text:
1141: Two Years
Two Years |
Title text: She won the first half of all our chemo Scrabble games, but then her IV drugs started kicking in and I *dominated*. |
This comic marks the second year of Randall Munroe's wife's battle with cancer, and appears to depict actual events from those two years. Randall is depicted as Cueball and his wife as Megan, as usual for both.
This comic later became part of a series of comics directly continued in 1928: Seven Years and later continued in 2386: Ten Years. The first eight panels of this comic are included in the next two, although slightly grayed out.
Explanations of the individual panels:
- Panel 1: Randall's wife-to-be (at that point) receives a diagnosis over the phone (from Dr. Ponytail) as Randall sits by her side supportively. His wife has Megan long hair at this time.
- Panel 2: His wife undergoes IV (intravenous) chemotherapy. Because of the hair loss that results from chemotherapy, many patients opt to shave their heads when they undergo chemotherapy. As can be seen from the stubble she did not shave her hair, but has lost almost all of it. Only the hair coming back between chemo sessions is the cause of the stubble. Her hair grows back over the course of the panels following the end of her chemo (from panel 7).
- Panel 3: The two of them spend time alone together, experiencing something beautiful in the world for it may be one of her last chances to do so. Randall reinforces this sentiment in panel 8. In this panel (#3) she wears a knit cap presumably because it is cold, as well as the fact that patients with hair loss from chemo are urged by doctors to keep their heads covered to protect their scalps from the sun.
- Panel 4: The couple waits for a phone call from her doctor to hear the results of a scan. Both are clearly impatient and anxious.
- Panel 5: More chemotherapy. The couple plays Scrabble, in which players use letter tiles to spell words in a cross-word style. She uses the fact that she has cancer as leverage to get Randall to ignore the fact that the word she has played (zarg) is not a real word. It should be noted that "zark" (with "k" instead of "g") is a fictional swear word from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
- Panel 6: Someone suggests they come for a visit next year, but all they can think about are the words "next year." Their future is entirely uncertain because of her health, making long-term planning a consistent source of worry and doubt. In this panel she wears a knit cap to hide her missing hair.
- Panel 7: Randall and his fiancée marry. With the chemotherapy completed, her hair has grown back enough that she has stopped using her knit cap.
- Panel 8: The couple goes whale (humpback whales) watching, possibly on their honeymoon. In this panel, she again wears the knit cap either because it is cold or because she is weak.
- Panel 9: Randall paraphrases a line from the song "Still Alive" (watch the video) from the video game Portal ("I'm doing science and I'm still alive"). He does this because his wife is again back at her laptop working.
- Panel 10: The two of them sit under a tree reflecting on the significance of the past two years.
- Panel 11: Randall and his wife go out to dinner to celebrate the fact that she has made it two years since her biopsy. This turns awkward for Hairy, the waiter, since he had assumed it was an anniversary of their marriage.
The title text is referring to a possible side-effect of chemotherapy drugs, the inability to concentrate. It could also just be the fact that the chemo can make you feel just terrible. When whatever effect kicks in, she loses the rest of their Scrabble games for that day. However, as we see in panel 5, there is a reason why she wins all of the first half of their games. But this is not enough, or she even forgets to play on the cancer, when the drugs take effect.
The use of the asterisk in the title text for "*dominated*" might be a reference to the 1999 game Unreal Tournament in which the game announcer voice would from time to time use the words "dominating" or "dominated" in a deep tone when a player is doing really well in the game (for example being on a multi-kill strike). Example sound here.
- [Randall and Randall's fiancée sit on a bed, Randall's fiancée is talking on the phone. The person she is talking to, a doctor holding a clipboard, is shown inset.]
- Randall's fiancée: Oh god.
- [Randall and Randall's fiancée sit together while Randall's fiancée, now bald, is receiving chemotherapy. They are both on their laptops.]
- IV pump: ... Beeep ... Beeep ... Beeep ...
- [Randall and Randall's fiancée (who is wearing a knit cap) are paddling a kayak against a scenic mountain backdrop.]
- [Randall and Randall's fiancée sit at a table, staring at a cell phone. There is a clock on the wall. Her head is stubbly.]
- Randall's fiancée: How long can it take to read a scan!?
- [Randall and Randall's fiancée are back at the hospital again, Randall's fiancée receiving chemo. They are playing Scrabble.]
- Randall: "Zarg" isn't a word.
- Randall's fiancée: But caaaancer.
- Randall: ...Ok, fine.
- [Randall and Randall's fiancée (wearing a knit cap) are listening to a Cueball-like friend. A large thought bubble is above their heads and it obscures the friends talk. The text below, split in three is the only part there can be no doubt about:]
- Friend: So next year you should come visit us up in the mounta [final 'A' partly obscured, but distinctive enough to suggest the whole word as being "mountain(s)"]
- a [end of that line, end of word, follows obscured character best matching either an 'E' or 'F']
- and [obscured next word starts with a upper near-vertical, similar to edge of 'V'/'W' but could match the style of 'H' or other characters]
- Randall and Randall's fiancée (thinking): "Next year"
- [Randall and Randall's fiancée are getting married, with a heart above their heads. Randall's wife's hair is growing back.]
- [Randall and Randall's wife (wearing a knit cap) stand on a beach, watching a whale jump out of water.]
- Fwoosh
- [Randall's wife is sitting at a desk with her laptop standing on top of two books. Her hair has grown back a little more. Randall stands behind her.]
- Randall: Hey—
- Randall: you're doing science,
- Randall: and you're still alive.
- Randall's wife: Yeah!
- [Randall and Randall's wife sit under a tall tree on a hill.]
- Randall: It's really only been two years?
- Randall's wife: They were big years.
- [Randall and Randall's wife sit at a table in a fancy restaurant. Her hair has grown back even more. The waiter (Hairy) brings them a dish with a cover on it.]
- Waiter: Happy... Anniversary?
- Randall's wife: Biopsy-versary!
- Waiter: ...Eww.
While it is known that Randall's wife has since survived more than two years past the date of the invitation in Panel 6, it is unknown whether the invitation was later accepted. The followup comic Seven Years does not seem to include a visit "up in the mountains" among its various other recreational activities, but the one after it, Ten Years, does. However, since it is possible that the invitation was made up for the comic in order to represent the worry over any invitation envisioning the future at that time, it is possible that it was never proposed as depicted in the comic. Therefore, the real life invitation(s) which inspired the inclusion of Panel 6 in the comic could perhaps have referred in real life to an activity that is actually depicted in Seven Years or Ten Years, or to some other activity, which then may or may not have been realized.
There are no words to convey how awesome you guys are. Thank you.
Also, great Portal reference.
18.104.22.168 07:30, 30 November 2012 (UTC)
Flip cancer. Lost my mother-in-law to it and now my dad is undergoing chemo for stage IV lung cancer.
- Seconded. This strip hits close to home, even years after the fact. And given that of my parents and grandparents only one grandmother was not yet diagnosed with any type of cancer, both frequentist and Bayesian statisticians probably agree I should be cautious myself. 22.214.171.124 20:01, 30 November 2012 (UTC) madd
Did anyone else think the second to last panel was a couple who were sitting close to ground zero of a nuclear bomb? It took several glances to finally see a tree instead of a mushroom cloud. Sayno2quat (talk) 15:35, 30 November 2012 (UTC)
- When I first saw that panel from my peripheral vision, I also thought it was a mushroom cloud.CityZen (talk) 17:46, 30 November 2012 (UTC)
- Now that you mention it - on my monitor, before scrolling, I only swa the upper half of what looked indeed like a mushroom cloud. 18.104.22.168 19:45, 30 November 2012 (UTC) madd
- Agreed; the mushroom cloud was my first impression, too. And I hazard the guess that it was intentional: it's an apt metaphor of how your world seems to explode... -- IronyChef (talk) 14:02, 1 December 2012 (UTC)
The language of referring to Randall's girlfriend as "wife" before they were married is awkward.CityZen (talk) 17:47, 30 November 2012 (UTC)
- Ok, "partner" is slightly less awkward, but I think using "Cueball/Megan" instead of "Randall/Randall's partner" would be most consistent.CityZen (talk) 21:17, 30 November 2012 (UTC)
- +1 on s/Randall/Cueball/g (and s/(girlfriend|partner|wife)/Megan/gi) with an explanation that the comic very likely depicts real-world events in Randall's and (real-world) Megan's life. Though it might be tributary to make the inferential leap, I think would be entirely "unscientific" to do so (which is so unRandall...) It also reinforces the notion that this happens to many, many more couples: Randall and Megan are not unique in what they are experiencing, though Randall does an excellent job of illustrating just what they're going through. (And yes, I could just go and change it myself, but wanted to discuss beforehand.) -- IronyChef (talk) 14:02, 1 December 2012 (UTC)
- Crying out about social injustice is the adult version of screaming "Ouch!" when a parent grabs a child's arm to get their attention. Democracy is not do-what-you-want-to. Democracy is having a discussion and then acting upon the results of that discussion. There have been many discussions about having Randall in comics. The result was that whenever Randall decides to place himself in a comic, that we should honor that. So, instead of using a generic character he put himself and his wife into the comic. So, we honor that. We do not know the name of his wife, Randall is a very private person, we respect his privacy and only go by the information he gives out, and we don't make wild speculations, this is why we don't refer to her by (any) name; it's the most respectful thing we can do.
- I believe those other comic is rather general, where this particular one has enough set of facts that specific to Randall's case. That said, I agree with you that consistency is good, having the character called Cueball and Megan and explicitly said that those represent Randall and his wife probably better. Arifsaha (talk) 16:48, 7 December 2012 (UTC)
- My two cents: As Arifsaha said, those other comics are general. Each is one scene demonstrating one situation or discussion, so Cueball/Megan could be any couple going through cancer treatments. In this case, quantity does matter in determining the significance of "evidence that this is Randall". There are so many scenes here that it's clear a very specific and personal story is being shared.
- Also, the title text usually is from Randall's perspective (obviously there are exceptions, but when the text is realistic, it's a safe assumption). Here it says "she", not "my wife", indicating that the person being referenced has already been introduced (i.e. is in the comic). Further linking the Randall text with the characters is the fact that it directly references the panel 5 scene, rather than: "related ideas that are not in the comic" (933/996), simple objective explanation (931), or a reference to a previous strip (881). So unless you want to argue that the title text is intended to be Cueball addressing the readers and not Randall, it seems like this is all about Randall & his wife. - jerodast (talk) 16:06, 22 December 2012 (UTC)
- As CityZen said above, consistency is good. It is not that we don't want to recognize Randall in the comic, but we probably want to recognize it in the way where we said that in this comic Cueball and Megan represent Randall and his wife. I imagine it is possible that a reader see other comic and start questioning why the characters were called Cueball and Megan in the other comic but called Randall and his wife in this comic. I believe it will be easier to simply consistently label the character Cueball and Megan, then explicitly and clearly said and explain that in this particular comic, Cueball and Megan represent Randall and his wife. Arifsaha (talk) 16:48, 7 December 2012 (UTC)
- Cueball and Megan do not represent Randall and his wife. Cueball and Megan are the everyman/woman (and usually not even that but the geekiest kind of every(wo)man). Now, if Randall were building a story arc that spanned 1000 comics I would believe that this was Cueball and Megan, in character, standing in for Randall's real life experience. But the fact is, Randall clearly marks when he intentionally has multiple comics that build directly upon each other, see Category:Comic series. If xkcd were a story driven web comic we'd have to point out that Cueball and Megan have been married several times, as well as been flirtatious with other characters, had children both in and out of wedlock. It's much more easily explained that this comic is Randall and his wife merely drawn "in the style of". Ignoring an unusually personal comic for the sake of consistent character naming seems absurd to me. lcarsos_a (talk) 17:50, 7 December 2012 (UTC)
- Also there is an established precedent for Randall's appearance in comics - he appears as an unadorned stick figure in all of them, despite clearly being Randall. Just because he looks like Cueball doesn't mean we need to call Randall "Cueball but really he's Randall this time". If anything that's even more confusing. Randall and Cueball both appear in (different) comics, and they're drawn the same. I'm sure people can handle that. - jerodast (talk) 16:06, 22 December 2012 (UTC)
Panel 3 is possible reference/inspiration for comic 1024: Error Code--Shine (talk) 18:56, 30 November 2012 (UTC)
- Given what we know from Randall's past two years, I would rather infer that comic 1024 was inspired by one of these activities as seen in panels 3 and 8. 22.214.171.124 19:43, 30 November 2012 (UTC) madd
Sooo... Because the clipboard-holding character in the first panel is a woman, we assume she's a nurse instead of a doctor?
- Seriously the clipboard-holding character is much more likely to be a doctor than a nurse if they are communicating actual results of medical tests.--22.214.171.124 03:58, 6 December 2012 (UTC)Anonymous
- I agree, although, Randall went out of his way to draw a garment on her that has short sleeves, unlike a lab coat. However, doctors wear scrubs too. I'm changing it. - jerodast (talk) 15:22, 22 December 2012 (UTC)
Hey I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask questions, but I don't really get why the waiter says eww at the end? Thanks in advance! Love this site! -- 18.104.22.168 (talk) 12:29, 6 December 2012 (UTC) (please sign your comments with ~~~~)
- The waiter says "eww" at the end because, instead of celebrating a wedding anniversary (or similar) which is what he is expecting, the couple are celebrating a "biopsy-versary". It's the contrast between the mental image of what happens in a biopsy with the emotions of what is normally expected when celebrating an anniversary (eg wedding anniversary as opposed to cutting-a-hole-in-you anniversary).126.96.36.199 03:38, 7 December 2012 (UTC)
- It's the equivalent of "yuck" and similar expressions of moderate gross-out. 184.108.40.206 09:34, 7 December 2012 (UTC)
Can we get a Cancer series tag on some of these comics? There have been a lot of them, after all. --Jimmy C (talk) 14:10, 11 December 2012 (UTC)
- Down at the bottom, there's a section that lists the categories this page is in. The Cancer category has been there since this page was created. Also, please add comments in chronological order. lcarsos_a (talk) 14:19, 11 December 2012 (UTC)
Since my mother has just made her 27th biopsy-versary, my sympathies, prayers and best hopes are with anyone who has won someone from, lost someone to, is fighting or is fighting with someone, any form of Cancer.
Which is, pretty much everyone; is this forum, with Randall in particular.
Paulo Sedrez 220.127.116.11 20:35, 7 January 2013 (UTC)
the first few frames got me... ;_; 184.108.40.206 03:03, 22 February 2013 (UTC)
I do not know if this is a Scary Thought, but, in IV machines, a long beep repeating itself (for example, the 2nd panel here) means that either the IV machine had finished its infusion or there in an occlusion (which means that the flow from the bag to the vein was cut off somehow, a problem that can be inflicted by simply moving the tube in a way that bends or even folds the tube). If an occlusion occurs, a nurse would need to fix the problem (in my example case: re-'straighten' the tube) and very painfully push the fluid into the vein until the gap caused the occlusion disappears into the vein. Greyson (talk) 20:50, 15 April 2013 (UTC)
I would assume panel 8 depicts their honeymoon since it follows directly after the wedding panel. -j 126.96.36.199 14:18, 8 August 2013 (UTC)
It's been four years since I first read this comic. I still tear up a little each time I get to the "still alive" panel. 220.127.116.11 (talk) (please sign your comments with ~~~~)
Is it just me, or does Randall appear to be performing a biopsy on his dinner in panel 11? Anonymous 03:57, 14 December 2017 (UTC)
in the last panel, she looks like a male megan126.96.36.199 20:46, 19 July 2021 (UTC)


text:
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Sales dwindled in recent years, but maybe as it sells Fender shares on Wall Street the company could create newer guitars that reflect the post-financial crisis age - say the Fender Stockocaster or the Downgrade-ocaster or the Toxic Deadocastor.
INSKEEP: Yeah. That's the business news on MORNING EDITION, from NPR News. I'm Steve Inskeep. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Science Fiction
When I was a kid I read a lot of science fiction and fantasy stories. Both create a world in which the impossible becomes possible. Still, the fictional logic should be without contradictions. The biggest annoyances are mistakes of the author, a plot that doesn't make sense, a scenario that is inconsistent. Why didn't they just use the transmitter? Time travel stories were always the worst.
For a good story the imaginary world is based on only a few modifications: Our memory can be stored on a chip and transferred to another person. We can breed dinosaurs. We can travel to a parallel world; shield gravity; slow time. Big brother is watching us. We have a worldwide communications network. We can travel faster than the speed of light. IMAGINE!
In many cases, science fiction writers have predicted technological advances that later became true. Science and fiction have always been closely linked. In contrast to science which is about the possible, the imagination is unconstrained, and free to make a 'could' into 'will', thereby creating a new world.
Virtual 'reality' has promoted fictional worlds to a new level. Video games can break the laws of nature, photo editing and three dimensional pictures tamper with our perception of reality, computer animated movies make the impossible possible. Today, everybody can publish his or her interpretation of the world. Einstein was wrong! Hijacked by an alien! A new quantum mechanics! Consciousness is the tenth dimension! A giant Mandala explains the elementary particles! The world is really a flat plate supported on the back of a giant tortoise, and it's turtles all the way down. |
Does it matter whether it is fact or fantasy as long as it is entertaining? Does it matter whether it is science or fiction as long as visitors click on the advertisement banners? Does it matter whether it is virtual or reality? If your first one is too boring, why don't you just get a SecondLife?
"Around 1900, most inventions concerned physical reality: cars, airplanes, zeppelins, electric lights, vacuum cleaners, air conditioners, bras, zippers. In 2005, most inventions concern virtual entertainment — the top 10 patent-recipients are usually IBM, Matsushita, Canon, Hewlett-Packard, Micron Technology, Samsung, Intel, Hitachi, Toshiba, and Sony — not Boeing, Toyota, or Wonderbra. We have already shifted from a reality economy to a virtual economy, from physics to psychology as the value-driver and resource-allocator."
Popular Science
Science is done for the society we live in. Communicating our research, within and outside the community, is an essential part of our job. I am very happy to see that physics - even the theoretical side! - recently receives an increasing amount of attention in the broader public. I am all in favor of popular science books (even though these simplifications sometimes make me grind my teeth), and I think PI is doing an absolutely great job with its public outreach program. I am not sure how much influence blogs have in this regard, but I hope they contribute their share to making the ivory tower a little less detached.
The result of this trend is twofold.
First, scientists have to live with simplified and generalized statements, and with a lack of details. I hope on the long run people will become more familiar with some basic concepts and the standard can be raised. I guess that many people don't understand the details of the stock market or tax systems, but that doesn't scare them from reading about it in the newspapers. Likewise, everybody who writes about theoretical physics should learn how to use an equation editor. The myth that every equation lowers the accessibility for the reader is a result of cowardice and unfamiliarity. Scientific journalism could provide significantly more content than today. But still, scientists will have to learn how to live with unqualified commentaries, much like writers have to live with reviews by people who have no clue about literature.
Second, it seems that science, much as art, becomes a hobby. Some hobby artists believe they are actually the new Pollock, and their paintings belong in the Museum of Modern Arts. Some hobby scientists believe they are actually the new Einstein, and their theory belongs in PRD. Yes, it might be that occasionally there is a true talent to find there, but mostly it's just splashing color on a canvas. Scientists have yet to learn how to deal with the attention of the interested layman. However, this problem is greatly amplified by the first point. Oversimplification in the media leaves people with the impression a PhD is a hoax, and our education unnecessary. Hey, the surfer dude can do it. Theoretical physics seems to be a specifically easy and appealing target.
Natural sciences are about describing nature. As a theoretical physicist I see my task as contributing to the understanding of the world that we live in. However, I - as many of my colleagues - have fun with wild speculations. Call it a brain exercise. What would the world look like if the parameters in the standard model were different? If there were additional dimensions? If the elementary particles were composite? If particles could jump non-locally in no time? Eventually however, we have to constrain ourselves to the reality we live in.
Theoretical physics explores the unknown, and goes beyond the limits of our current knowledge. We play around with ideas and examine their consequences in the hope of finding out how nature works. This might sound like there is an awful lot of freedom in such doing, but this is not the case. It is science, not fiction, because we have to make sure these ideas are not in conflict with the reality we observe. We have to make sure theories are internally consistent, and in agreement with what we already know. If you think this is easy, you have no idea what you are talking about. It's like saying Miro just smeared color on a canvas, can't be that hard to do.
Unfortunately, I have the impression that the tendency in theoretical physics is to make wilder and wilder speculations, to throw several of them together, to work out details of still unconfirmed ideas. Stories that are interesting in some regard, but increasingly detached from reality.
- The first point in my referee reports is insisting the author changes 'will' into 'may' and 'does' into 'could'. You call that nitpicking? I call that the difference between science and fiction.
In many cases, the assumptions underlying such speculations are clear for those working in the field, but often not very well documented in publications. The combination of this tendency with the media can be disastrous. In popular science articles, the speculative character of theories is often poorly laid out. For one, because it might not be apparent to the journalist, but also because caution seems to be interpreted as just adding boring details.
The result is a blurring of the boundary between science and fiction.
"We are faced with all kinds of questions to which we would like unequivocal answers […] There is a huge pressure on scientists to provide concrete answers […] But the temptation to frame these debates in terms of certainty is fraught with danger. Certainty is an unforgiving taskmaker. […] If we are honest and say the scientists conclusions aren't certain, we may find this being used as justification for doing nothing, or even to allow wiggle room for the supernatural to creep back in again. If we pretend we're certain when we are not, we risk being unmasked as liars."
If you want to witness science in the making, you will have to face there are no easy answers. There are pros and cons, and differing opinions. If they care about it at all, journalists seem happy if two persons provide the extremes; candidates that are naïve or stupid enough to either call things fabulous or nonsense, instead of making matters complicated. It seems to be enormously difficult to understand that even scientists change their mind, or feel torn into different directions as long as a situation is not entirely clarified. Indeed, it seems to be so difficult to grasp that a simple mind might insist a scientist who can allow for different alternatives is not one person, but two.
It doesn't sound easy to write a good and balanced article, does it? Well, that's why journalists have an eduction. It's their job to figure out the facts and present them in an accessible way, and luckily there are a number of very good science journalists out there. Unfortunately, often an inital article gets copied and watered down a hundred times with decreasing content and increasing headlines. I can understand it must be difficult to write about science without working in the field, but I am not willing to excuse arbitrarily cheap echoing and copying, deliberate omittances and polarizations of facts for the sake of catchy titles. Reporting on science in the making comes necessarily with uncertainties. If you can't cope with that stick to last century's headlines.
"Uncertainty, in the presence of vivid hopes and fears, is painful, but must be endured if we wish to live without the support of comforting fairy tales."~ Bertram Russell
The hype of science in the media just reflects a general trend caused by information overflow. In today's world you have to scream really loud to be heard at all, and headlines are the better the fatter. I generally dislike this, as it leads to inaccurate reporting, unnecessary confusion, and bubbles of nothing. All of which obscures sensible discussions and is a huge waste of time.
However, despite this general trend, what worries me specifically about popular science reporting is how much our community seems to pay attention to it. This is a very unhealthy development. The opinion making process in science should not be affected by popular opinions. It should not be relevant whether somebody makes for a good story in the media, or whether he or she neglects advertising himself. What concerns me is not so much the media re-re-repeating fabulous sentences, but how many physicists get upset about it. This clearly indicates that they think this public discussion is relevant, and this should not be the case.
Concerns about the public opinion arise from the fear it might affect the funding of some research areas. But it's not the media who creates fashions and hypes who is to blame. Neither is it the scientists who are not careful enough when talking to journalists who are to blame. To blame is everybody who tolerates that the funding in science is subject to irrelevant factors.
It seems to me that scientists, as well as funding agencies, urgently need to learn how to deal with such popularizations. I have written previously about the dangers on the "Marketplace of Ideas": The more attention scientists (have to) pay to advertising themselves because they believe it might help their career, the more the objectivity of scientific discussions suffers. The more time scientists (have to) spend with irrelevant distractions for the sake of their career, the less time they have for research. That's the reality we do our research in ? - !
My concerns about science journalism are similar. I believe that freedom of the press is one of the most important ingredients for a well functioning democracy. Free not only to write without censorship, but free to write without being influenced by lobbyism and financial pressure. The necessity to write what sells promotes cheap and large headlines, premature reporting, extreme polarization, and goes on the expenses of content and quality. It causes people to uncritically echo and copy stories because it's fast and easy whereas research requires time and effort. The harder it becomes to sell print versions, the worse the situation becomes because online the clocks tick even faster.
- Is the the goal of good writing that visitors click on the advertisement banner?
Information is precious. It is one of the most important goods in our modern society. Each time one of us spreads inaccurate information we contribute to confusion and hinder progress. Whether a scientist, a journalist, an editor, or a blogger: what we say, write, and promote publicly, is in our responsibility.
We are all human. Bloggers get overenthusiastic, write before they think, and make mistakes. Scientists say stupid things, speak before they think, and make mistakes. Journalists misunderstand, publish before anybody else thinks, and make mistakes. Deliberate repetition turns mistakes into lies.
The triangle of Science, Society and Information Technology noticeably affects our daily lifes. In the absence of any sensible way to cope with side-effects, the very least we can do is to be aware of the developments and find out how to deal with them.


text:
Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee have voted to seek the criminal prosecution of former IRS official Lois Lerner. They allege that she violated several laws as the tax agency grappled with conservative groups seeking tax exempt status. The vote also marked a sharp turn in Republican strategy in the year-long controversy.
NPR's Peter Overby reports.
PETER OVERBY, BYLINE: This is the first of two House committee meetings this week on the IRS controversy. Republicans contend that the agency deliberately investigated and stalled conservative groups who wanted status as tax-exempt social welfare organizations. For months, Republicans tried to connect the controversy to the Obama White House or to Obama appointees in the Treasury Department.
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN: Mr. Paulsen, aye. Mr. Marchant, Mr. Marchant, aye. Ms. Black...
OVERBY: But today, as Ways and Means Republicans request a federal prosecution, they're singling out one individual. That's Lois Lerner, a career employee when she headed the IRS division overseeing tax exempt groups.
The other big shift? Up till now criticism of the IRS focused on its treatment of Tea Party and other grassroots organizations. But today, the Ways and Means documents highlight just one group: the Washington-based powerhouse Crossroads GPS. The committee debated the request in closed session this morning.
Camp said it appeared that Lerner personally sought to have Crossroads GPS audited, and have its application for tax exempt status denied.
As the committee met, GOP strategist Karl Rove, the founder of Crossroads GPS, was on Fox News making the same points.
KARL ROVE: She led a effort to deny a 501(c)(4) tax exempt status to Crossroads GPS, subverting the IRS's own standards and procedures, in order to harass a conservative group.
OVERBY: And he elaborated.
ROVE: Lois Lerner picked us out of the crowd as a conservative advocacy group, and went after us in order to deny us a tax exempt status.
OVERBY: Soon after that, the committee voted on party lines in favor of pursuing the criminal case. Chairman Dave Camp, a Michigan Republican, told reporters it was Lerner's fault for leaving unanswered questions.
REPRESENTATIVE DAVE CAMP: Frankly, if Lois Lerner would come forward and testify, we might know the answers.
OVERBY: The panel's ranking Democrat Sander Levin of Michigan was dismissive.
REPRESENTATIVE SANDER LEVIN: The Republicans are trying to keep an issue alive for November.
OVERBY: And Lerner's lawyer, William Taylor III, called the vote a Republican effort to, quote, "vilify Ms. Lerner for political gain."
As to why Crossroads GPS looms so large in this matter, the numbers tell the story. Crossroads GPS reported raising $180 million in 2012. That's according to an NPR analysis of its tax filings and campaign finance reports. In that two-year election cycle, Crossroads GPS spent $165 million on TV attacking President Obama and other Democrats. And it gave $26 million to another conservative group, Americans for Tax Reform, which also advertised heavily.
So today was part one of the Republicans' Lerner strategy. Part two comes tomorrow when the House Oversight Committee votes on citing her for contempt of Congress. The Republican majority on that panel contends that she gave up her constitutional right not to testify by invoking it incorrectly at two hearings.
The House would still have to act on both measures: the request for a criminal prosecution and the contempt of Congress citation. Expect more party-line votes.
Peter Overby, NPR News, Washington. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


text:
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Saturday, January 2, 2010
For the past 16 months or so, Jen has made it her goal in life to post here every single day. And for the most part, she's succeeded.
On vacation? The post goes up.
Christmas day? The post goes up.
Husband dying in the hospital? The post goes up.
The hardest part about this is that she has to be funny, or at least try to be, with every post. This is, well, starting to take its toll. ("No, really, Sweetie, that tic is barely noticeable.") Cake Wrecks was built on funny, but when daily deadlines take precedence, the funny can suffer - and that's not good for anyone.
So starting today, we're gonna be cutting back on Saturday posts, since it's our slowest day. We'll still do our best to post every other day of the week, but if we do miss one from time to time, just know it's in the best interests of Jen's sanity, the quality of the posts, and Cake Wrecks as a whole.
Thanks for understanding, guys. Here's to much, much more facial-tic-free Wreckage and laughter.
Wreck On!
john (the hubby of Jen)
394 comments | Post a Comment
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Take as much time as you need, and thank you for all the wonderful posts!
- January 2, 2010 at 9:32 AM
Hooray for days off! Everyone deserves them, enjoy~*~*~*~
- January 2, 2010 at 9:35 AM
- Unknown said...
Jen and John-
Enjoy your day off! You've more than earned it.
See you here all the other days of the week.
Amy from Nashville - January 2, 2010 at 9:36 AM
Thank you. I'd much rather you cut back on the postings than quit posting altogether.
- January 2, 2010 at 9:37 AM
- Unknown said...
good for you!! I love the blog, one of my first reads of the day- but sanity & health come first.
Eva from beautiful Scarborough, Ontario - January 2, 2010 at 9:41 AM
Good for you. Everybody needs a break, even from things they love.
- January 2, 2010 at 9:43 AM
- Dorci said...
You guys deserve at least 1 day off! And I would personally be able to hang on if you took 2. Or even a vacation. But then you get right back here, ya hear? Take care now!
Love ya,
Dorci - January 2, 2010 at 9:43 AM
- kathryn said...
Stay sane, Jen! What would we do without you (and John)!?
- January 2, 2010 at 9:43 AM
How can we be ticked (snort) when everyday we get such great stuff?? Let the girl rest!!! That will make her all the more appreciated.
- January 2, 2010 at 9:43 AM
- Jules said...
Aww, you guys both deserve a day off. Your posts (yes, yours, too, Jon!) bring such joy. Thanks for your dedication to this blog and sharing your warped (and wonderful) sense of humor with the rest of the world. Honestly, sometimes the blog entry is better than the cakes themselves. :) Hope this new year brings you abundant blessings! -Jules
- January 2, 2010 at 9:43 AM
- Mari said...
She has certainly spoiled us rotten!
Honestly, I was wondering when this would come, I mean, really? Jen, you post EVERY SINGLE DAY... I love it, of course, but, I would also love for you to stay healthy enough to keep posting :) So, even though, I'll miss the post terribly, I'm glad you're doing this for your own sanity!
So, THANK YOU! For doing such a great job, I'm definitely addicted. And take some time to yourself and your hubby. I'm sure you need it! - January 2, 2010 at 9:44 AM
- Etiquette Bitch said...
Jen/John - by all means, DO take a day or 2 off! We still love you, and it means the wrecks will be that much more wreckier. ;)
enjoy! xo. - January 2, 2010 at 9:44 AM
Love your blog Jen and John! There have been many a-time when I will be cracking up over a post and my husband will say "are you reading that cake blog again?"
You deserve the break! Thanks for bringing a smile to my face everyday! - January 2, 2010 at 9:44 AM
- Surfie said...
Saturdays will be a well-deserved break for you both! I love the funny, so sacrificing one post a week to keep it coming is no hardship. Enjoy the time off! :)
- January 2, 2010 at 9:44 AM
We will miss you on Saturdays, but hope that tic clears up really soon :-) Thanks for all of the funny!
- January 2, 2010 at 9:45 AM
- Suzyhomemaker said...
Good for you Jen!
It's kind of like the end of the Truman Show where people are looking around like, Ok... now what do we do? :) Heres to going out Wreckporting while your spending time with John and the fam :) - January 2, 2010 at 9:47 AM
I must say, and I hope everyone supports me for it, even though I will miss my Saturday blog, I know that it's about time Jen took some time off, and it will help keep the funny in the other cake wrecks.... I think that sounded bad, what I meant was, good on you Jen take all the time you need (and that tic is adorable :P )
- January 2, 2010 at 9:49 AM
Rock on! Sanity is a good thing! Happy New Year!
- January 2, 2010 at 9:54 AM
Take a breather! Everyone likes a day off sometimes. I can get my fix of stupid-looking cakes at the grocery store.
~ Diana - January 2, 2010 at 9:54 AM
- newg said...
Taking a break is a good thing :)
- January 2, 2010 at 9:54 AM
- Stephanie said...
Totally understandable! Thanks for all the laughs. I'll take what I can get! :P
- January 2, 2010 at 9:56 AM
I've often wondered how Jen could be "on" every..single...day for so long. I'm sure the tic is barely noticeable;-)
Enjoy your day off! - January 2, 2010 at 9:56 AM
- Becky said...
Jen and John "husband of Jen" - love you guys and don't feel bad about taking Saturdays off! Mental health is important.
- January 2, 2010 at 9:58 AM
- dr.evans said...
That sounds perfectly reasonable. We would all be too sad if Jen couldn't continue her fine work. Take a break and relax. Denise
- January 2, 2010 at 10:01 AM
Great executive decision, you both deserve the time off for "great behavior" :) ...we can wrock-the-wrecks in the archives if we need a fix!
- January 2, 2010 at 10:06 AM
Personally, I'd rather see fewer posts if it means higher quality funny. No one can be "on" all the time. Nor should they be. Your blog is great for so many reasons. So I hope you take days off on a regular basis. Everyone deserves some quality down time so they can be at their best. Enjoy your regular breaks!
- January 2, 2010 at 10:08 AM
- Knitty said...
I've long wondered how you've kept us this pace. This blog is such fun and appreciated by so many, I am sure we would all rather Jen keep her sanity (therefore allowing John to keep his *wink* )than to have her lose it and end up deker8ting cakes fuhnetiklee 4 a big chain store.
- January 2, 2010 at 10:09 AM
- testing thing said...
Quality over quantity! Ease up a bit Jen, we still love you!
- January 2, 2010 at 10:10 AM
- VeggieT said...
Good to hear! I'm just glad you're not taking another route to get rest. When I read changes I thought you might be oh say... merging with another blogging network and allowing someone else to begin making posts... like some other blogs have... But it's good to hear you'll be taking a rest! I don't mind not reading an article once (or twice) a week.
- January 2, 2010 at 10:10 AM
- Knittinchick said...
I agree.... I'd rather that you guys take two days off a week and feel happy posting and that you aren't forcing yourself to be funny!
Keep the good laughs a-coming! - January 2, 2010 at 10:15 AM
- bassgirl said...
Hmmm, Saturday is the slowest day...I guess that means that most folks start their work day reading the blog. How many have snorted Coke or coffee onto the work computer screen? How many have tried to stifle the giggle with tears rolling down their cheeks so that the boss doesn't notice? Thanks for being our week day/work day sanity, and enjoy your week end sanity retreat!!
PS. WHY are you moderating posts on your day off?!? ;) - January 2, 2010 at 10:16 AM
- Jen said...
Enjoy your days off! Nobody can be funny every single day without going crazy. We don't want you dreaming of CCC's every night or anything!!
- January 2, 2010 at 10:16 AM
- Alex said...
Good for you... I wondered how you managed to keep posting every day even with some back stock saved up.
Saturday seems the logical choice. - January 2, 2010 at 10:17 AM
- Dorothy said...
I don't think anyone will mind if there aren't posts every.single.day. We'll survive! Posting daily is hard work; I don't know how you did it for so long. There's plenty of old wreckiness for us to look at! :D
- January 2, 2010 at 10:18 AM
Good for you guys! Take your day and enjoy yourselves.
- January 2, 2010 at 10:19 AM
- Kathleen said...
Jen offers enough Funny in one post to last a month, so no worries!! Enjoy the sanity!
- January 2, 2010 at 10:20 AM
- Deanna said...
Thanks so much for all of the posts you do! A day or two off is great!
- January 2, 2010 at 10:29 AM
- kristalina said...
Glad to hear it-as much as I look forward to CW every day I know how much my Sunday's off mean to me. I hope you enjoy your post-free Saturdays!
- January 2, 2010 at 10:30 AM
Well of course, take a break! But please know that all the well-wishes and comments about "quality over quantity" don't mean that we haven't been splitting our sides lately. You are always hilarious! So go ahead and rest once in a while, but don't totally regain your sanity. A little crazy is funny!
Sarah - January 2, 2010 at 10:31 AM
Please! Take a break if you need it. You make us laugh so much, how could we mind?
Trish - January 2, 2010 at 10:32 AM
I was just thinking yesterday that it had to be taking its toll... being funny ALL the time. After all the bakers HAVE to be catching on by now, hiring proof readers and all. IF it turns out you need a second break a week could it be like Wed... not sure how I would be with back to back days lacking wrecks!!!
Thank you.
wv: synes, physical evidence of psychic overload (usually brought on by the unrelenting need to be amusing to others) - a tic is one of the synes that you need to pace yourself. - January 2, 2010 at 10:33 AM
- Rebekah said...
Good for you! That's a wonderful resolutiion. We'll miss you but we'll be seeing in all the old familiar places... I mean,...on Monday. Happy Day Off!
- January 2, 2010 at 10:33 AM
- Renee Nefe said...
Like everyone else has said here... we love you and think you're awesome. Take all the time you need.
If anyone gets upset they should be reading their copy of CakeWrecks the book. ;o) - January 2, 2010 at 10:37 AM
- am said...
I have a blog and at times post pretty regularly and other times skip a month or two. Just the other day I was thinking about how I'm so glad I only have 12 followers as opposed to THOUSANDS like you do. I couldn't handle the pressure of it, that's for sure. So props to you, Jen. Do what you gotta do.
- January 2, 2010 at 10:37 AM
Good for you! Take the time you need, when you need it, we'll all be waiting here for you, even if you need more than one day off a week. You know the motto, "Always leave them wanting more!"
- January 2, 2010 at 10:38 AM
- Jim Todd said...
Very good move, guys! Everyone deserves a day off on a regular basis to recharge their batteries, and you are no exception. As one of the other folks said earlier, it's better that you guys cut back a little than quit the project completely.
Enjoy the day off, and we'll see you soon! - January 2, 2010 at 10:38 AM
- Jill said...
I love your blog! Please, take all the time you need (well, not too long) just don't quit posting forever.
- January 2, 2010 at 10:42 AM
- Mama G said...
Personally, I think sanity is overrated. But, Jen, you are priceless--and besides, I take days off from my job. Why should you have to work seven days a week? Don't kill yourself. If you do, we'll have to suffer wreckiness without your astute commentary. GET SOME REST, WOMAN!
- January 2, 2010 at 10:43 AM
- Caitlin said...
I would happily accept 2 days off-I think a 5 day week is pretty normal...
- January 2, 2010 at 10:43 AM
- Jessica, aka Laydeedancer said...
We love you and look forward to your posts. You can take a day off and we'll still be here. In fact, we'll be here if you took two or three days off. Or if you said "I'm going on vacation - catch you on the flip side." We'll be there too.
Enjoy your day off! - January 2, 2010 at 10:43 AM
- Kerri said...
Post Secret only posts one a week! Now, I'm not suggesting that, I'm just saying that it's not going to kill us to wait! It keeps the readers on their toes!
- January 2, 2010 at 10:45 AM
- Noni Mausa said...
I've been cruising back over Cakes Gone By , and have found lots and lots of coffee-snorting material. Bless you for this rich vein of belly-laughs, perturbing icing-related imagery, and plain weirdness.
People who don't blog (or otherwise write every day) may not realize how hard it is after awhile to come up to the bat yet again, to smack that CCC out of the park. [pause to enjoy the image]
People who succeed at this demanding job are very rare. Blogging funny raises the rarity to another level altogether.
That Jen and John together share the sense of humour that has me slipping helplessly off the side of my office chair -- well I stand in AWE (or possibly Alue.)
Noni - January 2, 2010 at 10:47 AM
- Sandi said...
I was just thinking as I came to your site today how amazing it is that there's new stuff every day. Don't they have a life? ;) Glad to see you're taking time for your life, and looking forward to wreckin' six days a week.
- January 2, 2010 at 10:47 AM
- Half Assed Kitchen said...
I'm always amazed that your posts are so consistently hilarious and prompt. I honestly don't know how you do it day in and day out. So, go off on Saturday and have some fun. Get a hot rock massage! Or, attend a trekkie convention...or something. :)
- January 2, 2010 at 10:48 AM
- Monica said...
Good for you. The more fun it is for you, the more fun it is for us!!
- January 2, 2010 at 10:49 AM
- Sharon said...
Well, that just gives me a day or so to peruse, enjoy, and remember the archives! Have some happy time off! See you on your other days of the week!
word verification: anind
Anind fact, it is a nice thing to take a break from time to time. - January 2, 2010 at 10:53 AM
Agree, agree! We'll miss you, but we want you to keep loving doing this for a long time! Enjoy your time together!
- January 2, 2010 at 10:56 AM
Hey, don't worry about skipping Saturdays! As much as I love my daily cake wrecks, I can surely live through a wreck-less (hehe) day once in a while. Also, guys, I've been surprised about your consistent funniness, so don't worry about that. Greetings from the Netherlands!
- January 2, 2010 at 10:56 AM
- Expatriate Buckeyes said...
Dang, one less excuse for not getting to my to do list on Saturday. ;)
Enjoy your day off, you both deserve it!!! - January 2, 2010 at 10:57 AM
- ... how does your garden grow? said...
how DARE you sleep in! sheesh! ;)
enjoy your day(s) off.. we'll be here when you come back. :) - January 2, 2010 at 10:57 AM
Sugars, you guys are a shiny moment of joy in a Lot of people's days, I don't think any one of us would want that to be at the expense of Your happiness. Please, yes, take care of yourselves, we'll enjoy your posts all the more knowing there's no unethical slave-labour involved :)
- January 2, 2010 at 10:58 AM
Go rest! Enjoy your daay off! You deserve it! We can spend the day enjoying all of the archives, reliving the wrecks from the past. Fun fun!
- January 2, 2010 at 11:00 AM
I was going to say "Stay Sane!" but then realized that the quality of these posts depends on your in-sanity so instead...."stay only as sane as you need to be to remain healthy and use your powers of insanity for good, not evil!" hehehe ;) Enjoy your days off...they are well deserved! :)
- January 2, 2010 at 11:01 AM
- Akimika said...
Even if you didn't post every day, maybe every other day, that's okay! If you have to take a full vacation from posting, that'd be okay too! Just remember to keep it real and don't hurt yourselves.
- January 2, 2010 at 11:03 AM
Yay for the commenters! I was terrified that there would be a bunch of grumblers (but I'm newish to cake wrecks)...Jen brings so many belly laughs, if she needs a day off a week to keep it up---GO FOR IT.
thanks for the great blog. I check it every day (except Saturday, going forward)
Stacey - January 2, 2010 at 11:04 AM
- Little Lovables said...
totally understandable!! ...
my husband will be very happy that I don't turn on the computer first thing on Saturday to check out Cakewrecks - January 2, 2010 at 11:04 AM
- CCW said...
Jen & husband of Jen,
I was wrecky before wrecky was cool. Well, it's always been cool (everyone knows THAT), but I've been in wrecklove and reading you since Day 1 (maybe Day 9, or Day 12, but you see my point).
But when those days rolled on, and on, and on, and on without interruption, I asked myself: "Self, how the wreck does she do it? Are there little mini-Jens? No that can't be it ... that'd be like a cupJen, and I don't see her going for that. It is a mystery."
Mystery solved. You're human, sweets. (I swear, no pun intended; that is my fave term of endearment. It just happens to sound exponentially cheesetastic in this forum. Can't help it.)
You're human. Shut the wreck up sometimes, or I'll send a CCC with an airbrushed message to remind you.
That is all. Carry on.
Cathleen in SC - January 2, 2010 at 11:08 AM
I suspect John might be partly to *blame* for this decision...God only knows how much convincing it took to get Jen to take a well-deserved day off. Good for you, John, for taken care of your wife!. ;)
Sunday Sweets will be even sweeter with a little break for the rest of us on Saturday. Keep up the amazing work and thanks for regularly brightening all of our days! - January 2, 2010 at 11:11 AM
- arbed said...
I'm so upset, I think I might have to stop reading your blog on Saturdays. Take THAT!
Oh, wait... - January 2, 2010 at 11:13 AM
Geez, take TWO days! Normal people get two days a week! Well-rested cakewreck reporting is the best! :)
- January 2, 2010 at 11:13 AM
Would you consider taking Sundays off as well and use that day to post an "oldie but goodie"? They would be new for recent readers, and for us long term readers, well, I can't imagine not laughing all over again!
- January 2, 2010 at 11:13 AM
- Robert said...
I'm still impressed you managed posts most days of the week. I struggle on a five days a week schedule and constantly finding myself dipping into the excuse bucket for mental health vacations. If it helps the quality of the site and Jen's sanity, I'm all for the occassional missed post.
- January 2, 2010 at 11:22 AM
Thank you for your posts! They certainly brighten my day.
Taking a day off sounds like a good idea :) But may I suggest, that in addition to the day(s) off, you do a "random" post each week. Just post some random pictures from your collection, no commentary needed. It would give you a little break, but allow you to post more often. - January 2, 2010 at 11:22 AM
Yay! I'm so glad you're cutting back because posting every day is not something a sane, healthy person should do!! Love the blog, and I would love it any number of days per week that you are able to do it! Thanks Jen & John for all of your work!
- January 2, 2010 at 11:26 AM
- Annimal said...
Take care of yourself and keep the good times rolling. I'll still be a faithful follower.
- January 2, 2010 at 11:30 AM
Well, everyone else in the known universe only works five days a week (I may be exaggerating...) why should you be any different? Take some time to breathe! No need to be a slave to our amusement!
Melissa in Maine - January 2, 2010 at 11:36 AM
Hope you enjoy your day off !! My cake wreck withdrawals will stop eventually ... Thank goodness I can thumb through my book when I need a little FIX!! Thanks Jen you need to rest !! I look at cake wrecks to unwind and forget about all the insanity of daily living !! It wouldn't be right if you didn't get to get a break from your day to day as well!! Thanks for all of the fun !! xoxoxo
- January 2, 2010 at 11:36 AM
- Brandi said...
I totally feel you. Last year I resolved to blog every day, and I nearly did.. but it was tiring. This year I am going for 3-4 times a week and it already feels like a lot less pressure. Take it easy!
- January 2, 2010 at 11:36 AM
- Niecey said...
Absence makes the heart grow fonder. It will be good for us to have some days to pine away for cake wrecks. :)
Burn out is not a good thing. Have some time off! - January 2, 2010 at 11:37 AM
- Danielle said...
Well hey, everyone deserves at least one day off a week! It's all good.
- January 2, 2010 at 11:37 AM
- TheDaughterOfTyr said...
I'm always happy to read the blog.
So rest up and keep it fresh*!
Happy 2010! All the best to you!
*unlike some of the sweets (or not so sweets) that have been featured here! - January 2, 2010 at 11:37 AM
- Valerie said...
I love to see that some of the big name bloggers are taking breaks for this new year and making family more of a priority. Enjoy your Saturdays off. Enjoy each other. We'll be right here. :)
- January 2, 2010 at 11:37 AM
- Rebecca said...
Absolutely. Thanks for all you do, and best wishes for 2010!
- January 2, 2010 at 11:38 AM
Even if you took the weekends or a week here and there off we would still love you both. : ) Enjoy the breaks- they are well deserved!!! - January 2, 2010 at 11:42 AM
- lisadh said...
I believe in well-deserved rest, and ya'll definitely deserve it! Snuggle on the couch, plant a garden, or re-fuel at DisneyWorld. We'll be here!
Nappy New Yeas! - January 2, 2010 at 11:44 AM
I'm in total support of this. You guys are awesome & wonderful & personally think you should have a weekend, rather than just one day alone. And a vacation. And, without doubt, the ability to worry about a loved one in the hospital rather than a posting deadline. (Yikes.)
Jen & John, thanks for the last year of laughs & giggles....may your new year be everything you wish it to be. Including some time for yourselves. - January 2, 2010 at 11:44 AM
Take a well-deserved day off (or two or three or . . .) and enjoy it. And thank you for making me laugh every day. I wish I had a nickel for each time my husband and I have said to each other, "Have you seen Cake Wrecks today?"
- January 2, 2010 at 11:46 AM
You provide free amusement and awesomeness to the world. Even if it's only once or twice a week (let alone 6!) that's still making life a lot more interesting.
So, yeah. Please don't ever feel obligated. - January 2, 2010 at 11:47 AM
- Holkie said...
Ah, hon, take whatever time you need!
Yes, I'll miss it on Saturdays, but I understand. I was amazed when you posted on tour when you had much more important things (hubby) on your mind.
Hope the twitch goes away soon! - January 2, 2010 at 11:47 AM
- C. Beth said...
I am totally NOT getting my money's worth if you only post 6 days a week.
What? It's free entertainment?
Oh, okay, take a day off. - January 2, 2010 at 11:49 AM
- sam said...
Great decision! We promise we'll be good while you're gone ...
- January 2, 2010 at 11:49 AM
- Colony's Cakes said...
Good for you Jen! You've got an awesome husband! Love the blog! Thanks for all the hours of laughter! Can't wait 'til you post again! Happy New Year!
- January 2, 2010 at 11:49 AM
I love the blog, but not at the expense of Jen's health or sanity! Much better to cut back on postings than end up quitting the blog altogether - so take the time you need!
*hugs* - January 2, 2010 at 11:50 AM
- Becca said...
There's more than enough goodness in the archives to keep us laughing through MANY days off - take what you need!
And Noni, that image of knocking the CCC out of the park? Priceless. - January 2, 2010 at 11:54 AM
- Culinarychiq said...
Totally understandable, trying to be on all the time can take its toll. Rest up and come back when you can:)
- January 2, 2010 at 11:57 AM
Take a vacation!! It would be better to go a week without Cake Wrecks than for Jen to end up in Arkham.
- January 2, 2010 at 11:59 AM
I guess you can take a break if you have to.... As a side note you don't HAVE to be funny you can just post a pic and we can make fun of it ourselves. You have taught us well!
- January 2, 2010 at 12:00 PM
- D-D said...
Everybody should take time off at least one day a week so I am all for you having some "me" time. God bless!
- January 2, 2010 at 12:00 PM
- Unknown said...
Wreck on guys! Got the book for xmas after being a devoted reader. It was the hit of the holiday - even with my sister-in-law who was once among the ranks of the professional wreckerators. Thanks for making 2009 a whole lot funnier!
The Fandrich Family - January 2, 2010 at 12:01 PM
- Cass said...
Really, my husband may thank you for taking a day off! Checking CW is part of my daily, morning ritual and any less time I spend on the computer is better for him (and probably me, lol). I would rather have the same quality of content in a lesser amount than have the awesome wreckiness of the site suffer by trying to keep up with daily posts. As a stay at home mom and wife to a man who is gone a lot for work....I most definitely understand the need to take a day off!
- January 2, 2010 at 12:02 PM
- MarieA said...
We gotta get Jen a union and some better working conditions eh?
Good on you John for taking on the occupational health and safety role in this endeaver.
Everyone needs a day off or two - don't worry - we won't go away. How does the song go.... annnn tiiii ci-pay-shun!
Now go get that house cleaned Jen. - January 2, 2010 at 12:03 PM
While I believe Sanity is highly over-rated, I do understand your position, and hope you take three day weekends now and again. You are one of the best sites on the interwebs, and one of the few to do a book tour! Your Awesomeness knows no bounds. Thanks for all you do.
- January 2, 2010 at 12:03 PM
- Unknown said...
I've always thought it remarkable that you guys post daily, in part because it's a bit face-palmy that there are enough bad cakes to keep that up!
I'll keep coming back regularly even if it's not daily, as long as it's roughly weekly, and I'm sure others will too.
And of course, you'll now have Saturdays free to, say, come to the Austin cake show on the last weekend of February and then use the Sunday to show the super-spiffy SCI-FI-THEMED CAKES that will be there. It will be a major nerd fest of cakey goodness. I know at least one organizer has already invited you guys...you will come, right? Think of all the folks who couldn't come to the second book signing in Austin and how they could come get books from you at the cake show itself (like me!). - January 2, 2010 at 12:04 PM
- davrieb said...
I support this! Better take a break once in a while, then stop having fun in doing it.
- January 2, 2010 at 12:06 PM
- Unknown said...
Sounds like a good idea to take some time off. Thanks for all your hard work both Jen and John, and we will continue to enjoy the wrecks as they arrive.
- January 2, 2010 at 12:07 PM
- Melissa said...
I've been amazed that you've kept up the pace this long! I don't know of any other bloggers who post daily - Fugly Horse of the Day posts five days a week, but she also recycles old posts and takes vacations. And I'd imagine ranting about horse abuse is easier than writing humor!
Seriously, take as much time as you need. The puns are better when you're feeling it.
I'll be reading whenever you're posting! - January 2, 2010 at 12:09 PM
- Vik said...
Though I love my CakeWrecks, people taking care of themselves comes first. No worries about missing a post here & there! :)
- January 2, 2010 at 12:10 PM
- Doublebanker said...
This is very understandable, it's tough to keep up with the maintenance of a blog full time!
- January 2, 2010 at 12:10 PM
- janetsbreeze said...
Enjoy your time together! We will still be here when you get back.
- January 2, 2010 at 12:11 PM
- jen bryner said...
you can only give so much...and then it's important to take care of yourself! if you don't, pretty soon you'll run out of stuff to give, which doesn't benefit anyone. you shouldn't feel like you have to apologize either!! your loyal wreckies won't leave you! rest up babe ;)
- January 2, 2010 at 12:13 PM
- Sheri at The Loopy Ewe said...
Heck, I'd be happy if you posted M-W-F and took holidays off as well as the weekends. This is supposed to be FUN for all of us - and that definitely includes you two! We'll all read and laugh, whenever you decide to post. Throw the "schedule" out the window. :-)
- January 2, 2010 at 12:14 PM
I love that the comments are all from people who genuinely care about Jen & John and who are grateful for the sweet & sour of the cake world on a regular basis, however that is defined.
And please keep beautiful cake Sun going. Maybe a re-run Wed to give you more of a break? - January 2, 2010 at 12:15 PM
Enjoy! You guys deserve Saturdays off!
- January 2, 2010 at 12:15 PM
- Pahz said...
If the world can survive on only three days a week of xkcd comics, we can survive on a little less Wreckiosity.
I'd rather you all keep doing this with enjoyment than have it become a chore.
And thanks for the entertainment you've given us so far. :) - January 2, 2010 at 12:16 PM
- Denise Nagy said...
I agree with everyone else! take the time, enjoy it...
Denise from Beautiful British Columbia - January 2, 2010 at 12:16 PM
- Emily said...
Excellent. I feel that a day off (and sometimes several in a row) is crucial to keep both your sanity and your creative juices flowing.
Also, sometimes you just need to walk away from the computer.
Enjoy! - January 2, 2010 at 12:17 PM
- Sewconsult said...
Take your time! I was disappointed to see no cakes, but I understand. I love your site & have enjoyed my time here since May or June.
Faithful follower,
Beckie in Brentwood, TN - January 2, 2010 at 12:19 PM
- Queen Julian XIII said...
This blog is like having a very demanding, whiny child. You DESERVE to take a day off!!! (for the rest of us, it's called going to work! LOL!) Enjoy!
- January 2, 2010 at 12:21 PM
Quality over quantity rules! Self-care rules! Cake Wrecks rules!
- January 2, 2010 at 12:21 PM
- Raedon Tuck said...
We'll just appreciate you all the more when you do post! Anticipation is the greatest aphrodisiac (or so my husband tells me). I think you can see from all the messages here that you are well loved and that we'd rather see you sometimes than not at all!
- January 2, 2010 at 12:22 PM
- Emily and Laura said...
You guys are amazing enough six days a week to make up for one missed day easily! Heck, if you took two days off a week, we'd all cope. We'd go into wreckdrawal, but we'd cope. :-)
Take whatever time you need for your sanity's sake, and don't worry -- we'll be here whenever you come back! - January 2, 2010 at 12:22 PM
Post when you can, no worries :) I will enjoy them no matter
- January 2, 2010 at 12:23 PM
Every day I run into the living room with my laptop and ask my boyfriend "DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS?!" and he replies "CAKE WRECKS TIME!!!" and we squeal like a bunch of idiots. We're so stressed out with school, work, and lack of money, it is a great relief to laugh it up with cake wrecks every day. Give yourself the much needed break you need so we all can continue getting the laughs we need!
- January 2, 2010 at 12:26 PM
- Summersfam said...
Good for you! I've always been surprised that you post on Saturdays anyway! :)
- January 2, 2010 at 12:27 PM
- Julie said...
I think it's amazing she's able to post as much as she does. Whatever you can manage is much appreciated!
- January 2, 2010 at 12:28 PM
- loisgroat said...
Good plan!
- January 2, 2010 at 12:29 PM
- Amanda | Glittericity said...
Good on you! Most people get at least one day off work a week, why shouldn't you? :) Thanks for all you do!
- January 2, 2010 at 12:30 PM
Joining the throng of well-wishers and support.
As many other commenters have said, everyone deserves time off, and your own well-being is infinitely more important than posting on a weblog, however awesome that weblog may be.
:) - January 2, 2010 at 12:32 PM
- Gumonyershoe said...
Glad to hear you're taking care of yourself and not letting the blog rule your life. I was wondering how you managed it!! I always look forward to your posts, so as someone else mentioned, I'm glad you're taking a day (or two) off just so long as the posts continue!
- January 2, 2010 at 12:34 PM
Sure, I get it. But my two cents? Take Sunday off entirely and just skip Sunday Sweets. They're cool, but it's the wrecks I want.
- January 2, 2010 at 12:34 PM
- Lindy Leigh said...
Fetch yes! We want you to be on your game! Go forth and have a life (but don't leave us all together, you are part of my sanity).
- January 2, 2010 at 12:35 PM
- Jan Holt said...
Congrats on re-joining the ranks of the rest of us mere mortals. Glad you are putting things in perspective and taking care of yourselves.
Rock on CakeWrecks! - January 2, 2010 at 12:36 PM
- Connie Moreno said...
I guess it doesn't help when people like me say, "I check the site every day"!!! You've got your priorities in order...good for you!
- January 2, 2010 at 12:36 PM
- sendingtheclowns said...
Hey, guys,
I bought two copies of THE BOOK for Christmas presents.
They were the last two copies on the shelf.
(The bookstore is going out of business, and I got the books at 40% off--how can they DO that?)
The nice lady who sold them to me was unfamiliar with Cake Wrecks, so I had her stroll through a few pages with me. She was HILARIATED!
ANYway, that was an unintended good deed (my introducing her to youse guys).
Your little book made her day funnier; she laughed out loud!
Even though she'll soon be unemployed.
Laughing makes everything better.
Being able to MAKE people laugh is a GIFT.
We're still going to be here, DUH.
>^-.-^< - January 2, 2010 at 12:36 PM
- Laura said...
sounds good! i was always amazed that you posted everyday anyway. take as much time as you need, rest is so important!
- January 2, 2010 at 12:39 PM
- Unknown said...
Jen and John,
Your blog always, always make me smile and I like to think of you having just as much fun writing it as I have reading it. Please, please post less often and continue to have fun with it - every post. - January 2, 2010 at 12:42 PM
I totally understand and it is a good choice. Love this site!!
- January 2, 2010 at 12:44 PM
- SandyPie said...
Absolutely!!! Take the time you need to you twos and fill in here when you can. I so enjoy your site and I hope you will continue, just at your pace. Happy New Year and thanks for the wrecks!
- January 2, 2010 at 12:46 PM
you should have guest bloggers!
- January 2, 2010 at 12:47 PM
- Zoltar Panaflex said...
Enjoy your Cake Wreck Lite Saturdays!!!!
I know how it goes with the tic....
Take all the rest and recoop (sic) you need - if you only made one post a week I'd still be as thrilled!!!! - January 2, 2010 at 12:48 PM
Your health and sanity are the #1 concerns! Take care of you, because the tears-streaming-down-my-face-from-laughter posts are worth the wait! Also, my sister (whom I introduced to Cake Wrecks) got me "The Book" for Christmas!!! Yay!!!
- January 2, 2010 at 12:52 PM
It's absolutely essential to take care of yourself. Good for you!
Relax, have fun, we'll all be here when you get back. - January 2, 2010 at 12:54 PM
- Karen said...
Yes, you have been posting way too much! I love reading your posts, but I can't imagine the toll that must take. Scale back some! It's okay! Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Enjoy your days off! - January 2, 2010 at 12:55 PM
Thanks for taking care of yourself! Enjoy your time!
- January 2, 2010 at 12:56 PM
you deserve a break! we understand
- January 2, 2010 at 1:00 PM
Yeah for days off!! Don't worry we'll never leave. Wreckies forever!!!
- January 2, 2010 at 1:00 PM
you deserve a break, we understand!
- January 2, 2010 at 1:01 PM
- Temeneos said...
um, that is SO reasonable, and biblical too, the sabbath and all...
I think we can all be supportive and patient...
right? am I right everybody?
*crickets chirping*
uh-oh,,,, - January 2, 2010 at 1:03 PM
On the seventh day God saw that His work was very good and rested. You should too!
Thanks for the great site! - January 2, 2010 at 1:05 PM
No worries! Nobody is invincible; only regret is that you didn't decide this before Christmas and New Year's...I'm sure the breaks then would've been even more appreciated! Happy New Year! Wreck on! :)
- January 2, 2010 at 1:06 PM
- jillb-ilslp said...
Everyone has already expressed my sentiments - but just to voice it so you guys hear it - Yes, yes! Take time off whenever you want. We'll all just keep hitting refresh until a new post appears, even if it takes days, weeks, months. We're addicted and we ain't attending no WA (Wreckaholics Anonymous). We'll wait for our fix.
Regarding Jen's tic - John, perhaps you should add another charity and raise money for her treatments. We don't want to lose either of you!
Hooked on Cwreck - January 2, 2010 at 1:09 PM
Quality not quantity!
- January 2, 2010 at 1:10 PM
- Sherri said...
Long time lurker, second time poster.... Your blog makes me laugh so much, but I am so glad you are taking some time for yourself! Don't worry about us. You rest whenever you need to-- we'll still be here!
- January 2, 2010 at 1:12 PM
- Amy said...
A day off? Bah! I won't stand for it. From now on, I shall take my blog-reading elsewhere.
But seriously, good for you. No one can keep up that kind of pace forever. And I'm sure you could find all sorts of guest bloggers who'd be honored to take over a weekend update if you so chose :) - January 2, 2010 at 1:16 PM
I suppose I can live one day a week without Cakewrecks! Thanks for the hilarity; you deserve a day off!
- January 2, 2010 at 1:18 PM
Even God needed a day of rest :)
Take care of yourself, six days of laughs a week is still going above and beyond the call of duty! - January 2, 2010 at 1:18 PM
I totally understand about the creative process being disrupted by deadline stress.
May I suggest that you post just a couple times per week, on a regular basis? I've a cartoon I follow faithfully, and it publishes only on Tues and Sat. I look forward to those two days. - January 2, 2010 at 1:22 PM
- Jenn said...
EXCELLENT IDEA! Please take time to rest---you guys definitely deserve it...and I'm sure that means that Sunday/Monday posts will be extra funny!? JK
- January 2, 2010 at 1:27 PM
- Ginger said...
Well I certainly understand, although I have to admit just yesterday I was thinking, I wish they would post five or six times a day instead of just once.
- January 2, 2010 at 1:29 PM
Thank you so much for all of the heart and wit that you put into posting this blog. I have cried with laughter numerous times on this site, yelling "you gotta come see this!" down the hallway. Thanks so much for the laughs, and enjoy 2010.
- January 2, 2010 at 1:30 PM
- Shannon said...
That's great that you're taking time off--you need and deserve it! I mean, just the fact that you've seen more than your share of CCC's means you deserve AT LEAST one day a week off. :)
- January 2, 2010 at 1:34 PM
- Nicole said...
Days off are important! Most of us don't even blog every day, so you're already winning. Not like it was a competition or anything, but if it was...you'd so be ahead.
Jen, alcohol should fix that tic. Seriously. - January 2, 2010 at 1:35 PM
- Amy said...
Really - preserve your sanity. Enjoy your day off completely guilt-free. Take a vacation if you want.. but maybe wait til the weather is prettier and the cakes are a-melting.
- January 2, 2010 at 1:35 PM
- Amber said...
That's a fantastic idea...if you get burned out, there won't BE anymore cake wrecks, and we can't have that, can we??
- January 2, 2010 at 1:36 PM
enjoy your days off!
- January 2, 2010 at 1:43 PM
I was worried for a minute there... Enjoy your rest! - January 2, 2010 at 1:44 PM
- Hobbit said...
Some of the wrecks themselves are enough to cause facial tics, so keeping your sanity is important.
Enjoy your Saturday's off, Jen! :-) - January 2, 2010 at 1:45 PM
Jen and John!!
As much as I will totally miss Saturday posts, I know ALL about needing days off.. take your well deserved rest and come back in full funny force later :D - January 2, 2010 at 1:47 PM
Enjoy your days off! You've earned them. :-) This is probably my fave blog...thanks for all the wonderfully hilarious posts! Looking forward to more :-)
- January 2, 2010 at 1:51 PM
I suppose I can get by without a Saturday post. :) Really, you deserve a break at LEAST once a week. Can't wait for your next post!
- January 2, 2010 at 1:52 PM
Any time needed off is fine by me, enjoy!
And Jen, if you're interested in curing those facial tics, I'd suggest a cupcake. ;-) - January 2, 2010 at 1:54 PM
- Typo Tat said...
Honestly, I don't know how you managed so far! You definitely deserve a break every now and then...
- January 2, 2010 at 2:02 PM
- rosehippo said...
I'm surprised there weren't any gingerbread house fails! There HAS to be some horrid ones!
Have fun on Saturdays! :D Ya'als deserve it. - January 2, 2010 at 2:04 PM
- Bratfink said...
Works for me! Now you have no excuse for those items you haven't finished on the 'Honeydew List'.
;) - January 2, 2010 at 2:05 PM
What a relief to finally have a day off from the compulsive need to check the wrecks. Now maybe I can get something done...
- January 2, 2010 at 2:10 PM
- MiniKat said...
Quality is better than quantity... a lesson CCC "artists" would benefit from. ;-)
- January 2, 2010 at 2:11 PM
Take whatever time you need, whenever you need it-- we want you to be happy so that CW can continue! (God knows bakeries will keep on wreckin'.)
If you want, you could even take a day or two a week, post a cake, and let your readers have at it, if you don't feel like writing that day (though I really love your comments). Wrecked cakes need a home, and you've been providing a great one for them, and we all thank you for that! - January 2, 2010 at 2:17 PM
I can't believe you guys post as often as you do. You are unbelievable. Take as many breaks as you need. You don't "owe" us anything, and we all appreciate the time and effort you put into this project. We love it!!! Now, go take care of yourselves!
- January 2, 2010 at 2:17 PM
- qandlequeen said...
Funny, I just finished posting a comment on a different blog that healthy people know when to take a break and not feel guilty about it. Literally just clicked "post comment" and came here.
So go on, be healthy and take your break. We'll still be here. - January 2, 2010 at 2:19 PM
You've had a huge year+, and you deserve to give yourself a break. And it would probably be nice to have a day that didn't look so much like the others. I tell myself that a lot, because all I do right now is chase a small child around all the time and stare at the laundry as it piles up. :) Thanks for the laughs in 2009, and here's to many more to come!
- January 2, 2010 at 2:21 PM
As a wise lolcat once said:
Iz Caturday! Hooray!
So, go relax! Take a 6 hour nap in a nice sunny chair or something! - January 2, 2010 at 2:22 PM
- theRachel said...
Self care is very important! We'll do whatever it takes to support you two to take care of yourselves if that means CW can continue into the future!
- January 2, 2010 at 2:25 PM
I love the blog...but will love it more knowing you still love it too!
- January 2, 2010 at 2:28 PM
- The Caffeinated Mommy said...
Everyone needs a day off! Love your blog, will totally still enjoy it the OTHER six days of the week!
- January 2, 2010 at 2:29 PM
- julie.schellin said...
you guys do such a great job. Do whatever you need to keep the offerings top notch. If that's a day off, you have my permission. :) Thanks for the laughs!!
- January 2, 2010 at 2:32 PM
We'll continue to love your posts, whenever we get them. Thanks for all the hard work!
- January 2, 2010 at 2:35 PM
You guys deserve days off every once and a while, it's perfectly understandable.
My parents suggest I become a stand up comedian sometimes, but then I think about things like this. If you have to force the funny, it's not funny. And you can't cancel a last minute show simply because you're not up to it.
Don't listen to anyone who bitches. They're not paying anything, and you started this for fun. So to hell with them. - January 2, 2010 at 2:35 PM
- Lulubelle B said...
Mental health days are days well spent.
A wise man once told me these should be my priorities: 1. Health 2. Family 3. Job
We'll love ya just as much 6 days a week. - January 2, 2010 at 2:42 PM
WHAT? You're taking a day off after 16 months? Slackers!
Just kidding. You rock! You ARE funny every day.
And next time your husband is dying in the hospital, you can have the rest of the afternoon off. Unless it's just a flesh wound. - January 2, 2010 at 2:44 PM
- . said...
You folks are wonderful, and you more than deserve your Saturdays off. I'm frankly thrilled when talent and consistency go hand-in-hand, and am an avid reader of your blog.
Cheers! Be well! - January 2, 2010 at 2:46 PM
I've always been amazed at the DAILY blogging. My favorite site would never survive if Jen did not come to the conclusion that that kind of pace and dedication, while amazing, cannot be sustained indefinitely. Rest and recharge ya'll. We'll wait.
- January 2, 2010 at 2:51 PM
Enjoy your well deserved day off. with no guilt! We'll catch up the next time. Everyone needs a day off..sheesh! :)
- January 2, 2010 at 2:52 PM
When I started reading this blog (thanks to my sister laughing hysterically and getting me hooked) I was surprised that you posted every day! Nice going for SO long!!! Take days off and just surprise us when you post! We will keep peeking in (hourly) until we see new posts!! HAHAHA
Rest. Sleep. Relax. get a massage... Then come back!!!! - January 2, 2010 at 2:53 PM
I started reading John's post with growing panic until I got to the part of taking *one* day off. Whew! I quite agree that you deserve and need at least one day a week to relax and recharge. I was terrified you both were going to take an extended break.
I am going to ask that you ignore the people suggesting you take off Sunday as well. I love Sunday Sweets as much as the wrecks! I personally wouldn't mind a post from the archives once or twice a week instead. - January 2, 2010 at 3:02 PM
As I was going to the Cakewreck site today, I swear I said to myself, "They need to take a day off every week." And lo and behold, you are starting to see the same thing! But you really need to take EVERY Saturday off. For goodness sake, even the Almighty commands us to, and taa-daa...Shabbat (seventh day, Sabbath, Saturday) is the day he tells us to do so! So you have the Creator's OK for pete's sake...who else do you need to worry about?!! - Nancy from West Virginia
- January 2, 2010 at 3:10 PM
- Kelly said...
Creative geniuses and wrecky madwomen need breaks often to recharge and refuel. Such calamity and humor takes a lot of work. We totally want you to thrive via Cake Wrecks, not go insane. Rest is a weekly prescription that's good for all! Know that we care.
- January 2, 2010 at 3:10 PM
- Chandra said...
As long and you're still having fun, that's all that matters! Sometimes, you just need a day off :D
- January 2, 2010 at 3:12 PM
- Sparky said...
Oh thank God. As much as I enjoy the new Wreckage every day, for last few months I've started to be a little unhappy to always see something fresh. Everyone deserves one or two days off every week, and that goes for both of you as well.
Long story short, I've been worrying about you, and I'm glad you're worrying about yourselves.
Don't stress out about the posting, we'll all be here when you get back. Kick up your feet and let your hair down! - January 2, 2010 at 3:12 PM
Most people get 2 days off from their job. The fact that you've been doing this job (and yes, it takes work to be funny) 7 days a week for 16 months is just amazing. Have fun and get some rest. Mary (of Mary, Tom and Teela)
- January 2, 2010 at 3:13 PM
- Valerie said...
Bless you both for providing us with laughter and inspiration. I was blown away when the posts kept coming even with you in the hospital. And on Xmas. A day off? Good idea. Maybe eve find someone to do guest posts another day of the week to help take the pressure off.
- January 2, 2010 at 3:19 PM
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A Cake Wreck is any cake that is unintentionally sad, silly, creepy, inappropriate - you name it. A Wreck is not necessarily a poorly-made cake; it's simply one I find funny, for any of a number of reasons. Anyone who has ever smeared frosting on a baked good has made a Wreck at one time or another, so I'm not here to vilify decorators: Cake Wrecks is just about finding the funny in unexpected, sugar-filled places.
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Independent warranty provider SquareTrade has released a study of more than 30,000 notebooks tracked through its extended warranty plans—and the results are a little surprising. Computer makers Asus and Toshiba led the pack in terms of notebook system reliability, with fewer than 10 percent of their systems needing repair after two years, with three-year failure rate projections of about 15.6 and 15.7 percent (respectively). And who's in last place? Top computer maker Hewlett-Packard, with more than 15 percent of its systems failing after two years, and a three-year projection forecasting over a quarter of them will fail in three years.
"While our study found netbook malfunction rates to be trending 20 percent higher than more expensive laptops, the variance between manufacturer is far greater and should be a bigger factor in making a buying decision," SquareTrade wrote in its report. "Asus and Toshiba laptops failed just over half as frequently as HP, which makes them a solid bet in terms of reliability."
Overall, SquareTrade reports that 31 percent of all notebook owners reported a failure to SquareTrade; about two thirds of those failure were hardware malfunctions, while the remaining third of the failures were reported as accidental damage.
Unsurprisingly, Squaretrade finds inexpensive netbooks have higher failure rates than more mainstream notebook computers—and premium notebook systems have lower failure rates still. After a year, some 5.8 percent of netbooks had a malfunction, compared to 4.7 percent of mainstream notebooks and 4.2 percent of premium notebooks—that makes the failure rate for netbooks more than 20 percent higher than entry-level mainstream notebooks and 40 percent higher than premium notebooks. However, SquareTrade does note that netbooks haven't been on the market very long, so the repair and problem data is still inconclusive.
SquareTrade is in the business of offering independent warranties to consumers. To produce this data, SquareTrade tracked failure rates for over 30,000 new notebook computers covered by SquareTrade warranty plans. Although that sample set is self-selecting—there's no way of knowing how representative SquareTrade customers are of everyday computer users—the data does suggest significant variations in reliability among computer manufacturers…or significant variations among the way SquareTrade customers select and use different manufacturers' products.
And industry darling Apple? SquareTrade ranked them number four behind Asus, Toshiba, and Sony, with a two-year failure rate a little over 10 percent and a projected three-year failure rate of 17.4 percent. Above average…barely.
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text:
SALINA, Kan. (AP) Kansas Wesleyan University leaders have chosen three finalists to consider as the next president of the Salina school.
The finalists announced Monday are Brian McGee, chief of staff and senior policy adviser at the College of Charleston in Charleston, S.C.; Roger Drake, vice president of finance at Lindsey Wilson College in Kentucky; and Matthew Thompson, vice president for advancement at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Fla.
The Salina Journal reports the presidential search committee chose the finalists from eight candidates. The men will visit the Salina campus in the next two weeks to meet with faculty, staff and students.
The next president will replace Fletcher Lamkin, who resigned last June after a 2.5-year tenure marked by controversy as many employees resigned or were fired.