothing at all like the pop culture bliss of a real Japanese Godzilla flick.
Dayfly Says:
May 19th, 2014 at 9:46 am
Liked the review. Hated the movie. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. No one is required to watch Godzilla and no one is required to read Mr. Fine. My best guess is either all the venom spurting fanboys here are afraid they didn't enjoy the movie as much as they convinced themselves they did or they are self-concious about their own refined taste. In both cases, the best idea of course is to react with hostility. Keep it up, geeks!
Cheese Says:
May 19th, 2014 at 9:37 pm
This movie sucked, I only saw Godzilla for like 10 min. Waste of time and money. But hey, help yourselves everyone go see what all the hype is about. Just set your alarm on your phone so you wake up.
MegaSolipsist Says:
May 21st, 2014 at 10:14 am
I disagree with your first statement.
The 1998 film stands head and shoulders above the new one. At least that Godzilla was interesting, whereas this build suspense for so long it becomes boring, and (personally) I think the Godzilla in the 1998 one looked pretty cool.
I'm a biology nerd studying zoology, so it wins major brownie points with me for physiological accuracy, while the obese monstrosity that waddles onstage at the end of the new one, with it's tiny head and badly animated facial expressions, is just appalling.
Since when did this:
Look cooler tan this:
It boggles the mind how people can prefer it to Emmerich's version. Which, by the way, is the only film of his that I actually like.
ken Says:
May 26th, 2014 at 8:56 am
This guy is not a fan of monster movies and to judge a movie and not watch it is kids with vegetables never tried and don't like it for me I've watched every single godzilla movie that was made and yes a very big fan of godzilla for this movie yes there was a lot of teasing with godzilla and fight scenes but it was still a great movie to me and many other fans of godzilla it had to be a good movie for my to bragging on this movie and never watched godzilla until now and yes I'm very hyped for the next one for the director Gareth edwards great job
ken Says:
May 26th, 2014 at 9:03 am
Sorry in my last comment I meant to say my wife bragged on this movie and never watched godzilla until now and she is not into godzilla but this movie changed that and my daughter love this movie we can't wait until it comes to bluray
Bill Says:
May 26th, 2014 at 10:45 pm
You must be a hoot at parties Mr. Fine. I have enough serious thought every day at work. I go to the movies to enjoy myself.
fred Says:
May 28th, 2014 at 9:44 am
The trailers for this movie were so misleading. I got suckered in to going just like everyone else. I wish I'd stayed home and kept my $12 plus 10 for parking. Godzilla is a hero again? WTF? That's what killed the franchise the first time.
John smith Says:
June 15th, 2014 at 12:31 pm
I agree with the review said about this terrible film. It ultimately tried a "Jaws" formula, but failed to created interesting characters. There is a reason people can remember the characters from way back then. Ford is boring. Period. I was literally sleeping through the silly plot and here is thing, we as consumers have a right to a good product. Meaning this product should entertain but it didn't. I at least still laughed at the characters in the 1998 film. A waste of time. Stop trying to justify bad, shitty, lazy writing. They need to do better than this. Pacific Rim was awesome and character were enjoyable. Thank you for an honest review.
MikeF Says:
June 17th, 2014 at 7:08 pm
It sucked because Hollywood is out of original ideas and had to remake this CGI garbage only for $$$. Let old movies alone Hollywood and try something original.
Something else, these days you need LESS people in seats to make a Billion due to huge price increases for a Ticket. And initial responses will always be favorable to new movies of today.
Look at Avatar, praised to death on arrival and years later people see it for what it really was; a weak, racist story with no substance. And the CGI looks like something a 10 year old made compared to todays CGI. CGI is it's own worst enemy.
Kira Says:
July 6th, 2014 at 10:38 am
It was a boring film. I didn't care about the characters and thought Godzilla looked terrible when he finally deigned to make an appearance.
I even disagree with your first statement. The 1998 film was fun and entertaining, two things which cannot be said for the new one.
Deez Nuts Says:
August 9th, 2014 at 5:36 am
The fact that you exist sucks, idiot.
chooch Says:
August 21st, 2014 at 2:49 pm
I totally agree with the reviewer on this movie. Unlike most of the numbnuts posting here, I have actually SEEN the movie (unfortunately). It was absolutely terrible, and how convenient that so much of the content involving the monsters was shot as night scenes. Not much to be seen then. Reminded me of going to the drive-ins years ago and trying to see the night scenes of a movie against that black screen in the darkness. I watched it with my little niece and nephew, thinking it might scare them a little the way the original Gojira used to scare me as a young child. Not a chance. This movie is so campy it couldn't scare a coward. The acting was just atrocious. Did Wantanabe actually get paid for his horrible acting? And when I see an actor, who the last time I saw him was a character actor in a King of Queens episode, and he plays a major part in the film, I knew I was in for a bad time.
Funny, too, how Godzilla was a hero to the people right off. He never even bothered to attack the navy ships that tailed him all over hell. And that supposed A-bomb explosion was a joke! BTW, how did the muties and Godzilla survive all this time? When were they eating? Were they supposed to be in suspended animation somehow? Were the muties supposed to be supersized preying mantises?
All in all a terrible movie. As bad as all the ones that came after the original with the guy in the rubber suit supposing to be Godzilla; though to give the Japanese credit, none of the ones after the original movie were intended to put a scare into their audiences. They were too campy. Thank goodness I was able to download this movie for free and didn't buy it on DVD or go to the movies to see it.
Elle Says:
September 15th, 2014 at 12:00 pm
Movie was pretty lackluster. Saw it for free and thought "Where the heck is Godzilla!? OH there he is. Wait! Dammit I missed him again! **yawn** I'm sleepy." Snooze fest. Looked better than the old ones but that's about it. Hollywood ran out of original ideas years ago.
Rob Says:
September 22nd, 2014 at 3:58 pm
This movie sucks donkey balls. Worst film I've seen an a looooooong time. Bunch of no name actors with mediocre to poor acting skills. This review is actually light on the criticizm this piece of shit movie deserves. Anyone that actually enjoys this is probably 12 or has the brain capacity of one.
Idamo Dunkin Says:
September 25th, 2014 at 2:51 am
It's not miles ahead of Emmerichzilla. It's worse. Garethzilla is boring which is a worse crime than being a silly but more actiony movie. Garethzilla's got monster battles which cutaway as a sort of "meanwhile in a less interesting part of the movie" gag.
Byron Shelley Injeeli Says:
October 12th, 2014 at 4:01 pm
The title sums it well – this movie was completely pointless. It was hardly even about Godzilla in the first place. Godzilla seemed to playing a cameo-role.
Byron Shelley Injeeli
Benjamin Harrison Says:
December 25th, 2014 at 3:45 pm
I agree with the general premise of the 2014 Godzilla being boring as can be. Even in 1998, the humans mattered, and were entertaining, even funny enough to keep me interested in the film. Even the one romantic relationship played a part, with Aaron Taylor Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen, I was like, what is her name again? Numerous times, there was an unexplained heroic invincibility aura surrounding Ford as a character, where you wonder why Godzilla would deliberately avoid killing him, because uh, he's the hero of the film. With Broderick, Godzilla ignored him because at first, he wasn't even a threat, just a worthless insect. The 1998 Godzilla also possessed an incredible amount of intelligence, rather than simply stomp, smash, and fry, he was able to figure out that drawing the military into strategic locations allowed him to maximize the devastation. The 2014 wasn't much strategy as it was a brute force superbrawl between Godzilla and the Mothra wannabes known as MUTOs, which barely occupied much of the film. Which, when faced with the 2014 having tons of non-monster character interaction, at least make there be some color with your main characters. Also, numerous rude cutoffs in the fight between Godzilla and MUTOs, I mean, if the film wants to show the HALO jump from the trailer, can they better spend it on having complete scenes on the superbrawl between Godzilla and the MUTOs? IDK, but the 1998 film, despite its' being dated, and despite all the negative reviews, is a breath of fresh atomic air for me after watching the 2014 film.
CHARLES G. WUNSCH Says:
January 10th, 2015 at 11:14 pm
Byron Shelley Injeeli Says:
October 3rd, 2015 at 2:17 pm
Godzilla is only in the whole movie for like 12 minutes. Complete waste of time.


text:
USC School of Architecture
suckerPUNCH: Describe your project.
Rob LEY: This project began with an interest in challenging the typical notion of the parking structure as an uninteresting infrastructural typology by transforming the new Eskenazi Hospital parking structure into an interactive, synthetic terrain. . . .
facade, interactive environment, Rob LEY, USC, usc school of architectureComments Off on May/September: Eskenazi Hospital Parking Structure Facade


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Fan photos from Indy
Longtime Patriots fan Aram Garabedian, of Cranston, RI, is old school when it comes to what team garb to wear. Garabedian says wearing the outfit gets you noticed, which shows your support for the team. As a note, he bought the red shoes in New Orleans when the Patriots won a Super Bowl there.
(Globe Staff Photo / Barry Chin)


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The 380 Sundancer has a spacious interior and a superb galley (including a full-size refrigerator), excellent storage, and a wide-open floor plan. She has double berths fore and aft and a sofa in the salon that converts to a double berth for extra guests. The midcabin stateroom serves as a conversation area during the day, and then electrically converts into a bed at night. A door separates the forward stateroom from the main cabin, while a curtain provides privacy for the midcabin. On deck, the spacious cockpit provides wraparound seating for six to seven and comes with a wet bar, fender storage, and a removable table that converts into a sun pad. An electric hatch provides access to the engine compartment.
Cherry Interior
New cockpit cushions 2017
New Canvas 2016
New Galley Refrigerator/Freezer 2016
Westerbeke 5kw Generator with 391 hours
Cockpit Refrigerator
The Galley is to port and open to the entire salon.
The Engine Room is accessed by an electrically operated floor panel in the Cockpit
The Sea Ray 380 Sundancer has sleek lines with durable construction. On the inside, the 380 Sundancer's cabin is spacious and elegant. Plenty of natural light is provided by three translucent deck hatches with interior sky screen covers. Everywhere in the cabin, luxurious appointments abound: handcrafted wood trim, tastefully coordinated fabrics, indirect lighting, deep-pile marine-grade carpet, and contemporary granite-colored countertops. The large salon area converts from a practical dinette to extra sleeping space by stowing the table and opening up the convertible sleeper sofa. The 380 Sundancer features standard entertainment centers in the salon and forward stateroom, complete with TV - VCR - radio combinations, antenna, and TV coax to dockside. For music lovers, a Clarion AM-FM digital cassette stereo with six-disc CD changer, subwoofer, eight speakers, and a cockpit remote control comes standard as well. The private forward stateroom of the Sea Ray 380 Sundancer provides ideal accommodations with its full-size bed and matching linens, plentiful storage, and sliding privacy door. In the mid stateroom, a plush sofa quickly converts to an extra bed with the flip of a switch. The head and vanity area features a VacuFlush head with holding tank. Even the galley is equipped for easy living with a two-burner electric stove, coffee maker, microwave, and a large refrigerator. Abovedeck, cockpit seating is carefully arranged for maximum passenger and storage room with a fully adjustable helm seat (with flip-up thigh-rise) and a roomy companion seat with its own storage compartment below. A large U-shaped seat with sunpad and table creates an ideal gathering spot or a haven for sunbathing. Rich burl instrument panels, a tan gelcoated dash, custom Sea Ray backlit instrumentation with low-glare blue night lighting, hydraulic steering with a tilt wheel, plus standard Raytheon electronics, make the helm the best seat on board. Other conveniences include snap-in carpet liner, a complete dockside power system, and a cockpit ice maker plus a wetbar tucked into the portside panel. Beneath the electrically operated engine hatch, the Sea Ray 380 Sundancer is powered by twin 380 horsepower MerCruiser V-drives for a ride that's as confident as it is smooth. To assure safety and reliability, the 380 Sundancer comes with a standard remote start generator, an engine synchronizer gauge, and halon system. There are engine alarms and a digital LCD systems monitor for engine diagnostics and pump monitoring at the helm. Additional features on the Sea Ray 380 Sundancer include a swim platform with a neatly concealed swim ladder, standard windlass, fresh water washdown, 19,000 BTU air conditioner and heater, integrated fender storage in the transom wall and more. Underwater, Sea Ray's quality continues with manganese-bronze rudders and struts, seacocks on all fittings, as well as dripless shaft logs with an extra seal carrier kit. Options from engine to electronics upgrades to a complete safety package ensure the 380 Sundancer can be refined to suit the boating style of any seagoing family.
Chicago, IL 60642
United States


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Dear Ellen,
It's easier to bear knitting disasters when in paradise…or at least with a "Blue Hawaii" in your hand. I suffered grim loss on our trip to Hawaii…having left the project bag with my German Stockings on the airplane when we de-planed. (You should always take it seriously when they say look around for any personal items…I didn't.) I never even took a picture of it, poor stocking. It's not a tremendous loss of quantity of knitting…only about 6 inches on one leg…and the needles were Hiya circulars (inexpensive ones to try the socks on circs method). But, I did lose the Wollmeise out of which I was knitting them and, as you can guess, am not having great luck replacing it. I did leave the second skein at home…maybe a pair of regular socks will now be it's future.
Though the alcohol definitely helped, the fact that Dale helped me find a little yarn shop to buy replacement yarn was probably more effective. And I do still have the pattern, so when I'm over my mourning I can recommence. I wonder what other folks do when they lose a project. Do they try to recreate the lost project? Do they simply mourn and move on to other projects? These questions may be akin to that of, "When your dog dies, do you run out and get a new puppy?" (Readers, I'd be interested in hearing about your lost projects and what you did about them…if you are as absent-minded as me, that is.) To help the recovery, Dale has also agreed to let me get a kitten…a thought that makes me feel much better. Maybe the real lesson about comfort is to seek out small animals.
I did bring a second project with me — the Clapotis that I'm making out of Handmaiden Sea Silk. It's coming along very well and I loved knitting it in the sunshine. I thought it looked pretty cool spread out on my leg. (That's the wrong side showing.) I have 1-2 repeats left and then the decrease section so it should be done soon. I plan on wearing it at one of the wedding functions…not sure it goes with the dress I have planned for the wedding itself, but we'll see.
Overall, the Hawaii trip was fabulous. We only had 4 days to ourselves, but we took full advantage of them. I did a lot of resting and we didn't feel compelled to go anywhere or do any tourist objectives since we had been in Hawaii just 2 years ago and checked all the boxes then. We did walk about Waikiki window shopping all the high end stores and what-not. And I got my picture taken with a movie star. One day we drove around the island and managed to score a table at sunset at Jameson's, the best sunset viewing restaurant on the island…very romantic. Normally you have to have reservations days ahead of time. Our kharma must have been doing well for us to just walk up and score an outside table with a perfect view.
I don't think I had time to say before, but we really had a good time with Jenny. She truly impressed Uncle Dale when she ordered Guiness at the Irish Pub at which we had dinner. As you can see, we did have fun. I was thoroughly impressed with the dress she is knitting…just stunning with great yarn choices and Jenny's amazing craftsmanship. I hope she'll come back for a longer visit so we can connect more. It was nice to have her exclusively to ourselves and to have full focus on her. I love her personality and outlook…she's the kind of spirit that influences people to be better people.
If I'm going to have any time to work on that Clapotis, I'd better go — many, many chores on which to catch up before bedtime tonight!
Love, Jan
Post-post-edit to let you know: Yes, I did register with the airlines lost and found…in both Denver and Honolulu. The nice lady in Denver tried to pretend that sometimes these things do show up.


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The primary responsibility of public child welfare agencies is to ensure the safety, permanency and well-being of children, youth and families. Information is collected on a daily basis on reports of abuse and neglect, on the services being provided to families whose children are under the auspices of the system and demographic data on the youth and families being served through public child welfare programs. Understanding all of these dynamics is the responsibility of public child welfare leaders and having reliable, valid data is critical to planning at all levels in the agency.
There is a constant and growing need in the public child welfare field to generate basic information on the children who come into contact with the child welfare system. Given that knowledge is power and that information processed accurately produces knowledge that is a basis for any needed corrective actions, a public child welfare leader must focus on investments and resources to manage information. Investments in technology infrastructure, as well as human capital (staff) are essential for efficient and effective information management. Public child welfare workers carry the burden of collecting primary data on children, youth and families served by child welfare and their role on the "input" side should be emphasized and fully supported. Equally important is the "output" side of information management; agency leaders must stress that the proper use of information is a primary support to good practice. This information will inform decisions to improve agency performance at all levels, ultimately enabling equitable treatment and improving outcomes for children and families.
General Overview
Information management brings together two basic concepts: information and management. Information is broadly defined in this guidance and includes all manner of data in its many forms. The various types of information agencies collect pertains to individuals/families that are the recipients of public child welfare services, business entities that provide services (i.e., public and private agencies as organizations), workforce (i.e., personnel), communities (e.g., census data or other population level data) and data of a fiscal nature (e.g., cost analysis, budget projections).
Management is defined as: "the conducting or supervising of something (as a business)," and "the judicious use of means to accomplish an end ."1 For purpose of this guidance, management is the coordination of various resources in all or part of an agency in order to efficiently accomplish the agency's goals.
The cable that bridges the two concepts of information and management is technology. Technology supports efficient data collection and utilization. It can be a powerful tool to improve data integrity. It is also what supports practice, program and policy collaboration in aligning information management and technology investments.
Purpose of Guidance
This guidance is addressed specifically to help public child welfare agency leaders and members of their information management team (technology managers, business analysts, researchers, quality assurance staff, etc.) understand the scope and importance of information management as a core support function within their organization. Information management promotes management of the agency and supports efforts to make the necessary and appropriate information available/accessible to the appropriate stakeholders (children and families served, direct service workers, managers and the agency's various publics) when it is needed and in a format that is understandable.
Central Issues
One of the major shifts in the past decade in the field of public child welfare is the proliferation of information management systems. Alongside advancements in building internal capacities are the increased investments in information technology. There is often some confusion between information management and information technology. Information management is the process that converts data contained in systems into information. Technology is the tool through which data are processed. The interface between technology systems and information management in public child welfare field is an issue of increased importance.
Additional information on this distinction can be found here.
Public child welfare agencies and managers are devoted to improving organizational performance and accountability. Increased attention is given to improving information management systems that seek to measure the effectiveness of service provision, but also to monitor and analyze administrative functions such as budget and finance, human resources and technology.
As agencies struggle to advance information management for the 21st century, a consideration of data linkages is essential. Currently, systems that do not support linkages are less able to produce outcome measures for children in foster care that
incorporate all of the dimensions of child well-being. Agencies are also not able to take advantage of the many cost savings andadministrative efficiencies that result from linked data systems. A court example: ,ready access to court calendars by social workers and the ability to file petitions and other court documents electronically is compromised. Common themes identified regarding the need for linked systems in the context of managing information include:
Effective child welfare information management systems promote consistency and accountability and enable public child welfare leaders to understand and promote the use of performance measures to improve outcomes and child welfare practice. These systems must be "true user-friendly" systems that reduce the redundancy in data entry and create a better process for documenting activities.
This Guidance Provides Answers to These and Other Questions:
An effective information management system enables the development of sound policies to direct and shape casework practice so that they promote the safety, permanency and well-being of children, youth and families. Effective information management facilitates good decision-making so that services are delivered in an equitable, cost-effective and efficient manner. Effective information management promotes alignment with federal compliance requirements, agency priorities and the strategic concepts outlined in the Information Management Plan.
By developing and maintaining a robust information management system, the field will have: Availability of and access to accurate, reliable, baseline and longitudinal data.
Collecting and analyzing data (two key processes in effective information management) supports improvements in each of the indicators listed above. These processes also support continuous quality improvement activities, specifically regarding the appropriate use of resources to support the a ency's overall strategic plan. Leaders will be more strategic in establishing the
importance of information management and tgency's overall strategic plan. Leaders will be more strategic in establis
he connection to achieving positive outcomes through analysis of fiscal,
importance of information management an
programmatic and operational information. How Will Outcomes be Achieved For and With Children, Youth and Families?
Information management is not an intervention. Competent information management is a necessary condition for achieving positive outcomes in a public child welfare agency, in the same way that sound fiscal or human resource management is critical to the effective functioning of the system. Information management should provide relevant and timely information to inform agency decisions regarding the process and quality of work with children and families, the allocation of resources and the structure of the organization.
The logic path for linking information management to improved outcomes for children and families can be described in the following manner:


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Pamela Anderson Faces Tax Debt of Over $370,000: Report
Pamela Anderson needs to pay up!
According to TMZ, the former Baywatch star, 45, owes over $370,000 in unpaid taxes.
Two tax liens were reportedly filed against Anderson -- one by the IRS for $259,395.75, and another by the State of California.
Anderson, who was eliminated in the first round of Dancing With the Stars: All-Stars in September, has been in tax debt before.
The actress was added to California's list of 250 residents with the biggest tax debts in 2010. At the time, the former Playboy playmate owed $493,144 in unpaid personal income taxes.
This article originally appeared on Usmagazine.com: Pamela Anderson Faces Tax Debt of Over $370,000: Report
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Some mixed language screens for Square Enix's next big DS adventure.
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What timing. Today Interior Secretary Ken Salazar just announced the official delisting of the Northern Rocky Mountain gray wolves will happen tomorrow. We knew this was coming, but we didn't know it was going to come right in the middle of a plan to kill two wolves in eastern Oregon.
Will the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have time to kill two juvenile wolves from the Imnaha pack before then? Or will the lawsuit filed yesterday stop the effort before it begins?
Unfortunately, the regional folks at the Service can't answer those questions right now.
There is another interesting piece of information that came out of today's conference call. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is launching a "status review" of wolves in the Pacific Northwest. That's one of the first steps toward putting a species on the protected list. So, as wolves in the eastern portions of Oregon and Washington are coming OFF the endangered list, the feds are considering putting wolves in the rest of the Pacific Northwest ON the endangered list.
Does that mean one day we could see the state managing wolves in eastern Oregon while the feds are protecting wolves in the rest of the state?
That's right, said Jasmine Minbashian of Conservation Northwest. Washington already has confirmed wolves in the Cascades, and Oregon has some "credible" but unconfirmed sightings. The Fish and Wildlife Service could define a new wolf population segment in the Cascade Range and list that population for protection under the Endangered Species Act.
"We're happy they're taking this step because it could mean a more concerted effort to help recovery wolves in the Northwest," Minbashian said. "There's been a lot of tension in the Rockies. Meanwhile, in the Northwest and especially the Cascades we have wolves coming back."
One of the reasons Minbashian is hoping to see Cascade Range wolves protected is to reduce wolf poaching. The penalties for killing an endangered species are steep and could deter people from killing the wolves already living in the Cascades.
More to come on this. Stay tuned.


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Ocean of Spirit is a palm-sized art book containing a single poem. Each line of the poem is on it's own page which opens out in a unique way, illustrating the metaphor and to encouraging the reader to slow down... taking the poem in one line at a time.
The first 50 books were given to be re-gifted in a constant wave of giving. The idea was for each book to be enjoyed by as many people as possible through re-gifting. Unfortunately, it seems that many people did not remember to re-gift and it only took one person to "break the chain" for each book David made.
In 2015 David started to read the teachings of Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj from the book "I am That" and he started to practice the "I am" sense that this guru recommends. It is a form of non-dual devotional practice. One of the things that Nisargadatta teaches is that anything that you intend to be a spiritual practice is effective! The intention holds the power. This teaching has inspired David to offer this art book as a form of meditative, spiritual practice. It will reinforce the ancient insight of universal unity in your consciousness as you become free of the ego's illusions. Take a slow, mindful breath or two after turning each page, staying aware of the mind as it contemplates Unity through metaphor.
David has self-published a book titled Faith to Practice, now available in its Kindle Edition. The paperback edition will be available soon.
The art book and a collection of 51 of David's other poems are now available for sale. In addition, the collection of poems is available as a free downloadable eBook on our store page.
David has a blog about his experiences and ideas including some book and website reviews.
Thanks go out to Jan Passion for his generous donation of $50. He is our first donor!
Ocean of Spirit - art book by David Gaia Kano is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.


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The Friends of Valley Forge Park exists to engage public support for the Park, enhance public use and enjoyment of the Park and share in the stewardship of the natural and historical resources of the Park.
The Friends accomplishes its work by advocating and raising funds for the Park, developing and offering programs that educate the public and enhance their experiences, and volunteering in support of Park programs and projects.
Learn more about the Friends of Valley Forge Park and sign up for their bi-monthly eNews and get park updates and event information to your email!


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Regional Reviews: Florida - West Coast
Sunset Boulevard
Also see Bill's review of You Can't Take It With You
Andrew Lloyd Webber has provided Sunset Boulevard with the full almost operatic sweep of his most successful musical Phantom of the Opera. It makes strong vocal demands on all the principals and also requires strong acting from the actress playing Norma Desmond. It is doubtful that any community theater could hope to due full justice to these parts, but The Players are doing quite a good job. Norma was played professionally by many of the greatest leading ladies working on both sides of the AtlanticPatti LuPone, Glenn Close, Betty Buckley and Elaine Paige, among others. LuPone and Close showed the two extremes of playing Norma, the former with her full throated vocalism, the latter with intense acting covering the less exciting singing.
At The Players, Jeanne Larranaga favors the Glenn Close style, her acting very detailed, and she sings the part more than adequately. Logan O'Neil offers the strongest vocalism of the night, a strong presence as Joe, but less in touch with the beaten up, worn out side. Tim Fitzgerald exhibits all the right eeriness as Max and sings his big number "The Greatest Star of All" well. Sarah Cassidy is just the right blend of perkiness as Betty Schaefer, but the role of Rosemary in a recent production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying was perhaps a better fit, stylistically. She sings very well, especially the high ending of "Too Much in Love to Care." The ensemble is good, but greatly under populated because this show rehearsed through the holiday season.
Music Director Joyce Valentine, leading from the keyboard, paces the score nicely. She gets good support on woodwinds, percussion and from a single string player. Unfortunately, the sweep that could be provided by a larger ensemble is just not available.
The setting for Norma's home is quite lavish for community theater standards, while other locations are not as detailed. David M. Upton's lighting designs makes some nice use of shadow effects, especially apropos of the noir story. Costumes by Kaylene McCaw are effective, and for Norma, much more than that. The production makes good use of projections by Ren Pearson, who also plays Artie, helpful for period and mood setting. In the program I noticed "Special Thanks to Asolo Rep and Golden Apple." I am pleased when various companies come together like this, then I know that indeed we have a strong theater Community.
Bravo to Jeffery Kin, Artistic Director for stretching and serving up Florida's first look at Sunset Boulevard.
The Players Present Sunset Boulevard through January 27, 2013, at The Players Theater, 838 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL. Box Office (941) 365-2494. For more information visit www.theplayers.org.
Director/Set Designer: Michael Newton-Brown
See the current season schedule for West Coast Florida


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The Benefits of Green Tea
Green tea has certainly been on the market for some time. There are a number of individuals that have made the decision to look at the benefits of green tea. This is because there are a number of great reasons to use this. If you are thinking about using green tea then you will want to know what the benefits are before you begin. Having this knowledge can help you make an informed decision about if you should use it or not.
Faster Metabolism
First, you are going to find that using green tea will help increase your metabolism. When your metabolism is increased you will be able to burn fat a lot faster. This means that if you the calories you are taking into your body will be burnt off, rather than turning to fat. Many individuals love this because they may be able to decrease some of their weight. In fact, there are a lot of people that have started to look at green tea as a way to decrease their weight.
Decreased Appetite
Second, green tea is wonderful for decreasing your appetite. Have you ever had a meal just because it was there? Have you ever ate something late at night because you were bored and you thought that you were hungry? Sometimes drinking water can help decrease this hunger. However, if you are taking green tea you might find that these cravings will decrease. You will not feel the need to eat as often. Therefore, you will be taking in less calories. This means that you will not have as many calories to burn.
Cancer Fighter
Third, there are a lot of individuals that have started to worry about developing cancer. If you are worried about this problem then you might be interested to know that green tea has a number of antioxidants in it. These can really help your body fight against cancer.
Reduce Risks for Disease
Finally, green tea has been found to have a number of different compounds that can really help your body fight the risk of Alzheimer's disease and even Parkinson's disease. This tea can really help with the neurons in the brain so that you may be at a decreased risk of both of these conditions as you age.
Rather than purchasing green tea on its own you may want to think about using Fit Tea. This tea is completely organic and it has green tea in it. What is great is that there are a number of other organic substances in this tea. Each and every one of these substances will have a positive benefit for your body. You only have to drink this tea one time a day in order to receive the full benefits. If you are able to drink it more than one time a day you will be even better off. Try to monitor what you are eating as well and add in exercise three or four times a week. Drinking the tea is not all that is required if you want to be able to decrease your weight.


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This is how 2 referees rated Tamara:
|Hourly Rate
|Casual Learner
Originally from Belarus, I've lived in the UK since 1999, I am offering my linguistic knowledge and experience to those who want to learn Russian.
Professional linguist with 20 years of teaching experience (English and Russian), translating and interpreting both in the UK and my home country Belarus.
I have taught all ages and all levels, but my preference is adult learners who are self motivated and learn with pleasure. I can create lessons that suit individual needs and always choose methods which work best for everyone, as all students have different ways of learning.I can teach at my home or on Skype and e-mail.
Tags: Melksham Russian tutor, Melksham Casual Learner Russian tutor


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Overview8Bit Games Ltd. was formed in 2003 by Adam Tween, Stefan Hopper and Dave Vout, three long-established veterans of the PC and console development community. The company was a developer of mobile entertainment and based in London.
For over 5 years 8bit Games created 30+ games based on the biggest brands for the world's top publishers, including Lemmings, which was voted game of the year by the readers of What Mobile magazine. In 2004 the company was nominated for best handheld studio in the Develop Industry Awards.
In 2008 the company founders set up a new company called Big Head Games Ltd.
Contributed by formercontrib (159768) on Dec 11, 2008. [revised by : game nostalgia (5640) and Sciere (502549)].


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It is very important for a person to setup an online account to enjoy the great services of any website or company. Many companies prefer creating their online websites because by this way their demand increases. Even by getting online access to the accounts, customers can perform every task easily just by sitting at their homes. For carrying out different activities online, one needs to be registered on the relevant website. For setting up an account on HDFC people need to complete the instructions fully. Only then they can get access to their online accounts.
- By connecting the internet, open the website of the HDFC which is www.myhdfs.com .
- For all the users who already have their account on the site, simply need to enter their email address and password and click the Login button.
- For the new users, there is an option of 'Set up an Online Access' on the website of Harley-Davidson, they need to click on it.
- After this a form would appear which you have to fill out for completing the whole process.
- The very first thing you need to enter in that form is last name.
- Tell them about the city where you live and also provide them the zip code.
- Later on, enter your social security number into the related field.
- Write your full date of birth in the next box that will appear.
- After providing all the details click the Finish button in the end.
After setting up your account on the HDFS, one can enjoy their services 24/7. Through their loan account, people can get to see all their activities very easily. Each of the information related to your account or past history can be seen from the online account. Their payment services can be availed by people anytime they want. All your personal and contact details will remain protected by them.
About Company:
Harley Davidson Financial Services is a Company dealing with the manufacturing of the motorcycles. They have become one of the most popular and renowned company of the motorcycles in the United States. Many of their competitors are trying their best to surpass them but unfortunately they all fail to do so. They have association with the loyal brand society and through this they keep their members active with the activities going out in the club, museum etc.


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Anyone who has been vaguely paying attention to development in the area is aware of the ongoing battle over the McMillan development project. In the latest saga of this controversial project, the D.C. Court of Appeals vacated the D.C. Zoning Commission's approval of the project, basically sending it back to the drawing board. For a pretty good rundown of what has transpired over recent years, check out this opinion article in the Washington Post. From the article:
The court's decision vindicates the arguments of the community that the approvals "failed to adequately explain why it was necessary to disregard" certain key policies in the Comprehensive Plan, which should "guide executive and legislative decisions." The court also found that agency approvals failed to comply with D.C.'s historic preservation law, which prohibits harming landmark sites such as McMillan except under very limited circumstances.
The District's disregard for its own preservation and planning laws in the McMillan Park case is only the tip of the iceberg of flaws in this project.
In response, the Friend of McMillan Park have a petition that requests three things of Mayor Bowser:
(1) Immediately reopen McMillan Park so that District of Columbia residents and others may enter the park for purposes of recreation, exploration and community activities.
(2) Begin to define with full citizen participation a new scope of work for planning the future of the Park
(3) Commit to an international design competition for the future use of the Park.
You can find the petition here. Next up there will be a community update on the McMillan development on February 2nd at 7pm at Inspired Teaching PCS, located at 200 Douglas St NE.
Next community update on McMillan is Feb 2 at 7pm at Inspired Teaching PCS, 200 Douglas St NE #bloomingdaledc pic.twitter.com/7GQnynuYeB
— CM McDuffie's Office (@CM_McDuffie) January 25, 2017


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What if Natives Stop Subsidizing Canada?
2013-01-09 16:37:04.289208+00 by Dan Lyke 0 comments
What if Natives Stop Subsidizing Canada? One of the hardest parts about reconciling the various aspects of Objectivism for me (and one of the cracks that started me away from that philosophy towards pretty raw pragmatism) was trying to square notions of real estate ownership with children: If you raise population levels, you start competing for resources.
This is a little look at how competition for resources is running roughshod over real estate ownership. As a white male United States citizen of European descent I have obviously profited immensely from taking real estate by force, so I'm not gonna decry it. But we should look at it and acknowledge that that's what's happened and is happening.


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Last Month in the Community…
Posted: September 1, 2000 at 1:00 am, Last Updated: November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am
Following is the faculty member who made a presentation to a community group in August as part of the University Speakers Bureau. For more information on participating in the Speakers Bureau, call x38846.
- Aug. 24–Bob Ehrlich, Physics and Astronomy, presented "Why Toast Lands Jelly-Side Down" to the Manchester Lakes Retirement Center.


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Zamblera joins the growing exits list
In another departure in this remarkable close-season, Skysports.com are reporting that our signing from Atalanta, Fabio Zamblera, looks set for a move back to Italy with Roma.
Dennis Wise signed Zamblera as part of his £1m a season six youngster deal in January 2008 but the player has never looked the part in the physical atmosphere in England, failing to appear for the first team.
Roma are expected to tie up a deal for the big striker before the transfer window closes on Tuesday.


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No Cause for a Llama
"The fact that this could possibly come true is terrifying"
Adam Crossland
Dave and Bert always wanted to be famous. They always wanted people to admire them. They always wanted to make a difference and challenge people. They still do...
'Dave and Bert's Big Break' wonders where reality TV is going and what extent people will go to to realise their dreams.
Starring: Terry Wade, Nick Lucas and Emma Jane Goodwin
Listen To Preview
Written By: Oliver Ford, Starring: Terry Wade, Nick Lucas and Emma Jane Goodwin, Edited By: Neil McIntyre, Directed By: Oliver Ford, Music By: Oliver Ford, Running Time: 18 mins 28 secs
In order to download this file, please login or sign up using the button on the top left of your screen.


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The weather this past weekend in Carmel, Calif., for the two Del Monte Kennel Club dog shows couldn't have been more perfect. With highs in the mid-60s, lows in the mid-50s and no precipitation, it was perfect for a dog show. It also turned out to be a perfect weekend for two newcomers to the… read more
Fancy That: 'Classie' and 'Gryf' Trade Places in Oregon
There were all-breed shows in no fewer than 14 locations around the U.S. this past Saturday, as well as the all-Terrier Great Western in Southern California and, in Hawaii, the Aloha State Sporting Dog Association show. Entry figures were good for several clubs on Saturday –1,622 at Central Florida KC, 1,552 at Oklahoma City's five-day… read more