text:
Richard Lawson's Bold Admissions Include His Affection for The Dixie Chicks
Inspired by BlackBerry, Gawker commissioned former staff writer Richard Lawson to relay his boldest experience, and here it (they) is (are). Read his original, Northeast-spanning essay below to discover how '90s pop-punk outfit The Offspring and Menopause: The Musical altered the course of his life.
Talking about a bold thing I've done, something that's changed me, is hard. First off, crowing about our own boldness feels sort of arrogant, doesn't it? Obviously we're all the decided heroes in our own weird myths, but those legends are mostly kept quiet within ourselves, kept spirited and secreted away, only rarely spoken out loud while perched on bar stools or a therapist's couch. And second, we're usually so unaware of our own boldness when the actual act of boldness—or daring, or courage, or whatever—is occurring. So to try and sift through my own meager personal history and siphon out some good story about how I stepped boldly outside of myself and won in the end requires a somewhat depressing bit of self-analysis; it's easy to start to think that I've never done anything bold, that it was all just stuff I did once when it seemed like the right thing to do.
But of course I'm probably shorting myself. I have acted boldly! I have emboldened myself! When I was in sixth grade, I, with considerable goading from my friend Rob, publicly confessed to the deep, queasy ache I had in my heart for a girl named Alicia, whose best friend Rob was "dating" at the time, whom I was sort of forced into loving so we could, the four of us, become the perfect, square double couple. And do that I did, rather amazingly in hindsight, one day at recess—walked straight up to Alicia in front of her friends, told her I needed to talk to her, and under a tree in Newton, Massachusetts told her I liked her. I was bold twice more with her, giving her a birthday present (an Offspring CD, ugh) and a Valentine's Day gift right in the hallway for all to see. But I'm not sure that really qualifies, as that had probably more to do with social pressure than with some innate, sudden fire within myself.
I somehow, a few years later, found the boldness to audition for school plays. Though I continued to do so all the way through to senior year of college, which wasn't that long ago, the idea now that I used to, somewhat regularly, stand in front of friends or strangers (more than likely friends, but still) and do a whole monologue is pretty crazy. And that I would then, providing there were good results from the audition, go on to perform a play in front of an audience full of people, well that just seems insane. I guess that was bold of me, but again with the social stuff, I was joined by cast mates, by fellow auditioners—I was part of a team. Boldness in numbers counts, but probably not for this assignment.
So I think I'm going to have to say that, cheesy and simple as it is, the time in my life so far that I was boldest was when, a month after being laid off from my job and moving back to my parents' house on my birthday, I packed up the little details of the life I knew and left Boston for the first time, headed to New York on July 4th, 2006, winding into town on a bus and pretending that the fireworks fizzling over the river were all for me. I had just accepted a job three days prior, had nowhere to live, only knew a handful of scattered people in the city, and, as mentioned, had never really left Boston. The longest I'd ever been away from home was six weeks. But this new adventure was promising, if it worked out right, to be forever. Or at least as much of forever as a 23-year-old can imagine. Most importantly for the boldness of this, I was doing this by myself. My sister wasn't coming with me, my parents were only half-supportive (they encouraged me, they just thought I was crazy to do it like this, with so little planning), and, again, I had nowhere to live.
I was lucky enough to have a friend, a former coworker from Menopause: The Musical in Boston, on whose couch I could crash, so I at least had a place to lay my head. I know this doesn't sound terribly dramatic, or terribly bold (maybe it even sounds easy), but for a kid who tried valiantly his whole adolescent life to assert that he wasn't sheltered to put his money where his mouth was and actually prove that he could hack it in the bohemian circus of New York was, the more I think of it in ensuing years, pretty big. For me, at least, it was big.
And it worked out! Here I am writing a thing for a thing about this thing I did once and I had no idea or dream, even, that that could possibly happen as I sat on that bus almost six years ago and watched Connecticut yawn by. All I knew was that one day I woke up in Boston and I'd go to sleep in New York, and thus would begin many other nights of the same, thus would begin the long and strange and often very difficult process of taking my little paws and carving out a new home. I know this story is shared by lots of people, in different cities in many different places, so to that end I'd hope that we can all appreciate for ourselves just how bold we were—to leave home, to strike out, to do all that stuff that the Dixie Chicks sing about in "Wide Open Spaces." It's quite a thing, actually. And something we largely do on our own. So good for me. Good for us. How bold.
Actually, wait, strike that. The boldest thing I've ever done is just now admitting that I like the Dixie Chicks song "Wide Open Spaces." I'm not sure I'm proud of that one yet, though.
Have you lived as boldly as Richard has? Prove it: send your 500-word essay/blog post/epic poem/manifesto to Gawker at email@example.com with "My Boldest Experience" as the subject line. The best (funniest, most compelling, least lame) of the bunch will be published here on Friday, and then you can revel in that particular glory and gloat to all of your friends who have Internet access. Entries are due by noon EST on Thursday, March 1, 2012.
For inspiration, check out the BlackBerry® Bold™ 9900/9930, providing all the power you need to boldly go anywhere.
Richard Lawson is the senior arts and entertainment writer for The Atlantic Wire, and has previously written for The Awl, Out magazine, The Guardian, and, for four years, Gawker.com.


text:
Friday Facts: If one millionaire followed the Buffett Rule
Even if just one of the 400 wealthiest Americans paid their fair share in taxes under President Obama's Buffett Rule, it would raise $32 million in revenue. That money could be used to pay down our national deficit, hire more teachers and firefighters, help seniors pay for their prescriptions, and better serve our veterans. Check out this slideshow to see how it all adds up—then use the Buffett Rule tax calculator to do the math for yourself.

subset: commoncrawl


text: I have been looking around for a DOS Based Instant Messenger interface program. Something such as Gaim or Trillian but non GUI with a simple Command line interface. I have not been able to find anything of the nature, so I thought to myself, how difficult could it be to code, simple socket based interface using specific protocols. I need to get onboard the socket programming wagon, so to speak, however before I start programming this. Someone, perhaps one of you advanced programmers, those who love more than others to boast upon their programming skill, I call upon you now, think of me not merely as one man, think of me as all those who cling on to the simple era of DOS and command line interface. Someone, make this, and license this under the GNU public license, or if you already have, please let me know.


text:
I wanna go to Australia and swim with the sharks. That looks so cool.
He who laughs last thinks slowest
#oldmanbeatdown - Donny BB16
It's why I wish TAR could be, at the very least, 90 minutes for the premiere (or 2 hours). Unlike Survivor and Big Brother, which could also use extended premieres for the sake of getting to know the cast, TAR does move so quickly because of the fact that it's an international race. Especially the first episode. I obviously want to see the cast and get to know faces (not meet a team in the final 3 that I don't remember from the beginning) but I hate missing the locations, too. I think TAR does better on focusing on all the teams for the most part, whereas some other shows focus on just a few select people from the start. This is the first episode of TAR I enjoyed in quite awhile. Last season was really good, better than seasons 14-16 for me, and I hope this AS is equally as good. I don't care about any teams making it except Gary/Mallory, the cowboys, and Kisha/Jen (since I have the kiss of death they're probably all screwed ), but the only teams I wouldn't miss at this point are Zev/Justin, Mel/Mike, and Ronald (can Christina be the 3rd team mate with Gary/Mallory?)Me either. I wasn't excited about this one, either. However, I'm liking it now because I've seen each team at work before, already know their names, and don't have to read the screen all the time to figure out who they are. There's a silver lining to this because Amazing Race can move sooooo fast!
I'm glad to see Jet and Cord again. They're fun. I would also liked to have seen Ken and Tina from Season 13 (I think). A little tired of Gary and Mallory already, though.
[QUOTE=karalott;4201780]I'd love to just go to Australia (I'll skip swimming with the sharks; any fun activities with koala bears? That's more my speed).
Did you know koala bears spend a great deal of their time sleeping because eucalyptus is a sort of natural sedative? At least that's what they told me at the Columbus zoo....
There's no place like home!
I do agree however, that he was the voice of reason in this case - a million dollars isn't compared to the poor man having a heart attack. It was more important that said man was OK.
I'm loving the season so far, and think the U-Turn at the beginning is inspired. These are afterall seasoned racers, so why not have this weird twist thrown in there?
And - note one very interesting thing they mention about the express pass: It can be used in ANY stage this go apparently (though I would believe that the final leg it's out of play because the team could try to keep it until the end and get out of the final challenge. That wouldn't be fair). So, it would be an advantage to hold onto it as long as possible because I think the challenges must be very difficult this time.
(BTW, I really do think they're going to have the dreaded haybale challenge or its equivalent, i.e. when they had the digging for clues one time that eliminated another team some years ago).
Hmm. It seems that all but two teams and the cowboys asked for the answer and got it from the others. Also the collaborations are with teams they ran with previously. Maybe they should have limited the number to one team per season.
Even though they had to land for a medical emergency, I rather enjoyed the fact that right off the bat timetables were screwed up. Also...do you realize how far it is to travel by car from Palm Springs to LA International through traffic? Yikes! They must have been on the freeways at least two hours. Ontario International would have been closer, but maybe they don't handle Quantas.
I'm so glad to see Kynt and Vyxin, and so happy to see they haven't changed in the last couple of years. They are a hoot. The cowboys were my favorites on their race, but I don't know how far they will go if the challenges involve brain power. I guess we wait to see if they can catch up and pass the last team.
I want to go on the 16ft sailboats. That looked really cool.
The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity. Dorothy Parker, (attributed)
Doesn't Big Easy's nickname come from the fact that he's from New Orleans?


text:
Discussion in 'Odds & Ends' started by pushing_wins, Feb 21, 2013.
if i were to start up a business, which would be the better choice?
both.... full life cycle of the product...
Whichever you choose, make sure you moonlight as a guy who repairs those holes people put in their ear lobes. They look like cattle ear tags for chavs.
I would go for tattoo removal. I've got 20+ tattoos and when you're involved in the "culture" so to speak you really get to see just how many dime-a-dozen shops are out there. That said, even if you don't have the best artists working for you there are always young kids who want a tat on a whim and don't care where it comes from. To establish rapport though you need good artists AND customer service on your side.
I prefer not to date girls with tattoos... Sorry, it's unattractive.
There's alot of people with terrible tattoos that they received. I think there's a little bit more profit in removing tattoos or doing cover-ups.
I dont know what the equipment costs are for either choice, but i can tell you my tattoo cost $350 (1994 prices) and when its all said and done it will have cost me nearly $2,000 to have it removed :-?
Same here, tats on females is just wasted money and worse looks.
Speak for yourselves! I dig girls with tattoos, but then again, I also have many many tattoos.
Get a franchise:
agree. . . . .
My friend got a Toy Story Alien tattoo on his shoulder.....
Why? What purpose?
Some people get tattoos just to show off how stupid and bad the tattoo looks and the decision they made...
Exactly .
Man I'm the only one defending tattoos here! I don't think anyone gets a tattoo with the purpose of showing off how stupid the idea is. Some people may think an idea is a good one and then regret it later though, happens all the time. Did he have a reason for the toy story tat? I have a tattoo of a zebra head, why? Because zebra was my son's first word. I've learned to not always judge right off the bat when it comes to tattoos. I've got tons of stuff that I've drawn up to represent certain things that are important to me, in passing i'm sure it seems to make no sense to the person that doesn't know the underlying meaning.
Traditionally, tattoos become less popular in bad economic times, most likely because it is harder to find employment so the large pool of available labor allows employers to discriminate more easily against those with tattoos. So, I think there's probably more money to be made in tattoo removal.
However, though I think it has slowed down, the turn of the century tattoo fad is still fairly strong among young people.
That's true... to an extent.
But in your case, did you need permanent ink as a constant reminder of that word your son first said?
You could've easily remembered it.
Lucky for you his first word wasn't "caca".
Well of course I didn't NEED it, all I NEED is food and water. But just like I enjoy tennis, I enjoy tattoos.
No he had no reason at all.
Not really the same thing.
I'm the unluckiest chap in the world with my tattoos.
At the end of last year I was getting my Jimmy Savile tattoo removed, now I'll have to go back for my Pistorius one.
Wait, what? You had a tattoo of the Blade Runner?
Overdrive is confused..
Okay, getting tattoos is different from getting food and water. Two of these you need to survive, one of them you don't. :|
I think the former may have some of our US cousins confused, but that made me laugh Mozz, how are you doing?
Well in that case he's just as bad as the thousands of people walking around with tribal tattoos that mean nothing!
Perhaps. What it really comes down to is difference of opinion, tattoos are one of those things that either you understand/agree with or you don't. I love everyone, bare skinned or decorated like myself
He is just as bad!
If you can make more money from removing tattoo's I'd say go for Tattoo removal. Or do both.
Personally I could never have a tattoo, I hate them. I have no problem with other people having them though, some people look cool with them. Much the same way I looked cool with long hair years ago (or so I probably thought...).
Incidentally this thread really reminded me of Dr. Seuss's "The Sneetches". An excellent book with a valuable lesson.
Not bad thanks Dave. How are you doing?
yeah we have a term for that kind of tribal, but it might be racially offensive:wink:...but i like my kind of tattoo from my own culture, and everyone elses culture...its meaningful....but i do appreciate modern tattoos as an art too
i have a tattoo...i never used to like girls with tattoos but now, its ok i guess...but i think id still be more attracted to girls without.
It's hard to be the one defending things that are unpopular, especially with the older crowd I think people are quick to judge things they don't understand, and the understanding portion of the argument is subjective, so there's no right way to approach these discussions. There are many anecdotal cases of good/bad tattoo stories, it's easy to judge. IMHO there are so many things that are more concerning in society than the act of getting a tattoo/piercing/etc, but we like to have things to talk about, I guess. In the end, if someone disagrees with you, it's simple to dismiss your reasoning if you're already "just wrong."
Maybe he gets to see it in the mirror on a daily basis as a reminder of what he's living his life for? It doesn't HAVE to make sense to you. I personally think it's the exact same thing as someone having self-destructive spending habits and racking up thousands of dollars of credit card debt. Why is it OK to criticize someone because they got a mark on their body, but it seems acceptable/accepted that someone smokes cigarettes, etc? IMHO, that's an equally visual indication of someone unable to reason/follow a logical train of thought, no? Is the counter argument that they can quit? Is it/is it not still a character flaw? Is being pre-disposed to addiction and/or fallacious images of 'cool' not at all comparable to having a "permanent" mark on your body? Is it the (opportunity) cost?
I'm all for people having their own opinions regarding body modifications, but there's interesting (double) standards when it comes to calling these decisions out, I find.
Couldn't have said it better myself, tattoos are definitely one of those really subjective areas. I've encountered quite a bit of judgement so I'm used to it but people are stuck in their ways.
DD, I did not question his character. You took that post way too close to heart or over-looked it. I simply asked him a question regarding the actual purpose and the reason of it. So far, he hasn't answered it. I asked another person with a tattoo and they answered it with complete nonsense. And I should've change 'permanent' to 'semi-permanent' (as they can be removed, but can cost a pretty petty).
I didn't say it HAS to make sense to me. Objectively, it doesn't make sense.
I didn't say that I accepted smoking either. I don't go into areas where smoking is allowed and I'm usually not around smokers because produces second-hand smoking. However, I'm not saying anything about their character either; it's just a preference on my health and what is best for me.
So you equate tattooing as being no worse than self-destructive spending habits and thousands dollars of bets?
That sounds like calling out someone for their decisions for having a tattoo!
Bizarre argument or very poorly framed.
Why should it have to be explained? That's my point. Do you go around asking people why they smoke? In that vein -- are you even curious? Assuming an individual smokes w/ no tattoos, and does not smoke w/ tattoos, I'd say the lifetime cost of smoking trumps a tattoo PLUS removal (strict out of pocket cost, not even including health). Objectively, to me (read as: subjectively), smoking doesn't make sense either, but there's not the same stigma attached to it. My question is why? You also quickly jumped to the conclusion of "lame," AND made the bold claim of all females ruining their attractiveness from having tattoos, pardon the knee jerk reaction (to your knee jerk reaction), but that is pretty close to a dismissal if I had to label it. Also, I was asking whether or not it was a character flaw, I think you interpolated that hypothetical a little far... I'm not attacking you, I'm trying to gather some reasoning here, as you've made the bold claim of objective sense above. My prodding point here is that there are a lot of things in life that don't make 'objective' sense, why should tattoos be sensible? I should also point out that you are projecting your bias on to everyone on the planet if you're claiming "objective" sense. Obviously it makes sense to SOMEONE (or, at the very least, it made sense to someone at some point). I'll have to question the objective claim, apologies if this rubs you the wrong way.
Yeah, my OP was poorly worded, reading it again. The previous sentence is actually very important from a contextual standpoint, though. The thought was a continuation of things that do or do not make sense. I'm not equating the act of getting a tattoo with self-destructive spending/smoking. I'm saying it's NOT equated when it comes to judging (making sense of things), assuming all behavior is less-than-ideal. It should be apparent why spending yourself frivolously into debt, OR increasing your own chances of lung cancer is a bad thing, right? Why aren't these behaviors questioned, but it's completely acceptable (read the thread) to make snarky remarks (resnarkies?). I'm trying (with little success) to point out that there's a stigma attached specifically to tattoos, and the stigma is one of 'self destruction' and/or irresponsibility and/or temporary lack of judgement. While this may or may not be true in many, many, many cases, it's not a fact. My question is: why the stigma? I'm also not referring to gambling above, although I guess that could make sense.
Edit: Reading your Sneetches comment above, I'd actually say we're arguing the same point, although my OP was worded pretty terribly.
Everything has an explanation. Everything. And the things that we don't know are because we do not have the resources or data to find the truth about it.
Well, It doesn't even matter about the tattoos because the people who remove tattoos for a living have to make ends meet somehow. So, the more nonsensical tattoos people get and later regret, the better the tattoo removing business will be.
Yeah, I did say that. I was raised in a conservative environment; however, I will make the judgement whether to pursue any relationships with a woman who bears a tattoo. I used the word 'Lame' as reference to a television reference.
I'm not taking it as personal, I understand your points.
I don't see the need for all the hate about tattoos. If they mean something to YOU then that's all that matters. All the prejudiced responses by people without them just seems unnecessary. Whether or not you understand the meaning or lack thereof is not really important, as in the end, the person with the tattoo is the one who has to deal with it.
I knew someone here was going to say that. That's the equivalent to a "get out of jail free card" to any conversation about subjective topics.
Like I said before, most people get tattoos just because of the more popular 'trend' of it and don't understand the meaning of it.
In the earlier tribes, tattoos can symbolize social status, accomplishments and specific tribe.
Sure they can deal with it, but it doesn't make sense for people to persuade others on getting a "love" or a "dolphin" tattoo or some crap like that for no other reason.
I thought I did answer it, I said that of course I didn't NEED it. I simply get tattoos of things that mean something to me because I'm interested in tattoos, I don't know what else there is to say. I think I'm as normal as the next guy, I just have ink.
Oh yeah, you did.
Like I said before, no one's character was in question.
Deleted by mhj202
I feel like Overdrive is getting attacked a bit here and I don't like it! I'm just viewing it as a discussion, in my eyes it's just a difference in hobbies! Some folks like tattoos and some don't, so regardless of other people's views I just want to put it out there that there are no hard feelings on my part. I'm just excited to talk about tattoos on TW!
Eh, I'm not sure how to interpret your opening statement in the context of this thread, though. Isn't this the equivalent of the "get out of jail free" statement that you're pointing out below? What's the point of the opening statement? I'm not even trying to be argumentative here, I feel like I may be missing something. While there may exist an explanation for 'everything,' indeed; you're going to go through life and have many, many questions left unanswered by the time you die. Even if an explanation exists, what does this mean for each of us on a personal/day to day basis?
I should humbly note that I don't dispute the fact that people get dumb tattoos and make bad decisions. The semi-permanence is a reminder of this fact, and I don't dispute that the general approach towards getting tattoos should be one of/with caution and forethought.
I find it curious that you bring up a conservative environment, does having a tattoo make one a liberal? How do you feel about armed forces tattoos? Again, I'm not trying to hound you, but this is a curious statement to me. If it's a religious concern, that discussion is off limits of the board (per removal of R&R subforum, so I'll be happy to leave it at that).
In the end, it truly is your preference who you prefer/decide to pursue relationships with, but the fact that you denounced/dismissed people because of it seems to call one's character into question (physical appearance or not). I apologize if I made that assumption/posed a hypothetical question which 'called you out' where I shouldn't have, but I didn't feel like it was a huge stretch. I didn't mean to imply you were disrespecting someone else. It's cool with the 'lame' comment, but I'm not sure how I was supposed to catch on to the TV reference...
Yep. People hate this argument, but it really is this simple in my eyes. Question though, to those that think this is a silly argument: Is putting a tattoo in a visible location by definition an invitation to comment on it? I'd really be interested to hear peoples' thoughts on this.
In the end, though, does the discussion really have any bearing on your life? That's one of the reasons that the 'get out of jail free' card exists, because it's a silly discussion at the end of the day. Both parties disagree and there's no real resolution. If there was, this wouldn't really be a discussion to begin with. This is starting to feel like a Nadal doping accusation thread to me. One party says "it's obvious Nadal dopes, his results/recovery is unnatural. roll" The other party says "you can't prove it." The cycle goes 'round and 'round.
Well, I'm not going to comment on the diss there, and I don't think that was really necessary, but...
I think in all fairness we should be mature enough to acknowledge that there are some pretty terrible tattoos out there, and humans have been known to make a mistake or two over the course of history, and none of us are above that fact. I don't think meeting a dismissive statement with an insult is really the solution to this one, though
P.S. OP, sorry for the epic derail of your thread. These sorts of discussions are pretty much inevitable. I should warn myself.
Much agreed! As someone with both arms almost full I think it is an invitation for people to comment on my work and I don't mind it because statistically it's outside of the norm and people are curious. At least once a day I get someone that comments on my tattoos, they're bright and colorful and I haven't had one person say anything bad about them (to me at least!).
My comment wasn't solely a reaction to his responses in this thread but rather his posts all over the board, including some that are somewhat directly negatively inclined toward you and your moderation of this board.
In any case, out of respect to you and the topic of this thread, I have deleted my post.
If you were statistically overweight (outside of the norm [and lets assume you don't actively take care of yourself, and that it is 'within your control']), is that an invitation to comment upon physical appearances? Is it completely different? If so, why? (I'm just bringing up silly discussion topics, it's completely possible there should be little in common between the two situations)
I don't doubt it was, and I accept that I won't be well loved by everyone I don't think it's worth adding fuel to the fire over, though. Respect!
Good question! At one point before losing weight to join the Military I weighed 330 lbs and I don't think it's too different. Can you expect people to stare and make comments behind your back? Of course, but because it's such a sensitive and personal issue it's just not brought up to you directly, aside from concerned family anyway.
Behind-the-back comments aside, wouldn't you consider the act of getting a tattoo very sensitive and personal? Why are tattoos automatically public "fair game" for comments and/or criticisms? Is it because it's very "in your face"? It's a curious phenomenon to me. Maybe i'm being facetious, though. I'm very happy that in your experience, though, that having body art has been an overwhelmingly positive experience (w.r.t. strangers' feedback). I imagine it's not as easy for everyone
Yes, even though there is an explanation for everything, you may not know specific events in time that are unknown until after you die. There are more people who live on a day/personal basis, and I think these people are forgetting about what happened in the past (specifics).Heck, people don't even know who the 1st President of the United States was! Honestly, I have never seen a conservative has a tattoo. Austin (Very Liberal) is one of those areas where nearly everything is accepted there. It's basically the San Francisco of Texas to an extent.
In the Armed Forces, some of those guys get tattoos for the pride that they have for the unit that they served in. Others are pressured into having one...
Sorry about the TV preference.. and don't be sorry.
The only reason I can understand why tattoos are 'becoming more popular' are because they are 'conversation pieces' on their bodies. Remember when you have a very odd item in your house and the guests that come ask about it? Basically, it feel that's the evolution of 'conversation pieces'. Most people I see these days actually get tattoos for the attention...
This discussion does have bearing in my life because I see the number of ridiculous tattoos out there and the media 'eating' this up as a 'trend'.
That's true. This is one of those 'roundabout' conversations where the topic can go on forever.
Separate names with a comma.


text:
Sheridan College 945.00
Laramie Co. Community College 870.00
Gillette 850.00
Casper College 690.00
University of Wyoming 685.00
Chadron State College 430.00
Otero 390.00
Gillette 770.00
University of Wyoming 380.00
Chadron State College 187.00
Laramie Co. Community College 120.0
Lamar Community College 77.00
Casper College 15.00
STATE TENNIS - The Bronc and Lady Bronc tennis teams completed their season Saturday at the state championships.
The Lady Broncs finished 4th the Broncs were 9th, the Lady Broncs Number two Doubles team of Libby Standish and Lennon Dregoiw finished 2nd and for the broncs Ethan Kutz won the number two singles consolation bracket.
SWIMMING / DIVING - The Lady Bronc swimmers and divers took first place in their own invitational Saturday on Friday they went unbeaten in the Sheridan invite duals.
Sheridan 30 Kelly Walsh 7
Natrona 14 Cheyenne East 7
Rock Springs 39 Cheyenne South 13
Thunder Basin 47 Campbell County 0
Laramie 23 Cheyenne Central 13
Pine Bluffs 51 Tongue River 6
Big Horn 38 Lusk 0
Rawlins 18 Buffalo 6
Kaycee 80 Hulett 0
Lady Broncs in 4th place Broncs in 7th place going into the finals today.
Lady Broncs won the Glenn Legler invitational in Casper the Broncs were 3rd.
Lady Broncs 2-1 at the Casper invite Big Horn is 0-3 the tournament concludes today.
Tongue River 3 Lovell 0
STATE TENNIS - The Bronc and Lady Bronc tennis teams are playing at the state championships in Gillette the Lady Broncs sit in first place one point better than Cheyenne Central and Cody they had a great first day as all the Lady Broncs made it to today's semi finals.
The Broncs sit in 7th place but the boys race is tight with only four points separating the top seven teams.
SWIMMING / DIVING - The Lady Bronc swimmers and divers host a pre-invitational meet this evening at 4:00 and the Sheridan invitational will start tomorrow morning at 9:00
STATE TENNIS - The Bronc and Lady Bronc tennis teams will play at the state championships in Gillette play opens today.
SWIMMING / DIVING - The Sheridan Lady Bronc swimmers and divers host a pre-invitational meet tomorrow at 4:00 and the Sheridan invitational will start Saturday morning at 9:00
X-COUNTRY - The Bronc and Lady Bronc Cross country teams run at the Glenn Legler invitational in Casper tomorrow.
VOLLEYBALL - The Lady Bronc volleyball team and Big Horn Lady Rams will play at the Casper invitational tournament play begins tomorrow.
STATE GOLF - The Sheridan high school golfers finished up the state tournament in Evanston Tuesday the Broncs finished 3rd winning a playoff Kirby Coe-Kirkham was the Broncs top finisher in 2nd place one shot of the lead, Abby James was the Lady Broncs top finisher in 13th place.
COWBOY FOOTBALL - The Wyoming Cowboys will try and regroup this week in the aftermath of a brutal home loss to Oregon.
Head coach Craig Bohl was most upset with the Cowboys receiving numerous unsportsmanlike conduct and personal foul penalties.
The Cowboy offense didn't do much all night against the Ducks and Bohl says there could be some changes coming this week.
BRONC FOOTBALL - The Sheridan Broncs beat Thunder Basin 45-20 to run their record to 4-0, it was a brutal night for weather with rain, cold and wind and after a sluggish start they got rolling taking a 24-0 lead at halftime, after the game Head coach Don Julian.
Despite the rough start Julian says it was a tough night on the players and they are pleased to be 4-0.


text:
Time waits for no one, not even Pete Brennan the strappingly handsome second-banana on the undefeated 1957 UNC national championship team.
Brennan has been a folk hero in North Carolina since the shot of his life saved the NCAA semifinals against Michigan State, allowing the Tar Heels to go on and whip Kansas the next night to complete what is still the most cherished sports story in the history of a state that has had so many.
But today, the shot of his life for Brennan is what he calls a "miracle drug" named Lupron, which he is taking to slow down and contain the prostate cancer that has spread to a nearby bone mass. Brennan, 6-7 and 220 pounds in his playing days, is in tough shape at UNC Hospitals as he also fights to recover from severe Diverticulitis that has caused leakage and requires heavy-duty antibiotics.
Brennan has been back in Chapel Hill for the last few years after having some major ups and downs in business and his personal life. He stays in touch with other surviving members of the Carolina dream team, particularly All-Everything forward Lennie Rosenbluth who also settled here after losing his first wife and getting married again to the former Diane Stabler.
The young Brennan was a tough guy, a former Marine who still looked roughish and invincible into his 50s and 60s. He never flaunted it, but when asked loved to talk about taking that rebound off a missed Michigan State free throw and driving the length of the court to tie the game as the horn sounded. The Tar Heels won in triple overtime and survived three more extra periods 24 hours later to beat Kansas and Wilt Chamberlain in Kansas City.
He was one of Frank McGuire's "Four Catholics" recruited from New York City to join Rosenbluth and turn a good team into a great one. Chapel Hill did not have a Catholic church at the time, so Mass was held every Sunday in a building on campus because that's what McGuire had promised the parents of Brennan, Bob Cunningham, Tommy Kearns and Joe Quigg. Eventually, McGuire and Billy Carmichael Jr. (the other prominent Catholic in town) raised the money to build St. Thomas More.
Brennan, 75, loved shuffling into WCHL to do "Pete's Picks" on the local pre-game show, and his winning percentage of around 85 might have been even higher had he used his head over his heart on the rare occasion when the Tar Heels were not favored to win. But he could never pick against the team that, in his mind, was always undefeated.
When Chapelboro launched a special section called "Drive to a Championship," Brennan and Rosenbluth contributed a Wednesday column that traced their magical season and paralleled it to the 2012 Tar Heels who were also a favorite to win it all. Unlike the 1957 team, which kept its five starters healthy, injuries killed Carolina's chances at the end.
Brennan could not work on the final installment of the series, which described how the '57 Heels lost Rosenbluth to fouls late in regulation but still somehow held off Chamberlain and the Jayhawks to win, 54-53. That's when Pete's friends started worrying about him because he never missed a radio show or deadline. Calls to Brennan went to voicemail, which said his message box was full. Even Rosenbluth could not reach him.
Too sick to leave his apartment and too proud to call for help, Brennan stayed home for nearly two months except for doctor appointments. They were treating his painful stomach ache but also diagnosed the prostate cancer. It seemed like a death sentence for Brennan until his type of cancer matched up with those that had responded well to a shot of Lupron every three months. So Brennan could actually leave the hospital next week to rehab and try to regain some of the 40 pounds he has lost.
Last week, he had about 30 visitors to his hospital room – Rosenbluth, Quigg and his wife Carol, his four daughters who live from Atlanta to up-state New York and some of the people who love the big guy. "I never knew I had so many friends," Brennan said this week between long naps.
His doctor concurred that if they can get the Diverticulitis under control so the punctures in his stomach can heal, Pete has a chance to keep playing.
"A priest I know came by to see me," Brennan said, his blue eyes still twinkling, "and asked me if I wanted him to give me Last Rites.
"I told him, not yet. I'm not ready."


text:
023 8029 3784
Mid week Autumn Offer available during October. Call 02380 293 784 for more details. Don't delay as rooms are selling fast.
Enjoy an autumn stay with us taking in the last of the summer sun in the New Forest with our special break. Overnight stay with full English breakfast and an early evening selection of TapaVina's and a glass of Sherry before indulging in a selected 3 course dinner menu £249.50 per room/per night, two people sharing, inclusive of VAT. Subject to availability and Sunday to Thursday only.
AND...... on selected days only, we are offering a Late Availability rate for the last room left to sell. £205.00, (subject to availability), to include accommodation, a glass of Prosecco each, 3 course dinner from our Selected dinner menu, full English breakfast and VAT, for two people sharing.
Please call 02380 293 784 for dates and availability.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
A Late Availability rate is a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of the boutique chic of Hotel TerraVina with its exceptional wines (and the 'Best Sommelier in the World') and food, as well as the New Forest and nearby Lyndhurst, Lymington, Beaulieu, Buckler's Hard, the Solent and Southampton
Here's Gerard of Winebox TV and both Gerard, Nina and the hotel in an excerpt from the popular ITV series 'The Secrets of My Success'. Hotel TerraVina was also recently voted one of the best new places to stay in the world by Conde Nast Traveler, one of 'the 65 most stylish most innovative, most luxurious hotels....' from a shortlist of thousands. Hotel TerraVina is owned and managed by Gerard and Nina Basset. Gerard was one of the co-founders of the Hotel du Vin group and is one of the world's top sommeliers (three times second in the World Sommelier Championship). So if you enjoy good wines and like talking to a celebrated wine team, then this is hotel for you. Here is a detailed synopsis of the hotel by Nina Basset.
Registered Office: Fiander Tovell LLP, Stag Gates House, 63/64 The Avenue,
Southampton, Hampshire SO17 1XS, United Kingdom.
Company Number: 600 3856. VAT Number: 900 2668 54.
© 2009 Hotel TerraVina Limited. All rights reserved | Legal | Site Map
Website design by Skyline Advertising
Website management and marketing by Alberghi Marketing


text:
School is officially in session for many Atlanta schools, but if you haven't already grabbed a pair for your scholar – or still need to grab a pair for yourself – there are two distinct shoes from Guess and Reebok, available at Famous Footwear, that may be worth your time.
First, the G by Guess.
Every girl has a tomboy side that likes to debut a comfy, low-key look that still attracts attention yet doesn't come with a great deal of upkeep and cumbersome accessories. That's why the G by Guess brand is perfect as it was designed for those women and men who enjoy Guess but also prefer a casual look from time to time. The G by Guess fall 2013 shoe collection caters to that concept with its Breezy Bootie, for the lighthearted lady.
The look of the Breezy Bootie is no stranger to fashion, but the G by Guess stayed true to the gist of what lovers of this boot want and like. For newcomers to the look, the Breezy Bootie is a great introduction to this sort of rugged and worn look that can take a girl from a comfortable road trip to a long day of shopping for furniture or even a new boyfriend.
Although the shoe toys with masculinity it boldly screams "G stands for Girl Power" with its suede leopard lining that is incredibly soft, adding on the spot comfort to the foot once inserted. The leopard layer inside the shoe suggests the biggest contradiction of the shoe but was done so intentionally that it makes the shoe an instant favorite.
Additionally, the shoe can be easily worn with skinny jeans and a Blazer or a cute graphic-T to dress it down. Cute shorts and a tank, a free-flowing maxi dress or even a fitted tank dress can definitely add flair and femininity to the Breezy Bootie.
One piece of advice when wearing the bootie is to ensure the shoestrings are tied good and tight. It can be an annoyance if the laces are not fully tied and it would not hurt to knot them to prevent unraveling. Because the shoe extends to the ankle it can be worn partly open and the clasps will not support the long laces— if not tied correctly. Be mindful of the length and aggravation this may cause. However, this is the only drawback to the shoe.
After a long day's wear the shoe is as uncomfortable as any would be. However, any scuff marks obtained throughout the day only adds to the rugged look of the shoe making the $89.99 price worth the money.
For the men, there's the Reebok ZigKick. It's a little much for everyday wear, but this shoe makes a great addition to the closet for the athletic man in the family, whether that's father, son or both. It's a great shoe for PE, crosstraining, weight lifting or all of the above. The shoe adds a degree of easy and comfort to running and jumping.
It's light and breathable and features an elevated heel that provides cushion and lift that gives the wearer an extra bit of spring in their step. Interestingly enough, it's absolutely perfect for jumping rope, which makes it great for anything involving repetitive movement or upward motion, like basketball.
Weekend warriors and serious runners will also love this shoe. The difference is tangible from the first wear. And while it works well as a running and training shoe, it shouldn't be your go-to footwear for every day.


text:
Win a Wardrobe From The North Face and LilSugar
Tweet Lil and Get Outfitted For Back-to-School Giveaway
Keep your kiddo warm at recess! Deck your lil student out in The North Face's latest casual, class-ready looks! We're adding some classic staples to Lil's back-to-school Twitter wardrobe giveaway with a chance to win a $300 gift card for The North Face! One lucky student will have the opportunity to dress to impress in the brand's signature designs. From fleece jackets and sturdy footwear to powder pants and snow hats, The North Face has enough durable items to fill youngsters' closets. Ready, set, get started: * First, follow @LilSugar on Twitter. * Then share what your lil one will be sporting this Fall at school by tweeting at us. Include the following message and hashtag to qualify: The #1 item on my child's back-to-school list is: RT @lilsugar http://ow.ly/2oVXi #LilBacktoSchool
Tweet your entry anytime between now and September 13 at 11:59 p.m. One entry per person, and remember: you must be a @LilSugar follower on Twitter. Click here for the official rules, and then head over to Twitter to tell us what's on your back-to-school list.


text:
A likely story
The headline sounds like a euphemism for "HMRC's database has been nicked or lost and will take a week to be restored from back-ups"
Hang on. It can't be that. They wouldn't have the foresight to make back-ups.
UK taxpayers hoping to talk to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about tax credit payments were left fuming last week because of a "routine upgrade" to its database. An HMRC spokeswoman told The Register that the tax credit system had been taken offline - just before the end of the tax year - so the latest rates from …
The headline sounds like a euphemism for "HMRC's database has been nicked or lost and will take a week to be restored from back-ups"
Hang on. It can't be that. They wouldn't have the foresight to make back-ups.
Total incompetence. We so badly need a revolution.
Geeks of the world 011101010110111001101001011101000110010100101110
Oh, and what's the IT angle here? I don't see any IT.
Will they need to check the details when they've been outputted?
Kind of shows the competency on government IT projects. Either the brief was poor or the implementation but in reality both. Surely a budget often results in changes to the tax system so how it cannot have been envisaged that new rates would need to be inputted from time to time (probably once a year) is unbelievable. Especially 1 weeks downtime. I could understand 1 hour to ensure there was no overlap as the rates were applied but even that should be unnecessary.
Even now couldn't they just put the rates into an offline set of tables and then just make them live when needed?
... with the system when they think that the END of the tax year is the slowest time for ANYBODY.
BT are involved, must be down to the customers hardware. Nope nothing to do with us, your fault, prove us wrong, go on, dare you.
Knowing Whitehall's aversion to change and penchant for soldiering on with out of date equipment and anachronistic practices, they're probably taking the equipment offline to give the coal-fired boilers a service.
Somehow, I'm inclined to think NOT.
HMRC really need to get their act togetheri was almost scared to ask for a tax rebate this year just incase the cheque gets lost in the post
It's 'can be input' FFS, not 'can be inputted'. Look it up in a dictionary.
who has been working over the weekend on this particular item, let's just say that he hasn't had much sleep and had let me in on some of the choice experiences from the government on what they want.
1. a man who is a stupid incompetent fool
2. obscene terms for female genitals
Besides updating the rates, they had to take it down to make some adjustments for the completely unexpected and unpredictable addition of an extra day to February this year. Obviously there is no possible way they could have prepared for this in advance.
Hopefully they'll processify the datas in a correctitudinal manner.
Re: Twat..
Makes you wonder which one "twatted" comes from.
I have a friend who is a recently made single mother with two teenage kids who is reliant on her weekly child Tax Credit in order to feed and look after her kids (Who'd have thunk it?!). She is now two weeks without a cheque and can't get any info out of HMRC who have helpfully told her that the systems will be down until the end of the week. Countless phonecalls to HMRC and she is getting nowhere. All the helpline can suggest is to call the local tax office... and their number isn't published. In fact they won't even give it out if you manage to call another dept in the same building. So her only option is to get a bus across to the other side of town with the kids and sit in their reception until someone can give her a sensible answer. They can't even give her an 'emergency' payment as they can't even look up in the system whether she is eligible for the payments in the first place.
PS, cheers for following up on the story Reg ;)
I wouldn't go as far as AC but maybe you should look it up in the dictionary. To help you here's a link from dictionary.com.
Here's the abridged reference:
in·put ......
..... verb, -put·ted or -put, -put·ting.
–verb (used with object)
10. Computers. to enter (data) into a computer for processing.
I know IT is stressful but you can't be helping yourself by <RANT>ing over correctly spelt (or do you prefer spelled) words.
Damn he's right! There's been a dictionaries updation.
The verbification of nouns leaves me worrified, after soon we'll all be wording like George W.
People understandication will be impossiblified.
Can I just lend my sorrying for the pisstakifaction before.
As an ex-ASPIRE Employee - this is about the right time for them to phuq up ... erm I mean do their routine upgrade....
Paris - because even they couldnt phuq up as much as her....
to lose discs.
Curses! Damn you all with your interwebs, I'll stick to my Chambers definition, and retreat grumbling into a dark corner.
For the AC, calm down sweetheart, good manners cost nothing.
someone asked for access to the database but because they have been told they cann't send out copies they decided to hip the entire server by second class unregistered courier
... the server has now been lost
the database used is MS Access or (much less likely) SQLite, only one copy exists, there are no backups, and the person updating it is a narcoleptic.
You're probably looking at an American dictionary site. We're still Brits on ElReg.
the HMRC signed off on a system where all variable inputs have been assigned within the source code.
BT, CapGemini and Aspire love a cash cow and of course the government's agencies just love throwing money away. Wasps to a honeypot.


text:
Huff, Patterson go deep in win vs. Nats
Left-hander Loewen allows one run on two hits in three innings
By Jeff Seidel / Special to MLB.com
at Washington, D.C.
Saturday, March 31
Orioles at the plate: Aubrey Huff and Corey Patterson each had solo homers in the fourth inning. Huff went 2-for-2 with two runs scored. Catcher Paul Bako helped by going 3-for-4 with two RBIs.
Nationals at the plate: Ryan Zimmerman finished his spring with a .414 average, after going 1-for-2 and scoring twice. He ended with three homers and 15 RBIs. Washington scored once on a passed ball and twice on groundouts and didn't get an RBI base hit.
Nationals on the mound: Right-hander Jason Bergmann struck out the side in the first and finished with seven strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings. But he gave up two solo homers, walked four and needed 92 pitches to get through the outing. The Nationals were trailing, 3-1, and never took the lead again.
Orioles on the mound: Left-hander Adam Loewen recovered from a rocky first inning to allow one run on two hits in three innings. Loewen was credited with the win. Right-hander Steve Trachsel followed by giving up two runs on two hits in three innings, as the starters got in some last-minute work. Lefty Jamie Walker earned his first save of the spring.
Up next: Both teams get ready for Opening Day on Monday. The Orioles fly to Minnesota on Sunday where they will play the Twins at 7:05 ET on Monday night. Washington stays in town and gets ready to host Dontrelle Willis and the Marlins in the season opener at RFK Stadium at 1:05 p.m.
Jeff Seidel is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
Aussies try and be eco-friendly, but Joel Madden learned the hard way they're not cool with everything green Down Under.
On Sunday, Nicole Richie's husband was busted when marijuana was found in his Sydney hotel room on Sunday. The Good Charlotte rocker addressed the situation firsthand in a Tumblr post, confirming that "a small amount of marijuana" was found by a hotel employee and "police were called and responded."
NEWS: Aw! Find out how Joel won over now-wife Nicole at the beginning of their relationship
"Sydney is is my adopted home and I appreciate the way the NSW police handled the situation," he added. "They have informed me there will be no charges. I hope this didn't cause too much drama for anyone."
According to local reports, Madden was immediately asked to leave The Darling Hotel. The hotel did not immediately respond to E! News' request for comment.
PHOTOS: Here are some celebs who also enjoy a good smoke now and then


text:
After prayers, cloud seeding and snow dances, the white stuff is finally coming our way.
Durangoans will probably wake up to another few inches this morning, and skiers at Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort likely will have their second fresh powder day this week. The forecast, according to the Grand Junction Office of the National Weather Service, is an 80 percent probability for 2 to 4 inches of snow in town and up to 10 inches in the mountains.
Most of that will occur overnight Wednesday into the early hours (today), said Paul Frisbie, a meteorologist with the weather service. Thats the main window of opportunity.
The snow couldnt have come at a better time for area ski resorts, which need to capitalize on holiday travelers to help make their financial year. DMR reported 28 inches of snow midway Wednesday morning, with 6 inches of new snow in the previous 48 hours. Wolf Creek Ski Area reported 40 inches midway Wednesday, with 4 new inches in the previous 48 hours, and Telluride Ski Resort said it had received 7 inches of snow in the previous 48 hours, with the snow depth at the base at 24 inches.
Temperatures are going to stay in the same ballpark, with highs in the high 20s and low 30s into next week, Frisbie said.
Earlier this fall, the weather service reported that the El Niño weather pattern, which leads to heavier winters, had stalled over the Pacific.
Now were in a neutral phase, Frisbie said. Were not in an El Niño or La Niña pattern. The signals for this winter are less clear-cut.
While there is the possibility of another storm coming in on New Years Eve, Frisbie said there are no guarantees.
Theres still uncertainty about exactly how that looks right now, he said. Its hard to say what that storm pattern will do.
Three storms in two weeks by no means signifies the drought is over. The snowpack for the Animas, San Juan, Dolores and San Miguel river basins is currently at 57 percent of average for the year according to the U.S. Department of Agricultures Natural Resources Conservation Service.


text: We can't think of a better way to close out a great week here at The Beggar. Not only is Billy Reid — GQ's Best New American Menswear Designer — now taking up to 50% off S/S jackets, shirts, pants, outerwear, and shoes. In addition, all Beggar readers are guaranteed an additional 15% off purchases… Read more »


text:
UMATILLA, Fla. - A central Florida woman is facing grand theft charges after authorities say she fleeced several adoption agencies.
Marion County sheriff's detectives said 33-year-old Deana Marie Day made an agreement through a South Florida law firm to give her child up for adoption. One firm allegedly paid her more than $6,000 in living expenses.
But authorities said while Day was collecting money from that firm, she was also receiving money from other firms for the same services. The child is scheduled to be born later this month.
Day was charged with adoption fraud and grand theft.
The Ocala Star Banner reports Day was released on $4,000 bond Friday night.
Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


text:
|"Turning the page" - Hopes for Media Freedom in Niger and Guinea
|Reporters Without Borders
|Publication Date
|28 July 2011
|Guinea | Niger
|Freedom of expression | Freedom of information | Freedom of speech
|Cite as
|Reporters Without Borders, "Turning the page" - Hopes for Media Freedom in Niger and Guinea, 28 July 2011, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/4e37ee712.html [accessed 20 January 2018]
|This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.


text:
"I live with my parents and come home after practice every time, eat a home cooked meal just as if I was coming back from school. That stuff just keeps me concentrated and just good family, good
parents to be around, especially during this time. I'm so young, and they're helping me a lot right now."
-- Juan Agudelo, the 18-year-old whose goal in the USA's 1-1 tie with Argentina on Saturday was his second in three U.S. national team appearances, says his early success won't be going to his head.
(USA Today)


text:
Data Centers
How long has OMB known its estimate of the number of data centers was way off?
If testimony from a Government Accountability Office official posted online July 23 is any indication, the Office of Management and Budget will have some explaining to do before a House Oversight and Government and Reform subcommittee July 25. Lawmakers are likely to ask whether OMB officials recently learned they had severely underestimated the number of federal data centers, or knew their numbers were way off but didn't tell anybody.
The testimony, from GAO Director of IT Management Issues Dave Powner, touches on many critical IT issues, but one particularly eye-catching figure is GAO's finding that 22 of the 24 agencies which are part of the OMB-led Federal Data Center Consolidation Initiative (FDCCI) now house nearly 6,800 data centers.
Dave Powner's prepared testimony.
April GAO report
That number grew even further during a recent joint House-Senate briefing, when OMB told the Hill there were actually more than 7,000 data centers, a Hill official told FCW.
That's more than double the OMB estimate of 3,133 total federal data centers it has touted publicly since December 2011. An OMB spokeswoman said that after OMB's early estimates, the definition of data centers changed to include smaller server setups. In addition, agencies have gotten better at identifying data centers, she said.
The smaller number appeared most recently in a GAO report on data center consolidation, prepared in April and released at a field hearing of the Subcommittee on Government Operations on May 14.
Officials from OMB and the General Services Administration were invited to testify but did not appear at that hearing. But federal CIO Steven VanRoekel and David McClure, GSA's associate administrator for the Office of Citizen Services and Innovative Technology, are expected to testify at the follow-up hearing July 25.
One question sure to arise on July 25 is how long OMB knew the total number of federal data centers was closer to 7,000 than 3,000. One Capitol Hill official who asked not to be named told FCW it "appears OMB knew there were far more data centers a while back, but were they ever going to tell anyone?"
According to the OMB spokeswoman, FDCCI integration with PortfolioStat, another OMB-led initiative, has provided a more "comprehensive analysis of resources used, efficiencies realized, and also helps us better protect our assets." In addition, she said OMB has expanded the definition of a data center to include centers of "all shapes and sizes."
The broader definition and better tracking explain the bigger total, she said. "The higher number of data centers cited by GAO during the HSGAC hearing on June 11 reflects this change in methodology and improved reporting by agencies, not an increase in the actual number of data centers. Under PortfolioStat, agencies are categorizing their data center populations into core and non-core data centers and examining how optimizing these assets will improve agency mission service delivery."
However the centers are counted, a total of 7,000 federal data centers makes OMB's original goals for FDCCI difficult to attain.
The consolidation initiative was launched by OMB in 2010 with the aim of closing 40 percent, or 1,253, of 3,133 federal data centers across 24 agencies, attaining a cost savings of approximately $3 billion by the end of 2015. Agencies closed 420 data centers by December 2012 and, as of July, planned to reach 968 closings by December 2015 – about 300 short of OMB's goal. If the total is now 7,000 data centers, OMB's goal of 40 percent closures would require consolidating 2,800 of them.
In recent months, OMB has shifted its data center strategy, combining FDCCI with PortfolioStat, another federal initiative, and striving toward data center optimization rather than closures. However, Scott Renda, OMB's cloud computing and FDCCI portfolio manager, speaking at a Northern Virginia Technology Council briefing June 5, said OMB's stated target of closing 40 percent of federal data centers was still part of OMB's plan.
Regardless, GAO and other oversight bodies have been critical of OMB – as well as GSA and the Data Center Consolidation Task Force, which play an oversight role in FDCCI – for its poor leadership and lack of metrics to document cost savings through data center consolidations and closures.
By the end of fiscal 2013, FDCCI will document only $63 million in savings, GAO found, and only one agency – the Department of Defense – has detailed planned savings through fiscal year 2014, expecting to save $575 million.
About the Author
Frank Konkel is a former staff writer for FCW.
E-Mail this page
Printable Format
Advanced Search
Government Cyber Insider tracks the technologies, policies, threats and emerging solutions that shape the cybersecurity landscape.
Check it out today!
An individual's walking gait will be the first biometric used to continuously authenticate mobile warfighters.
The former chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and the lead sponsor of the IT procurement bill FITARA is calling it quits.
Pentagon acquisition chief Ellen Lord has been replaced as the chair of the group overseeing the massive cloud initiative known as the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure.
Government application of the ledger technology lags behind the hype, but expect more experiments to take off in the coming months.
After a 2017 filled with uncertainty and slipped deadlines, the Census Bureau faces a critical 2018 that could make or break the constitutionally mandated count.
Nick Sinai and Steve Kelman contend that a great way to "drain the swamp" is to fix the Do Not Pay shared service that was created to combat fraudulent and improper payments.
It really is all about size and definition. A data center could be considered anything that houses a data processing device. It could be a server sitting on a shelf in a back office. It could also be 100,000 square feet or more. It really stems from the definition that each group is using. Key point here: Let's not look site of the goal. It's not just a number of data center game, it's about creating a methodology to advance data processing in the government, while reducing the burdened cost to do work. Cost savings is the goal, and these cost savings are presented in the context of KEEPING the same or better level of service. 3000 or 7000 doesn't really matter. It's about saving some non-trivial number of taxpayer's dollars
It has been my experience in the field that not only each federal agency, but offices within each agency, and even down to the Division level have different definitions for the "Data Centers" proper. Many will define small data processing and IT equipment rooms ranging from 500 square feet to 3,000 square feet as data centers when the dynamics of the facility's primary systems and spaces allocated to data processing do not have the characteristics of a "Data Center" as the industry defines it. Therefore, OMB in conjunction with all Federal Agencies and IT components need to first gather consensus around definitions and categories of data processing spaces, rooms, and facilities prior to the development of a fed-wide inventory of "Data Centers". The biggest challenge is getting past senior management who think they are IT savvy and the IT authority within their sphere of control, when in fact their technical experience and understanding of data processing systems, facilities and strategies are limited. It is my guess that once you define the Data Center you will find that the actual numbers of Data Centers (proper) will be down and the number of other IT and data processing spaces/rooms will be up. But until then there will continue to be a disconnect between the truly IT savvy technical engineer and the upper level manager.
8251 Greensboro Drive Suite 510, McLean, VA 22102 703-876-5100