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ATB: Weekend WrapPosted by rtmsf on January 14th, 2008
Recap. Interesting weekend of games. We went into the weekend with five unbeatens, and we came out of it with only three as Vandy lost at Kentucky and Wazzu lost at UCLA. That leaves #1 Memphis, #2 UNC, and #3 Kansas as the only remaining unblemished teams. #4 UCLA at 16-1 is undoubtedly the best team of the one-loss group, which brings us to a midseason conclusion that these four teams have laid stakes as the top tier of college basketball this year. After these four teams, there is a fairly significant dropoff in talent, experience and depth. Which, of course, isn't to say that these four are locks to make the F4 – teams sometimes stop improving, get lethargic and/or simply lose focus by March Madness. But out of the above group, we'd be absolutely and positively shocked if one of them doesn't cut the nets down on April 7.
Where is GameDay? One other note from Saturday night. Kansas at Nebraska was the featured ESPN Gameday matchup, but for the second consecutive weekend, we noticed that the crew was offsite. Does this mean that ESPN is no longer doing live broadcasts from the schools? If so, that really sucks and is stupid and we hate ESPN and hope it dies. Seriously, though, last year, some of those sites were utterly insane before the games, and that was half of the fun. What's the problem? (note: if they're onsite beginning this week, we'll issue an apology)
Saturday's Games. Saturday was absolutely packed with games, and for the first time all season, we felt like playtime was over, and it was time for teams to get down to some real business of winning a conference. Here were some highlighted games, and our take:
- Florida 72, Auburn 56. We don't think the Baby Gators are all that good yet, but we have to give credit to Billy D. for scheduling soft this year and giving his young guys some momentum going into conference play. 8-8 might get this team to the NCAAs, and they're already 2-0 in the SEC.
- #2 UNC 93, NC State 62. 43-13 at the half? And NC State was supposed to compete for an ACC title this year??? Pfshaw…
- Depaul 60, St. John's 54. The Blue Demons are now 3-1 in the Big East and appear to be clicking.
- Kentucky 79, #17 Vanderbilt 73 (2OT). This was a must-win for UK, but Vandy has to be kicking itself for dropping another winnable one at Rupp.
- Missouri 97, #16 Texas 84. Mizzou is going to be tough at home. Damion James with 27/16 in a losing effort.
- #10 Georgetown 72, Connecticut 69. Everyone has seen the Roy Hibbert game-winning 3 by now, but how smooth was that shot?
- Minnesota 76, Penn St. 73. The UK message boards continue to implode.
- Virginia Tech 67, Maryland 66. The Terps (0-2) are digging themselves a huge hole.
- #14 Marquette 92, Notre Dame 66. Um, forget what we were saying about ND the other day… carry on… nothing to see here…
- Columbia 64, NJIT 52. 0-18 now for the NJITers. 11 games to infamy.
- #4 UCLA 81, #4 Washington St. 74. We're not sure which was more impressive – the UCLA clobbering in the first half, or Wazzu's comeback in the late second half.
- Boston College 112, Wake Forest 73. Where did this come from???
- Purdue 75, Ohio St. 68. This one surprised us a little, considering how well OSU has been playing.
- Kansas St. 84, Oklahoma 82. A solid road win for KSU – Beastley with 32/11.
- USC 66, Washington 51. The battle between teams with great talent but not much in the way of coaching.
- Clemson 97, Florida St. 85 (2OT). Clemson was just this close to losing another home game… perhaps the collapse has been averted (for now)?
- Indiana St. 64, S. Illinois 62 (2OT). What has happened to the Salukis (7-9) this year?
- #14 Dayton 68, St. Louis 57 (OT). SLU took Dayton to OT, but only scored 2 pts in that extra period.
- #1 Memphis 68, Marshall 45. The only question is how complacent will the Tigers get?
- #7 Tennessee 80, South Carolina 56. Vols roll on…
- Drake 65, Missouri St. 54. The Drake (14-1) is a new name to watch in the MVC.
- Iowa 43, #6 Michigan St. 36. How does a top 10 team lose like this? 36 pts is pathetic with all their talent.
- #3 Kansas 79, Nebraska 58. Methodical and effective. Why wasn't the GameDay crew in Lincoln again?
Sunday's Games.
- Louisville 64, Rutgers 49. UL continues to get back on track…
- #18 Rhode Island 80, Duquesne 78. URI's Will Daniels with 28/11.
- West Virginia 81, Syracuse 61. The Big East is gonna be tough to figure this year.
- #8 Indiana 62, Illinois 58. Does anyone get less press than DJ White (15/10)?
- Oregon 71, Stanford 66. The Ducks just don't lose at home.
- #8 Duke 87, Virginia 65. UVa looked like it couldn't even dribble the ball most of this game.
Update: turns out the GameDay show will begin on-site this coming weekend – boy, that Creighton-SIU matchup sure looks the stinker now, doesn't it? Why doesn't college hoops make weekly decisions on where to go, like football does???
January 19 Kentucky at Florida
January 26 Creighton at Southern Illinois
February 2 Arizona at UCLA
February 9 Georgetown at Louisville
February 16 Michigan State at Indiana
February 23 Tennessee at Memphis
March 1 Kansas State at Kansas
March 8 North Carolina at Duke


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Phew! My RDF/XML parser Raptor (a C library, depends on libxml2 and libcurl) has been in Debian sid/unstable for a few months now so it was time to attempt the big beast, Redland. That's my main RDF system and as well as the C library, it has 6 other language interfaces - perl, python, ruby, java, tcl, php and I'm working on CLI/C#.
This list has felt a bit daunting for me to deal with, however after the raptor experience I was confident the C library part would at least be straightforward. Over the last 4 days I've added some of the languages slowly, while studying the mysteries of the Debian perl and python policies. To that I've added waiting for sid/unstable to be buildable so I can use pbuilder to check that I have all the correct dependencies, and decoding various packages to see how they did things.
So the current state is that I've got the C (and -dev), perl, python and ruby debian packages building without error in pbuilder, "lintian clean" and working once installed. The next step is to see about getting them into sid/unstable when my very busy Debian sponsor Edd has enough time to check them.

subset: commoncrawl


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Not everyone gets one but for the chosen few that do, its normally an indication that their career is going the same way- skywards (think Elizabeth Olsen, Zoe Saldana, Emma Stone, all have recently had a fashion 'moment')
And personally I think this is what we have just witnessed happen to Demi Lovato.
Everything about this outfit screams perfection.
Her hair, make up, simple yet effective jewellery all combine to make this 'moment' happen for Demi and also maybe even more importantly she is wearing the dress, not the other way around, something that is not an easy feat. She looks radiant and confident which only helps her carry the dress off with even more class.
Congratulations Demi, you had a moment and by the looks of this stunning outfit, your next one isn't too far off.
The beautiful Demi Lovato is wearing the most amazing Maria Lucia Hohan dress at the ALMA Awards last weekend.


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Where Are The Haters Now
First of all I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and want to wish you all a very happy new year. I hope you all have a great 2010. Sorry I have not been writing but every family needs a vacation once in a while and ours was wonderful. Like almost everyone else I have more than 1 new year's resolution. My main resolution this year is to go to a Super Bowl party for the Cowboys next month. The way they are playing right now, that is one new year's resolution that will NOT be broken.
As for the game what an outstanding performance our Boys have been putting up the last few weeks. Tony Romo is playing to the top of his potential shutting all the critics up each and every week. Yes he had one interception against the Eagles, but I feel that if a ball is tipped at the line of scrimmage and then caught, that should not be counted against the quarterback. Not his fault just a great defensive play.
The defense played great but I do have one small concern: the wide receivers for the Eagles were pretty wide open a lot during the game. We really need to tighten up that defense because they will not be dropping those passes every week.
I love to go hang out at the local sports lounge where the "haters" have hounded me all year long saying the Boys suck, Romo is sorry, they will not win anything, won't even make the playoffs. I walked into the SAME place Sunday night after the Cowboys shut out the Eagles and those SAME people were high-fiving me and giving our Cowboys props, and one of them even said they actually have a chance of making it through the playoffs this year. Yes, I made him say that 4 more times haha.
So to all the bandwagon fans out there, who were criticizing the Cowboys week in and week out, who never gave them a chance to do anything, I simply have one thing to say:


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"There is a time for everything… a time to be silent and a time to speak."
I (jcd) still remember the day, just two weeks before Shirley and I were married, when we proudly drove off a used car lot in the gleaming white 1957 Ford sedan I had just purchased. Five blocks down the road, to celebrate this historic event, I leaned over to give Shirley a quick kiss.
It wasn't quick enough! At that instant two cars in front of us made an unexpected stop. I crashed into the first and knocked it into a second. The front of my gorgeous car crumpled like an accordion. Fortunately, there were no injuries, except to my pride.
Because of this stupid mistake, I couldn't afford to buy Shirley a wedding ring with even a small diamond, and the car we had dreamed of buying for so long was severely damaged. Yet Shirley never let the accident tarnish the romantic aura of our early days together. I never heard a word of criticism about it, and on our first anniversary, I bought her the diamond ring. Forty years later, Shirley still hasn't complained about my bad driving!
We urge you to think before you say hurtful and unkind words that will burn in the memory of your spouse for many years. Protect your romantic relationship, even when criticism seems justified. Your love for each other is a precious and fragile flower. Treat it that way.
Lord, You ask us to keep our marriage partner's interests uppermost in our minds, but sometimes this doesn't come naturally. Help us to be more thought- ful, giving, and forgiving in how we tend each other's hearts. Amen.


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Wrestlemania is headed back east in 2006, an article in The Des Plaines Journal has announced. The Allstate Arena in Chicago will be the site of Wrestlemania 22 next April.
The 20,000 seat arena isn't a stranger to the Wrestlemania stage. When it was known as the Rosemont Horizon, it hosted the portion of Wrestlemania 2 headlined by the NFL vs. WWF Battle Royal. Wrestlemania 13 hit Chicago in 1997 with the classic Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin "I Quit" match and headlined by Undertaker defeating Sid for his second WWF Championship.
According the article a special luncheon for Chicago area media will be held this Friday at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center where the announcement will be made.
"This event will bring thousands of fans from around the world to Rosemont," said a press release issued by Rosemont late last week. "It will be an event with a significant economic impact on our global hospitality industry and it will generate global television exposure for our community."


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While the Boston Museum of Science Overnight programs offered by the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts Council are all full, there are limited opens for some of the overnight programs offered by the Central & Western Massachusetts Council.
There are 3 spots left for the Friday, May 14 - Saturday, May 15, for Scouts in grades 2-5. Check-in: 4:30-7:30pm (Fri); Check-out: 11:00am (Sat)
Deadline to register is March 12
This program: Girl Scouts have been enjoying the overnights at the Museum of Science for many years for a truly unique night of fun and learning! Girls participate in fun, hands-on science activities, live demonstrations and shows! Evening snack and breakfast included. Each girl receives a souvenir overnight patch and a pass for one free return visit to the planetarium. Individual Scouts must attend with an adult. Cost is $55 per Scout & $55 per adult/leader.
There are several openings for Brownie & Junior Scouts still left in the Museum of Science sleepover scheduled for Saturday, May 8 and Sunday, May 9. Check-in: 4:30-7:30pm (Sat); Check-out: 11:00am (Sun). Cost are the same. Same program as described above. Deadline to register is March 2 or when 75 Scouts have registered.
There are several openings for Brownie & Junior Scouts still left in the Museum of Science sleepover program scheduled for Friday, May 21 & Saturday, May 22. Cost is the same as above. Same program as described above. Registration deadline is March 19 or when 75 Scouts have registered.
To register for any of these Central & Western Massachusetts Council sleepover programs, visit the Council's Web site, and fill out the e-registration form and pre-pay with a credit card.


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205 W Spruce St, Monona, IA 52159
100 N Main St, Monona, IA 52159
Birthdays are a time to celebrate the joy of life. Surprise someone with birthday flowers and make their birthday a wonderful day to remember. Choose from colorful birthday arrangements that will brighten anyone's day.
Show your condolences with beautiful funeral and sympathy flowers, thoughtful and heart-felt way to express your sympathy and support to a grieving friend or relative.
Burbs first-place winner, too!Winner: *B-Style Floral and Gifts, Mazomanie; Second place (tie): Stoughton Floral, Stoughton and Olson's Flowers & Gifts, Mount Horeb; Third place: Felly's Flowers, Monona.RETURN TO BEST OF THE BURBS LANDING PAGE ... http://www.channel3000.com/madison-magazine/best-of-madison/best-of-the-burbs-florist/40053286
She also worked at J.C. Penney in Danville, where she met her husband, Tim, then a manager trainee.She and Tim married in May 1987. That October, Tim's job with the department store took them to Iowa and then Nebraska, Kansas, Wyoming and Minnesota. In Nebraska, Welsh — who continued to work as a florist out west — directed community theater, served on the Miss Nebraska Pageant board of directors and directed the pageant for three years. In Wyoming, she was involved with the Cheyenne Frontier Days, billed as the world's largest outdoor rodeo and western celebration.In 2004, the couple and their young son, Tanner, moved back to Catlin to be near family. A couple of years later, Welsh opened Floral-n-Flair, a flower shop and event-planning business, in the same downtown building she started out in. She and business partner Kay Smoot also own and operate a gift boutique called Pauline's Attic.Welsh was working one evening when Stutsman popped in."Who got it, and how are we going to decorate?" she asked, thinking he'd stopped by to discuss the Citizen of the Year banquet at the Methodist Church, which she decorates.She was floored by his answer."It still hasn't sunk in," she said, the day before the banquet.While honored, Welsh was quick to acknowledge her "crew," including local high school students and residents who help her set up for community events, weddings and parties — and family. Tanner, who turns 21 this month, has autism, and Tim is his full-time caregiver and still finds time to help out at work."I wouldn't be able to do any of this without him," she said."It's always been a team effort," she continued, adding she learned that from her dad who helped out in many ways at the shop and home before he passed away a couple of years ago.Welsh recalled sitting at the family table years ago after her brother became a 1,000-yard rusher on his high school football team."My dad pointed to his picture on the front of the sports page and said, 'He wouldn't have done that without his line that blocked for him.' I've always remembered that. You can't do it alone. You have to surround yourself with good people and work as a team."... http://www.news-gazette.com/noelle-mcgee/2018-11-01/citizen-the-year-catlins-fantastic-florist.html
I love them all," she said. "When you decorate them and build some of them and do all that, it gets difficult to leave."As a girl, she had family in Iowa, and remembers celebrating a few Christmases in Cedar Rapids — but hasn't been back since the 1950s.Even as she's lived in New York and Paris, she's always carried a Midwestern sensibility with her, she said."I really like Midwesterners. There's just something cozy about them and something positive about people from the Midwest. I think that's been a plus for me," she said. "It's served me in life, being open and friendly."If you go• What: Cedar Rapids Garden Club luncheon, lecture and book signing with Carolyne Roehm• Where: Cedar Rapids Country Club, 500 27th St. Dr. SE, Cedar Rapids• When: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 7• Cost: $85 to $100• What: Patron party: Cocktails and conversation with Carolyne Roehm• Where: 2345 Linden Dr. SE, Cedar Rapids• When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6• Cost: $85• Tickets for both events: cedarrapidsgardenclub.com/events.htmll Comments: (319) 398-8339; firstname.lastname@example.com ... https://www.thegazette.com/subject/life/books/the-art-of-flowers-carolyne-roehm-will-speak-about-her-career-in-fashion-design-and-gardening-20181027
Tulip Time Festival May 5-13. The city planted 100,000 tulips back in 1929, and the annual celebration of the tulip now includes entertainment, costumes, parades and activities.Pella, Iowa, has also been hosting a Tulip Time celebration for decades. Pella's event is May 3-5, and includes parades, Dutch costumes and performances, a craft and vendor fair, quilt and flower shows in addition to the tulip gardens.AdvertisementThe Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, based in Mount Vernon in the state of Washington, is scheduled for April 1-30 though the festival's website notes that the tulips are expected to bloom the last week of March.CHERRY BLOSSOMSIn Washington, D.C., the projected peak date for cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin will be March 17-20, with the National Cherry Blossom Festival running March 20-April 15. The festival marks the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from a Tokyo mayor to the U.S. capital city.The Brooklyn Botanic Garden in New York City also celebrates the blooming of cherry trees that were a gift from the Japanese government. A two-day festival called Sakura Matsuri is planned this year for April 28-29 with some 60 events, including performances by taiko drummers. The garden features a Japanese pond and garden as well as an esplanade lined with some of its 200 cherry trees.Macon, Georgia, claims to be home to 350,000 cherry trees, a phenomenon that began with one tree in the backyard of a local businessman in 1949. The trees will be celebrated March 16-25 in what local residents bill as the "pinkest party" on Earth.In Japan, the cherry trees ar... http://www.news-herald.com/article/HR/20180312/ENTERTAINMENT/180319838
Joseph Bancroft, his wife Elizabeth, and other memorabilia.At 144 years old, Bancroft's Flowers & Greenhouses is the oldest flower shop in Iowa, according to the Florist's Review magazine, a trade publication. It is the second oldest florist west of the Mississippi and the 11th oldest in the United States.The shop was established in 1874 at 416 W. 12th St., in Cedar Falls. That also makes it the oldest business still at the same location in Cedar Falls, says current owner Batchelder. It was owned by three generations of the Bancroft family until 1988."It's an amazing history," says Batchelder, who has owned the business for 20 years. "It's impressive to think that in the 1870s, this was really the middle of nowhere for a successful floral business."He expressed surprise that only two Iowa flower shops appear on the list of floral companies in business for 100 years or more. Decorah Greenhouses Inc., was founded in 1876.In the late 19th century, Bancroft's operated as a wholesale florist, shipping flowers across the country. Flowers were carefully packed into sturdy boxes that were then loaded onto a wagon or carriage for the short trek to the Rock Island train depot at 422 Main St.Flowers and nursery plants were listed by number making it easier for a florist from the East Coast, for example, to order from Bancroft's via the telegraph. "You'd order a No. 6, for instance, instead of using the name of the flower or arrangement to keep down the cost of the telegram," says Batchelder.Bancroft's and its multiple greenhouses once occupied a half b... http://wcfcourier.com/lifestyles/bloom-where-you-re-planted-bancroft-s-flowers-is-oldest/article_d92d61fb-6d05-5251-98b5-b0853bb7335a.html


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Methsuximide Oral capsule
What is this medicine?
METHSUXIMIDE (meth SUX i mide) is used to control seizures in certain types of epilepsy.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
blood disorders or disease
kidney disease
liver disease
suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
an unusual or allergic reaction to methsuximide, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This increases the risk of seizures. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each new prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
other seizure or epilepsy medicines
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for a regular check on your progress. Do not change brands or dosage forms of this medicine without discussing the change with your doctor or health care professional.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medicine and dosage times.
You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.
Women who become pregnant while using this medicine may enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-888-233-2334. This registry collects information about the safety of antiepileptic drug use during pregnancy.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
blurred vision
fever, sore throat, swollen glands
muscle aches and pain
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
swelling or pain around eyes
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusually weak or tired
worsening of mood, thoughts or actions of suicide or dying
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
clumsiness or unsteadiness
constipation or diarrhea
loss of appetite or weight loss
nausea, vomiting
sensitivity to light
stomach cramps
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
March 21, 2017
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert


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ROCHESTER — A benefit yard sale will take place at East Rochester School on Saturday to benefit the Gates family that recently lost a husband and father to cancer.
Rochester resident David Gates, father of four and husband to Kim Gates, died on Aug. 1, just 21⁄2 weeks after being diagnosed with lymphatic cancer, said family friend Jaime Reeves.
Gates was 41 when he died, and had lost his job less than a year ago. And with no health insurance, Kim had to fight to get him treatment, said Reeves.
Aiming to help the Kim and her four children, ages 5 to 19, with remaining medical bills and everyday expenses, Reeves and her friend, Jen Minihan, have organized a benefit yard sale.
The yard sale will take place between 7 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday.
On sale will be a large variety of donated items, including clothing for children and adults, toys, items for the home, furniture, and event a vintage Harley-Davidson jacket.
Reeves, who befriended Kim in high school, has known Gates since he and Kim married 14 years ago. She said that while Gates became ill several months ago, it wasn't until recently that he was diagnosed with cancer.
"It was pretty aggressive cancer," said Reeves.
She said that during the hardships over the past few months, it was inspiring to watch Kim fight to get her husband treatment. To get her husband treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Kim went through Gov. John Lynch's office to get emergency Medicaid approval.
"She is a very strong person, and would do anything to help her family, support her family," said Reeves about Kim. "It was very inspiring to watch her."
During Saturday's yard sale, jars will be available for those wishing to make monetary donations to the family.
Those wishing to donate items for the yard sale may either stop by the event on Saturday or email Reeves at firstname.lastname@example.com for further details.
Yard sale Sat. to benefit family of Rochester man who died from cancer
ROCHESTER — A benefit yard sale will take place at East Rochester School on Saturday to benefit the Gates family that recently lost a husband and father to cancer.


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Colorful Retro Geometric Pattern
Transform your everyday photos into this unique ground-breaking customized 3D card. Using a special printing technique, this card is created with pop-up letters and is 100% customizable. You can design the background and pop-up letters for your card. There's also space for a little message to your special one. This pop-up card can be sent to your loved one, family, friends or simply anyone.
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Measures 5" x 7"
If you order more than 50 pcs items (can be combined), please click here to contact us for whole price quotation, please include the SKU# and the quantity you want for each of them. For order less than 50 pcs, please order directly from our website.


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Staff Members
Colin Achilles
Colin Achilles is a Program Associate and Assistant to the Chief of Staff for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where he works on various projects and initiatives, primarily focusing on the political process behind fiscal policy. Prior to joining the Committee, he worked for federal and state officeholders from Virginia, as well as a nonprofit organization specialized in tax and spending issues. Colin received his bachelor's degree in Political Science from Flagler College, and his master's degree in Political Management from The George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management. He is originally from Flint Hill, Virginia. Contact him at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Chris Dreibelbis
Chris Dreibelbis is the Director of Digital and Creative Media for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where he oversees outreach for the Committee's work through social media. Prior to joining the Committee, he was the Communications and Economic Policy Director at the Reform Institute. Before that he worked at the Committee for Economic Development, where he was actively involved in their successful effort to achieve campaign finance reform and also worked on issues such as the federal budget and Social Security reform. He received his B.A. in public policy from Washington & Lee University and holds a master's in public policy from George Mason University. Contact him at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Tyler Evilsizer
Tyler Evilsizer is the Research Manager for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where he handles a wide variety of issues, primarily focusing on tax, budget, and economic policy. Prior to joining the Committee, he performed research on tax and budget issues for the Senate Finance Committee under Chairman Max Baucus. Before that, he served as Lead Researcher for the National Institute on Money in State Politics, the only non-profit that compiles information on state-level campaign finance in all 50 states. Tyler received a bachelor's degree in International Relations and Political Science from Carroll College in Helena, Montana, and a master's degree in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Contact him at email@example.com and find him on Twitter at @TylerEvilsizer.
Simone Frank
As Senior Advisor, Finance and Operations, Simone Frank is responsible for assisting the organization with its day-to-day business, legal, financial, human resources and administrative operations. Ms. Frank has over 25 years of financial management experience, including banking, investment banking, strategic planning and operating finance.
Prior to assisting the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, Ms. Frank was the Vice President of Finance and Operations for the New America Foundation for 10 years. Ms. Frank also served as Chief Financial Officer for Best Doctors, Inc., as a Senior Director of Finance for Marriott International, and as Finance Director for various operating divisions of Tricon Global Restaurants and PepsiCo, Inc. In addition, Ms. Frank started her careeer in banking as an Associate in mergers and acquisitions for Manufacturers Hanover Trust and as an Assistant Vice President for Den Danske Bank.
Ms. Frank earned her bachelor's degree in Commerce from the University of Virginia and an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.
Marc Goldwein
Marc Goldwein is the Senior Vice President and Senior Policy Director for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where he guides and conducts research on a wide array of topics related to fiscal policy and the federal budget. He is frequently quoted in a number of major media outlets and works regularly with Members of Congress and their staffs on budget-related issues.
In 2010, Marc served as Associate Director of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (The Fiscal Commission), and in 2011 he was a senior budget analyst on the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (The Super Committee). He has also conducted research for the Government Accountability Office, the World Bank, the Historian's Office at the Social Security Administration, and the Institute of Governmental Studies at UC Berkeley. In addition to his work at the Committee, Marc teaches economics at the University of California DC and at Johns Hopkins University, where he was the 2013 recipient of Excellence in Teaching Award. In 2011, Marc was featured in the Forbes "30 Under 30" list for Law & Policy. Contact him at firstname.lastname@example.com and find him on Twitter at @MarcGoldwein.
Rachael Heisler
Rachael Heisler is the Senior Director of State Engagement for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where she manages our external affairs strategy, including partnerships, surrogate management, and state-based outreach. She served on the staff of U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) for six years in various capacities including fundraiser, political adviser, and as communications director. The Morning Call newspaper named her one of the top 10 most effective legislative and campaign staffers in Pennsylvania and Politics PA named her one of Pennsylvania's Rising Stars: 30 Under 30. She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. Contact her at email@example.com.
Maya MacGuineas
Maya MacGuineas is the President of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget as well as the head of the Campaign to Fix the Debt. Her areas of expertise include budget, tax, and economic policy. MacGuineas testifies regularly before Congress and has published broadly. Once dubbed "an anti-deficit warrior" by The Wall Street Journal, MacGuineas comments often on broadcast news and is widely cited by the national press. In the spring of 2009 MacGuineas did a stint on The Washington Post editorial board, covering economic and fiscal policy. MacGuineas has worked at the Brookings Institution and on Wall Street. As a political independent, she has advised numerous candidates for office from both parties, and works regularly with members of Congress on health, economic, tax, and budget policy. Contact her at firstname.lastname@example.com and find her on Twitter @MayaMacGuineas.
Rick May
Rick May is a Legislative Consultant for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where he assists in the Committee's legislative operations, including the development of legislative strategy and relationships with congressional members and staff. He has more than 35 years of experience in public policy and legislative affairs.
Prior to joining the Committee, Rick was the Majority Staff Director of the House Budget Committee where he had the privilege of serving four committee chairmen during his eight year tenure. He has also served as a Legislative Assistant in the Ohio Senate, Legislative Director for former Ohio Congressman John Kasich, Federal Affairs Counsel at the National Conference of State Legislatures, Cabinet Secretary at the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration, CEO of the New Mexico Finance Authority, and Executive Director of the Ohio Broadcast Educational Media Commission. Rick's private sector positions have included being a Manager of Government Relations for Sandia National Laboratories and as a government relations professional for two government affairs firms.
Rick received both his bachelor's degree in Chemistry and Earth Science and his master's degree in Political Science from Ohio University. He is originally from Pickerington, Ohio. Contact him at email@example.com.
Zach Moller
Zach Moller is a Senior Policy Analyst for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where he researches economic, revenue, and budgetary issues. In addition, Zach contributes to the Committee's Better Budget Process Initiative and is a specialist in data, charts, and Senate procedure. Prior to joining the Committee, he worked on economic and revenue issues for the Senate Budget Committee under Chairs Patty Murray and Kent Conrad. Zach received a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Florida and a master's degree in Economics from the University of Virginia. Contact him at email@example.com or follow him on twitter @EconWonk.
Mike Murphy
Mike Murphy is Chief of Staff and Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where he manages policy research and analysis on a variety of topics related to fiscal policy and the federal budget, as well as coordinates a wide array of projects related to advancing the Committee's policy related initiatives. Prior to joining the Committee, Mike worked for the Comeback America Initiative, a non-profit founded by David Walker, Former Comptroller General of the United States, whose mission is to educate and engage the public about federal, state and local fiscal issues. Previously, Mike also worked as a Senior Transportation Program Analyst for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, as well as in legislative affairs for the American Cancer Society and on Capitol Hill. Mike received his bachelor's degree in History and Political Science from the State University of New York at Albany, and a Masters of Public Administration and a Certificate of Health Services Management and Policy from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. Contact him at email@example.com.
Patrick Newton
Patrick Newton is the Press Secretary for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where he manages and coordinates outreach to the media. He came to the Committee from Capitol Hill, where he spent nine years on the staff of U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan, Jr. of Tennessee, serving as both Communications Director and financial services Legislative Assistant. Prior to his time on the Hill, Patrick worked as a television news anchor and reporter for KEVN-TV, a FOX affiliate in Rapid City, South Dakota, and as morning and noon anchor at WTAP-TV, an NBC station serving the Mid-Ohio Valley. He is a 2001 graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism. Contact him at email@example.com.
Adam Rosenberg
Adam Rosenberg is a Policy Analyst for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where he works on a wide variety of budget and economic issues conducting research and writing reports and for the Committee's The Bottom Line blog. He currently attends the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration at The George Washington University and graduated in 2011 from GW with a B.A. in political science and minors in economics and jazz studies. Contact him at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Chris Rotella
Chris Rotella is the Director of Development for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where he manages and coordinates all fundraising and donor activities. He came to the Committee from The George Washington University, where he spent ten years in a variety of roles covering both development and alumni relations. Most recently, he was Director of Development for the Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM), where he helped oversee the largest campaign in the school's history. He received his B.A. in political science in 2008 from The George Washington University, where he also received an MBA, with a finance focus, in 2012. Contact him at email@example.com.
Adam Shifriss
Adam Shifriss is the Legislative Manager for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where he guides interactions with policymakers and staff on a wide range of issues. Adam previously worked in the U.S. House of Representatives where he handled a broad variety of issues including Energy and Commerce and Appropriations Committee work. In 2007, he contributed to a Government Accountability Office review of public infrastructure reconstruction efforts by FEMA after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Adam also has experience in health advocacy, database management, and political campaigns. He studied Public Policy Analysis at the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University, where he received his bachelor's degree and the Hutton Honors notation. In addition to his work at the Committee, Adam is an active member of the board of the DC Chapter of the Indiana University Alumni Association. Contact him at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Annie Shuppy
Annie Shuppy is a Senior Policy Analyst for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where she researches economic, tax, budgetary, and health care issues. Annie previously covered Congress as a legislative analyst and staff writer for CQ Roll Call for more than nine years. While at CQ, Annie wrote primarily for the CQ House Action Reports legislative analysis service while also contributing to the company's other publications. Prior to joining the Committee, she also worked for a financial news startup. Annie received a bachelor's degree in economics and journalism from the University of Iowa, where she served as an editor at The Daily Iowan. Contact her at email@example.com or follow her on Twitter at @ashuppy.
Chris Towner
Chris Towner is a Policy Analyst for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, where he works on the policy team to conduct analysis on a wide variety of budgetary and economic issues including health care, Social Security, disability, and campaign policy proposals. Additionally, Chris worked extensively on the McCrery-Pomeroy SSDI Solutions Initiative. Prior to joining the Committee, Chris worked in fundraising and donor relations at a political non-profit organization. Chris holds a bachelor's degree and master's degree in Political Science from Boston University. Contact him at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Lucy Wall
Lucy Wall is the Database Manager for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Previously she worked as a Consultant at the Consumer Data Industry Association, as a Passport Examiner at the British Embassy, and as a teacher in the DC Public Schools. Originally from Rhode Island, Lucy holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Chicago and a Master's of Teaching from American University. Contact her at email@example.com.


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Car News
2014 Kia Sorento SX: Driving It Like We Stole It
So far, we've experienced our long-term 2014 Kia Sorento SX under a wide range of circumstances: We've moved in it, road-tripped in it, (sort of) hypermiled it and even unintentionally crash-tested it. But if we're honest with ourselves, we've also done our fair share of spirited driving that isn't entirely within this crossover's intended skill set.
How does the Sorento SX perform when it's pushed out of its comfort zone and prodded into livelier driving?
Here's a closer look at how Kia's midsize SUV copes with a lead foot.
The Goods: 80 Percent New Parts and Considerably More Capable
Though the visual differences between the 2013 and 2014 Kia Sorento are subtle, the model's mechanical upgrades are significant, with the '14 model boasting 80 percent new parts and a more powerful 3.3-liter V6.
Driving enthusiasts will also note the chassis improvements, which led to greater torsional rigidity and enhanced responsiveness. Ride quality was also smoothed out and handling precision enhanced, thanks in part to roughly 200 pounds of weight loss compared to its predecessor.
On the Road: Satisfying Enough for Leadfoots?
While the Sorento's upgraded interior and creature comforts are notably improved over last year's model (and a significant reason more buyers are cross-shopping the Sorento), our initial driving impressions also made us pleasantly surprised at how much better it responds to brisk inputs as it hustles its 3,722-lb mass around wide sweepers. Sure, saving 200 pounds has a lot to do with the Sorento's improved agility, but there's also a more confidence-inspiring feeling of connectedness with the steering. The gutsier V6's output of 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque plays along nicely with the smooth-shifting 6-speed, which enables manual cog swaps by moving the gearshift lever over to the left and tapping up or down.
Inherent Limitations
While the 2014 Kia Sorento SX delivers more intuitive handling and stronger acceleration (one reputed car magazine estimates 0-to-60 miles per hour times in the high 6-second range), there's also an inherent flip side to this platform's nature. For starters, performance enthusiasts may be disappointed to find that, unlike a wide swath of seemingly workaday cars on the market, the Sorento lacks paddle shifters. There's also the fact that it's still a large vehicle with a relatively tall center of gravity, which naturally limits its ability to tackle abrupt direction changes. And of course, though its brakes feel strong enough to handle slowing this nearly 2-ton sport ute' package, there's always the concern that pushing this crossover harder than it was meant to be driven may mean premature wearing of the binders.
As much as Sorento surprises when it comes to squeezing performance in a pinch, it also gently reminds you that its 5-door, people-hauling layout still limits its abilities to mimic smaller, nimbler and gutsier cars -- unless you're willing to pony up for pricier, performance-focused SUVs.
Bottom Line: Happy at Hauling and Capable in a Pinch
The Sorento's (relative) newfound athleticism adds an edge to a package that was once much less refined.
It still won't be confused with sportier crossovers, especially more driver-focused strains such as the Mazda CX5 or the smaller and pricier BMW X3. But for an effective people hauler with more latent talent than you might think for passing and maneuvering, Kia's hard work on chassis refinements and power delivery has yielded a crossover that delivers better-than-expected performance, with the added benefit of interior refinements and creature comforts that should keep you happy when you're not busy tearing up the road.


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March 18, 2009
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – MIT swimming and diving enjoyed a solid performance in the first day of competition at the 2009 NCAA Championships hosted by Macalester College. The men's medley relay provided the evening's biggest highlight as the Engineers set an Institute and NEWMAC open record en route to a fourth-place finish.
Improving on their sixth-place finish during prelims, the team of Jeff Zhou, Rastislav Racz, Laurent Charpentier, and Luke Cummings raced to an incredible finish of 1:30.72 in the last event of Wednesday's finals. Everyone delivered tremendous splits as Zhou opened with a back stroke leg of 23.65. Racz split 24.73 in the breast and Charpentier swam 22.42 in the fly before Cummings capped Tech's first All-American honor of the meet with an anchor split of 19.92.
MIT, which boasts a school-record eight swimmers competing at this year's nationals, finished the first day of competition in sixth place out of the 25 teams that scored.
The women have two entries at NCAA's, and both swimmers made their debut on Wednesday. Sophomore Amy Jacobi swam 24.68 in the 50 free and senior Nicole O'Keeffe split 5:11.32 in the 500 free, although neither competitor advanced to finals.
Sophomore Michael Dobson also competed in the 500 free, but he also missed finals despite an aggressive start and a final time of 4:39.42. Cummings was the only other individual entry on Wednesday. After setting a school-record in the 50 free during the morning, the junior star smashed the Institute mark again in the consolation final, while finishing 11th overall in a time of 20.46.


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Phoenix Local News - Phoenix Local News provides quick access to all the top news sites for the great city of Phoenix, including many that are specially formatted for the iPhone or iPod Touch screen. A great way to enhance your reading experience. We put a lot of thought into the best collection of sites to include for Phoenix. It's also easy to share an article via email when you find something your friends and family might be interested in. Current sites included - Arizona Republic - Phoenix Business Journal - NBC Phoenix KPNX - ABC Phoenix KNXV - CBS Phoenix KPHO - FOX Phoenix KSAZ - outside.in Phoenix - Phoenix Metblogs - Phoenix Magazine - Phoenix Weather
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About the Department
Welcome to the Department of Computer Science at the University of Central Arkansas. The Department offers degree programs leading to a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and to a Master of Science degree in Applied Computing. The primary goal of the department is to provide students an education of the highest quality through its degree programs and activities in research and professional services. The Department Advisory Board ensures our educational objectives and outcomes meet the needs of our constituents.
The Bachelor of Science degree program has been accredited by the ABET Computing Accreditation Commission. The purpose of the BS in computer science is twofold: (1) to prepare the student for a position involving the design, development and implementation of computer software and systems, and (2) to prepare the student for entry into a program of graduate study in computer science and related fields.
BS Program Objectives:
- Grow as well educated professionals with integrated high-level understanding of computing systems, processes, and the main body of knowledge of computer science as a whole;
- Be able to creatively apply essential concepts, principles, and practices to appropriately construct solutions and analyze the processes for applications with professional judgments in the selection and application of theory, tools and techniques
- Work productively, as an individual and as a team member, to produce work involving problem identification, analysis, design, and development of a software system within a professional, legal, and ethical framework; and
- Maintain their skills as the field evolve and appreciate the needs for continuing professional growth and development to keep current in the profession."
Student Outcomes associated with the Program Objectives:
(a) An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline;
(b) An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution;
(c) An ability to design, implement and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs;
(d) An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal;
(e) An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities;
(f) An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
(g) An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations and society;
(h) Recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, continuing professional development;
(i) An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practices.
(j) An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the trade-offs involved in design choices;
(k) An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.
Computer Science enrollment data by semester.
|Spring 15
|Fall 15
|Spring 16
|Fall 16
|B.S. CS Majors
|M.S. Applied Computing
Computer Science Undergraduate Degree awarded by year.
|B.S. graduates
5-Year BS/MS program
The department also offers a BS/MS combined option for outstanding undergraduates to complete both degrees in five years.
The Master of Science in Applied Computing is designed to provide intensive preparation in both concepts and techniques related to applications of computing systems. The program requires the student to take a wide range of courses to meet the breadth requirement, while simultaneously allowing for emphasis in desired application areas of specialization.The program objectives for graduates are:
- Be able to identify meaningful applied computing problems and to conduct application driven research work independently or within an academic, a business, an industrial, or other environment in a professional, legal, and ethical framework;
- Be able to apply theories, principles and concepts with technologies to creatively design, develop, and verify computational solutions that integrate available software and hardware systems to resolve issues in variety application domains for individuals, groups, and organizations;
- Grow as mature professional and be able and willing to take leadership roles with advanced knowledge of computer science and applications in inter- and cross- disciplinary areas;
- Keep current in the field through continuing professional growth and development to advance self-selected career paths and to contribute to society.
Upon completing this degree program, a student should have the following abilities as the educational outcomes:
a) An ability to apply computer science and related knowledge to develop computational solutions that meet specific requirements appropriately in an application domain;
b) An ability to clearly present computational solutions to a range of audience both orally and in writing;
c) An ability to identify and to specify computing requirements of an application and to design, implement, evaluate, and justify computational solutions;
d) An ability to work effectively on teams with diverse educational, cultural, and technical backgrounds to achieve common objectives;
e) An ability to contribute to society with sound judgment of professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities;
f) An ability to use current techniques and skills to integrate available theory and tools necessary for applied computing practices;
g) An ability to acquire knowledge properly in an application domain in the modeling and design of computer-based solutions that meet the needs of users; and
h) An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.
The very fine faculty of this department continually leads students of both undergraduate and graduate levels to seek deeper understanding and higher levels of scholarship through research and scholarly activities that address fundamental theory and important applications in computer science. This department also provides professional services to the community.
The characteristics of the Department of Computer Science are outstanding students, up-to-date curricula, current computing equipment and facility, and fine faculty with international background. The information service market leader, Acxiom Corporation, is just next to the campus of UCA. Hewlett-Packard Company also has major operation in the same town of UCA. These leading IT companies and others provide outstanding internship/employment opportunities for students of this department.
Graduates of our programs have great career opportunities. We cordially invite you to visit and learn more about Computer Science programs at UCA. Information about the department can be obtained by exploring this web site, visiting our Facebook Page, contacting the Department at 501-450-3401, or contacting the chair by e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Allen Harim, a Korean-based poultry processing company, announced Monday that it is in negotiations to expand with the acquisition of the former Pinnacle Foods-Vlasic processing facility in Millsboro.
Allen Harim, a Korean-based poultry processing company, announced Monday that it is in negotiations to expand with the acquisition of the former Pinnacle Foods-Vlasic processing facility in Millsboro.
The company, which operates poultry processing facilities in Harbeson and has its corporate office in Seaford, will use the plant for poultry processing, cut-up and cooking operation.
The deal, which is being ironed out between Allen Harim, the state's agriculture department and the Delaware Economic Development Office, could bring an estimated 700 jobs to Sussex County, Allen Harim officials said.
Pinnacle Foods announced in May 2012 that it would be closing its Vlasic pickle plant in Millsboro at the end of the year, leaving hundreds of people out of work.
"We are excited about bringing Millsboro into our family," said Gary E. Gladys, the company's chief executive officer. "The new facility will expand our processing capacity, allow us to introduce new products and hire more employees. This will have a significant economic impact in Delaware and serve as a symbol of our deep commitment to the United States market with an investment of an estimated $100 million."
The company employs about 1,400 people and works with about 270 independent growers, and 25 company-owned farms, company officials said.
"The poultry industry is the backbone of Delaware's agriculture economy, and Harim is now making it stronger," said Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee, who first introduced the idea of purchasing the plant to Harim executives. "Our poultry growers will have more opportunity; our workers will have more jobs and our state will sell more chicken, helping cement Sussex County's position as the No. 1 broiler-producing county in the nation."
Allen Harim purchased the former Allen's in September 2011, which operated in Sussex County for 92 years before filing bankruptcy two years ago.
Company officials said the new facility is expected to begin operations by November 2014.
"This new facility will help us expand into new markets as we continue to operate our existing processing plants and continue our strong relationship with our growers," said Gladys. "We believe that our base on the Delmarva Peninsula provides a solid foundation for future growth, and this facility fits into that strategy."
The governor also expressed his support for the acquisition.
"We are pleased by this important expansion by Harim Group in Sussex County," said Gov. Jack Markell. "This decision strengthens Harim's commitment to Delaware, and it helps many Delawareans in Sussex County who want to work for this growing company."


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"The language of friendship is not words, but meanings."
A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers (1849) This famous American author spent two years living in the wilderness at Walden Pond, where he penned some of his most-remembered works. This quote was written in memory of a trip he took with his brother John, who died of tetanus in 1842. The quote continues, "It is an intelligence above language. One imagines endless conversations with his Friend, in which the tongue shall be loosed, and thoughts be spoken without hesitance or end..." Add Category or Author
"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage."
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"If you die in an elevator, be sure to push the Up button."
As quoted in Hands Pointed Up (2004) pg. 145 Add Category or Author
"We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful what we pretend to be."
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"The real purpose of books is to trap the mind into doing its own thinking."
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"The one thing we can never get enough of is love. And the one thing we never give enough is love."
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"We are always paid for our suspicion by finding what we suspect."
Journal (1962) pg. 130 The quote above is preceded by, "I know of no rules whichs holds so true as that." Here Thoreau shows us that our expecations can create a reality. Add Category or Author
"The majority see the obstacles; the few see the objectives; history records the successes of the latter, while oblivion is the reward of the former."
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"Love and magic have a great deal in common. They enrich the soul, delight the heart. And they both take practice."
As quoted in Rainbow Bridge Farm (2003) pg. 127 Add Category or Author
"Success is the maximum utilization of the ability that you have."
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"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily."
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"I must have a prodigious quantity of mind; it takes me as much as a week sometimes to make it up."
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The low cost of fueling an electric vehicle is often cited as its chief benefit. Plug-in car advocates say that battery-powered cars cost about $0.02 per mile to run—that's roughly one-sixth the cost of powering a moderately fuel-efficient gasoline-powered car. But just how accurate is that number?
Electric car drivers don't typically monitor their EV's electricity use—their home and car's energy consumption often get lumped together. Whether metered separately or not, the price of electricity can vary depending on the time of day, time of year, and the overall monthly electricity consumption, making quantifying EV electricity use even more complicated. All details, such as your local rates and type of electric car, could shift the numbers one way or the other.
It would be a fool's errand to try nailing down a single price for all EV drivers across the country—or even in one town. Instead, I'll focus on what I paid during two specific months in 2012—February and May. The "test case" is my all-electric 2012 Nissan Leaf plugged into Pacific Gas and Electric's (PG&E) grid in the San Francisco Bay Area. A 3.3 kW grid-tied, net-metered PV system offsets some of my household's electricity and provides some charging electricity for the Leaf.
PG&E offers special EV residential electricity rates, and with its seasonal and usage tiers, the price for 1 kWh of electricity (in the high season—summer) ranges from $0.037 from midnight to 7 a.m. to as much as $0.54 per kWh—almost 15 times as much—during a summer afternoon.
I determined my EV's charging usage through reports provided by Blink, the charging network that tracks how much electricity flows through my home charger (which they document as part of The EV Project, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy—see sidebar).
In February, I used 385 kWh to recharge the Leaf—out of the total of 954 kWh I purchased from PG&E. In May, I bought a lot less electricity (461 kWh), since my PV system was generating more electricity, but the EV still used almost as much juice—342 kWh.
Are PG&E's current EV electricity rates confusing? Extremely. If I begin a four-hour charge at 10 p.m. in the winter, the first two hours of charging cost $0.09 per kWh. But at midnight, the price is cut in half to about $0.045 per kWh. Let's assume that charging energy use is steady for the entire four hours, even though the energy flows a little faster during the first few hours and tapers off as the battery fills up. And for simplicity, let's say that I charge exactly the same amount every day of the month, since averaging helps calculate the impact of a tiered pricing structure.
In February, for the first 10 days of usage, I paid $0.046 per kWh. On the eleventh day, I reached the baseline for Tier 1, which then pushed my rate up 40%, to $0.0645. By May 19, my rate for daytime peak electricity jumped to a whopping $0.54 per kWh. Utilities rightly discourage EV charging and other energy use during the day in the summer, when most air conditioners are running.
In February 2012, I used 385.12 kWh to recharge my Leaf. Of those, 243.31 kWh were during off-peak hours, costing $28.93. The other 142 kWh were during partial-peak hours—weekday mornings. For the first 49 kWh of those partial-peak 142 kWh, I spent $4.82. But because of tiered price structure, the final 44 kWh of the month cost $14.83—more than three times the cost for fewer kWh. The total for partial-peak charging was $30.65. The combined off-peak and partial-peak for February's EV electricity bill was $59.58. That's an average rate (across all times and tiers) of $0.1547 per kWh.
According to my Leaf's onboard stats, I am a moderately efficient driver at 3.3 miles per kWh. (EV drivers who are light on acceleration and good with coasting can get 4+ miles per kWh.) But for me, those 385 kWh provided 1,270 miles of travel.
If I had been driving a 40 mpg gasoline-powered car, the cost for those 1,270 miles would have been $127, at $4 per gallon. So the cost savings in the electric car in February was $67.41. If all of my charging would have been during off-peak hours, I could have added another $14 to that savings.


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November 10, 2013
The National Junior Honor Society at Stinson MS spent the month of October raising money for the American Diabetes Association. The faculty helped out by raising $135 during a Cake Walk for Diabetes fundraiser.
By the time they attended the Step Out to Stop Diabetes Walk on Saturday, Nov. 2, the campus had raised more than $1,393, which was well above their goal of $1,000.
Here are a couple of pictures from the Step Out event.


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Modern Names of People on Historical Numismatic Ancient Greek Roman Byzantine and Medieval Coins
You may be wondering about what is a great gift for the special people in your life. Did you know that the sweetest word in any language for anyone is their name. Yes! Remembering and saying people's name is more important than remembering any other details. It establishes a connection and makes the person feel special. It is also exciting to talk to a person about the origin of their name as it may mean something very special in their native language. What a lot of people don't know is how ancient, historically significant and important their names really are. Below is a list of names that can be encountered on ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Medieval coins that if given as a gift, would leave a long and everlasting impression and gratitude for such a special personalized gift. The links below are easy to click and they will take you to my eBay store search page and input the name for you, so you don't have to remember any spellings.
If you are giving this as a gift, I would be happy to ship it to the person you would like to give it as a gift to, along with a special, customized message you can message you would like to provide them. This way it would make it easy to give such a special gift, to anyone in the world. You can message me on eBay with the special request, providing the specific shipping address and the message you would like to include. Items are shipped quickly and come with a very special certificate of authenticity which allows a beginner or an expert to appreciate the ancient coin you picked out.
Lots of blessings to you and your loved ones!
List of names:
- Adrian as in Hadrian – Roman Emperor: 117-138 A.D. , or the city of Hadrianopolis in Thrace
- Alexander as in Alexander III the Great, city of Alexandria Troas, city of Alexandria in Egypt
- Alexius or Alexey as in Alexius I, Comnenus – Byzantine Emperor: 4 April 1081 – 15 August 1118 A.D.
- Anastasia as in Anastasius, Byzantine Emperor
- Angel, Angela as in the prototype of the Angel, Greek Goddess Nike Nike, or the Roman Equivalent, Victory, Alexius III Angelus – Emperor: 8 April 1195 – 17 July 1203 A.D.
- Antonin as in Antoninus Pius – Roman Emperor: 138-161 A.D.
- Arkadiy as in Arcadius – Roman Emperor: 383-408 A.D.
- Athena as in Athena the Greek Goddess of Wisdom, who's Roman equivalent was Minerva
- Claudio or Claudiy as in Claudius – Roman Emperor: 41-54 A.D. –
- Constantine as in Constantine I 'The Great' – Roman Emperor: 307-337 A.D. and other Roman and Byzantine names with Constantine
- Diana as in Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, whose Greek equivalent was Artemis
- Dimitry, or Dmitry or Demetrios as in the Greek Goddess, Demeter or as the ancient name of Demetrios or Demetrius
- Eudakia as in the Roman empereses Eudoxia and Eudocia,
- Florian as in the Roman emperor Florian
- Helen or Helena or other Derivations as in the Roman empress and saint Helena who was mother of Constantine the Great
- Ivan as Ivan Alexander or others with the name of Ivan
- Jesus as in Jesus Christ as depicted on ancient coins
- Johann as in John, a name used by Byzantine emperors, or Johannes, one of the late Roman emperors
- John or Johnathan or Jonathan as in John used historically since ancient biblical times.
- Julia as in Julia the name used by various empresses historically.
- Julian as in Julian II 'The Apostate' – Roman Caesar: 355-361 A.D. – Emperor: 361-363 A.D. –
- Julius as the name Julius was used historically, beginning with best known, Julius Caesar
- Justin as in the name Justin or Justinian used by Byzantine emperors
- Kristi as derived from Jesus Christ
- Larissa as in the name Larissa given to several great ancient Greek cities, most well-known and important being Larissa, Thessaly
- Laura or Lori as in the Laurel Wreath known as a symbol of victory, placed atop a victory's head by the Greek goddess of Victory, Nike or Roman Equivalent, Victory
- Leo or Lev as in Leo the Byzantine Emperor, or where it stemmed form, the Lion
- Livia as in Livia the wife of emperor Augustus
- Lucilla as in the Roman empress Lucilla
- Lydia as in the ancient region of Lydia
- Manuel or Emmanuel as in the the Byzantine Emeror Manuel I, Comnenus
- Mark or Marcus or Marc as in Marc Antony or Marcus Aurelius, two of the most famous ancient Roman personages
- Mary as in Virgin Mary
- Max as in Maxentius or Magnus Maximus or Maximus
- Michael as Michael used by Byzantine emperors or the archangel
- Nicholas, Nick, Nicola, Nicole, Nicole, Nika, Niketas, Niki, Nikita, Nikolai, Nils, Klaas, Ike
as derivations from the Greek goddess of Victory, Nike, the prototype of the angel, whose Roman equivalent is Victory.
- Persephone as in the Greek goddess Persephone
- Philip as in Philip II, Father of Alexander the Great, or Philip used by the Romans or the city of Philippopolis.
- Romulus as in Romulus, one of the founders of Rome, brother of Remus
- Rose as in the Rose depicted on ancient coins of
- Sabina as in Sabina, the wife of Roman emperor Hadrian, 117-138 A.D.
- Sophia as in Sophia the Byzantine Queen
- Traian as in the Roman Emperor Trajan and Trajan Decius
- Valentinian as in the Roman Emperors by the name of Valentinian
- Valerian as in the Roman Emperors by the name of Valerian
- Victor or Victoria as in the Roman name for the goddess of Victory whose Greek equivalent is Nike.
- Yan or Yana as in Janus, the Roman god
- Zeus as in the Greek god Zeus, or his Roman equivalent, Jupiter
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New Breed of Tough Bikes for Winter Riding
Just because there's snow on the ground doesn't mean biking season is coming to an end. Brigid Mander takes a look at a new breed of bicycles that make it possible for riders of all levels to pedal across snow-covered trails or streets. Photo: Salsa Mukluk 2.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... I ... the snow bike look like what what the shill you and what he think this is just a pastime for extreme sports fanatics only with this I've been going for a winter riding a bike and the cool stuff is easy as well ... kept riding a bike Wealth Brigid Mander from our off duty section she joins us with the de tails right now are you ... doing the same thing thing ... in the first question had to be white people crave ... riding bikes in the snow ... at all ... the ... right window ... I it's fun how can this actually really fun named to the the eighth for something everyone can do what you have to be in the form of videos existant ... on them ... people just to get something else to do in the in the winter knowing shared and that the snows of days skiing in the time ... in ... London to put the likely because their Prius looking in the South ... write ... anything if can handle it than the kids are like sisters say to me yet I'm asking that question from the point of the of some of the stores away her road bike you know for the winner and to think of what's actually going out in the snow too seems preposterous to me ... but yet I look at these bikes into design expressly for this ... and it looks and quickly finds was just in general not tell the bikes are made in the mortgage is on the specifics but it was actually very simple but its right now they are or their main feature is the relief at times ... and had to be designed bike slightly in order to get the team passed the bill in fact ... Robert Wright County to the derailleur and I think that's a little wider ... but other then that their baby food and a simple the tires can be as much as five inches of content ... on social life that I pressure is very low like a road bike time in almost five to ten pounds ... and that day and it lasted just ... with everything in the role of everything ... everyday they find ... the real dream ninety two thousand and three well the first one is attract borrowing effects making a bike for this you know it's gone mainstream ... yes I actually started ... with an antibiotic for making them in Alaska ... in the mid nineties ... and also in Arizona to write and Santander SAN ... and they were just so cottage industry ... and surly it was the first French picking up and they made their first production by two thousand five ... and it did really well the first thing is I think everyone thought it was a little space Clegg ... people serve Elan it was very very fun ... and so it really true in this year's second strand ... and then waiting around one twenty six hundred books with their bike ... yes yes ... so we'll get to the surly just a moment but there's one gets caught it's called us also ... with the caucus or look like you say this and and look lucky thing three times relief at the ... right tells about that I mean this is a really fun bike that mean for exploration and nine from the likes of war for talent ... on display in need to go off trail to go anywhere people to get worrying they can go camping the one about camping in the woods if you like ... Cullen something to stop ... rolls over and the thing and twenty four hundred dollars for that one in you mention surly ... before you say this was kind of all purpose ride present ... yet ... I aam it's the steel frame and its need for trails its main urban ... driving it for a plate ... they're all I can ... reverse the top like the item on ... any trainee want which is the point that's where the snow was coming and this is all the Siebert seventeen fifty ... three to choose from if your ... kitchen even have to be that brave to go on to see them right now I'm really


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A Dec. 21 wedding is being planned by Laryssa Hess of Cleveland and Paul Thompson of Durham, N.C.
The bride-to-be is the daughter of Mark and Hyldee Hess of Oberlin, Ohio. Parents of the prospective bridegroom are William and Mary Thompson of Boyers.
The bride-elect is a 2008 graduate of Lutheran High School in West Rocky River, Ohio, and a 2012 graduate of Case Western University.
She is a nurse in the surgical intensive care unit at University Hospital's Case Medical Center.
Her fiance graduated in 2008 from Moniteau High School and in 2012 from Case Western University.
He is in the M.D./Ph.D. program at Duke University.


text:
SCOTT, Miss. – As U.S. cotton producers begin to plant the 2004 crop, agronomists advise you to minimize risks and spread maturity dates by using planting windows wisely and utilizing varieties that range in maturities. Spreading risks starts with planting early-maturing varieties first, says Bill Robertson, Extension cotton specialist with the University of Arkansas. "Many producers plant a little early-season cotton first, to make sure that they will have cotton to pick at the front-end of harvest time," he says. "Next, they plant full-season varieties and then finish up with a little mid-season cotton. But you really need to make sure you have some cotton to pick in the early fall." Soil types and field performance history should also be taken into consideration at planting. Heavier, clay-type soils should be planted as soon as weather permits, while there is more flexibility with sandier soils. "The best planting tip is to use common sense," Robertson says. "Plant a variety that you know from experience will be ready to harvest at the time you want to be picking." Also, know your fields. "Some fields have more horsepower than others," Robertson adds. "Fuller-maturing varieties will generally be later on better ground. So, match varieties' yield potential and maturities with the fields, soil types and planting windows." Above all, don't set yourself up for a harvesting nightmare by planting maturities in such an order where the entire crop is ready to pick at the same time. "Think about having everything ready at the same time," Robertson says. "A lot of cotton is going to sit in the fields for a long time. There are planting strategies for creating a staggered harvest." Some producers will want to plant as much of a proven performer as fast as they can at the start of each spring, says Ken Lege, director of southeast technical services for Delta and Pine Land Co. "It's smart to go with proven varieties on your farm," he says. "No one, however, can predict or control the planting weather, growing environment or harvest conditions in a given year, so spreading planting dates and variety maturities across a farm can help minimize these weather-related risks." D&PL has a lineup of new, high-yield potential products – one early-maturing, one mid- to full-maturing and one full-maturing – that complement each other insofar as each overlaps at least one other product's regional adaptation, says Lege. DP 444 BG/RR is early-maturity, DP 449 BG/RR is mid-maturity, and DP 555 BG/RR is full-maturity. A large area of the U.S. Cotton Belt receives enough DD60s to grow all three products in a given year, according to Lege. "In many northern regions of the Belt, producers can grow DP 444 BG/RR and DP 449 BG/RR; and in many southern regions of the Belt, producers can grow DP 449 BG/RR and DP 555 BG/RR," he says. "In a planting year with few weather interruptions, a producer could plant these three varieties and stagger his harvest so that when the earliest-maturing variety has been picked, the next highest-maturing variety would hopefully be ready." For refuge acres or weed-prone fields, D&PL has a limited supply this year of three new Roundup Ready varieties that offer growers maturity flexibility at planting. The early-maturing DP 432 RR was the highest-yielding Roundup Ready variety in 2003 D&PL tests, which included both D&PL and competitive cotton products. DP 494 RR is a mid- to full-season cotton variety, which has shown very good fiber potential. DP 434 RR is another new early-season variety showing potential for both good yield and fiber quality. Additionally, D&PL has a supply of DP 488 BG/RR, a mid-season cotton with DP 491 background that has exhibited very long staple and other good fiber characteristics in tests to date. In the not-too-distant future, D&PL will have products with complementary maturities in all major technologies being offered to U.S. cotton producers, including Bollgard, Roundup Ready, Bollgard/Roundup Ready and Bollgard II/Roundup Ready. The Cotton Revolution kicked into gear with the commercialization of DP 555 BG/RR and keeps gaining ground this year as D&PL offers the lineup of DP 444 BG/RR, DP 449 BG/RR and DP 555 BG/RR. For more information about D&PL and its new varieties, go to www.deltaandpine.com. e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
'Spread planting dates, maturities'
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|View Poll Results: Valkyria Chronicles - Total Series Rating
|Perfect 10
|9 out of 10 : Excellent
|8 out of 10 : Very Good
|7 out of 10 : Good
|6 out of 10 : Average
|5 out of 10 : Below Average
|4 out of 10 : Poor
|3 out of 10 : Bad
|2 out of 10 : Very Bad
|1 out of 10 : Painful
|Voters: 81. You may not vote on this poll
|Thread Tools
|2010-04-09, 22:56
|Link #42
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
I watched this anime because I was board and I happen to run it to it somewhere (can't even remember where). I was going to stop watching part of the way though, but ended up continuing just for the sake of it. After all, it wasn't half bad and the game looks nice.
A few points I want to through out:
- I thought the 2nd OP was a good one, but it completely spoiled the "surprise" part way though to the point that when it finally happened I was thinking "about time!" instead of being shocked along with the caricatures. It would have been better had they only used that OP after the secret was revealed.
- I think the entire concept of the reason a person fights giving them the power to win is majorly over used. Though it didn't hurt the anime all that much, it definitely didn't help it much.
- I was accurately disappointing they involved magic at all. As nice as it is in other anime, I didn't really think it fit in with that world much. Granted, it might have gone better with the game.
- A lot of the caricature seem to have lost their use and were ignored part of the way though.
- One positive I'd like to point out is most everything involving Isara. The whole Darcsen discrimination bit was a good touch if you ask me, as well her untimely exit which caught me a bit off guard. (Why must the good die young :-( )
All in all: not bad, but I'm not suggesting it to a friend. It had it's moments both good and bad. Still, the game looks better.
|2010-05-22, 10:23
|Link #43
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
First, I'd like to say : I didn't play the game. Not that I don't want to (I really itches to try it, in fact), but I don't have a console. But it means I don't have any idea about what was changed or the like, so I judged the serie on its merits and flaws alone, without any comparison to anything else.
Unlike many people, I actually disliked the start. The naïveté and childishness of the setting was extremely grating, especially with the dichotomia between the "war is hell !!!" that was supposed to be the case, and the Disney-like soldier life that illustrated it.
It got much better when the tone became darker later.
The biggest problem of the serie was how goofy, ridiculous and flat-out dumb beyond belief and irrealistic beyond suspension of disbelief, was the whole war shown. It was just so completely bogus and idiotic that I stopped watching several times. Even saying it's Hollywood War with Hollywood Tactics is a understatement. It's closer to War for Kids and Retards, and it's probably insulting toward the kids that have some grasp on reality.
When the whole background theme is war, having the war being ridiculous isn't the best start.
Partially linked to this problem, the whole Valkyria arc was seriously weird and not really interesting, full of plot holes, inconsistencies and absurdities. I don't know if Valkyrians were so ridiculously overpowered in the game, but it detracted from (destroyed ?) the whole background and felt just inane.
Despite the title and the fact that the story is based on it, it would have been better to get rid of it altogether, which says a lot about how bogus it felt. As the poste above said : all this magic really felt out of place.
Now, a very bad serie so ?
Not completely. Despite the silliness and absurdity of most of the background and story, there were saving graces in it. Mainly the characters and the involvement.
The characters were rather nice and sympathetic. In fact, I continued watching despite being put off by the idiotic presentation of war, because of them. They all had their own personnalities (regardless how derailed they are supposed to be from the game, again I didn't play it, but in-show their were consistents) and there was chemistery.
In fact, contrary to the opinion of some, I'm actually glad that the relationships between characters was prominent and overshadowed the armed conflict and the main storyline, because frankly it was much more interesting.
Also, the kick in the gutt that happens mid-season was very effectively done. The best part of the serie without a doubt, making me care and suffer with the characters.
Some moments were also nicely done (the Empire deserter for example) and helped to save the main story (though not being sufficient by a long shot).
All in all, it COULD have been a very good serie. The potential was here. The character part was successful and engaging. But the story was just full of holes and weird, and the background completely ridiculous.
I had a rather good time, but I certainly not can say it was without flaws. "average" is a good definition.
|2010-08-01, 01:48
|Link #44
Join Date: Sep 2008
Sorry i'm late to the party
Since I do not think many people will read this .
I loved the game, and had such high hopes for this series. So I admit, that will reflect my views greatly. So that should be a question to ask about this series. Who was this series made for? Was it made for the fans of the game? Was it made for people who didn't play the game? Was it made as a promotion for the game? It is clear, that it certainly wasn't the former. So it should be unavoidable that someone would have to compare the source material.
First, the art design, its Gorgeous. I loved how beautiful some of the scenes where. The characters where very expressive just all around fun to look at. When the the series actually showed us action scenes, many of them where greatly executed. The sounds, the music, everything fit so well. However, the actual script and plot is where everything falls apart. Which isn't so strange when you take into account that this was written by Michiko Yokote. I don't know if that's a man or a woman. Most of the series are about kids in high school age. However, this person also worked on Patlabor and Cowboy Bebop. It is a very strange mixed bag here.
I will look at the series in thirds here.
The first third of the series does a good job at setting the tone of the series. As well as having some pretty nice action scenes. The characters however, where extremely annoying and just out right dumb. As appose to the game, they where well adjusted adults. http://www.escapistmagazine.com/vide...ria-Chronicles I believe I can show that link, as the site that hosts has it shown off as "advertisement". Please mind the Mystery Science Theater 3000 voices.
Basically the character quirks became character exaggeration. I remember in the earlier episodes I did a scene to scene comparisons a few times and that the video game did a much better job at making the characters likable and believable. Alicia for example, actually had a neutral to positive and friendly attitude towards Welkin, *GASP*, she also was far more sensible. One of the worse rewriting had to be episode 10.
In the game, we have Welkin and Alicia huddling together for warmth in an abandon cabin, after Welkin and her stealth by an Imperial attachment. Something the Anime cut out, which makes them simply appear in the cabin. "Personally I assassinated everyone in the mission, but moving on." So we don't even know why they are there, they just got "separated" When all of a sudden, an imperial trooper stumbles in. This soldier, barely 18 they state, has been gravely shoot, he is delusional, he is at death door, he is afraid, he doesn't want to die, and is crying out for his mother to hold him. Alicia, in a act of sympathy, pretends to be the soldier's mother, to comforts him as he slowly and painfully dies. Illustrating that, not only are the enemies soldier actually just people like them, but that war is hell. It also does this in about 5 minutes.
How does the anime do it? Well we get the same, if not abrupt set up. However, instead of a unluckly soldier boy, we get a Buddy Cole monologue from a pissed off farmer for about 20 minutes. He also dies, from a gunshot wound, in the back. Although in its own right, it was fine, as it does the same effect, but it seems to lose some of its power when you where pretty much holding a grenade and asking people to agree with you. He was also shot in the back, if you know what that means. Again however, not a bad scene.
The second third.
At this point I notice another character was changed greatly was the head General. Who was simply arrogant and ineffective. In this series however, they made into a treasonous, cowardly, sexiest, arrogant, ineffective, idiotic, general, who should have never been given that post. Perhaps this was for the better, but this just seemed so forced.
The love triangle, I don't think I have to go into that, it was poorly done, and seemed very forced. Was completely unnecessary, and the series came to a screechy halt here, until Episode 17.
The final third.
This to me seemed to be the best part of the anime. Its as if they actually remembered what they base this series off of. Defiantly had the best moments. Isara, probably the most sympathetic and likable character, especially in the anime has one of the most touching scenes. "We never see her dream though" The action gets ramped up, and we get to see what is under the princess' head before he just out right snaps. "Not to sound smug or anything, but with the exception of the double Valkyria fight was all done better in the game." I suppose they had to rush it along, but why did they have so much filler if they where going to end up just rushing out the the climax.
Overall, I would have hated this series if it was not for the final third. the second third was just painful. If you never played the game, and you should. I would say this series gets a 7/10. It ends up as coming off really generic, but the setting and art style greatly makes up for that. If you had played the game... Much lower, but at least you get to see some of your favorite characters again. Also, they killed Vyse.... They killed the Sky Pirate Captain like a red shirt.....
|2010-09-05, 03:33
|Link #45
This anime is the adaptation of the homonymous PS3 Strategy/jrpg game. Yes, it's a game adaptation; negative bias from the first second I heard about it. I haven't played the game, as I don't own a PS3 and the way things are going with my savings, I probably never will. Anyways, I read lots of info about the game, watched some trailers and found a text about stuff that are different between game and anime. So I'm not completely ignorant with what is going on with the source material. Ugh, I said "source", here I go again with my negative bias towards something that is derivative.
Anyways, Valkyria Chronicles (henceforth VC) is in a nutshell taking World War 2 and making a silly fairy tale out of it. Because although the premise is quite familiar, the presentation lacks any sort of realism to how that or any war takes place.
The story is about two nations at war, with a third stuck in the middle and trying to survive the clash. This is where the interesting part ends because everything else I will write hereafter is negative; you have been warned.
In our story the Evil Empire TM invades our peaceful Generic Nation of Complete Goodness TM, which is fighting back with the aid of a bunch of happy-go-lucky schoolkids, who so happen to pilot a super prototype tank that can beat entire armies alone. Between the fights, our brave heroes TM indulge in a Generic Love Triangle TM, just for the heck of it. Somewhere in there, they throw in powers from an Ancient Civilization TM. And that is pretty much it.
The main difference with the game in terms of story is that said romance, which was absent in the game, yet seems to matter more and more as the anime progresses. It was pretty average to begin with and slowly shifting genres from war adventure with some romantic overtones to romance with some war in the background was not exactly an improvement. Not only that, but the way the war was unfolding was pretty silly to begin with. Cheery teens with colorful uniforms, beating Armies of Evil TM with a single tank; ok, realism went for a walk, even without the magic. And although being realistic is not everything, having everything unfolding in a superficial way eventually makes the already simple story to be dull and forgettable. Not only that, but it also ends in an open way. Ok, now are you supposed to wait for a sequel or pay 500 bucks for the console and the game in order to find out what happens next?
Whatever, bottom line: It is simple, it lacks any sort of excitement for being so superficial, it is bogged by lots of average romance, and ends openly. It gets a 3 for a somewhat interesting beginning.
The cast is made up of all sorts of personalities, most of which are archetypes you can find in pretty much any romance and definitely not in a war drama. Plus, none of them are sticking out for any given reason. Well, besides their distinctive archetypes that is. The main lead is spaced out most of the time and that is his most important characteristic. I'm sorry dude; Yang Wenli did it far better than you. So this guy is surrounded by a big team of Anime Archetypes TM, from the Not Blood Related Sister, to the Tsundere In Secret Love, the Male Antagonist, and the Evil Empire. All of whom are dressed in game fashion with ribbons, short skirts with high socks and boots for girls and Nazi wannabe uniforms for the bad guys. Yes, very corny indeed. They get a 4 for not only being average but also for being completely unable to relate with and have incomplete development because of the also incomplete story.
The animation is generally good, with a high amount of detail and colors given to backgrounds the character figures don't deform because the animators were bored. The explosions are also done in a nice way. At the same time there are lots of stills in this and the use of 3D models used for vehicles and various buildings may feel a bit off in their interaction with the 2D characters. Besides this obvious matter, the action scenes (and the war in general) lack realism which cancels out any attempt at portraying battles. Riffle men are unable to hit targets a few meters away from them, a singe tank can defeat a hundred enemy tanks without much tactics, and the military uniforms are totally off, with girls having pigtails, ribbons and short skirts in the middle of a war field, while the bad guys all have detestable looks. It gets a 7 for being decent, yet loosing points for too many stills and unrealistic aesthetics, not fit for a war field.
The sound is nice in all sections. No annoying songs, no silly sound effects, no over the top ridiculous voices. At the same time, none of those are great either. No songs worth hearing over and over, no major voice acting and no amazing sound effects. It gets a 7 for not being great or bad in any way.
In all, VC is an average work, plagued by too many stereotypes and unrealistic situations that simply don't give you a reason to care about it. Value and Enjoyment get a 4 for an average work that was left incomplete.
Average score is around 5.
|2010-11-25, 22:56
|Link #46
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Oregon, USA
Age: 32
Hello fans. I watched a whole of VC anime from first episode to 26th episode two years ago, September '09. I thought it is okay. I've not watch it again until a few days ago, for some reasons, I tried to find some episodes about someone's relative member. I know one episode about someone, but I still can't find any more episodes, so I don't remember which it is. Now I don't feel like I want to search each of them; all of them are 30 minutes long. Do anybody know where they are? Please send me a via PM or VM for details. Thanks~ =)
Anyway, here's my thought on that anime...
Spoiler for Storyline:
Spoiler for Animation:
Spoiler for Enjoyment:
Overall, the average is 5.5, so I thought it is ok-ok.
Last edited by Owlette; 2010-11-25 at 23:23.
|2010-11-25, 23:09
|Link #47
Scholar of Yanderes
Spoiler for Anime Ending:
|2010-11-26, 02:18
|Link #49
You mean you watched it a year ago, right?
I thought it was impossible to miss him, but if you found it only marginally enjoyable, you probably would not have noticed the smaller nuances anyway.
The anime is not awesome, but definitely better than a 5.5. That is what you would rate the mainstream harem-ecchi anime out there right now, but everyone's entitled to their own opinions I guess. lol.
|2010-11-26, 22:30
|Link #50
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Oregon, USA
Age: 32
Because my video's size was small so I just thought it was some random poor gentleman until she showed me the big picture enough to see his face.
Spoiler for reply:
Heh. Yeah, I suppose you're right; everyone have their own opinions. My previous comment is meant for my personal opinion.
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