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I know there've been a lot of criticisms of American Idol Season 12, but none of its results shows up till now have driven me into a homicidal rage. (Okay, Breanna Steer not cracking the Top 10 came pretty close, but we haven't had a moment where I've been on the brink of spouting "THAT'S IT! I'M DONE WITH THIS SHOW 4EVA!" nonsense.)
And I guess that's why I approached Top 7 Results Night with a mixture of paranoia and dread. Okay, yeah, Lazaro Arbos got saddled with the most ominous lyric from the group performance of Queen's "Somebody to Love" — "I got no rhythm/ I just keep losing my beat" — but there was a sinking feeling in my gut that reminded me how Jessica Sanchez, Jennifer Hudson and Matt Giraud all (unjustly) received the lowest number of votes at this point in the competition in their respective seasons. Yeah, two of 'em got the "Judges' Save" while one of 'em went on to get the Oscar, but still, the message kept flashing in my brain: You can't get this far into the competition without bad things happening. Verrrry bad things, in fact.
RELATED | American Idol's Ratings Woes: 8 Common-Sense Ways to Salvage Season 12
Of course, it took almost a half hour before Ryan cut to the chase and started getting down to the business of results. But before he'd even had a chance to tell us what the speed-dialing nation had done with its great responsibility, I found myself with that familiar feeling: Fury in my gut, expletives on my tongue, and a "HULK SMASH!" vibe percolating in my nonexistent pecs.
What had me so hopping mad? Idol mentor Jimmy Iovine and three out of four judges naming their personal Top 3 lists and failing to include the season's most talented, most consistent competitor — Candice Flippin'
Flover Glover (see how angry I am?)
Welcome back, unrelenting anger, my old friend. Shall we cut to the proceedings? Might as well!
JIMMY: Amber, Angie, Kree (but he also loves Candice)
KEITH: Kree, Angie, Amber (did dude forget Angie's Top 9 and Top 8 performances)
NICKI: Angie, Amber, Kree (ditto!)
RANDY: Amber, Kree, Angie (not that anyone cares what Randy thinks)
MARIAH: Kree, Amber, Candice (well, THANK YOU, Mariah, for being the sole voice of sanity)
VIDEO | Idol's Devin Velez on Nicki Minaj Feud and That Infamous Trio! Plus: Bieber & Pink Theme Nights?
Then it was time for actual votes — from America — the ones that count.
Kree Harrison
Angie Miller
That Dude Who Forgot His Lyrics the Past Two Weeks
Candice Glover
Amber Holcomb
Janelle Arthur
Burnell Taylor
Burnell Taylor: India.Arie's "Ready for Love" | Burnell sang with great intensity and heart — hitting most of his notes, albeit with a slight case of mushy-mouth. But after his absolutely lame Wednesday cover of "You Give Love a Bad Name," I'm not sure he'd have scored the save even if he'd levitated up and over the judges table and into the VIP seating where The Mindy Project stars were enjoying some cross-promotional synergy. Nope, the Save carries into next week, and it probably should, just as a final defense against the Lazaro Epidemic.
A few additional thoughts:
* Perhaps Janelle's Bottom 2 placing is a classic case of vote splitting: Country fans are gravitating to Kree, and she's the one losing out. Ditto for Amber and Candice, who may be sharing the R&B Diva fan base — and unable to crack the Top 3 as a result. Depressing, but it might explain Lazaro's Top 3 placing: He's got the "tone deaf" and "loves cute boys" voting blocs all to himself!
* Listless as that group performance of "Somebody to Love" was, Candice's final epic solo run made it all worthwhile. Even if she's destined to finish the season at No. 5 or maybe No. 4, she's made my first half of 2013 a better place to be.
* Let's hope Fox releases those Ford "Who's Your Idol?" photos for sites like TVLine to publish! The Top 7 was lookin' fly. That said, would you have ever guessed ballad-crazed Burnell would choose someone as edgy as Pharrell Williams as his main inspiration?
* Casey James' "The Good Life" felt a little hook-free to me, but he won me over with his sheer enthusiasm for being back on the Idol stage with an original track — and his thoughtful personalized gifts for the Top 7.
* Footage from Carrie's pre-audition farm life never ceases to amaze me. I thought her voice sounded a tad war-torn on new single "See You Again" (and I prefer the monumental "Two Black Cadillacs, persoanlly), but it's always great to see a reminder of the power this program holds. They really don't get more powerhouse than The Lady Underwood these days, do they? And her journey started right there on the Idol stage.
I'll be back shortly to update this post with more info on guest performers and other deets, but until then, it's your turn. What did you think of Season 12 Top 7 results night? Did the right person go home? And did you dig Carrie Underwood and Casey James? Sound off in the comments, and for all my Idol-related news, recaps, interviews and videos, follow me on Twitter @MichaelSlezakTV!
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It was only when I started going back through all the shows from the past few months that I realised just how long it's been since the last fashion post. And yes, I do go back through everything for these posts. Ded-i-ca-tion! Think about it…there's been a major draft, some amazing PPVs, some of the roster were deported, and then they were allowed back in the country again. Some of the roster married each other, some big names have parted ways with the WWE (some voluntary, some by force), new stars have been made, new champions have been crowned (kind of), the first series of NXT finished, a new one began and the Nexus became part of the wrestling furniture. It would be impossible to run through every clothing related happening since Wrestlemania, but I'll try to pick out some of the most memorable. You might need to go and get some tea and biscuits before you get stuck into this one. 'Tis a long'un.
You better take a good look at that banner above the first paragraph, folks. Not only because we're redesigning the site at the moment, but also because since I last did a fashion post, our favourite oiled fashion disaster has retired. Dave Batista, I miss you and your double-deni. Although, when I saw Big Dave covering up in a high-necked top and a cat-burglar hat a few weeks before he departed, I figured his time left with us was short.
So, there'll be no more near-naked Batista, sitting in the middle of the ring, sulking because things didn't go his way. Let's take a moment to remember…..
So what now for Dave? Rumour has it that he's opened up an exclusive cocktail bar for select members of the community in Manhattan. I wish him all the very best.
As one veteran says goodbye, a new breed of superstars comes to the fore. Such is the circle of life. The Nexus may not have been around for long, but they feel like part of the family already. Look at them there in their cheapo t-shirts:
Their transformation from FCW wannabes to PPV hijackers was quite astonishing. Let's take Justin Gabriel, for example. He was so cute before he turned bad. There he was with his dimply smile, ironed black hair and Matt Hardy inspired shirts.
A couple of months, an evil streak later and……
Please note, as a face he wore white trunks and as a heel they're black. Apparently, encasing your junk in white PVC means you're angelic and wrapping it in black plastic makes you eeevil. Also the highlights and asymmetrical haircut. They're eeevil too. Wade Barrett has only improved since winning NXT. He's ditched the oversized winter coats and looks ever the illustrious leader:
It's no wonder he beat David Otunga to the NXT trophy. Especially when Otunga decided to cover his head in stick-on plastic diamantes for the final show:
Otunga's look hasn't changed much since his rookie-hood, but Darren Young has had a major make-over. Personally, I'm not sure which is worse, so I'll leave you to decide:
As for Heath Slater, he looked like a cock before he was on NXT, during and after.
Our next batch of rookies don't seem to display such extreme fashion guises. In fact, they're fairly normal looking. Well, normal for wrestlers anyway. I mean, check out how miserable Kaval looks at having to wear his mentors' home-made merchandise:
But don't let grumpy-chops fool you. In his spare time, the man with the deepest voice I ever did hear likes to do a spot of catalogue modelling;
I'm sure his mentors would wholeheartedly approve. While we're on the topic of LayCool, let's have some REAL TALK.
Despite the fact that they appear dressed in increasingly elaborate self-branded outfits every week, not a single piece has appeared on WWEShop.com. Although, there is a youth Divas t-shirt available, so at least little girls have something to wear to cheer on the Divas now.
If WWE want to release some LayCool Flawless merchandise, I will most definitely buy it. Ms. McCool is now Mrs. Calaway, courtesy of her marriage to a certain Dead Man. And speaking of the Undertaker, you know you're a wrestling fan when you watch the Eurovision Song Contest and assign wrestlers to the countries competing, based on their performance outfits. Clearly Taker's a big hit in Eastern Europe.
Let's move on. I just admitted to watching the Eurovision Song Contest. Quick! We need a more pleasant subject. Ah yes. CM Punk. Punk has gone through quite the transformation over the past few months. His once flowing locks were shorn in the name of defending the Straight Edge Society and I spent several weeks mourning the loss of his face.
Thankfully, just a couple of weeks ago the Big Show de-masked Mr. Punk and his face (plus shaven head) were visible again. Hooray!
Going back to the ladies, my Maryse envy has been hitting new heights lately. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to be her or anything, but let's be honest, the girl fills her clothes rather beautifully. I'm not sure a halter-neck string bikini and a cropped lace top are quite suitable clothing for jiu-jitsu training. Eve has the edge in the practical clothing stakes.
But Maryse's in-ring attire is always ace and this dress almost made me give up on life. I can't compete with that.
But you never know, maybe I'll go through some sort of image evolution one day and end up looking that glamorous. Bahahahaha! I couldn't even keep a straight face typing that. Someone who did go through an image evolution though was Shad Gaspard. He ditched JTG and his urban streetwear to forge a solo career. All was looking trendy:
You know, when Dave disappeared I worried that I'd have nobody to follow regarding hit-n-miss fashions. But I had not anticipated the wonder that is the cougar herself, Vickie Guerrero.
She started off in her blouse and 'mum-jeans', but her efforts to impress and keep up with the youthful Dolph Ziggler have been nothing if not brave. Check 'em out:
Eeeeek! Wait. That last one was a bit dodgy. Tight dresses with zips right up the middle scream 'street-walker'. Not even Kelly Kelly can pull that one off.
But it's OK, kids. In recent weeks Mrs. G's cracked open the summer wardrobe and thrown on some rather flattering sundresses.
So all's well that ends well. Even if she doesn't look very happy about it. I love you, Vickie.
Sunshine seems to either bring out the best in our sense of dress or the worst. Just think of all those outfits you wear on your summer holiday that you wouldn't dream of wearing back home. Drew McIntyre, I'm talking to you:
Sheamus could teach Drew a few things about dressing for an occasion. While stranded in Belfast as a result of the Icelandic volcanic ash, Sheamus strutted around in a mighty fine ensemble of muted colours and handpicked items. Ok, so the tie probably should be on top of the shirt, but still, he looks good, oui?
I should move on before that underlying Sheamus crush rears its ugly head. I fear that I'm a change of hair-do away from swooning for Sheamus. As Sidekick Andrew points out every time I mention it "It's the voice, isn't it?" Errrr, yah! Show me a girl who doesn't love a boy with an Irish accent and I'll show thee a liar! And while we're on the subject of crushes I'd rather not admit to:
Yep! Zack Ryder. While he's in his ring gear… nothing. Not even a tingle. But in his civilian clothing (as above)…. WOO WOO WOO! Although, my real reason for mentioning he of the glorious tan is to report that he's FINALLY dropped the half-tighs/half trunks hybrid and gone for more standard trunks:
While the Long Island Iced-Z reveals a favourable increase in flesh, Cody Rhodes seems to be becoming even more naked, and it turns my stomach slightly. I mean, look….
The lack of knee-pads doesn't help and when he opts for his light-coloured boots, the boy looks practically naked. Enough. Get him some tights and a vest.
So there you have it. That's your latest instalment of WWE clothing triumphs and disasters. I've learnt a few things from this trip down memory lane. I've learnt that I miss Beth Phoenix, Triple H and Mickie James a lot more than I thought I did, and I've discovered a few universal truths that will never change. I shall impart this wisdom forthwith. Never forget these important wrestling fashion rules:
- Mark Henry in speedos is like a car-crash. You don't want to look, but you just can't stop yourself. You probably should look away though:
- Jerry Lawler will always wear horrendous t-shirts:
- Use somebody's clothing as a weapon against them and you will be fired:

subset: commoncrawl


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50 Year Reunion
If anyone would like to upload their photos to this gallery, please contact me at email@example.com for the password and instructions on" how to". To leave a comment, sign in via Facebook or Google. This is Smugmug security to avoid spammers. Thank you to the committee for organizing an awesome event.Read More
8 / 89


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After revelers at the 2012 Oktoberfest were greeted with rain and an unexpectedly chilly 40-degree afternoon, organizers and attendees alike are hoping for better weather this year. They just might get their wish.
The forecast for Friday's 41st anniversary edition of Fort Hays State University's signature celebration has a 20-percent chance of precipitation -- and a high of 69. It should make for a pleasant afternoon of eating, drinking and socializing.
Celebrated as part of FHSU's homecoming weekend, Oktoberfest serves as a homecoming of sorts for the entire community. If you see former residents of Hays but once a year, it likely is at this event held in Frontier Park. Even a traveller passing through with no prior knowledge would be lured to south Main Street by the smells of bratwurst, dumplings, bierocks, galuskies, etc. The beer, while not of the Volga German variety, is cold and plentiful.
In addition to the traditional tapping of the keg, there will be polka music, crafts, dancing and numerous opportunities to find souvenirs as well as supporting hard-working student groups and community organizations. An added feature this year will be a concert in the park featuring Paramount, with The Charles Williams Experience warming up.
"Everyone comes and enjoys it," said Nick Werth of the Volga German Society, "and we decided to bring in free entertainment for them."
Oktoberfest is, simply put, a spectacle. And for the second year running, the one-day extravaganza will feature family-friendly entertainment courtesy of the Ellis County Historical Society. The ECHS became a partner along with the Volga German Society, FHSU and the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce last year to ensure enough emphasis was placed on the historical component. The wow factor of the re-enactments, historical figures and demonstrations was dampened by the cold and rain last year, as well as being on the north side of the dike. Friday, the Honor Our Heritage component will be incorporated into the main Oktoberfest area. With USD 489 having an in-service day, the number of children available likely will be diminished. We would hope the historical society does not lose its enthusiasm and that calendars better align next year.
Finally, no mention of the popular Oktoberfest is complete without the regular warning about drinking and driving. Law enforcement will have an increased presence throughout the homecoming weekend to help maximize public safety. If you or somebody you know have one too many, remember that Safe Ride buses will be available to take you home. No questions asked. Just call (785) 621-2580.
Ein Prosit!
Editorial by Patrick Lowry


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Z361/K361/N561 — Introduction to MIDI and Computer
Introduction to MIDI and Computer Music is designed to teach both music majors and non-music majors the basics of the MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) system, its software, and the instruments commonly used with desktop MIDI workstations, such as synthesizers and digital samplers. Course work includes a series of creative projects and several quizzes.
This course is geared for those with little prior technical training.
Prerequisites: a basic understanding of rhythmic notation, and some previous experience making music (playing an instrument, singing in a choir, writing songs, etc.). Students without any experience creating music will find some aspects of the course difficult.
The course is normally offered in the fall and spring semesters and during the second 8-week Summer Session. It is 3 credit hours. Classes meet in room M373 in the Music Library, which holds enough equipment for each student to have hands-on experience during class.


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Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Comic 502: Another WACKY Beret-based adventure!
Looks like our good friend Beret Dude (maybe I should call him Mr. Beret) is back, and he once again makes no sense as a character! Last time, I was confused because he had gone from kind of off-beat and meaningful (much like early xkcd as a whole) to obsessed with bakeries and then oddly quiet. Is there a pattern here that makes him a consistent character in anyway? Hardly seems like it, and in the unlikely event that there is some continuity here it's almost certainly obliterated with today's comic.
Seriously, what's going on here? Mr. Beret is, we now discover, a total idiot, and he apparently thinks his fat mom is outside the known universe pulling him or something. I mean I guess the joke is he is very stupid, to the point that he takes the other guy's joke seriously, but that doesn't strike me as all that funny. Anyone have a better sense of it?
As far as I can tell, we have at long last another addition to the "ha ha, bitches, I'm getting all serious on you WITH NO WARNING" series. What I would have liked to see was the comic appear to take a turn for the Serious and Meaningful in the last panel, but then after "pull harder, mom" the dude from the first two panels yells, off-screen, "That's what SHE said!" thus destroying the meaningfulness and messing with the readers in a far more amusing way.
Anyway, what the fuck is up with the Beret guy? He really has nothing to do with any of his other appearances, ever. That's not how characters work, at least not this soon after they've been introduced. It just makes no sense.
I also see that the seated character manages to lose his legs in between the first and second panels. How 'bout that.
Update: Reading over the comments, you can see that a lot of people who usually think the way I do disagree with me on this one and like this comic. This may very well be one of those situations where my inherent anti-xkcd bias is not something I can overcome, and so I will simply point out that I am aware of it and let it be what it is. Come to your own conclusions, folks!
If you did not come upon it on your own in your daily webcomic perusal, note that Overcompensating made a joke on this same topic on the same day. Amazing! But Jeffery Rowland has some proof that he at least came up with the idea before he saw this. Just an odd story, and in any case, you should read Overcompensating if you aren't already.
23 comments:
- AnonymousNovember 11, 2008 at 6:56 PM
I think you missed the mark on this one.ReplyDelete
I just don't get the feeling that Mr. Beret took the your mom joke seriously.
- AnonymousNovember 11, 2008 at 6:56 PM
I think you missed the mark on this one.ReplyDelete
I just don't get the feeling that Mr. Beret took the your mom joke seriously.
I dunno, I kind of liked this one. I mean, it's sort of a thing with Randall to "take an unfunny joke completely literally, thereby making it a little more funny/poignant", which is what he's doing here. I think the timing is pretty good, too.ReplyDelete
But yeah, I can see why some people wouldn't like it, but I do.
Anon - I'm pretty sure he did. I mean, the non-beret'd man suggests that his mom is out there pulling everything towards her, and then he contemplates that in panel 3, and then he hopes his mom will pull them all faster so he can see her again. If he isn't taking "your mom" seriously, then what the hell is he doing, and why is it funny?ReplyDelete
Sarah - I think Randall does poignancy well on occasion, but not nearly as often as he thinks he does. This one doesn't work for me just because it's hard to imagine Mr. Beret (i have got to start being consistent with his name) being so stupid that he takes it seriously. Especially after the "zing." And given his somewhat psychotic stapling frenzy and lugnut eating, it's also hard for me feel any empathy for the guy. Like when Mr. Hat was depressed.
I don't know, I liked this one. I couldn't tell you why, but I smirked at least.ReplyDelete
Mr. Beret's mother is dead. He is contemplating the possibility of the afterlife, that, even after death, there may still be a chance for him to see her again. I.E. - "Your mom." "Oh God, is it possible that even beyond death the entity of my mother might still exist somewhere beyond this universe?!"ReplyDelete
I felt this comic was an attempt at sentimentality that just comes off as morbid and sad.
Weird, people I usually agree with seem to all like this one...makes me feel awkward. Anyway, I agree with poore, and I'll add that given the other contexts in which we see Mr. Beret it's also a little schizophrenic.ReplyDelete
- CharlesguyNovember 12, 2008 at 1:33 PM
I think with this review you alienated a few people who sympathize with your cause but still also like the comic sometimes. This one was a good strip if you took the time to think about it without a negative bias to the entire webcomic.ReplyDelete
In my opinion this post seemed just slightly more of an attack on the comic than a well thought out critique that I've seen from you in your past posts. Keep up the good work over all though.
hm. That's good to know. I can clearly see that most of my regular readers did like this comic. I will add an update I guess.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 12, 2008 at 5:55 PM
I think you are taking Beret Man a little too seriously. Randall probably just likes drawing berets and probably doesn't really expect someone to catalog all of the character's appearances, despite how nerdy they are.ReplyDelete
For the most part, it's not even a continuous strip. You can jump in anywhere and not be lost.
I doubt it. Mr. Hat is clearly a recurring character, and there are at least a few comics where Mr. Beret has some continuity (the bakery stuff, I guess, is the only one, but still) and making different characters look identical is just horribly and needlessly confusing. At the least he should give them different colored hats, or some other distinctive characteristic.ReplyDelete
So little visual distinction between characters is going to make it hard for him to do more long form stuff, as he's trying to do.
- DoubleBlackbirdNovember 13, 2008 at 1:21 AM
Well, Beret guy used to be the Existentialist. It's not just bakeries you know.ReplyDelete
I didn't mind this one, either. Although that might just be because it was so much better than the three or so previous XKCDs, and indeed better than the day's Overcompensating, which usually trounces XKCD in terms of chuckleworthiness.
(That's not to diminish OC, though - in fact, the next comic is quite relevant to this place, especially the third panel:
I can see why this one wouldn't be funny, I just found it amusing. Maybe because this is the sort of creepy and morbid thing that I do all the time. You want to alienate someone...ReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 3, 2009 at 2:14 PM
in your faq you claim to "get" these jokes. well YOU"RE A FUCKING RETARD FOR SAYING SO!!! The joke isn't that Beret Guy's an idiot, it's that Beret Guy's lost his mother, and is so sad he would delusion himself to believe that his mother may still be out there, thus making the clearly unaware other guy's immature yo mama joke an insensitive jab at the scarred person's emotions. The same thing happened at my school once.ReplyDelete
the SAME THING happened?? are you fucking serious? someone looked up into the sky and asked for his mother because some jackass told him a "your mom" joke that he was too dumb to get?ReplyDelete
anyway how is "an insensitive jab at the scarred person's emotions" a joke?
If the joke is "he is sad" then that is just evil. "HIS MOM DIED, LET'S LAUGH AT HIM." Maybe that would fly on Cyanide and Happiness but not here. Randall just isn't that bad a guy. The joke is that he is so dumb he thinks the guy is not making fun of him.ReplyDelete
Tell us more about your school.
- AnonymousNovember 21, 2009 at 7:47 PM
Personally, I liken it to The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe. Hopefully, you've read it (in my school, I even had to memorize it). If not, go do that now.ReplyDelete
In a way, this is extremely similar. The narrator in The Raven is not extremely dumb, is he? He can at least "[ponder] over a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore." He is not exactly insane, either; he obviously knows that the raven's answers have no meaning: "what it utters is its only stock and store." Nevertheless, he continues to ask it questions regarding the afterlife despite knowing that its answers are meaningless.
In that case, the narrator is not exactly insane, but so jarred at Lenore's death that he somewhat tries to delude himself into believing the raven. He even gets angry at the raven after it constantly spouts out "nevermore" even though he previously realizes that it says the same thing anyway.
It is essentially the same thing here. The beret guy is so extremely saddened by the death of his mother that he sort of mentally deludes himself into believing that the other guy's answer actually has some value to it. He is not exactly dumb or insane, but just so extremely distressed that he is willing to latch onto any hope handed out, in this case that the other guy really does mean his mom is pulling the galaxies, and in The Raven that the bird really does know the truth about Heaven.
Perhaps this comic is not meant to be a joke. It uses humor, I will not argue that, but it does so for the greater message. The joke is not that the guy is dumb or "HIS MOM DIED, LET'S LAUGH AT HIM." Like The Raven, although perhaps not as well expressed, he is merely making a point about how great an impact sadness can have on our minds.
perhaps. and perhaps this is one of those comics that is really not meant to be funny. But it seems like that excuse gets used a LOT - far more than it should be. But again, this may be a case where it's justified.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousDecember 7, 2009 at 6:14 AM
It's not meant to be "suddenly serious".ReplyDelete
Do you know that episode from "The IT Crowd" at Denholm's funeral? Denholm's son shows up in a very dramatic way, tries to hide his tears and screams "FATHARRR!!!" with a dramatic gesture.
This is kind of a joke like that, only more subtle. Yes, you laugh about a person who is sad, but you're not laughing about the REASON why he's sad, you're just laughing about his way of expressing it.
To me this seems like a very "classical" joke.
The scare quotes indicate that "classical" is here being used to mean "idiotic."ReplyDelete
- AnonymousDecember 10, 2009 at 11:21 AM
No, more like "I'm not a native English speaker and I don't exactly know how to express myself in a better way".ReplyDelete
I think the type of joke is not the problem, only the very joke itself, which is simply not very funny.
(By the way, your response implies that you haven't heard of IT Crowd. You should really watch it, it's hilarious.)
- AnonymousSeptember 17, 2010 at 11:12 PM
i lost my mom a long time ago when i was 13. if you still have your mom, the comic may seem stupid or morbid. the "intelligent" part of the comic is regarding the theory. the sad part, which is obvious, is sad. the hypothesis that a supermassive object is pulling everything to a central universal point is no more arbitrary or ridiculous than mr. beret's mom going to heaven to be with god. this is my favorite of all the xkcd comics. one theory is just as good as the next until it's disproved. cheers.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 27, 2010 at 8:45 PM
I couldn't agree more. The existentialist was my favorite xkcd character and i had hoped we would see more of him. Now that he's been back a few times, seeing him just makes me sad.ReplyDelete


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|2004-06-08, 02:46
|Link #1
Join Date: Nov 2003
Wrestling Thread
I used to be a big fan of wrestling, but not really anymore. I'm on the staff of Raven's official website, and if it wasn't for Raven I probably wouldn't even give it a look anymore.
The storylines are pretty much rehash, and it's just really stupid. I guess iv'e watched too much anime with good storylines and characters that wrestling's isn't enough for me.
But are there any fans of it here? I watch NWA:TNA every now and then for Raven, but I won't even touch WWE Raw.
|2004-06-08, 04:28
|Link #3
|2004-06-08, 07:36
|Link #5
Senior Member
i've always enjoyed pro-wrestling, its just like watching a never ending T.V show with new characters showing, and wrestlers swinging between good guys and bad guys. the only problem is i haven't watched any event for 5 years.
but i have to agree with Shinova BOXING owns wrestling and i would love it if they showd K-1 or PrideFC or even UFC more on regular T.V
|2004-06-08, 08:30
|Link #6
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2003
I used to be a huge wrestling fan. Always loved Bret Hart, the Excellence of Execution. But as time went by, I kind of lost interest in it. I really lost interest when the WCW folded, and the WWE bought them out. Now the stories are pretty dumb, I find.
I always thought of wrestling as a guy's version of a soap opera. The drama I tell you, the drama!
|2004-06-08, 11:59
|Link #7
Join Date: Dec 2003
It was kinda neato years and years ago with names like Bret Heart. Sean Michaels. Razor Ramone. The undertaker. Yokozuna. Mankind. Lex Lugor. Piper.
Whenever I catch it on now ... I just shake my head and switch to another channel.
|2004-06-08, 12:39
|Link #8
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: San Francisco
Age: 36
*raises hand*
I still watch it - I'm not sure why, because the storylines suck harder than they have ever sucked before. Even Raven (a ceritfied member of Mensa, btw) - his interviews don't feel quite as smart as they did before.
The wrestlers themselves are now pretty athletic. It's not easy to stand there and let someone take a swing at your face - even when you know they're (usually) going to try to not hurt you.
In Mick Foley's first book, he talks about learning to wrestle. He really liked (I believe it was) Terry Funk's left jab - it looked so real!
One day, he was wrestling with Funk and Funk went for that big left hand? The secret to why the hit looked so real? He hit Foley as hard as he could.
|2004-06-08, 15:31
|Link #9
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
wrestling is one of the greatest shows on earth.
Everyone needs to go to at least 1 live event in their lives, the atmosphere is intense.
I'm starting to like the new wrestlers more then the old ones.
C'mon a fucking IRS official is fighting a trash man?
A clown vs the King?
The sexy Boy vs the Bad guy? (Think of what stereotypically women want)
It was great in the 90s, but now wrestlers have more serious gimmicks. Save some for comic relief.
Now the fueds are bit more realistic.
don't watch it for the fighting watch it for the storyline, it's so dumb it's good.
|2004-06-08, 20:46
|Link #11
One Piece fan
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Toronto, Canada
imo... the wwe has fell off in the past few years... a lot of their good talent (like rock, stone cold, brock, etc) have left and there has been mediocre storylines with their current talent... their ratings are crap these days too...
I personally no longer watch wwe television... but I do download the occasional TNA or old ROH or ECW matches... even though there isn't good storylines there... they at least have some solid action... everyone should give those feds a look... the x-division in the past for TNA was stellar with AJ Styles and Low-Ki... for ROH ... Christopher Daniels/American Dragon/Low-Ki triple threat match was damn awesome... and for ECW... well... if you didn't watch ECW in the past... you missed out on some good bloody action... Sabu 4 Life!
|2004-06-08, 21:25
|Link #12
Lord Sesshoumaru
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: "Post a Photo of Yourself!" Thread
[QUOTE=Iron MonkeyBut as time went by, I kind of lost interest in it. I really lost interest when the WCW folded, and the WWE bought them out. Now the stories are pretty dumb, I find.[/QUOTE]
Yeah...it was like that for me also...when i started college i wasn't able to watch wrestling (wwe) and i guess it was a good thing...cause it was during that time that wwe got all the wcw wrestlers (or at least the popular ones) and became dumb...for some reason i loved wwe but despised wcw...and when those wcw people transfered over...it just started getting lamer and lamer...and to make things exciting they even transfered over the wcw belts so they had like 2 "international" titles or something similar...so yeah...i used to love it...but now i can't even stand watching it...
|2006-01-15, 13:27
|Link #13
Animesuki's Janitor
Since the old wrestling thread got casted away. Im posting here.
Woooooo. Friday's Smackdown was nice...
Kurt Angle finally winning the title and it was so freaking sweet......
Loved the way the fans were going "You Suck" when he entered and then "You Won" when he captured the title.
Hopefully Batista will get better...
Last edited by Itachikun; 2011-02-15 at 07:54.
|2006-01-15, 19:19
|Link #14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
I watched wrestling a few years back when I had cable TV. To cut costs, my mum (she is paying for it) did away the sports channel and I lost contact with WWE. Gradually over the years I kind of lost interest.
Since then I figured out that most of the 'events' are planned and the wrestlers (managers and referees included) act it out. Wrestling was like a violent drama to me. The various moves got me interested in the first place.
You guys remember the Rock and Sock connection? The part when The Rock banded with Mankind?
|2006-01-16, 02:29
|Link #15
Magical Boy
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Hiding... don't try to find me.
Age: 15
|2006-01-16, 03:38
|Link #16
Animesuki's Janitor
Well, no one knows for sure. But since he won the title, all i know is that he will be on Raw to face Shawn Micheals for the win of 1-1.
THen he might move to Smackdown, due to the loss of injury of Batista.
Last edited by Itachikun; 2011-02-15 at 07:54.
|2006-01-18, 22:04
|Link #19
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Take a look at WWE's TLC this monday, that was a good match. With few spots to make it memoriable, and a few moves here and there. They don't need all these fancy slams, trips, and grapples, every three seconds, but make it more realistic with the end needing chops and punches and running out of energy for the slams.
|Thread Tools


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Southern Cal quarterback Matt Barkley won't throw this weekend at the NFL Scouting Combine, but he said that the shoulder issue that's keeping him from it wouldn't be an issue for long.
Barkley told reporters he'd be more than ready to throw by his March 27 Pro Day, and he's already explained to teams his decision to wait until then because of a separated shoulder suffered last season.
Of course, there were questions about Barkley's arm strength before his decision to skip Combine workouts.
Asked about the suggestion he doesn't have an NFL arm, Barkley said "I would disagree," and insisted he was not only going to be healthy enough to make all the throws, but prepared to do more than that.
"I plan to start right away," he replied, when asked about the possibility of beginning his career as a backup. "My goal is to be playing in September."
Now all he has to do is perform well enough at his Pro Day to finish convincing someone to give him that opportunity.


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Since starting this blog less than two weeks ago I've started to put more effort into writing. Inspiration can be a fleeting thing so finding an inspiring place to read and write can be useful. Just this week I found two ways to make Google Docs better for writing and Google Reader a little better for reading.
Linen Background For Google Docs
Google Docs is a great place to write but the normal white expanse of the Docs page may not inspire everyone's muse. If that sounds like you then you can try this beautiful Linen Background like the image above.
Get this for your Google Docs by:
- Install Stylish for Firefox (then restart your browser) or Stylish for Chrome.
- Go to the Linen Background for Google Docs page and click the +Install With Stylish button.
Google Reader Minimal Readable Expanded
As for reading, Google Reader is a very popular service for aggregating and reading articles. With Minimal Readable, you can easily strip away everything from Reader except what is important, the articles you want to read. Even the menu gets out of your way but it reappears when you hover over the sidebar area with your mouse pointer.
Get this for your Google Reader by:
- Install Stylish for Firefox (then restart your browser) or Stylish for Chrome.
- Go to the Google Reader Minimal Readable Expanded page and click the +Install with Stylish button
Notes On Minimal Readable Expanded
There are some caveats with Minimal Readable. All the Google Reader buttons and share features also disappear so you will need to learn the keyboard shortcuts to accomplish usual functions. Learn them at the link below.
Google Reader Keyboard Shortcuts
Additionally, Minimal Readable Expanded works only at the URL:
This is the web address for Google Reader. However, Google adds a bit to that URL if you are in a country other than the U.S.A. For instance, I am in Belize so my Google Reader address starts with:
So, if this happens, Minimal Readable Expanded won't work. You can simply delete the country bit out of the address in your address bar. I opted to edit the code of the Readable userstyle so I wouldn't have to edit the address bar every time.
I am trying this with Reader and the Docs update looks very nice too. What do you use to do your best writing? What do you use to read articles?


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This Wedding Dance Has To Be Seen To Be Believed!
There's no denying that this wedding looks ah-mazing with little expense spared, but this bride showed us all that what really makes a wedding is what happens on the dance floor!
Bride Melissa Molinaro, backed up by her bridesmaids, stole the day with their dance to Beyoncé for her new, very surprised and very impressed, husband.
The video was uploaded to Facebook less than 24hrs ago and has already amassed over 5.5 million views! Watch the wedding dance that's quickly going viral above!


text: What are the correct steps to backup the current installation to a new server? Untill today I can't find 1 single post where this is covered and explained. I found some different posts but very unclear what to backup and the steps to take to end up with a working new server. I would like to suggest to make a sticky post about backup/restore/clone a server. Rudolf.


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It's been one stylish summer around here ladies, so in hopes of making your end-of-the-season dressing that much easier, I pulled together my favorite outfit ideas of the past few months. Take a look at the ones I can't get enough of, and get inspired to get dressed this weekend (besides, summer's not officially over yet, right?).
Let's start with daring color-block combos: Louise Roe worked with colors in the same family to pull off this pretty, sherbet-hued ensemble and you all fell in love (myself included)!
Prior to Louise, it was Emma Stone who took the color-block plunge, convincing Tracey with her bold and vibrant pairing that you can wear red and pink together and look amazing.
And just when we thought color-blocking would be the trend of the summer, head-to-toe print-mixed looks started popping up everywhere like Olivia Palermo's Tibi ensemble. She worked five trends in one outfit, but it was her matchy-matchy prints that really stole our hearts.
And then there was Sabrina; she print-mixed in a more wearable way, pairing stripes with leopard print and tied it all together with a solid skirt. You were all in agreement that you'd actually wear this yourselves and that Sabrina was equally as cute as her look.
From the red carpet to our very own offices, orange was the color of the season; Danielle rocked it with leopard heels, inspiring all of you to try a similar look.
Rachel Bilson also took the bright route, sporting another huge summer trend, red pants. She wore 'em as the solid in a print-mixed look, similar to Sabrina's outfit.
Kate Middleton was a vision of royal sophistication in this navy Alexander McQueen look, that you all agreed, was the perfect combo of military-inspired meets totally chic.
Rebecca also kept things polished at the office, where her red, white, and blue look was both ladylike and practical.
It wouldn't be a post about summer outfits if we didn't include our favorite warm weather wardrobe staple, white jeans. Emily won everyone over with her tough-chic styling, which worked just as great for a weekend in August as it will in October.
Speaking of weekend outfit ideas, blogger Hanneli Mustaparta got her fourth of July look right pairing a fire-y top with easy, white lace shorts (that a lot of you confessed, you needed for yourselves).
__So there you have it STF, my 10 favorite outfit ideas of the summer! Do you agree with my choices? Anything in here you're going to re-create this weekend? Any outfits from our posts you would've included? What are you going to wear on the unofficial last weekend of the summer? Tell me what you think; I can't wait to hear!
More Ways to Get Glamour:
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Read Glamour magazine on your iPad—print subscribers, it's now part of your subscription plan!
Like freebies? Enter the latest Glamour sweepstakes!
Sign up for our fashion and beauty newsletters to get easy style tips
And, did you know you can read glamour.com on your smart phone?!


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No Felony Charges Against 2 St. Paul Cops
ST. PAUL (AP) - A prosecutor has declined to bring felony charges against two St. Paul police officers after an arrest captured on video shows one of them kicking a man.
Olmsted County Attorney Mark Ostrem said Thursday there was "insufficient proof" the officers used unreasonable force.
A YouTube video of the August arrest shows Officer Jesse Zilge kicking Eric Hightower as Hightower lay on the ground.
According to the Olmsted County attorney, Officer Matthew Gorans used chemical spray to subdue Hightower in the back of the squad car.
Zilge and Gorans were placed on paid administrative leave. They are back at work but not on patrol.
A St. Paul police spokesman declined comment, saying there is an internal investigation.
Ramsey County referred the case to Olmsted County to avoid a conflict of interest.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved)


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WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - Blue Devil freshman Cassie Pecht scored her first collegiate goal in the 10th minute and the No. 2 Duke women's soccer team never looked back, cruising to a 4-1 road victory over No. 20 William & Mary Friday evening in the season-opening contest for both teams.
Duke (1-0) established a commanding 4-0 lead by the end of the first half as the Blue Devils led 14-2 in shots for the opening stanza. William & Mary (0-1) narrowed the gap in the second frame, but the Tribe was unable to negate the substantial Blue Devil lead.
"That's one of the best first halves that we've played in the 12 years that I've been here," said head coach Robbie Church. "We spent a lot of time working on the offensive side of the ball and I think it showed. We were really quick and we really ran at them from all directions in the first half. I thought our spacing and our ball movement was really good. Overall I thought it was a really good performance."
Pecht, a rookie from Mechanicsburg, Pa., wasted little time registering her first career goal as she gave the Blue Devils a 1-0 advantage off a cross from junior Natasha Anasi. Duke did not let up on its early pressure and pushed its advantage to two goals less than four minutes later, this time off the foot of junior Laura Weinberg. The William & Mary goalkeeper made the initial save off a Katie Trees shot, but Weinberg was there for the rebound and her 19th career goal.
In the 29th minute, junior Kaitlyn Kerr found redshirt junior Kim DeCesare 18 yards out and the Massapequa Park, N.Y., native finished with a shot from the right side to put Duke up 3-0. Sophomore Katy Colas capped Duke's first half scoring production with a tally in the 38th minute, assisted by Pecht and redshirt junior Callie Simpkins.
Twenty scoreless minutes passed to start the second half before William and Mary's Mallory Schaffer, the team's leading scorer from a year ago, netted the Tribe's first and only goal of the contest, making it a 4-1 game.
"They're a good William & Mary team and they're going to win a number of games this year," added Church. "We scored a goal early and that was really important. That set them back on their heels a little bit. The other thing that happened is that we didn't stop; we kept attacking and attacking and attacking. We didn't come out with the same intensity, the same work rate, the same focus in the second half. That's something we need to work on."
Neither team found the back of the net the rest of the way and Duke finished the contest with a significant, 24-7 advantage in total shots.
The Blue Devils return to Durham to face Elon in their home opener Sunday, August 19. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. from Koskinen Stadium.


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First, let me say, "Way to go" to the lady in Sun City that was out there on Col. T. Heyward near Lacebark fertilizing her landscape plants with Miracle-Gro late last week. My wife and I saw you and we both praised you of your efforts. Now if we can entice more homeowners and gardeners to do the same, I will feel that I have accomplished a lot.
A note to you folks that are following my fertilizing advice, I am including some photos that my wife Marilyn calls her red wall. In actuality it is the bottlebrush plants we have planted as a barrier to our next-door neighbor. It furnishes us with not only a means to keep our home separated from the next door neighbor, but also helps keep noise down from his air conditioner. But, at this time of year, as you can see, it is loaded with bright red flowers and helps with the bee population to keep them healthy and happy.
Yesterday, I went to Wal Mart to get some things that I needed for one of my other hobbies. I always go in through the garden department to see what they have. I discovered that they had pre-planted veggies, growing and producing, in their outside garden department. So I got three full-size California Wonder pepper plants in large pots.
I have heirloom tomatoes growing in my backyard garden in a whiskey barrel.
(OK, it's actually a plastic look-alike barrel that I'm using). They are coming right along and since they are all behind a small fence, the deer that are a real problem around my home should not be this year.
One of my readers sent me a note the other day asking about growing in containers. It is really easy to do, whether you get your plant from a store, like I did above, or start your own like I did with my tomatoes in a fake whiskey barrel. Just remember to use quality planting mix. I use Miracle-Gro planting mix along with some Osmocote pelletized fertilizer and a dash of the product I mentioned last week.
The product is expandable polymer that holds water. It is called Soil Moist and available at Lowe's. The only other thing I make sure of is that there is sufficient drainage in the planting pot. You don't want to have the plant sit in its pot with extra water destroying its roots. That's about all you have to do to grow your herbs, plants, veggies and such in containers.
Don't forget to check your plants often for pests. If you have trouble identifying the pest, visit my website at DaGardenGuy.com and check out the pictures that I have for most common pests. I also have products you can use to treat specific pests. It's all on my website along with much, much more information for you to use. The website is there 24/7 and it is free.
If you do need more help with your landscaping, you can drop me an email with a question at firstname.lastname@example.com or mail the question to DaGardenGuy, PO Box 766, Bluffton SC 29910. I will answer all questions submitted.


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The Guinness World Record holder Amit Pabuwal has designed world's biggest and heaviest sports trophy which would be given to the winner in the inaugural edition of iGATE CEO Cup Golf tournament, featuring the CEOs of 2000 companies based in North America.
Pabuwal, who had hogged the lime light by designing Reliance Cricket World cup, Independence Cup, Hero Cup, MRF World Cup, T20 World Cup, Wills World Cup, Friendship Cup of Abu Dhabi, Indian Oil World Cup, ICL, F1 Race trophies, has come out with the world's most extravagant gold trophy.
"I'm not sure why I was selected to make such a reputed trophy. But it has taken hard work to create this marvel in 18 days time. I had to keep it secret because of contractual obligation and because of security reasons too," he said.
"It is 21 inch tall trophy that weighs 8.6 kg and is embellished with diamonds and rubies. Undoubtedly it is very costly. It was shipped to US on 4th of January and would be unveiled in the US only. It will be the world's largest gold sports trophy. It will be larger than the iconic FIFA World Cup trophy," added an elated Pabuwal, who briefed the media in presence of his wife and children.
iGATE, the first integrated technology and operations company providing Business Outcomes-based solutions, has invited CEOs of Global 2000 companies based in North America to play in this first-class, championship-style golf tournament to be held on January 12 and 13 on a world-renowned golf course, which plays host to a leading PGA TOUR event.
The participating CEOs will compete for a USD 100,000 purse entirely donated to the CEOs' chosen charities.
It will be one of the largest corporate golf events in North America where the CEOs will compete in a two-day tournament with trophies and prizes being awarded in different formats, including low individual scores.
src: The Economic Times


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Our students have had a lot of success to celebrate lately. Please, please forgive us if we've missed anyone, but The Pink Flamingo would like to add its kudos, congratulations, and "job well done" to:
- All of the students who presented their HUD or PSYCH-sponsored internships, honors projects, and RA projects at the Academic Excellence Symposium! Many of these students will also present research at the American Psychological Association Convention (APA) in San Francisco. Congratulations to: Laura Bodette, Denise Bord (APA), Anna Bosch, Brittany Brunner, Amanda Jeske (APA), Shannon Kinderman (APA), Stacy Klein, Kristen Kratcha (APA), Elizabeth Lybert (APA), Carrie Mercier, Laura Molling, Heidi Ninnemann, Jenny Olson (APA), Victoria Oxendine, Julie Parish, Emily A. Roberts (APA), Angela Roethel (APA), Arika Schielke, Stephanie Sabinash, Cali Schneller, Janet Weidert, Jennifer White, and Michael Wisneski (who was also a presenter at the Association for Death Education and Counseling conference)
- Two of our majors who recently became national award-winners! Stephanie Gross is the first UW-Green Bay student-athlete to receive an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Award and the first since 1999 to be named a first-team Academic All-American. Jenny Olson is the recipient of a national Phi Kappa Phi fellowship award for graduate school
- Our very own Brittany Brunner, who was selected to be this year's Senior Class Speaker at graduation!
- HUD and PSYCH majors and minors receiving Chancellor's Medallions (Denise Bord, Brittany Brunner, Frances Connelly, Stephanie Gross, Carissa Mercier, Kristen Munson, Jillian Nelson, Jenny Olson, Alissa Reddy, Angela Roethel, and Marilynn Shorey) and University Leadership Awards (Renee Dodge, Crystal Jushka, Michelle Lehmann, Nicole Luykx, Amy Mauk, Kari Olsen, Victoria Oxendine, Stephanie Peters, Andrea Roets, Marc Seidl, and Stacey Watzlawick)
- All of our amazing graduating seniors! Best wishes as you leave UW-Green Bay and pursue your dreams. Keep in touch!!


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IKEA Portland and Ideabox Launch Their First Collaborative Prefab Home, Aktiv.
Oregon-based Ideabox has collaborated with IKEA to create a new prefab collection which debuted this month at the Portland Home & Garden Show.
The collaboration introduces "Aktiv", the first in a new line of prefab houses designed by ideabox and appointed by IKEA.
Working with IKEA designers, ideabox designed aktiv around IKEA systems. In the kitchen, IKEA offers a lot of flexibility in kitchen cabinets. Ideabox designed the layout, and their clients can select the colors. IKEA appliances offer state-of-the-art cooking, so they included an induction cooktop and convection oven.
A counter depth refrigerator keeps food fresh, and cabinet faced dishwashers provide seamless functionality. Proven by millions walking on them in IKEA stores, aktiv offers IKEA flooring, a perfect match for active Northwest lifestyles.
For those IKEA fans, the pure delight of walking and imagining their way through an IKEA store quickly turns to the daunting task of assembly when they get home. However, when your ideabox aktiv arrives, all of the cabinets, countertops, and flooring are installed.
The bath features a "huge" two sink vanity and four drawers along with a storage cabinet. The bedroom features the amazingly functional IKEA built-in series of closet systems.
Think of it as your own personal euro designer flat -only where you want it. Every bit an ideabox, from the energy efficiency to the cool assembly of materials, aktiv by ideabox truly is modern living made remarkably easy.
Jim Russell (above), owner and principal at Ideabox, has a background in energy, having worked for Oregon's Department of Energy and Energy Trust at Oregon. He's passionate about delivering energy-efficient homes — as long as they have a design edge. "We want our homes to be so rockin' cool that people just want them," Russell said. "No Birkenstocks, no flannel, no granola."
above: Jim Russell, ideabox owner, stands in front of the Aktiv at the Portland Home and Garden Show
The home gets a boost in its quest for maximum energy efficiency in part due to its small footprint. Aktiv is compact at 745-square-feet and carries an all-inclusive price tag of about $86,000. From order to delivery, an Ideabox home takes about eight weeks, with two to three of that in building time.
The exterior of the Aktiv in Portland:
The landscaping for the project was done for Ikeabox by Schutlz and Long Landscape Architecture of Portland. Recycled asphalt replaces gravel and water-efficient dwarf plants are fed by a drip irrigation system.
images and info courtesy of ideabox, Sustainable Business Oregon and photographer Cathy Cheney
Rango Designer Debuts Super Bizarre Super Doggies First Music Video With Obama.
This is so odd, I simply had to share it with my readers. Super Doggies are a musical and 3D visual project created in 2012. The project depicts a "virtual band" of cartoon characters. This band has three animated dog members: Buffy, Abby and Bo and their universe is explored through the band's website and music videos, the first of which debuted today -and includes an appearance by President Obama. Other media will follow, such as short cartoons and an upcoming 'live' 3D tour.
Super Doggies are pursuing the dream to perform around the world, with the involvement of local communities, focusing on children. Concerned about their future, Super Doggies has focused its attention on the global issue of youth poverty. The Super Doggies are 'good citizens' who want to bring attention to the issue of poverty and work with local communities to highlight their plight. Super Doggies's citizenship principles are founded on the conviction that the arts, business and social initiatives can, together, contribute to making a better world.
The press release:
The guy behind Rango – which just won an Oscar for best animated feature film – will help introduce a new cast of animated characters with a political bent for this election season – the Super-Doggies.
The trio of singing Super-Doggies includes Barack Obama's dog, "Bo," Vladmir Putin's dog, "Buffy," and "Abby," the dog of a South African girl, Imani, who lives in the slums of Johannesburg.
In the 3:45 music video, Imani watches from her house how both Obama and Putin care for their dogs. All Imani has is a raggedy stuffed animal. At one point she writes to both men asking them for a real pet – and in a fantastic scene that climaxes into a dance party featuring both dancing world leaders and their dogs – she gets her wish (Obama joins the action at 2:47)
The story is timely on multiple levels. Both Russia and the US have national elections coming up (March 4th for Russia and November 6th for the US). In fact, there have been several stories in Obama's campaign promoting how well he treats Bo considering his competitor, Mitt Romney, once placed his dog in a kennel and strapped it on top of his car for a cross-country trip.
The work of Rango's character designer, Eugeniy Yelchin is familiar to many of us. He designed Coca-Cola's iconic polar bears, worked on the Film, "The Brothers Grimm" and also designed the opening for HBO's "Rome."
For this project, Yelchin teamed up with Grammy Award winning producer Neal Pogue who works with musicians like Nicky Minaj, Lil Wayne, Outkast and Pink. The effort is also getting guidance from marketing veteran Bruce Kirkland who directed The Beatles Anthology project, and has produced albums for the Beastie Boys, the Spice Girls, Radiohead, and Everclear. The overall project is the brainchild of producer Eugeniy Kuritsyn of Global Media Line, a Moscow-based creative producing house with an impressive line of talent to realize this vision. Eugeniy wanted to create a new entertainment product that would ensure collaboration between the best representatives of international entertainment industry.
Later in the year, the Super-Doggies will go on a world tour, featuring holographic dancing and singing dogs combined with the world's best dance talent and circus performers. A portion of the proceeds will go to animal welfare organizations to encourage people to adopt dogs.
Tour dates and other information will be announced later in the year on the Super-Doggies website: http://www.super-doggies.com/ where you can sign up for the newsletter for updates.
Hello Gorgeous. Renuzit's New Sexy Ad Campaign For Fresh Accents Air Fresheners.
Philadelphia ad agency Red Tettemer & Partners is reverting to the old 'sex sells' strategy (and taking pages from Old Spice and Charisma's playbooks) with their new campaign for Renuzit's Fresh Accents air fresheners. Pec-baring men are hawking the new designer air fresheners in 'After The Rain' and 'Rasberry' scents.
Titled "Hello Gorgeous," one of the most famous cinematic quotes in history from Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl (see below)...
...the campaign includes print, outdoor and online ads tagged "the first air freshener designed to look as great as it smells."
The ads carry headlines like "Look at this gorgeous air freshener next to this gorgeous man" and "Now that is gorgeous and the man is not so bad either." A 'Gallery of Gorgeousness' on Facebook allows you to share the following black and white photos of hunky guys posing next to the colored product.
The goal is to offer the buyers of air fresheners, who are primarily women ages 25 to 54, an "attractive" product that "fits into the home, something she wants right out there on the living room table" rather than hidden on a top shelf, says Eric Schwartz, general manager for laundry and home care at the Henkel North America unit of Henkel in Scottsdale, Ariz.
"If there's one thing that gets the attention of the magazine reader, the online reader, in the cluttered, mundane world of air care, it's attractiveness," he adds. "It's core to what consumers want to buy and use in the home."
Stuart Elliot reports for the New York Times that the campaign for Renuzit Fresh Accents, has a budget estimated at $5 million.
Fab Foursomes. Modern Design, Architecture, Fine Art, Fashion and Music T-Shirts & Posters.
Inspired by the & T-shirt movement that started with Experimental Jetset's John&Paul&Ringo&George shirt, Fab is offering their own versions for lovers of modern design, modern art, pop music and fashion.
All the t-shirts are printed on American Apparel 50/50 cotton-poly blend and the posters are printed on 80# coated cover stock.
Graphic Designers:
above: T-shirt references Saul Bass, Milton Glaser, Paul Rand and Herbert Lubalin.
Architects and Furniture Designers:
above: T-shirt references Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe, Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier.
above: T-shirt references Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson and Eero Saarinen.
Fine Artists:
above: T-shirt references Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Roy Lichtenstein and Jeff Koons.
Fashion Designers:
above: T-shirt references Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Cardin and Karl Lagerfeld.
Pop Music artists:
above: do you seriously need me to say who this T-shirt references?
They are also selling Poster Prints of fab foursomes, unframed and printed on 80# coated cover stock. Below are just a few.
above: Print references Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl, Arne Jacobsen and Poul Henningsen.
above: Print references Ettore Sottsass, Alessandro Mendini, Andrea Branzi and Matteo Thun
above: Print references Tom Dixon, Ron Arad, Marc Newsom and Philippe Starck.
above: Print references Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe, Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier.
Both the T-shirts and the poster prints are available at the discounted price of $18 each (regularly $30 each) through Fab.com for a limited time only. The wonderful site is by invite only, so if you're not a member, feel free to use the link provided below.
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


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RIP, Meshach Taylor
Photo and autograph courtesy of the G Archives.
Sad news out of Hollywood. Actor Meshach Taylor has died from cancer. I met Meshach several times during the height of his run as Anthony on "Designing Women," and he was always extremely nice towards his fans. As you can see above, he had a beautiful autograph too. Rest easy Meshach! Thanks for all the laughs you've given us!


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Why Give to a Hospital in Memphis? Take the St. Jude Virtual Tour
Why give to a hospital in Memphis? Take this virtual tour of St. Jude and you'll see exactly why donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is saving lives all over the world and right here in Twin Falls. Learn more about St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. Click Here


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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Linda Collins, director of The Methodology Center and professor of human development and family studies and of statistics in Penn State's College of Health and Human Development, will present the 2012 Pattishall Research Lecture. Her lecture, "Unpacking the Black Box: Engineering More Potent Behavioral Interventions to Improve Public Health," will be given at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20, in the Bennett Pierce Living Center, 110 Henderson Building on the University Park campus. The event, sponsored by the College of Health and Human Development, is free and open to the public.
Collins's impressive record of scholarship includes advancing the frontiers of knowledge in research methods as well as the prevention of serious health problems such as substance use and abuse. She is one of the leading researchers in the world focused on multivariate statistical modeling and its application to prevention research, and she is a major innovator in the analysis of longitudinal data, with an emphasis on the development and utilization of latent class models. She has applied latent class models to test the Gateway hypothesis of substance use, which asserts that some substances, such as cigarettes and alcohol, act as gateways through which individuals must pass before they progress to harder substances, such as marijuana and cocaine.
Collins also has devoted much of her time to addressing a major problem in preventing adverse outcomes of drug abuse, obesity, HIV, and mental health problems, among other public health issues. Careful study of engineering techniques has allowed her to conceptualize and develop statistical methods that may both shorten the length of time necessary for developing high-impact interventions as well as sharpen their precision.
Collins became the director of the Penn State Methodology Center and a professor of human development and family studies and of statistics in 1994. In 2000, she received the Penn State Faculty Scholar Medal for the Social and Behavioral Sciences and, in 2004, she received the President's Award of the Society for Prevention Research. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of Connecticut in 1977 and a doctoral degree in quantitative psychology at the University of Southern California in 1983.
The Pattishall Research Lecture is delivered each year by the most recent recipient of the Pattishall Outstanding Research Achievement Award, which honors a senior faculty member who has made outstanding research contributions to the field across a major portion of his or her career. The award was established by the late Evan Pattishall, who served as dean of the former College of Human Development, and his wife Helen.
Linda Collins can be reached at email@example.com.


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Teacher and Leader Qualitative Assessment Models
The Teacher and Leader Effectiveness (TLE) Commission has reviewed several models of teacher and leader qualitative assessments using a criteria checklist based on state law and national best practices. The following are descriptions of the models of teacher and principal assessment that have been reviewed and preliminarily recommended for adoption by the TLE Commission. Inclusion in this document does not guarantee final recommendation by the TLE Commission or adoption by the Oklahoma State Board of Education.
Danielson's Framework for Teaching (From http://charlottedanielson.com/theframeteach.htm) The Framework for Teaching is a research-based set of components of instruction, aligned to the INTASC standards, and grounded in a constructivist view of learning and teaching. In this framework, the complex activity of teaching is divided into 22 components (and 76 smaller elements) clustered into four domains of teaching responsibility: planning and preparation (Domain 1), classroom environment (Domain 2), instruction (Domain 3), and professional responsibilities (Domain 4). Each component defines a distinct aspect of a domain; two to five elements describe a specific feature of a component. Levels of teaching performance (rubrics) describe each component and provide a roadmap for improvement of teaching. The Framework may be used for many purposes, but its full value is realized as the foundation for professional conversations among practitioners as they seek to enhance their skill in the complex task of teaching. The Framework may be used as the foundation of a school or district's mentoring, coaching, professional development, and teacher evaluation processes, thus linking all those activities together and helping teachers become more thoughtful practitioners.
Read more: The Danielson Group and The ASCD Teacher Effectiveness Suite, powered by iObservation, offers a powerful online fusion of Charlotte Danielson's research-based Framework for Teaching, professional development, and supporting technology to increase teacher growth and raise student achievement. Marzano's Causal Teacher Evaluation Model (From http://www.marzanoevaluation.com/) Bridging the gap between teacher evaluation and student achievement – After nearly five decades of study around effective teaching and learning practices, Dr. Robert Marzano expands his acclaimed work by releasing the Art and Science of Teaching Causal Teacher Evaluation Model. The first of its kind, this teacher evaluation model identifies the direct cause and effect relationship between teaching practices and student achievement to help teachers and leaders make the most informed decisions that yield the greatest benefits for their students. With the Marzano Model, districts can transform your teacher evaluation system from an exercise in compliance into an effective engine of incremental growth, one that reflects parallel gains between teacher assessment and student performance. Read more: Marzano Research Laboratory and Research Base and Validation Studies on the Marzano Evaluation Model Tulsa's Teacher/Leader Effectiveness Initiative (From http://www8.tulsaschools.org/4_About_District/employee_standards_main.asp) Tulsa Public Schools has embarked on a TEACHER and LEADER EFFECTIVENESS initiative that supports the core of our mission to raise achievement and provides the best possible education for our students. Research has shown that the key to advancing student learning rests most prominently with the teacher. The TPS Teacher Evaluation System recognizes the complexity and importance of teaching in a high-performing school system, one in which there is an emphasis on continuous improvement and shared accountability for student achievement. Teaching practice can and will grow in an individual school and in a school system that values constant feedback, analysis and refinement of the quality of teaching. Paralleling the teacher effectiveness effort is the leader effectiveness effort that mirrors the components and emphasis of the former. The TPS Teacher Evaluation System is a collaborative effort between the Tulsa Classroom Teachers' Association (TCTA) and the Tulsa Public Schools' administration. The system is part of the overall Teacher Effectiveness Initiative begun in 2009 and incorporates the views of teachers, principals, Education Service Center staff and association leadership. Read more: Rubrics, Manuals, Presentations, and Explanations Marzano's Leadership Evaluation System Currently in pilot phase. McREL's Principal Evaluation Systems (From http://www.mcrel.org/evalsystems/) Measure what matters most – Focus on what matters, measuring performance on teaching & leadership practices linked to student success; Ensure fairness, gauging educator performance on multiple indicators, including student achievement; Improve performance, differentiating and focusing professional development according to individual staff needs; Streamline reviews, providing a web-based system for storing, tracking, and reporting results. Read more: Teacher and Principal Evaluations Reeves' Leadership Performance Matrix (From http://www.iobservation.com/Reeves-Leadership-Matrix/) Consistent with national and international research and standards, Dr. Douglas Reeves, founder of The Leadership and Learning Center, developed the Leadership Performance Matrix as an educational leadership assessment tool that facilitates growth and effectiveness in order to support teaching excellence and student learning. Read more: Dimensions of Leadership and The Leadership and Learning Center
Click tabs to swap between content that is broken into logical sections.


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Leftover quotes from BB&T Jamboree Press Luncheon, plus soapbox rant
The BB&T Jamboree Press Luncheon was Tuesday, where BB&T puts 10 local football coaches in a room and hands them all microphones. Hilarity usually ensues, but in between the aw-shucks-ing and the hem-hawing (which we covered in full detail, it's actually a pretty neat story. Check it out here) is some pertinent information on high school football in this area. Obviously there's way more than can fit in a story. So I've included here a few snippets of what each… Read More »


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By now you've checked out the Icecrown Citadel maps and info.
Suh - weet!
This looks like an epic 5-man like we haven't seen since..... well since.... well, vanilla wow? I wasn't even playing until BC, so I don't have a comparison point. I enjoyed a number of the 5-mans in Burning Crusade, and I admit to really enjoying the first time I stepped into both the Nexus and Old Kingdom. I like most of the LK 5-mans, honestly. Too much of the time we don't stop to look at the artwork and focus on just getting through the instance, killing the mobs/boss, and /collecting the loot.
This new instance looks wonderful to me so far. Better, really, than perhaps any 5-man I've seen at an appropriate level. Epic comes to mind.
For DKs, the good news is there's almost no news. During this first year since Lich King was released, we've gone through more adjustments, tweaking, and changes than your grandmother's prescription list. I'm ready to just settle down for a bit and 'be' a Death Knight for a while. I'm pleased with the reduction of aoe damage to pets, and the stoneskin gargoyle change makes sense. Otherwise, hopefully we don't end up with major mechanic-modifying changes in 3.3.
I can't wait for more info on the Icecrown raids!
Friday, October 2, 2009
3.3 super early advance reactions
Posted by Hinenuitepo at 9:12 AM
Labels: Random WoW thoughts
2 comments:
- AnonymousOctober 4, 2009 at 2:02 PM
Well, the little bit of news for us so far is likeable to say the least.ReplyDelete
DW version of Stoneskin Gargoyle? Yes please, now DWers do not need to sacrifice stam gems/enchants in order to hit the dcap!
Desecration lasting for 20sec, hot stuff for sure!
True enough, PC. :)ReplyDelete
Although, most dps specs are hitting blood strike often enough, it's still nice to have more leeway on that big buff.
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Software rating based on the program's usage, not on number of downloads
|Attention! Reg Organizer will help you to completely uninstall any software and check your system. Read More | Download Now
CCleaner is the number-one tool for cleaning your Windows PC. It protects your privacy online and makes your computer faster and more secure. Easy to use and a small, fast download.


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Undergraduate Program
The Senate Undergraduate Session Assistants Program offers approximately 30 talented undergraduate students an opportunity to experience state government and the legislative process, through their participation in an on-site, academic enriching, and career building work experience. The Program runs about four months, beginning in early January and ending in late April.
The Program was designed for college juniors and seniors, though exceptional sophomores are occasionally selected. Freshmen are ineligible. Majors in all accredited disciplines are accepted and encouraged; pursuit of a degree in history or political science is neither a prerequisite nor an advantage to selection. However, academic initiative, an avid interest in learning, maturity, and a strong work ethic are all essential for success.
This program was created to foster an appreciative understanding of New York State's legislative process, which includes, but is not limited to: the development of legislation and public policy; resolving constituent problems and concerns; the understated procedures and dynamics of legislative session; and problem-solving in state government.
The New York State Senate offers undergraduate students an unparalleled opportunity to observe government in action and to learn how legislatures operate.
Students can apply online or by mail.
The Senate Application Deadline is Friday, October 26, 2018 (Applicants should check with their Campus Liaison Officer for their exact deadline date, as it may be earlier.) Announcement of Selections - Mid- November 2018.
2019 Undergrad Student Programs Description
The Program Read More
The Senate Undergraduate Session Assistants Program offers approximately 30 undergraduate students an opportunity to experience state government and the legislative process through their participation in an on-site, academic enriching and career building work experience. Typically, 15 credit hours are awarded by most participating SUNY, CUNY, and independent colleges and universities, and students receive a $6,200 stipend.
Eligibility Read More
The Applicant must be a United States Citizen, enrolled and matriculated in an accredited undergraduate degree program at a college or university located in New York State. The program is designed for college juniors and seniors, though exceptional sophomores may occasionally be selected. Freshmen are ineligible. Students must be enrolled full time in the previous spring and current fall semester/trimester, possess a 3.0 grade point average or better, and meet their college/university requirements for off-campus study. A student's eligibility status must be certified by their Campus Liaison Officer, Academic Advisor, Chairman, Dean or other duly authorized campus personnel. Majors in all accredited disciplines are accepted; pursuit of a degree in history or political science is neither a prerequisite nor an advantage to selection. Academic achievement, personal initiative and an avid interest in learning, along with maturity and a strong work-ethic, are essential for success.
Campus Rules and Responsibilities Read More
Each student applying for a Senate Assistantship must contact their Campus Liaison Officer, Academic Advisor, Chairman, Dean or other duly authorized campus personnel to determine: the requirements for off campus study; if they are eligible to participate in such a program; the amount of credit they may receive for such participation; and the identity of their on-campus evaluator.
College Credit Read More
The Senate does not and cannot award credit. To be eligible, each applicant must be able to earn campus-awarded credit for participation in the program. Advisement, evaluation, grading and granting of credit are the responsibility of on-campus faculty. Such faculty is responsible for academic planning, tracking, and evaluation of student participation based upon the Director of Senate Student Program's confidential written evaluation of the student's performance. Owing to the demands of the on-site program, the Senate imposes a limit of six (6) additional classroom credits pursued outside the program during enrollment.
How To Apply Read More
Upon receipt of approval for off-campus study, the applicant must complete an application and submit it, along with required documents, to the CLO, who will remit the approved application to the Senate Student Programs Office. An application consists of the following:
- A completed Undergraduate Session Assistant Application Form;
- Official Transcripts of all collegiate work;
- A one-page resume;
- Three confidential letters of reference from persons familiar with the applicant's academic abilities and professional aptitude;
- A listing of three (3) legislative policy area preferences;
- A six-eight (6-8) page paper or essay;
- Two one-page memoranda (a policy proposal and rebuttal);
- Personal Statement;
- Certification of current coursework; and
- Signed Student Statement.
To apply, complete the Undergraduate Session Assistants Program Application.
Placement Read More
Senate Undergraduate Session Assistants are generally assigned to a Senator's office and work full-time in these placements. Placements relate to the student's experience, abilities and interests to the extent that these are compatible with Senate needs. Every attempt is made to provide Session Assistants with their policy preference or with a comparable placement. Specific work assignment responsibilities are assigned to each Session Assistant by their Placement Supervisor, and are reviewed by the Senate Student Programs Office. Such duties may include: short-term research; responding to constituent correspondence and other requests; tracking legislation; preparing bill memos; attending and reporting on committee meetings and public hearings; and attending meetings with lobbyists and other interest groups.
Stipend and Work Hours Read More
The Senate awards a $6,200 stipend to offset the costs of moving to and living in Albany. The stipend is paid in biweekly installments and is subject to payroll lag and other current payroll guidelines, including taxation. The stipend will be prorated through the last day of each individual enrollment. Students are required to work a minimum of 35 hours per week, though longer hours are possible and should be expected.
Housing Read More
Arranging for personal housing in Albany is the responsibility of the student. The Senate does not provide for and is not responsible for identifying suitable housing. Following acceptance into the Senate Session Assistants Program, students are encouraged to utilize resources such as Capital District local newspapers (e.g. Times Union, Troy Record, Daily Gazette), online sources (e.g. Craigslist and area classified ads), local academic institutions (e.g. SUNY at Albany, St. Rose), and public libraries.
Orientation and Program Read More
Upon arrival, students participate in an orientation program that presents the rudiments of legislative purpose, procedure, and culture. All placements are arranged by the Office of Student Programs only. Weekly seminars introduce focused procedural topics and key participants, and may include reading/ writing/speaking assignments. A major paper may be expected. Model Legislative Session allows students to experience, firsthand, the lawmaking process, including drafting, negotiating, and debating/voting on original student legislation. Historically, it is the culminating program activity. Students must maintain frequent contact with their campus advisors throughout the program.


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Institutional Communications
Bureau of Mines Building, Room 137
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-2929
Email: email@example.com
UW Celebrates Earth Day 2014
To celebrate Earth Day, students and organizations at the University of Wyoming are planning a campus cleanup, glass recycling drop-off and clothing drive, plus speakers, forums, film screenings and numerous other activities.
The first Earth Day was celebrated April 22, 1970, and, in 1990, the event expanded to a global celebration with more than 140 countries participating. Throughout April, thousands of organizations, individuals, communities and agencies around the world will focus on environmental protection and thinking about ways to take care of natural resources for future generations.
UW events are posted on an Earth Week Events calendar online at www.uwyo.edu/haub/news-events. Email Emilene Ostlind at email@example.com to add events to the calendar.
Tuesday, April 15, 7 p.m., Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center -- "Chasing Ice" film screening. One man's mission to gather evidence of our changing planet. Free and open to the public. Hosted by the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, the ENR Student Club, and the Sierra Club, Wyoming Chapter; http://www.uwyo.edu/haub/news-events/#chasing-ice.
Wednesday, April 16, 3-5 p.m., Coe Library Room 506 -- Stephanie Pfirman: Haub School Environmental Leadership Series. Pfirman will give a talk titled, "Fostering a Resilient Career," about being an Arctic researcher, and how women scientists can break ground in their field. Hosted by the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources; www.uwyo.edu/haub/news-events/#pfirman.
Thursday, April 17, 3-7 p.m., and Friday, April 18, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Walmart parking lot -- Glass recycling pickup. Drop off your clean glass. The Wyoming Conservation Corps crew leaders will transport it to Loveland to be recycled. Email Jim Fried, email@example.com, with questions.
Saturday, April 19, 8 a.m. until completion, Laramie City Hall, 406 E. Ivinson St. -- 2014 Laramie Clean-Up Day. Lunch will be given to volunteers from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Hosted by the Laramie Beautification Committee, Laramie Economic Development Corporation, Laramie Boomerang, City of Laramie, Laramie Area Chamber of Commerce and Laramie Main Street; www.ci.laramie.wy.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=584.
Tuesday, April 22, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., clothing pickup and sorting, Wyoming Union Senate Chambers -- Donate gently used clothing and give to those less fortunate. To volunteer for the clothing drive, visit SLCE in Room 006 of the Wyoming Union 006 or email firstname.lastname@example.com; www.uwyo.edu/slce/.
Tuesday, April 22, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Wyoming Union breezeway -- Insects as Food. Promoting insects as a sustainable food source, the UW Entomology Club will bake insects into a variety of delicious treats, including chocolate "chirp" cookies, meal worm rice krispies and chocolate-covered crickets.
Tuesday, April 22, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Prexy's Pasture -- Annual Free Earth Day barbecue. This long-standing tradition raises awareness of how agriculture contributes to natural resource sustainability. Hosted by the Wyoming Collegiate Cattlemen's Association and the AGR Fraternity.
Tuesday, April 22, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., in front of the Wyoming Union -- Earth Day volunteer waste audit and campus cleanup. Waste audit volunteers will collect waste from trash cans in Old Main, the Classroom Building and White Hall, sort out the recyclable and compostable components, and weigh each to determine how much waste per building could have been diverted from the landfill. Hosted by the Sustainability Club.
Campus cleanup: Volunteers will spread out across campus to pick up trash and separate the recyclables. Collect everything at Prexy's Pasture for a photo before disposing it at the recycling center and landfill. Hosted by the Campus Sustainability Committee and the ASUW Academics, Technology and Sustainability Committee.
Tuesday, April 22, 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m., College of Law Building -- Ed Warner: CLERR Speaker Series -- Warner, geologist and philanthropist, will give a lunchtime talk about wildcatting in what became the Jonah Field and about the importance of collaborative processes to address environmental issues. Hosted by the Center for Law and Energy Resources in the Rockies.
Tuesday, April 22, 5-9 p.m., Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center -- "Red Desert to Hoback Mule Deer Migration" reception and photo exhibition. Biologists Hall Sawyer and Matt Kauffman and wildlife photojournalist Joe Riis will present the conservation challenges associated with a newly discovered, 150-mile-long mule deer migration in western Wyoming. Hosted by the Wyoming Migration Initiative. http://wyomingbiodiversity.org/news/event/mule-deer-reception.
Wednesday, April 23, 12:10 p.m., Wyoming Union Ballroom -- Chris Blocker: Campus Sustainability Committee distinguished speaker. Blocker, assistant professor of marketing at Colorado State University, will explore how satisfaction with one's life affects resource use and environmental impact.
Wednesday, April 23, 7 p.m., Gryphon Theater, 710 E. Garfield St. -- "DamNation" film screening. This film explores the sea change in national attitudes from pride in big dams as engineering wonders to the growing awareness that the future is bound to the life and health of rivers. Free and open to the public. Hosted by the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources; www.uwyo.edu/haub/news-events/#damnation.
Thursday, April 24, noon-2 p.m., Wyoming Union Senate Chambers -- International Sustainability Exchange. Forum to share information about sustainability. Free pizza and refreshments. Hosted by the Sustainability Club.
Wednesday, April 29, 5 p.m., Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center -- "Our Future Forests: Beyond Bark Beetles" film screening. A series of 10 short films exploring changes in local forests and the U.S. Forest Service management responses to them. Free and open to the public, hosted by the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and the Ruckelshaus Institute of Environment and Natural Resources.
Ongoing Exhibits
Through April 30, Coe Library, third floor -- Sustainability Display highlights different aspects of sustainability as it relates to food, restoration/reclamation, energy and UW. Relevant books and documentaries are available for check out. Hosted by the Sustainability Club.
Through April 26, Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center lobby -- Red Desert to Hoback Mule Deer Migration photography exhibition. Works by National Geographic photographer Joe Riis documenting western Wyoming's longest mule deer migration; http://wyomingbiodiversity.org/news/event/mule-deer-art-display/.
April 18-27, Coe Library, second floor -- Fashion Futures Exhibit. Students conceptualize sustainable fashion in the year 2025.
Institutional Communications
Bureau of Mines Building, Room 137
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-2929
Email: email@example.com


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Wall Street climbs on hopes of cliff deal
US stocks closed out the last trading day of the year on a high note this morning after president Barack Obama and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said politicians were close to deal on the fiscal cliff.
The Dow Jones index was up 1.3 per cent at the unofficial close while the S&P 500 was up 1.7 per cent and the Nasdaq rose 2 per cent.
For 2012, the Dow rose 7.3 percent, while the S&P 500 climbed 13.4 per cent and the Nasdaq jumped 15.9 per cent.
Topics: markets, united-states
First posted


text: Designers Matthew Cooper and Johnny Kelly have started a new project titled I Am Not An Artist: "an animated gif paranoia about nonstop design workers." I'm sure we've all felt like we're being punched in the face (pixelated, sorry! Check their site for actual size) or being driven to insanity by tunneling computer screens. The layout of the site reminds me a bit of Sweet Gifs. Via Svarta


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Seido Jamie Howell
Jamie Howell, Kogen Seido (Wild, Untamed Source – Sincere Way), began his Zen practice with Joshu Sasaki Roshi in 1979 at the Mount Baldy Zen Center. In 1983, when he was living in San Francisco and his eldest daughter was diagnosed with leukemia, Jamie began to study with Michael Wenger at the San Francisco Zen Center. He spent the next 28 years raising four children with his wife, Heidi, working in the music business and later the real estate business while dedicating himself to Zen practice. He now has three grandchildren.
Jamie was a soccer player and coach for over 40 years and still competes in triathlons with the Golden Gate Triathlon Team. He road managed Hot Tuna and Natalie Cole, was the sales manager of Hill and Company, and currently works with his partner Luba Muzichenko at Zephyr Real Estate.
It took Jamie almost 17 years to sew his first rakusu; he received the precepts in a jukai ceremony in 2000. He was chairman of the board of San Francisco Zen Center in 2004 and 2005, and was shuso at City Center in 2006. In 2011, Jamie received lay Dharma Entrustment from Dairyu Michael Wenger.
- For Jamie's talks, see our Dharma Talks web page.


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It's neither pleasant nor polite to say it, but the crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 may have been the best thing to happen to President Obama's policy on Ukraine in weeks.
Until the plane went down with 298 passengers and crew last week, the nasty little war in eastern Ukraine had almost dropped from public view. Obama's strategy of nudging Europe to escalate economic sanctions against Russia was getting nowhere, a victim of Europeans' desire to protect their business with Moscow. Ukraine's armed forces were making little progress on the ground against Russian-armed separatists. And Russia's Vladimir Putin was pressing for a cease-fire that would have given the rebels a long-term foothold on the ground, securing Putin a long-term chokehold over the government in Kiev.
In short, Putin appeared to be slowly winning.
Now the picture has changed, thanks to whoever fired the sophisticated Russian-made antiaircraft missile that, mounting evidence suggests, brought the Malaysian airliner down. We may never know for sure whether the culprits were Ukrainian separatists, Russian officers operating under the guise of Ukrainian separatists or (implausibly) someone else entirely. But the behavior of the rebels and the Russian government in the aftermath — blocking access to the bodies, tampering with the evidence and spinning ludicrous conspiracy theories — didn't inspire faith in their protestations of innocence.
By the beginning of this week even Putin was hurriedly making conciliatory noises, promising that "everything possible" would be done to make an international investigation possible. "Rather than dividing us, tragedies of this sort should bring us together," he said. "No one has the right to use this tragedy to pursue their own political goals."
Too late for that. Russia's critics were entirely justified in using the tragedy to point out that the ill-disciplined rebels swarming over the crash site were funded and equipped by Putin's government, which — until this week, at least — had publicly cast them as freedom fighters. Ukraine's government took advantage of the moment to launch a new military offensive against the rebels in Donetsk, only 50 miles from the crash site.
And the European Union agreed Tuesday to impose new targeted economic sanctions against individual Russian officials and to actively consider broader economic sanctions against entire sectors of the Russian economy.
The new EU sanctions weren't massive; they basically just matched the new round of U.S. sanctions that Obama announced this month. But the EU also decided to draw up options for broader measures that would block Russia's access to Europe's capital markets and limit sales of military technology if Putin doesn't stop the flow of weapons, equipment and militants into eastern Ukraine. That was a step the European foreign ministers had staunchly resisted until now.
So Putin has a problem he didn't have a week ago: Europe's politicians and public are watching. And his chosen instrument for meddling in Ukraine — the separatist forces — suddenly looks like a liability as well as an asset.
"In our view, something fundamental changed last Thursday," Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said. Now, he says, there is a desire across the EU for a unified approach that will "put pressure on Russia to do more."
The EU is still divided over the exact nature of the sanctions. Germany wants to protect its Russian natural gas supplies; Britain wants to keep Russian capital flowing into London's financial markets; France wants to protect its arms deals with Putin. But in one measure of the changing climate, French President Francois Hollande said for the first time this week that Russia shouldn't count on getting both of the helicopter assault ships it has bought from his country. The first ship will be delivered in October, he said, but the second "depends on the attitude of Russia."
None of this adds up to a turning point in the battle for Ukraine just yet. The sanctions announced so far are enough to worry Russian economic planners, who were already looking at a growth rate near zero, but not enough to force Putin's hand. "One difference between Americans and Europeans is that you think the Russians will behave better if you apply sanctions," German politician Karsten Voigt told me recently. "We don't."
But until the crash of Flight 17, Putin was quietly waiting for the West to lose interest in the conflict and expecting the sanctions to gradually erode. That calculation has changed.
The EU is now demanding more clearly that Russia cut off supplies to the rebels in eastern Ukraine; Putin is unlikely to comply, but not doing so comes with more risk now. And more Western attention and support can only help the Ukrainian government in Kiev as it struggles to build its army and take back some of the territory the rebels have seized.
Economic sanctions alone won't end the war in eastern Ukraine; Europe is too divided and Putin too resilient for that.
But if the tragedy of Flight 17 buys time for Ukraine's new government to get organized, bolsters Western support for economic aid to Kiev and increases the cost of Putin's Ukrainian adventure to Russia, it could be a turning point for the region.
Twitter: @DoyleMcManus


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Find us on:
Search this database by state and zip code to access FDA certified mammography facilities in your area.
Review Date: Sunday, December 28, 2014
Center for Devices and Radiological Health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
The ACR accredits facilities that conduct breast ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography, nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography (PET), stereotactic breast biopsy, ultrasound, and radiation oncology.
Review Date: Monday, November 12, 2012
American College of Radiology
Search for free and low-cost screenings in your state—use the interactive map to find local contacts for breast and cervical cancer screening.
Review Date: Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Note: Documents in PDF format require the Adobe Acrobat Reader®. If you experience problems with PDF documents, please download the latest version of the Reader®.
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The International Union of Electronic Workers-Communications Workers of America (
NAMBLA IUEW-CWA) is bitching and moaning (for rather reasonable reasons, we might add) in a filing today in the Delphi bankruptcy hearing over a $60 million-a-year bonus program for Delphi executives at a time when the bankrupt auto parts supplier has just offered attrition programs to its union workforce. This also comes as the company reported a $2.4 billion loss for 2005 yesterday afternoon in a very much delayed annual report. We already know how Delphi management's going to justify this — it'll be the same old "you need to pay competitive salaries to get good people" argument we've heard in the past. And every time, we find it more and more funny for management folks to say this when they're talking about their bonuses — but later in the day they'll be the first folks to go after the unions for pay cuts. Wethinks maybe there's a flaw in logic somewhere around here.
Union objects to Delphi bonus program for executives [internal]
Annual Report Rollback! Delphi Releases Numbers, Cuts Losses In Half [internal]