text:
Multiverse Miner is a sci-fi RPG that aims to combine an incremental experience with rich crafting and questing experiences. Since unlocking the true potential of the elements, wormholes have been created and mastered, space travel occurs at the speed of light, and the elements in the universe can be manipulated at your whim. Fascinated with the advancements in geology, physics, and time travel, you decide to pick up your pickaxe, build yourself a ship, and explore the farthest reaches of the universe.
PHP Event Calendar is a modern, Ajax based, multi-user calendar/scheduling application. It supports multiple calendars, shared calendars, event drag and drop, Google Calendar import, email reminders, repeating events, multiple calendar views, and many other features. It can be customized easily to integrate into your own environment or it can be used right out of the box as a standalone event calendar/scheduling application. It supports all major Web browsers as well as mobile devices.
WSN InstaChat is an experimental new kind of chat where you can watch others typing rich text in real time. Use rich text formatting, images, spell check, tables, bullet points, lists, Flash objects, smilies, and more in your chat. Collaborate with other people, either one on one or with a large group. Installation is as easy as copying the files to your Web server.
KADOS (KAnban Dashboard for Online Scrum) is a Web-based tool for managing Scrum projects. It provides screens on which the user can move a post-it to change one of the attributes of the post-it. It supports artifacts of the SCRUM method, but can also be adapted for other agile methods.
JQuery BarGauge is a jQuery plugin that displays an animated progress gauge bar. It can show a progress bar inside an HTML page container element with a given width and height. The number value of the current position can be displayed with the progress bar formatted with a configurable number of decimal places.
ZedCMS is a simple base content management system from which more complicated systems can be developed. It is designed so a Web developer can quickly produce customised websites, and is not really for users. Users wanting to setup their own websites are better off with a different system, like Wordpress.
A rule language.
A Java bytecode viewer and class modification library.


text:
Social CRM on a BudgetDirect Marketing NewsCRM vendors leading the way, according to the Nucleus report, include Oracle and Salesforce.com.
Marty Note
Working on an open source social CRM/CMS called SpinSnip. Want to relieve some of the pain points of publishing in a multi-channel world such as:
* Poor control of content, need retrieval at snippet level via tags.
* Need DIY multiauthor capabilities.
* Better exception reporting analytics.
* Feed management and sourcing.
* More curation control.
This article discusses how to create social CRM on a budget possible now due to the cloud and lowering CRM costs. Helpful since SpinSnip is fall 2013.
Via Martin (Marty) Smith

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Ittan (S) - Page 24
Naruto-Arena forces you to select 3 characters when you start a new game. This page gives you an overview of all characters available in the Naruto-Arena game. Not only can you view each character's skills, you can also discuss the characters by posting comments.
Ittan (S)
Ittan (S) is a Hidden Rock Village shinobi. Ittan (S) is battle hardened and extremely calm during battle.Requirement to unlock: Mission: The Experienced Rock Shinobi
Battlefield Trenches
Ittan (S) uses Battlefield Trenches. All enemies will take 20% more damage* for 2 turns and damage dealt to Ittan (S) will be reduced by 15.
Cooldown: 4
Chakra required:
Classes: Physical, Ranged*, Instant, Unique
Moving Earth Core
Ittan (S) uses Moving Earth Core on one enemy dealing 30 damage. Damage that enemy deals will be reduced by 10 the following turn.
Cooldown: None
Chakra required:
Classes: Physical, Ranged, Instant, Unique
Earth Dome
Using Earth Dome Ittan (S) protects one ally and himself from enemy ranged skills for 1 turn.
Cooldown: 1
Chakra required:
Classes: Physical, Ranged, Instant, Unique
Trench Defense
This skill makes Ittan (S) invulnerable for 1 turn.
Cooldown: 4
Chakra required:
Classes: Physical, Instant
Related subjects:
page 24,
NARUTO © 2002 MASASHI KISHIMOTO. All Rights Reserved.


text:
0verkill is a client-server 2D deathmatch-like game in ASCII art. It supports free connecting/disconnecting during the game, and runs well on modem lines. Graphics are in 16-color ASCII art with elaborate hero animations. 0verkill features 4 different weapons, grenades, invisibility, and armor. The package also contains reaperbot clients, a simple graphics editor, and a level editor.
Adanaxis is an action game where the fundamentals of space itself are changed by adding a fourth dimension to space. Initially, it's like learning to play a 3D FPS for the first time, as the hand and eye have to learn a whole new type of coordination. The gameplay involves rapidly blowing things out of the sky, with the usual assortment of enemies, allies, weapons, and power-ups, together with commercially sourced graphics, audio, and voice acting.
Aleph One is a 3D first-person shooter game based on the game Marathon 2 by Bungie Software. It is set in a Sci-Fi universe dominated by deviant computer AIs and features a well thought-out plot. Aleph One was originally a MacOS game, but a cross-platform version ("Aleph One/SDL") based on the Simple DirectMedia Layer (SDL) library is currently under development which runs under Unix, BeOS, and Windows.
Alpha Shooter is a 3D first-person shooter game with a sci-fi setting. It features multi-platform support (Linux, Mac OS X, CygWin, and Windows) and, since version 0.1.0, its own reusable game engine (Neutron). The game and its engine will evolve over time to incorporate simulated physics and AI, networking, audio, scripting, and more.
BZFlag is a 3D, multiplayer, tank battle zone, capture the flag game that pits players against each other in a networked environment. It runs on Windows 95/98/NT/2000, Linux, MacOS 10.x, Irix, Solaris, and others. An OpenGL accelerator is highly recommended, but it is playable with 3D in software.
BFM (Brutal Filemanager) is a mixture between a filemanager and a 3D shoot-'em-up game. In fact, you can't really manage the files yet, just shoot them up. Be carefull when using BFM! Some weapons, such as the shotgun, have spread. So files you didn't really aim at might get ... wasted. Start BFM with the '-s' for safemode and your files shall stay unhurt. It is written in Java and uses the Java3D API.
CSBuddy is a tool designed to help Counter-Strike server owners, particularly those running AdminMod. It maintains a queryable database of all players that have been seen on the server, and it filters the raw logs of a Counter-Strike server and distills them into a single CSBuddy log which shows only high-level activity such as excessive friendly fire incidents, admin activity, and players complaining about misbehavior or saying suspicious things. This tool is built upon an included Counter-Strike log file parser which is provided in a simple derivable class.
A free H.323 gatekeeper.
Structure parameter inference approach for endocrine feedback control.


text:
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Michigan-Illinois Recap
Also, if you were there, would love to hear about your treatment.
Now, couple thoughts on the game itself...
* Carlos Brown. Man, did he step up. Over 100 yards rushing in his first start, on the road in a big game. I tip my cap to you, sir.
* Carr and the other M Coaches. Hart's out, your senior QB misses most of the game...and they still found a game plan to win. Even those who've been criticizing Carr have to give props to Lloyd and his staff. Well done, gentlemen.
* Henne. I thought he started off very shaky (the bad pass to Manningham leading to the early pick) but, with his team's season hanging in the balance, he came back off the bench and played hurt to lead his team to victory on the road. Gutty, gutty, gutty performance. I think we're going to find out he was more injured than we think.
* Defense. Except for the Illini's one big drive and that damn 3rd and 7 where Flash Gordon the back-up QB turned on the afterburners and left Shawn Crable holding his jockstrap, I thought U-M's D played well.
* Late play calling. I liked how, on our last drive, I believe, on 3rd and 4, instead of simply running into the line as U-M teams always seem to do in these sorts of situations, Henne went into the shotgun and we played to win instead of not to lose. Again, props to DeBord, Carr and the rest of the coaching staff.
* KC Lopata. I love our kicker...and that's something I never would have thought I'd say the way the kicking game started out this season. This kid is a senior walk-on, who finally gets a chance this year and is making the most of it. Not only was his last FG huge, as the 10 point margin gave the Wolverines breathing room, but watch him after every kick - he's the most fired up guy on the field and seems to be going up to each of his teammates firing everyone up.
* Manningham. While fast, he's still a bit of a "soft" receiver. On one play in which he dropped a pass over the middle, it was because he was worried about getting hit instead of trying to catch the ball. Still, he played a great game. But this is the sort of thing that could hurt him from making it at the next level.
* Ron Zook. I thought some of his QB changes came at very bad times and upset the rhythm of his team. Always seemed like he was taking out the guy who was hot.
31 comments:
- A2saint said...
Well, it seemed my watching the game live did not adversely effect the team. Altho I think Ryan's interception in the 3rd quarter may have been on me...
I thought the play calling had balls. I love it when they play whole quarters like they are behind with 2 minutes left.
And what's up with all the Muck Fichigan stuff. Why does everyone hate us so much? I don't get it.
Anyhow, good job guys!
- October 21, 2007 8:01 AM
- Maize said...
A few notes...
It has to be noted that Carlos Brown is the FIRST player to rush for more than 100 yards against the Illini D this year. Not even PJ Hill could muster 100 yards.
Brown has the physical tools to become a great back but I believe he still needs to work on the mental part. He needs to learn a bit more patience and wait behind his offensive line to get their blocks before crashing into them.
Donovan Warren. Yeah, he did get beat for the first Illini TD and yeah he did get pulled off of his man in a bad read on Illini's offesnse and he had a badly timed pass interference call against him in a crucial play, but over all he's lived up to his 5 star billing. He's played wonderfully and will grow into a great CB. But what really caught my eye is his game sealing pick. His timing of that play and his poise in catching made me think he was a WR and not a CB. The coaches need to get that kid on a few offensive plays in the future. He could be a HUGE threat on both sides of the ball.
Henne...playing hurt...a true warrior. Henne's performance last night shows why he's so valuable to this team and why Mallett has a lot of learning to do before he can stake his claim as UM's next star QB.
Hart. Looked good in street clothes. Why didn't he have any pom poms to wave?
On a side note: I hear that Bill Murray will be giving the pre game pep talk to the Wolverines next week on how to eradicate a gopher.
- October 21, 2007 8:54 AM
- Katie said...
Holy Smokes! Courage. True Courage it took to win that game. I am proud to be a Michigan fan even more this morning! (If that is even possible) WIth no Hart, they showed true heart. (not a dig on Mike at all....just sayin....have your super God player be out for a game, it takes heart and courage to do what they did). a2Saint, I really do think that it is sheer envy that makes people hate Michigan.....can you blame them? And what is with Jim Carty....does he hate Michigan too? His write up's always have a slight negative tone to them. He tosses in positive, but there is this underlying negative that grates me. Anyway it sure has been an up and down season, but this is a wonderful up! It is nice to see that the coaching can be flexible and take a few chances......that was incredible to see. (and UCLA beat Cal???!!!)
- October 21, 2007 9:05 AM
- Bo said...
Space, bitches... space. That was an unbelievably good win and a game that will be invaluable to have in our players' heads towards the end of the season.
Did anyone notice the complete lack of love lost between Lloyd and Zook? When they passed each other at the end of the game, there was no handshake, no congrats, no good luck... they barely even paused to look at each other. I wish I had video to show. Is Lloyd still pissed about that Florida vote? (not that I would blame him... I am).
- October 21, 2007 9:47 AM
- Bo said...
side question:
Who else is ordering their eggs Obi Ezeh this morning?
- October 21, 2007 10:15 AM
- Grizz said...
"Hart's out, your senior QB misses most of the game...and they still found a game plan to win. Even those who've been criticizing Carr have to give props to Lloyd and his staff. Well done, gentlemen."
Their game plan to win: Let Illinois screw up, hang Mallett out to dry, and hope Henne feels good enough to come back. The three possessions with Mallett in the game were atrocious--run, run, pass. Run, run, pass. Its no wonder the kid struggles--the other team knows what's coming on every play!
Give props to English for finally getting these guys playing smart against the spread. Give props to Henne for a gutsy performance. But the offense and the special teams remain woefully undercoached and underprepared.
- October 21, 2007 10:38 AM
- Matt said...
Yeah, a2saint, they really hate us at Illinois. I don't get it. And they're actually okay with OSU. I guess they don't miss Illibuck that much. In any case, we have given them more reason to hate us!
We should start referring to KC Lopata as JC Lopata, because he's that awesome. He is a Michigan hero in my book because he has really stepped up for the team. Shame on Gingell!
Does Hart still have a shot at winning the Heisman even though he missed this game?
- October 21, 2007 10:42 AM
- surrounded in columbus said...
i'll second the props on the D. we have gone from not being able find the running QB, let alone tackle him, to looking better than last year's D (at least against the pass/spread). when you consider that Illi's first TD was a result of bad special teams, the D was just outstanding (and the stats and score back that up).
stray thought- BTN carries all the coaches shows on Monday night. living in Ohio, i haven't seen Michigan Replay in a decade (or longer). chaulk one up for BTN.
stray thought 2- "Bo" gets the Chris Berman Bad Pun w/ the Player's Name Award- Your Eggs Obi Ezeh was awful, but i laughed anyway.
- October 21, 2007 10:45 AM
- Matt said...
And another thing: I doubted Lloyd, and I have said that DeBord is possibly the worst OC in America. I NEVER doubted Ron English. The D just had to find its rhythm. If this were Jim Hermann's D, then we would have lost to Purdue, EMU, Illinois, and Northwestern, and any team that ran the spread.
To all those who have defended against the spread, we salute you! And Mike Hart of course.
- October 21, 2007 10:46 AM
- Matt said...
Here's the answer from espn:
"Hart wasn't able to go against Illinois because of a high ankle sprain, but Michigan proved it could still beat a quality opponent without him. The win kept Michigan in the Big Ten title race and Hart in Heisman contention."
- October 21, 2007 10:50 AM
- Bucket 'O said...
Some thoughts from being at the game: 1.) Tailgating - I was in a very pro-Illini area. Maybe 20-1 ratio. People were pretty cool. Actually had a hell of Mich vs Illini flip cup tourney. Not as many vulgar t-shirts as the previous 2 games I went too. Did see two 10 year olds wearing the classic Muck FIshigan front, Ann Abor is a whore back, t-shirts. And yes, did see som F**K Michigan T's. 2.) Altmosphere in the stadium was ridiculous. Made me once again embarrassed of the Big House crowd. I told my Illini buddies at kick-off I thought we would be lucky to win this one. I had a very bad feeling. 3.) After the game was very ugly. Lots of threats, sore loosers, really pissed off Illini fans. I think this was a function of the raised expectations. Experienced a lot of absolute classless fans on exiting. Overall, I felt the Illini fans raised the bar regarding how they carried themselves pre-game. I think usually they just know they are going to loose so they just get as rude and crewd as possible. Hence why I think they reverted right back to that after the same old result.
- October 21, 2007 11:22 AM
- beast in 'bama said...
I have a question regarding Mesko (sp?), your punter. I was primarily watching SEC bloodsport on ESPN, but every time I turned to the Michigan game in the second half, he was pinning the Illini inside their own 10.
Am I correct on this? It looked like he was playing a really important role, keeping Illinois in impossibly bad field position in the second half. That really limits what a spread offense can do.
a2saint: Certain programs who have dominated their conferences for decades are hated more than other rivals for precisely what Katie noted: sheer envy.
As a Texas fan, we are the #1 target of Baylor, TT, TCU, Arkansas, etc. because we are the #3 winningest college program of all time (and about to catch ND for #2). We got there by regularly beating those teams over dozens of seasons. Michigan's being #1 in that category only ratchets up the hatred even more.
Congratulations on a tough, gutty win.
- October 21, 2007 11:24 AM
- Todd said...
Looks like someone recognizes a Space Emperor when he sees one.
Zoltan is also the second most viable Heisman candidate in the conference.
- October 21, 2007 11:43 AM
- Matt said...
Zoltan Mesko is that good. He is just a great punter. I also cheer for Texas because I like the fans. They are sympathetic to Michigan's cause and their girls are so hot. I would gladly breed Longerines, or Wolvehorns.
(Longerines sounds too much like a type of underwear that you put on for the cold weather.)
- October 21, 2007 11:51 AM
- Crock said...
I loved that game - it really showed the true nature of our team.
When I heard that Hart wasn't playing, I thought it would take a miracle to win. I didn't - it just shows what this team is all about. Playing to win.
Also, about the hatred of Michigan. I live near Philly and I get dirty looks or rude comments EVERY time I wear my Michigan gear. I'm not so sure if it's a hatred towards Michigan, or if because I'm NOT supporting Penn State or Rutgers.
Case in point - I was at the mall yesterday afternoon, of course wearing a cute Michigan shirt (one that's actually made for women). I got a "F**K Michigan" comment from a rather large guy wearing a Morelli jersey.
I responded, "Um, your at the mall- isn't your team is playing right now? You might want to rethink that comment."
That's why they hate us - they know were right and even a girl from Michigan can call them out.
Go Blue !!!
- October 21, 2007 11:55 AM
- Wholesome Goodness said...
Speaking of Mesko, did anyone see him after he held for the extra point on our last TD? He pulled one of the gay-est celebrations I've ever seen. If you've got a copy of the game check it out.
- October 21, 2007 12:57 PM
- Da Braylon said...
i loved the aggressive play calling. they need to utilize that spread offense more often. the five wide was sweet. we have some of the best wrs in the country, so why not use them like they did a couple times in the illinois game.
also, with the exception of a few times, henne was so poised when he was in there. i loved it. mallett could not get it done, but it's hard to ask of him to do it because it was a tough game on the road in a very hostile environment. i can't imagine the pressure he was under. btw, he has to work on his taking the ball from the center. i think it has happened way too many times, not just in the illinois game, but in other games as well.
- October 21, 2007 1:19 PM
- Da Braylon said...
also, who in the world called that reverse wide receiver pass in the fourth quarter???????!!!!!!!!! while i LOVED it a lot, it is not like michigan to do that kind of stuff. kudos to debord if it was his idea.
- October 21, 2007 1:20 PM
- DaBraylon17 said...
ALSO, the defense did look shaky at first, but i think they figured it out in the second half
- October 21, 2007 1:30 PM
- gotBlue said...
I was at the game, and although I got constant razzing from Illini fans- of who, I were surprised knew where the football stadium was- they weren't that intimidating. All they really could come up with is, "Michigan Sucks" and "I hate you". Not as bad as the People in Columbus and Madison who got in my face while walking. Our fans have definitely done worse to people.
Growing up in the Chicago burbs, I grew up with people who were raised to hate Michigan. I've never really understood this. They're mad about Gary Moeller, the 2000 game, and from the Final Four incident. Still doesn't make sense other than the fact they've only beaten us once on the gridiron in the past 20 years.
And the shirts? Clearly a waste of money now.
- October 21, 2007 3:16 PM
- Noah said...
Mallett doesn't need to learn to pass from under center; the coaches need to learn to let him play in the shotgun. He only did that for four years in HS, after all. And he never really had a chance while he was in this game. The coaches gave him the most predictable playcalling possible: run, run, pass. Run, run, pass. When you only pass on 3rd-and-long, the defense knows it's coming and there's nothing you can do about it.
- October 21, 2007 4:22 PM
- DaBraylon17 said...
word uuuuuuuuuup
- October 21, 2007 4:30 PM
- Sgt. Wolverine said...
On the topic of fan treatment, I was wearing a Michigan shirt on campus at Notre Dame yesterday, and I didn't get any comments. Oddly enough, I was a little disappointed.
- October 21, 2007 4:40 PM
- chazz said...
what a difference a few weeks makes. you were ready to throw Carr and his staff "under the bus" after the first two games of the season. the crap you threw on him and the other coaches was a lot worse than "Muck Fishingan" stuff that you are all wondering about. Don't wonder where all that perceived anti-Michigan sentiment comes from...it starts at home. Carr is a decent man of character and perseverance and there are many football programs that would love to have him. You are fair weather friends at best and Carr deserves better than you.
- October 22, 2007 12:30 AM
- Yost said...
Who is this "you" you refer to in your comment? Not Benny or I.
Show me ONE instance on this site where we called for Carr's ouster in the wake of the Appy State or Oregon loss. ONE.
Try reading the site before you make comments.
- October 22, 2007 12:50 AM
- J. Lichty said...
Couple thoughts:
I don't understand the hatred for Michigan at U of I. Part of it is that Michigan might stem from the fact that even when Michigan is beating other teams in the conference (which they have regularly done since 1969) they tend to play down to the other teams level, saving the real ass whoopings for a rare, NW, Minn, Indiana game. As a result these other schools think they have been close to beating Michgian but have lost because of bad luck or bad refererring (Henson v. Illinois); phantom 2 seconds (PSU); (Wisconsin - many inexplicably close games and road victories by M against overrated Wisco teams). Accordingly, they think that Michigan gets the credit these other schools deserve.
Contrasting that with OSU and the lack of hatred of that team. OSU is percieved as more of a juggernaut so they are simply feared. Teams don't think they have chance against OSU (which is funny given what has actually happened on the field before 2005, but perceptions mean alot.
Another thing that drives the hatred is the success on the field coupled with the highly competitive academic standards, especially for out of staters. Illinois and Wisconsin which are still tough schools to get into, but not as tough as Michgan have a bit of an inferiority complex when it comes to admission standards. Michigan, whether deserved or not, has a reputation as a better school. Few of the kids at those schools would actually want to go to OSU.
- October 22, 2007 10:35 AM
- J. Lichty said...
Regarding Carlos Brown:
Great game, his strength is outside the tackles. Would really beenfit from a spread rushing game which might open things up in the middle for him.
Does not drive into contact like Mike Hart and pretty much goes limp once contact is made. That is why he had a lot of 4-5 yard runs which would have been 8-9 yard runs. Brown will not break alot of tackles and really has to work at keeping his legs moving.
- October 22, 2007 10:38 AM
- Stu said...
- This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
- October 22, 2007 2:37 PM
- Michigan Girl said...
I was at the game. Zook made a BAD decision by not choosing to take the wind in his favor in the 4th quarter. Illinois' bad punts were definitely wind-related. And the dropped punt that set up Michigan's 4th quarter touchdown - the wind blew the ball into the player's shoulder.
Don't get me wrong - Michigan played a solid game. But Coach Zook didn't help his team.
P.S. Lots of orange "Muck Fichigan" shirts and one Appalachian State shirt was sighted.
- October 22, 2007 3:10 PM
- Raick said...
I was in attendence at the game this past weeken, my group and i made up shirts that read "F**k Juice Drink BEER" which in my mind were better than any of the illini shirts. Also had one particular guy who didnt appreciate the cowbell that had made the trip with us from ann arbor as much as we did!!! Guess theres always those who ruin for everyone. Plus i found it funny how many app state comments i got before the game but none after hmm.......?
- October 22, 2007 5:38 PM
- al said...
will repeat comment from above that we encountered no hostility @ Illinois. was surprised how quickly crowd started to leave when it became 2-score game.
- October 23, 2007 10:01 PM


text:
JEFFERSON CITY -- A Missouri judge has thrown out the 1983 rape and murder convictions of a St. Louis-area man who case was taken up by nonprofit group that specializes in using DNA evidence to overturn wrongful convictions.
Cole County Circuit Judge Dan Green on Friday ordered 56-year-old George Allen Jr. released from prison within 10 days unless the St. Louis circuit attorney decides to retry him. That office was closed Friday night, but Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce worked with the Innocence Project on the DNA testing.
The judge's written findings of fact in the case were not available Friday night.
Allen, a diagnosed schizophrenic who is 29 years into a 95-year sentence, was accused of raping and killing 31-year-old Mary Bell after breaking into her St. Louis home. The crime occurred about 10 miles from Allen's University City home during a historic snowstorm on Feb. 4, 1982.
Lawyers with The Innocence Project took up Allen's case in 2010, arguing that police coached Allen into confessing. They said Allen was cleared by the results of DNA tests not available in the early 1980s and other forensic evidence not shared with Allen's trial lawyers.
Allen was arrested about a month after Bell's murder, when officers mistook him for a convicted sex offender who police had suspected and took him in for questioning. Police said he confessed, and lab tests done then could not exclude Allen as the source of semen found on Bell's robe. Read More


text:
2011 Scion xB. Click image to enlarge
|Related links
Scion xB on Autos.ca
Manufacturer's web site
Review and photos by Jil McIntosh
Photo Gallery:
2011 Scion xB
New models come to the Canadian market all the time, but it's not all that often that we get an entirely new brand. One of the most recent to hang out a new shingle is Scion, the entry-level marque offered by Toyota.
Scion was initially launched in the U.S. in 2002. The brand was developed specifically for the North American market, using rebadged Japanese models, and all built in Japan, as they still are. Introduced to Canada for the 2011 model year, the lineup consists of the xD hatchback (based on the Yaris platform), the tC coupe (the European Toyota Avensis) and my tester, the xB hatchback, which shares its underpinnings with the Canadian-built Matrix. The iQ, coming for 2012, is badged as a Toyota in most other markets – and will also be fancied-up to become the Aston Martin Cygnet, which is undoubtedly the strangest sentence I've ever had to write.
The xB is probably the best-known of the three models south of the border, where its boxy proportions have earned it the affectionate nickname of "Toaster," and where its blank-canvas customization possibilities made it very popular with younger drivers. It's taking a little longer to find its footing in Canada, where it's being aggressively marketed through social media to younger buyers and is available through a limited number of outlets in selected markets, most of them separate areas in existing Toyota showrooms along with a couple of stand-alone stores.
2011 Scion xB. Click image to enlarge
Toyota will probably have my hide for this, but given the xB's low price, functional interior, the parent company's customer loyalty rate and – most importantly – a door and seat setup that makes it ridiculously easy to slide in and out, I can see many older Canadians purchasing it, rather than the throngs of Gen-Yers that the company is so heavily targeting. Hey, it happened to cars like the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Element and even the Matrix, which bypassed the younger target buyers and went instead to their parents and grandparents. Canadian buyers don't always purchase the way their American counterparts do, and so the demographics might well turn out to be upside down up here.
So here I am, the 50-plus-year-old in the Toaster, and I might well be Scion's core audience. It's a mixture of good and bad in here, but overall, I can see the appeal of this funky little box. I'm a bit disappointed in the design, which was restyled from the 2010 U.S. model. It's meant to be softer and more mature, but the in-your-face blunt edges of the old one had more character. Still, despite the fact that the tC coupe is a sportier driver, I like the xB most of all of the three.


text:
Monday, October 30, 2006
ESPNU Holds College Football Fans Hostage as Negotiating Ploy
Ohio State fans faced the same bullshit issue a few weeks ago when the Bucks played Indiana. Their game was also only on ESPNU.
And why is this happening? Why are there so few choices for college football fans to see the second ranked team in the country (or the top ranked in OSU's case)?
Well, as the linked article above explains, ESPNU bought exclusive rights so that more cable operators -- like Comcast -- will be pressured by customers to carry the station. Basically using college football fans as pawns in their negotiating tactics. Thus, Michigan fans will be forced this Saturday to go to a sports bar or simply follow on the sports ticker if they want to keep up with the Wolverines.
Or maybe not, folks.
I, your humble blogger, get ESPNU (while Benny does not). So we're feverishly working on a way that I can do live play-by-play over the Internet from my couch while I watch the game on TV. Sure, it's a crazy idea but, damnit Jim, it just might work.
Stay tuned for more details.
45 comments:
As a Bucks fan, I can certainly feel you frustration. Yes, it was Indiana...but college football season is so short, missing one game on TV sucks.
The problem in Columbus is none of the providers offered ESPNU so they threw us a bone and gave us a late night replay.
I expect they may do the same for the Michigan game in your area.
All in all, it wasn't the end of the world listening to it on the radio while watching other games...good luck.
- October 30, 2006 2:57 AM
Thank god for SIRIUS Satellite Radio
F You ESPN...
- October 30, 2006 8:28 AM
Hold on just a second....
ESPNU bought exclusive rights to these games....
We're blaming the BUYER - and with good reason - but doesn't the SELLER deserve MORE critcism?
It was the SELLER who made this decision - not the buyer. The seller had exclusive rights - and sold them for MONEY to the buyer.
Who can do this?
The NCAA? I don't think so.
The Big 10? Maybe, but UM, MSU, and OSU are three big votes in that group.
Could it be UM and OSU themselves? Are THEY the ones who sold us out? (Hey, it wouldn't be the first time, and it certainly won't be the last.)
There's some room for investigative journalism here - which the Freep clearly missed. Here's a headline for ya....
"UM and OSU Sell Out Fans to Support ESPN Power Play"
Inquiring minds want to know...
- October 30, 2006 8:35 AM
Good point, Anon 5:35. There are rooks, bishops, knights, queens and kings on the board - one set of black, one set of white. The pawns, I'm afraid, are all the same color.
- October 30, 2006 8:41 AM
Find a sports bar that plays all of the NFL football games (it means they have sattelite) and go watch it there. For the Ohio State game I went and watched it, I will say this they had an excellent broadcast of the game. It was definitely better than abc!!!
- October 30, 2006 9:18 AM
- Scott said...
Anon 5:35 makes a good point, but while we wait for someone to pursue his investigation, I'm writing ESPN, and encourage you to do the same, to make it clear to them that I'm NOT writing to Comcast to compain.
- October 30, 2006 9:29 AM
Scott... writing to ESPN and their parent -Disney- will not accomplish anything. There was such an uproar in Columbus two weeks ago one would think Disney would have reconsidered this game. Obviously the Buckeye Nation's calls and emails fell on deaf ears. So will yours.
Next year, we will have to see what the Big Ten Football Network will bring us.
- October 30, 2006 10:00 AM
- Benny Friedman said...
There's plenty of blame to go around here. As Anon pointed out above, the Big Ten deserves some for selling these rights. ESPN/Disney deserves some for using die-hard fans as pawns in their battle with the cable companies. And those cable companies deserve blame as well. They have 500 channels and they can't find a place for ESPNU? How can this not already be part of my expanded digital package?
- October 30, 2006 10:07 AM
- Yost said...
Question for those asking who sold the rights:
Did ESPNU really buy anything itself? Doubtful. That would be like saying ESPN2 individually bought rights to a game they showed. I'm guessing they're all purchased by ESPN who then decides which channel to show them on.
Point is, I don't think UM or OSU sold individual game rights to ESPNU.
- October 30, 2006 10:36 AM
- Yost said...
PS Besides, why would UM or OSU do that? Doesn't make sense as it makes them look bad to their fans and doesn't exactly help as recruiting tool. You want to say you're on national TV each week.
No, I think the culprit here is the WWL.
- October 30, 2006 10:37 AM
You're right, Yost.
It is possible that UM and OSU are victims here as well - or maybe they just didn't read the fine print.
In any event, someone deserves to be mad at someone - and to best decide it we need to know the facts. (Cue the "investigative journalist".)
Anon 5.35
- October 30, 2006 11:33 AM
Don't forget that Comcast sucks. Let's get rid of the cable monopoly. I repeat, Comcast sucks.
- October 30, 2006 11:43 AM
It also appears that you cannot even order this game through ESPN's College Gameday PPV package (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/gameplan/howtoorder?poptv#tv and click on view TV schedule at the bottom of the page). I would have paid the $21.99 to watch it, but it is not even an option.
- October 30, 2006 11:44 AM
Yost and Benny, I've got an idea for you (assuming it doesn't break any laws):
Hook up a webcam and aim it at your TV, broadcast the game on your own website. Since you aren't doing it for commercial gain, it might be okay.
Just a thought.
- October 30, 2006 11:58 AM
I did fork over the cash for Gameday and now will have to go to a bar to watch the game. Thanks ESPN, Time Warner Cable, etc. Any suggestions for a place to watch the game in NYC besides the PACC?
- October 30, 2006 12:06 PM
I have DirecTV with the sports package and Gameplan, so I got the OSU game that was on ESPNU, and was not affected. However, I think that the virtual holding for ransom that the WWL is doing is par for the course. They don't care about the fans, they want to make money and their shareholders are applauding the move. Evidently, the OSU lawyers don't bother with fine print (witness O'Brien contract debacle) and UM lawyers must be of the same ilk. If these two schools, with their influence, would be more careful in the next negotiations this would be averted.
I will say that ESPNU and CSTV, which is another obscure college sports themed channel, do have some decent stuff to watch vs the shit that is network primetime. At least it is OK for the college sports junkie in all of us.
- October 30, 2006 12:22 PM
It's Ball State. If you were playing a big school, you can be assured it would be covered on a major network. Maybe the UM athletic department should get the blame for the schedule and not the media.
Writing ESPN may help. South Carolina fans started a huge email campaign to get the USC-Vandy game on PPV (it was understandably on nothing originally) and ESPN picked it up by mid-week for Gameplan after initially saying they wouldn't. This is a little different situation in that the U is already carrying your game, whereas the USC-Vandy game was not being carried by another network or ESPN/ABC affiliate.
- October 30, 2006 1:13 PM
TO clarify. The BIG TEN sold the rights to ABC/ESPN/Disney to broadcast xx number of games this year. ABC/ESPN decides what games are on what network and when...ABC/ESPN/2/U.
Sorry guys...there is nothing you can do. Either buy a service with ESPNU or go watch it with a freind or at a sports bar
- October 30, 2006 1:39 PM
why don't you just invite your faithful following over to your place to watch the game? I'll bring a pot of chili and some jagermeister.
- October 30, 2006 1:42 PM
- Scott said...
S&G Matter:
I will go watch at a bar. ...but why not write the letter? It takes about as long as leaving a comment on a blog.
What I don't get is why you would want to discourage someone from writing.
- October 30, 2006 2:17 PM
I threw a little love your way, here. (2nd item)
19 days and counting - Go Bucks
- October 30, 2006 2:28 PM
- Howard21 said...
You can get the radio broadcast over the internet from mgoblue.com. The CSTV broadcast you have to0 pay for (I think) but the other option, qicktime i believe, is free and actually comes through well. If you don't have satellite radio it's another option.
- October 30, 2006 2:34 PM
Two words:
Sports Bar
- October 30, 2006 2:43 PM
I have the season package for gameplan (about 40% of the games are the likes of MTSU vs N.Texas) the other half are decent games. I also have XM satellite radio (does not broadcast non- BigTen Michigan games). So i'm in a minority(?) of people who would pay extra to watch/listen to "my team" play. Surely i'd give an extra $5 a month to get ESPNU. Why doesn't Cox cable get that? They are making that decision for me, at least let me decide right? Aside from that one, Cox cable does not allow me to view ESPN360 (another beast but same in nature), it's the friggin internet right? Yet my ISP doesn't support ESPN360...i'm at a loss, but willing to pay extra (within reason) for these services. Thanks to the poster who told me about the radio broadcast on mgoblue.com. My question is this, how many games has Michigan had on t.v. in a row (either by cable or gameplan).
- October 30, 2006 3:20 PM
I did an internet radio listen for OSU and Indiana. It was refreshing to listen to the game and I got some good insights from the announcers I would miss otherwise. The TV guys are all silly talk; the radio boys got it going on. Enjoy your game anyway you can Michigan fans.
- October 30, 2006 3:52 PM
om mgoblue.com in the football section their is a link for free audio for the game its in the next game section all you have to do is register and its free to listen
- October 30, 2006 4:26 PM
- Ali Haji-Sheikh said...
Do what most sensible people did years ago, dump cable already and get DirecTV which has ESPNU. I'm sure they are giving away dishes and receivers (with a DirecTV subscription) this weekend at Best Buy, etc. like they are every weekend.
- October 30, 2006 4:28 PM
Why don't you get SlingBox and post the game here on your Blog
- October 30, 2006 4:55 PM
Why would anyone want to watch Ball State play football? Seriously, unless you're a Michigan fan, why would you want to match such an enormous mismatch?
- October 30, 2006 6:12 PM
Totally off topic, but I had to post this.
Stat of the Day:
Michigan is currently allowing the fewest rushing YPG since 1959! (Syracuse, 19.3 RYPG).
- October 30, 2006 6:26 PM
Scott... oh you can write letters 'til there are no trees left, it just won't change anything at this point this season.
- October 30, 2006 7:10 PM
I am lucky that I have ESPNU on Dishnetwork. However, I had another beef with COX (my broadband provider), I have no idea why an internet provider would not support ESPN360?!!! Especially if that cable provider already carries ESPN.
I totally missed the Iowa game and had to watch it on replay on ESPNU.
Anyways, I'm very fortunate that we have a huge following and most of our games are televised. I would hate to have gone to an SEC school, ONLY half of their games are televised on either CBS/LincolnSports/Sunshine network if it's carried at all.
- October 30, 2006 7:15 PM
"They have 500 channels and they can't find a place for ESPNU?"
They pay peanuts for 480 or so of those channels. Disney charges an arm and a leg for each of the ESPN channels. My cable bill went up not too long ago solely due to a hike in ESPN fees. So, no, the cable company can't just replace the 5th shopping channel for ESPNU without taking a hit in their profit margin.
That's the free market for ya.
- October 30, 2006 7:53 PM
- BuckeyeSteve said...
I feel for ya. I really do. Had to completely miss the OSU v Indiana game for the same reason. Sad isn't it. Unable to watch a perfectly good blowout. Used to love ESPN. Got on TV for Gameday in Columbus in '96. Can't stand what they are doing to College Football and cringe as to what it will be like next year. Ah well enjoy the "free" games while you can.
- October 30, 2006 8:21 PM
- Tommo said...
I definitely feel your pain after missing OSU-Indiana, although they don't exactly have the cream of the crop calling the games on ESPNU.
- October 30, 2006 9:58 PM
- Howard21 said...
Anon 12:52 is right, the radio isn't too bad at all. I did homework while I listened and the commentary is much better than Spielman talking about Chad Henry and the Michigan offense. Why does he do so many Michigan games?
- October 30, 2006 11:13 PM
Geez, Ball State vs Michigan. Who gives a rats ass except Michigan fans anyway?
- October 31, 2006 2:15 PM
In response to Phoenixx10 - the freaking Gamecocks have been on TV (air, cable, PPV, national or regional) every week except 1 or 2 weeks at the most. A middle tier team in the SEC with that much TV and you're saying the SEC gets no TV? Get over yourself.
- October 31, 2006 2:33 PM
It is a good thing because in the end it will be carried by all services and that's one more channel to watch football.
- October 31, 2006 2:38 PM
No offense, but why would I listen to you guys when I can just listen to Brandstatter and Beckmann?
- October 31, 2006 3:54 PM
You should just look into the TVU player. Hook up your Sat feed to your PC & Feed the picture Peer-to-Peer to everyone else that wants to watch.
- October 31, 2006 4:10 PM
So, there is noooooo way to rewatch it later like a re-air on some other station later in the week? I can handle finding out the score and then watching it later. I will be unable to listen to the game during gametime so I am really screwed. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
- October 31, 2006 10:06 PM
Maybe if scUM would play better out of conference teams (other than ND, yes I know you did play Colorado, but that was close to a dozen years ago) and could create ratings high enough to have their own network, then you wouldn't have to worry about watching your scrimmage against the Jason DimWhitlock's alma mater.
- November 01, 2006 9:56 AM
Nobody cares what yooouuuthinks.
Yeah, watching Notre Dame play Navy & Stanford is better.
If you have help for those looking for a way to enjoy their team's game, then please add like some Buckeye fans have. If not then go away.
- November 01, 2006 11:14 AM
Any UM fan who has ESPNU and the proper computer tools might do his/her brethren a favor by using the TVU site and broadcasting the game over the web.
The main thing that pisses me off about ESPNU is the network omits these games from the GamePlan package.
- November 03, 2006 10:45 AM


text:
Dealing with water damage can be a traumatic experience. You feel a loss of control in your own home! The feeling only gets worse if you have a company come in and rip apart your walls, carpet, furniture, and rummage through your personal items! After dealing with all this aggravation and more, you get "rewarded" with a bill for $1,000's!
This Water Damage Restoration Clean Up Ashippun WI 53003 does not have to be your experience with water damage.
You already have the ability to clean up your own water damage, you just need the know-how! Below is a step-by-step skeleton of what the actions you should take in remediating your own water damage.
Turn Off All Electricity- Turn your power main to the off position so you don't get electrically Ashippun WI 53003 shocked. Never step in standing water without the power off!
Identify the Type of Water- You must determine if your water is considered "clean" or "dirty." Clean water comes from sources such as a failed sump pump or leaky dishwasher. Dirty water comes from sources like broken ejector pumps and cracked sewage lines.
Equipment and Materials- You will need water damage equipment Water Damage Cleanup Services After Home Flooding Ashippun WI 53003 such as a wet/dry vacuum, carpet cleaning machine, deodorizers, disinfectants, and body protection such as puncture proof gloves.
Remove the Water- Use either a submersible pump or wet/dry vacuum to remove the excess water.
Treat Your Carpet and/or Other Flooring- You must properly clean, disinfect, and deodorize the carpet.
Discard the Padding- Remove and trash all the padding under the carpet.
Treat Walls and Ashippun WI 53003 Baseboards- Remove the baseboards and create air cavities in the walls. Properly disinfect and store the baseboards.
Ensure Your Furniture is Safe- Check for structural damage and if water affected absorbent areas.
Drying Equipment- You will need to use air movers, fans, and dehumidifiers after you finish the demolition and restoration process. These pieces of equipment will allow your home to dry Ashippun WI 53003 properly.
Deal with Insurance Companies- After you remediate your water damage, you will have to deal with your insurance company and make sure the insurance company pays you the money you deserve!


text:
Do you have or do you want to have sex with no strings attached? Just some guy you met but have no feelings for.
I don't like just having sex with anonymous people. The only time I have sex is when I'm in a monogamous relationship.
Do you have or do you want to have sex with no strings attached? Just some guy you met but have no feelings for.
I don't like just having sex with anonymous people. The only time I have sex is when I'm in a monogamous relationship.
I say it can be done, but it's not for me.
of course people do it all the time, but i've never tried. this one guy who i liked for a very short period of time, then realized i didn't tried to get me to go at it with him, but i just couldn't get into it. I wrote a whole thread about the experience.
"mmmyes, this is all true..."
Ask Me Questions!
and, yes, these are my eyes.
I've never had sex with someone where I wasn't in a relationship with them. I don't see myself every having random sex.
I spent long teenage years with my hand for company. So yes. I bet there are plenty of you who'd say something similar.
I've had lots of sex sans relationship. But never with a complete stranger.
Give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day.
Give a man religion, and he'll starve praying for a fish.
yes, absolutely.. i guess i had more sex without a relationship than the other way
Don't tell me about your rules, because I spit on any rules.
i've had random sex with strangers a few times, but always felt awful afterwards, but that's more down to bipolar disorder than actually wanting to do it, so maybe that's abit irrelevant
Yes I can have sex without a relationship.
It doesn't make me better or worse than people who can't have sex with someone they just met.
It doesn't make the sex I have more or less meaningful.
and it hurts with every heartbeat......
ive had anonymous sex and sex within a loving committed relationship.
its just been my experience that sex in a relationship is lightyears more exciting and erotic than sex with strangers.
I dont judge anyone for either way
I don't judge people and as I have been told often I might loosen up a little once I am more experienced.
Um, being consitently single, I only have sex without a relationship. Although I wish it were the other way around.
I mean, even straight people don't do that anymore. They date a few times, they have sex a few times, then they decide whether they're in a relationship or not. Just like gay people (used to?) do.
Oh, and also, reading the other posts, are you guys aware that there is something between sex in a monogamous relationship and anonymous, random sex?
I mean, at a minimum you can at least introduce yourselves to each other....
That's what I thought. I just didn't see how it would work the other way.
So what you're doing isn't that different from what gay people have always done. You meet a guy, you hit it off, you have sex, if you both enjoyed it you do it again, and after a few times you have to decide whether to continue the relationship or move on.
And, I hate to say this, but unless you're one of those rare people who's found his soulmate, in which case God bless you, a relationship is only monogamous until it isn't. Sooner or later one of you is going to get tired of the other one and either start cheating or break up. Again, not that different from the way it's always worked.
I have not had sex in 3 years for the very reason that I much prefer to have sex with the emotional attachment that I desire and need. Sex without the emotional intimacy left me feeling empty and even more alone than prior to the act. For the longest time after my relationship ended I did not have sex with anyone, then for a very short period of time I did try the online hook-ups and such. That is when I learned that I need the intimacy part for me to feel good about it.
I have been envolve in those situations, where theres some sexual activity, and no speaking, and some where they just might as well not said anything.I have thought about writing a short story of the not so good sexual times. Most stories are for quick arousal and JO material, I know it certainly would not be to that caliber so have ignored the thoughts. I am thinking about one where two guys want to live with me. Maybe!
Anonymous, sex can be enjoyable. As long as you play safe! I wouldn't want an open relationship, but seeing as I am single now the occasional anonymous sex is not hurting anyone.
Never be afraid to try something new, remember, amateurs built the Ark, professionals built the Titanic.
Yes, I do every week, but I wish a relationship were there.
I certainly had lots of anonymous sex before my boyfriend - in fact he was the first person I ever had sex with whose name I knew.
It's kind of exciting on one hand, but ultimately I found it very degrading.
it can be done... but i definitly want a relationship with my first at least... after wards it depends on my experience with my first... i have turned down sex before because i am kinda picky about whom i want to be my first
Mine is the Earth and the sword in the stone, Mine is the throne for the idol
One fleeting moment, and it is all gone, Crownless again Will I fall?
The no-strings thing has never appealed to me because I get too attached too easily.
And even though it's a budding relationship (and not marriage or anything), it is monogamous while it lasts. And it would end by ending the relationship and sex at the same time; not cheating and then ending the relationship when caught.
At least that's how I look at it.
I've done it, but you need to have a specific kind of relationship with the person where you're both comfortable and would never consider a romantic relationship with one another.
The BEST sex I've ever had has been anonymous sex (but also some of the worst).
I once had sex with five guys in the woods by charles river parkway, one sucking my dick, one eating my ass, one on each nipple, and one kissing my neck. That blew my mind.
Don't get me wrong, sex with someone you love is hot, but it doesn't have that illicit thrill.
I read once that the ancient Egyptians had fifty words for sand & the Eskimos had a hundred words for snow. I wish I had a thousand words for love, But all that comes to mind is the way you move against me while you sleep & there are no words for that.