text:
Southwest DeKalb's star outside linebacker Terrance Smith committed to Florida State on Sunday.
Smith said he hadn't really planned to commit this early. It just kind of happened that way.
"Yeah, it happened pretty quick," said Smith, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound rising senior who is considered a top 20 prospect in the state. "Me and my mom had been talking about it a lot lately and we just decided to go ahead and do it.
Late March is not generally considered a now-or-never time on the recruiting calendar. But Smith felt strongly enough about the Seminoles that he didn't want to take a chance on missing an opportunity to play for them.
"I'd been thinking about it a while," said Smith, who delivered the news to FSU assistant Dameyune Craig about 2 p.m. Sunday. "It was between Alabama and Florida State. Florida State has a limited amount of scholarships. I decided I was going to secure my spot while it was still there."
The Seminoles are indeed tight on scholarships, and the ones they have been going fast. Smith is No. 11 for first-year head coach Jimbo Fisher. There currently is room for only 12 new players next season.
It's not like Smith didn't have any other choices. He had more than a dozen offers, including Georgia, Georgia Tech, Clemson, Auburn, South Carolina, Tennessee and Florida State.
And there was pressure to go in some other directions. Smith's parents are both Clemson alums. His late father, Terry Smith, played wide receiver for the Tigers. Meanwhile, teammates Ken Malcome and T.J. Stripling are Georgia signees and Marcques Dixon and Jonathan Mincy signed last month with with Tennessee and Auburn, respectively.
Smith has heard from all of them.
"Oh yeah," he said with a laugh. "I thought about playing with them in the SEC. But I just felt like I'd have a better opportunity to play early at Florida State. Everybody's happy with my decision. Everybody supported me."
Smith said he visited the Seminoles for their last junior day on Feb. 20 and was really blown away. He talked about really liking Fisher, who coached Smith's cousin Stephen Davis at Auburn, and forming a tight bond with Dameyune Craig, the assistant who recruited him.
"I'm pretty relieved," he said of making the decision. "Having to go through the whole recruiting process is pretty grueling. Knowing where I am going to go is a great relief."
That said, Sunday's commitment won't likely shut down recruiting completly for Smith.
"I might take a couple more visits but nothing serious," he said. "I wouldn't say I'm completely done with the recruiting process but pretty much."
AJC Top 50 | Georgia commitments | Tech commitments
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March 28th, 2010
11:48 pm
March 28th, 2010
11:51 pm
March 28th, 2010
11:58 pm
Good luck young man…playing in an inferior league…the ACC vs SEC..give me a break.
March 29th, 2010
12:20 am
Good luck, and God Bless young man…………Stand tall, don't let a soul give you a hard time for your choice of schools. I am a Georgia Bulldog, and while having you in RED and BLACK would have been great for us, this is about you ! The key to your success, will depend on how you apply yourself, playing football and getting a good education is hard work. Remember one thing, and you will be fine, study hard, utilize your tutors, live a clean life, put God first in your life, and if you can manage that, football will be a breeze ! Best Regards, RED
March 29th, 2010
12:29 am
Douglas, why so much hate? Just be a standup guy and wish the kid the best of luck at FSU. Some people just never get the memo!
March 29th, 2010
1:00 am
He may not be playing in a superior league. But he is playing for a superior program….two national titles that young people were alive to witness. 10+ straight top 5 finishes, multiple heisman winners and NFL All Stars….you know FSU will be back one day. Im glad GT plays in the Coastal.
March 29th, 2010
1:16 am
Yet ANOTHER big time recruit that UGA wanted going to another school!!!!
- UGA has peaked
- will never get by Florida
- Blown out by the VOLS 3 of the last 4 years
- Richt is damaged goods – kids think he has peaked.
- FSU, AUB and TN seen as real opporunity – teams that are – or will be on the way up.
Donnan vs SEC EAST 14-11
Richt (last 5 years) 14-11
Donnan overall vs SEC 25-15
Richt overall last 5 years – 26-14 (27-14 counting 2005 SEC win over LSU)
Donnan took over for GOFF – discount his first year – look at his last FOUR years when he got a chance to get it going:
DONNAN – LAST 4 years – vs SEC EAST 13-7
Richt – LAST 4 yeas – vs SEC EAST 10-10
DONNAN – LAST 4 years overall SEC: 22-10
RICHT – Last 4 years overall SEC: 20-12
Donnan took over a program that was truly mediocre – needed talent – and his last 4 years – out performed Richts last 4 years.
Do you really think Richt will turn the tables on Urban???
Look at how UGA is losing IN-STATE BIG TIME recruits!!!!!
RICHT went CEO on you – and forgot that he is a COACH!!!
March 29th, 2010
1:23 am
I would bet FSU would have beaten UGA the last few years – as mediocre as we have been – and dealing with KING BOBBY – I would have liked our chances against GEORGIA
Funny – I used to WANT Richt to be HC at FSU. But seeing how the UGA program has slid back into the SEC pack. I am very glad we got JIMBO!!!!
Like Bowden – Richt is coaching as if he in ENTITLED – and the program results speak for themselves. SABAN and URBAN – you know who the HC is – they are hands on – and they coach to win National Titles – and coach with urgency and make NO excuses.
Richt??? give me a break – NO urgency – BORING!!!!
March 29th, 2010
2:29 am
Kid is a freak… Probably going to be the next derrik brooks or andre bowldware.. His former teamates did a good job selling UGA
March 29th, 2010
5:53 am
I use to be a strong Richt supporter but I'm starting to agree with a lot of people who think we need to go in another direction.
March 29th, 2010
6:09 am
Inferior league? Give me a break. Just because UGA sucks doesn't mean you have to bad talk the whole ACC. ACC is a good conference, maybe not SEC good, but good regardless. BTW, the Gators and Bama where the only two teams good last year so don't give me that SEC is the best crap.
March 29th, 2010
6:34 am
vols rule you are an idiot. This kid is not even on our board of running backs. We are stacked at the position and will only sign no more than 2 running backs. We will go hard after Isaiah Crowell who is the top back in the state. I did not even hear about this guy until now and Im sure you didn't either. how do you know he will be a big time recruit. if he is who cares? We signed like 9 kids from florida last year. does that mean florida state is failing in recruiting? we obviously feel there are more elite running backs to go after
March 29th, 2010
7:03 am
chris …The article says he plays outside linebacker. Where does running back come from?
March 29th, 2010
7:06 am
Really, lighten up. Then why did the best ACC teams get beat by third and fourth place SEC teams last year? It's because there is a vast difference between SEC bad and ACC bad. Dawgs beat ACC Chumps , Klemsun gets roughed up by the Cocks. Hurts don't it, to be slapped with tue inferiority hand.
March 29th, 2010
7:14 am
Good pick to go to play at FSU. He can play sooner at FSU because the crimson tide is loaded at linebacker position. Good luck in the future and beat tech!! RTR
March 29th, 2010
7:15 am
Chris – The facts speak for themselves – Donnan's numbers over his last 4 years are better than Richts.
This kid is being recruited as an OLB – not RB.
The reason why UGA is dipping into Florida is that there is NO EXCITEMENT to attend UGA.
IN STATE recruits are looking at FLORIDA, FSU, AUBURN, ALABAMA, TENNESSEE, CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA TECH and even KENTUCKY as well as OHIO STATE, USC, STANFORD and other schools equally or more so than in state GEORGIA. Why? because UGA lost their competitiveness under RICHT and has slid back to the pack.
LOOK at the numbers – DONNAN's last 4 years at UGA were better than RICHT's – and he got fired. NEW COACHES breed excitement – and change things up – give new blood – a fresh look – RICHT is STALE.
This reminds me so much of FULMER and TENNESSEE. FULMER was very successful – chronic top 10 – fighting FLORIDA for the SEC EAST and winning a NATIONAL TITLE – but he went CEO on us with his coaching style – less direct and less hands on. TENNESSEE slipped and teams like UGA passed us and South Carolina narrowed the GAP.
NOW RICHT has done the same thing – TENNESSEE has BLOWN OUT UGA 3 of th elast 4 years. FLORIDA has left us all in the dust. UGA was totally outplayed by SC and will get beat by them this year. UGA is in the pack fighting – but not at the top.
March 29th, 2010
7:37 am
Sounds like this one may not be over. Another non-binding "commitment." Oxymoronic.
Note to VOLS RULE: You think you know more than you do. I suppose you thought Kiffin was a good guy. I also assume that taught you nothing about how blind one gets by seeing everything through that ugly orange tint.
March 29th, 2010
7:39 am
Anybody who has to emphasize EVERY point he tries to make with all CAPS is immature, and trying to provoke more intelligent people with stupid comments.
You have an unproven coach with a losing record after your honey-bunny Lane ran off to coach USC….though I admit I do look forward to that program receiving the death penalty after all the cheating Orgeron and Kiffin have done.
Your school hired a coach with no integrity and now suffers the consequence.
FSU people have not yet become as annoying as the UT hicks from the sticks, but you guys have no reason to talk smack either.
I will not yet respond to Alabama rednecks crowing about their day in the sun, but I will say what goes around, comes around. UGA is on the way back. The new "D" will make a huge difference.
Of course, with our old "D" from last year, there was nowhere to go but up.
March 29th, 2010
7:45 am
Theses Blogs have the stupidest folks in the world on them dang yall stupid
March 29th, 2010
8:15 am
Douglas said "Good luck young man…playing in an inferior league…the ACC vs SEC..give me a break."
The only real differences between the two are 1) the number of rednecks who will drive 100+ miles to watch football played by two schools they did not attend; and 2) Urban Meyer and Nick Saban. Les Miles won his championship by directly piggy-backing off of Saban's program building.
The bottom of the conferences are not that different (Duke/Vandy), nor are the middles (ACC put 10 teams into bowl games two years ago). The only big difference is the one or two teams at the top of the conference are usually better. That's it. Look at the top of the ACC (VT, Miami, GT, UNC, FSU, Clemson, BC, Wake) compared to about the same of the SEC (Fla, Bama, uga, UT, Ole Miss, Auburn, LSU, Kentucky). It's not like the conference as a whole is that much better, its just really at the top. And that attendance thing. But that's not gonna count for much when it comes to making you a better player.
Look at the NFL draft the past five years. The ACC has the most first rounders. Not the SEC. If the ACC were so inferior you'd think it would be the other way around. Hard to fault someone for picking the ACC when its more likely to make him a first round pick in the NFL.
March 29th, 2010
8:18 am
VolsRule….One thing to consider when trying to compare Richt to Donnan is the caliber of competition. The SEC wins the BCS every year now and the SEC is now FAR superior to any other conference. When Donnan was at UGA there were only a couple of great teams, whereas now almost every team in the SEC could win the ACC. (Just put the ACC "thng" in there to piss off the Tech fans.)
March 29th, 2010
8:36 am
Georgia is a fertile recruiting ground for college football recruiting and UGA has failed to sign many of the state's best players over the recent years. Because of growth of metropoltan Atlanta, Atlanta has had the best high school football programs in the state over the past two decades. This has been both a blessing and a curse for UGA. Statistics show more people living in metro Atlanta are from outside the state than those born in GA. Many parents of recruits are from AL., SC., TN or other parts of the country and have come to Atlanta for jobs. I would dare say not many people are relocating to AL, SC, and LA for better job opportunity. Recruits living in AL or SC have stronger family ties to there state schools than many recruits living in Atlanta and UGA has suffered from this.
March 29th, 2010
8:39 am
Boy Chris, don't you feel really smart? Where did you go to school…LOL
March 29th, 2010
8:44 am
March 29th, 2010
8:55 am
March 29th, 2010
9:00 am
Well, where do I start.
jackhammer, you around?
March 29th, 2010
9:02 am
Hey Dogtards and the rest of you ACC losers…when is the last time an ACC team won the NC? Enough said.
March 29th, 2010
9:24 am
good point Douglas- kid sounds good, should be a good addition to FSU. Dawgs can't get them all and besides we have our sights set for other players. Atlanta just has way too much talent- which is a good thing.
March 29th, 2010
9:30 am
Douglas, you are an angry young lady. Chill.
March 29th, 2010
9:42 am
March 29th, 2010
9:43 am
Word on the street….UGA really didn't recruit this kid 100%.
March 29th, 2010
9:44 am
Douglas, Which conference has produced more NFL players? Surprisingly, it's the ACC. While the SEC maybe a better league, the ACC seems to be better at preparing it's players for the NFL. If you were a recruit who wants to play in the NFL which conference schools would you look at? A smart person would research and discover the surprising truth about the ACC.
March 29th, 2010
9:47 am
Looks like VOLSRULE and Seminole Pride used the same format to blast the Coach Richt! Could they be one and the same?
March 29th, 2010
9:54 am
I've been banned from uga blog. Does anyone miss me??
March 29th, 2010
9:56 am
Wishful thinking, Dog bashers. Don't let your envy of UGA distort your thinking. Richt has made the staff adjustments necessary to get us back to the top of the SEC. Richt's "down years" are better than the records of the "up and coming" teams mentioned by some posters on hear.
March 29th, 2010
9:58 am
Enter your comments here
March 29th, 2010
10:10 am
I have to agree with you WOW, there are some really stupid people on this blog. Makes me laugh when every time a GA kid doesn't go to UGA then all the haters come out with how bad the dawgs are falling.
LOL (30-24) We run this state.
March 29th, 2010
10:28 am
Rome Dog – you make a very good point – but let's look at it a little closer.
In the SEC EAST – during the Donnan years – both Florida and Tennessee were at their height of program history – both perenial top 10 – if not top 5. Tennessee won a National Title!!! UGA would have been one of the better teams in the SEC WEST – although I think Auburn had your number…. but UGA had to deal with two (2) TOP 10 teams in your own division. GT was very strong under O'Leary as well.
So Donnan actually had it harder than Richt – coming into a more competitve situation in the SEC EAST – and his main OOC rival – GT – was clicking and nationally a player…. and the talent level and moral at UGA was low.
When Richt took over – Spurrier left Florida – and Zook came in. Fulmer and Tennessee had peaked – and was starting to slide back into the pack. So it was easier for RICHT to win the SEC EAST. He had the talent in place when he arrived.
Richt seems to have peaked – in 2005. Hey, it's not that UGA has sucked – they are a good program – but during the 1990's – we never really feared UGA – except for Robert Edwards!
When Richt got UGA going – we feared UGA.
Since 2006 – after Shockly left – we knew UGA would rebuild with a freshman QB – but never feared them – and still don't. UGA never got back to the level of 2002 – 2005. Those teams – we feared!!!!
Hey – I think UGA will kick our BUTTS in 2010….. not because UGA is all that – it's becasue TENNESSEE is bottoming out. Again, UGA is low hanging fruit to pass along the way to reach Florida and ALABAMA.
Hey – one thing we have in common is we BOTH HATE FLORIDA!!!
IF TENNESSEE can not win the SEC EAST – I would much rather see GEORGIA win it than FLORIDA.
All I am saying is that if DONNAN had taken over during the same time that RICHT took over – with the same talent – I think DONNAN would have had the same results – and maybe have an better overall SEC record.
March 29th, 2010
10:48 am
Richt > Donnan You're leaving out the fact that the SEC is a lot stronger conference now than it was under Donnan. Only UT is in worse shape.
March 29th, 2010
10:54 am
Vols Rule….its an unwritten law that any SEC team that gets their BUTT WHIPPED AT HOME BY WYOMING has no right to flap their gums for at least 5 years.
March 29th, 2010
10:55 am
Monticello Dawg – again good point.
But the issue is that Auburn fired Tubs – as the program was sliding. Tennessee fired Fulmer – as the program was sliding.
FSU finally got rid of the ENTITLED ONE – BOWDEN, who lost his effectiveness a few years ago – and had to be led to the exit door screaming as he was owed (give me a break)
Zook at FLorida was not bad – but not great – and they made a change. Heck, he had a winning record against Richt.
The changes bring a renewed focus, some excitement – some patience from Alum and fans – and a chance to build.
RECRUITS WANT TO BE A PART OF A PROGRAM WITH THE PROMISE OF BUILDING – which a new coach can bring……………………NOT to be a part of a program that is perceived as SLIDING – or deemed that has PEAKED – like what the rest of the nation thinks of RICHT and UGA.
That's the point – once you slide – it is tough to get back on top. UGA could have a big year – who the heck knows what will happen – but I do know this:
Get beat at Columbia – Richt will lose a lot of support
Get beat at Columbia and by Petrino – Richt will be in serious trouble.
Win in Columbia – UGA may be undefeated come cocktail party – which I hope you win this year – and knock the smirk off Urban's face.
Hey, I was a huge FULMER fan – but I saw what was happening at TENNESSEE. He built the program into an ELITE player – and slid back to merely being good and sometimes we looked very poor. A change was needed. I see the same thing happening at UGA with RICHT – UGA has been passed by FLORIDA, ALABAMA, LSU, – on par with Ole Miss – Kentucky has won 2 of the last 4 – a mediocre TENNESSEE has blown out UGA 3 of the last 4 years. This is not what UGA fans expect from their proud program. This is soooooo similar to what happened at TENNESSEE!!!
March 29th, 2010
11:10 am
naganole – good debate – as the SEC WEST is now tougher than when Donnan coached thanks to LSU and more recently ALABAMA.
But the SEC EAST is weaker now than when Donnan coached. Remember, FLORIDA and TENNESSEE – both top 5 programs when DONNAN coached. Georgia is NO BETTER now – maybe even a little worse – than DONNAN's teams:
Donnans last 4 years in the SEC EAST – 13-7
Richt's last 4 years in the SEC EAST – 10-10 (while TENNESSEE has been down – which you mentioned and sucks for me)
As we rotate SEC WEST schedules – the only true comparison is looking at your COMMON opponents – in this case – your common division – the SEC EAST. Donnan has the better record over the last 4 years when the SEC EAST was a better league.
March 29th, 2010
11:15 am
Good luck Mr.Smith, playing at FSU should be an honor. I think the thing that I took from th eyoung man's statements was playing time early on. He would not have gotten that at LINEBACKER at BAMA. Good luck to all of the recruits and all of the SEC teams. RTR
March 29th, 2010
11:20 am
VolsRule, I agree with much of your previous post, but there are some things I completely disagree with. UGA had a horrible year last year (8-5), which at some schools is acceptable. We lost our starting QB, RB, WR in the '09 draft. That's a ton of production lost in a short period of time. Not to mention our most glaring problem, the defense, has a new leader with a new found excitement. The next 2 seasons UGA plays an inferior schedule, so UGA will be back on top. Richt has created lofty expectations and for the most part has delivered in his 9 years. Nothing has changed, college football moves in cycles, you never know who is going to be on top.
For all those claiming UGA is on the downward slope, go ahead and kick us why we are down b/c come Fall UGA will re-emerge. I gaurantee all those UGA haters will be hard to find once the Dawgs starting winning again. Richt and Co. are out to prove something this season. So keep bashing while you can b/c UGA isn't going anywhere. This is our state
March 29th, 2010
11:20 am
VolsRule – most fans included myself – see our teams with rose colored glasses.
If you would have questioned all UGA fans as to which coach had the better SEC EAST record over the last 4 years in comparison – I would bet the majority of fans would have said RICHT had the better record – myself included.
Richts 10-10 SEC East Record – well is mediocre. However, we still finish toward the top of the league – and these things come in cycles. IF ….. and this is a BIG IF….. UGA wins at Columbia, beats Arkansas – we should be undefeated going into the FLORIDA game. We should reach a new years day bowl – and this will help recruiting and ignite an UP cylcle for UGA.
Tennessee will bottom out in 2010 – and could be in trouble for a few years – will be real interesting to watch this program. Can UGA and TENNESSEE ever challange Florida with Urban – or are we praying for a coaching change in Gainesville??? One of us needs to step up to the plate and kick some GATOR TAIL!!! I just assume it be UGA!!!
March 29th, 2010
11:22 am
It is great to be hated by the SEC East.
March 29th, 2010
11:33 am
No way he committed to F$U, he is a Bama Lock. As for as F$U beating UGA, F$U can't even beat Tech, so that is a delusional statement. Its been 10 years since FSU was above average, kids entering college in 2011 were 7 years old for the most part and can't remember that FSU. Yeah, they will be back soon, just like their fans were forecasting an ACC championship in 09. Congrats to the kid, he is going where he thinks he can play early, which wasn't at UGA, GT or Bama.
March 29th, 2010
11:34 am
Hey VolsRule since when do you know sh_t about coaching or college football? Do you not realize that the majority of Georgia and Richt supporters do not hang out on this blog and try to analyze every move he makes.Are you that much of a self centered ass to think that they actually care what you think. Tennessee fired Fulmer because it listened to idiots like you and look where it got them…the laughing stock of the SEC when they hired Kiffen. And now your program is years away from competing for an SEC championship.You make a comment "what the rest of the nation and SEC thinks of Richt and UGA". I'll tell you what they think..that Richt is a class act…he's loyal to his coaches and players and he's smart enough to make a coaching change when one is needed….He doesn't make knee jerk decisions based on comments from idiots like you…… And most importantly….his teams play hard every game with class. You don't see the Georgia players trying to stick their fingers through their opponents facemasks to try and poke their eyes out. Do you understand the difference between a losing season and a down year?…I don't think so based on your comments. I bet you wish Tennessee would have had a down year with an 8-5 record. Your team has enough problems without you coming on the Georgia blog trying tell us what problems the Georgia program has. Go back to the hills and get behind your team ….they need idiots like you. There's not enough ink to list all of the problems with the Vols football program right now. Do you know how to get back on top in the SEC? You don't change coaches because you had one or two years that did'nt meet your expectation level, you make adjustments and stay the course…. Please stay off this Georgia blog….we don't want you or need you on here. Can You Dig It!
March 29th, 2010
11:38 am
John – believe me, I know a thing or two about being in a down cycle – and we are in one at Tennessee – I agree with the pundits out there that we will hit bottom in 2010 – but, we all hope for the best.
UGA has hit a down cycle of sorts as well – 10 – 10 in the sec east is not good.
However, down cycles happen due to player replenishment, development and coaching. UGA has not replenished well – meaning your depth was not as good as it should have been – and the coaching did drop off. These are facts – recruiting and coaching has not been as good at UGA in recent years – and this is what causes coaches to be given the chance to "FIND NEW OPPORTUNITIES".
I personally like RICHT -wish him well except against Tennessee. I do not like Spurrier or Urban. I also like Fulmer – but he was a victim of his own success – and the program became stale under his leadership as we dropped back into the parity pool. UGA is very much in danger of the same.
BIG BIG year for your program- will be fun to watch. As stated – get a win in Columbia – get by Arkansas – and UGA get's some momentum that it really needs right now.
As for Tennessee – it could ge ugly for us next year – but I think we all know this – and let's hope CDD will get us going in the right direction.
ONe last thing – Urban and SABAN are both extremely hands on coaches – control freaks….but look at their success. Richt made the same mistake that Fulmer did – became less hands on – delegated too much – turn into a "CEO" style coach – and both programs were not able to maintain running with the ELITE. They thought that they "evolved" as head coaches – but in reality – they got away from what put them on top to begin with. Not too late for Richt – but the similarities are striking.
March 29th, 2010
11:38 am
Good post Dig It! Its claer that VolsRule has a demented view of college football and the SEC. I'll bet he would rather climb a tree and tell a lie than stand on the ground and tell the truth. Its clear he's full of himself and needs to go back to the hills.


text:
Add the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 to the list of devices that run the latest Android version, aka Jelly Bean though in an unofficial capacity. XDA Elite Recognized Developer codeworkx has released a preview build of CM10 based on Jelly Bean for the Tab 2 7.0, bringing the proven CyanogenMod performance and customization options to the device along with the latest and greatest version of Android.
NOTE: This is only a preview build of CM10, so there may be lots of bugs in the ROM as well as things that won't work properly. Also, don't expect to find many customization options of CyanogenMod to be present in the ROM, as those haven't been added to the CM10 Jelly Bean code yet.
Let's take a look at how CM10 based on Jelly Bean can be installed on the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0.
This ROM and the guide below are compatible only and only with Galaxy Tab 2 7.0, model number P3100/P3110/P3113. It's not compatible with other Galaxy Tab 10.1 variants or with any other device. Check your device's model number in: Settings » About tablet.
The methods and procedures discussed here are considered risky and you should not attempt anything if you don't know completely what it is. If any damage occurs to your device, we won't be held liable.
How to Install CM10 on Galaxy Tab 2 7.0
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Download Gapps | Filename: gapps-jb-20120726-signed.zip
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In recovery, use the volume buttons to navigate/scroll and the power button to select items.
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CM10 based on Jelly Bean Android 4.1 is now installed and running on your Galaxy Tab 2 7.0.Visit the official development page for more info and to get the latest updates on the ROM. Share your thoughts on the ROM in the comments.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
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To bolster marine safety, Canada's federal government has formed a tri-partnership to analyze and evaluate the risk of oil or chemical spills occurring in Canadian waters. The decision comes as a result of a series of 2012 mishaps with vessels and bungled processes at oil handling facilities.
According to a February 2013 statement from the federal government, the pan-Canadian study will be conducted in two phases under the authority of the Canadian Coast Guard, Environment Canada and Transport Canada. Investigators will analyze incidents such as collisions, fires, explosions, structural failure and loading and off-loading operations.
The first phase of the marine study will examine the likelihood and potential impacts of oil spills in Canadian waters, including the Arctic. Phase two, meanwhile, will look at the risks associated with chemical spills.
The federal government has issued a request for proposals on the Government Electronic Tendering Service known as MERX to retain marine and risk assessment experts. The contracting process is managed by Public Works and Government Services Canada. A contract is expected to be announced in early spring 2013, the government says.
British Columbia Plan
Representatives from the Association of Petroleum Producers, the Energy Pipeline Association, Transport Canada and the coast guard were among 13 groups that attended a January 22, 2013 roundtable on spill preparedness and response in British Columbia.
The province is considering several new plans, such as industry funding the creation of a spill response fund to ensure money is available immediately when an emergency occurs.
In a statement from the roundtable, provincial officials indicated that they receive about 3,500 notices of environmental emergencies each year, ranging from home-based oil accidents to overturned tanker trucks, train derailments and spills on water.
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FFL Dealers and Shooting Ranges in Vidalia
NOTE: See the map at the bottom of the page for the locations listed relative to one another.
No shooting ranges in Vidalia are listed. Know of one?submit your Vidalia, Louisiana shooting ranges here
Concordia Pawn & Gun
Tel: 2216243271373
1624 Carter St.
Vidalia, LA 71373
No firearms retailers in Vidalia are listed. Know of one?submit your Vidalia, Louisiana firearms retailers here
Concordia Parish Narcotics Task Force
Tel: (318)336-1200
100 Riverview Parkway
Vidalia, LA 71373
Tel: (318)336-5231
4001 Carter Street
Vidalia, LA 71373
Vidalia Town - City Jail- Police Department
Tel: (318)336-5254
602 John Dale Drive
Vidalia, LA 71373


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Contact Richard L. Provencher
Dancing With Angels
Richard L. Provencher
2/05/2013 / Miracles
Word Count = 1,849
Tenting in the woods used to be a personal release, an escape from the tensions of life. Whether it was a cold winter night, or clinging to trails twisting and turning along the slopes of nearby hills, my silhouette became a familiar landmark.
Bragging to friends about my personal conditioning unfortunately developed a negative aspect in my personality. Canoeing across a fair sized lake or managing heavy packs proved my ruggedness. I enjoyed the challenge of being first in anything within my domain of outdoor expertise. I had to be first in a snowshoe race, even first to sit at the kitchen table awaiting a feast for someone, such as I, who earned it.
And then August 26, 1999 brought me face to face with death. While working at a part-time job, I looked up at the beautiful sunset, a backdrop of sky, with its band of red and yellow pastel colors, masked the scene at the busy entrance of the Autumn Exhibition in my home town.
Large crowds had already entered this fun place where horse racing, tractor-pulls, food concessions, a midway and other amusements awaited. A variety of lights flashed from the Ferris wheel. Sounds of merriment and machinery swinging customers in every direction pierced the sky.
Suddenly it was if a wave of sound erupted from the carnival section, swooped across the sky and entered the right side of my head. Like some out of control twister it filled every crevice in my brain. I fell to the ground.
I had visions of a large physical wound, with my head missing. Grabbing the top of my skull with both hands, I kept saying, 'Turn the music off. Turn the sound down.' Then I slowly spiraled downwards, leaning to my right.
I remember sitting briefly, feeling nauseous. My right arm could not hold me up. I slid to the ground and lay on my back. I was talking gibberish then could not move my lips or any other part of my body. I was comatose. Yet I heard someone repeating, 'Don't try to get up, stay down.' I was not aware I now lay in the center of a large crowd as two members of St. John Ambulance worked on me.
Only after entering the hospital was I able to move, not realizing I had been comatose for about 45 minutes. I also discovered something significant had occurred at the precise moment my stroke attacked my body. My wife had an urgent need to pray for me at exactly 9 pm at home where our regular Bible Study group met each Tuesday.
I believe those prayers prevented more serious stroke damage, and pressed into my body the approximate ten seconds I calculated it took me to gently land on the ground.
First I had gone to a sitting position then lay down. Many persons I spoke with during the months ahead said when they had a stroke, whether they were standing, sitting, or lying in bed, they simply collapsed.
At the Regional Hospital, I went through a series of tests-Had IV, Oxygen Mask, Blood Pressure monitoring, heart machine, EKG and two cat-scans done. Also three lumbar probes, very painful. First two had a hard time getting through the muscle.
At 11:30 PM doctors said they were sending me by ambulance to another hospital, since it appeared I had a mild stroke, due to what he believed was a leaking aneurysm. In Halifax two neurosurgeons probed, poked, scratched feet, checked eyes and body movement, muscle strength and took a cat scan. Could not find anything life threatening, but to come back in a week for an ultra-sound on neck carotid veins.
Thank you Lord for overcoming what could have been a more serious condition.
At home I began to experience a severe headache when standing or sitting, poor writing skills, and numbness in right foot, calf, leg, arm and extreme tiredness. I discovered how difficult it was to sleep because of fear. It was a worry that if I went to sleep, I would not wake up. That I would die. Then, I thought, what would become of my wife? I had to get up and walk around, and then returned to my bed. With my wife asleep by my side, I asked God for peace, and I slept very well.
In another dream I was standing before a huge car lot, where the salesman pointed out new models available for purchasing.
The cars were large, bulky, muscle-types, with every eye-catching intricate pattern possible. The feeling I received was they belonged to successful, powerful, and important 'fat cats.' The message received in my heart was- not to allow materialism and trappings from this world to capture my attention. This view was only temporary, and metal rusts. That lingering thought occupied my mind, 'Metal Rusts! Metal Rusts!'
I went to Halifax hospital to have an ultrasound on my Carotid veins. It meant sitting still for about 45 minutes while this lady pressed something across the back of my neck. Apparently it tested the flow of blood into my brain.
It was now possible to see my back-up doctor, since my own had moved to a new locale, and he confirmed I had a stroke. 'A mild one,' he said.
'Is there such a thing as an acceptable one?' I wondered. Instructions included, 'No driving, smoking, watch your blood pressure, cholesterol and to take it easy for at least one month.'
'How could a busy person like me sit still for that long?' I asked.
'Find a hammock and use it,' he answered.
I began to scrawl notes on the up and down behavior of my body. 'Could not sleep on right side---numbness upon morning wake-up. Writing improved with practice, headaches diminished, numbness restricted to tingle in toes, heel and right calf numbness in first hour of morning only. A combination of nausea and headache comes infrequently. After two hours I am very tired. Eyes well, brain good. I even beat my two nephews at chess!'
Thankfully I was soon able to get a new doctor who looked at my notes and reviewed what had happened to me.
She said, 'You suffered a trauma and need rest. It will be a minimum of 6 wks to two months or more, before improvement is significant. But, a full recovery is within reach. Do not push it. Take it really easy, no lawn mowing, a little walking, drink lots of water, control salt intake, watch diet, sit down after headaches, call her if anything out of ordinary occurs, numbness will diminish over time, walking up stairs ok, ok to water lawn but be careful, a daily glass or two of red wine very good for heart, ok to go to Exhibition to see Mounties' Horse Ride, given RX for anti-stress. No working, no driving and that my condition was caused by blood clotting or leaking vein in head, only way to cause a stroke. But there was no evidence of anything now.'
'THANK YOU LORD!' And I was to come back in two weeks. In the meantime I was determined to get off the couch and worked at it until able to walk the short distance to our downtown. Sitting on various benches, I was able to absorb the meaningfulness of various personalities. I call them Angels in the guise of our forgotten disabled.
As others rush to work, these Angels are often missed. It was my joy to discover Elvin, a man of darker skin and whiter teeth than mine, who now hailed me on the street. Since our many conversations, it is now 'Hello friend,' instead of simply 'Hey.'
His red baseball cap continues to attract my attention, and I no longer wonder why so many deliberately stop and chat with the man. He is a dispenser of wisdom, unused to foul language, cheerful in spite of weather conditions and has adopted one particular corner of the street. Few know of his medical condition and the myriad of prescriptions necessary within his daily menu.
Then there is Bob, who saunters along, window-washing pole slung over his shoulder, pail of water in the other hand. Some ask if his green-painted running shoes and red slogan-filled t-shirt is a giveaway to his eccentricity? I can attest to the fact he is perfectly sane, with a matching twinkle in his eye.
Friends say this man has a closet full of creative urges. He works away in the lateness of night, when most of us are sound asleep. He is deliberate in preparing dress-up themes for next day's journey downtown. Some even purchase his creations. And he carries himself with aged pride. No one knows much about his past; where he worked, if he had a family or how old he really is. Merry eyes belie the cracks of skin on his face.
There goes Bill, stilt-like in his walk, maneuvering a tall frame. His day begins quite early as he walks for hours along the streets of our little town, as if he is a self-professed observer of life. His arm and leg movements are visibly strained from a car accident some twenty years before. 'Went right through the windshield,' he said after we became friends. 'Some people think I'm into the sauce,' he winks.'
But that was then, and this is now. Once I too hurried on by with a wave and a quick comment about the weather, controlled by the watch on my wrist. 'Appointments can't wait,' I used to say. Now I can barely keep up to that walking wonder. His limbs stretch forward each day, dispensing a will to overcome his limitations. And I feel privileged to inhale his cheerfulness, his vigor.
Then there's Harry, hat pressed tightly to his forehead. He doesn't wish to lose it in the wind, since his steps are slow in the event of needed chase. Some wrongly state he is a 'challenged' person, unable to contribute much to society.
I see him like a painting on a canvas. His colors commence with a never-ending smile. When he fixes his gaze in one's direction, you can sense the depth of peace within his heart. And I too seek that contentment. The steady movement of his broom across the asphalt, dust pan in hand at a local parking lot, is a fixture upon the scene, valuable as any cherished antique.
Each of these angels monitor my daily walk. Yes, I too was in a needless rush, off to some important destination, not wishing to be delayed, nor miss a coffee break. Sadly, amid another day, some unknowingly have passed through Paradise. Not realizing that love, caring and blessings from nearby Angels are waiting to be dispensed. All it takes is a moment of hesitation, a glance, perhaps a pause.
Stop, listen and speak to me, too, since I am thankful to be dancing with these Angels.
* * *
¬ Richard L. Provencher
My wife, Esther and I are "born-again" and enjoy sharing our writing. It is a Christian Outreach for us. Our E-mail is:
. You are invited to visit our website at:
. We live in Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada. Please pray for peace in the world.
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Whole Foods: A natural breakout?
The organic grocer is fundamentally strong and the stock is technically poised for an upside move.
With annual revenues of $11.1 billion, Whole Foods Market (WFM) owns and operates the country's largest chain of natural food supermarkets.
It is like a neighborhood grocery store, an organic farmer's market, a European bakery, a New York deli, and a modern supermarket all rolled into one.
WFM is poised to show strong earnings for the upcoming third quarter and we see the stock in a good spot to be accumulated.
Since setting a bear market low at $7.04, the stock has made a sensational recovery and is in a strong uptrend.
It peaked near $97 in June. The stock then put down a flat base that featured one shakeout to the downside. The stock bounced back quickly from the selling spree. It is poised to breakout to a new high. If it can do that it could draw in more buying.
Technically, the stock's momentum indicator is solidly bullish. In addition, its accumulation-distributions line is trending higher and has not shown much selling pressure.
This fiscal year ending in September, analysts are forecasting a 30% jump in WFM's earnings to $2.52 a share from $1.93 a year ago. Analysts have boosted their estimates.
The stock sells with a price-to-earnings ratio of 38. That is high given the earnings growth rate. So one needs to be watchful.
For fiscal 2013, ending in September, Wall Street projects a 15% rise in net to $2.90 a share from $2.52 anticipated for this year.
We suggest accumulation of a partial stake now with further buying to be done on a breakout over $97.60. We are then targeting WFM for a move to $115 off a breakout. A protective stop can be placed near $91.
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GreatSchools Rating
Teacher quality
Principal leadership
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Rosewood is a quality education! I couldn't be happier with the curriculum and the teachers are dedicated and caring as well as the administration. The "core knowledge" curriculum is OUTSTANDING! They do all sorts of fun activities that highlight the subject learned. In first grade there was "Egypt Day." The kids dressed up as Egyptians and rotated thru activities such as writing hieroglyphic messages, building a pyramid out of sugar cubes, and much more. In 2nd grade there was "Immigration Day" and the kids did many activities which led up to listening to a story about an immigrant, going thru Ellis Island, taking a citizenship test, and being sworn in as a citizen by a real judge! The day ended with an international potluck feast provided by parents. They had other special days as well and will have many more thru 5th grade. I volunteer as much as possible to share in these wonderful experiences with my 2 sons. It's a warm and friendly school and I just adore it there. Oh and they have a strong and awesome PTA which I am proud to be a part of!
Our family has been at Rosewood since 2004 and have Loved every minute of it. Rosewood Magnet is a wonderful School where children learn and play.
Rosewood has a wonderful family atmosphere and great community involvement. My child is challenged and encouraged to always to their best.
Rosewood is a wonderful school. I am so happy my children have gone there. The staff and teachers make all the children feel special, which they are. My children have both learned so much there.
Rosewood Magnet is amazing! They are extremely family oriented and a very close knit community! We strive for excellence in all that we do! They bring great programs into the school for the students to take part in and show support for causes outside the school! We feel very lucky and blessed to be a part of the Rosewood family!
Excellent thoughtful individualized care to the student is seen from the principal and throughout the school's environment.
We love out school because it is like going to be with family every day of the week. It is a small school with a great principal and caring teachers.
I'm a 'other' - meaning a grandparent. I feel very privileged that our grandchildren can attend Rosewood. It is an absolutely super, well-run school with excellent, very committed teachers and exceptionally professional administrators. It is the kind of school I wish all children in the U.S. had the opportunity to go to.
Our school has a wonderful,caring,involved and professional Principal who holds her teachers and staff to this same level of excellence creating students who excel in their learning and have fun experiencing all Rosewood Magnet has to offer them for their best Elementary experience!
Rosewood adopted the Core Knowledge curriculum (one cited by William Bennett in his book, The Educated Child) and it provides a structure for learning world geography, ancient civilizations, world and American history, and a comprehensive list of standard classics. The staff and administration work hard to maintain a positive learning environment where families are welcomed.
this is a great school i thinj that all chidren that want to succed and do well in life should go to this school.
I went to this school, and i did great I loved my teachers so much! They helped my brother & I alot. I'm thankful for going here.
I have 7 year old twins in this school and they have both excelled here. Both are way above their reading level. Teachers are awesome.
This is a fantastic Core Knowledge Curriculum school. It is a rare type of curriculum (research Core Knowledge, you'll love it) It has a holistic approach to learning. For ex. when the first graders learned about Egypt, they each made a clay sphinx, danced while listening to Egyptian music, made sugar cube pyramids while learning math terms, wrote in hieroglyphics and were wrapped up like mummies. Who wouldn't want to go to school? Each grade does this style of learning. Third graders do Colonial Day and make real wax candles, make their own real butter, dress and danced colonial style and so much more. The 1st & 4th graders even re-enacted the events of the Boston Tea Party. 5th graders become a wax museum. 2nd graders do Greece. They have great staff and students with dedicated families. I wish we weren't moving out of the area, my boys love it there.
Rosewood is a great school. It has great teachers and staff. Children, parents and staff are all involved in the education process at Rosewood, that it what makes it a A+ school.
Rosewood,with their very educational field trips and hands on activities are my first choice in school shopping. I would recommend Rosewood to anyone.
I'am very impressed with the high standards the school has set. The teacher and parent envolement is outstanding.
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The Community Rating is the school's average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.
3850 16th Street
Vero Beach, FL 32960
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Universal Orlando Money Saving Tips and Strategies
September 8, 2010
by Aaron DelPrince (ADP on the DISboards)
DIS Contributing Columnist
Many of you may know the Orlando tourist corridor has another side to it. A short drive away from Orlando's theme park giant and not too far from the Orlando International Airport, you'll find the Universal Orlando resort. There was a day when this resort was simply a theme park. Today, it has blossomed into something much larger and more substantial. With 2 theme parks, 3 deluxe resort hotels, and an entertainment and dining district, Universal Orlando has become a destination among locals and tourists who make their pilgrimage to the theme parks on a regular basis.
Along with the resort's growth have come greater operating expenses. These expenses will typically get passed on to the park guest. So, how are you to battle against these higher expenses? Whether you are a first time visitor to Universal or have visited several times a year, there are ways to save. In fact, you can drastically cut your expenses if you do your research and know what to do before and during your visit
The money saving tips and strategies we are about to discuss are not for any specific group, nor are they for just for frequent visitors. Anyone can take advantage of these discounts and money saving strategies. You just need to know what to do, where to look, and how to take advantage of them.
In business the phrase "reward your most loyal customers" comes to mind when thinking about Universal's annual pass(AP) program. Universal provides terrific discounts and perks for passholders across its property. Even though you may not visit Universal often purchasing an annual pass may be in your family's best interest because of these great discounts.
Universal's AP program is a tiered system. There are specific levels of the AP you can purchase. Each level provides you with specific discounts and perks you can utilize. The three levels of the annual pass are the Power Pass, Preferred Pass, and Premier Pass. Let's take a brief look at each of them because depending on your vacation needs it will determine which annual pass is right for you.
The Power Pass
Universal's Power Pass is intended to be a very basic annual pass. In fact, it's so basic it provides little to no discounts across property. Some guests don't even consider it an annual pass because it does include certain blackout dates where you can't use it to enter the theme parks. However, if your intention is to just gain access to Universal Orlando's theme parks during most of the year, this pass may be just right for you.
This pass is the cheapest of the annual pass options Universal provides. Because of its low cost most of the discounts and perks that come with an AP are not included. In fact, about the only discount you are eligible for is 10% off Universal theme park tickets. Keep this in mind when deciding what AP to purchase.
The Preferred Pass
Probably the most popular annual pass Universal offers is the Preferred Pass. Not only does it provide 365 days worth of admission, but it comes with some great discounts and perks across property. The biggest and best perk you receive are nightly room rate discounts from the 3 on-site resort hotels. These discounts range from 15 to 40 percent depending on the number of nights you book, the season, room category, and demand. Considering the cost of room rates at Universal's on-site deluxe hotels you could save big time with this pass. In fact, having just one preferred pass for your family allows you to take advantage of this discount. You may be able to pay for, or justify, the cost of the preferred AP with this discount.
This AP also provides several other perks and discounts across property. The money you can save on dining, merchandise, tours, and shows can really add up. As I mentioned before, Universal really does reward their annual passholders. The list of perks and discounts is long, and does change on a continual basis. Be sure to check out the list of benefits before deciding on purchasing this annual pass. You may find you don't need these discounts, or maybe the next level AP is a better option for your family.
The Premier Pass
You've looked at what you plan to experience at Universal Orlando over the next year and decided to go with the best possible annual pass they have to offer. The perks and discounts you receive with the Premier AP are the best you can get, and hopefully you can take advantage of many of them because they are abundant.
Not only do you receive the same perks as the Preferred AP, but some of the discount percentages are even greater, like 20 percent off merchandise versus just 10 percent with the preferred AP. Additional perks include 1 free 'Halloween Horror Nights ticket, a limited amount of free bottled water inside the theme parks, and discounts on suite upgrades at the on-site resort hotels when available. Be sure to review the list of perks and discounts associated with the Premier Pass. Most importantly, don't forget to show and mention you have a Premier AP whenever you dine, purchase merchandise or purchase show tickets when you are on-site. You never know as a passholder when a discount may be waiting for you.
Universal Orlando offers its guests the opportunity to purchase a meal plan prior to, or during your visit to the theme parks. The cost of the plan is a per-day set fee and is only good inside one or both theme parks depending on the plan you choose. The on-site resort hotels do not participate in the meal plan.
The plan allows you to eat as much as you'd like at specific quick service locations inside the 2 theme parks. Check the meal plan information for specific locations. You may eat as many entrees and desserts as you'd like; however, you can only get one entree and dessert at a time. You can't order multiple entrees and desserts during one visit in line as part of your meal plan. It should also be noted the 'Meal Deal' does not include beverages. You will be charged for each beverage you purchase. You can purchase a 1 day unlimited soft drink cup as part of your meal plan for $8.99. It can only be filled at the participating 'Meal Deal' locations.
Whether the 'Meal Deal' is a good deal depends totally on your dining habits. Some guests who can eat all day long may find the 'Meal Deal' to be a great bargain while others who eat much less may be throwing their money away. Although the plan does seem convenient it lacks flexibility because you must choose a participating plan restaurant. This restriction can and does make the plan less flexible because you need to find the closest participating restaurant versus one that may be right next to you. Be sure to research the theme park's counter service prices, consider your family's dining habits, and how long you plan on visiting the theme parks before deciding if the 'Meal Deal' is the right deal for you.
Theme Park Refillable Mugs & Popcorn Buckets
Located inside both theme parks you will find several food and beverage kiosks. These kiosks may look small, but there is a big opportunity to save. Each kiosk comes equipped with souvenir mugs and some with popcorn buckets that you can purchase at an inflated price. However, when you purchase any beverages or popcorn in the future at the kiosks and counter service locations your price will be greatly reduced. The longer you stay and visit the theme parks the more you'll save. Of course, it's Orlando and it's probably "surface of the sun hot" so drinking several beverages during your trip shouldn't be a problem. Just remember to consider how many days you plan to visit the theme parks and how much liquid and popcorn you typically drink and eat before purchasing a mug or bucket to see if the cost is justified.
Beautiful! Relaxing! Comfortable and mostly quiet. Universal Orlando's three on-site hotels are attractions in themselves. Room rates are on par with most deluxe resorts you'd find in the area. Typically, the Royal Pacific Resort is the least expensive, the Hard Rock Hotel is the next most expensive, and finally the Portofino Bay Hotel is the most expensive of the three on-site resort properties. Before pulling out your wallet and credit card to pay those steep nightly room rates, think about some easy and simple way to save. I mean really, why pay rack rate when you don't have to?
Super Saver Rates
Throughout the year the 3 Universal on-site resorts will offer reduced room rates based on demand and season called Super Saver rates. The discount percentage is based on a couple of factors like hotel occupancy and the number of nights you've booked for your reservation. The more nights you book the more you will save per night. Super Saver rates are usually available for all room categories, but only a percentage of rooms in each category are eligible for this particular discount. Be sure to ask if a Super Saver rate is available when you book your room. These rates are also available online when you book through Universal's website.
Besides the aforementioned annual pass discounts, all 3 resort hotels accept the AAA/CAA discounts. If you are a member of either of these clubs be sure to mention it when booking your room. Traditionally, discounts are available and accepted. If you are not a member sometimes it pays to get a membership before booking your room. You may save enough money well past the initial investment of the club membership.
Not only will you save on your room rate with the auto club discounts you'll also save 10 and maybe 20 percent at many of the on-site resort and theme park restaurants. If you don't have an annual pass, using your auto club discount is the next best thing when it comes to saving at Universal.
Loews 'You First' Rewards Program
Like most hotel chains across the country and abroad the 3 on-site hotels run by Loews Corporation participate in a loyalty program. This 'You First' program is only used by 2 or the 3 on-site resorts; The Royal Pacific Resort and the Portofino Bay Hotel. The Hard Rock Hotel does not participate in this program. There are three levels to the program; Blue, Gold, and Platinum. The more times you stay at a Loews hotel the higher your color. The higher your level, the more you obtain the better perks and benefits.
When you sign up for this loyalty program you will receive several on-site privileges like a welcome gift, free use of the fitness centers, free Internet, a free morning newspaper, and much more. You may also receive a free room upgrade at check-in if there is availability. Be sure to know the perks and privileges of the program before you check in to the resort. Signing up to become a member is totally free so take advantage of this program if you plan to stay at one of the resorts.
The Hard Rock 'All Access' Program
So, you've decided to "rock" out at the Hard Rock Hotel and want to participate in a rewards program as well. The Hard Rock 'All Access' Program is a fee based program for fans of the 'Hard Rock' franchise around the world. Joining this program costs $24.95; however, you will receive $20 in Hard Rock cash to use for food, beverage and merchandise at the Hard Rock Cafes. Perks related directly to the Hard Rock Hotels include late checkout and free room upgrades if available. There are other perks to this program related to the Hard Rock Cafes and more. Be sure to read the benefits of this program before deciding if it's right for you.
Other Travel Websites
Sometimes it's easy to get "tunnel vision" and only look for prices and deals at websites specifically related to Universal Orlando. Don't forget about the other travel related websites on the Internet like Hotwire or Expedia. On occasion, great deals for the 3 on-site resort hotels will show up on these websites. If you are accustomed to using these sites and know what to look for you might save 20 to 40 percent off your nightly room rates. Consider giving it a try before booking directly with Universal or Loews.
Front of the Line or Express Access (FOTL)
Have you ever heard of the phrase "Time is money?" As a Universal on-site resort guest you'll get to know that phrase firsthand. Guests who stay on-site also receive access to a special attraction line called the "Universal Express" Line. This line is reserved for resort guests and other guests at most attractions who purchase an "Express Pass" booklet. Trust me when I say this is the best perk among the major theme parks in Orlando. "Express Pass" wait times are usually less than 10 minutes. If you are trying to decide whether to stay on-site or at an off-site hotel, getting the "Express Pass" benefit can easily sway your decision to staying on-site. Having this benefit can easily turn your Universal vacation from a hectic nightmare to a very relaxing and laid back experience.
If most of the money saving tips already mentioned don't seem to fit your vacation habits then consider these tips. Like most money saving perks and benefits Universal is constantly tweaking them so be sure to do your research before you visit to see what discounts are currently offered.
Various Ticket Discounts
Universal offers various discounts on theme park tickets. Make sure to check with your local food clubs like Costco and Sam's Club to see what discounts are offered. Military, Florida and Georgia resident, and AAA/CAA discounts are offered as well. These ticket discounts can change so be sure to check the Universal Orlando website or the specific organizational website for detailed discount information. On occasion, some fast food chains or beverage companies like Coca-Cola can offer ticket deals. Be on the lookout for these discounts because sometimes they are better than the organizational discounts.
CityWalk Discounts
On occasion orlandocoupons.com offers great coupons at the various CityWalk restaurants. Be sure to visit there website to see if a coupon is available.
Most of the CityWalk restaurants accept AAA/CAA, and AP discounts. Be sure to ask your server when you are seated.
Universal Parking Discounts
Universal parking prices are consistent with other theme parks in the area. Daily self-parking is $14 and valet parking is $22. There are ways to avoid or reduce the amount you pay to park your vehicle. Preferred AP holders receive free self-parking and reduced-price valet parking every day. Premier AP holders receive free self-parking and free valet parking every day. Be sure to flash your AP when entering the parking garages or checking-in with the valet attendant. If you park after 6:00 pm self-parking is only $3 for all guests. Be sure to check Universal's website for current parking rates as they can increase on occasion.
Halloween Horror Nights
If you know you are attending a Halloween Horror Night consider purchasing a Premier Annual Pass. Inside your pass booklet is a coupon for one free Halloween Horror Nights ticket. It can only be used on Sunday – Thursday evenings so be sure to plan accordingly.
Money Saving Conclusion
With so many theme park options in Orlando it can be difficult to figure out what discounts are available and how best to take advantage of them. Competition among the local theme parks has created a discount environment for visitors and guests alike. Universal Orlando's discounts seem more abundant and available than other theme park resorts in the area. By visiting this growing and maturing theme park resort more frequently you can feel like a VIP at a reasonable price by taking advantage of hotel and theme park discount programs. Just remember, Orlando is not only about "mouse ears" anymore. Universal Orlando has made its mark in the area and created discounts to lure more frequent visitors.
Please let us know how you and your family save money at Universal Orlando in the discussion forum below. We'd love to hear your ideas. Also feel free to visit the 'Budget Board' or 'Universal Board' on DISboards.com for several other money-saving ideas at Universal Orlando. After all, the more you know the more you can save. And who wouldn't want to save a few dollars during their vacation?
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5 Comments
| cardaddy
Thank you for sharing your experience here. I really like it.
| Cbarry
You cannot believe what a difference Universal Express will mean to your trip. Traveling with 3 kids in the August heat is tough enough. Waiting on long lines only makes it worse. Express changed everything. We saw whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted. It's completely worth the extra bucks for the on-site hotels. And yes, Wizarding World is too tempting to pass up. It's amazing.
| Lee Moffat
Thats great advice, I am from the UK so am limited to my US travel and on my first calcs it looks like your advice on Annual passes is going to save me big $$$$$. Many Thanks for the excellent advice.
| tim west
I giong to the universal studios orlando florida Arpil 1 friday 2011 for west family
| Stephanie
Thanks for the useful info! We are diehard Disney people, but Wizarding World is too tempting to pass up, plus our daughter is getting older (10) and ready to try some more thrilling rides! Even though we are DVC members, we actually booked a room at one of the Universal Resort hotels for one night just so we can take advantage of the perks, ie the early entry into the parks, and the Universal Express line. We are so looking forward to checking out Universal in October.
- Harbor Nights to be held October 17 at Portofino Bay Hotel - Guests will enjoy wine, gourmet food, complimentary hand-rolled cigars and live jazz on the Harbor Piazza at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
- Jake's Beer Dinner coming up this Friday at Royal Pacific Resort - More than 50 craft beers, food and live music by The I-4 Band make up this festival under the outdoor Wantilan Pavilion at the Royal Pacific Resort.
- Nascar Sports Grille at Universal CityWalk to close November 1 - No announcement has been made as to what will replace the restaurant.
- Universal Orlando offers military ticket discount - Purchase a one-day, park-to-park ticket and receive two free days added onto the ticket.
- VIDEO: The Fountain of Fair Fortune at Diagon Alley - The Fountain of Fair Fortune tells the story of three witches - Asha, Altheda and Amata, as well as a muggle knight, Sir Luckless.
- VIDEO: Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights 24 Preview - Halloween Horror Nights begins tomorrow - check out our preview to see what's coming this year!
- One Direction in concert at Universal Orlando November 17 - The band One Direction will be performing on an episode of the TODAY show to celebrate the release of their new album, Four. The concert will take place at CityWalk and is open to the public, no admission required.
- Blog - Universal Orlando expanding again with the new Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
- Bret Michaels to perform at this month's Velvet Sessions - VIP tickets are already sold out.
- More Haunted House and Street Experience themes announced for Halloween Horror Nights - Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights returns for 28 select nights beginning September 19.


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Welcome! My name is Meredith, and this is where I write about social justice, faith, and the ways real people around me are trying to do well at doing good. I write about the ways God's call to justice intersects with everyday life, because I believe it is indeed possible to care about poverty and equity and making wrong things right even if you lived in somewhere as unlikely as suburbia.
The blog began when I was working at a Christian university in Southern California. My students were smart, hard working, and eager to be a force for good in the world. We journeyed together, and I am grateful to them for asking good questions and not settling for pat answers.
I studied theology and Spanish language and literature at Westmont College, then went to Fuller Seminary for a Master of Divinity.
I have a son, Riley, born January 2013. I also have two daughters, Kate and Lucy, born January 2012 when they were just 5 months along, too early to survive. My husband Curtis loves books, sports, and stats, so I have him do math for me. I'm more of a words person.
I can be reached by email at meredithannemiller[at]gmail[dot]com.


text: M. Ward News M. Ward release week continues . . . February 20, 2009 Listen to M. More > M. Ward release date activity! February 16, 2009 WRXP in NYC is hosting M. More > M. Ward - "Never Had Nobody Like You" MP3! January 16, 2009 You can now download track two from Hold Time to your computer! Never Had Nobody Like You Hold Time is now available for preorder from our website! More > M. Ward - Hold Time video! January 6, 2009 Hold Time comes out February 17! Check MergeRecords.com for preorder information! More > 2008 Year End Lists: M. Ward December 8, 2008 My favorite new songs of 2008 by artists that i hadn't heard before 2008: Becky Stark - "Ocean and Ground" Fleet Foxes - "White Winter Hymnal" T-Pain - "I Can't Believe It" More > M. Ward + Jim James at St. David's Church April 1, 2008 Video from KUT via Aquarium Drunkard Jim James & M. More > M. Ward in Pula, Croatia! August 14, 2007 More > M. Ward on The Hottest State soundtrack June 28, 2007 M. More > M. Ward on Conan! May 21, 2007 M. Ward + Norah Jones April 26, 2007 The M. More > M. Ward Guest DJ's on WXRT in Chicago February 6, 2007 The last time M. More > M. Ward woos them in Park City January 23, 2007 M. More > Fookin' Hell, Man! November 14, 2006 Recently, we came across an interview in Exclaim Magazine with Oasis' Noel Gallagher where he recounts his first encounter with M. More > M. WARD on Craig Ferguson via You Tube! October 2, 2006 I think the camera work is better than on Letterman, because you can see all M. More > M. Ward on XM Radio September 27, 2006 Attention XM Radio subscribers! Listen to M. More > M. WARD on MTVU September 26, 2006 M. More > THE (second?) GREATEST RECORD LABEL ON THE PLANET!! September 15, 2006 Thank you Touch and Go Records for a spectacular weekend! I had the great good fortune to travel to Chicago last weekend (September 8-10) and catch almost all of the Touch and Go Records 25th Anniversary celebration, hosted by The Hideout (at their Tenth anniversary block party) in a huge parking lot usually occupied by the City of Chicago's Garbage Trucks. More > M. WARD on WNYC September 14, 2006 M. More > M. Ward on KEXP - Live from Chicago! September 8, 2006 Our friends from KEXP are broadcasting live from Chicago this weekend! M. More > M. WARD - "Chinese Translation" (video) September 1, 2006 If you have not had a chance yet, check out M. More > M. Ward on Letterman August 25, 2006 M.Ward on Letterman last night was great. More > Go to page: 12


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Happy Groundhog Day
Good things are coming up on the horizon. Stay tuned!
New Year, New Possibilities
The new year is always an exciting time for us. It represents not only a new calendar year, but also a fresh start. It's the feeling that goes along with it — like you can accomplish anything if you set your mind to it.
We really hope to make 2014 a big year for Missing Link Cinema. One of which will be to finish a few writing projects, one of which is a screenplay and another is something more…literary.
Either way, the screenplay is long overdue. It's going to mark our first actual venture into full-length movie territory. Once the writing process is finished, we're going to put that puppy into pre-production, including some crowdfunding through a few sites like Seed & Spark.
Hopefully we can find more success there than with Kickstarter and IndieGoGo.
It's going to be exciting year for us. Stick around, it's going to be fun.
Slow Motion Thank You Speeches
My favorite explanation of what happens when you when an award and having to give an acceptance speech afterward was from Robin Williams when he won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar Award for his role in Good Will Hunting. He said that everything seems to go in slow motion unti the moment you finish the speech and then everything speeds up to ridiculously fast. Not that I can ever relate on the level of winning an Oscar Award, but it does seem like that is the case. Everything seems like a blur. This past weekend was the premiere and awards show for the 72 Film Fest. While we were nominated for Best Editing, Best Writing, Best Music/Sound, and Best Pro, we won for Best Cinematography.That is the second year in a row for us in that category. It was definitely a great honor, especially among the field of filmmakers this year. There were quite a few great movies. Teams who have improved greatly over the past few years. The competition is getting more and more fierce every year. As always, it was an honor just to be nominated in so many categories. Even though we don't win, it's nice to see some consistency every time. We are definitely proud of our efforts and hope that others feel the same way.
Uncertain Principles from Missing Link Cinema on Vimeo.
Return of the sleepless nights - 72 Film Fest
As dormant as we might seem during the year, what with our hibernating in a cave to ponder the meaning of the universe (and filmmaking) and brainstorm on possible new ideas to work on, there is one thing we do look forward to every year and that is the 72 Film Fest.It is the one time of year where we throw caution to the wind and exceed our own expectations by creating a short movie in the short time frame of 72 hours. It's no easy feat, mind you, but it is definitely the invigorating force that wakes our creative sensibilities and gives us a call to action. Last year was a great year for us. Even though we received a lot of recognition in the past, we were pleased to have finally gotten the award for Best Cinematography for our movie, The Rising.
The Rising from Missing Link Cinema on Vimeo.We hope to carry that good fortune onto this year. The anticipation is mounting, and we can't wait to see what the criteria for this year is. Wish us luck come the weekend of October 3-6 as we compete another year.
Production Update!
It's been a while since we've had a proper update, but we can no longer stay silent…
After slaving away for the last few months, we finally have a finished script that we plan on putting into production some time in late March or early April.
As you can see from the picture, the movie is going to be titled, The Final Trick.
Here is a brief, brief synopsis:
A magician on the verge of retirement reveals a new trick to his act, much to the chagrin of his young apprentice.
The script has been sent out to our normal collaborators for their feedback. We're both excited and nervous to hear their thoughts on the story.
Once they have given us their decisions to join the production, we will move to the preproduction phase. This includes location scouting, scheduling, acquiring props, and casting extras. It's going to be a lot of work, but we are looking forward to working on something outside of the 72 Film Fest.
Although we don't have a lot to tell at the moment, more updates will be posted as soon as they are available.
Be sure to also "Like" us on Facebook:
and follow us on Twitter:
Open Letter to Peter Jackson, director of The Hobbit
Dear Peter Jackson,
Let me start off by saying that I am a fan. While I haven't gotten around to seeing some of your earlier work, including Heavnly Creatures, I have seen the entire Lord of the Rings trilog, The Lovely Bones, and The Frighteners Even King Kong wasn't that bad.
But I digress.
Regardless of how I felt about your previous work, I knew I was going to see The Hobbit in the theater rather than wait for it to come onto DVD. With that being said, I finally got around to seeing The Hobbit today. While there were many different options on how to see the film at my local movie theater, I chose to see it how you intended it to be shown, which was in the HFR 3D format. Let me just say that I admire your ambition to bring a new and innovative way to how movies are shot and presented. I can imagine that it took a lot of courage to make the decision on choosing to go with 48 frames per second as opposed to the traditional 24 frames per second. After seeing the movie in 3D, I can understand how it was easier on the eyes, especially during some of the action scenes.
Although I don't listen to critics, I did read some of their reviews. I also read up on some of the comment threads that were going around the internet. Talk about polarizing. Based on how split the opinions are on the matter, you would think it was political in nature. On one side of the coin, you have what some people are referring to as "old timers." These commenters are the purveyors of the traditional way films are typically shown. They may or may not have grown up on digital cinema. While they might accept the move from photochemical film to digital, with some chagrin, they believe that movies should have a certain aesthetic quality; a dreaminess to them. On the other side of the argument is a group of people who welcome the change from how movies have been shown for over a hundred years. The embracers of change have made it known that 24fps is archaic. One can still become immersed in the movie.
I think the latter opinions are full of crap.
Even though I haven't seen the movie in 2D at 24fps, I can honestly say that I was disappointed in the overall decision. At 48fps, I felt zero connection to the characters and story. Mirroring some comments from others, the movie felt like it was soap opera-y. One of the things that 24fps has afforded movies is the feel they have. Rather than watching "real life," you are "transported" to some place different. Watching it as you intended was like watching a play, and if I wanted to see a play, I would go to Broadway. The movie didn't feel cinematic at all. I understand that movies are a form of entertainment. It's supposed to invoke a sense of wonderment, especially with such a fantasy heavy movie such as The Hobbit.
Bad form, Mr. Jackson.
As a filmmaker, I fear this push that you and other filmmakers, like James Cameron, are making towards high frame rate cinematography is going to take away the magic of moviemaking. As a filmgoer, I fear that we will lose the connections we used to have with stories in favor of trying to be progressive.
I know that I am a singular voice in the sea of agreers and detractors, but a part of me knows that you are probably paying more attention to the negative comments more than the positive ones. I hope that you do not brush them off as being hyper-critical. Take these opinions to heart and maybe that will push you to either go back to 24fps or fix the travesty that is 48fps cinema by replacing it with 24fps cinema.
See what I did there? You're welcome.
Moonpie (C. Pham)


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ATMA, Syria Traveling inside war-wracked Syria on the U.S. Election Day was a stark reminder of how lucky we are to have a vibrant democracy, whatever its failings.
It was also a reminder that Syrian rebels who want democracy, not an Islamic emirate, hope a second-term President Barack Obama will finally move beyond anti-regime rhetoric and take firmer action to end Bashar Assad's rule.
I'm not certain their hopes will be met. But what I saw and heard in two forays into Syria, and meetings inside the Turkish border, has convinced me that Obama's timid first-term policy on Syria, if continued, will lead to a regional disaster. And it will further diminish waning U.S. influence in the Middle East.
I know Americans are sick of Mideast wars. Yet there's still a small chance U.S. leadership could prevent Syria from becoming a new mecca for militant jihadis. Obama's first big foreign-policy test will be whether he recognizes what needs to be done to prevent this. (Hint: It doesn't involve U.S. air strikes or putting American boots on the ground.)
Drive around northern Syria and you see that there is no government in charge. "Eighty-five percent of the country is not governed by the regime," says a concerned official in the capital of next-door Turkey, "but it is not governed by the opposition either. Syria now is a failed state."
Revolutionary councils ordinary citizens trying to restore services have been set up in many towns. Meeting with council members from Aleppo, Idlib and the Latakia suburbs, I heard the same story over and over: They have no resources, and neither the international community nor the United States is providing any.
A refugee camp of 8,000 displaced people, near the Turkish border, with rows of white tents and water-distribution tanks, is being run wholly by expatriate Syrians struggling to raise the funding. Turkey, already home to 100,000 Syrian refugees, can take no more, even as the number of civilians fleeing the shelling and bombing continues to soar.
U.S. officials insist Assad must go but have limited Washington's assistance to nonlethal aid to nonviolent civilians namely, communications equipment and training courses. "We heard a lot that the U.S. would support us, but we didn't see anything on the ground," I was told by Suhair al-Atassi, a longtime secular opposition activist and lawyer from a famous political family.
Meantime, rebel military groups inside Syria have mushroomed. Militant religious fighters, while in the minority, find it easy to get funds from rich Gulf Arabs. Non-Islamist fighting groups, led by defecting Syrian military officers or ordinary civilians, go begging for weapons.
Efforts to create a central command of these militias led by secular officers have failed because they lack resources, such as anti-aircraft and anti-tank weapons, which would enable them to create a de facto buffer zone along the border. The United States has refused to provide any arms, for fear they would go astray. But that gives the militants the upper hand.
When I met Atassi, she was headed for Doha, Qatar, to a meeting Thursday of Syrian opposition activists who hope to form a new Syrian national council drawn heavily from rebels within the country. This body could ultimately form a transitional government and serve as a conduit for international aid.
But without firm commitments from the United States, this new council will have no leverage. Moreover, unless the United States and allied countries provide secular military councils inside Syria with funds and arms, religious militias will multiply, Atassi says.
So, Obama must decide whether it's time to deliver aid to civilian and military groups inside Syria in hopes of ending the war sooner. Only firm Obama backing has any chance of convincing members of the regime, or their Russian backers, that it's time for Assad to go, Syrian activists tell me.
"We hope the Obama administration will really get involved now," said Atassi as she headed for her flight to Doha. "We hope this time they will keep their promises." Stay tuned.
© Copyright The Sacramento Bee. All rights reserved.


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Downtown Office Complex Sells for $900K
A trio of office buildings at Washington Avenue and Danny Thomas has traded hands for $900,000.
Investment group 301 WA LTD LLC, out of Arizona, purchased the asset from Gregory Realty GP as an investment. Brian Califf of NAI Saig Co. represented the seller in the transaction.
Marketed as Washington Courtyard at 295, 301 and 305 Washington Ave., the complex consists of three buildings measuring 12,000 square feet each. The complex is about 80 percent leased and features executive suites, gated parking and elevators in all three buildings.


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Readers' Comments
High Anxiety in the Mile High CityBack to Article »
I've never actually seen a convention where the energy was so absorbed by people who had lost the nomination, rather than the one who had won.
Readers share their thoughts on this op-ed column.
Comments are no longer being accepted.


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Sprint HTC Arrive: Windows Phone 7 is not ready for landscape keyboards
Summary: Sprint and HTC are getting ready to release the first CDMA Windows Phone 7 device. The hardware is quite nice and the slide-out QWERTY keyboard is one of the best ever on a phone, unfortunately the operating system does not really support these types of keyboards.
7 of 24Image
The upper part of the HTC Arrive is very attractive and well built.
The screw on the back is not used to remove the cover like might thing and is more of a decoration than something you should mess with.
There is a large volume button on the upper left side.
Kick off your day with ZDNet's daily email newsletter. It's the freshest tech news and opinion, served hot. Get it.


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Woo-hoo!!! We are open!!! We cannot wait to see you at Yenser's this year. The Christmas music is on and we are ready to make sure your Christmas season starts out merry and jolly. As an opening weekend special treat this year, our neighbors Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery are offering wine...
Trees For Troops
Show your support for our troops by purchasing a tax-deductible tree and writing a message to a military family.
Your tree will be loaded onto a FedEx truck located at Yenser's Tree Farm. The cost of each tree is $25 and for every tree purchased we will donate $5 to the Chrismas Spirit Foundation. Schools and businesses may also participate. Call (570) 386-5981
Nationwide, over the past 8 years, 103,000 trees have been shipped to military families on more than 60 bases! Help us reach our goal of 17,000 trees this year!


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Contact Info / Websites
- Skype
- Guitan_11
- firstname.lastname@example.com
Entry #36
with the storyboard, planing and even updates in software done; im ready to start animating. im really exited for this one and i hope that it is to your liking. i cant say when it will be finished because of school and work, so bear with me :3 and lastly be sure to like me on Facebook to get more updates and what not.
like always i leave you with an image of what is to come on the next episode. something crazy happens >:D
- 13 comments
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Hey dude i'm back! So how many percent are they in the movie?
how much done? about 13 % i'll post an update later in the week so you guys can see why only 13 % ;)
nice, looks like he finally transforms. i hope he is lucky enough to get all three abilities so he becomes the chosen one but he can not control his new powers so he still can not fight.
interesting idea.....
Cant wait ^_^!
i hope you enjoy it when it comes out
Where can you find paperman anyway i cant find it here on newgrounds.
oh my fault its on youtube. its a disney studio animation. they mixed 3D animation with 2D! :D
So will there be another appearance of Azurro and Orange in this one? :3
not on SCF7, but im pretty sure that on the next one they will be ;D
Paperman? Whats that?
It's an animation short. It blew my mind.
School and work, you say, are things that get in your way? You're lucky, I can't force myself to work even when I have crapload of time and absolutely nothing else to do but sit at home.
its not that im lucky, actually, the fact that i have all those things going on makes me want to animate more. like an escape form the routine.
Lol the person named Dawcio510 is copying ma suicide act and its not very cool but i still dont care. Im watching other videos just to wait. :l
Lol the person named Dawcio510 is copying ma suicide act and its not very cool but i still dont care. Im watching other videos just to wait. :l
imitation is a for of flattery, and as far as other videos go; try "paperman"
That seems that black transforms into a real life character instead of just a stickman.
Anyway I don't care about you impatient people commiting suicide. I'm a SCF fan forever!
*He gets a sign with a picture of Guitan11 with an animating pen in front of the 4 main SCF characters. 2 by his left and 2 by his right side and stands at the premiere showing waiting for it.*
wooooo!!! wait, what?
By this snapshot, it would seem that Black has finally reached his potential. But still guessing that he still can't fight.
And to the impatient people: At least he's animating it now. It should probably take a couple of months at most.
i will not agree or deny anything :P
YOU JUST STARTED!? FFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU- *Smashes my face against keyboard like crazy, without effect, just bleeds.* Ow... FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!! *Jumps out of window [4th floor :O], still alive.*
You actually got further than "thecrazyfaggot" next to you *pa tum tzzz*
Wait what?! Your saying you started animating scf7 now?! NNNOOO!!! Now i have to wait..... (Jumps out the window to suicide but failed)
Noooooooo! But I loved you!!.... Ah, you're ok.... Never mind :3


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