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Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Grim Natwick - Drawings and Ideas are part of what animation is
Marc Deckter put up a really good post about Grim Natwick.
This is animation from 1930-before there were any "rules" about how to animate. They didn't know much about squash and stretch, overlapping action, maintaining volumes, smeared inbetweens, cushions, secondary actions, etc...It isn't super smooth like Disney became a few years later.
But it has something that much "polished" animation that uses all the principles sometimes neglects.
Drawings and motions that are fun and funny.
In the early days, animators thought in terms of entertainment first. How funny can I make my walks and dances and dialogue?
Grim did his best stuff before he was swayed by the mass hypnosis that Disney cast over the whole industry in the late 30s.
Once animation got "smoother" and had weight and all these other abstract properties, many animators started losing track of what cartoons were all about in the first place.
I personally believe in knowing all the fundamental principles of animation, but I don't think that is enough to make entertainment.
Smooth movement isn't entertaining by itself. It's impressive, but not as impressive to me as fun drawings and actions and ideas moving. The principles of animation should be in service of the drawings and entertainment, it shouldn't be an end in itself.
Here is a clip from Cats Don't Dance. The movement is great for sure, but what is being animated is just standard drawings that we've seen a million times before.
It's a polished version of Tiny Toons designs and poses with some Don Bluth thrown in.
Don't get me wrong, I think these animators are hugely talented and would love to be able to work with a great crew like this and have a similar budget to make a fully animated movie.
I just lament that the business uses such strong talent to do the same stuff over and over again. -and to make each animator basically design, draw and move things the same way.
Here's Betty and Bimbo in an unprincipled highly imaginative and entertaining cartoon:
18 comments:
That cartoon was god send. Really it was, for the following reasons:
Everything is timed to the music (or beat)
The jigg that bimbo does when he was going to serve the thug, although floaty, was fun.
Also, I found this paragraph in the 1976 publication of "The Fleischer Story", interesting:
"Considering he was the star of the Talkartoons, it's odd that Bimbo's appearance changed with almost every picture. Sometimes he was a white dog and others, he was a black dog. The animators at the time still held to the precepts of the twenties. Shamus Culhane said, "We didn't want to be tied to a certain way of drawing the characters." That was soon to change as the animation process became divided between many hands."
Again, I cannot thank you enough for your informative blog, John. (If only my scanner wasn't on the fritz...)
- Kevin Williams said...
nice. some good thoughts there. makes me think of paul pope's blog, "The cartoonist can do any damn thing he wants."
- Rainer said...
What great animation. I love a lot of Looney Toons but Fleischer's 1930-1934 were just so inventive and funny. Probably the best cartoons ever in fact.
Speaking of working on moves, whatever happened to some you were suppose to work do, John? I read about the ripping friends movie you were tentatively supposed to make with produce Joel Silverman backing. Why did it fall through? Also, wasn't there a "on the road" movie spumco was going to do with Ralph Bakshi? What happened? More uncreative executive types not understanding?
- Sean Worsham said...
Glad to hear you clarify your stance John, Marc did do a really good blog about Grim Natwick (especially how he mentioned how exciting an animtion could be when not try to stay too much too model).
I just borrowed "The Fleischer Story" from my friend and hope to read more in-depth about them.
- Eddie Fitzgerald said...
I couldn't agree more! You can't entertain with animation all by itself. You always hope for good acting, funny gags and choreography, charismatic characters, imagination, good cartooning and and a point to it all that interests people.
- Emmett said...
I like some of the character designs in CATS DON'T DANCE (please don't cane me).
It could have been done better; in my opinion, one of the few animated features that SHOULD HAVE BEEN animated more like a golden age cartoon. I'll bet that would have made it at least a little more tolerable.
I need to see more Fleischer cartoons. I prefer cartoons and animation with less toothpick movement.
- diego cumplido said...
yes, I saw that Bakshi's "on the road" doodle, but I didn't know it was going to be a movie by Spumco. So I'll support rainer with his question...
- Tool said...
"It could have been done better; in my opinion,"
for one thing they could have cut out a lot of touchy feely crap, the filmmakers obviously felt because it was a feature they needed to shoe horn some sad shit that totally didnt match the rest of the film. and john highlighted in his post the other really stupid part of the movie, which was upbeat but not really fun, at all; cringeworthy, embarassing to watch.
that popy animation style i thought was cool when i first saw that movie on VHS a few years ago, but its really getting overused in 3d as pointed out in an earlier post. i know they definitely could make some sort of computer script to generate that kind of timing and then just clean up any dramatic computer fuck ups. there is nothing impossible about that idea.
- billehB said...
When you say that they're drawings we've all seen a million times before I think its a little unfair since you're an animation historian who's seen every cartoon known to man.
So maybe you've seen these things a million times, Joe-Movie-Goer wouldn't have seen them enough times to notice though.
Do you know any of the animators who worked on cats don't dance? Do they actually feel like they wasted their talent on it? I don't mean to sound critical i would just like to know.
- :: smo :: said...
one of the things i love about 30's cartoons, is that animation is still young! the entire idea that a character can move across the screen is entertaining in and of itself, and things like lofty character arcs aren't so much the issue as having a silly character dance with a turkey!
totally awesome!
- The GagaMan(n) said...
A lot of the time in Tiny Toons they would literally take a scene directly from a Looney Tunes short (like that Clampett Piggy bank one) and just re-animate it. What's the point? If it ain't broke don't fix it? While the series had it's odd moments, a lot of the time it was like a imitation of the original shorts, only they'd replaced the characters with shorter, more brightly colored ones.
- JohnK said...
So maybe you've seen these things a million times, Joe-Movie-Goer wouldn't have seen them enough times to notice though. <<
If you saw any cartoons from a few years before or after, then you have.
- Dume3 said...
I suppose I'm the odd man out on these Fleischer topics. I think all of the east coast cartoons (Fleischer, Paul Terry, etc.) are just plain ghetto. The fact is that Disney remained 5 to 10 years ahead of anybody until strikes and World War II made him slash his budgets a bit in the early 40s.
Mr. K., you talk of Disney casting a "hypnosis" over the industry. Why don't you have anything negative to say about Max and Dave Fleischer's horrible and blatant use of rotoscoping. Not only did they use it more often than Disney, they made no effort to exagerrate or alter it in there movie, Gulliver's Travels.
It seems to me that you praise almost every golden age studio EXCEPT for Disney, which strikes me as unfair. The Disney cartoons are not perfect, but the East coast cartoons are far less perfect IMO.
- Dume3 said...
Cat's Don't Dance wasn't that bad. The references to the golden age were good, kind of like Who Framed Roger Rabbit. It was way better than any of Pixar's stuff anyway. Why do they always insist on having the backgrounds out of focus like this:
I can't stand that in live-action movies, much less in a CGI cartoon where having things in focus is a matter of pressing a button.
- Kali Fontecchio said...
I love Grim's animation! I feel happier already today!
- Looney Moon Cartoons said...
I love the part where bimbo takes the hair and tries to cut it with the knife, but the hair cuts the knife. Its funny because it is the exact opposite of what you expect. Cartoon animation is the only medium where gags like that work. How come you never see visual gags like this anymore.
- cemenTIMental said...
I can't stand that in live-action movies, much less in a CGI cartoon where having things in focus is a matter of pressing a button.
It's a combination of a little thing called cinematography and, in live action, the laws of physics.
- fandumb said...
Funnily enough, in German dubbing, Cats Don't Dance's main character Danny has the same voice actor as one of your own...


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STOCKTON - After trailing for nearly the entire game, the McNair High boys basketball team used a 9-0 run over the final two minutes to defeat Bear Creek 64-61 on Wednesday in a nonleague game at McNair.
STOCKTON - After trailing for nearly the entire game, the McNair High boys basketball team used a 9-0 run over the final two minutes to defeat Bear Creek 64-61 on Wednesday in a nonleague game at McNair.
The Eagles held on after a layup by Marcus Cotton broke a 57-57 tie with 1 minute, 25 seconds remaining and began the critical run. Cotton led McNair (8-8) with 19 points, and Enrique Flores and Carl Coleman scored 17 and 16 points, respectively.
Sophomore Quinn Ryan came off the bench to score a game-high 20 points for Bear Creek (8-8), making 4 of 5 3-point shots. Teammate Jadon Henry had 16 points for the Bruins.
"We had control for three quarters, and then we broke down in the fourth," Bear Creek coach Eddie Hernandez said. "It's tough, very tough. We're not playing four quarters right now, and we're coming up short."
The Bruins led 30-19 late in the first half before McNair scored the final seven points of the second quarter. Bear Creek pushed its lead back to 46-36 late in the third quarter but soon began to lose its cushion.
With 3:55 left in the fourth quarter, Cotton's three-point play gave McNair a 55-54 lead - its first advantage since going up 6-4 in the opening minutes. He said his team was adamant about not losing at home in the final week of nonleague play.
"We had to make a better effort in the second half," said Cotton, whose team outscored the Bruins 25-15 in the final quarter. "Our hearts wouldn't let us lose this game. We have to make a statement going into league."
Moments after Cotton put McNair on top, Bear Creek regained the lead for the final time on a basket by Jadon Henry and a free throw by Derek Lujan. Down 57-55, Cotton, Flores and Coleman each scored during the 9-0 run for a seven-point advantage with 22 seconds left.
"It seems like we start off every game slow and then we pick it up in the end," McNair coach Matthew Morelli said. "Our guys come to play in the fourth quarter. This was a good high school basketball game."


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Whats up guys,
First of all, happy Friday everyone!
As you may have already seen, from Crunchyroll News, we're launching three AWESOME CATALOG TITLES TO SITE!!!
While it will only be for US and Canadian audiences only, we will kick off the weekend right with:
Gurren Lagann:
Today we will be launching at 5pm PDT, however every Friday at 12 noon PST premium Crunchyroll members get 3 episodes a week, while free users get 2 new episodes.
Synopsis: In his sky-less cavern of a village Simon toils daily, drilling holes to expand his stifling little world until one day he makes an extraordinary discovery, a small glowing drill-bit and the man-sized mecha it activates. Before he can give it a second thought Simon is dragged into a plot to break through to the surface by the local gang leader Kamina, only to have the ceiling come crashing down on top of them under the weight of a giant monster! It somehow falls onto the boisterous Kamina and the cowardly Simon to defend their village but once they defeat the monster what awaits the duo on the surface world? Get ready for buxom babes, beastmen, and giant mecha as only GAINAX can provide them! BUST THROUGH THE HEAVENS WITH YOUR SOUL, GURREN LAGANN!
Ghost Slayers Ayashi
Starting this Saturday at 12 noon PDT premium members get all 30 episodes while free members get 3 per week.
Synopsis: Throughout Edo many fi ends walk the shadows brought about by twilight but few truly understand their origins. What are the Youi and where do they come from? With the sudden appearance of these beasts at the recent construction projects within the Inba swamp an answer to this question is realized. Using Atl's powers the Western One's begin their campaign against the Shogunate and the Emperor himself. Yukiatsu must once again trust in the power of the Other World and assume his draconic form to defend a government that has viewed the Ayashi as little more than a band of vagrants. A battle rages in the skies over Japan as two great beasts attempt to wrest the fate of the nation from each other's dire claws, but just as victory seems apparent one of the Ayashi steps forward, sword drawn and prepared to betray his friends. With this traitor's attack are the Ayashi defeated and what of the fate of the nation.
Starting this Sunday at 12 noon PDT, premium members will get the first 13 episodes, while free members get 3 per week.
Synopsis: From bulletproof dragons to lock-picks, a paper master manipulates paper to their will. In Hong Kong, three young paper masters, Anita, Maggie and Michelle, use their formidable skills to protect Nenene, an author targeted by a mad bomber. As their bodyguard duties take them to Tokyo, they will be educated on the dangers of literacy!
Hope you all enjoy it~!
OMG Awsome
lost please find me
I was so excited until I saw "US and Canadian audiences only"
Thankonomics xD
Awesome great picks CR!<3
Beautiful Nel!
Crunchyroll Store Manager
Well, now I get to sit down and watch these series.
Bye free time, it was nice knowing you.
Maji Love 3000%
Nice never got around to Lagann and have been interested in R.O.D so I'll watch them. xD
Life is a bitch, so if its easy you're doing it wrong
<3 Read or Die
It's almost 6pm PST.... when is this Gurren Lagann stream going to on...
l wanted to watch Gurren Lagann and l was all yay when l saw the news, which only ended in disappointment as it's only for US and Canadian.
There's no point reading this as it goes nowhere, I did tell you......
Thanks, Crunchyroll!
Sorry for the rest, it seems the easiest catalog pickups are North America only.
Will watch all of them soon, especially Gurren Lagann since I haven't seen it yet.
What even
Gurren Lagann <3
this is amazing! ty!
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is perhaps the greatest anime ever to come out of Japan.
I've been wanting to watch lagann forever thanks based crunchy role
Lil wayne is bad and you should feel bad


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Used 2009 BMW X5 Review
Edmunds expert review
In the luxury crossover SUV segment, the 2009 BMW X5 sets the standard for handling and performance. In terms of value and utility, however, many competitors are better.
What's new for 2009
Vehicle overview
BMW put the "sport" in sport-utility vehicle when it introduced the X5 a decade ago. At its launch, BMW's marketing department dubbed the crossover a Sports Activity Vehicle (but then again, they also call the new four-door X6 a coupe, so perhaps nomenclature isn't BMW's strong suit). Nonetheless, the 2009 BMW X5 is just as sporty as its predecessors, injecting an ample amount of Bavarian handling chutzpah into the ridin'-high body of a family-friendly SUV. Although several luxury automakers have taken aim at the X5's sporting formula, this BMW remains very attractive for those who want the "S" in SUV to actually mean something.
Now three years into its current generation, the X5 adds a new engine for these fuel-economy-conscious times. The 2009 X5 xDrive35d features a twin-turbocharged diesel inline-6 that not only produces ample low-end power (425 pound-feet of torque) but also sips fuel at the rate of a compact SUV rather than one that weighs 5,000 pounds. New emissions-scrubbing technology known as BluePerformance makes this diesel engine suitable for sale in all 50 states.
Aside from its engine, the xDrive35d is mostly identical to the xDrive30i and xDrive48i trim levels (which were renamed for 2009 from 3.0si and 4.8i, respectively). They all provide sharp and confident handling, comfortable seating for five people (although the optional third row is only suitable for small kids) and plenty of luxury goodies. This isn't to say BMW has a patent on this formula. Vehicles like the Acura MDX, Infiniti FX and Porsche Cayenne also provide the type of handling that sport sedan drivers will appreciate. If spirited handling isn't a priority, there are other luxury crossovers that offer a comfier ride, easier steering at slow speeds, better value and more utility. But for Bimmer-philes or driving enthusiasts who need a family-friendly SUV, the 2009 BMW X5 is the obvious sporting choice.
Trim levels & features
The 2009 BMW X5 is a midsize luxury SUV available in xDrive30i, xDrive35d (late availability) and xDrive48i trim levels. Standard equipment on the xDrive30i includes 18-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats with driver memory settings, a power tilt and telescoping steering column, vinyl "leatherette" upholstery, the iDrive electronics interface and a 12-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. Aside from their different engines, the xDrive35d and xDrive48i trims are virtually identical (the 48i adds leather upholstery, however).
A number of optional packages are available to further luxe out the X5. The Premium package adds auto-dimming mirrors, a power liftgate, BMW Assist telematics with Bluetooth and leather upholstery with the xDrive30i. The Sport package adds an adaptive suspension, 19-inch wheels, sport seats and a sport steering wheel. The Premium Sound package equips the X5 with a premium sound system, a six-CD changer and an iPod interface (included on the xDrive48i, a stand-alone extra on the xDrive30i). The technology package adds parking sensors, a back-up camera and a navigation system with voice activation and real-time traffic. The rear climate package adds rear privacy glass, manual rear side sunshades and four-zone auto climate control. The active ventilated seat package adds multi-adjustable front "comfort" seats with ventilation.
Other stand-alone options include upgraded leather upholstery, keyless ignition and entry, active steering, a head-up display, an iPod adapter (requires the sound package on the xDrive48i), a rear-seat entertainment system, satellite radio and HD radio. A third-row seat is also available and includes a rear self-leveling suspension. Twenty-inch wheels can be added to the Sport-package-equipped xDrive48i.
Performance & mpg
There are three engines available for the 2009 BMW X5. The X5 xDrive30i is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-6 that produces 260 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Its EPA estimated fuel economy is 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined. The xDrive35d features a twin-turbocharged diesel inline-6 that produces 265 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. This engine includes clean-diesel technology that allows it to be sold in all 50 states. BMW estimates fuel economy will be 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway while matching the xDrive30i's acceleration abilities. The X5 xDrive48i gets a 4.8-liter V8 good for 350 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. In performance testing, the 48i went from zero to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds. EPA fuel economy estimates are 14 city/19 highway and 16 combined. All X5s are all-wheel drive and come with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. Properly equipped, an X5 can tow 6,000 pounds.
The 2009 X5 comes standard with antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, brake drying and standby features, a rollover sensor, front side airbags and side curtain airbags for the first and second rows. In government crash tests, the X5 scored a perfect five stars for frontal-impact driver protection and four stars for frontal-impact passenger protection. It got a perfect five stars for front and rear side protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the X5 its highest rating of "Good" in its frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests.
The 2009 BMW X5 is one of the best-handling midsize luxury SUVs you can buy. Whether driving on back roads or on an endless expanse of interstate, the X5 is a champ. Although some competitors offer more utility and many are more adept off-road, the X5 does an amazing job of taking the sensations and talents of BMW's legendary sport sedans and translating them to the SUV world. This is particularly true when the X5 is fitted with the optional active dampers and stabilizers.
The X5 isn't perfect, though. We've found the steering to be overly heavy at parking lot speeds, even if its hefty nature is a boon on the open road. The optional active steering system eases parking maneuvers, but the downside is reduced steering feel. The X5 has an agreeable ride quality, particularly on long highway jaunts, but buyers looking for a Lexus-like comfy-couch ride may find this Bimmer a little harsh.
The new X5's interior is one of the most elegant BMW has ever built. The construction is precise, the materials are high-quality and the instrumentation is crystal-clear. The front seats are nicely shaped and adjust for a wide range of body types (the optional comfort seats offer even more adjustment). The only sour notes include the complex iDrive system (although it's well-suited to the optional iPod interface), the cramped third-row seat and the gear selector, which many drivers find too much like a video game controller. With the second- and third-row seats folded, the X5 offers a total of 75 cubic feet of cargo space, which is about average for this class.
Edmunds expert review process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.


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Green jobs have become a hot topic this year, but it's not always clear what exactly that means. Here's one measure. Research firm Clean Edgehas determined the ten publicly traded, clean-tech companies with the most employees. (The data are based on second quarter 2009 financial filings or the most recent annual report.)
Most of the companies are based out of the U.S. but have a presence in the country. Click on to see which companies ranked on top.
Posted Nov. 4, 2009


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25 Good Food Products and Kitchen Tools Best of 2008
Here's a look back at 25 (or so) of the food products, gadgets, and kitchen tools that we wrote about in 2008.
The four products pictured above the fold are in bold below.
Food Products We Liked
• Maple! Maple sugar and Grade B maple syrup.
• Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegar from Trader Joe's
• Good Product: Muir Glen Organic Fire Roasted Tomatoes
• Good Product: In Praise of Old Bay
• Zingerman's Italian Wild Cherries
Good Kitchen Tools
• VeggiChop: A Manual Food Processor from Chef'n
• Zojirushi Mr. Bento Stainless Lunch Jar
• Beater Blade+ for KitchenAid Stand Mixers
• Soda Siphon for Homemade Fizzy Water
• Cuisinart Automatic Ice Cream Maker
• A Cleaver For Small Hands: Calphalon's LX Series Nikiri Knife
• Best Blender: Professional Series Vita-Mix
• BonJour's Insulated Rhône French Press
Have a new favorite product from this past year? Tell us about it here!


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posted by Thom Holwerda on Tue 26th Mar 2013 17:07 UTC
The Swedish Language Council wanted to list 'ungoogleable' as a new word. Google didn't like it. "The word was to be used to describe something 'that you can't find on the web with the use of a search engine', according to the Language Council. However, Google was less than thrilled that a word based on its name had been highlighted by Sweden's 'official language cultivation body'. Google wanted the council to specify that the word's definition only covered searches performed using Google, and not searches involving other search engines." Sadly, the Council decided to scrap the word altogether. Google, get your filthy paws off our languages. It seems like large corporations love to exert pressure on language - Apple tried something similar a few years ago with the abbreviation 'app', something which I exposed for the idiocy that it was. I will use whatever words I damn well please, and so should everyone else. The Swedish Language Council shouldn't even have acknowledged Google's ridiculous request with a response.


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Follow the Bouncing Ball [VIDEO]
One of the beauties of baseball is even though teams play just about every day during the season, you never want to skip a game because you never know what you might miss!
This week in the American Association, while the Canaries were in Winnipeg, the Sioux City Explorers were in Gary, Indiana, battling the Railcats.
In that game, the X's Leugim Barroso hit a ground ball that took a 'less than conventional' route to the shortstop.
I swear if you look closely, you can actually see the ball signal for a left turn!
The Railcats needed all of the magic that could get, as they hung on for a 1-0 win.


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Food trends for 2013–the year of sour
So 2012 was the year of bacon, cupcakes (or bacon topped cupcakes), kale, gluten-free diets, and locally farmed foods. What food trends will pop up in the New Year?
I've been looking through various sources online to see what's in and what's out (sadly, gourmet tacos may have had their heyday–except at my house, where they're always in!).
Here are a few predictions from food industry insiders, along with a quick tip about how you can start being "trendy" right now:
SOUR. Yes, it's the year of sour! (Fist pump here). My youngest will be thrilled. Santa gave her not one, but two bottles of pickles in her stocking and she couldn't have been happier. Tip: Adding a bit of acidic twang to regular dishes is easy and instantly brightens the other flavors. I often squeeze a bit of fresh lime or lemon to dishes, smoothies, salads, just before serving.
SMOKE. Infusing everything from food to drinks with smoke is supposed to be big this year. We smoked our turkey this past Thanksgiving using hickory chips in our gas grill–tastE. Tip: Forget the bottle of liquid instant smoke which has a strange chemically taste if you ask me. I add a hit of Trader Joe's Smoked Paprika to savory dishes.
VEGETABLES. Veggies are taking over the plate in 2013. They're no longer stuck in the "side dish" category. We've been trying to add more vegetables on our dinner plates. Tip: Embrace Meatless Mondays and have an all-veggie meal once a week (or more!).
POPCORN. The kernels are taking over. Dig out your old air popper if you want to have a the "it" snack. Tip: I haven't tried this yet, but it looks like fun–DIY microwave popcorn.
ELBOW GREASE. From theKitchn, my personal favorite ingredient for the year–elbow grease! Since I'm in the midst of updating my kitchen, I understand the appeal–and challenges–of using this ingredient. Tip: My old bathrobe serves as a quick cover when I have just a minute to paint. It's easy to throw on over my regular clothes–and there's nothing cooler than a woman in a blue-striped bathrobe with pink edges holding a paintbrush!
Smoked paprika I know, but I wonder what other ways there are to bring the smoke flavor to a veg plate? not exactly smoke but we like roasted cabbage, which most people seem not have tried.
smoking chocolate chips? I'm waiting to hear what you learn on that — and thanks for the ehads up on other coming food trends.


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- AltCar Auto Show
- Beijing Auto Show
- CES Auto Show
- Chicago Auto Show
- DC Auto Show
- Detroit Auto Show
- Frankfurt Auto Show
- Geneva Auto Show
- LA Auto Show
- NAIAS Auto Show
- New York Auto Show
- Paris Auto Show
- Philadelphia Auto Show
- SEMA Auto Show
- San Diego Auto Show
- Shanghai Auto Show
- St. Louis Auto Show
- Tokyo Auto Show
Auto Show: 2013 Chicago Auto Show
2013 Chicago Auto Show: Preview
- The auto show circus comes to Chicago.
- This time it's personable.
- And it's a truly interactive car show.
The great thing about the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, like many of the Chicago shows before it, is the hands-on aspect. This is the people's car show.
There's plenty of room for people -- around 1,000,000 square feet -- along with something like 1,000 vehicles to check out. There are a few indoor tracks too, which is where the hands-on dimension comes in.
To celebrate the world debut of the 2014 Toyota Tundra -- a new generation of this full-size pickup -- there's going to be what looks like a construction area where show-goers can climb into the cabs of various Toyota trucks and go scooting over the strategically placed ramps and piles of dirt. Bring your plaid shirt.
Incidentally, the previous generation of Tundra was also launched at the Chicago show (in 2006), which illustrates how important this event is for manufacturers. Sure, the big one is Detroit (and Los Angeles is making a similar splash these days), but Chi-town is no provincial dog-and-pony show.
Although the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee was already introduced at Detroit last month, Chicagoans will still want to congregate around the Jeep stand and try their hand at tackling the simulated off-road course.
Cadillac is running an on-road program, offering test drives of the 2013 ATS, XTS and SRX. Chevrolet's indoor circuit is small and big at the same time. It's a plastic track for Hot Wheels cars, but it does include the world's longest jump for these ever-popular toys.
Another world debut here is the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze diesel. This compact sedan will run a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine sourced from Opel, General Motors' European division. No one's talking numbers yet, but highway fuel consumption in the high 40s is a real possibility. This is one of 22 diesel-powered cars slated to reach the North American market within the next 12 months.
Going from family runabout to commercial consideration, RAM (the Chrysler group's truck arm) is launching its 2014 ProMaster full-size van -- based on a FIAT vehicle. The Italian company is, of course, the majority shareholder in Chrysler.
If pickups, vans and diesel cars all seem a bit utilitarian, there's a spoonful of glitz to help the utilitarianism go down. And it comes from what might have been considered an unusual source even a couple of years ago. Chicago will be the first city to witness the new direction of Kia's design philosophy, as evidenced by the company's Cross GT concept.
The clue's in the name. This study is a crossover SUV hinting at a model larger than the midsize 2014 Kia Sorento. The company also uses the term "premium" in its description, despite Kia's roots as a budget brand. Perhaps style and luxury are inevitable when you hire one of the men who helped design the original Audi TT: Peter Schreyer.
And this is not Kia's only star in the Midwest. Following a pattern from previous shows, such as last year's SEMA and Los Angeles events, there will be a special car with a superhero theme. This time it's a bird. No, a plane. No, it's the man of steel himself: Superman.
A paint job of blue and red, with that famed red-and-yellow "S" logo on the hood, has been applied to a 2013 Optima Hybrid, along with a body kit and a special wheel/tire combination. Like the Batman, Green Lantern, Flash and Aquaman models, the Superman Optima raises awareness of the We Can Be Heroes charity (www.wecanbeheroes.org) that combats hunger in the Horn of Africa.
A few heroes from the Detroit show will also be in attendance, such as the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette, the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and the Ford Atlas pickup concept.
The 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T Redline and R/T Plus Redline are making their debuts in Chicago. Essentially a cosmetic package, the Redline also has the option of a Super Track Pak for sharper handling.
AutoTrader.com is reporting from the 2013 Chicago Auto Show press days on Feb. 7 and 8. After that, it's open to the public from Feb. 9 to Feb. 18. As usual, the venue is McCormick Place and there's more information on www.chicagoautoshow.com. If Windy City locals needed further persuasion, Chicagoland Toyota Dealers (a group of 30 Toyota dealers in the region) are offering the chance to win a brand-new 2013 Toyota RAV4.
What it means to you: For Chicago residents and visitors, it means a fun day out and the chance to get some new car ideas. For the rest of the nation, it reminds us that a healthy auto industry is a good thing.


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Carl Allen paused as I tried to speak above the rock music combined with TV announcers talking about basketball on the seemingly endless rows of overhanging TVs. For a second or two, I wasn�t sure he could hear me.
But when I finished talking, I knew he did.
Allen betrayed no emotion as he looked me in the face and said in a soft voice, �That�s unreal.�
There really wasn�t much more to add. I seldom know what to say myself when handing over the cashiers check left here from time to time by an anonymous �friend� who helps people in our community who desperately need it.
�That�s just . . . unreal,� he added.
I was summoned to meet Carl Allen, of Guilford County Station 28, at the Burlington Hooters restaurant off Garden Road. Allen has been working on a fund-raiser with Kevin Chodynieki, who�s the general manager at the sports bar and eatery. When my mystery friend left a $1,000 check at our front desk for Steve Cosner, the Danville, Va., man seriously injured while bravely and vainly trying to save two children from a fire, Chodynieki was the quickest point of contact I could find to get the money where it�s supposed to go.
That is, after all, my role in this ongoing story about acts of incredible kindness by a person I�ve never met. My unknown �friend� reads stories in the Times-News and occasionally drops a check, or checks, with our receptionist Vicky Davis. He�s done so seven times now, for a total of $11,000 over the past 18 or so months.
I�ll echo Carl Allen�s �unreal� at this point, myself.
Last week, there were two checks. One was for Steve Cosner, who heroically tried to enter a burning house in Gibsonville where two children died on March 9. Cosner was a stranger passing by that day and risked his own life to save two others. The grandfather of the children contacted the Times-News after the fire to inform us of how badly Cosner was injured in the blaze and that he would need lots of financial help.
Emphasize �lots of help.� Allen said Cosner would be in the UNC Hospitals Burn Center in Chapel Hill for quite some time.
�At first they took him there because of heat and smoke damage to his lungs,� Allen said. �Once they started working on him, they realized how severe his burns are.�
Allen said Cosner is the father of four, one about the age of the children he tried to save. He�s hoping the fund-raiser, set for 7 p.m. April 12 at Hooters, will put a dent in Cosner�s expenses. Those who wish to donate something for a raffle during the fund-raiser can contact Allen at email@example.com or by calling Hooters at 336-538-9688. Until then, people can send cash donations by hand or mail to The Good Samaritan Fund, Fidelity Bank, 237 E. Main St. Gibsonville NC, 27249.
�This,� he said and raised the $1,000 cashiers check up from the bar at Hooter�s, �will be a huge help.�
As for my anonymous friend, well, he always leaves a written message. I�ll also share it.
Dear Madison,
This week I was reading some about the evangelist, Dwight L. Moody, and I happened across this quote that I found to be particularly useful as a reminder to all of us, �I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything but I can do something. And that which I can do, by the grace of God, I will do.� It reminded me that I am not able to assist everyone all the time with their needs, but that is not an excuse not to do what I can when I can.
I had read this past week about Mike Wilder, your colleague, and Steve Cosner, who was burned attempting to rescue two children from a burning house. I hope this will be of some assistance to them. Cancer can be a devastating disease, and we will keep Mr. Wilder in our prayers. None of us know from one day to the next when something like that could touch our own families. As for Mr. Cosner, I only hope that if I find myself in a similar situation that I will have the courage to do what he did. Putting oneself in harm�s way for complete strangers is the act of a truly selfless individual.
Easter is just around the corner, a reminder that there is always hope, even in a dying world where life seems so uncertain and futile at times. We should remember why we celebrate this season, �For as Adam will die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.� (Corinthians 15:22). God�s love for we broken pitiful creatures is far bigger than any problems we will face here on earth, if we will but turn to him for faith. Have a wonderful Easter my friend.
Back at you my friend.
▪ ▪ ▪
I would also like to note that one check was for Times-News reporter Mike Wilder to help defray his medical costs in a battle with cancer. I wrote about Mike last week. I want to personally thank my �friend� for his thoughtful and generous contribution. Mike is grateful � shocked � but grateful.
I�ll also remind folks that the Times-News is having a bake sale on Thursday with proceeds going to Mike. We�ve had a great response from folks who plan to donate baked goods. The culinary department at Alamance Community College has promised eight pies. Some of the winners in the Alamance Reads pound cake contest held in conjunction with the chosen book this year, �To Kill a Mockingbird�, also intend to offer up items for sale.
So if you need something sweet to serve for Easter weekend, drop by our office at 707 S. Main St. starting at 9 a.m. on Thursday. We�ll be open all day.
Madison Taylor is editor of the Times-News. Contact him at email@example.com.


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Police reported two shootings in Baltimore early Saturday, which left at least one man dead from his wounds.
Officers responded to a shooting in the 1100 block of Barclay Street shortly before 5 a.m., according to police. They found a man, who has not been identified, lying in the street suffering multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body, police said. He was taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital but prounounced dead at 7:26 a.m.
Homicide detectives were investigating a later shooting of an adult man in the 300 block of 23rd street, police said, but no other details were immediately available.


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RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick and three other men are scheduled to appear in federal court in Richmond on July 26th to answer charges they were involved in an illegal dogfighting ring. That's the same day the Falcons begin summer training camp.
An 18-page indictment alleges the 27-year-old Vick and his co-defendants began the dogfighting operation in early 2001. That was the former Virginia Tech star's rookie year after being taken first overall in the N-F-L draft.
Unlike previous documents, which did not name Vick, the indictment is littered with his name.
The operation was centered at a property Vick owned in Surry County, Virginia.
After an April police raid, Vick said he was rarely at the house and had no idea that it might have been used in a criminal enterprise. He blamed family members for taking advantage of his generosity and pledged to be more careful.
If convicted of all the charges, Vick and the others could face up to six years in prison.


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Amazon currently has a sweet deal going on for the new Nokia Lumia 1020. If you're looking at purchasing the niche Windows Phone for its outstanding optics and experience, you'll be able to pick one up from $149.99. Available in yellow, black and white, there's enough choice to get cracking with a personalised smartphone.
We've recently covered the Lumia 1020 launching in the UK and Europe, but have also looked at the Windows Phone in the past. If you haven't already done so, we recommend you read through our full, in-depth review of the device. Amazon previously had the Lumia 1020 on sale for $199 for one day only, but it's good to see the retailer knocking the price down further.
Head on over to Amazon for more information and to check out the deals. Pricing depends on which plan you go for. AT&T currently has the Lumia 1020 listed for $199.
Source: Amazon (black, white, yellow); thanks, go1020, for the tip!
This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure policy for more details.


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A major pre-Revolutionary port on North Carolina's Cape Fear River, Brunswick was razed by British troops in 1776 and never rebuilt. During the Civil War, Fort Anderson was constructed atop the old village site, and served as part of the Cape Fear River defenses below Wilmington before the fall of the Confederacy. Colonial foundations dot the present-day tour trail, which crosses the earthworks of the Confederate fort.
Brunswick Town
8884 St. Philip's Rd. SE
Winnabow, NC 28479
Phone: (910) 371-6613
Email: email@example.com
Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Closed Sunday and Monday.
Note: From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, we are open on Sundays from noon to 5pm.


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Britney Spears: Say Good Morning to My New Baby!
Britney Spears keeps it plaid while doing some shopping at Siany on Saturday (February 9) in Calabasas, Calif.
The day before, the 31-year-old entertainer was seen sitting in her car while her assistant grabbed a coffee for her at a local Starbucks in Sherman Oaks.
PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Britney Spears
On the same day, Britney tweeted, "Say good morning to my new baby people."
In November, Britney had welcomed an adorable pet pooch Hannah into her home.
20+ pictures inside of Britney Spears doing some retail therapy in Calabasas…


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Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Unlike radiation therapy and surgery, which are localized treatments, chemotherapy is a systemic treatment. This means that the drugs travel throughout the whole body. This means chemotherapy can reach cancer cells that may have spread, or metastasized, to other areas.
Chemotherapy is rarely used to treat thyroid cancer. It is almost exclusively used when other treatments have failed. If chemotherapy is used, it may be combined with external radiation therapy.
Examples of chemotherapy drugs that may be used to treat thyroid cancer include:
Researchers are still trying to determine what the benefit of chemotherapy is for various stages of thyroid cancer and its metastases. In general, surgery is more important, as is radioablation therapy. When thyroid cancer is unresponsive to these types of treatment, however, chemotherapy with or without external radiation therapy may be tried.
If the thyroid cancer is a highly aggressive form, chemotherapy may improve survival time. Doxorubicin is the most effective single agent in this type of cancer, and it is often combined with radiation treatment.
In general, the elderly and those with liver and kidney diseases are more likely to have adverse side effects. Therefore, chemotherapy drugs should be used with caution in these populations.
Chemotherapy can cause many side effects, such as:
Researchers continue to develop and study different strategies to slow or stop the growth of tumors. For example, a drug called vandetanib has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Vandetanib is designed to block the action of certain cell receptors, like the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor. By blocking these receptors, the drug may be able to slow or stop cancer from spreading, as well as shrink tumors.
There are a range of drugs that also inhibit growth factor receptors. The drug cabozantinib, for instance, interferes with the process that cancer cells go through to create new blood vessels, which are needed for the cancer to grow. Other treatments that are being studied include:
Another example of targeted therapy includes a drug called vemurafenib. This medicine is designed to treat cancer in people who have a certain mutation in a gene called the BRAF gene. Treatment with vemurafenib has show promise in slowing cancer growth and improving mortality.
Axitinib. PubMed Health website. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0046824. Accessed September 19, 2012.
Baudin E, Schlumberger M. New therapeutic approaches for metastatic thyroid carcinoma. Lancet Oncol. 2007; 8:148-156
BRAF. Genetics Home Reference website. Available at: http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/BRAF. Updated May 2012. Accessed September 19, 2012.
Cabozantinib. Exelixis website. Available at: http://www.exelixis.com/cabozantinib. Accessed September 19, 2012.
Cooper DS, Doherty GM, et al. The American Thyroid Association Guidelines Taskforce: management guidelines for patients with thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer. Thyroid. 2006;16:1-33.
Cornett WR, Sharma AK, et al. Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: an overview. Curr Oncol Rep. 2007;9:152-158.
Gupta-Abramson V, Troxel AB, et al. Phase II trial of sorafenib in advanced thyroid cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2008;26(29):4714-9.
Pazopanib. PubMed Health website. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004876. Accessed September 19, 2012.
Sunitinib. PubMed Health website. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000402. Accessed September 19, 2012.
Targeted therapy shows benefit in rare type of thyroid cancer. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/summary/2011/vandetanib1211. Accessed September 19, 2012.
Targeted therapy for thyroid cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/ThyroidCancer/DetailedGuide/thyroid-cancer-treating-targeted-therapy. Updated January 20, 2012. Accessed September 19, 2012.
Zelboraf. Zelboraf website. Available at: http://www.zelboraf.com/patient/about/index.html. Accessed September 19, 2012.
Last reviewed September 2016 by Mohei Abouzied, MD Last Updated: 9/17/2014


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Deputy Technology Editor, The New York Times and Technology and Business Expert
Bio Info
Award-winning journalist, popular speaker and frequent television commentator, Quentin Hardy delivers analysis on technology, economics and global business with fearlessness, intelligence and wit. Pragmatic and audience-focused, Hardy offers timely, real-world insights you can use right away, uncovering the lessons to be found at the nexus of technology and future growth.
Skateboarding Legend, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist
Types: Athlete, Male, Philanthropist
Bio Info
Legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk, a pioneer of social media, philanthropist, successful entrepreneur, and the first skater to ever land a 900, talks about his experience creating authentic brands and giving back.
Groundbreaking Creative Executive and Brand Innovation Expert
Types: Female, Top Executives
Bio Info
Christie Hefner has led major global brands from the brink to the cutting edge through creative vision and transformative leadership, and provides key insights on the power and process of self-disruption in today's business world.
Topics: Branding, Business Growth/Strategy/Trends, Change: Living with It, Change: Managing/Leading It, Consumer Trends, Corporate Culture, Corporate Governance, Creativity, Design, Diversity, Family Relationships, Infrastructure, Innovation, Leadership, Marketing, Overcoming Obstacles and Challenges, Peak Performance, Social Media/New Media, Teamwork, Women's Issues, Workforce Issues
Acclaimed Radio Talk Show Host, The Hugh Hewitt Show; Political Analyst and Contributor, NBC News and MSNBC; Contributing Columnist, Washington Post; Lawyer; Professor; and Author
Types: Male, Media, University Professor
Bio Info
A widely respected conservative and Emmy Award-winning radio talk show host, Hugh Hewitt provides his trademark analysis and commentary on society, politics, cultural trends, entertainment and mainstream media in the United States.
Director of Global Business Marketing, Facebook (2009 - 2015)
Types: NEW Speaker, Top Executives
Bio Info
As a 25-year Silicon Valley insider and author of Becoming Facebook who has worked with legendary leaders like Andy Grove, Sheryl Sandberg and Mark Zuckerberg, Mike Hoefflinger provides an engaging and insightful look at the biggest consumer technology stories of the past, present, and future.
Founder of The Huffington Post, Founder and CEO of Thrive Global
Types: Author, Entrepreneur, Female, Media, TED, Top Executives
Bio Info
At the forefront of one of the world's most successful news site and a key figure in the current communications revolution, Arianna Huffington discusses the new media, politics, the economy and lessons she has learned on the road to success.
Topics: Achievement - Business, Business Growth/Strategy/Trends, Change: Living with It, Change: Managing/Leading It, Courage, Diet, Fitness & Wellness, Family Relationships, Human Resource Issues, Information Technology, Innovation, Inspiring Lives , Leadership, Media and Journalism, Motivation, Overcoming Obstacles and Challenges, Peak Performance, Personal Growth, Social Media/New Media, Women's Issues


text: Games are always better when you need to use a little bit of your brain -- become a mastermind and try out some of our free strategy games to really satisfy your strategic cravings! Create the ultimate team of Winx warriors, spellcasters, and healers, using your favorite Winx Club characters like Bloom and Flora in Winx: Bloomix Battle. Have a hankering for an awesome tower defense game featuring characters from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, SpongeBob SquarePants, Sanjay & Craig, Breadwinners, Winx Club, and Power Rangers? Build up the ultimate tower and watch your kingdom thrive when you play Nickelodeon Kingdoms. If playing those games sounds like fun to you, check them out and check out our other totally awesome strategy games on nick.com


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The author has graciously shared with readers of the Victorian Web this passage from the second edition of her Fashion in Costume, 1200-2000 (2000), published by A & C Black (Publishers) Ltd., which retains copyright. Readers wishing to obtain the book can e-mail the following address: email@example.com.
The shirt changed very little. The frilling for evening finally disappeared completely by the 1860s, the fronts being plain, stiffly starched and fastened with decorative studs. Collars, separate from the shirt, and cuffs were highly starched; cuffs showed an inch or so beyond the coat sleeve and for formal occasions were double, fastened with cufflinks. Collars were lower between the late 1850s and 1880, single and straight or winged on formal occasions, double — i.e. turned over — for informal. By the 1890s collars about 21-3 inches high were again in fashion, and many elderly men continued to wear the high collars with points projecting on to the cheeks which had been fashionable in their youth.
During the 1850s and early 1860s coloured shirts might be worn by working-class men, but gentlemen usually wore white. French printed cambrics in various coloured patterns were introduced for informal wear during the 1860s, and by the 1890s neat stripes in blue or pink were accepted as 'perfectly good form' even with frock coats, provided that the collar was white. Artistic, intellectual and unconventional gentlemen might wear shirts of solid colour; William Morris had one dyed indigo blue for him in his own workshops. The dickey (or dicky), a shirt-front with an attached collar of starched linen worn over a flannel shirt, was available throughout the period, though never worn by a gentleman; it was often a source of humour or ridicule.
The stock continued to be worn for sporting occasions, particularly for hunting. The cravat or necktie, now cut narrower in the centre where it went around the neck, then widening out, was tied in various ways. In the sailor's reef knot, from around 1870, the central knot had vertical borders at the sides with the ends flowing loosely; though very popular during the 1890s, it was rivalled by the four-in-hand (also known as a Derby) in which the knot presented a free edge above and below; this was worn informally under the turn-down shirt collar and was also adopted by women to wear with masculine-styled blouses. Also worn by both men and women in the 1890s was the Oxford tie, a narrow straight necktie of uniform width. The octagon, from the 1860s, and the Ascot, from 1876, were scarf-like: the former was a made-up tie with the front arranged with four tabs above a tie pin, fastening at the back with a hook and eyelet hole; the latter, though similar in appearance, was usually self-tied, and might be puffed out at the centre front and called a puffed Ascot. A broad necktie tied in a bow was worn during the 1850s and a small neat bow was particularly favoured during the 1890s, either tied by hand or ready-made; and the small white cambric bow tie was to become more or less obligatory for formal evening wear, although black might be seen until the end of the century.
Nunn, Joan. Fashion in Costume, 1200-2000. 2nd edition. A & C Black (Publishers) Ltd; Chicago: New Amsterdam Books, 2000.
Last modified 11 June 2001


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Race to the finish line in MySims Racing!
Face a variety of tricky MySim opponents on a huge variety of exotic tracks! Take on up to three friends in intense multiplayer racing. During your race, find awesome power-ups such as the heat-seeking jack-o-lantern pumpkin or a bubble dropper that can help you wreck the competition. There are nearly endless customization options so that your car reflects your high-gear personality. You can swap bodies, change paint jobs and add tons of accessories. Not only can you change the look of your car, you can also improve power, acceleration and handling by mixing and matching engines, suspension and tires.
Take the race with you! MySims Racing for the NDS allows you and up to three of your friends to race each other using local wireless or Nintendo Wi-Fi.
There are unlimited ways to customize both your racing kart and your MySim. Each player is given a choice of a base vehicle across 3 different vehicle classes; compact, mid size and large. During the progression of the game, called Story Mode, the players have the ability to unlock performance and styling parts to better enhance their vehicles. They can customize the frame to "Beef Up" the mass or weight of their compact kart or pump up the engine and upgrade the suspension on their behemoth SUV to try and keep up with the other karts. Because you have a garage and can choose a different kart at anytime, the player can strategize which kart to use for each individual challenge. For example, for a challenge which involves "collecting" you would choose a compact kart that offers better precision and handling. Where as in an all out multiplayer blow out with friends, you would probably want to upgrade to an SUV so you can drive fast and bump opponents into hazards.
Base Vehicles:
- Compact: The compact class is zippier, handles great and accelerates nicely too. The downside is they are very light therefore against a bumping opponent they will tend to get pushed around a little more on the tracks.
- Mid Size: The mid size vehicles are a step up in performance, weight and handling when compared to the compact class.
- Large: The large class consists of trucks, SUV's and a van. The obvious differences are that these vehicles are very heavy and tend to bully opponents off the tracks. Their downsides are they tend to accelerate very slow and do not handle as well as the compact karts.
Four Customization Categories:
- Performance Upgrades – There are four categories in which you can upgrade the karts performance attributes including Engine, which affects top speed and acceleration; Frame, which affects weight and acceleration; Handling; and Special. Special upgrades are given to a player when they win Gold Medals in any given challenge. They can affect all of the above.
- Styling Upgrades – Choose from different Body Types, Front Bumpers, Front Headlights and Grill Assembly, Front Hood Ornaments, Side View Mirrors, Rear Accessories, Rear Tail Lights, Rear Bumpers, Wheels and Horns.
- Paint Shop – Choose from dozens of colors and then add a door decal such as a Skull, Star, Lightning Bolt, Paw, Flames, Checkered, #8, Kitten, Bowtie, Butterfly, Heart, Flower, Wings, Octopus, Ninja Star, Snail, Bunny Luv, Radio Active, Hawaiian Flower and Soccer Ball.
- Create A Sim – There are multiple MySim Attribute categories to customize including Hair Style, Hair Color, Eyes, Voice, Name Your Sim, Skin Color, Mouth, Goggles (Eyewear) and Outfits.
Developed at The Sims Studio, MySims Racing is scheduled for release on June 19, 2009 and will retail for $29.99.
More articles about MySims Racing


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- Overall Length:9.00"
- Blade Length:4.50"
- Blade Thickness:0.16"
- Blade Material:410
- Blade Style:Tanto
- Blade Grind:Flat
- Finish:Black
- Edge Type:Plain
- Handle Length:4.875"
- Handle Thickness:0.67"
- Handle Material:Polymer, Rubber
- Color:Black
- Weight:4.77 oz.
- User:Right Hand, Left Hand
- Sheath:Molded Polymer
- Knife Type:Fixed Blade
- Brand:Hogue
- Model:EX-F02
- Model Number:35265
- Designer:Allen Elishewitz
- Country of Origin:USA
- Best Use:Tactical
- Product Type:Knife
This EX-F02 model has a black finished tanto blade and black handle with a black rubber overmold.
The EX-F02 is a sturdy outdoors fixed blade from Hogue Knives that features a polymer/rubber overmold handle for impressive grip and comfort. The blade has a notched portion for the thumb on the spine and a finger groove below for the index finger. The EX-F02 is available with a Tanto or Clip Point blade. An ambidextrous, secure fitted polymer sheath comes standard and features an automatic retention mechanism. Allen Elishewitz design.
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship.


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"Grad" might be my favorite four-letter word, which is really saying something, for I traffic in four-letter words — eat them, spew them, chomp them like gum. "Grad" is followed by "oops," "bonk," "ball" and "fall" (the season, not the act of tripping). "Beer" is also right up there, though I usually frown on drinking. It's just the additional hydration I crave.
Anyway, we now have another G-R-A-D, freshly minted from the Middle West, the pastures and lawns an Amish green. In May, Indiana smells of dandelions and funnel cakes. We almost lost the little guy in a field of high grass. Eventually found him, plucked him from a field the way you would a lost bunny.
Also found the college girl, the wild flower who went east four years ago to this prominent school and immediately pronounced it home.
In addition to a pricey diploma, she now has this tribe of permanent friends. They're like the Sopranos. They stay up all night and they laugh a mobster's laugh. Nice kids. I predict great things. Not of them, necessarily, but of the world in general. Predicting great things has always been a very solid bet.
And don't listen to what Time magazine says about these so-called millennials, or "The Me Me Me Generation." What band of college kids hasn't been slackers, and if you want to know listlessness, step back to the late '70s. I think my roommate majored in sleep yet went on to a very productive career with CBS.
So never judge people too quickly or by what they do in bed — that's only one of life's playing fields. Note that this year's grads are glowingly beautiful, their smiles might snow-blind the sun. For these moments alone, digital photography was invented.
Remember when she stepped away from us, into that cinder block gulag where they always house the freshmen? Hot as Hades, that dorm, as we lugged all the Ikea crud into her room, some so cheap it melted in my sweaty hands.
My spine is bent from too many Delta flights, and I remember at one point just collapsing on the steps and thinking: "This is how they thank us? By running off to a steam bath 2,000 miles away? She couldn't maybe spend all our savings someplace closer?"
It was as if we'd dropped her into a Judy Garland movie. As we left the airport, tornadoes swirled. Good luck, kid. Watch out for flying cows.
Now we are back to find that classmates egged their apartment door last winter, and the young scholars had been so busy with their studies that they hadn't had a chance to wash it down. That's how rigorous college now is. Like I said, when I went to school, mostly what we did was sleep.
Four years? Already? They marked these final moments of childhood with a wonderful commencement. Pomp was there. Circumstance stopped by. The president of the university spoke, full of self delight. He told the kids that their six-figure degree almost certainly assures them of a happy and prosperous life, even as they now head off to live in their parents' basements.
Later, the parents sat around vaporous campus taverns and exchanged family stories about fortunes lost and grandpas shot off hay wagons — "that's the French side of the family."
We noted all the things that have happened over the past four years: Twitter. Twatter. Popcorn-flavored vodka.
Now even more brilliant advances await. It's not like we've gifted them a perfect world. Someone must lead us out of our political funk, and eventually Hollywood will make a great movie again, or even a catchy pop song.
When we should've been curing cancer, or at least wiping out hunger and thirst, we were instead inventing sedans that park themselves.
But that's OK. To fix everything would've been a little showy. So we leave you a few leftovers, kids.
And this last graduation toast:
Dear Grads, always remember that life seems too short when you are happy and too long when you are not. Health is everything, just after family and friends. Save 10% of all you earn, 15 if you can swing it. Treat yourself, but don't forsake others. Lend a hand. Wash a wino (it might be your old man). When given the chance, dance like there's no tomorrow.
Yet, there are many tomorrows. And now, dear children, they all belong to you.


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Car Review
2013 Subaru Tribeca: New Car Review
Pros: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard; Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick
Cons: Small rear seat; audio and communication technology lagging; poor fuel economy; bland styling
What's New: The 2013 Subaru Tribeca is whittled down to just one model: the 3-row, 7-passenger Limited. A new brake override feature is added. The system cuts engine power when the brake and accelerator pedal are depressed simultaneously.
Subaru has reduced the number of trims and options available on the 2013 Tribeca, a move usually associated with slow sales or the final year a model is in production. It's not that the Tribeca is a bad SUV, its just outgunned by larger, more fuel-efficient and more technologically savvy competitors. The Tribeca's outward appearance is also dated, looking more minivan than rugged SUV, but without the convenience of a sliding side door. Though it claims seating for seven, the Tribeca's third-row seat seems like an afterthought, crammed into the vehicle where it is difficult to access, doesn't provide much in the way of legroom, and basically eats up the entire cargo bay.
But for Subaru loyalist looking for a place to take their growing families, the Tribeca is still a safe bet. Like all Subaru products, the Tribeca is equipped with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a big selling point for those who regularly cope with winter's worst. There is plenty of room for adults in the front and second-row seats, and the cabin is filled with nice amenities, such as rear seat A/C and an available DVD entertainment system. The Tribeca also rides and handles better than most of its competitors, chiefly because of its low-sitting boxer engine that helps reduce its high center of gravity.
Still, we wonder what would compel us to purchase a Tribeca over something like a GMC Acadia, Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander? It's certainly not the styling, nor the fuel economy, or even the price.
Comfort & Utility
While five people can fit comfortably into the Tribeca, to squeeze in seven requires the last two persons to be either very small or very limber. The 2013 Subaru Tribeca's third-row seat is a cramped affair and not terribly comfortable nor supportive. Fold it down, and you have much more usable space for luggage or groceries. You'll likely find the front seats much more comfortable, with lumbar support and heating elements standard for both the driver and passenger. The Tribeca's second row features a 40/20/40 folding seat and reclining backrest, while the 60/40 seat cushions have 8-inches of fore and aft travel. There is also a fold and tumble feature to help make accessing the third-row a bit easier.
We like the look of the Tribeca's curvaceous dash, but find that some of the buttons and knobs are difficult for the driver to see at a glance. The culprit here is the curving center console that makes it impossible to create a flat surface for the various controls. We also found that some of the LCD readouts would wash out when viewed through polarized sunglasses.
And, although the Tribeca seems sufficiently wide from the outside, the opening at the rear hatch is rather narrow, particularly near the bottom half, making it more challenging to load in large or bulky items.
While you won't find anything like Ford's SYNC communications system in the Tribeca, Subaru's largest offering still delivers a number of cool electronic features most of us can't seem to do without. Bluetooth is standard and a navigation package with rear vision camera is optional. You can also get a rear vision camera with its monitor built into the rearview mirror when ordering the Limited trim's Moonroof Package. We don't understand why something as important as a rear backup camera isn't standard or a least offered as a stand-alone option, but Subaru feels compelled to bundle it with the pricey Moonroof Package, so that's the only way customers can get it.
We aren't big fans of Subaru's navigation unit. The system doesn't seem very intuitive and is somewhat dated in its map storage and feature content. The Limited's 385-watt harman/kardon audio system is a vast improvement over most stock systems, but still lacks any kind of USB hookup allowing for control of an iPod or other portable music device, although there is an AUX input jack.
Performance & Fuel Economy
The Subaru Tribeca derives power from a 3.6-liter 6-cylinder boxer engine. With 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, the Tribeca has more than enough power to manage quick sprints up an on-ramp, or to rapidly overtake slower moving traffic. Fuel economy, however, will likely suffer as you foot it around town, as the Tribeca can only manage a mere 16-city and 21-highway, and that's under ideal driving situations. While you may not be happy with the Tribeca's thirst for fuel, at least it happily runs on the cheap stuff (87 octane).
Power from the 3.6-liter engine is distributed evenly to all four wheels via Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) that delivers power to the wheels with the best traction.
The Tribeca earns a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and scores well in the frontal offset, side impact and roof strength tests. Standard airbags include side-thorax front seat airbags and side-curtain airbags. Oddly, the side-curtain airbags do not fully extend to the third-row passenger area, a pretty big "oops" in our book. Other standard safety equipment includes electronic traction and electronic stability control, which Subaru dubs VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control). Stability control monitors the direction a vehicle is heading and, should the car begin to skid out of control, selectively applies the brakes while cutting the throttle to bring the car back in line.
Driving Impressions
Despite its nearly 8.5-inches of ground clearance, the Tribeca remains remarkably stable and well balanced. The steering feels tight with good feedback, and the Tribeca tracks straight and true at highway speeds. Under normal driving conditions, the VDC distributes more torque to the rear wheels, which helps improve cornering when accelerating out of a curve. The Tribeca's 5-speed Sportshift automatic transmission does a good job of finding and holding the right gear. For those so inclined, the Sportshift can be manually shifted by tapping the gear shift. This feature comes in quite handy when you need extra passing power, or to use engine braking to slow the vehicle during a steep descent.
Other Cars to Consider
GMC Acadia: The Acadia is larger than the Tribeca both inside and out, and its third-row seat has more room both in front and behind it. But the Tribeca's AWD system is more advanced than the Acadia's, and it holds its value a bit better.
Ford Explorer: The Explorer offers a selectable AWD system that is every bit the Tribeca's equal, plus it offers better styling, more advanced audio and communications systems, better fuel economy and more engine choices.
Dodge Durango: The Durango is more accommodating than the Tribeca and offers the option of a V8 engine, higher tow ratings and airbag protection for all three rows (as do the Ford Explorer and GMC Acadia).
AutoTrader Recommends
As there is only one trim offered this year, there's not much to say other than go for the Sunroof Package that includes the rear backup camera and avoid the costly navigation system.


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- $9.98
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A widower (Matt Damon) purchases a zoo in order to bring his family back together in this Twentieth Century Fox adaptation of Benjamin Mee's autobiographical memoir. Cameron Crowe (ALMOST FAMOUS) writes and directs based on a script by Aline Brosh McKenna.
Cast List
Allan A. Apone
Barry Koper
Christine Beveridge
Cameron Crowe - Screenwriter, FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH (1982)
Burt C. Dalton
Aldric La'Auli Porter - ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Aldric Porter - ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Paul Deason - Assistant Director
Peter Borck
Rodrigo Prieto - Director of Photography, AMORES PERROS (2001)
Doug Hemphill - SOUND MIXER
Aline Brosh McKenna - Screenwriter
Ron Bartlett
Jeri Baker
Thomas Robinson Harper
K. Troy Zestos
Laine Trzinski
Becky Cotton
Wayne Shepherd
Kay Georgiou
Beth Koenigsberg
Crazy Horse Effects
Benjamin Mee - Book Author
Doug Seus
Phyllis Corcoran-Woods
Melvone Farrell
Luke McDonald
Alice Marie Crowe
Matt Damon - American actor, screenwriter, GOOD WILL HUNTING (1997)
Angus MacFadyen - Actor/"Braveheart"
Peter Riegert - American Actor
Thomas Haden Church - American actor, WINGS, SIDEWAYS
Scarlett Johansson - Actress, THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL, THE BLACK DAHLIA (2006)
John Michael Higgins - Actor/"The Late Shift"
J.B. Smoove - Actor, POOTIE TANG (2001)
Carla Gallo - American actress, CARNAVALE, CALIFORNICATION, SPANKING THE M
Kim Whitley - American Actress - NEXT FRIDAY
Kym Whitley - American Actress - NEXT FRIDAY
Patrick Fugit - American actor, ALMOST FAMOUS
Michael Panes - Actor, ANNIVERSARY PARTY (2001)
Lauren Sanchez
Samantha Fox - AMERICAN ACTRESS/ADULT
Steven Lee
Elle Fanning - Actress
Desi Lydic - Actor
David Lopez - Actor
Johnny Cicco
Stephanie Szostak - Actress, SHE LIKES GIRLS (2006)
Colin Ford - Actor, CHRISTMAS IS HERE AGAIN
Dustin Ybarra
Michelle Panek
David Dustin Kenyon
Crystal - Monkey
Katherine Yerves
Maggie Elizabeth Jones
Todd Stanton - Actor
Roberto Montesinos
Erick Chavarria
Ben Seeder
Gary D. Robertson
Nicole Russell
Reid Peters
Taylor Victoria Cerza
Steve Bessette
Hal Alpert
Leslie Trotter
Caroline Hanna
Ella Mee
Milo Mee
Sammi Yorn
William Crowe
Curtis Crowe
Alexia Barroso
Thomas R. Baker
Shannah Barrett
Christie Kittelsen
Machelle Glassburn
Gabriel Escalante
Bart - Actor, Bear
Katie - Tiger
Ninja - Animal, Binturong
Tank - Actor, Bear
- Format: DVD
- Run Time: 126
- Color Format: (unknown/unconverted)
- Genre: Family
- Rating: PG (MPAA)
- Release Date: August 2017
Related Categories:
Movies > Dramas
Related Keywords:
Family Life
More Details
"[T]he uplifting tale has heart, humanity and a warmly empathetic central performance from Matt Damon." - 11/27/2011 Hollywood Reporter
"Damon is the most rational of actors....He gives a gradually winning performance as a depressed dad coming to life." -- Grade: B - 12/09/2011 Entertainment Weekly
"[W]e have an intelligent family film, a rarity...[It] benefits from a strong acting ensemble that keep emotions in check." - 12/23/2011 Los Angeles Times
3 stars out of 4 -- "You want sunshine and uplift, see WE BOUGHT A ZOO." - 12/23/2011 Washington Post
3 stars out of 5 -- "[Damon] brings the necessary light touch to the knockabout mishaps that ensue....[With] Crowe's instinctive warmth of spirit and usual jukebox skill..." - 04/01/2012 Total Film
"Comedy-drama meets family entertainment in Cameron Crowe's WE BOUGHT A ZOO....Maggie Elizabeth Jones as Benjamin's wise-beyond-her-years daughter Rosie steals the show..." - 04/01/2012 Sight and Sound


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New Job
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Well, my job search is over! I accepted a job offer today and will be starting on Monday the 30th. It is working for the same company I did previously, but this time as a permanent employee and not as a contractor. So the stress of job hunting and being unemployed is over but the stress of this new job will begin. It's working in the finance industry and it quite stressful so hopefully I can manage the job and stay on track with my weight loss. This company is known for bringing in tons of food for it's employees – none of it healthy either! I'll be working in a different building than I did previously but I'm sure there will be just as much overtime as before (10-20 hrs a week). I think I may have to invest in some meditation CD's.
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It's been a few days since I've written. I'm having the worst time getting on the 3FC website lately, it's taking so long to load.
Anywho, a friend of ours just invited us to Cancun next July for her 40th birthday. Now I really have a concrete goal date to reach my ideal weight. The trip is 46 weeks (324 days) from now. I have a countdown ticker on my desktop and I'm psyched! The birthday girl herself just had lap band surgery a couple of weeks ago so she'll be looking pretty great by then. I'll need to lose .3 Lbs per day to be at goal weight by then. The rest of the friends going are pretty much in shape and I don't want to be the only big girl there, so GAME ON!
25 Lbs Gone!
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I'm so glad I didn't cave in to the food at the Baseball game on Saturday (2-0 final score – GO TWINS!!!). I know that if I had, I would still be working on getting it off. I've come to realize that one day of weakness for me equates to 3-4 days of trying to get it back off. So is it really worth it? I think not.
So now I am 25 lbs down from my starting weight of 280 six weeks ago. Four pounds a week average… But can I keep up that rate? I just started doing Jillian Michaels workout videos so I'm hoping to increase my muscles mass and burn more calories.
Still loving my Green Smoothies!!! My skin tone is evening out and my complexion seems so much clearer. I think going raw is the best way to lose weight and get healthy. I know my body seems to be much happier!
Friday The 13th
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I woke up to realize it's Friday the 13th today. I've never been superstitious, but I couldn't help but think that the date would have a negative effect on the scale. That and the fact that TOM has just come to stay with me for a week. But to my surprise, I actually LOST 1.6 Lbs. I have no clue how that happened but I'm not going to question it. It was just the boost I needed to start my day (and weekend) out strong.
I recently found a pair of pants that I had bought some 15 years ago to go to the clubs in. Needless to say, I never lost the weight to fit into them and now at 35 years old I don't see myself ever wearing them. My "clubbing" days are LONG over. Yet my boyfriend, John, saw them and insistes I'll look "extremely sexy" in them. So I agreed to hold onto them and will try to one day squish myself into them just for him. They're size 11 (junior) and I'm currently 259 Lbs. So we'll see how long it takes me to get into those babies!!!
Gonna Be A Tough One…
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Today is the first day of my BF's birthday celebrations. Since his parents are divorced, we have a party with his Dad's side today, his Mom's side tomorrow and on Monday (his actual B-Day) it will be just he and I. It's a weekend filled with grilling out and cake, etc. etc. etc. I haven't been able to sleep all night and I was hoping to get in several good hours so I could get a good 2 hours worth of exercise in today. At least if I were to exercise an extra hour, I wouldn't have so much guilt for participating in the (regulated) munching.
I told myself at the beginning of this journey that I will not deny myself foods on holidays/special occassions because that will make me miserable and I'd be setting meself up for failure. Instead I promised myself that I would limit my intake of the foods offered. Instead of a whole burger, I'd just eat half a burger. Instead of a handful of chips, I'd have 5 chips. Instead of a slice of cake, I'd have a sliver of cake. Afterall, I think for me it's mostly the taste I'm after. If I can just taste the foods, that'll be enough to satisfy me.
So here goes. Wish me luck – I'm goin in!
Can food be a friend?
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I'm starting to wonder if food will ever be a friend of mine. To me, it is always the enemy. Sitting there, taunting me. Eat me, Eat me! I'd love to be able to look at food as my friend that sustains me throughout life. Rather, I see it as the weight that sits on my hips, thighs and rear. I know I am the cause for my weight. Food doesn't magically jump into my mouth. But it almost seems to me that it's an enabler. It looks at me. It wears it's most alluring fragrance that fills my senses up with oohs and ahhs. I would equate these tempting foods to the bad kids your parents didn't want you to hang out with because they were terrible influences. Not the good kids (ie: fruits and veggies). Ah, living on the edge with the bad kids. This can only lead me down a bad path with a miserable future. I must befriend the good kids….
Ended July on a Happy Note
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We took a little road trip up to Duluth, Minnesota yesterday to see the "Tall Ships" festival. I was afraid that I was going to be tempted by all of the concession stands. I'm proud to say I did not consume one drink nor any food while we were there. On the way home, John wanted to stop and get some coffee but we could not find any coffee shops in the small town (where's a Starbucks when you need one) so we ended up stopping at a McDonalds so he could get a Latte. Sitting there staring at the menu – oh so tempting! Ultimately, I ended up getting the Wild Berry Smoothie which only has 210 calories. Not bad for my dinner!
So I'm starting August at 265 Lbs. 15 Lbs less than I started July with. I'm happy with that. I'd like to get down to 250 Lbs by the end of August.
Plans for August:
- -Step up my exercise by combining my cardio with some weight training.
- -Drink at least 140 ounces of water per day
- -Gradually increase the amount of greens in my smoothies and decrease the amount of fruit.
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Today is just a *blah* day. I've been keeping myself busy looking for a job and playing games in the gaming forum. I'm really lacking the motivation to do much of anything. It could be the oppressive heat we have today. And my BF is trying to cut back on the electrical bill so the air conditioner is off. I can't really see myself jumping on my exercise bike unless I'm surrounded by fans on all sides. I know the guilt will eventually get to me and I'll hop on. I just wish there was an easy way to psyche myself up. I wish I was one of those people that actually loves to exercise….
Hello world!
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After months and months of letting myself go, I found myself sitting at 280 Lbs. I was finally starting to get a grip on my weight after going from 310 Lbs down to 206 Lbs while doing intermittent juice/water fasts. And then I entered a new relationship. His family likes to gather for BBQ's and pizza – ALOT! And even though I would be careful with what I was consuming, the weight started to creep back on. I was also working about 65-70 hours a week at my sedentary desk job; also not good. So after searching the web for alternatives to the juice fast, I stumbled upon green smoothies. I have been drinking the smoothies daily and would like to go "exclusively smoothie". I will be consuming mainly smoothies (mostly green smoothies) and Vega Complete Whole Food Optimizer (chocolate flavored – blended with banana). I will not weigh myself everyday because I don't want to become too consumed and fixated on the numbers alone. But I will weigh myself at least once a week.
So here I am at 266 Lbs (14 Lbs released since going mostly raw)
I welcome you to join me on my journey!


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Lawsuit suggests men may be adopting 'feminist' tactics
By Wendy McElroy
Late last month, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing filed a lawsuit against the Santa Rosa health club Body Central.
According to the agency, which enforces California's civil rights and anti-discrimination laws, the club's women-only policy violates the civil rights of men.
Is the suit just payback for feminist intrusions into male-only groups? Or does the suit merely extend an unjust law and embed it further into society?
Body Central is poised to become a test case.
At issue is whether an owner has the right to control the customer policies of his or her private business. If so, then the state cannot properly dictate whom that owner must serve or allow onto the premises. A decision to discriminate among customers would be an expression of the owner's freedom of association and of the same property rights that protect his or her home from unwelcome 'guests.'
California law denies the existence of such private rights for businesses. It asserts, instead, that the public has a civil right to access an owner's property and services even over his or her objection.
The Unruh Civil Rights Act, Civil Code section 51(b), stipulates that business establishments must provide "full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities, privileges, or services" and not discriminate on the basis of "sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, or medical condition." The businesses in question include, but are not limited to, hotels, non-profit organizations, restaurants, theaters, retail establishments, and beauty shops.
Arguably, California claims control over the customer policies of every business in the state.
In 1995, the California Supreme Court decided a case in which a woman demanded entry into an exclusive men-only golf club. The court ruled that private clubs operating as businesses were required to follow state laws against discrimination.
That's the law in California. But is it just, or does the law itself constitute a violation of individual rights?
The facts confronting the Body Central conflict are not in question.
In 2003, Phillip Kottle was refused membership at the women-only gym in Santa Rosa on the basis of his sex. A few months earlier, Kottle had attempted to gain full membership at the Elan Fitness Center in nearby Petaluma, which offered only restricted access to men. (Acting on his complaint, the DFEH also filed a suit against Elan, which was settled in January 2005 on the condition that men have full access to classes and facilities, with the exception of lockers and showers.)
The DFEH concluded that Body Central was in violation of the Unruh Act and, in 2004, the owner signed a settlement agreement by which the club was opened to men. Separate shower facilities were to be provided; a monetary settlement was offered to Kottle; women-only advertisements were withdrawn; the club's staff received anti-discrimination training. In return, the DFEH ceased its enforcement action against Body Central.
The DFEH's renewed action against the club alleges violations of the 2004 agreement and points to such transgressions as language on the club's website.
For example, Body Central states, "We specialize in fitness for women, with a women only policy you get the privacy of the entire gym."
The owner may have gambled on the possibility that California would ultimately ignore a cause as unpopular as a man forcing his way into a woman's gym. After all, the cost of compliance is high. Body Central's equipment and facilities are geared exclusively for women's specific needs, and other gyms have gone bankrupt under the financial strain of expanding to accommodate both sexes. If so, the gamble lost. A "status conference" on the DFEH lawsuit is set to be heard in April before the Superior Court.
The facts may be clear but the appropriateness of involving law in the customer policies of a private business is in dispute.
An ideological conflict underlies the attempt by either sex to force open the doors of 'exclusive' businesses: individual rights versus egalitarianism. Under individual rights, every human being has control over the peaceful use of his or her own body and property. Under egalitarianism, access to and use of property is equally distributed across society, with or without the consent of owners.
I come down on the side of individual rights.
In terms of Body Central, I don't believe any man or woman has a legal 'right' to exercise on someone else's private property. I do not believe anyone has a moral obligation to provide another person with exercise. Freedom of association means that individuals, including property owners, have a right to say 'yes' or 'no' at their own front door.
Unfortunately, an emotional element also underlies the conflict.
Some men applaud the turn-around as an opportunity to give feminists a taste of their own medicine. In doing so, they adopt the very principles they allegedly decry: egalitarianism, the legal imposition of gender policy, the use of collective 'gender-think.' In short, they become feminists.
Body Central may become not only a test case but also a trial of conscience.
Women who believe in egalitarianism will either apply that principle to men or be confronted by their own hypocrisy. Men who believe feminism's door-busting has been wrong will have to decide whether they value revenge more highly than justice.
As for me, I just hope an unjust law will be extinguished rather than extended.
Wendy McElroy is the editor of ifeminists.com and a research fellow for The Independent Institute in Oakland, Calif. She is the author and editor of many books and articles, including the new book, "Liberty for Women: Freedom and Feminism in the 21st Century" (Ivan R. Dee/Independent Institute, 2002). She lives with her husband in Canada.
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McLemore 1-and-done at Kansas; Ledo none-and-done at Providence
Ben McLemore is one and done at Kansas. Ricky Ledo is none and done with Providence.
McLemore, Kansas' talented freshman guard, was among several underclassmen who wasted little time in declaring for the NBA draft on Tuesday, the day after the college season ended.
Ledo, Providence, R.I., native, practiced with the Friars this season but never played because he failed to qualify academically. Practice was enough, apparently, to make him a possible first-round pick.
Indiana All-American Victor Oladipo announced he was giving up his senior season to enter the draft. New Mexico's Tony Snell also announced he was going pro.
The father of Louisville guard Russ Smith, who helped the Cardinals win a national title by beating Michigan on Monday night, says his son will also enter the draft.
In Lawrence, Kan., Jayhawks coach Bill Self said he's known for a while it was time for the 6-foot-6 McElmore to go.
"Ben kept telling us in February, 'Don't worry about getting anybody else. I'm coming back,'" Self recalled. "I said, 'Yeah, right. You want to make a public announcement?' ... If he told me he wanted to come back, I would have told him, 'We need to look at this again.'"
That's because McLemore's stock couldn't be much higher.
The second-team All-American is expected to be a lottery pick in June after breaking the Jayhawks' freshman scoring record held by Danny Manning. McLemore averaged nearly 16 points for a team that went 31-6 and won a share of its ninth straight Big 12 championship.
"My mom, we talked, my family, talked to the coaches, and I made the decision that I'm going to enter the NBA draft," said McLemore, who had several family members on hand at Allen Fieldhouse.
"I think it's the best opportunity to help me and my family out," he said, "and even as a kid, that's what I wanted to do. I have an opportunity to provide for my family."
McLemore was forced to redshirt last season when he was declared a partial qualifier by the NCAA, but he made the most of his only season in Lawrence. With a dizzying array of dunks, a silky smooth outside shot and a boyish grin, he quickly became one of the school's top players.
Ledo, another 6-6 guard, said "he could not pass up this opportunity to enter the NBA draft now."
In September, the NCAA ruled that Ledo could not compete in games for the Friars in 2012-13, but he did practice and work out with the team during the season. So the NBA scouts came to practice to get a look at Ledo.
A top-25 high school prospect, Ledo spent time at four different programs in five years of high school before receiving a scholarship from Providence.
Oladipo made his announcement at a news conference in Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Ind. He was the Hoosiers' second-leading scorer, averaging 13.6 points to go along with 6.3 rebounds per game.
He's on target to graduate in May.
Indiana is still awaiting word on whether sophomore center Cody Zeller will return or head to the NBA. He is expected to decide as early as Wednesday.
Smith's NBA future isn't as clear. He averaged 18.9 points as a junior this season, including 23.3 in six NCAA tournament games, but is listed at 6-foot and 165 pounds.
Snell averaged 12.5 points per game this past season and hit a team-high 64 3-pointers. He was the Mountain West tournament MVP.