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To impress your friends, mimic someone famous. It can be Jack Nicholson, or maybe Celine Dion.
If you're good, they'll laugh. If you're great, they'll laugh and say, "You should do that onstage!"
The late Danny Gans found this to be true. When he was a minor-league baseball player, he entertained his teammates on long bus rides by performing rudimentary impersonations of Nicholson, George Burns, even Kermit the Frog.
And Veronic DiCaire, too, has found this to be true. Her "teammates" have been musicians, singers and dancers instead of ball players, but still …
"When you are a singer, you always like to make your team laugh," the woman known solely in Vegas as Veronic says while seated in a booth at Bally's Jubilee Theater. "At first I was only doing imitations, impersonations, to make the people in my surroundings laugh. It was only that."
It is not only that today, though. Veronic is the new star on the Strip, at the center of "Voices" at Bally's. She is billed as "One Singer … Fifty Voices" and swaps stage time with "Jubilee" on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The show is on an open-ended run, with the first set of ticketed performance ending Aug. 31.
Veronic is attempting to achieve the improbable on the Strip for the last, oh, 15 years: to succeed as a Strip headliner by performing an impressions act. The most recent impressionist to establish long-term success on the Strip was Gans. Andre-Philippe-Gagnon barely broke stride at Paris Las Vegas more than a decade ago. Gordie Brown boomeranged from Golden Nugget to The Venetian and back. More recently, Greg London and Jonathan Clark hauled credible productions to the Riviera (and in London's case then to Shimmer Cabaret at the then-Las Vegas Hilton) but couldn't achieve big audiences even in small venues.
The granddaddy of impressionists, Rich Little, is loading out of Shimmer. And it is even more rare for a female impressionist to succeed as a standalone performer anywhere in town — or anywhere, period.
"There are not many of us," Veronic says, somewhat sadly.
But Vernonic's "Voices" production does enjoy considerable resources to bolster its chances at longevity, as it is produced by AEG Live and promoted by Dion and her husband, Rene Angelil.
The superstar and her manager husband provided the chance for Veronic to expand from a country/folk recording artist for Canada's Warner Music. A native of Ontario, Veronic recorded two albums and was prepping for a third — all in her own soaring voice — when she was approached with the chance to open for Celine on her 2008 "Taking Chances" Tour.
But the person making the overture was neither Celine nor Rene. He was Marc Dupre, son-in-law of Angelil and an accomplished singer/songwriter, primarily in Canada. The original plan was for Dupre to open for Dion, but he was unavailable and turned to Veronic, with whom he had been recording. She was to perform singing impressions, but knew only five — all of French-Canadian singers, with Celine herself topping the list.
"I said, 'Marc, are you serious? I have 30 minutes to fill, and I know five voices,' " she says. "I had to work on my voices."
Veronic halted work on her album. She cut short her stage appearances and refused offers to appear on TV.
"I started working on my voices until it clicked for me," she says. I sent a video where I expressed all of these French singers, and Celine and Rene accepted. That's when I found out I can do imitations."
Like, lots and lots of imitations.
Veronic performs dozens of voices in her show at Bally's, easily approaching the 50 promised in the show's ads and marketing push. Such contemporary stars as Beyonce, Britney Spears, Rihanna and Pink are juxtaposed against Billie Holiday, Judy Garland and Karen Carpenter. A country segment evokes Dolly Parton (absent the obvious top-heavy costuming) introducing Reba, Taylor Swift, Shania Twain and Carrie Underwood. The graceful singer and her half-dozen backing dancers — all brunette, contrasting the blonde star of the show — shake and bake while summoning Shakira and Tina Turner.
Veronic is clearly comfortable performing production numbers. Before opening for Celine, she played Roxie Hart in "Chicago" and Sandy in "Grease," both French-language versions of the popular musicals.
"The words are very different," she says, asked how those shows are different from those in English. "I mean, to sing 'Greased Lighting' in French is very different. It's just weird."
But it was suitable training for taking the stage in a Strip show. Veronic is onstage nearly nonstop. She is known to sprint backstage and runs from the stage as if she's entered in the 110-meter hurdles.
What is not evident for the great singer is a live band, intensifying the emphasis on Veronic's outstanding voice. The reason for the absence of live music is largely financial. Musicians are more expensive than tracks, and it is an adjustment to be singing to music piped into the theater rather than performed live.
"Obviously, back home I am a singer, and with live musicians, and at first it felt like there was something missing," she says. "But we always have to think about — when we come to a new show, it's a lot of money to put in a band."
As Veronic makes that point, her husband (and show co-producer) Remon Boulerice contributes an argument from the production end of the equation.
"The decision was made that her voice is so close to the actual voices that we went with the tracks because the musicians every night can be either faster or slower, or be off a bit," Boulerice says. "The energy might not be the same. So we said, 'You know what? The music has to be perfect because Veronic will be right on.' … The music has to be the same as what the album gives us."
Veronic adds, "You never say never because at some point we maybe will be in a bigger theater and there we will add musicians. I don't want to justify our idea, but I think right now the show needs to be so tight, and we need control over what is happening onstage."
It's a seemingly massive, even daunting, responsibility on the singer who knows enough about Vegas to know it's a city that appreciates great talent. She has that. All that's left is to impress the people in her surroundings.
Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at Twitter.com/JohnnyKats. Also, follow "Kats With the Dish" at Twitter.com/KatsWiththeDish.


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Film buff Axford produces perfect Oscar scorecard
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- John Axford's love of film has its roots in a feel good story about a father and son. During his childhood, when Axford's dad would hit the road with his boy for youth baseball or hockey tournaments, they would gather movies to watch on their travels.
"Not movies you'd really think a kid is going to like," Axford said with a smile.
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- John Axford's love of film has its roots in a feel good story about a father and son. During his childhood, when Axford's dad would hit the road with his boy for youth baseball or hockey tournaments, they would gather movies to watch on their travels.
"Not movies you'd really think a kid is going to like," Axford said with a smile.
Axford recalls his father pulling old westerns from racks in gas stations during fuel stops -- titles such as "Once Upon a Time in the West" or the "Man with No Name" trilogy -- and becoming enthralled with the films. So inspired was Axford that he went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in film and television from Notre Dame.
Now a closer in the big leagues, Axford has carried on the tradition, catching as many titles as he can during road trips and throughout Spring Training. If what transpired on Sunday night is any indication, Axford has graduated from a film aficionado to expert.
Axford went a perfect 18-for-18 in his annual Oscar predictions for the 86th Academy Awards.
"I heard," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "I hope he's as good at saves."
That is the goal this season for Axford, who has faced his share of critics over the past two years. Cleveland signed the right-hander to a one-year, $4.5 million contract over the winter and offered him the chance to write the comeback portion of his own story. Axford lost his job as Milwaukee's closer early last year, but he finished the campaign with a solid showing after a trade to the Cardinals.
During his best season, Axford posted a 1.95 ERA and saved 46 games for the Brewers in 2011. Between the '11 and '12 seasons, the right-hander enjoyed a streak of 49 consecutive saves converted. The Indians would love to see that kind of pitcher again.
"He's looking forward to the opportunity to close out games," Francona said, "and kind of maybe prove that he can be more of what he was -- like that year where he had 46 saves. Nothing would be better for us than if he could do that. He's got a live arm. He seems like a great kid."
What Sunday's predictions showed -- aside from the pitcher's ability to gauge Hollywood's awards season -- is that the Indians are not only gaining a new closer, but a new character for its bullpen. Fellow reliever Vinnie Pestano, who is also an avid moviegoer, was wowed with his new teammate's talent.
"That was impressive," Pestano said. "I was watching the Oscars and saw how many times that 'Gravity' had won. For it to win that many things, and for him to be able to pick that movie that many times, it had to be like, 'Is it going to be "Gravity" again?' It might be the clear favorite in a category, but you still want to doubt it. It was definitely impressive."
Axford did not actually tune in to the Oscars on Sunday. The right-hander watched his predictions come to fruition one by one as fans sent him messages on Twitter. Axford posted his picks (he went with 18 predictions, even though the Academy Awards feature 24 categories) on his Facebook and Twitter pages a few hours before the show.
Last year, Axford went 14-for-15 in his predictions, missing only Ang Lee as Best Director for his work on "Life of Pi." Prior to that, Axford said he went 11-for-15 in 2012 and 11-for-13 in '11. He is leaning toward trying to nail all 24 picks next spring.
Axford did not expect to have a perfect score on Sunday night, but his confidence grew when he hit 16 correct selections. At that point, Axford needed Matthew McConaughey to win Best Actor for "Dallas Buyers Club" and "12 Years a Slave" to take home the Best Picture honors.
"When I was finally 16-for-16, I just assumed that I already had it locked," Axford said. "I was pretty sure that McConaughey and '12 Years a Slave' were going to win. I had it for sure. I knew."
On social media, fans were comparing it to throwing a perfect game. In the wake of his pristine predictions, Axford said his follower count on Twitter jumped by more than 2,500 fans. Multiple online outlets posted articles on Sunday night and more than 20 media outlets -- from the United States and Canada -- requested an interview with the Indians.
Axford was surprised by how big the story became overnight.
"It's just Oscar picks," he said. "But I guess it can get some distance."
The most difficult pick for Axford was in the Best Director category, which threatened to disrupt his perfect score for the second year in a row. He admits to pulling for Steve McQueen for "12 Years a Slave," but Axford was blown away by the technical work of Alfonso Cuaron in "Gravity." On top of that, Cuaron directed "Children of Men" -- one of the pitcher's favorite films.
"He did such a great job," Axford said. "If you see some of the behind-the-scene things, what he had to accomplish to actually get the actors to do what they did, and make the film the way he did without having much around besides a green screen, and trying to do all the visual effects and stuff after. He did a remarkable job."
During his days as a film student, it was that kind of editing process that most appealed to Axford.
"I liked the tangible feel of film," Axford said. "We actually worked with 16 millimeter. I took an intermediate production class. Actually being able to play with that, cut it, splice it, tape it back together, I loved doing that and putting together a story yourself."
Axford will get to continue his own story this year with the Indians.
The pitcher said a career in film can wait.
Jordan Bastian is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Major League Bastian, and follow him on Twitter @MLBastian.

subset: commoncrawl


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Nandrew wrote:We got right on that, thanks for the input. :)
flap wrote:I also prefer selecting character first then the dungeon, as in freeware version. But you are probably planning much more work for the interface ?
flap wrote:Also it is not that illogical : you build your team, then you go adventuring.
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• Sept. 17, 2004 | 7:30 p.m. ET
Multiplying by zero-G: A lot of people seem to be having a good time during this week's launch of Zero Gravity Corp.'s parabolic free-fall flight tours. You can watch "Today" show correspondent Tom Costello go through his weightless acrobatics in a video added to my report on Zero Gravity.
Blogger Xeni Jardin reported that her zero-gravity flight from Los Angeles was a flying dream come true. After whooping her way through the parabolas, she enthused about the incredible lightness on BoingBoing, as well as on Wired.com and in an audio report for NPR's "Day to Day" program.
For other fliers, however, the experience wasn't as uplifting. In his description of a Newark flight, Reuters' Chris Reese noted the "expressions of shock and fear" that were on riders' faces as they arose for the first time. Some took to the experience like Superman, while others took their seats (after taking their motion-sickness bags in hand).
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times' Scott Gold reported on the swan song for NASA's honest-to-goodness "Vomit Comet" (registration required to read article). It seems that the space agency is retiring the modified KC-135 transport jet that has long been used for research and training. A "newer and sleeker DC-9" will take its place.
Based on all the initial glowing reports about Zero Gravity, HobbySpace's Clark Lindsey says the company is "going to need to arrange for more planes." And indeed, the fact that Zero Gravity uses a patented technique to convert cargo planes for weightless service, then convert them back in a matter of hours, should make it easier to add flights if there's enough business.
Zero Gravity says that it has scaled down the parabolic experience to minimize the chance of getting space-sick, and gives all sorts of guidance to its passengers. Nevertheless, Cosmic Log reader Ayanna Bryan provides a cautionary note:
"As someone who has gone on parabolic flight several times for research purposes, let me assure you that most people do indeed get sick. And it's not just nausea. There are other forms of motion sickness that are very unpleasant and sometimes disturbing.
"Some people remain sick for several hours after the two-hour flight. Unless medicated (which has its trade-offs: comfort in-flight for discomfort 6 hours later), the normal human vestibular system is easily affected by sharp changes in gravitational level. Some fliers still get sick after taking the Scopolamine/Dexedrine medication. Some people even 'freak out,' for lack of a better term, once they experience the effects of increased and then decreased gravity.
"I hope fair warning is given to paying customers, and I hope the preflight training is good enough to meet Air Force standards. Otherwise someone could get seriously hurt."
• Sept. 17, 2004 | 7:30 p.m. ET
Rubicon redux: In the wake of last month's spectacular blow-up , Space Transport Corp. is aiming for the second test launch of a Rubicon rocket from Washington state's Olympic Peninsula during the weekend of Sept. 25-26, co-founder Philip Storm said today. A new location has been selected for the launch site, and the rocket engine has gone through more rigorous testing. "We won't have that engine problem again," Storm said. Like the first attempt, the upcoming launch would use just two engines rather than the full complement of seven, with a target altitude of 4 miles (6.4 kilometers). Eventually, Space Transport wants to send a rocket to the 100-kilometer mark as part of its Ansari X Prize effort, but the timing for that launch is "up in the air," Storm said. For a humorous take on Space Transport's mission, check out the latest installment of the "Stevie Austin Project."
• Sept. 17, 2004 | 7:30 p.m. ET
Exorcising the weather demons: Even as the storm formerly known as Hurricane Ivan continues to move north, survivors are trying to cope and repair the damage. I also had to do some repairs, in my case to the Cosmic Log item on storm-naming conventions. Originally, I said meteorologists gave names to tropical cyclones when their sustained winds reached 74 mph — but they're actually named at the 39-mph level, when they become tropical storms. The storms receive hurricane status when they hit 74 mph. Thanks to all the readers who quickly set me straight.
With Ivan slowly fading from the scene, weather-watchers are turning their eyes to Jeanne and Karl. The list of names goes on, of course, but Jan from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., thinks we should throw out Charley, Frances and Ivan as well as Alex, Bonnie and the rest, as part of a meteorological exorcism.
"I think this year's set of names should all be retired," Jan wrote. "Get rid of them all this year."
• Sept. 17, 2004 | 7:30 p.m. ET
Weekend field trips on the World Wide Web:
• The Economist: The trouble with voting technology
• Popular Science: Why give a dead man a body scan?
• Discovery.com: White shark's meal makes history
• Fortean Times: In search of the Mongolian Death Worm
• Sept. 16, 2004 | 11 p.m. ET
Strings of Saturn's rings: From afar, Saturn's rings look so substantial you could drive a tank around them — but when you get as close as the Cassini spacecraft has, you can see more clearly what astronomers have known for a long time: Some regions of the rings are only a few yards thick, and virtually translucent.
In today's advisory from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the ringlets are compared to the strings of a musical instrument, "wrapped in a harmonious symphony with the planet." The image was obtained July 30 when Cassini was 4.7 million miles (7.6 million kilometers) away from Saturn.
For further music of the spheres, check out our Cassini slideshow as well as the compositions on the Cassini imaging team's Web site. The next big milestone for the Cassini probe comes on Oct. 26, when the probe has its first truly close encounter with the Saturnian moon Titan .
• Sept. 16, 2004 | 11 p.m. ET
Space legislation faces hurdles: A few weeks ago, some observers may have thought all the kinks were worked out of a bill that would open the way for paying passengers to take suborbital spaceflights at their own risk. But it turns out that the bill, designated HR 3752, is facing another round of revision in a "preconference" procedure.
The talks, which involve staff members from the Senate Commerce Committee as well as the House Science Committee, are aimed at getting the bill's language into a state that can be cleared by the Senate panel, approved by unanimous consent in the full Senate, then voted through by the House.
Among the main issues, according to industry sources: the precise form of the waivers, liability arrangements and indemnification that would follow from the "fly at your own risk" concept. The idea is to have an appropriate level of accountability, while not saddling experimental space ventures with so much liability that no one will invest in it.
Some of the players are getting nervous about the prospect of getting the bill passed before Congress adjourns, but staff members for the House as well as the Senate say they're "cautiously optimistic" that the deal will be done by the October recess.
"We're pretty cognizant of the limited time frame," said Tim Hughes, majority staff counsel for House Science Committee. There may be a second chance for passage of the legislation during a lame-duck session of Congress, but for now, those involved in the talks aren't counting on the extra time.
Meanwhile, United Press International reports that the congressional contest over NASA funding for new space initiatives is in the "eighth inning with the score tied." It's not at all clear whether NASA will get the money it's looking for, but NASA Watch's Keith Cowing notes that lawmakers may be able to free up some funds through legislative magic, and GovExec.com suggests yet another route through a continuing resolution.
All this reminds me of the quotation often attributed to Otto von Bismarck: "If you like laws and sausages, you should never watch either one being made."
• Sept. 16, 2004 | 11 p.m. ET
'Go' for Russia's SpaceShipOne: Russia's RIA-Novosti news agency is reporting that Suborbital Corp.'s Cosmopolis XXI project — a rocketplane-plus-carrier concept that some have compared to Scaled Composites' SpaceShipOne — is moving forward and could be ready for flight in early 2005. That confirms what Space Adventures' Eric Anderson told me last month, although Anderson says 2007 is a more realistic date for the start of flight operations. California millionaire Dennis Tito , the world's first space passenger to pay his own way, is thought to be one of the Western investors fueling Suborbital's plans.
• Sept. 16, 2004 | 11 p.m. ET
Quick scan of the scientific Web:
• NASA: See the shards of the Genesis probe
• PhysOrg: Spinach may soon power your laptop
• EurekAlert/LANL: Traveling-wave engine for deep space
• National Geographic: Pre-Inca ruins emerge from forests
• Defense Tech: DARPA, we have a problem
• Sept. 15, 2004 | 9:30 p.m. ET
After the post-apocalypse: So you've survived the end of the world ... now what?
That part of a post-apocalyptic tale usually isn't addressed in science fiction. From "Deep Impact" to "Mars Attacks," from "Independence Day" to "28 Days Later," the story usually ends when the survivors of some cosmic threat finally reach a safe haven, look around and realize that civilization has to start from scratch.
The rest of the story is what Nick Sagan explores in "Edenborn," the second book of his Idlewild Trilogy. The trilogy is set in the aftermath of a mysterious viral outbreak that has killed off all humanity, except for a handful of genetically engineered progeny who have been raised in "Matrix"-like virtual-reality pods.
"The main question I'm asking is not who survives," Sagan told me. "There are two questions: One is, who inherits the world? Not so much 'who' individually, but what philosophies, what belief systems survive in the wake of such a cataclysm? And the next question is, how do we rebuild? How do we create, if not a utopia, a society, once we've gone through such devastation?"
As the son of the late astronomer Carl Sagan, the 33-year-old writer/futurist just might be genetically predisposed to wrestle with those kinds of deep questions. But "Edenborn" is no Hegelian philosophical tome: The younger Sagan handles his tale entertainingly, which is what you'd expect from someone who has spent years writing scripts for Hollywood productions such as "Star Trek: Voyager" and video games such as "Zork: Nemesis."
"Edenborn" is a mystery told from multiple viewpoints that also manages to touch on the speculative side of cloning and cryonics, virtual reality, artificial intelligence and even the Islamist/modernist clash of civilizations.
At the end of "Idlewild," the post-apocalyptic survivors go in separate directions. During the course of "Edenborn," those little groups find out they need each other — and also learn what it means to be the parents of a post-post-apocalyptic generation.
If anything, the all-too-human generation gaps play a bigger role in "Edenborn" than the gee-whiz technologies.
To hear Nick tell it, there was little evidence of a generation gap in his own family. Nick was the one who, at age 6, recorded the greeting "from the children of Earth" for the Voyager interstellar probe's "golden record," which Carl Sagan helped create. Today, Nick Sagan can still recall the talks he had with his father on the long-term future of the human species.
"I used to debate my father on this all the time, this talk about the dangers coming up ahead," he said. "He was very hopeful. He was a believer in the optimistic side of it, and our ability to work together, which I think is terrific. I always played a bit more of the pessimist between the two. My feelings right now are that we're in for some bumpy weather. I think that the odds are that we're ultimately going to be all right, because we're an incredibly hardy species. We're driven toward survival. I think it will take something very serious to wipe us out.
"I think that the danger of annihilating the human species is probably very low. But the danger of some very big cataclysm in the next few years worries me, at least. And so one of the nice things about being able to write science-fiction books is that there's a wonderful tradition of cautionary tales that you can tap into. I think the job as a science-fiction writer and as a futurist, to whatever extent that I am one, is to look ahead and try to show people glimpses of utopia or dystopia, heaven or hell — looking at potential traps or pitfalls, and also things we might want to drive ourselves toward."
"These books were really an experiment to write just for me, and it was a tremendously rewarding experience to discover that there are fans of the books who really tap into them and enjoy them," he said. "My goal is to finish it as originally conceived, as a trilogy — but because I enjoy it so much, I may very well return to it somewhere down the line."
For an extra sampling of Nick Sagan, check out his observations on the future of sport in our "Olympics of Tomorrow" interactive — or click on over to his Web site.
• Sept. 15, 2004 | 9:30 p.m. ET
Your daily dose of science on the Web:
• New Scientist: Starry nights clearest in Antarctica
• U. of W. Ontario: Beer is as healthy as red wine (via Slashdot)
• BBC: Human genome hits halfway mark
• Nature: Earth's mantle can generate methane
• Sept. 14, 2004 | 7:50 p.m. ET
Balloon passes space test: The Canadian rocket team hoping to beat the SpaceShipOne team to the Ansari X Prize finish line got a long-sought boost on Sunday: The da Vinci Project successfully tested the balloon that will serve as the aerial launch pad for its Wild Fire rocket.
"It was a complete success," said Brian Feeney, who is the da Vinci team's leader as well as the designated pilot for the balloon-launched spaceship. "The payload stressed the balloon, and it had a very rapid rise rate from the ground, which is what we wanted."
The balloon test flight, which had been delayed for a week due to weather conditions, represents a significant step in the da Vinci / GoldenPalace.com bid to win the $10 million Ansari X Prize for private spaceflight next month.
During an actual launch, the da Vinci balloon would rise to more than 70,000 feet (21 to 24 kilometers), with the 8,500-pound (3,860-kilogram) Wild Fire rocket tethered beneath it. The rocket would be released at ignition, and Feeney would pilot it to an altitude of at least 62 miles (100 kilometers). A $10 million purse would be awarded for the first qualifying X Prize vehicle to reach that 62-mile mark twice in a two-week time frame by the end of the year.
Last weekend's test, conducted at an undisclosed location south of the U.S.-Canada border, was designed to simulate the weight strains and temperature stresses that the balloon would experience during launch.
The balloon was partially inflated, and carried a scaled-down payload of brine to the 40,000-foot-plus (12-kilometer-plus) level — high enough for air temperatures to fall to 50 below zero Fahrenheit (-45 degrees Celsius), Feeney said. Then the brine was dumped to simulate the release of the rocket. Feeney said the balloon "performed well at the launch and also performed well at an altitude with extremely cold temperatures."
Feeney said his volunteers were working as much as 20 hours a day to get the rocket, balloon and other launch systems ready for liftoff on Oct. 2 from Kindersley, Saskatchewan. Some observers have wondered whether all the pieces — including the required insurance and government clearances — could possibly be in place that soon.
Will everything be ready for Oct. 2? The timing is tight, because famed aircraft designer Burt Rutan and his SpaceShipOne team have scheduled rocket flights on Sept. 29 and Oct. 4 in hopes of taking the prize. Rutan has said there would be three launch opportunities in the two-week timespan, providing an extra chance for victory. He may even fill one of the passenger seats for a prize-winning flight.
With the countdown ticking away, Feeney said his team was "still in the hunt."
"It's a steep hill we're climbing, but we're climbing it rapidly," he said. "I'm not prepared at this time to give up the date, or give Burt Rutan an inch."
Even if all the pieces are ready in time, there's still no guarantee that Wild Fire will blast off on schedule, Feeney acknowledged.
"You can have weather that can trip you up, or a last-minute glitch," he said, "but we continue to plod through everything, and we hope to be ready for that date."
• Sept. 14, 2004 | 7:50 p.m. ET
Surveying space and time on the Web:
• Discovery.com: Mars valleys reflect dry climate
• The Guardian: Space probes still feel mysterious tug
• Archaeology Magazine: Riding with Alexander the Great
• Astrobiology Magazine: Saturn's family portrait
• Sept. 13, 2004 | 10:30 p.m. ET
What's in a hurricane name? With Hurricane Ivan brushing past Cuba, the big question is exactly where the storm will make landfall on the mainland United States. As meteorologists ponder the imponderable , Cosmic Log readers have their own, more manageable questions.
"Who gives the hurricanes a name?" John Watson asks. "How is the name determined? I thought hurricane names were alphabetical starting with 'A' and going consecutively through the alphabet, but it seems this year they are skipping two letters between names. Are there smaller hurricanes that we don't hear about that take up the void? Is there an Internet resource you could recommend?"
Our "Hurricane Briefing" interactive provides most of the answer, but I can fill in some of the gaps: The World Meteorological Organization and its regional committees are in charge of the naming process.
There are actually 11 lists of tropical cyclone names that are cycled through over a period of years, for various regions of severe weather. For example, Alex, Bonnie and Charley churned through the North Atlantic, but Agatha, Blas and Celia ripped through the Eastern North Pacific, and it was Damrey, Longwang and Kirogi in the Western North Pacific.
North Atlantic storms are named alphabetically, of course, A through W (excluding Q and U). If a particular hurricane season were to become so catastrophically bad that meteorologists worked their way through W, then they'd simply resort to the Greek alphabet (Alpha, Beta, Gamma ...).
Tropical cyclones receive names when they reach sustained wind speeds of 39 to 74 mph (63 to 119 kilometers per hour). But not all of the named storms become famous — that's why you haven't heard as much about Alex, Bonnie, Danielle, Earl, Gaston and Hermine as you have about Charley, Frances and Ivan.
Most of the names for North Atlantic tropical storms are cycled through every six years, so the lesser siblings are likely to reappear in 2010. But what about Ivan and the other monster storms?
"It is a widespread practice that when a tropical storm attains notoriety, when for example it inflicts a heavy death toll or causes devastation of property, its name is retired — that is, taken off the list and replaced with another name, where appropriate, beginning with the same letter and of the same gender," the World Meteorological Organization says in its PDF fact sheet.
That job falls to the respective regional tropical cyclone committee —which, in the case of North Atlantic hurricanes, would involve Region IV. For example, after Hurricane Andrew devastated Florida in 1992, that name was replaced by Alex for 1998. In that year, Tropical Storm Alex wasn't such a big deal, so it carried over to this year — and will probably show up in 2010 as well.
If you want to send in suggestions for future names (ex-girlfriends, etc.), I suppose you could forward them to the National Hurricane Center, which represents the United States on the Region IV committee. But don't hold your breath waiting for Hurricane Evil Boss to show up on the list.
• Sept. 13, 2004 | 10:30 p.m. ET
Scientific smorgasbord on the Web:
• Desert News: White Knight to launch X-37 test flights
• Science News: The ultimate crop insurance
• Defense Tech: Pentagon's LifeLog revived?
• N.Y. Times (reg. req.): The science behind déjà vu
The fine print: Looking for older items? Check the Cosmic Log archive. Share your perspective on cosmic subjects with Alan Boyle. If you link to this page, you can use http://cosmiclog.msnbc.com or http://www.cosmiclog.com as the address. MSNBC is not responsible for the content of Internet links.


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webknix needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 36 designs submitted by 18 freelance designers.
We need a logo design for TailgateGrills.com
TailgateGrills.com will be a website that sells Grills and other barbecue related items. The target market will young adults that are into sports and tailgating. "Tailgating" is a common term in the USA for sports fans that hold parties at major sports events such as American Football, baseball, etc.
The logo should be very modern looking with flare and style.
Here is an example drawing we sketched out to give you a certain idea of what we are looking for. Of course this is a very crude sketch so use your artisitic talent to wow us.
See http://www.webknix.com/clients/tail…grills.jpg
The idea is to have some sort of "grill" in the logo with "flames" maybe ? However, feel free to create whatever you like.
If we fall in love with a logo we reserve the right to close it early. We need this quickly so submit your design soon - you may just win it right away. (that does not mean you should compromise on the quality :)
Good Luck and Many Thanks
- Must have full word in logo eg... TailgateGrills.com
- Dark colors for fonts eg. Black/Dark Grey or Brown/Tan (preferably brown/tan)
- Need all File Formats for printing purposes too such as on stationery and city billboards.
- unprofessional childish looking logos
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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Set the HOME variable
The HOME variable is one of the essential variables required by *NIX systems. It is already set in an MSYS environment, but not in a cmd.exe environment. Some applications, e.g. vim.exe, may behave erroneously or even crash if this variable is missing. In order to use these application from cmd.exe, it is thus required to set the HOME variable in the cmd.exe environment as well.
One possible solution is to add HOME to the list of global variables in the System section of the Windows Control Center. Globally setting this to a different directory than %USERPROFILE% is not recommended, however, because it may change the behaviour of already installed applications (e.g. VirtualBox) and mislead them to look in this location for their configuration data. On the other hand, globally setting it to %USERPROFILE% may lead to errors if the %USERPROFILE% variable contains spaces, e.g. "C:\Users\Firstname Lastname".
Thus, the recommended way to set the HOME variable for the cmd.exe environment is to create some kind of rc-script (like ~/.bashrc for bash) for cmd.exe, i.e. a batch file that gets started whenever cmd.exe is invoked. Once this file is created, open the Windows Registry Editor regedit.exe and add its file path to the "AutoRun" key in either
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Command Processor]
for the current user or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Command Processor]
for system-wide availability. The exported Windows Registry key will look like this:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Command Processor]
An example for the %USERPROFILE%\\cmdrc.bat batch file is shown below:
@echo off
set MINGWDIR=C:\MinGW
set MSYSDIR=%MINGWDIR%\msys\1.0
rem set HOME=%USERPROFILE%
set HOME=%MSYSDIR%\home\%USERNAME%
set PATH=%PATH%;%MINGWDIR%\bin;%MSYSDIR%\bin
rem Useful doskey macros
%SYSTEMROOT%\System32\doskey.exe ^D=exit
%SYSTEMROOT%\System32\doskey.exe ll=ls -l $*
%SYSTEMROOT%\System32\doskey.exe vi=vim -N $*
%SYSTEMROOT%\System32\doskey.exe which=sh -c "which $*"
- The additional doskey macros shown at the end of the example are optional. They may come handy for those who are used to certain shortcuts from their *NIX enviroment, but may cause erroneous behaviour for applications which use cmd.exe internally (e.g. Ansys Fluent).
- The ^D character in the exit macro is created via [Ctrl]+[d], not [^], [D].


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The PCM has detected an abnormality in a particular electronic pressure control solenoid or solenoid circuit. The computer controlled automatic transmission uses varying degrees of hydraulic pressure to provide shift actuation and torque converter lockup. Pressure is regulated using one or more electronic pressure control solenoids which are controlled by the PCM.
Although code setting parameters vary greatly from one manufacturer (and model) to another, virtually every application utilizes calculations based upon throttle position, engine load, engine speed, and vehicle speed to determine the desired degree of pump pressure required for efficient operation. If the desired amount of fluid pressure fails to coincide with the actual amount detected, a code will be stored and a malfunction indicator lamp may be illuminated. Some applications require multiple failure cycles in order for a service engine soon lamp to be illuminated.
These may vary from no detectable symptoms at all to disabled shifting function and a failure of the torque converter clutch to engage/disengage. This code may also be accompanied by the PCM placing the transmission in "limp-in" mode. Other symptoms may include harsh shifting, transmission slippage, transmission overheating, decreased fuel efficiency, a stored code, and possibly an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp. Other torque converter clutch, lock up, gear ratio, shift solenoid, or transmission slippage codes often accompany this code.
Common causes include a faulty electronic pressure control solenoid, hydraulic blockages inside the internal transmission fluid passages, mechanical internal transmission failures, low transmission fluid, dirty or contaminated transmission fluid, a faulty PCM or transmission control module.
Technicians report that electronic pressure control solenoid and wiring malfunctions are often overlooked and high pressure pumps are frequently replaced in error.


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Dir: Bruno Safadi. Brazil. 2012. 73mins
The smart and provocative structure of Brazilian drama Éden goes some way in papering over its relatively lightweight plot involving sex and religion, but as a vehicle for the talented Leandra Leal – who plays a pregnant young woman who is seduced and manipulated by an evangelical preacher – it is an impressive affair.
It is to Leandra Leal's credit that she makes the most of her character's inner turmoil.
She picked up the Best Actress prize at the Rio Film Festival for a striking and at time moving performance, and while the film never quite delivers in terms of the shrill drama it often promises, its mix of sex and melodrama could make it of interest to other festivals.The film had its premiere at the Rio Film Festival.
The heavily pregnant Karine (Leal) is brought into the Church of Éden to try and console her, and she soon finds herself a favourite of Pastor Naldo (João Miguel) who wants her to be an 'ambassador' for his religious message. She goes along with his tender ministrations, until she finds herself brought in front of the young man who murdered her partner.
Director Bruno Safadi, however, has a sure tough when it comes to structuring his shots, balancing some beautifully framed scenes (for the scenes of romance) alongside more gritty urban footage as the evangelical preacher takes to the streets. Karine seems to work at a warehouse selling swimming pools, which means good use of shots of her plaintively laying down in the shell of a pool, while in a flashback there are scenes of her and her lover meeting for the first time in a karaoke bar (and singing along to Spandau Ballet's True) before heading back for a little love-making in a hot tub.
But the artfully shot sequences can only go so far when it comes to adding lustre to a relatively flimsy storyline. So it is to Leandra Leal's credit that she makes the most of her character's inner turmoil.
Production company/sales: TB Producoes, Greengo Films, www.greengofilms.com
Producer: Jan Roldanus
Director: Bruno Safadi
Screenplay: Antonia Pellegrino, Bruno Safadi
Editor: Rodrigo Lima
Cinematography: Lula Carvalho
Music: Guilherme Vaz
Main cast: Leandra Leal, João Miguel, Julio Andrade, André Ramiro, Cristina Lago


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The Clippers' rookie forward will make a return to home state as Bobcats host Clippers tonight.
The Charlotte Bobcats play host to the Los Angeles Clippers tonight, as Kinston native Reggie Bullock returns to North Carolina.
Playing in 18 games on the season, the rookie forward out of UNC willcome back to his home state after heading west in June of 2013. The Clippers selected him 25th overall last year.
While averaging just over a couple points and 9 minutes per game, he scored a season-high 10 points with the Doc Rivers-coached Clips in a loss to the Indiana Pacers in December.
Bullock played his most minutes in November versus the Chicago Bulls but didn�t suit up for one game this season after injuring his left ankle.
According to his NBA Rook: Diaries entry on NBA.com, Bullock was confident when he began his first season in the league. He was even ready to fill in for a previously-injuredMatt Barnes.
�Playing in the NBA has been my dream since I first picked up a basketball,� he wrote in the December blog entry. �I�ll never forget the feeling of hearing my named called at the NBA Draft. All of the hard work was worth it, and it felt like I had finally made it. I could not wait to start my professional basketball career.�
The Clippers (29-14) are fourth in the Western Conference and sit at the top of the Pacific Division. They�ve splittheir road games, 11-11, as they head to Charlotte�s Time Warner Arena tonight.
The west coast team is also third in the NBA in scoring, averaging 105.6 points.
L.A. also enters the contest equipped with the league�s leading rebounder, DeAndre Jordan (13.7) and All-Star slam dunk machine Blake Griffin.
Griffin had a game-high 31 points, adding 12 rebounds and a pair of assists, when the Clippers won, 112-85, at the Staples Center in their last meeting with the Bobcats on New Year�s Day.
The Cats� leading scorers in that game were Al Jefferson and Kemba Walker, who both had 14. Walker will be out tonight with an injury, as will NBA assist leader Chris Paul.
The Clippers� point guard separated his shoulder against the Dallas Mavericks earlier this month. Walker is Charlotte�s leading scorer with 18.7 points per game, with the Bobcats (18-25) standing at eighth place in the Eastern Conference.
Bullock, who last saw game action in Friday�s win over the New York Knicks, could not be reached for contact before press time Tuesday.
Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 and firstname.lastname@example.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.


text:
Photos: Glass panel shatters at Apple's flagship store in N.Y.
There may be something much worse looking than a cracked iPhone screen.
A 32-foot glass panel of Apple's flagship store in New York City is shattered but still standing after a snowstorm.
MORE: Northeast digging out of massive snowstorm
9to5Mac reports a snowblower accidentally knocked into the iconic glass cube at the entrance of the Apple store on Fifth Avenue. The estimated cost to repair it is $450,000, according to 9to5Mac. USA TODAY Network could not independently confirm this report and has reached out to Apple for details on the incident.
The store, meanwhile, is open Wednesday.
Follow @JolieLeeDc on Twitter
Read or Share this story: http://usat.ly/1fc1Pjm


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Duterte open to certifying anti-discrimination bill as urgent
President Rodrigo Duterte said he would certify as urgent a bill seeking to protect the human rights of LGBTQIA Filipinos. "Yes… what would make them happy," Duterte said in a speech in Malacañang Tuesday.
President Rodrigo Duterte said he would certify as urgent a bill seeking to protect the human rights of LGBTQIA Filipinos.
The anti-discrimination bill (ADB) has been pending in Congress for 19 years now. Its latest iteration, the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill, was filed by Akbayan Sen. Risa Hontiveros, and the intention remains the same – i.e. to prevent and penalize discriminatory acts committed against any person based on his/her/their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
Duterte, in a speech in Malacañang Tuesday, said he would do whatever would make the LGBT community happy.
"Yes," Duterte said in a speech in Malacañang Tuesday, "whatever would make the mechanisms, what would make them happy. Gusto ko, kagaya kay Senator Enrile, gusto ko happy siya."
Duterte was referring to former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile's campaign tagline, "Gusto ko happy ka (I want you to be happy)."
Duterte, however, did not specify which version of the ADB he will be pushing, with a comprehensive anti-discrimination bill (CADB) also proposed by Sen. Sonny Angara.
The SOGIE Equality Bill is currently at the committee level in both Houses of Congress.
The measure cleared the House of Representatives in the 17th Congress, but was blocked by conservative "Christian" senators in the Upper House.
Non-binary pronoun 'they' added to Merriam-Webster dictionary
"They" is now used as a pronoun by many non-binary people who identify as genders other than male or female. But for many English-speaking people, the use of "they" as a singular pronoun can be grammatically wrong and therefore confusing.
Merriam-Webster has added a new definition of the word "they" to its dictionary, declaring that the pronoun may be used to refer to a "single person whose gender identity is non-binary."
"They" is now used as a pronoun by many non-binary people who identify as genders other than male or female. But for many English-speaking people, the use of "they" as a singular pronoun can be grammatically wrong and therefore confusing. With Merriam-Webster's announcement, however, made on Twitter on Tuesday, an official stamp of approval is being made on the term that is increasingly used by those with non-binary identities.
In a blog post written before the announcement, Merriam-Webster noted that "they" has been used as a singular pronoun since the late 1300s, adding that "and that regardless of what detractors say, nearly everyone uses the singular they in casual conversation and often in formal writing."
The singular "they," the blod post stated, is "not quite as newfangled as it seems: we have evidence in our files of the nonbinary they dating back to 1950, and it's likely that there are earlier uses of the nonbinary pronoun they out there."
Merriam-Webster's blog post similarly stated that "there have always been people who didn't conform to an expected gender expression, or who seemed to be neither male nor female. But we've struggled to find the right language to describe these people—and in particular, the right pronouns."
The new definition of "they" is among 530 new words added to Merriam-Webster dictionary. Other words include "deep state," "dad joke" and "free solo."
Merriam-Webster's move is not exactly groundbreaking.
Already, various journalism style guides allow gender-neutral pronouns. In 2017, for instance, the Associated Press announced that it would permit journalists to use the singular "they" in limited cases. Meanwhile, Washington Post has recognized the new pronouns since 2015.
Trans woman hacked to death in Bolinao, Pangasinan
The lifeless body of Jessa Remiendo was found on the shore of Patar in Bolinao, Pangasinan. Remembered as kind and hard-working, Remiendo's case highlights how "hate crimes can just be committed against people like us," said Noreen Barber, overall president of the United Pangasinan Association LGBTQ+.
Perhaps highlighting how LGBTQIA-related crimes continue to be pervasive in the Philippines, a transgender woman was found dead in Bolinao town in Pangasinan.
As earlier reported by Noreen Barber, overall president of the United Pangasinan Association LGBTQ+, the body of Jessa Remiendo was found on the shore of Patar on Tuesday, September 17. This was eventually confirmed by Bolinao town police chief Major Dennis Cabigat.
According to the police report, Remiendo – who used to work in one of the resorts in Bolinao – was drinking with coworkers and her sister at the Valdevia Resort on Monday, September 16. She left the group to buy some cigarettes; but she never returned.
Her lifeless body was found the next day. Stripped of her clothes, she was hacked multiple times.
In a post on her Facebook page, Barber said that this is the first time that something like this happened in the province. This is one "karumal-dumal na krimen na mahigpit na kinokondena ng LGBTQIA (community)," Barber stated, adding that "marami ang hindi makatanggap sa pangyayaring ito dahil isa siyang mabuting tao; napakabait at masipag si Jessa (this is a heinous crime that the LGBTQIA community condemns… Many cannot comprehend this because Jessa was a good person; she was kind and hard-working)."
Barber cautioned that the gruesome murder should signal other LGBTQIA people to be cautious because "hate crimes sa mga katulad natin ay walang pinipili. Hanggat di pa naipapasa ang SOGIE Equality Bill tayo ay mananatiling the most unprotected and neglected sector sa ating komunidad (hate crimes can just be committed against people like us. For as long as the SOGIE Equality Bill is not passed, we will continue to be the most unprotected and neglected sector in our community)."
Various LGBTQIA organizations are already condemning the crime.
In a Facebook post, UP Babaylan stated: "Brutal hate crimes like this are the most violent expression of the prejudice against people of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC). In the transgender community alone, there were 29 murders documented in the Philippines from 2008 to 2015, including the high-profile case of Jennifer Laude."
It, therefore, "condemns in the strongest possible terms this violent killing of our trans sister. We demand that the police immediately respond to this case with a fair and extensive investigation, and the prosecution of the perpetrators. We also call on the local government units of Bolinao and Pangasinan to prioritize the resolution of this case, and to enact protective measures for their LGBTQI community in the absence of a national anti-discrimination law."
For UP Babaylan, similar to Barber's call, "this only stresses the need for the immediate passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill. We demand that our senators do their duty to protect our constitutionally-recognized rights as human beings, and finally pass into law one of the policies that will protect us from discrimination on the basis of our SOGIESC."
For Sanggunian: Commission on Gender Equality, the gruesome murder "incites fear among the LGBTQ+, and serves as a wake-up call to open people's eyes to the vulnerability of the community."
While mourning the death of Remiendo, it is also calling upon the government "to pass the SOGIE Equality Bill to prevent heinous crimes such as (this) from happening, and to protect the rights of (its) citizens."
For its part, the LGBTQ+ Partylist called on the Philippine National Police and the local government of Bolinao to "act swiftly on (Remiendo's) case and give her the justice she deserves."
It added that "it is apparent that even with the safeguards provided by the law in our country, it is not enough to mitigate the discrimination, harassment, and violence experienced by the LGBTQ+ community. Thus, it is of utmost importance that both Houses of the Philippine Congress pass the SOGIE Equality Bill the soonest to provide a national law that will protect everyone regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression (SOGIE)."
The partylist also called for members of the LGBTQIA community to "continually push for a more just and inclusive society where people respect each other's differences and individual rights. Until every LGBTQ+ person and other minorities in the Philippines feel free enough to live their lives without fear of oppression and violence, let us not stop advocating for our rights."
For LGBT Pilipinas, "years after the brutal murder of transgender woman Jennifer Laude, the Filipino LGBTQ+ community is again shaken by the news of a mutilated body of transgender woman and breadwinner (Remiendo) who was found on the shore of Patar Beach in Bolinao, Pangasinan. She was hacked to death, almost severing her head from her body, by a criminal still at large. The gruesome image of her stripped body soaked in blood and sand is more than enough reason to say this is not a typical murder case. This is a case of hate crime expressed most violently in prejudice against transgender women and other individuals of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics."
The partylist organization condemned "in the strongest terms such egregious act of hatred, bigotry and violence towards another of our sisters in the community. Remiendo's murder is undeniable proof that the Filipino LGBTQ+ community continues to be the subject of discrimination amid lack of protection from our government and legal safeguards to rely on. Turning a blind eye on the plight of transgender women only makes matters much worse for our ostensibly civilized society. Whatever the reason, no one—LGBTQ+ or otherwise—deserves to perish in such manner."
And since the Bolinao police agreed that the killing was "unusual" based on their investigation, "we challenge them to swiftly pursue every lead possible and ensure that Remiendo's perpetrator will have his day in court. Hate crime, including gender-based violence, is no ordinary felony. It is rooted in one's strong unfavorable emotions against an individual's identity and being, that usually makes the LGBTQ+ community a vulnerable target. Time and again, we implore the 18th Congress to finally pass a national anti-discriminatory policy."
Lastly, "to those who criticize our community for speaking up and fighting for equal treatment and opportunity, it is time you stop the hypocrisy. Keeping safe from harm of discrimination and violence does not give you the privilege to be apathetic and insensitive towards a group of people, especially a minority that has suffered much through the decades. Now more than ever, the LGBTQ+ community has the cause to demand justice,"LGBT Pilipinas ended.
The local police is still investigating the case with one lead.
Bulacan holds 1st LGBTQIA summit
The LGBTQIA community in the province of Bulacan held its first-ever summit, eyeing to build the community by creating more accessible and affirming ways for its members to be accepted and recognized.
Rainbow gathering in Bulacan.
The LGBTQIA community in the province of Bulacan held its first-ever summit, eyeing to build the community by creating more accessible and affirming ways for its members to be accepted and recognized.
According to Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando, the country is one of the most LGBTQIA-friendly nations in the world, ranking in top 10 out of 39 countries open to the LGBTQIA community.
But issues continue to plague the LGBTQIA community.
For one, Ron Chie Santos, nurse hub manager of the Luntiang Silong HIV Unit of the Bulacan Medical Center, noted that Bulacan is among the provinces in Central Luzon with the highest number of HIV cases. There are now 2,270 HIV cases in Bulacan (from 1984 to May 2019), with most of the cases coming from the cities of San Jose Del Monte (257), Meycauayan (123) and Malolos (115).
To date, to respond to the province's HIV situation, the province has the Luntiang Silong HIV Unit of the Bulacan Medical Center, the mother hub facility in this province that conducts and offers HIV treatment and anti-retroviral therapy. It has seven facilities that offer HIV testing and therapy in the cities of Malolos, San Jose Del Monte, Meycauayan and towns of Guiguinto, Baliwag, Marilao and Sta. Maria.
The province still has no anti-discrimination ordinance to protect the human rights of LGBTQIA people; but in 2013, one of the barangays elected a transgender woman – Ms Jhane Dela Cruz – as the first transgender village chief of Barangay Iba in Hagonoy, Bulacan.
Comprehensive anti-discrimination bill pushed in Congress, eyed to also benefit LGBTQIA Filipinos
Sen. Sonny Angara assured that members of the LGBTQIA community will still benefit in the passage of a more comprehensive anti-discrimination law. This following Pres. Rodrigo Duterte earlier expressing his intent to expedite the passage of the same, rather than the SOGIE Equality Bill.
Pushing for a more comprehensive anti-discrimination law.
Sen. Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara assured that members of the LGBTQIA community will still benefit in the passage of a more comprehensive anti-discrimination law. This following Pres. Rodrigo Duterte earlier expressing his intent to expedite the passage of an anti-discrimination bill (ADB), rather than the Sexual Orientation Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill.
In July, Angara filed Senate Bill (SB) 137, which seeks to prohibit discrimination based on age, racial or ethnic origin, religious belief or activity, political inclination or conviction, social class, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expressions, marital or relationship status, disability, HIV status, health status or medical history, language, physical features, or other status.
Meanwhile, Sen. Rosa Hontiveros is the sponsor of SB 159, the SOGIE Equality Bill that – as the bill's name stresses – is more focused on SOGIE-related discrimination. This has been erroneously seen to solely benefit only members of the LGBTQIA community, even if everyone – including heterosexual-identifying people – also have SOGIE.
According to Angara, his proposed comprehensive anti-discrimination bill (CADB) is "still a step in the right direction. This bill has better chance of passing because it's more comprehensive."
For Angara, the SOGIE Equality Bill is more concentrated on a gender-based discrimination, whereas his version also talks about "religion, belief, ethnicity, appearance and many other issues."
Angara's bill lists 13 "acts of discrimination". Protected attributes under the proposed bill includes age, racial or ethnic origin, religious belief, political inclination or conviction, social class, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expressions, marital or relationship status, disability, HIV status, health status or medical history, language, physical features or other status.
The inclusion of SOGIE had to be highlighted, and even with the inclusion of other minority sectors, because there are fears that this will eventually be removed by those opposing the promotion of equal rights for every Filipino.
In July, when the bill was filed, Angara noted that "discrimination, in any shape or form, has no place in Philippine society." And while the Philippines has come a long way in terms of being an open and equitable society, "there is still a lot more to be done to totally eliminate all forms of discrimination in the country."
"Discrimination remains a problem be it for women, children, persons with disabilities or the LGBTQ community. We are currently enjoying remarkable economic growth, but while there is still discrimination taking place, we cannot call ourselves a truly progressive nation," Angara said at that time.
He added: "Araw araw marami sa ating kababayan ang nakakaranas ng ibat ibang uri ng pang-aapi. Karaniwan ang mga nagaganap na diskriminasyon ay inaakalang normal o katanggap tanggap ng mga taong gumagawa nito… Nais nating maintindihan ng lahat kung anong mga gawain, salita o polisiya na maituturing na diskriminasyon o pang-aapi sa kapwa."
The bill prescribes a penalty of one to six years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to P500,000 for any person found to have committed acts of discrimination.
"Discrimination is a problem that is not confined to a few people alone. It concerns everyone. No one should feel helpless when faced with discrimination. We appeal to our colleagues to support this bill," Angara said.
Meanwhile, in the Lower House, Bagong Henerasyon party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera, the author of an anti-discrimination bill in the House of Representatives, said that she "welcomed" the approach of Angara in including SOGIE-related discrimination as part of the CADB.
Herrera, however, expressed concerns over differing provisions in the anti-discrimination bills proposed in the Lower and Upper Houses.
For instance, there are some prohibited acts of discrimination listed on the House bill that are not included in the Senate bill. Also, while the House bill eyes for all law enforcers to enforce non-discrimination (including the police and other stakeholders), the Senate version identified the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) as the sole government body enforcer.
"What is important to us in the House is that all marginalized sectors and persons who are being discriminated against – including the LGBTQI+ – are given equal protection of, due process, access, and welfare under all our laws," she said.
SB 137 has yet to be taken up in the committee level. It was already referred to the Senate committee on cultural communities, which is helmed by Sen. Imee Marcos.
Young adults less LGBT tolerant, according to report
The survey found that non-LGBTQ adults who said they felt "very" or "somewhat" comfortable in all of those scenarios was 49%, reflecting no change from 2018. For the 18 to 34 demographic, however, that percentage fell from 53% to 45%.
Surprise, surprise!
A survey shows that overall acceptance of LGBTQ people among young adults – at least in the US – dipped for the second year in a row.
In "2019 Accelerating Acceptance Report", conducted by The Harris Poll for LGBT advocacy group GLAAD, 1,970 Americans over the age of 18 were asked a series of questions with regard to their reactions to several different situations involving LGBTQ people. Participants were – specifically – asked, among others: 1) how they felt about seeing a same-sex couple hold hands; and 2) learning that a family member or a doctor identifies as LGBTQ and learning that their child has been placed in a class taught by an LGBTQ teacher.
The survey found that non-LGBTQ adults who said they felt "very" or "somewhat" comfortable in all of those scenarios was 49%, reflecting no change from 2018. For the 18 to 34 demographic, however, that percentage fell from 53% to 45%.
According to GLAAD, 2019 marks the second year in a row that LGBTQ acceptance for those aged 18 to 34 has dropped. In 2017, that figure was at 63%. The most striking drop in acceptance appeared among young women, whose comfort level dropped from 64% last year to 52% in the newly published report.
According to GLAAD president/CEO Sarah Kate Ellis, the two-year decline may be linked to the "divisive rhetoric both in politics and in culture."
Gay entrepreneur Ricky Reyes – earlier sued for discriminating gay man with HIV – expresses opposition for equal rights
Ricky Reyes, also known as "Mother Ricky", who helms Ricky Reyes Corporation, joined the talks about the SOGIE Equality Bill, though this time taking the side of those opposing equal rights for other members of the LGBTQIA community.
Ricky Reyes, also known as "Mother Ricky" – who helms Ricky Reyes Corporation and who was earlier sued because he discriminated against another gay person who just happens to live with HIV – joined the talks about the SOGIE Equality Bill, though this time taking the side of those opposing equal rights for other members of the LGBTQIA community.
In a video now making the rounds online, the gay celebrity advocated for members of the LGBTQIA community to just accept their lower social status; at times even contradicting his own arguments.
Reyes, for instance, said that members of the LGBTQIA community should stop "cross-dressing". "Tigilan na yang kabaklaan… wag na kayong magbistida sa kalye kasi lalo tayong pagtatawanan ng mga tao… dapat magtulong nalang tayo sa kapwa para mahalin tayo ng tao," he said.
Reyes, incidentally, is also known for wearing clothing traditionally used by women.
He also said that only members of the LGBTQIA community could understand each other.
"Lagi kong sinasabi, ang bakla walang makakaintindi kundi kapwa bakla lang," he said, and so the affairs of LGBTQIA people should not be forced on other people. "Dapat ang affair ng mga bakla dapat sa atin lang yan wag na nating ipagpalandakan sa tao yan."
Incidentally, Reyes was earlier sued for discriminating against another gay man, Renato Nocos, because the latter has HIV.
In 2014, two years after he was illegally dismissed, Nocos – with support from the Associated Labor Unions–Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) – filed a case of discrimination against Reyes and his business partner Tonneth Moreno in the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC). Nocos also filed a separate complaint alleging that Reyes and Moreno failed to pay his Social Security Service (SSS) and PhilHealth premiums since 2003.
In October 2015, NLRC's Labor Arbiter rendered a decision declaring that Nocos was, indeed, illegally dismissed. It ordered RRC to pay back wages, salary differential, 13th month pay, ECOLA and attorney's fees (totaling P615,313.06).
In his recent interview, Reyes similarly advocated "passing"/"stealthing", saying that "kung ikaw ay may nota, sa lalakeng restroom ka. Pag may kipay ka, sa babae ka. Tapos ang usapan… Lumugar tayo sa tamang lugar… kung ikaw ay babaeng-babae at hindi ka mabubuking, e di lumusot ka (sa banyo ng pambabae) diba? Kung hindi ka makakalusot, anong problema mo?"
Reyes also does not believe in equal opportunity to access facilities and/or services. For example, for him, LGBTQIA people should not strive to access the same venues available for heterosexual people and that openly discriminate against LGBTQIA people.
"Bakit tayo pupunta ng mga bar at ipagpipilitan mo na girl ka eh may bar naman para sa mga bading, doon ka sa lugar natin… wag mo ipagsaksakan ang sarili mo sa hindi ka matatanggap," he said.
Perhaps highlighting lack of knowledge re "marriage" versus "civil union", Reyes insisted that wedding should only be men and women. "Ang pagpapakasal ibigay natin sa babae at lalake yan," he said.
"Let it be na lang. Ang bakla ay bakla… gilingin mo man yan paglabas niyan ay baklang hamburger," Reyes quipped.
New York City to repeal 'conversion therapy' ban to safeguard broader LGBTQIA protections
Being LGBTQ+ means nothing
Fathers may protect their LGB kids from health effects of discrimination
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The sign of beauty
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Scott Johnson
Baritone / 2010-2011 Studio Artist
A native of Madison, Wisconsin, baritone Scott Johnson completed his Bachelor of Music at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, where he performed the roles of Sellem in Stravinsky's The Rake's Progress, Il Gran Sacerdote in Mozart's Idomeneo, and Shrike in the West Coast premiere of Lowell Liebermann's Miss Lonelyhearts. Other roles include Pelleas in Pelleas et Melisande, Dr. Malatesta in Don Pasquale, and Jackson Pollack in the world premiere of Art and Desire, all with the University of Wisconsin Opera, where he recently received his Master of Music. Scott has also been seen as a frequent performer with the Tuscia Operafestival in Viterbo, Italy, where he has performed the roles of Count Almaviva in Le Nozze di Figaro, Marcello inLa Boheme, and Germont in La Traviata. In 2008, he was a Regional Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. More recently, Scott made his debut with Madison Opera as Wagner in Gounod's Faust, and Mr. Lindquist in A Little Night Music with Central City Opera, where he has also portrayed Diesel in West Side Story. Roles with the Florentine Opera Company include Sciarrone in Tosca, Revival Worker in the Midwest premiere of Elmer Gantry, Marullo in Rigoletto, Señor Tomas in the world premiere of Río de Sangre and Haly in The Italian Girl in Algiers.


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New Capacities Unleash Feature-Rich Multimedia Functionality
In Mobile Handsets
MILPITAS, CALIFORNIA, June 27, 2007 - SanDisk® Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) today announced that it is has begun sampling 6- and 8-gigabyte (GB)1 microSD™ High Capacity (microSDHC™) flash memory cards to major phone manufacturers and mobile network operators (MNOs) for testing and evaluation. The new cards are ideal for the growing number of feature-rich multimedia handsets that bring together phones, music players, hand-held computers, digital cameras and more. An 8GB microSDHC card can store more than 2,000 digital songs, or more than 5,000 high-resolution pictures, or up to 5 hours of high-quality MPEG 4 video2.
Retail release of the cards and availability to phone manufacturers and network operators are planned for later in 2007. Pricing has not yet been determined.
"With these new cards, any mobile phone with a compatible microSDHC slot will have just as much storage as the largest-capacity iPhone," said Jeff Kost, vice president and general manager of the Mobile Consumer Solutions division at SanDisk. "What's more, removable cards make it easy to share content you create with friends, 'sideload' files from a computer, and add more storage simply by purchasing more cards. By offering capacities of 6GB and 8GB, SanDisk is poised to enable people to enjoy more photos, more map data for navigation, more videos, more games and more music, wherever they go, on any phone with a compatible microSDHC slot."
SDHC is the designation for any SD™ or SD-based card that is larger than 2GB and adheres to the new SD 2.00 specification required for cards and hosts to support 4GB to 32GB capacities. The specification was developed by the SD Association, an industry standards board, which has also created three classes to define minimum sustained data transfer speed. These cards adhere to the SD Speed Class 4 Rating3.
In addition to microSDHC, SanDisk offers a broad range of both embedded and removable storage solutions for mobile handset manufacturers and mobile network operators. Product lines include iNAND™ and mDOC™ embedded flash drives and microSD™, miniSD™, Memory Stick Micro™ M2 and MegaSIM™ cards.
SanDisk is the original inventor of flash storage cards and is the world's largest supplier of flash data storage card products, using its patented, high-density flash memory and controller technology. SanDisk is headquartered in Milpitas, Calif., and has operations worldwide, with more than half its sales outside the U.S.
11 gigabyte (GB) = 1 billion bytes.
2 Approximations based on JPEG images on 5 MP camera with average file size of 1.5 megabytes (for pictures); 4 minute songs at 128 kbps MP3 (for songs) and 5 hours of MPEG 4 video (30 frames per second, 640x480, 3Mb/sec. for video). Actual numbers may vary.
3 Based on SanDisk internal testing.
SanDisk and the SanDisk logo are trademarks of SanDisk Corporation, registered in the United States and other countries. iNAND, mDOC and MegaSIM are trademarks of SanDisk Corporation, and/or its subsidiaries. microSD, microSDHC and miniSD are trademarks. Memory Stick Micro M2 is a trademark of Sony Corporation. All brand names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective holder(s).
SanDisk's web site/home page address: http://www.sandisk.com
SanDisk's product and executive images can be downloaded from
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including expectations for new product introductions, applications, markets, and customers that are based on our current expectations and involve numerous risks and uncertainties that may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate. Risks that may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate include among others: market demand for our products may grow more slowly than our expectations or there may be a slower adoption rate for these products in new markets that we are targeting, and the other risks detailed from time-to-time in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including, but not limited to, Form 10-K and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. We do not intend to update the information contained in this press release.
SanDisk Corporation
Mike Wong
(408) 801-1240


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west coast needed a new stationery design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 30 designs submitted by 11 freelance designers.
We have the basics what we want it to look like... you just have to put it together and make it look good!!
Desired Color Scheme:
Make it look sharp and make it stand out
Accepted File Formats:
Vector Formats (.eps, .pdf or .ai)
We have two pictures that we want on the front with two phrases. The phrase on the left side is"Messy Garage?" on the right side "We're YOUR easy solution". On the top of the front of the card we want our business name with cool lettering or design (thats where you come in).
On the back of the card we want a half tone colored design with white writing above it: name, telephone number, email, etc.


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We would like to express a heartfelt thank you to all of the Henry County Girls' and Boys' basketball moms, dads, families and players that pitched in to help work the concession stand for the Regional Tournament. While most of us hold full time jobs and never have a minute to spare you all far exceeded our expectations in your willingness to work and support each other and our kids. Without each and every one of you that volunteered your precious time,we couldn't have done it! So, thank you!
Melissa Jeffries and Kathy Mings
If you currently subscribe or have subscribed in the past to the Henry County Local, then simply find your account number on your mailing label and enter it below.
Click the question mark below to see where your account ID appears on your mailing label.
|ZIP Code:


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It's My Park at Henry Hudson Park
Saturday, November 4, 2017
8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
This event repeats every week on Saturday between 10/21/2017 and 3/31/2018.
Please note: This event has already taken place. Please use the Search options on the right to find upcoming events.
This It's My Park season, volunteer with the Stewards of Henry Hudson Park. Start your Saturday mornings at this Bronx Park; help to amplify its beauty and sustain community with general cleanups and gardening.
Rain or shine, there will be something for everyone to do at this unique park!
Please note: Volunteers younger than 18 years old are required to present a signed guardian's consent to participate or have a chaperone present. Walk-ons are welcome!
Individuals and small groups are asked to register for the project by emailing firstname.lastname@example.com.
Groups of 15+ volunteers must submit a Group Request to join the Stewards for their weekly cleanups a month prior to desired date. Be sure to indicate on the form that you would like to work alongside the Stewards of Henry Hudson Park.
Volunteers should meet at the Henry Hudson Monument at the northern end of the park.
Event Organizer
Partnerships for Parks, Stewards of Henry Hudson Park
Contact Number
(347) 203-9164


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The PCM has detected an electrical malfunction with the cruise control "ON" signal.
The PCM works in conjunction with the cruise control module on most vehicle applications to control vehicle speed automatically. If the PCM detects that vehicle speed cannot be controlled, it initiates a self test of the entire cruise control system. This code is stored if the PCM detects an abnormal voltage/resistance level in the cruise control on signal circuit.
You will likely not be able to set the vehicle speed control if this code is stored in the PCM. A service engine soon lamp may or may not be illuminated along with this code. Some models require multiple drive cycles (usually 3) for a service engine soon lamp to be illuminated. In other models a service engine soon lamp is not illuminated for cruise control codes. Blown fuses are also likely to accompany this code.
The most likely cause of this code setting condition is a failed cruise control switch. Shorted or open circuitry in the cruise control buttons is common due to the presence of spilled liquids. Liquid spilled onto cruise control components has proven problematic in the past. Other causes may include shorted or open wiring, damaged or corroded connectors, and blown fuses (although a blown fuse is usually a reaction to a more severe problem).
Be sure to check for blown fuses after replacing faulty components. Often multiple components are replaced (unnecessarily) because of a blown fuse.


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An IC prof spends 72 hours on the StartupBus and lives to tell the tale.
It's 6 a.m. on a Tuesday in early March, and Adam Peruta, assistant professor of strategic communication, is in Washington, D.C., boarding a bus to Austin, Texas. By the time he reaches his destination, he will have launched a business.
At least...
Two IC Grads fill a Hole in the Doughnut Market
By Robin Roger
Dun-Well Doughnuts makes the best doughnuts in New York City.
According to the New York Daily News, that is. But the newspaper almost didn't consider the doughnuts, made by Dan Dunbar '06 and Chris...


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Sometimes this comes up when a customer ends up with a cable shorter than they expected. So we have put this page together to help clarify. This applies to all cables but only really matters on short ones where you have a tight space.
There is more than one way to measure a cable's length. We can think of three right off:
Tip to Tip = Total length of cable
Boot to boot = Wire length between connectors
Actual wire length = Mid connector to mid connector
As you might have caught on by now, we are a custom cable shop, which means we build a lot of odd cables. That also means two of those ways to measure get really complicated for mass quick building and wire inventory.
Almost every connector type has a different length, and the tip to tip and boot to boot ways get really complicated. Let's look at a simple XLR cable. If you wanted a 12" tip to tip cable, then you would need 10.5" of wire and would leave 6.5" boot to boot. If you wanted 12" boot to boot, then you would need 16" of wire and would be 17.5" tip to tip. That's all good but what if you want XLR to 1/4"? All the numbers change.
Plus when you build a cable there is often a slight loss as the wires split out to the contacts, and that varies due to the connector also. A pair of XLRs loses about 3/16" while a pair of 1/4" TRS loses about 1/8", and RCA loses none.
As a result, we build by actual wire length which is the middle ground between the two. It makes the build and the inventory simple because the wire is cut to the foot. There are no calculations to worry about- just making the cable.
As always we are happy to build your cable to any other standard, all you need to do is ask.
We have put together this graphic for a visual on what we are talking about. It has 1" lines and a few cable samples. The lines are approximate because the camera perspective throws things off a little. The measurements are actual measurements from the cables. The two big red lines mark the 12" wire with the short red lines on the right making the actual wire end with build loss.
Copyright © 2019 Event Horizon & ServicesPowered by osCommerce


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|Bay Area Division---San Francisco Unit
|Job Code:
|# of Openings:
Job Title: EMT-B
Department: Field Operations
Reports To: Paramedic Supervisor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Prepared By: HR Department
Approved By: Administrative Director
Date: 10/25/2012
Basic Function
To care for and transport patients via ambulance.
Responsibilities- include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
1. Perform routine maintenance checks on vehicles and equipment at the beginning of each shift; and record and submit lists to Paramedic Supervisor.
2. Document and report vehicle and equipment malfunctions to Paramedic Supervisor/ Supervisor on duty.
3. Receive "call" information from dispatch center, and drive ambulance to the scene.
4. Assist patients by providing proper medical care and treatment.
5. Assess patient conditions to include obtaining patient histories, vital signs and providing shock treatments; maintain proficiency in applying dressings and bandages, oxygen therapy, splinting, backboarding and suctioning.
6. Maintain cleanliness of equipment and ambulances, and restock supplies used after each "call."
7. Complete "trip information" form and/or Patient Care Report to include patient information, location and treatments administered for all calls during shift. Complete and submit billing forms accurately.
8. Attend in-house training and staff meetings as required to learn new techniques and maintain current skills.
9. Maintain crew areas in a neat and orderly fashion as needed.
10. Follow company Standard Operating Procedures, radio communication procedures, established Department of Transportation guidelines, state regulations, 'sponsor' hospital guidelines and company policies as required.
11. Maintain all required state and county certifications/license that pertain to the position of EMT-B as listed in certifications and licenses below.
11. Perform other related duties as assigned.
* Essential Job Duty
High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and completion of certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program.
Certificates and Licenses:
State/County Certifications:
County issued EMT certification card, CPR for BLS Provider Certification, Valid California Driver's License, Medical Examiner's Certification, Ambulance Drivers Certification, DMV Driving Record in good standing in accordance to insurance company standards.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Degree: High School Diploma or Equivalent
Prior work related experience required.
Emergency Medical Technician certification required.
Are you a returning applicant?
|Back to Search Results
|New Search


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On a late August morning while enjoying coffee beside our pond, we noticed a flurry of activity high in a slender tree near the water's edge opposite our chairs. Binoculars revealed a large number of juvenile blue birds, red bellied woodpeckers and American goldfinches picnicking on the dark blue berry-like fruits of a Black Gum Tupelo.
From release
For many years, Lancaster County Historical Commission has wanted a building to use as a museum.
Lancaster County was one of only two counties in S.C. which did not have a county museum, so when the historic courthouse was renovated, Lancaster County council gave LCHC three of the four rooms on the first floor to use as a museum. The fourth room is the county welcome center, which was also much-needed.
Residents of Sun City Carolina Lakes recently joined thousands of neighborhoods across America in the 29th annual Neighborhood Night Out, held Aug. 7.
Community residents came together to enjoy the evening with Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile and the SWAT team, firefighters, EMS and Rescue Squad from Indian Land, the American Red Cross Disaster Response Unit and the Pink Tow Truck serving the Indian Land area.
S.C. House Rep. Deborah Long and S.C. Sen. Greg Gregory joined the community and visited with residents.
Gloria Kellerhals and Ben Boyles have been "joined at the hip" for hours on end.
The two have worked together to increase awareness of the Catawba Regional Local Food Coalition.
"Ben has worked hours and hours and hours," Kellerhals said. "We've been together almost 24/7."
Ann Clingenpeel used to be a labor and delivery nurse at Piedmont Hospital. It was her dream job,and she enjoyed every minute of it.
In 2010, all of that would change, and her life would become a testament to something good coming out of something very bad, in the form of a new – and unexpected – change in career.
When we began tree farming, one of the first things we did was plant 500 white oak trees in former horse pastures.
White oaks were chosen because they are native to S.C. and commonly live for two centuries and longer, both highly desirable traits for our goal of creating a "legacy forest."
White oaks are also an excellent choice for supporting wildlife.
Their abundant crops of palatable acorns provide valuable food for turkeys, rabbits, squirrels, deer, wood ducks and numerous bird species.
GREAT FALLS – Dillon Pearson has a dream of meeting Miami Heat 6-foot, 8-inch forward Lebron James. He has an infatuation with the professional basketball player.
Sitting at his entertainment center, Pearson smiles at he points to James' photo and career statistics in the top left corner of the TV screen.Pearson said meeting James is tops on his wish list of things he would like to do.
His second wish, also sports-related, is to attend a Carolina/Clemson football game. Pearson is a Clemson Tigers fan.
A farewell celebration was held Saturday at Children First Medical Center, as Dr. Uchenna Umeh prepares to leave at the end of this month to join the Air Force.
"I decided to join because I want to give back to the country that has given me so much," Umeh said. "My plan is to return to Lancaster after my four-year term. I've been here for close to 14 years, and I will be back."
If you happen to be in the Unity community on the second Friday of the month, you may hear the sound of music coming from Buckland Presents off in the distance. When you go down Buck Brasington Road and get a little closer, you will see, good ole normal folks just having a fun time with their families and tapping their toes to the beat of the bluegrass music coming from the stage, while their children play on the huge homemade playground behind them.
The Sun City Carolina Lakes Mums & Poppies Garden Keepers are in full bloom this year.
The good news is they want to include you in their expansive library landscape project.
First, let's take a look at the history of their library projects.
In 2011, the club held a plant sale and raised $600.
After much research, discussion and investigation, "we decided to 'adopt' the library and work to enhance the grounds," said Carol Williams, club president.
Copyright © 2019
The Lancaster News is your source for local news, sports, events, and information in Lancaster County and Lancaster, South Carolina, and the surrounding area..


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Theodore Gray
Mathematica supports using joysticks, gamepads, 3D mice, and all other controller devices that follow the HID specification. This "How to" screencast walks you through how to use a variety of devices to control interactive output in Mathematica.
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"War, what is it good for" as a security metaphor?
I have a thing for metaphors. I wrote my dissertation on them. And they have helped me enormously as a non-engineer working in IT security.
Metaphors are powerful tools (that's a metaphor, by the way). Literally referring to something as something else enables us to make mental connections between concepts that are not really the same. War and weapons have proven historically useful metaphors. In wartime, everything changes. We look at the situation, our opponents, and even ourselves very differently (I like the image of a noble warrior on the battlefield more than that of a guy who spends most of his day sitting and typing…)
But metaphors also cause trouble, especially when we use them to over-simplify. I am skeptical of "security as war" metaphors, including that of the arms race. The metaphor detracts from the very real threats of cyber- and information warfare. War doesn't define security any more than war defines firearms. Unless we are specifically talking about threats from nation states (and a few other actors) using information technology as part of armed conflict, we are not talking about war. And this is not what we are usually talking about in information security.
So why use war? Well, it's a great metaphor and it can really fire up the base. When I've seen security practitioners use it, they often want to get people passionate, to inspire action, to shout, "Get moving! Can't you see we're at war?"
But for me, the war metaphor is rooted in hopelessness. War is and should be a last resort. If you find yourself at war, chances are that all other alternatives have failed. I hear this hopelessness echoed by colleagues, and recently the metaphor has changed. They say we are not only at war, but we're losing (or have already lost). I sat on a panel not too long ago and listened as the speaker to my left, the CTO of a security company told me that traditional security efforts meant nothing anymore, and you might as well turn off your firewall. The speaker to my right, a security consultant, told us the "bad guys" had won and he thought seriously about moving to another country (without extradition) and changing sides. I didn't ask Mr. Left if his company had turned off their corporate firewall because I already knew the answer, and I didn't really believe Mr. Right because, call me optimistic, but I prefer to think that most people are not actually sociopathic.
"Security as war" has another flaw in that, if an arms race adequately describes the problem space, then logically war and weaponry might also provide some solutions. Here the metaphor really breaks down. I don't think security vendors view themselves as "arms dealers." And I believe regulating IT around its potential weapons value is a bad idea for society and commerce (didn't we already try it once with cryptography)?
Let me float an alternative metaphor: instead of an arms race, I propose that information security is about pain management.
In "security is war," we've lost control against an adversary determined to destroy us. In "security is pain management" we can get some of that control back. Some acute pain can be avoided by living less recklessly. As an individual, maybe I need to stop BASE jumping and find a safer hobby. As a company, maybe I should reconsider letting my employees carry unprotected laptops all over the world. The war metaphor lets us push responsibility for harm off on some enemy outside our control. But too often within security we contribute to our own pain when we make reckless decisions. To mix metaphors, if security is war we often walk into battle naked. And we get upset when we get hurt.
In many cases we have even more control over chronic pain, even if the pain is still very real. Back problems run in my family, and I suffered for years before realizing that the only way out was preventative: daily exercise and stretching. If I don't do these things, my back starts to hurt (chronic). Eventually, my back goes out, leaving me unable to move (acute). I see many customers with chronic information security pain. Managing that 'pain' requires daily discipline, and a focus on small details. Policies and required configurations must be regularly enforced and reviewed. Monitoring and surveillance must be continuous as the organization looks for the minor pains or anomalies that could signal the beginning of a bigger problem. The goal should be to minimize the problems you can control, the 'chronic pain', in order to devote your limited resources to addressing those problems that are truly out of your control, your 'acute pain.'
So perhaps we can take the apocalyptic rhetoric down a notch. Maybe, instead, we could get a physical, eat a little better, and exercise more. In security, this might mean having a Security Posture Assessment done to figure out how "healthy" we are, then building a vulnerability management program to change our IT lifestyle and start addressing our information protection problems.
"Security treated as pain management" doesn't make security easier, but it does make it less fatalistic. If we work hard to incorporate security into our daily operational lives, then many of our pains can be prevented or at least made more manageable. Getting rid of minor pain lets us focus on more serious problems. Like those adversaries and threats that really do want to hurt us badly.
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1 Comments
"I propose that information security is about pain management." – That is a much better and more appropriate metaphor. I also believe that is much more in touch with what many actual IT Security practitioners actually subscribe to.
Great post!


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Welcome to Belknap Tire & Auto Repair, LLC., family owned since 1946, where we continue the tradition of providing you Service Excellence, with Great Service at a Great Price as we have for over 60 years! Located at 670 Union Avenue Laconia, NH 03246, we are your local Laconia, NH shop. We also serve Belknap NH, Lake Winnipesaukee NH, Lake Winnisquam NH.
As a family-owned and operated business, we aim to provide quality service at fair prices. Belknap Tire & Auto Repair stocks a large inventory of tires from major manufacturers. Our experienced staff can assist you with purchases for garden tractors, earthmovers, motorcycles or virtually any vehicle with wheels. We also offer ultra high performance and run-flat fitments, custom wheels and tires, suspension enhancements, performance mods and automotive and light truck repair.
Contact us online or come in to our location at 670 Union Ave., Laconia NH 03246 for more information.
Belknap Tire & Auto Repair, located at 670 Union Avenue - Laconia, New Hampshire 03246 provides tire services and car repair services for customers living in or near Laconia NH, Belknap NH, Lake Winnipesaukee NH and Lake Winnisquam NH. We carry the following tire brands: MICHELIN®, BFGoodrich®, and Uniroyal®. We provide the following auto repairs: Tires, Wheels, Axle / CV Joint / Driveshaft Repair, Belts and Hoses, Brakes, Cooling System / Radiator, Differential Repair, Electric: Electrical and Electronic Systems, Electrical: Starting / Charging / Batteries, Engine: Diagnostics and Performance, Exhaust Systems, Four Wheel Drive Systems, Lube and Oil Change, Nitrogen Inflation, Preventive Maintenance, Steering and Suspension, Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), and Wheels Alignment.