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Comics, book, and DVD reviews (and occasional eruptions of other kinds)
Friday, February 22, 2013
W(h)ither Then Shall We Go?
(1) DARKWING DUCK -- Yes, just with an absolute minimum of editorial interference.
(2) DUCKTALES -- Yes, but not unless EVERY effort is made to do the job right. I'd even be willing to give Warren Spector a chance to redeem himself for "Rightful Owners" -- he certainly possesses the required enthusiasm -- provided that he worked with an accomplished editor who fully understood the TV series. If Warren isn't interested, then perhaps someone like Jonathan Gray could be called upon to serve as the title's regular writer, seeing as how Gray's scripting job for "The Arcadian Urn" (UNCLE $CROOGE #399) has received such high praise. Anyone who writes for DT, however, should be required to pass the equivalent of a Wonderlic test to prove that they are thoroughly familiar with the series and what makes it different from the UNCLE $CROOGE title.
(3) KIM POSSIBLE, replacing FILLMORE -- I do have a suggestion re: Fillmore (and others) which I'll mention below. But of the contemporary (by which I mean, post-2000) Disney productions, none deserves a comic-book title more than KP. The show has a legitimate following, a strong female lead, good supporting players, and obvious potential for long story arcs. A KIM POSSIBLE title done right could be for this line what DARKWING was (at least for a while) for Boom! -- an instigator of some badly-needed buzz.
(4) UNCLE $CROOGE AND DONALD DUCK -- This is a very intelligent way of avoiding the eternal dilemma of what stories "belong" in $CROOGE and what stories "belong" in DONALD. It would definitely have to be a 64-page book, however.
(5) DISNEY KIDZ -- Yes, that spelling is intentional. Here is where we can play to the 2013 version of the "Peanut Gallery" (can we really say that there is one?) and feature a rotating cast of child stars based on DTVA's numerous kid-centric offerings of the past decade-plus: FILLMORE, PHINEAS AND FERB, PEPPER ANN, TEAMO SUPREMO, etc. Heck, I'll even accept comic-book adventures for Hannah Montana and other live-action Disney Channel faves, provided that we can get someone like Stefan Petrucha to write them. He's got Disney comics "street cred" from his work for Egmont and has also written "comics-like" material for NANCY DREW.
(6) THE DISNEY AFTERNOON -- Another rotating title, more like the Disney-Marvel title of the same name, only executed with, well, competence. Various shows from the "Golden Age" of 1987-92 -- and even a little bit beyond those boundaries -- could be featured here.
(7) WALT DISNEY'S COMICS AND STORIES -- I wish that R.O.D. were a bit less vague about what he would like to go into this title. Even an "Anything Goes" approach needs a few ground rules. Classic supporting players from the "Golden" and "Silver" Ages of WDC&S, such as SCAMP and LI'L BAD WOLF, would of course need to be included, but stories featuring Disney movie characters would also be welcome. These could be tied in with recent cinematic releases. If the new line could score the rights to the Pixar characters, so much the better.
(8) MICKEY MOUSE ADVENTURES -- Here's my biggest beef with R.O.D.: the MICKEY material in the Gemstone books was, without question, some of the very best post-Gottfredson Mouse work that we've seen. What, Mickey's adventures in Shambor weren't good enough for you? Or some of Noel Van Horn's more off-the-wall offerings? Amp up the danger quotient if you like, but by all means, keep the artistic polish and the general attitude. Mix in (judiciously) some more material from Casty and look to the early issues of Disney Comics' MMA for more inspiration. If the "new" MMA can simply match the best of Gemstone's MICKEY stuff, then I'll be more than satisfied. That's not nostalgia, that's just the facts, Mouse.
(9) THE MUPPETS -- I'll take your word re: the high quality of Langridge's work for Boom!. Only one title, please, so as not to wear the man out.
9 comments:
Hi there! I hope you don't mind my popping in. I was pleasantly surprised to read your post (particularly about my respecting the Disney comics of days past, that has NOT been a comment I have been paid because of my post), and I enjoyed your thoughts. I just wanted to mention a few things to help clarify some of my more poorly articulated points.
First off, to any and all prospective readers of my article of Muppet comics: I was absolutely in the wrong for, even by omission, disregarding the works of other Muppets creators such as Jesse Snider and Amy Mebberson. I spoke entirely by way of word of mouth, and should not be taken in any way as an authority. I feel absolutely awful! I spoke without knowing the facts, and regret it one hundred percent. Mea culpa.
In the case of WDC&S, I would sincerely just like a place for writers and artists to play, without the typical title restrictions. If it's a good Disney story and doesn't belong anywhere else, it belongs in WDC&S.
Really, the only place beyond Mickey that I think we really disagree on is Kim Possible: Not that she doesn't deserve a comic (though I thought the finale did a strong job of wrapping up the arcs and stories for the characters), but that it should replace Fillmore. With the right creators in place, I'd be happy to look at them both! I just happen to think that Fillmore is likely better suited to comic book format, and the creator having a comics background is a big plus.
When it comes to Mickey... I still maintain my position on what's wrong with his comics line, and why a reprints line would be a bad move in a way it wouldn't be for the Ducks. "The best since..." is probably not a good way to view how comics should be published. But let me know some of your favorite, and I'll see if I can track them down. Maybe even review them sometime and have to eat my hat! Sound fair?
I look forward to hearing what your readers have to say, and thank you very much for your comments!
- February 22, 2013 at 10:11 PM
- Dr. Faster, Harder, More Challenging GeoX said...
Let me say that, although I don't agree with all of Review or Die's suggestions, I will be willing to accept just about anything, as long as we can have a single digest, two-hundred-ish pages, devoted to long-form duck and mouse stories, emphasis on vintage Italian material, please. In fact, I would go so far as to say that if we could only have ONE Disney periodical, I'd want it to be that one.
As far as Gemstone's MM, I agree that it was better than ROD gives it credit for. I'm frankly not a big fan of the Shambor stories--too short to really live up to their potential, I feel--but the Van Horn fils and Ferioli stuff was frequently a lot of fun.
- February 23, 2013 at 11:08 PM
- Joe Torcivia said...
Not seeing eye-to-eye with "Review or Die" is not completely new to me, but I respect his efforts and his suggestions. Like all of us, he wants the best for any new Disney comics line. More of us should care to that extent.
I'll defer to him when it comes to any titles that do not date back to the Dell, Gold Key, Gladstone I days. But I do not share his vision for what I've come to call the "Core Four" titles: WDC&S, UNCLE SCROOGE, DONALD DUCK, and MICKEY MOUSE.
"Review or Die" falls into the trap that many folks do when it comes to MICKEY MOUSE. That is stacking original product produced for comic magazines up against Floyd Gottfresdon's mid-late 1930s newspaper strip output. Those were stories produced for a different market, in different times, and under different editorial constraints. We're never going to get a Mickey story of the caliber of the "Foreign Legion" story produced for modern comic magazines. The sooner we (as a group) accept that we are speaking of "Apples and Oranges", the sooner we can chart Mickey's course more realistically.
My impression, and sorry if I've erred, is that "Review or Die" has not read the 1990-1991 issues of Disney's MICKEY MOUSE ADVENTURES. There, certainly under Michael T. Gilbert and Lee Nordling, if not Marv Wolfman as well, a legitimate attempt was made to "Gottfredson-ize" the modern Mouse. In addition, the more recent Casty material (which he gives the impression he has not read) also fits the bill. You perfectly cite things like "Shambor" and the Noel Van Horn series, to boot. So, the template for what he's asking is there, even if he may not be aware of it.
UNCLE SCROOGE and DONALD DUCK should be left alone. There's nothing there to fix, as long as editorial is diligent in choosing suitably entertaining stories for the titles. Editorial should appreciate the difference between good writers and artists, and those less so. And every attempt should be made to have the stories READ WELL for the American audience, regardless of their country of origin. Entertaining and in-character dialogue can make or break a story. Look at much of Gladstone II, for examples of dialogue dishwater. Or, look at early Boom! Persons who can work this underrated aspect of storytelling to its full advantage, as David Gerstein, Jonathan Gray, and myself should be utilized whenever possible. End-horn-self-blowing-mode.
If WDC&S were a TRUE anthology, who would buy it on a regular basis? Certainly not me. I'd have no interest in the Little Mermaid, Phineas and Ferb, or Kim Possible issues. And, while I'd eat up a Super Goof issue, others would not. No, the reason WDC&S works is BECAUSE it leads off with Donald Duck and ends with Mickey Mouse – CONSISTENTLY! Whatever else falls in the middle is either a bonus or a barnacle – think Li'l Bad Wolf vs. The Wuzzles. Release occasional special one-shots for modern movie properties and neglected comic characters. We're too "collector and/or issue number oriented" these days to bite on a true anthology.
Furthermore, why must these comics all be monthly? They never were during ages in which they sold far better than they do now. Bi-monthly (or dare I suggest quarterly) schedules, as Dell and Gold Key were wont to do, gave each issue a much longer exposure time – and a better chance at sell-through – than the modern standard of monthly publication. Publish UNCLE SCROOGE in even months and DONALD DUCK in odd ones, and keep 'em standard size, just as Gold Key did. That way, we can have them both, AND they have a better chance at success. Make sense?
I give "Review or Die" huge props on his letter column suggestion. Especially the "no snark" aspect. That connection with readers was an important one that has too long been broken by all publishers.
And, NO line should ever consider a start-up without at least SOME editorial influence by David Gerstein. I think we can all agree that he has universally earned our trust in such endeavors.
- February 24, 2013 at 10:12 AM
That would definitely be an interesting book! I'm just curious: What would you think of more one-shots that had vintage Italian material, in a more traditional comic book format? 80-page giants tend to go for about 8 dollars these days when they're stapled.
I know we don't always agree, but I definitely know you have a passion for Disney comics, and I respect it immensely. :)
My Mickey deficiencies are pretty well known by this point, too. I will maintain that, either through luck or taste, the Mickey comics I HAVE read have been pretty bland and terrible, attempting to imitate the conventions or trappings of Gottfredson without creating a good story in its own right.
Geo pointed out some stories I need to grab in my comments section, and I'll take a look at them as soon as I can. Chris has also pointed out some areas that I need to look at. If you have any suggestions, please, let me know and they'll go right on the list!
Regarding Scrooge and Donald: a big part of why I wanted to put the two together was because the format lacked some flexibility. Sticking with the old format, where should we put the Daisy Duck stories? Gyro? Junior Woodchucks? A Gladstone story? Grandma Duck? These are all characters who actually could carry backup features, but don't really get a chance to do so because of title restrictions.
Rather than have the same thing with each issue, I want to be surprised and, again, let the writers do whatever is necessary to create the very best story for whoever in the rich Duck lineup has a story to be told. More freedom, not less, is my ideal.
I think I wasn't as clear on WDC&S as I meant to be, because it's not a true anthology with each issue devoted to a particular subject. Each issue would be numbered and publish some 2-4 stories in each issue: Super Goof, Witch Hazel, Disney Literature Classics, Elseworlds, etc. Think less flavor-of-the-month, more "chocolate sampler." A little butter cream, nougat, caramel, and you might sometimes bite in to pistachio (blech!), but it's always high quality chocolate, and there's always something else to bite.
- February 24, 2013 at 5:13 PM
- Dr. Faster, Harder, More Challenging GeoX said...
What would you think of more one-shots that had vintage Italian material, in a more traditional comic book format?
Potentially not a bad idea either--I've been kinda fixated on digests because it seems like an easier way to get more stories printed at a lower price point (and also, no doubt, because I'm sorta kinda jealous of Yurpeans for whom these things are standard), but I can see how one-shots might work better in the US market, given that it's more in-line with what we're used to, comics-wise, and also because it would be perhaps easier to market such things as real, singular Events worthy of wide consideration. Gemstone's prestige format could work quite well here.
Then again, given the popularity of manga, a digest series that mimics its outward aesthetics might also be a success. I dunno--just thinking out loud here. Whatever proves to work best, I will be happy to support.
- February 24, 2013 at 7:38 PM
- Chris Barat said...
I'm glad you appreciated my comments. Never having seen FILLMORE, I'll have to trust to your judgment that it would make a worthy basis for a comic-book title, provided that enough thought was given to bringing newcomers up to speed on the characters and themes. KIM POSSIBLE, though, wouldn't need nearly as much "startup time," as its fandom is very well established, and I think that that fact would be a point in its favor.
- February 25, 2013 at 8:20 PM
- Chris Barat said...
At this point, I'd be more than happy with a more leisurely release schedule for these comics, as long as (1) we are consistently getting several books each month (there's one good argument in favor of R.O.D.'s fairly lengthy list of suggested titles) and (2) the books are consistently "extra-length" in order to compensate for their lower frequency.
- February 25, 2013 at 8:24 PM
- Chris Barat said...
"I think I wasn't as clear on WDC&S as I meant to be, because it's not a true anthology with each issue devoted to a particular subject. Each issue would be numbered and publish some 2-4 stories in each issue: Super Goof, Witch Hazel, Disney Literature Classics, Elseworlds, etc. Think less flavor-of-the-month, more "chocolate sampler.""
"Elseworlds" might be a good avenue by which to bring back some of the more successful "New Departure" material from the Boom! era. I'm thinking specifically of WIZARDS OF MICKEY and DOUBLE DUCK. WIZARDS is a particularly intriguing possibility, as all of the major Disney comics characters seem to show up there in one guise or another.
- February 25, 2013 at 8:28 PM
- Comicbookrehab said...
WDC&S needs to retire. I'm being very uncompromisg, but if the new line is going to survive in this tough market the way it is - them's the breaks. "Disney Kidz" and "Disney Afternoon" - I'm sorry, but while those would be fun to see, but nope, nope, nope. No anthologies. Unless you want try manga-sized format.
"Uncle Scrooge & Donald Duck" (?) - no, no, no, no, no. These guys are proven capable of carrying their own SEPARATE books.
Mickey Mouse - O.K. You have to. Even if the material is often a mixed bag. I like Casty's work a lot, so there's a chance.
The Muppets - O.K. I find Landridge's stories too dry, but it was working, so, o.k.
Kim Possible - interesting, but you've got to fight as hard as Aaron Sparrow did to get Darkwing Duck out there. Who knows?
Darkwing Duck, Ducktales, Talespin - this can only come after a few years of success, really.
- February 27, 2013 at 10:54 AM


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Postmedia News
The F Word
3 stars out of 5
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Zoe Kazan, Adam Driver, Rafe Spall, Megan Park
Directed by: Michael Dowse
Running time: 98 minutes
"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn" is a sentence that comes to mind while watching Montreal director Michael Dowse's new romantic comedy, The F Word. Not necessarily because it's hard to care about the love-torn souls at the heart of this film, but because the title supposedly caused a ruckus in the U.S.
With nowhere near the same tempest in a film tin than that generated by Gone With the Wind's most famous line, the U.S. distributors still changed the title of this new movie to What If. As if that were infinitely better.
If there's a choice to be made, The F Word (its name in Canada and elsewhere) is certainly the more appropriate title. It speaks to the larger themes of sex and friendship, in addition to giving Clark Gable's famous line to Scarlett some tantalizing revisionist possibilities for the inevitable 21st-century remake.
But no matter what group of syllables ends up on the poster, the audience will still be watching a movie they've seen a hundred times before.
Meet Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe), a geeky, relatively insular, comically self-effacing man who feels he will never love again until he meets Chantry (Zoe Kazan), an illustrator with a sunny outlook on life. The two develop a rapport and a friendship, but Chantry doesn't look at Wallace the way she looks at Ben, a turd in Brooks Brothers she calls her boyfriend (Rafe Spall). Chantry is unattainable, or so it seems.
The film unfolds exactly the way one might expect from that point on. Wallace gropes and mopes his way through the movie in painful gasps that form the bulk of the comic content while we watch each textbook scene unfold. Will Wallace go back to medical school, or will he stay at his boring, safe job writing technical manuals because he can't face his ex-girlfriend? Will Chantry follow her handsome boyfriend to London where he lives in a really nice house and has a really good job, or will she do her own thing and maybe end up alone?
So many yarns to swallow and regurgitate like a silly kitten. It's enough to make you chew the stuffing out of the most expensive pillow in the house.
Seriously, I'm not sure if it was the whole Harry Potter aftertaste or the last Zoe Kazan I had at the deli, but this movie could leave you with the kind of indigestion that comes from formula.
Everything looks and smells right. The presentation is slick and appetizing, and with biggish stars, this Canadian rom-com even has the right ingredients to cross over into global markets. It's a competent genre piece, but it's still a bland burger of a movie.
From a business perspective, this is reason to celebrate. Without any distinguishable flavour, the movie will probably net a profit, even after its heavily partnered publicity blitz is all paid for.
But from a creative perspective, The F Word conjures darker possibilities: a domestic market that abandons risk-taking, personal narratives in favour of bland, but palatable genre films. F Word, indeed.
What's On Tonight for

subset: commoncrawl


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Our entire show this week is one long story, sort of a real-life Hardy Boys mystery. More than most of our shows, this one lends itself to a Hollywood-style tagline. Perhaps: "You Might Break In...But You'll Never Forget." Or "Dead Letters Tell No Tales."
Act One
Adam Beckman tells the first part of his story, about how, back in the 1970s, he and his friends broke into an abandoned house in the small town of Freedom, New Hampshire. The home turned out to be a perfect time capsule, containing the furniture, letters and personal effects of an entire family...abandoned for decades. It seemed like the family just vanished one day, leaving salt and pepper shakers on the table, notes on the bedroom mirror, and a wallet with money still inside. Adam and his friends read the letters, saving some as clues, and never forgot. (30 minutes.)
Act Two
Adam Beckman continues his story. He returns to the town in New Hampshire where he discovered the abandoned house as a kid and tries to find out what happened there. It turns out he's not the only one looking for an answer to that question. (25 minutes)


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After the Orioles again failed to take advantage of ample opportunities to score in their 4-2 loss Sunday to the reeling Chicago White Sox, there was a strange vibe in the home clubhouse.
Yes, the Orioles (76-66) had won three of four against the White Sox to re-position themselves as a player in the American League wild-card race with 20 games to go.
But they also know the schedule doesn't get any easier, especially after saying goodbye to the White Sox (57-85), who had lost nine straight games. A sweep was within the Orioles' grasp if they had just made good on a few of their 11 hitless at-bats with runners in scoring position.
So was there disappointment in losing the sweep or satisfaction that they had won three of four without putting together a complete performance in any of their victories?
"A little bit of both," Orioles first baseman Chris Davis said. "Obviously, you're happy that you took three out of four, but at this point in the year, you almost have to move on and try to win one game at a time. They came out today. They didn't want to lose 10 straight; I don't blame them."
The Orioles are now tied with the Cleveland Indians and are two games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for the final AL wild-card spot. The New York Yankees (76-67), who come to Camden Yards on Monday, are a half game behind the Orioles and Indians.
Playing before an announced 32,042, the Orioles lost Sunday with an offense that performed nearly the same as it did during the previous three wins: Compiling myriad opportunities and scoring only on a few. Add in the 0-for-11 on Sunday and the Orioles were 3-for-37 with runners in scoring position in the series (.086) and 5-for-54 (.093) in their past six games. They were 3-3 in that span.
"I think everybody's aware of what we're doing with runners in scoring position or what we're not doing," said Davis, who was hitless in three at-bats including two with a runner at second "It's hard enough as it is, but knowing that we have so much on the line and that our time is running thin, I think we just kind of put a little bit too much pressure on ourselves."
The problem with driving in runs has been escalating as the season progresses and the wins become more crucial. It's a subject the Orioles are getting sick of hearing about.
"Let me shut this stuff up. 0-for-11. That's 11 opportunities. Just imagine if we had none, and we created no opportunities," center fielder Adam Jones said. "We created the opportunity. We didn't come through, but we created the opportunity. Be happy with that. I know you want 20 runs a game. There's a team on the other side that's competing against us and trying to beat our brains in just as much as we're trying to beat their brains in."
The most glaring example of failing to score in the clutch came in the ninth Sunday when Chicago closer Addison Reed loaded the bases with no outs and the White Sox leading 4-1.
Ryan Flaherty, who just pulled a ball foul that would have been a grand slam, hit into a fielder's choice that plated one run. Chris Dickerson then entered to pinch-run for Flaherty at first base. With second base open and Reed struggling to hold runners on, Dickerson attempted to steal second on a 0-2 pitch to Brian Roberts.
Roberts popped the ball into foul territory and it was caught by second baseman Leury Garcia for the second out. Dickerson, however, had been running full speed to second and dove in headfirst, especially after seeing shortstop Alexi Ramirez acting like the ball had been hit on the ground. It was just a fake on Ramirez's part, and Garcia threw to first to double off Dickerson and end the game.
"Ramirez deked at second like he was anticipating the ball coming to second, and I was already in the position where I had to slide anyways," Dickerson said. "By that time, I was too far past. You can only go so far. Even if you do read it, who knows if you have a chance of getting back?"
Dickerson said he normally doesn't try to peek at the ball as he is running. And that's not unusual for good base stealers, who go on instinct and watch the fielders, said Orioles manager Buck Showalter.
"I remember Rickey Henderson, the most prolific base-stealer, (didn't peek at the ball)," Showalter said. "They think it slows them down. It's where base coaches come in to play. You're sure not going to get any help from middle infielders."
Dickerson said he couldn't hear first base coach Wayne Kirby yelling for him to get back because he was too far from first. By the time he realized what had happened, the play was over.
"I had the base stolen and the tying run is on second and everybody is happy," Dickerson said. "But I didn't peek and it ended up in the one place where you're not going to get that awareness reaction from the infielders."
It was the second time this year an Orioles pinch-runner was easily doubled up at first base to end a close game — Alexi Casilla didn't properly track a ball to right field in a one-run loss to Boston on July 15.
This one, though, may have stung a little more given the waning season. The Orioles have just 20 games left in 2013.
"This is where we want to be, we are in the race for a reason," said starter Bud Norris (10-11; 4-2 with the Orioles. "These guys have done an amazing job putting this team in contention where we are. I want to go out there and do everything I can to help this team win games."
Norris struggled with his command Sunday, allowing nine hits, one walk and four earned runs while striking out six in just 4 1/3 innings pitched, his shortest outing since being traded to the Orioles from the Houston Astros on July 31. The big blow was a 424-foot, two-run homer by Adam Dunn in the fifth that landed on Eutaw Street behind the right field flag court.
"One really bad pitch," Norris said of a changeup over the middle of the plate. "I can't take it back now, but I'm definitely going to re-think the one to Dunn."
With the White Sox departing and the Yankees coming in for a four-game series, the Orioles final 20 games are all against AL East opponents, for whom they are 27-29 on the season.
Davis, for one, said he welcomes that final push against the division rivals.
"The teams that we're going to face are the teams we've been facing all year and teams that we're very familiar with," Davis said. "I think it kind of adds to the fun to be honest with you, and it also helps you out knowing, that if you get a win, you get a game up against a team that's really competing against you."
The Orioles are trying to return to the playoffs for the second consecutive year. This season seemingly has a different feel to it. The focus, in the season's last three weeks, is to get back to what made 2012 so memorable.
"We had a lot of fun last year. We were really enjoying ourselves and enjoying the competition, and the fact that we were in the race," Davis said. "I think that's something we really need to get back to."


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What's Next for Beloved Consumer Advocate Elizabeth Warren
President Obama broke some news this weekend, while he and the fam were watching ladies' soccer games. He chose to nominate Richard Cordray, a former Ohio attorney general, to be the first director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that was created in last year's Dodd-Frank financial reform bill. But the interesting thing about this Cordray fellow is that his name isn't "Elizabeth Warren." What gives?
While Elizabeth Warren, the consumer advocate, Harvard law professor, former head of the TARP oversight committee and White House aide who was tasked with setting up the CFPB — the creation of which was her idea in the first place — was the obvious first choice to be its first director, Obama chose to avoid this battle. Republicans hate her. Hate hate hate! Good lord, remember how much they hated her that time? They hate her like the dickens. And while any nominee will be lucky to make it through the Senate confirmation process without 47 individual Republican filibusters, a non-Elizabeth Warren does stand a better chance — and would make a recess appointment go down more easily.
The good news is that Cordray sounds like an optimal backup choice. From Time:
Cordray's resume is well suited to the task at the CFPB, an agency responsible for policing consumer products like mortgages and credit cards. As Ohio's top law enforcement official, he led the charge in a class action lawsuit on behalf of public pension funds against Bank of America over losses incurred after the acquisition of Merrill Lynch. After years in Ohio politics - and a few failed attempts to reach Washington by way of Congress - Cordray, 52, landed a job as assistant director for enforcement at the CFPB after losing re-election last November. "Richard Cordray has spent his career advocating for middle class families," Obama said," and looking out for ordinary people in our financial system."
Also, he was a 5-time champion on Jeopardy! in 1987. Has a smarter person ever existed?
As for Warren, the speculation now turns to whether she'll run for Scott Brown's Massachusetts Senate seat in 2012. Democrats are crossing their fingers! But is this really a good use of her time, especially when victory is hardly a sure thing? It would be a shame to see the nation's top populist voice railing against the excesses of the financial services industry just become another back-bench junior senator with little power to do anything. The better alternative would be for her to set up a national advocacy group to promote her views and, most importantly, get her on TV everyday to speak clearly and candidly. The whole point of Elizabeth Warren is to let Elizabeth Warren speak to the public about the financial services industry! So, she should do that.
[Image via AP]


text: « Return to Search Regularly Scheduled Appointments Resume April 19, 2013 Mass. Eye and Ear's Boston locations are resuming normal operations now that the stay-in-place order has been lifted. Unless there is a new development over the weekend, patients are asked to come to their Monday appointments. If you need to reschedule your appointment or surgery from today, please contact your physician's office. We hope you have a safe and healthy weekend.


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My earlier post at my pad about the ABC experiment about discrimination against Muslims was disturbing enough, but then I found this horrific video from last night's AC360 (Dr. Sanjay Gupta hosting), with homobigot and Islamophobe Bryan Fischer of American Family Radio Talk Network (one of the arms of Don and Tim Wildmon of the American Family Association), who really pares it down to the basics — "No More Mosques, Period." You have to see it to believe it. Remember, this is the same man endlessly spouts homophobic crap. But he's versatile — there's always someone else on the list for these fundies to persecute, er attempt to convert.
We're joined now via Skype by Bryan Fischer; he's the host of Focal Point on the American Family Radio Talk Network. . We should point out that he's also issues director for the American Family Association. While he says his views are his own, not the association's, the American Family Radio Network is, in fact, listed as a division of the AFA, just to get that all clear. Thanks for joining us, Mr. Fischer.The deranged Fischer continues below the fold. I don't know how Gupta held it together.# p #1_25 # ad skipped = NULL #
BRYAN FISCHER, HOST, "FOCAL POINT" AMERICAN FAMILY RADIO TALK NETWORK: You're welcome, Dr. Gupta, good to be with you.# p #2_25 # ad skipped = NULL #
GUPTA: Thank you. I want to be clear on your viewpoint here because you've made quite a bit of waves lately. You don't want any mosques built in the United States, is that correct? You want a moratorium?# p #3_25 # ad skipped = NULL #
FISCHER: I think the reality Dr. Gupta is, that when we look at Islam, we're looking at a totalitarian ideology that is anti-Christian, anti-Semitic. The values that are at the core of Islam are contrary to every single solitary western and American value. I think communities ought to have the liberty to reject building permits.# p #4_25 # ad skipped = NULL #
Each one of these mosques is either a potential or actual recruitment center for Jihadism or training center for Jihadism.
GUPTA: You said quite a bit there already. Let me just start with one thing, freedom of religion. You've been asked this question before; it's one of this country's founding principles.# p #5_25 # ad skipped = NULL #
The First Amendment says, Congress shall make no law respecting (ph) an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.# p #6_25 # ad skipped = NULL #
How can you say that that potentially applies to all religions except Islam?# p #7_25 # ad skipped = NULL #
FISCHER: Well, the reality, Dr. Gupta, is that no one could claim First Amendment religious protections if their ideology and their activities are subversive.# p #8_25 # ad skipped = NULL #
All you've got do is ask the Christian militia, the Hutaree how much First Amendment protections they had when they set out to attack federal officers. They have Bible verses plastered all over their Web site. Everything they did, they did in the name of Jesus Christ. They are right now pondering the limits of the First Amendment from the inside of a jail cell, which is where they should be.
GUPTA: You know, you have said — now, again, you've said some this before. Your evidence for saying that every mosque potentially here is dedicated to the overthrowing of the American government is a manifest, I believe, issued in 1991 by a group called the Muslim Brotherhood. Now, you quote some frightening passages from there about destroying Western civilization from within.Having experienced shopping and hailing a cab "while black" I most certainly understand what it feels like to be othered by appearance. Why so many people are incapable of using ANY critical thinking skills is beyond discouraging.# p #9_25 # ad skipped = NULL #
But, Bryan, you realize this group doesn't speak for all Muslims; it doesn't speak for all Muslims around the world. It doesn't speak for all Muslims in the United States. It's a radical political group, very controversial.# p #10_25 # ad skipped = NULL #
And while its history does involve some violence, they're — they're controversial even among Muslims. So, how can you — how can you use that one particular organization and say that they're speaking for 1.2 billion people?# p #11_25 # ad skipped = NULL #
FISCHER: Well, Dr. Gupta, it's nice of you to try to marginalize the Muslim Brotherhood, but their tentacles include the Islamic Society of North America, the Muslim Student Association, the Council for American-Islamic Relations — CAIR, and also the Muslim Association.# p #12_25 # ad skipped = NULL #
So, you're looking at four — five, really, if you include the Brotherhood — five of the most prominent and most visible Muslim organizations in North America. They are far from a fringe group; they represent the essence and the core of Islam. And it's very clear that the goal of Islam in North America is the extermination of Western civilization. No community should have to put up with that.
GUPTA: I don't think a lot of people agree with you, Bryan, on this. I just have to say that. And I'm a layperson when it comes to this, but let me ask you what you think of this particular comment back in 2001.# p #13_25 # ad skipped = NULL #
"Islam is peace." Now, that wasn't said by any liberal or Democrat. It was said by President George W. Bush, a man who talked at length about his deep Christian faith. What about that from President Bush?# p #14_25 # ad skipped = NULL #
FISCHER: Well, President Bush was well-meaning, but wrong.# p #15_25 # ad skipped = NULL #
Islam is not a religion of peace. It is a religion of war. It is a religion of violence. Christianity, on the other hand, is a religion of peace. It was founded by the Prince of Peace. That's the major contrast between the two religions.# p #16_25 # ad skipped = NULL #
Islam, in reality, is a political ideology. It's a totalitarian political ideology. And you simply cannot hide a totalitarian political agenda behind the First Amendment.# p #17_25 # ad skipped = NULL #
Imagine if Timothy McVeigh was a Christian. Now, he wasn't. He was an atheist. But imagine he was a part of a violent Christian sect, and he wanted to build a 13-story center, cultural center, for his Christian sect overlooking the grounds of the Murrah Building in Oklahoma City.# p #18_25 # ad skipped = NULL #
GUPTA: All right.# p #19_25 # ad skipped = NULL #
FISCHER: I don't think anybody in America would put up with that, and they would be right not to.# p #20_25 # ad skipped = NULL #
GUPTA: I hear you. I think that's an unfair comparison, with all due respect.# p #21_25 # ad skipped = NULL #
Quickly, Mr. Fischer, a lot of Muslim-Americans watching tonight, some of them very upset by some of the comments you have made in the past, what do you say to them now?# p #22_25 # ad skipped = NULL #
FISCHER: Well, I say I love Muslims. I am pro-Muslim. I am anti-Islam.
I would say to a Muslim, look, your ideology is destructive. It's deceptive. It's dark. I invite you to come into the light of the kingdom of Jesus Christ. That's where hope and light, forgiveness and a promise for the future can truly be found.
GUPTA: Well, I — it's been an interesting interview — you love Muslims; you hate Islam.# p #23_25 # ad skipped = NULL #
Bryan Fischer, we will — we will keep — we will keep tabs on you and see how things are going. Thanks so much for joining us.# p #24_25 # ad skipped = NULL #
FISCHER: Thank you, Dr. Gupta.


text:
When Willie Colon was a Steeler, his battles with the Ravens were heated, but professional.
It appears his feelings toward his newest rivals have grown more personal.
The Jets right guard said he had "a lot of different reasons," for his new distaste for the Patriots, compared to what he knew before.
"It's weird," Colon told Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News of his days in the AFC Central. "I hated them [the Ravens], but I loved them at the same time, because they're a team that forced you to give them your best."
As for the Patriots?
"I just hate them," Colon said.
Of course, there are financial reasons, as well, as he was ejected and fined about $34,000 after his late-game fight with the Patriots' sideline during a 13-10 loss.
"I don't like them," Colon said. "But at the same time you got to respect what they've done as an organization. Winning Super Bowls. They've built a tradition there where they get it done. No matter what you feel about them personally, you got to respect that they win."
No matter how much you hate them, apparently.


text:
Tag: calf
Vrindavan. Yamuna. Javat
The Secret of Vrindavana
I just returned from a profound experience at the residence of a devotee named Prema Kishore, a Canadian man who I'm guessing is in his early 60s. He has lived here in Vrindavana for over 20 years, and it is definitely his home in every sense of the word. He has some land, cows and bulls, gardens where he grows flowers for the Radha-Shyamasundara deities at Krishna-Balarama Mandira, and a beautiful, yet modest house.
This morning, along with my brother, Amala-purana, and his fiancee, Nadia, I went to visit Prema Kishore, arriving a little after 9am. He had just begun bathing a bull named Balaji, and when he saw us approaching he called out, "Radhe Shyam!" Prema Kishore gave us some brushes and a bar of soap, asking us to join him in cow seva, "the real mood of Vraja," he said. "Get in cowherd boy mode," my brother said, as he hiked up his dhoti and discarded his socks and shoes. I followed suit with my skirt and shoes, and soon my feet were squishing in the soft clay and grass with the warm water from the hose splashing between my toes. After we had cleaned and brushed Balaji's white coat, the sisters Ganga and Yamuna came. These two cows are beautiful, with gorgeous black eyes, white coats, big humps on their backs, and gentle demeanors. All of Prema Kishore's cows are indigenous species of India, and these two he purchased in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Ganga has a bull-calf named Bhima, and a heifer named Nandini, who was conceived on Prabhupada's dissappearance day and born on his appearance day just four months ago. Yamuna has not had any calves, yet three years ago her udder swelled with milk, and ever since she has been giving milk for Giriraja, the Lord of this little haven of Vraja.
Prema Kishore personally found this particular Giriraja stone, who has an imprint of a cow on his back, and a face with an endearing smile naturally engraved on the other side. At that time, Prema Kishore promised Giriraja that if he came home with him, he would always have fresh milk to offer him. That is Prema Kishore's explanation for Yamuna providing milk without ever having calved, just at a time when Ganga had started drying up. This is just one example of the magic of this place, and the very real connection devotees like Prema Kishore have to their deity.
These sisters are the two milking cows Prema Kishore has, and he said they are inseparable. After brushing, lathering, and rinsing them, we were ready for the next round. Saraswati, Triveni, Bhima, and tiny Nandini followed in quick succession, as we brushed them from heads to hooves, from noses to tails, until all of them were cleared of mud and dung and gleamed in the sunshine.
Yamuna was then fed and milked, and then Ganga's calf Nandini was brought to drink a little milk and be next to her mom as Ganga was milked. Ram Charan, Prema Kishore's helper, squatted while he milked with fast adept hands into a stainless steel bucket that he held between his knees. Ganga licked Nandini's back, throughout the milking, showing us the affectionate nature of the mother cow.
Once the morning activities of bathing, feeding, and milking were done, the cows and bulls all ran off, tails upraised, down the path to their grazing area.
Carrying the bucket of fresh milk, we then followed Prema Kishore upstairs to a spacious rooftop adjoining his living quarters. With the warm sun upon us, we prepared for our next activity for the morning, churning yogurt into butter with a hand-pulled wooden churning rod. Prema Kishore began, showing us the rhythmic way of pulling back and forth, churning the yogurt until frothy bubbles began forming on the surface. For the next hour we took turns between the four of us as Prema Kishore shared with us not only his butter churning skills, but his deep spiritual wisdom. He explained his dependent relationship with his cows, telling us how he is maintained by them in a very real way, and that respect for what cows give us humans is not at all theoretical for him. His life is simple, yet wealthy in all the ways it is important. He has land, friends, cows that give him dairy products, which he consumes, and also trades for vegetables from his neighbors, and he has a peaceful heart. "I find this churning very relaxing," he said to me. "It calms the mind, and the rhythmic work is peaceful."
I thought of us in America, surrounded by our machines that are supposed to save us time, but we run through our lives alone and stressed out, with no time. We've replaced high quality life skills like cooking, baking, gardening, and caring for animals with an industrial lifestyle that is good for making money, but not for living.
"Paper money has no value," Prema Kishore explained. "Devotee families who are like-minded should get together and produce a functioning life-style that has true value. You find a community area where the cows can graze during the day, and then in the evening they go home to their individual respective homes. If you have land, cows, and the skills and ability to grow your own food, that is the greatest security and wealth," he finished as he looked down at the big steel bucket now filled with floating butter.
The simple activity of churning butter, especially when done with friends as the gopis of Srimad-Bhagavatam did, accomplishes so much for mental, physical, and emotional well-being. It strengthens your arms, calms the mind, gives you the opportunity to talk and get to know your friends, and of course gives the valuable product of fresh butter!
Prema Kishore scooped out the fruits of our labor into a bowl, and then put the butter directly in front of his Giriraja, whom he had brought outside to enjoy the sun and watch us churn.
"I have to watch out for the monkeys," he said, as he looked at Giriraja's enormous smile with the big bowl of butter in front of him. "The other day I left the door to the roof open and came back to find a monkey sitting next to Giriraja, his palms and face full of butter. Then I saw Giriraja's cheeky smile, and guessed that the monkey must have been invited to enjoy the butter with him," he says with a laugh, "as the monkeys were many thousands of years ago with that naughty butter thief, Krishna."
With a smile he hands my brother and me cups of the cold fresh buttermilk, chach as it is called here. It can be drunk with added sugar or salt, and is an elixir for all things related to digestion. He also gave us a little bit of the residue butter left on his hand from scooping it out. "The best face cream," he explained as he smoothed it on his face, arms, and hands. I'm not exaggerating when I say that he literally lives off the gifts his cows give him.
After having our fill of buttermilk, and with the noon sun on our faces, I thanked him for his time and wisdom and we headed back to our home for lunch. While walking back, I thought of Prema Kishore's words, and the impact that they, as well as his example, had had on me.
I yearn for a simpler life, where those things that are important take precedence over everything else. Here in Vraja, the people I have encountered don't try to do too much, and what they do may seem on the outside to be trivial and basic. But to them taking care of their cows, in the case of Prema Kishore, or chanting in kirtana for a few hours a day, like my brother does, or simply making one garland for Radharani, like Nadia does, all these things are considered a day well-lived. And really they are. Just a simple activity of devotion here in Vraja is so worthwhile and fulfilling and satisfying. And that is the way of the simple cowherd community, whom we aspire to follow.
Those cowherd men and women, boys and girls, they are just thinking of how to do something for Krishna everyday, something to make him smile. And Krishna is also just a simple cowherd boy, who is pleased just by simple things. You take care of his cows, his friends, those devoted to him, serve his Radha, and sing his name and you bring a smile to his lotus face. He loves his cows and cowherd village, and so when you serve those whom he loves he will take notice. It's all so simple actually. This is the secret of Vrindavana, and I feel today that I had a small glimpse of it. This village is being covered over by those who don't know this secret, and trash, pollution, population, high-rise apartments and condominium, cars and motorcycles are overtaking it. But if you're lucky enough to come to this practically unknown little village, I hope you can walk down a dusty path away from all of that and find someone like Prema Kishore who knows the secret of Vraja and is living the simple yet oh so wealthy life.


text:
Did I mention I love Quattro?
On a rain-slicked night in Italy's soaring Dolomites, that romantic attachment to Audi's once-groundbreaking, damn-the-weather traction system is easy to understand. We're driving the discreetly revamped R8 on a two-day northbound trek from a Moto GP track in Rimini, to a memorable seaside lunch in Venice and into the mountains of Italy and Austria, descending to take a beer-soaked checkered flag in Munich.
But you don't have to be living la dolce vita to appreciate the oft-downplayed performance edge of Quattro. On a slippery morning in Toledo, or a downpour in Sonoma, Audi sports cars go all superhero while the weather Kryptonites rear-drivers like Corvettes, sapping their vaunted muscle, turning them into timid Clark Kents.
A nice set of winter tires helps. With autumn snow already frosting high Alpine passes, an Audi engineer has prudently shod our R8 convoy of V-8 coupes, V-10 Spyders, and the V-10 Plus model with Dunlop Winter Sport tires.
That V-10 Plus model is new. This weight-watching, 550-hp show-off replaces the limited-run GT coupe and Spyder atop the lineup when R8s reach showrooms in March. (These time-travelers skip past 2013 for a 2014 model-year designation). For now, the Plus is available only as a hardtop. The Euro-market Plus we're driving shaves 110 pounds from the standard V-10, in part via ceramic brakes and less sound-absorption material. American versions will weigh more, forgoing the Euro version's fiberglass shell seats and clear carbon engine cover.
Here, with the moon poking a hole in stubborn clouds, I'm climbing a 525-hp V-10 Spyder through northern Italy's Parco Nazionale Dolomiti Bellunesi. This national park's spectacular, pink-hued granite walls and strange grassy peaks stand between me and Bolzano — or Bozen, the town's Deutsche name in this largely German-speaking province of South Tyrol.
But at this moment, I can't see much beyond the Audi's reworked LED headlamps, one of several modest styling changes that require a sharp eye or a micrometer to notice. Front and rear bumpers are new, as is a carbon-fiber front lip splitter, standard on the Plus. New dynamic rear turn signals put on an animated show, pointing a strip of light in the direction of the turn via 30 LEDs that fire in sequence every 150 milliseconds.
On the home stretch of the opening day's run from Rimini to Bolzano, I'm impatiently gunning the mellow-throated V-10 that takes center stage in the Audi's aluminum space frame; pushing the R8 through switchback climbs and near-bottomless descents, perhaps a touch fast considering the slick road and snowbound banks flashing their familiar slow-it-down warnings.
It's almost a good thing — almost — that I can't see the sickening plummets looming in the dark, as the ragtop R8 carves through a gauntlet of 10-foot-tall reflector poles that turn this road into a surreal nighttime slalom course.
But again, what the hell: It's Quattro, baby, and it's bellissimo.
"Beautiful" also aptly describes the R8's most sorely needed upgrade: The seven-speed, paddle-spanking, dual-clutch S tronic automatic transmission. Already happily whisking through gears in the Audi S4, S5 and RS5, the S tronic (finally) buffs an Audi halo car that had been tarnished by the balky one-clutch R-Tronic.
Just 23.6 inches long, the S tronic nestles low and aft of the hand-built Hungarian engines: The familiar, 430-hp 4.2-liter V-8 and 525-horse, 5.2-liter V-10. A recalibrated engine and freer exhaust lend the Plus its 550 hp.
All by its lonesome, S tronic chops 0.3 seconds from every automatic model's 0-60 mph time, one sign of how arthritic the old transmission was. The Plus especially spins the needle like a self-respecting supercar, at 3.5 seconds to 60 mph and a 197-mph terminus.
Hard-core buyers won't be dissuaded from the terrific, metal-gated 6-speed manual, even if it takes a human-scale bite out of acceleration. (The "slowest" R8 is the manual 4.2 coupe, at 4.6 seconds from stoplight to 60). But the S tronic is one brilliantly versatile box, silky when you want it, but ever ready to blip the throttle, hook up four fat tires, and fly through gears like a Vegas sharpie flipping aces.
Unlike its often-abbreviated gearbox rivals, including the Porsche PDK and BMW DCT units, the Audi transmission has no driver-selectable range of shift force, from cushy to spine-crushing. Yet the Audi's agreeable philosophy suggests that, if a transmission is perfectly tuned, who needs extra buttons to make it work?
A console sport button does raise shift points and goose the throttle. That's flanked by a switch that subtly firms up the adaptive magnetic suspension, standard on V-10 editions. As for stiffness, the Plus splits the difference between less-powerful models and today's sinewy GT.
The R8's cabin has steadily improved since its rather monochrome 2007 debut. A wider selection of optional trims includes a gorgeous, Bentley-esque leather package that wraps seats and doors — and headliner for the Plus — in honeycomb-quilted leather.
The S tronic transmission solves the R8's Achilles heel, but may leave a sour taste in some mouths: Opting for S tronic should add about $9,000 to the sticker. Whoa. That's nearly three times the price of Porsche's equally stellar PDK. One or two jaded journos suggested that, if Audi can successfully charge nine grand for a transmission, then the buyers who ante up are the only dupes.
Sorry, but I don't see it that way. That automated money grab seems unjustified, whether or not you feel sympathy for buyers of means, or people — and they're the majority these days — who just prefer a modern automatic.
Fortunately, Audi doesn't make us plebes fork over a check to lap the R8 at Misano World Circuit, the starting point for our adventure.
The day includes wicked laps in the R8 LMS ultra racer that won May's 24 Hours of Nurbuergring. I ride shotgun with Audi pilot Frank Stippler, who drives more like naughty Stifler, slicing past pit-exit guardrails at speeds that have me sucking in my breath.
The takeaway, aside from pure jollies, is that Quattro GmbH, and its 780 employees in Audi's performance subsidiary, designs and builds both race and street R8s in Neckarsulm, Germany. Audi swears on a Gutenberg stack that the rear-drive LMS triumphs with a production-based R8 V-10 engine. Moreover, that engine has required rebuilding only every 20,000 kilometers, unheard of durability at this level of racing.
Misano's asphalt is as greasy as Sal Mineo, and the Audi — dressed in summer rubber for the day's action — runs out of traction a tad sooner than expected. The R8s can certainly rock a stopwatch on track, and both engines are wonderfully flexible. But despite the midship layout and rear-biased weight distribution, the R8 is committed to benign understeer, determined to keep its owner out of the emergency room. Steering is robustly weighted and accurate, but its overall feel won't have anyone trading a Ferrari or Porsche 911 GT3.
Yet the R8 saves its best for real roads and the real world. Its generous performance envelope contains a love letter to drivers of all skill levels: "Hey, let's fool around," the R8 whispers. "I promise we won't get in trouble."
Unlike some top-shelf sports cars, the R8 doesn't feel anxious in traffic, punish your vertebrae on long trips, or frustrate you with archaic, confusing switchgear. It's hard to generalize about low-volume sports cars, yet some owners affirm that their R8 has been more reliable and less costly to service than other exotics. Certainly, Audi dealerships are easier to find.
Not that anyone will confuse an R8 with a TT. Expect Audi to roughly toe the line on current prices: $115,000 for a 4.2 coupe, $150,000 for a 5.2 coupe, and perhaps $180,000 for the 5.2 Plus, which Audi confirms will undercut the current, $197,450 GT coupe. Sunning in a Spyder should add about $13,500, for either engine.
Lucre aside, the Audi's easy rapport with its driver comes into focus on a final blitz into Munich. The R8 alternately burns to 150 mph and relaxes in traffic, fresh and comfy after three countries and more than 1,000 kilometers of driving.
As ever, the R8 appeals to the brain as much as the heart. But sometimes in the sports-car world, brains are in short supply.
2014 Audi R8
On sale: March
Price: $115,000/$150,000/$180,000 (V-8/V-10/Plus, est.)
Engine: 4.2L V-8, 430 hp, 317 lb-ft; 5.2L V-10, 525/550 hp; 391/398 lb-ft
Drive: Four-wheel
EPA Mileage: 13/21 mpg (est.)


text:
Cheese Melters & Food Finishers
These units are great at doing just what the name implies - melting cheese over the top of finished dishes like sandwiches, French onion soup, nachos, and more. A cheese melter can also be used to finish and brown other types of food, from toasting bread, to caramelizing the outside of desserts just before they are served. You'll also find these being used in many restaurants as a plate warmer to heat dishes both before and after plating. More


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We encourage you to review the privacy policies of other websites to understand their privacy practices. Public ForumAny information you submit in a public forum (e.g., a post in a user forum on the Site, a blog, chat room, or social network) can be read, collected, or used by us and others, and could be used to personalize your experience. You are responsible for the information you choose to submit in these instances. Such user-posted material is not subject to this Privacy Policy.Who May Use Our SiteOur Site is designed for users from the United States. Users from other countries are advised not to disclose personal information unless they consent to having their information used as set forth in this Privacy Policy, rather than under the law of user's home country. You should not send any personal information to the Site unless you agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy and by United States and any applicable state laws. ChildrenThe Site may collect information from users who are under the age of 13, and some of the information collected by the Site from these users may include personally identifiable information. Minors may only use the Site with the consent of their parent or guardian. Minors may only submit personal information to the Site with the consent of their parent or guardian. The Site, however, is operated by a non-profit organization and therefore is not subject to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (hereinafter referred to as "COPPA"). COPPA applies to commercial website operators and non-profit organizations that operate for the profit of their commercial members. As a non-profit organization, we are exempt from complying with COPPA under Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Any personally identifiable information collected by the Site from users under the age of 13 will be used as described above in the same manner as personally identifiable information collected from other users. However, any parent or guardian of a child under the age of 13 who is enrolled in the SMART Program may request written notice of what information the Site collects and how we use the collected information and may, at any time, refuse to allow the use of any collected information. However, because the Site only collects information necessary for a child's participation in the SMART Program, any parental refusal to allow for the use of collected information will result in a termination of the child's account with the Site.Opt Out/Modify InformationIf you would like to add your name to our marketing list, request that your name be removed, or correct your current information, please write us at: email@example.com or email@example.com (as appropriate). Please include your full name and email address in case we have any questions. You can also opt-out of receiving email communications from us by clicking on the "unsubscribe" link in our emails. We will make a reasonable effort to accommodate your request. This Site includes a feature which allows users to search for registered members and find out, among other information, the location of that member's local association. If you are a registered member and would like to remove your information, including location of your local association, please contact us at: firstname.lastname@example.com or firstname.lastname@example.com (as appropriate). Changes and Updates to this Privacy PolicyWe may make changes to this Privacy Policy from time to time and at any time without notice to you by posting modifications to this Privacy Policy at the Site. By using the Site following such changes, you agree to be bound by such changes. Please check the Site periodically to familiarize yourself with any changes that may have been made to this Privacy Policy. You can determine when this Privacy Policy was last changed by checking the "Last Updated" reference above.


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Your Account
Goodwill Industries International, Inc., invites you to join our community and post your thoughts on our web site and social networking pages.
But before you comment, please read these basic rules:
Comments on our web site are held for moderation and approved several times daily.
We reserve the right to delete or reject any comment or ban any user who violates our community code of conduct. Community comments don't reflect the views of Goodwill Industries International or its employees unless stated otherwise.
I am an old Goodwill employee from San Francisco, Ca. to you all who do goodwill. There are no saints here, so I think its inappropiate for us non-seat holding judges to judge. Do the best that you can. Dont worry if they dont. some wont, Charge yourself (who you can change.) those that wont, or dont will hopefully want what you have because they dont. Dont claim what they have because you didnt!
Be the best that you can be, DO GOODWILL evry day.
Thank you!
Thank you all for helping and supporting
Goodwill has been an inspiration to me. It has for many years helped me in giving back to those less fortunate and in need in my country (Monrovia Liberia). Because I was able to buy things at a price I could afford from Goodwill stores, I was able to help many people. My inspiration of opening a store that will benefit the less fortunate in Monrovia Liberia West Africa is from Goodwill. So thank God for Goodwill and those that donate to Goodwill.
Volunteering with 'Goodwill Industries' this year has been one of the most emotionally rewarding experiences of my life. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of my friends at 'Goodwill Industries' the happiest of holidays, and I look forward to helping out with future efforts in 2015.
Regarding the Goodwill Thrift Store in Somerset,PA, 15501 area:
Attn: Mr. Dave Dryer and Mr. Cliff Kauffman,
I recently had a most unpleasant experience at a retail store (NOT Goodwill). My knee-jerk reaction was to write to somebody at that business, and complain. Then, I realized that what I should do, instead, is write a letter to an organization regarding their stellar employees, and my experience with such organization.
Hence, this note: I've been a long-time customer of Goodwill Industries' Thrift Stores. As a former military member, I've been to many stores throughout the country. Always a pleasant experience, I must say that the store in Somerset, PA, currently managed by Ms. Susan, Ms. Janet, and Ms. Holly, have, and continue to go above and beyond the call of duty. Whether or not I purchase something during my visit, this management team has always made me feel like a special guest, and their professionalism is above the grade. I am not nor have ever been affiliated with Goodwill Industries, apart from shopping and occasionally donating to one of my favorite organizations.
I am always complimented on my appearance. I have always found the best clothing and shoes at Goodwill. I sing your praises constantly. I love spending my Sunday afternoons shopping for my designer clothes. I recently paid 3.49$ for a pair of Nine West Black Leather high heel shoes. I absolutely love, love, love my Goodwill.
The cashier is always helpful, friendly and fast.
Every aspect of this place is a definite 10+.
A few comments if I may. As a frequent shopper at the GOODWILL OUTLET store in HAMDEN, CT, I would like to take the time to acknowledge two young men who do an outstanding job at the store. The first young man's name is MATT. He's a handicapped young man, he has a very effective way of keeping things in line at the store. As a matter of fact, this past Saturday late in the afternoon, he got on the house microphone to announce they would be closing soon. When the people arrived at the cashier area, young MATT was the only one working there. I hope it's not a case of taking advantage of someone, just for the sake of saving a few bucks. I see him in action many times, and he gets right in there regarding the bulk work, moving the big bulk tables etc. He is a credit to that store. The store manager DANA,is also a very effective employee. I see him in action, and this young man does anything and everything, with no hesitation. He also is a credit to that store, and as far as I'm concerned, you should be blessed to have both of these men working for you. They go above the call of duty, and I believe that not only do they deserve to be recognized for what they do, but also deserve proper wage increases. Thank you for reading about two young gentlemen, who know how to work with the sometimes rowdy public.
Fort Apache/Flamingo store has the kindest most professional staff in town. I look forward to each Wednesday; truly a unique shopping experience. Thank you for your attention to detail and cleanliness.
Thank you so much for all you do!
Goodwill is a good store I loved working there the workers feel like a family to me I want to go back and enjoy my work at Goodwill is on blossom hill and korz it make me happy at Goodwill
My family donated many things to Goodwill today. We were promptly greeted at our car, and the employee unloading the things was very courteous and efficient. The retail store also had very friendly employees, and it had a bright and cheerful atmosphere. Everything was displayed well. Thank you Goodwill, for being available for donors and shoppers.
Years ago, the local Goodwill provided vintage dresses and models for a delightful fashion show at our church. Does Goodwill do this kind of thing any more? It was delightful to those who attended, and was publicity for our local Goodwill.
thank you


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Beginning in January 2010, patches are available for Novell Business Continuity Clustering (BCC) 1.2.0 in the Novell Open Enterprise Server (OES) 2 SP1 Linux patch channel.
BCC administrators can use a rolling update approach to download and install the BCC 1.2.0 patch for each node in every peer cluster in the business continuity cluster. The BCC patch can be installed on a fully patched OES 2 SP1 Linux cluster, or it can be installed when the OES 2 SP1 Linux patches are applied in the cluster. Each of these update approaches are discussed in this section.


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As world leaders prepare to gather in New York for the annual United Nations General Assembly, join the United Nations in a global conversation with the UN Secretary-General, streamed live on Facebook, Twitter, Weibo, Livestream and UN Webcast.
It's your chance to get answers straight from the top, on the international issues you care about!
Join in to ask the UN Secretary-General any questions you have about the United Nations and its work, such as: What more can we do to stop wars from breaking out? What can one individual do in the fight against climate change? What's it like to be Secretary-General of the UN?
Questions from the public will be collected through Twitter, using the hashtag #asktheSG, and a moderator will put your questions to the SG. Questions are accepted in all six official UN languages plus Portuguese and Kiswahili. There are no restrictions on subject matter.
Chinese language questions may also be posted on Weibo (http://www.weibo.com/UN).
On Livestream :: UN Webcast :: Weibo
The Brussels based United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe - UNRIC provides information on UN activities to the countries of the region. It also provides liaison with institutions of the European Union in the field of information. Its outreach activities extend to all segments of society and joint campaigns, projects and events are organized with partners including the EU, governments, the media, NGOs, schools and local authorities.
United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC Brussels)
Residence Palace, Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 155, Block C2,7th and 8th floor, Brussels 1040, Belgium
Tel.: +32 2 788 8484 / Fax: 32 2 788 8485


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LAKEWOOD —Barely bigger than an elementary school student, Evergreen freshman gymnast Callie Cohen stood tall on the beam and flew through the air on the uneven bars when the Lady Cougars faced Standley Lake on Oct. 3 in their dual meet at Bear Creek High School.
With her 15th birthday just days after the meet, Cohen knew that she had a lot to prove — both for herself and for her team.
If you currently subscribe or have subscribed in the past to the Canyon Courier, then simply find your account number on your mailing label and enter it below.
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Is an infant's death enough to unite the pro-life movement against gun violence?
The horrific deaths of 20 children in Newtown, Connecticut last December has done more than perhaps any other recent tragedy to bring the issue of gun violence into the national consciousness. But the country remains divided on how to curb gun violence, and even many Catholics balk at the idea of laws designed to reduce the loss of innocent life by restricting access to firearms.
During a discussion on reducing gun violence at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' annual Social Ministry Gathering last month in Washington, someone raised the question of whether the bishops see gun violence as a pro-life issue. A representative of the USCCB staff present at the meeting said that yes, the bishops would frame this as a pro-life issue, but those gathered in the room seemed to agree that many Catholics in the pews haven't made that connection yet. For those who haven't, maybe this will help.
Last week here in Chicago, a man was shot while changing his six-month-old daughter's diaper. Jonathan Watkins was sitting in his minivan with daughter Jonylah in his lap when the shooter approached and fired, hitting both father and daughter. Jonathan was injured yet survived, but Jonylah did not. Though doctors tried to save her they were unsuccessful. Yesterday was Jonylah's emotional funeral.
I hear stories of shootings in Chicago on the local news often, but as the father of a seven-month-old girl, this one hit me harder than most. I can't even imagine how much grief Jonylah's family feels. The whole city has been grieving as the tragic story continues to make headlines.
There are plenty of excuses that can be made, starting with the fact that Jonathan Watkins was targeted by the shooter because of his gang ties. Yes, gang violence is a critical issue that needs to be addressed, but that's not the only problem here. Opponents of gun control laws will also say that criminals would still end up with guns no matter what laws we pass, and the only people punished by these measures are citizens who follow the law. While it is true that someone who would commit a murder might not be deterred by gun control laws, we can try to make it harder for such individuals to get guns in the first place.
But putting aside all the politics, the bottom line is that an innocent baby was shot and killed. For a church that places the utmost priority on protecting innocent human life, this should be an outrage. The pro-life movement should be throwing its powerful voice loudly into this conversation, saying that we cannot tolerate any more deaths of children or infants due to guns--not to mention the lives of people of all ages that are taken by gun violence. But a quick search of the websites of some of the major national pro-life groups turns up not a single story about the shooting death of an infant, nor any calls to action on this issue.
No gun control law will serve as a solution on its own, and there is no easy cure for gun violence. But that is no reason for those who are pro-life to turn away from the discussion or to throw up their hands. If anything, it is even more reason to work hard and to devote our energy to the problem before more human lives are sacrificed.


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And never pay full price on your meds again!
The Pharmacy Discount Card can save you and your family up to 75% on all FDA-approved medications at pharmacies everywhere (over 50,000 in the U.S.).
The Pharmacy Discount Card couldn't be easier to use. This card is pre-activated and ready to use immediately. To receive your pharmacy benefits, hand your card and a prescription to the pharmacist at a participating pharmacy. The discounts will be automatically applied.
Over 50,000 pharmacies accept the Patient Savings Alliance Card, including: Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Target, Costco, Good Neighbor, Publix, Giant, Giant Eagle and Safeway. Questions? Visit our FAQ page or call our toll-free number: 1-888-854-1372.
To search for a prescription or participating pharmacy, please click here or call customer service toll-free at 888-854-1372.


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Chicago Blackhawks Win the Stanley Cup
Jun 24, 2013 11:16 PM EDT
The Chicago Blackhawks won the NHL Stanley Cup championship Monday night, beating the Boston Bruins 3-2 and winning the series in six games. Never miss an episode! Add new fall shows to your Watchlist Boston took the lead 2-1 in the third period, but… Read more


text: Santorini is a Greek island in the Cycladic Archipelago. It has a population of about 10,000 and, with Therasia and Kameni, is all that remains of a vast volcanic crater. Santorini's capital, Thira, is in a spectacular location 200 meters above sea level on the edge of the caldera, offering panoramic views. The city features an archaeological museum with artefacts from ancient settlements, and the Megara Museum. The Santorini sunsets are among the most beautiful in the world and can be enjoyed both from the terraces of the town of Fira and from Mount Profitis, from where you can watch the "green ray," the last ray of the sun before it disappears below the horizon. Today, couples frequently choose to get married here at sunset in one of the many tiny churches. What to see:Nea Kameni Volcano, the Prehistoric and Archeological Museum, the archeological excavations at Akrotiri (excavations from the 1960s, which unearthed an urban settlement from 1500 B.C. with beautifully frescoed houses near the village of Akrotiri). Things to do:In the afternoon there is plenty to do. There are numerous spots by the sea, including snack bars, beach chalets and pubs. But in the evening the fun really gets going thanks to the many nightclubs featuring live music. At dawn, after the bars and clubs close, everyone heads for the beach for music and fun by the light of bonfires.


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I am participating in the The Book of Me, Written by You project which will last 15 months. Prompt for week 9 is Halloween.
- Have you ever participated in a Halloween event?
- When was it?
- Where was it?
- What did you dress as?
- Trick or treat?
Some years our parents drove us over to a block with lots of houses. These streets had sidewalks so it was much safer for us to walk.They would park at one end and wait while we hit both sides of the street. I went Trick or Treating until I was about 12 or so. After that I took my sisters Trick or Treating and waited for them to dole out some candy to me.
I don't remember too many costumes. I was an Indian once. Perhaps a ghost out of a sheet another time. My sisters liked being princesses; my brothers hobos or pirates.
Fast forward to adulthood: My parents liked having Halloween parties after we well all grown up. They would invite us kids with our spouses and children. We had pumpkin carving contests and costume contests. One year my Dad dressed up as a nun and another year as a woman. Gosh, he looked just like his mother!
My daughters loved to dress up in costumes. Some years I made their costumes and other years we bought costumes. A neighboring street would decorate with colored lights and other decorations and it was a great place to go Trick or Treating. After they got home, the girls would sort out the candy into types and count them. I would hope they would pass along Mounds, Almond Joys, or anything Cinnamon-flavored like Red Hots or Hot Tamales to me.
There were times when my friend invited them over to make cookies. Basically they were Christmas cookie dough but they cut them out with Halloween shapes and frosted them.
I found a photo where I did dress up. My daughters and I attended a Halloween party given by a friend of theirs. This year I made their costumes and we three won the costume contest!


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Best iPad Background Picture Ever
A friend of mine just sent me this absolutely amazing picture of the night sky over Maui taken by photographer Eric Rolph.
Maybe I am an Apple nerd, but the first thing that I thought was: this will make an awesome iPad background picture!
Click through the image or on the Flickr link to get the full size version, it's rather large at 1267×1900, but it does indeed make an awesome iPad background pic. If you want some other really cool pics, check out Eric's photostream on Flickr, it's full of amazing photography.
iPad friendly resolutions: we have received a few requests to provide the image at a more iPad friendly 1024×1024 resolution, so we cropped the picture into two variations. Click through the images below for them: