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Published on Thursday, October 24 2013 08:41
Repetitive Dream
By Alexa DiSalvo
Stop meeting me in the dark alcoves
Sticky honeycomb nightmare treasure troves
Why do I wander night after night
Login to read more: Poetry Talk Oct 24, 2013
Published on Thursday, October 03 2013 18:07
Penske truck moved her away on Monday
Big Rain River took my stuff on Thursday
I'm a
Stream Lined Gypsy
Born on Friday
Couch surfing hobo
Login to read more: Stream-Lined Gypsy
Published on Thursday, October 03 2013 18:01
By David J. Rothman
Listen my children and you shall hear
Of a cold, wet day in a hot, dry year,
Of the twelfth of September, in 2013.
Listen and learn what it can mean
Login to read more: The Weatherman's Tale
Published on Thursday, September 05 2013 04:26
Labor of:
passion, purpose, faith discipline,
Necessity, fear, need, want
Recognition of the abbreviated differential there in
Lies the conundrum of dreams reality and withholding
doing the right thing in order to provide
reside, and thrive??
Rescue mission of life wanders in concentric paths
Crisscrossing vertically integrated experiences
Are you lucky enough to be one of the chosen to know
Labor OF?
to pursue chase fathom gather and push
Onward toward that elusive goal
Labor OF
By Martin Soosloff
Login to read more: Poetry Talk September 5, 2013
Published on Wednesday, August 14 2013 08:05
Sight Unseen
By Bonnie DiSalvo
How long were you gone
From the corner of my eye?
And then came back
A stranger.
Full of wrath
And evil words
Of doom and retribution.
Where did you go
In that blink of an eye?
To become a lost lover
Tearing shreds
In my heart
And blurring my vision.
Login to read more: Poetry Talk August 15, 2013
Published on Thursday, August 01 2013 08:28
There have been some interesting and spectacular bird sightings down at the Clarifier Project, across the pedestrian bridge from the Black Bear parking lot. Birders, like the Such family (parents Dave and Renee, and sons Marcel and Joel), and other local artists like Cathie Holm have reported sighting
Login to read more: Rare Birds Nesting In Lyons
Published on Thursday, August 01 2013 08:13
By Alexa DiSalvo
Silver birch sleigh slid to a halt
Slick tusk runners sink in the snow
That is only time elapsed
Like dust on a useless mirror
Accumulating over this frozen river
Login to read more: Poetry Talk August 1, 2013
Published on Thursday, February 07 2013 03:30
Follow the Image
Follow the Image
Life's movie made
Not for TV
But exclusively
For YOU
Login to read more: Poetry Talk - Feb. 7, 2013
Published on Thursday, February 07 2013 02:54
Fickle Love
Soldier, soldier, strong and brave
beyond the hill and over the wave,
how do I love you? Time will tell.
Today I know that I love you well.
Login to read more: Fickle Love


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Does anyone have any past experience, good or bad, with using a professional resume writing company?
Does anyone have any past experience, good or bad, with using a professional resume writing company?
Not personally, but some of my students have used them.
I have very mixed feelings about the ones I've encountered. Maybe it's because the services want to take on a lot of clients and deal with them ASAP to generate maximum $$$$, but they seem to give very generic formatting/content advice that may not have a lot to do with what employers are actually looking for, or what a specific job or ad is seeking.
The ones whose work I've seen also seem to have very outdated ideas about what a good resume looks like or what it should contain.
But keep in mind that my experience is with the services that students can afford. There may be way better ones out there that are above that price range.
ETA: IMHO the responses here to questions about resumes or interviews have really good information. And that's free
Last edited by overedge; 10-03-2012 at 06:16 AM.
You should never write words with numbers. Unless you're seven. Or your name is Prince. - "Weird Al" Yankovic, "Word Crimes"
I provide a professional resume writing service for both students and working people. I tailor a number of self-designed templates for skills, chronological and professional resumes and pay careful attention to formatting/visual appeal. And I match them to the job requirements (keywords and qualities) as well as ensure that they are 100% error-free - I've seen resumes done by HR companies with mistakes in them. Just one mistake can get you in the reject pile.
However, I don't churn them out - it's only part of what I do, I'd go a little nuts doing nothing but resumes day in, day out. And I'm not cheap. My prices are a bit lower than what an HR firm would charge but I can spend three-four hours on a two-page resume and the same or more on a cover letter. When I see people charging a flat rate of $30-$50 for a resume and $10-$20 for a cover letter I'm just
My viewpoint is that your future is resting on your resume/cover letter so paying a professional to do it well is a worthwhile expenditure. If you can't be bothered to get the money you need to have this done, or can't be bothered to put in the time and energy yourself, you are probably not serious about your job search.
And I think my resumes follow current trends such a verb parallelism and cover letters with bullet points (seen only recently). I see the resumes that business schools teach and also see HR firm resumes from time to time. However, the style isn't always consistent.
If I have questions, I agree with overedge that the best answers are here on FSU.
I've been thinking about this exact same thing. I'm finding plenty of interesting jobs to apply for but not getting much action from them. I'm not sure if it's the kinds of jobs I'm applying for, my experience, or my resume. Looking forward to seeing good replies on this thread.
I've never used one, but I have collaborated with co-workers and former managers to enhance mine. They know me, know what I've been good at, and know the areas where I struggle. Often, they give me the best words to use.
AceOn6, the golf loving skating fan
Get personal recommendations from someone who has used them, but I think outside help is always useful. I'm pretty much a professional writer, and as everyone needs an editor, my resume was just vastly improved by two friends who know me and my job market.
My putzy BIL used to do this for a living and judging by his writing skills in general, whoever paid him must have been pretty desperate. OTOH, he specialized in writing resumes to match government job KSAs and that's a narrow specialty.
"Youth and vigor is no match for age and deceit." -- Prancer
Lol. I remember doing up my resume back in 1994, too. I used a word processor, and the bullets were created by filling the lower case o in with black ink.Originally Posted by Japanfan
And I think my resumes follow current trends such as ... cover letters with bullet points (seen only recently).
I started doing that back in 1994 - good to know I'm ahead of the trend.
I do have a question, too. Since 2002, I have worked in insurance, with a one year stint at Comcast. Should I just list Comcast as an employer, and go into detail only about the insurance experience I am looking to stay in (claims), and how should I handle the three years I spent in Medicare sales?
I have had two experiences with so-called professional resume writers. One I paid and one was paid for by a company that laid me off. Both sucked really bad. I think the friend that knows your work route would probably work much better than paying a stranger, particularly if you are in a technical field like I am.
Actual bumper sticker series: Jesus is my co-pilot. Satan is my financial advisor. Budha is my therapist. L. Ron Hubbard owes me $50.
Formatting is only one of the things you need to pay attention to when writing a cover letter and resume. In addition to looking pretty, being legible, and concise, the content is all important.
The purpose of the cover letter is to get the reader to be interested enough to flip the page and look at the resume. The cover letter should state its purpose (I would like to apply for xyz job ...), provide some information about why you think you'd be a good candidate for the job, and close with "I look forward to talking with you about the job." When I taught technical writing, we had sessions on resume and cover letter writing. I always read the letters aloud (anonymously) to the class to get their reactions. We looked for essential content, formatting, and a "employer" orientation rather than an "I" orientation. It's so easy to start every sentence with "I" and not mention what you can do to benefit the employer.
The purpose of the resume is to get an interview. Most employers spend 30-60 seconds looking at the resume. You need to decide if a chronological or functional style is appropriate for what you are applying for. Most people use a chronological resume. Put your name and contact information at the top where it's easy to find. If you've just graduated, put your Education credentials next. If you have significant job experience, put your Experience first. Be sure to include a job title, employment dates (mm/yyyy), and job description that mentions keywords they are looking for if possible. Some large companies use computer programs to search for relevant keywords as a way to screen applicants. Also include Honors and Awards and Professional Memberships that are relevant to the job. Few people include References anymore - most just state that they are available on request. There just isn't room on one page to include them. Employers will usually ask for them when they invite you for an interview. Optional sections I've seen on resumes are Objectives and Skills ... personally I don't think the employer cares much about your objectives. A list of skills is only relevant if the job descriptions states they are looking for specific skills or certifications.
If you're having trouble fitting your information on one page, a skillful editor can make your wording more concise and can suggest content that you may be able to delete. As you gain more experience, you can trim off the least relevant and most distant jobs from your resume.
Be sure to tailor your resume for the job you are applying for. Rather than having a generic resume and cover letter (e.g. one size fits all), play up the skills, education and job experiences most relevant for a specific job.
Most importantly, follow up on your application a week or two after sending it. Call or email the employer to inquire if they received your application and ask about the timeframe for making a hiring decision. If you don't hear anything back withing a few weeks, contact them again. Sometimes there are good reasons why hiring is put on hold. At least you will not be left hanging with no response.
Thanks madm and everyone, you've been very helpful. I certainly plan on getting feedback, critiques and suggestions for my resume regardless of whether I go with a professional resume company, or not. If a professional company will help me produce a resume that can get me an interview, then that will be $ well spent. The problem is, trying to decide what company to go to.
My local library has a program where they review resumes, so I'll probably start there.
I have not updated my resume in the last few years- I have kind of given up on the idea of finding a better job, since I never been even called for an interview (well, since 2007 when I interviewed for my current job).
I am curious about what kind of money resume companies charge? In my previous jobs, the employer had arranged classes for the employees to learn how to write a better resume, so I never had to pay anyone for it. If I lose my current job, I may have to create a resume that would get me an interview.
Of course, they all have different definitions of what a "professional" is or what an "executive" is as well.
[If you don't want to spend money on your resume there are a ton of books with samples out there as well as advice and samples on the internet. If resume clients are concerned about keeping costs down I tell them that they can avoid putting time and energy into me if they put in the time and energy themselves. So long as you pay attention to details like verb parallelism, dynamic wording and an appealing template, you needn't spend any or a lot of money - especially if you have a few friends who are good with words look it over for you.Originally Posted by Vash01
I helped my daughter's boyfriend create his first resume out of college, and he was able to use my daughter's resume as his template. He didn't have a lot of relevant job experience, so we expanded on his coursework, mentioning subjects he was knowledgeable about and projects he'd done. Presentations and published papers, professional societies, and certifications were also relevant. In the cover letter, he played up his communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.
A list of skills can also be good if you are looking to transfer careers and have strong transferable skills, but not actual experience in the desired field.
Another category that is used sometimes in 'Profile', or alternatively 'Highlights', which lists key points in the resume. I find it useful in two cases. The first is when a resume is very detailed and complicated and a person has oodles of experience - the profile can summarize the qualifications neatly and persuasively at the top.
The second is when the resume is generally weak and/or the person doesn't have much experience. The 'Profile' can highlight skills gained through volunteer experience or as a student and highlight them in a way the other categories don't. It is 'filler', yes, but it can help get the interview.
One other thing, resumes for most tech jobs (and I would assume other types) are run through a resume screener. Be sure to include your key programming languages, tools, environments and certifications in the cover letter, in the body of the resume, and in a section titled Keywords at the bottom of your resume. For example, if you really know Javascript, put it in all three places.
AceOn6, the golf loving skating fan

subset: commoncrawl


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The economy may be bouncing back, but some job perks aren't yet...and might not at all.
Before the bubble burst, everything from massages to dry cleaning was offered by some companies.
Benefits Cosulting Firms say now those and other perks like Family Leave have been cut significantly since 2005.
One spokesperson says benefits are likely to lag behind the recession because employers don't have the incentive to add perks while unemployment remains high.


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Oakland County Commission candidate Craig Covey expressed gratitude to his supporters on Wednesday and said he plans to stay involved in local and national politics.
The current commissioner for the 25th District and former Ferndale mayor to represent the new 18th District.
Zack received approximately 54 percent of the vote, with 3,862 ballots cast, while Covey received approximately 46 percent, with 3,300 ballots cast. Republican Steven Zimberg of Huntington Woods ran unopposed.
Covey and Zack currently serve on the commission but, due to redistricting, were competing to represent the new 18th district, which includes Huntington Woods, Hazel Park, Oak Park, Royal Oak Township and Ferndale.
Covey, who has now endorsed Zack for the commission seat, said it was unfortunate that he and Zack had to run against each other.
"The bad guys here were not my opponents in this primary. The bad guys were the Republicans who engineered this power grab," Covey said of the redistricting. "Helaine and I have always been allies and friends and we'll always be allies and friends."
Covey said he is proud of his support in Ferndale, where he got more than 71 percent of the vote. "That was very gratifying to me," he said. "I have zero regrets. I worked harder than ever on this one than any other [campaign] and I think we did everything right."
As for his future plans, Covey - a Ferndale resident - said he isn't going anywhere.
"For me to not be involved in some sort of advocacy or political work is, for me, unthinkable. It's a part of me as much as breathing or sleeping or eating," Covey said. "I'm not going to go anywhere and they won't be able to ever take me out of the political realm until they plant me in the ground. I intend to stay around for a while."
He said he will work on the Obama campaign this fall and support local candidates including Democrat Lisa Brown of West Bloomfield, who will challenge Bill Bullard, the Republican incumbent, for Oakland County Clerk.
In January 2011, Covey . His .
Covey offered a "big thank you" to the city of Ferndale for its support.
"I just have the best volunteers and friends in the world and I'm just amazed at how much hard work they put in," he said. "I'm really appreciative of the whole city of Ferndale. I'm just so proud and my affection for the city just grows."


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11/10/2012 — 3:26 p.m. — Seal Beach Boulevard — A caller said that a 19-year-old woman has been walking up to elderly customers and saying she knows them. While the elderly subject is confused, the woman then allegedly tries to take them to coffee. The woman was last seen in a truck with some men and was described as wearing a red silk shirt, long black pencil skirt and red heels.
11/10/2012 — 4:10 p.m. — Kenwood Road — A man said someone broke into his residence twice while he was bowling. The man said the suspect used a key from the lockbox, and the man said he has proof.
11/10/2012 — 12:15 p.m. — Main Street — A homeless man entered a business on Main and threw a lollypop at a caller, a caller said. The man was described as in his 50s, about five feet eight inches tall, wearing a plaid shirt and khaki pants rolled up and with bare feet. The police officer issued a municipal code violation citation to the transient.
11/10/2012 — 5:58 p.m. — 10th Street — A caller said someone stole items from a white Chrysler Sebring parked in carport below the apartment. The man said the vehicle might have been unlocked. The loss was a gas card, a Visa card in the caller's name, prescription glasses, a gym bag, two pairs of boxing gloves, an iPod, an iPod charger, between $50-60 in change and a large storage bin with three cases of ginger ale and a case of toilet paper.
11/03/2012 — 12:55 p.m. — St. Andrews Drive — A woman called security after the three-year-old she was babysitting walked out of the residence. The babysitter said the girl was blonde with curly hair and wearing a red or purple shirt. She said she checked the house already. Later, the woman said she found the girl.
Information courtesy the Seal Beach Police Department.


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— Officials with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission will meet next Wednesday with TVA officials to discuss a violation of low safety significance that occurred at Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant late last year.
According to an NRC press release, plant operators failed to properly implement a plant operating procedure while restoring power to the Unit 2 reactor protection system. The apparent violation occurred on Dec. 22.
The failure caused the reactor to shut down and also caused the main steam isolation valves to close. The main steam isolation valves are designed to close in the unlikely event of a rupture in the plant's steam pipes.
Even though the unit was safely shut down and there was no threat to workers or people living near the plant, the NRC has preliminarily determined that the finding is white, meaning it has low to moderate safety significance.
The NRC uses color-coded inspection finding to assess plant performance. The colors range from green, or very low safety significance, to white, yellow and red, which has the highest safety significance.
No decision on the final safety significance and any additional NRC actions will be made at the conference. That decision will be announced at a later time.
The NRC inspection report with more details on the apparent violation is available on the NRC website.
The conference will be held at 1 p.m. EST at the NRC's Region 2 offices, 245 Peachtree Center Ave., NE, Suite 1200, in Atlanta. The public is invited to attend, and NRC officials will answer questions from the public after the business portion of the conference is completed.


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Georgia beat writers Seth Emerson (this site) and Gentry Estes (of Dawgs247.com) break down Georgia's spring practice: Hutson Mason, the defense and what else we learned.
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Home > Clearance > For the Home > Tools
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18-Volt Cordless Drill Set
18 Volts of Pure Drilling Power!
High performance and high quality in one mighty strong tool! 18V cordless drill with forward/reverse includes 6 drill bits, 6 driver bits, one reversible bit, one quick-change magnetic extension bit, battery with charger and cord! Adjustable torque settings tackle any home project you can dream up!
Item #: 3R2-V5B17
- $19.99
Customer Reviews
Rating 1.0 of 5:
You get what you pay for here. There is not much torque pushing the drill bit. More easily adapted to a door stop or a paper weight. I'm glad I avoided this one after seeing it demonstrated by a friend. Stay with a known major brand and disregard the bargain pricing even on clearance.
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Golf courses in Las Vegas are some of the best in the country. Get direct access to the official website of these courses for tee times, golf deals, packages and more.
Simply click the Book Tee Time button.
Coyote Springs
Jack Nicklaus' Newest Signature in this Region is now open for public play. Coyote Springs is a visually stunning layout, and this area is destined to become the western home of golf. This course was rated as one of the best new courses in America be many national golf publications when it debuted in 2008.
Rio Secco Golf Club
Recently, Rio Secco Golf Club introduced the T-Mate program that pairs lovely young ladies—or good looking guys for the ladies out there—with foursomes. The T-mates are part host, part caddie, and full-time pleasure to watch and be around. Home of the Butch Harmon School of Golf.
If you have a question about how to book tee times feel free to contact us. We want to make reservations a simple process so you can have more time to play golf.
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Thank you for posting this amazing description of the show!! I was there myself, and Al sang to me in Wanna B Ur Lovr, even though I'm 12. This was an amazing show.
We gotta get Al there again soon, and I gotta get 3rd row seats again!!
But thanks again for posting!! And great photos!!


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The Jungle Book
The early versions of both the screenplay and the soundtrack followed Kipling's work more closely, with a dramatic, dark, and sinister tone which Disney did not want in his family film, leading to writer Bill Peet and composer Terry Gilkyson being replaced. The casting employed famous actors and musicians Phil Harris, Sebastian Cabot, George Sanders and Louis Prima, as well as Disney regulars such as Sterling Holloway, J. Pat O'Malley and Verna Felton, and the director's son, Bruce Reitherman, as Mowgli.
The Jungle Book Reviews & Ratings
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By Tom Precious
ALBANY – For cynics who think politicians are stingy with their campaign money, this is an item sure to warm the heart.
Intent on keeping control of the state Senate, Republican incumbents –- running in safe seats -- have pumped $540,000 in the last two weeks into the Senate Republican Campaign Committee account to spread around to close races.
Intent on gaining control of the Senate, meanwhile, Democratic incumbents -– also running in safe seats –- and a few other non-incumbents have donated $459,000 to the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee to try to help win close races.
Among the big donors from Senate Republicans are Catharine Young, an Olean Republican, who has no opponent, and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, a Long Island Republican. They both gave $50,000 apiece to the Senate GOP campaign arm.
On the Democratic side, Sen. Mike Gianaris, the Queens Democrat who heads the central Senate Democratic fundraising group, gave $100,000, while Sen. Tim Kennedy, the South Buffalo Democrat who narrowly won his September primary bid, donated $25,000.


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Widget and Gadgets Support
Kintnersville, PA 18930
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Below are answers to some common questions about the WeatherBug Web Widgets. If you do not see your question here, please fill out a Support Request Form or visit the WeatherBug Forums.
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All you have to do is fill out the online request form located at http://weather.weatherbug.com/desktop-weather/web-widgets.html?region=8®ion_name=North+America&country=US&country_name=USA&state_code=PA&state_name=Pennsylvania&dma=504&zip=18930&city_name=Kintnersville&units=0&stat=CPRSB.
- After completing the online sticker request form, how long before I receive the information necessary to display the web widget on my web site?
The instructions will be provided immediately after you complete the online form; for your convenience we will also email the instructions to you.
- Once I receive the instructions, is it easy to display the web widget on my web site?
Yes, all you have to do is copy and paste the code provided in the instructions to immediately begin displaying your WeatherBug Web Widget
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Kruger Camping Safari (DAKS)
Short and to the point, if you're already in Joburg or simply hungry for a taste of South Africa's exceptional wildlife and culture, this 4-day safari adventure will certainly hit the spot. Starting in Johannesburg, you'll head into world-renowned Kruger National Park—one of the largest and most diverse wildlife areas in Africa and home to zebras, elephants and lions. Travel is via a small 19-seat minibus. Participatory camping keeps you under the stars and, thanks to our long-standing community ties, you'll get plenty of invigorating local interaction as you meet the people of Shalati. The African wilderness is closer than you ever imagined.
Highlights: Encounter exotic wildlife in Kruger National Park, get off the mainstream tourist trail while spending a night in the community of Shalati, witness a traditional dance.
Local Living Kenya—Masai Village (DKML)
For ages, the Masai people of East Africa have preserved an authentic way of life that includes training warriors, communicating with wild animals across the plains and developing native medicines. Now it's your turn to get a taste of this unique lifestyle. This short, five-day trip takes a dive right into the daily life of the Masai, where you'll learn how to make traditional beaded jewelry, milk cows, throw a spear and identify different animal tracks. You'll get a firsthand look at bush survival skills as you live with the Masai people in their village, learn the beliefs of the Masai and enjoy a ceremony on your final night to cap off your experience.
Highlights: Learn survival skills from Masai warriors, participate in day-to-day life in a remote Masai village, listen to warrior stories around the campfire, witness a traditional Masai ceremony.
- Travel Style:
- Local Living
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Masai Mara Camping Safari (DKMM)
If you're short on time, this adventure serves up the colours, culture and wildlife of Kenya in four incredible days. Journey across the rolling plains and through the acacia trees of the legendary Masai Mara in search of Africa's ever-elusive Big Five. Our 4x4 safari vans are designed for wildlife viewing and are an adventurous and inexpensive way to see the wonders of the Masai Mara, while wilderness camping in permanent tents will let you hear the sounds of the planet's most amazing animal life. The varied wildlife and natural environment and the colours and culture of the local Masai people all come together on this adventure to provide a spectacular safari experience.
Highlights: Explore the Masai Mara Game Reserve, view diverse wildlife in search of the Big Five, spend two nights in a safari camp
Kruger Camping Safari (DAKS)
Local Living Kenya—Masai Village (DKML)
Masai Mara Camping Safari (DKMM)
|Service Level
|Starting Price
|Kruger Camping Safari (DAKS)
|4 days
From $499
|Local Living Kenya—Masai Village (DKML)
|5 days
|Local Living
From $599
|Masai Mara Camping Safari (DKMM)
|4 days
From $999


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To the editor:
On Saturday, Sept. 29, my elderly mother and I experienced a fire in our apartment.
At approximately 6:15 a.m., we were awakened by the Peabody Fire Department knocking on our door. As smoke filled our apartment, we vacated the building under the guidance of the firefighters. In a calm, organized manner, they quickly extinguished the fire.
We were very impressed with the firefighters' concern for not only our safety and well-being but the care they displayed for our belongings and furnishings.
We are extremely grateful to the Peabody Fire Department for their professionalism and compassion.
Cheryl and Dorothy Carey


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Editor's Note: The following articles were aggregated from several news organizations in Missouri. You can read more about each story by clicking on the headline.
Lack of a Republican bench worries Sen. John Lamping (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
Like many Republicans, state Sen. John Lamping of Ladue was disappointed in the election results in Missouri last week.
Though Republicans improved their already-strong majority in the Missouri House and retained their two-thirds majority in the Missouri Senate, they lost four of the five races for statewide offices.
Lamping, 50, is a relative newcomer to politics. After working in the financial industry in New York and St. Louis, he won the 24th District Missouri Senate seat in St. Louis County two years ago. He has an economic degree from Princeton and an MBA in finance from New York University.
- - - - -
Todd Akin: 'I have a good sense of peace' (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
Todd Akin returned to Congress this week after a Senate campaign that left him vilified for his verbal missteps and blamed for his role in the Republican Party's dismal showing in the elections.
He's worried now that the "fiscal cliff" negotiations will lead to stiff tax increases and has concerns about his own financial well-being, knowing he'll be out of work when the new Congress takes over in January.
Nonetheless, Akin, 65, is hopeful about what lies ahead. He said he is considering taking advantage of his new fame by writing a book — something Sen. Claire McCaskill, the victor in his race, also has discussed.
- - - - -
Federal government tweaks health insurance exchange deadlines (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
The federal government is tweaking its deadlines for states to decide how they want to move forward with health insurance exchanges that will be set up as part of the Affordable Care Act, but the change may have little impact on Missouri.
On Friday, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius sent a letter to governors explaining that states must still declare by Friday whether they will create their own exchanges, but their larger blueprints for establishing the exchanges can now be turned in through Dec. 14.
States that want state/federal partnership exchanges will have until Feb. 15 to submit their proposals, and – as experts had predicted – states will be able to transition from federally-run to state-controlled exchanges down the road.
- - - - -
Panel hears the good, and bad, of Missouri's approach to immigrants (St. Louis Beacon)
Stories of success -- and discrimination -- peppered the testimony of public officials, immigration experts and immigrants during a four-hour hearing before the Missouri Senate's Blue Ribbon Panel on Immigration.
- - - - -
Missing deadline won't prevent Missouri from setting up a health exchange (St. Louis Beacon)
Proposition E, approved by voters last week, closed the door on Missouri setting up its own health insurance exchange by January 2014. But some observers believe the state will pursue a federal option to set up its own exchange later.
- - - - -
Business, worker groups split over pending increase in Missouri's minimum wage to $7.35 an hour (St. Louis Beacon)
On Jan. 1, Missouri's minimum wage will for the first time be higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. Missouri's will be 10-cents-an-hour higher. Business groups decry the event, while labor groups laud it.
- - - - -
Ann Wagner grasps first rung of House GOP leadership ladder (St. Louis Beacon)
U.S. Rep.-elect Ann Wagner hit the ground running this week when GOP freshmen chose her to represent them at the House Republican leadership table. But she is promising to keep her feet firmly planted in her new congressional district in the St. Louis area.


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Jan 03 2013
The winners of the 2012 Costa Book Awards are:
Costa First Novel Award:
The Innocents by Francesca Segal
Costa Novel Award (formerly Whitbread):
Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel
Costa Biography Award (formerly Whitbread):
Dotter of Her Father's Eyes by Mary and Bryan Talbot
Costa Children's Book Award (formerly Whitbread):
Maggot Moon by Sally Gardner
Costa Poetry Award:
Overhaul by Kathleen Jamie
The award ceremony will take place in London on January 29, 2013, at which the winner of the overall Costa Book of the Year will be announced.
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Hepatitis C Virus
Marian Major, PhD
The HCV particle is approximately 50nm in diameter and consists of an envelope derived from host membranes into which are inserted the virally-encoded glycoproteins (E1 and E2) surrounding a nucleocapsid and a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA genome of approximately 9,500 nucleotides. The genome contains highly conserved untranslated regions (UTRs) at both the 5' and 3' termini which flank a single open reading frame encoding a polyprotein of ~3,000 amino acids. This is processed co- and posttranslationally by cellular and viral proteases to produce the specific viral gene products. The structural proteins, core, E1 and E2, are located in the N-terminal quarter with the non- structural (NS) proteins (NS2, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, NS5A and NS5B) in the remaining portion of the polyprotein. HCV isolates are classified based on sequence homology into 6 distinct clades. Clinical and virologic data have not uncovered significant phenotypic differences between the groups. It appears that patients infected with types 1a and 1b respond somewhat less well to interferon treatment and are associated with more rapid progression to chronic liver disease than those infected with other genotypes. It must be remembered however that all types so far isolated have the potential to cause serious liver disease.
All natural isolates of HCV exist as quasispecies with variation throughout parts of the genome. An unusually high degree of amino acid variation has been observed in the N terminus of the E2 protein. This hypervariable region, referred to as HVR1, is located between aa 384-410 of the polyprotein (aal-27 of E2). The HVR 1 varies within anyone isolate and between different genotypes. It should be stressed that no one HVR1 sequence pattern has been associated with any particular genotype nor with any particular outcome of disease, therefore, this region cannot be used to make distinctions at this level.
The NS2 region forms part of a protease that also includes the N terminus of NS3. This mediates autoproteolytic cleavage at the NS2/NS3 junction of the polyprotein. The NS3 also encodes serine protease, nucleotide triphosphatase and RNA helicase activities. The serine protease activity has been particularly well characterized and probably plays an essential role in HCV processing, making it a desirable target for antiviral drugs. The NS4 region encodes NS4A and NS4B. The NS4A protein functions as a cofactor in NS3 activity. It is essential for the NS3/4A and NS4B/5A cleavage events and enhances cleavage at the NS4A/4B and NS5A/5B sites. The function of NS4B, a very hydrophobic protein, is unknown although it is required for the phosphorylation of NS5A together with NS4A and NS3. The primary function of NS5A is also unknown although from comparative studies with other viruses it is predicted to play a role in RNA replication. NS5B forms the C-terminal protein of the HCV polyprotein and is thought to represent the viral RNA polymerase involved in RNA replication (1).
One of the major hurdles in testing both neutralizing antibodies and antiviral drugs to combat HCV infection is the lack of an effective cell culture system for the virus. The data regarding the functions of HCV genes and replication of the virus have been derived using established mammalian cell expression systems or the chimpanzee animal model. There have been several reports of mammalian cells able to support the growth of HCV. These systems rely on the use of reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) for the detection of virus and in particular strand specific RT-PCR as evidence of virus replication (1).
Alternative approaches to studying virus assembly or the role of viral antigens in replication have involved the production of virus-like particles or pseudo- type VSV particles containing El or E2. A subgenomic replicon containing most of the nonstructural proteins of HCV can replicate to high levels in a hepatoma cell line and this systems may provide the best means yet for defining functional HCV replication units and testing of antiviral drugs (2, 3).
The chimpanzee (Pan troglodyte) is the only proven animal model for HCV infection and disease. Evidence for a lack of protective immunity against HCV, the role of HVR 1, and insights into possible vaccine strategies has been gained from chimpanzee studies. In most aspects, the virologic and clinical presentation of acute HCV infection is similar in humans and chimpanzees. This includes onset of disease, level of viremia and timing of serologic response and liver damage, as indicated by ALT elevation. There are, however, some differences. Only about 50% of chimpanzees develop persistent HCV infections compared to as many as 80% of humans.
HCV-specific antibodies are generally detectable 7 to 31 weeks after infection. The humoral immune response is usually multispecific and targeted against epitopes within the HCV core, NS3 and NS4 proteins. Very little antibody appears targeted to the envelope proteins during acute infection. A major problem in assessing the relevance of antibody responses is the lack of a convenient neutralization assay for HCV. As in other viral infections, antibody binding could interfere with HCV entry into host cells or viral replication and it could opsonize virions for elimination by macrophages. Evidence for a protective role of antibodies stems from limited studies in which chimpanzee or tissue culture infectious HCV was neutralized in vitro by incubation with envelope-specific antibody (1, 3).
The cellular immune response is thought to play a particularly important role in the host's defense against HCV: Most analyses, performed so far, have concentrated on the induction, effector function and maintenance of HCV-specific CD4+T helper cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. However, the induction of T cells targeting the liver introduces the problem of immune mediated liver disease. These cells, that are estimated to represent approximately 1 % of the total body lymphocytes, are continuously recruited from the peripheral blood and do not undergo clonal expansion in the liver. The mechanisms that regulate T cell induced viral clearance versus T cell induced liver injury are not completely understood. Liver infiltrating, HCV specific T cells are Th1-dominant and have been shown to produce IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. These cytokines can suppress replication and gene expression of other viruses such as HBV without provoking liver disease. Thus, it is possible that the hepatitis C virus is less susceptible to these cytokines so that destruction of infected hepatocytes plays the predominant role and promotes chronic inflammatory liver disease (1).
The mechanisms whereby HCV circumvents the immune response, persists and causes chronic liver disease are currently undefined. One hypothesis is that the HCV-specific immune response is too weak to clear HCV from all infected hepatocytes once a persistent infection is established. Recent reports indicate that individual HCV proteins may actively suppress the immune response of the host specifically, core, E2, and NS5A. Numerous regulatory roles of HCV core that affect signal transduction, expression of viral and cellular genes, cell growth and proliferation are known. In addition, E2 and NS5A have been shown to interfere with the antiviral actions of interferon-alpha. A third explanation for HCV persistence could be the high genetic variability of the virus. Recent studies suggest that circulating HCV has a half-life of only about 3hr indicating relatively efficient virus replication and release, at least in patients with high levels of viral load. This dynamic process, capable of continuously generating viral variants, allows genetic variation to be an important strategy for the establishment and maintenance of persistent infection in order to adapt quickly to humoral or cellular immune selection pressure.
HCV presents a nearly perfect target for an antiviral drug approach to therapy. Hepatitis C is a chronic disease that progresses slowly over many years. Therefore there is a long period of time in which antiviral therapy could be initiated as well as a long treatment window when therapy might be effective. The viral genome codes for several enzymatic activities vital for replication and which are quite distinct from human analogues. These include proteases, a helicase and the RNA dependent RNA polymerase which all could be targeted by inhibitors. One of the most promising approaches to anti-hepatitis C virus drug discovery is the development of inhibitors of the virally encoded protease, NS3. This chymotrypsin-like serine protease is essential for the maturation of the viral polyprotein, and efficient enzymatic activity requires complex formation between NS3 and its cofactor NS4A.
Prevention of hepatitis C at present is based on prevention of exposure to contaminated blood by screening of blood and plasma donors, identification of carriers by testing high-risk individuals and public health measures designed to prevent spread. The common tests used for diagnosis of HCV infection are based on detection of serum antibody to various HCV antigens. Acute HCV infections are relatively rare amongst blood donors but the antibody tests often fail to detect these persons in the window period between the time of infection until the time of appearance of antibody detectable by the assay. Therefore, the antibody assays also have limited utility for diagnosis of patients with acute HCV infections. Tests for HCV RNA genome detection based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or other highly sensitive RNA detection systems have been developed for the diagnosis of acute hepatitis.
No effective vaccine has been developed to prevent HCV infections as the virus itself presents numerous problems. The lack of a suitable in vitro culture system makes production of vaccine quantities of whole virus impractical. The genetic diversity of the virus also complicates vaccine development. A vaccine based on the EI and E2 glycoproteins was tested in chimpanzees. The vaccine produced an antibody response to EI/E2 but it was short lived and required frequent boosting (4). It is possible that a vaccine that only prevents chronic infections would be useful. Such a vaccine would prevent the most serious problems associated with chronic HCV and would greatly reduce the chance of transmitting the virus to others.
The challenges to the development of an effective HCV vaccine may require non-classical approaches. A strong T cell response including both T helper cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes have been shown to be active for both clearing and preventing infection in chimpanzees. It has been suggested that specifically inducing CTL responses to well conserved epitopes included in non-structural proteins, may be important for a prophylactic vaccine. Several laboratories are now studying this possibility in the chimpanzee model although a prophylactic vaccine of this design is still a long way from being available for humans.
Back to top
1. Major, M.E., Rehermann, B. and Feinstone, S.M. Hepatitis C Viruses. In Fields Virology 4th Edition. 2001 Peter M. Howley and David Knipe, Editors.
2 Lohmann V, Korner F, Koch J, Herian U, Theilmann L, Bartenschlager R. Replication of subgenomic hepatitis C virus RNAs in a hepatoma cell line. Science, 1999;285:110-3.
3. Blight,K.J.; Kolykhalov,A.A.; Rice,C.M. Efficient initiation ofHCV RNA replication in cell culture. Science 2000;290:1972-4.
4. Choo QL, Kuo G, Ralston R, et al. Vaccination of chimpanzees against infection by the hepatitis C virus. Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci.U.S.A., 1994;91:1294-8.
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text:
Yes we need 12 more
Yes we need 12 more
Yes. Last time I looked there were 11 spots open
Invite your friends, post it on social media.
I am interested. If we have to be an nhl team i would like the sabres
No NHL team it will be a full draft
I am interested in joining. Could you please sign me up?
A date for the first round of drafting has been set for Sunday September 9th for 7pm Eastern time. We will do as many rounds as possible in three to four hours.


text:
United States & Canada Customers: Call 1-800-813-6897
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
International Customers: Call 1-512-837-4810
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. English language only.
For those who carry their bag but still want individual club dividers for absolute convenience and protection, the Sun Mountain Four 5 Stand Bag is ideal. It weighs under 5.5 pounds, has contoured carry straps for maximum comfort, and E-Z Fit dual straps that are easy to adjust for a custom fit. For 2013, the updated molded top includes three integrated handles for ease of handling.
Additional features:
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Golfsmith.com offers simple, flat-rate shipping to destinations in the continguous U.S. via FedEx.
Our policy is to strive for the best possible combination of price and service for your shipment.
In order to better serve our guests, we will occassionally offer discounted shipping promotions. Any shipping discounts will be applied in your shopping cart.
"Overnight" shipments will arrive the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) after departing Golfsmith. "2-Day Air" shipments arrive in two business days after departing Golfsmith. On-time delivery for both methods is guaranteed by FedEx. Shipping delays may occur during busy Holidays or in the spring -- we will do our best to accommodate last minute and expedited orders placed during these times.
Most orders are shipped within 48 hours of online placement. Orders must be placed by 9am (CST) Monday-Friday in order to be eligible for that day's "Overnight" or "2-Day Air" shipments. Orders for residential delivery placed on Sunday or Monday will not be shipped until Tuesday and orders for business delivery placed on weekends will not ship until Monday, so please take this into consideration when specifying expedited shipping requests.
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CG15 Black Pearl Tour Zip Wedge
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text:
New York City voters give their leaders high marks for dealing with Hurricane Sandy, but it was the governor of New Jersey who won the highest accolades, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released on Tuesday.
New Yorkers continue to deal with the after-effects of the superstorm that made landfall at the end of last month and the cleanup and restoration of much of metropolitan New York is expected to cost tens of billions of dollars. Not surprisingly, those New Yorkers living outside Manhattan said by a majority of 51% to 41% that the central borough was favored by government and relief agencies, while those living in Manhattan said they weren't favored by a narrow 47%-44% margin, the poll found.


text:
Hospice training starts today in M.P.
HCI Care Services, formerly known as Hospice of Central Iowa is hosting volunteer training from 4 to 9 p.m. March 22 through March 24 at Calvary Baptist Church, 803 Mapleleaf Drive, Mount Pleasant.
Although no previous experience is necessary to become a volunteer, attendance is required at each session. Offering companionship, baking, running errands, and assisting with clerical duties and light housekeeping describe some of the opportunities available to make a meaningful, lasting impact in the lives of others.
Those interested are asked to contact Carolyn Dorothy, volunteer coordinator, at (319) 385-4472.


text:
Nvidia Updates Its Linux Graphics Driver
After a few beta versions and months of news blackout, Nvidia has now released a robust version of its proprietary graphics card driver for Linux. Driver version 177.80 is to include 25 enhancements, among them the highly awaited support for GeForce GTX series cards.
The Nvidia enhancements to the Render X extension that, among other things, accelerates various graphic manipulations, have already been known since the last beta release of the Display Driver. The performance improvements should be especially noticeable for KDE4. The desktop environment previously suffered in connection with certain Nvidia graphics cards and the display of 2D graphics. Thanks to the new drivers the problems seem to be a thing of the past, as a few end users report in various forums. For one thing, Plasma applets can be more easily dragged to the desktop. 3D graphics effects also benefit from a reworked and more efficient memory management coordination between the X driver and OpenGL compositing manager.
Text rendering issues that affected GeForce graphics processor units (GPUs) of the 6, 7 and 8 series were resolved, along with a fix to the Auto SLI module and other recurring instabilities. A system hang from using the NV-CONTROL interface to change clock frequencies was also eliminated. The new driver supports X.Org 7.4 (a.k.a. X Server 1.5) and is compatible with recent Linux 2.6 kernels. The entire list of enhancements is on the Nvidia site.
The Nvidia drivers are available ready-made but still free in a package for Linux, FreeBSD and Solaris systems. Linux can run on 32-bit or 64-bit processors, albeit on x86 (Intel or AMD) or IA64 (Intel Itanium) chipsets. Older PowerPCs and Apple CPUs are still ignored. Due to a currently less than intuitive installation, end users are advised to wait until the new driver version distributions are offered from the update function.
The new drivers support the following GPUs and chipsets with integrated graphics:
* GeForce GTX 260
* GeForce GTX 280
* GeForce 9800 GTX+
* GeForce 9800 GT
* GeForce 9700M GTS
* GeForce 9500 GT
* GeForce 8100P
* nForce 780a SLI
* nForce 750a SLI
* Quadro FX 770M
* Quadro NVS 150M
* Quadro NVS 160M
Issue 166/2014
Tag Cloud
Password Management Services Vulnerable to Attack
Should you trust an online service to store your online passwords?
New Raspberry Pi Adds Two USB Ports
New B+ board lets you build cool things without the complication of a powered USB hub.
Microsoft Grabs No-IP.com Domains
Redmond rushes in to root out alleged malware haven.
Firefox Steps into 3D
New initiative will bring futuristic virtual reality effects to the web surfing experience.
New Trojan Targets Online Banking
Dyreza malware launches a man-in-the-middle attack that compromises SSL.
HP Rolls Out Massive Cloud Network
New cloud combines worldwide access with local attention to data security.
New Attack Targets Wireless Logins
A first cousin of the recent Heartbleed attack affects EAP-based wireless and peer-to-peer authentication.
Geeks Petition for Free Lenovo BIOS
FOSS community acts to protect freedom of choice for laptop devices.
Firefox Says Yes to DRM
Quintessential open source browser shores up its market share with a step toward the proprietary dark side.
Webcam Hijackers Busted
Authorities in 16 countries take action against users of the imfamous BlackShades malware tool.


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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama House Democrats say a top priority for the Legislature's 2013 session is a proposal to put an armed police officer in each of the approximately 1,500 public schools in Alabama.
Representative Merika Coleman-Evans of Birmingham says the measure is aimed at preventing incidents like the recent school shootings in Connecticut. A number of proposals have been made on how to make schools safer including training some school teachers and arming them. But Coleman-Evans said she believes hiring resource officers in each school makes the most sense.
"This would help make sure every student is safe," she said.
Some Alabama schools already have resource officers.
At a news conference Wednesday, House Democrats also proposed creating a statewide lottery. House Minority Leader Craig Ford of Gadsden said proceeds from the lottery would be used to pay the estimated $20 million cost of placing a resource officer in every school that doesn't currently have one. Ford said proceeds from the lottery would also be used to pay for scholarships for Alabama high School graduates.
Ford said the lottery could provide scholarships to A/B honor roll students in Alabama. He said the money could also be used to increase per diem for classroom supplies to each teacher from $300 to $1,000.
The lottery proposal would have to be approved by Alabama voters. In 1999 voters turned down a proposal to create a lottery by then- Gov. Don Siegelman.
The lottery and school safety bills were part of a package of priorities announced by House Democrats during a Statehouse news conference Wednesday.
Republican House Speaker Mike Hubbard of Auburn criticized the Democratic proposals.
"The Democrats' legislative agenda is a checklist of tax and spend measures that would make Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid proud," Hubbard said. "Rather than proposing real reforms, the House Democrats simply want to roll the dice on legalized gambling, throw more money into bloated entitlement programs and demand higher taxes from businesses at a time when we should be encouraging job creation, not discouraging it."
Other priorities announced by Democrats include giving teachers and other school employees a 10 percent pay raise.
Democrats also proposed legislation to close corporate tax loopholes.
Rep. Joe Hubbard, D-Montgomery, said he will offer legislation to raise the tax on cigarettes by one dollar a pack as a way to mend the state's cash-strapped General Fund budget.


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101.9 AMP Radio Presents R5 At The Hard Rock Live! Read More | Buy Tickets | #1019AMPRadioR5
So Rihanna falls on stage and tries to play it off, which I don't know why cause we know she fell cause her body couldn't hold the weight of her head lmao!!!! I know lame […]


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H.A.W.X. 2 Review
- Posted September 14th, 2010 at 22:09 EDT by Steven Williamson
Review Score
- PSU Review Score
- 5.0
- Avg. user review score:
- 6.2
You must be logged in to rate a game
H.A.W.X. 2 is one repetitive ride that offers little thrills outside of crashing.
We like
- Crashing! It adds a bit of excitement
- The beautiful landscapes
We dislike
- Dogfighting. It's just not very entertaining.
- The dodgy A.I.
- You just do the same thing over and over again and it isn't much fun first time.
See PSU's review on Metacritic & GameRankings
In all honesty, would you have given the original H.A.W.X. much of a look if it didn't have the Tom Clancy name stuck in front of it? Flight sims, for all their promise of complete freedom—thousands of miles of empty sky in which you can wheel, loop, barrel roll and dive in to your heart's content—have never really delivered the stomach churning thrills the concept promised, have they?
The problem is it's impossible to convey even a smidgeon of the sense of speed you get in a real jet fighter through a static TV. And without that guts falling out of you, edge of terror, someone's messed with the laws of gravity realism, flight sims veer dangerously close to being boring. Thus (and this is a guess here, based on an assumption about the way the minds of marketing teams within the videogame industry work) the whole point of tacking Tom Clancy's name onto the front of H.A.W.X. was to try and bring fighter pilot gaming to the masses. All gun-toting FPS fans were fair game, regardless of their allegiance to Rainbow Six or any other modern war shooters.
That's fair enough. Like a debutante who isn't gifted with classic beauty, marketing teams do what they've got to do to catch the eyes of lustful young men. And in that respect, H.A.W.X. did what it set out to do, bring aerial combat games to the attention of the multitudes—you might never have heard of Ace Combat, but you'll certainly be aware of the H.A.W.X. moniker.
The question is, was it worth it? Do you really need an aerial combat game in your collection? And if you do, should it be this one? The horrifying truth—at least for those who know the difference between a MIG-21 and a Mick Hucknall (one of them makes an annoying noise when very close up, the other makes one no matter what distance you are from him)—is that no one really needs a jet fighter game. The whole point of H.A.W.X.2, the one thing you're meant to enjoy above all others, is dog fighting. Now that's a very evocative word, bringing forth other mighty names in the history of above the clouds warfare: The Battle of Britain, Manfred Von Richthofen, The Red Baron and, naturally, Snoopy.
It's Snoopy's way, atop his twin-engine kennel, flying cap and goggles pulled down tight, silk scarf flapping wildly behind him, banking hard and diving down on enemy planes, taking hits in his fuselage and bailing out at the very last moment, that we want from our dog fights—where we can see our enemy's face. Battles that don't involve flying at 1,200kmph, pressing the fire button when the missile's targeting system has locked onto the enemy's plane, then banking hard and wondering where he went now that he's miles in the opposite direction.
Yes, of course, the landscape is beautiful, thanks to some satellite mapping stuff, and the flying itself is smooth and well executed, but that's not enough to make this interesting to anyone with no care for such things. Maybe if the AI in the rest of your squadron was sharp and behaved like the more experienced pilots they are meant to be, then each mission wouldn't feel like you're a lone pilot sent out to hit specific targets in the right order. But the fact is that your fellow pilots are seemingly blind and couldn't hit a slug in a bucket of slugs with a salt cannon.
Frustrations arise when the game demands you hit a ground target when you have no ASMs at your disposal and pesters you with gnat like enemy fighter planes that you are forced to take on with just your cannons. It's like bomber command thinks you're too stupid to make the decisions and slaps you on the wrist every time you try to touch one of the buttons on the console. And those are some of the more interesting moments in the game. Aside from that you'll be called upon to blow stuff up that you can't really see as it whizzes past, blow aircraft out of the sky with the same old guided missiles from the last outing—complete with missile mounted camera tomfoolery—and do stuff that doesn't involve ... (continued on next page) ----
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SEATTLE - "Bodies the Exhibition" has twice come to Seattle, and while the exhibit has drawn plenty of people to see bodies of mostly Chinese people embalmed in plastic, the exhibit has also drawn protest.
Charlette LeFevre has been saying for years it's time to ban the bodies.
"When you knowingly import in human remains from another country that's desecration, pure and simple," she said.
Now City Councilman Nick Licata has proposed legislation regulating exhibits featuring human remains.
"These exhibitors have to show that they received the permission of the pre-deceased or the next of kin," he said.
If Seattle passes the legislation it wouldn't be the first. The state of New York and the city of San Francisco passed similar legislation, while that state of Hawaii has completely banned all exhibits of this kind.
"The New York State Attorney General found out there is an underground industry in China right now that is marketing dead bodies and my concern is are we pushing people into the dead body category before it's time for them to be in that category," said LeFevre.
Premier Exhibitions said in a statement on their website that "(the remains) were obtained from a plastination facility in China, which received them from medical universities in China. These medical universities received the remains from medical examiner authorities in the Chinese Bureau of Police. The specimens are unclaimed by next of kin and there is no available donor documentation."
LeFevre says regardless of documentation the people in the exhibit deserve better.
"We honor the dead and what they did in their lives, how can we stand by and see an exhibit literally desecrate the bodies of young Chinese men?" said LeFevre.
The Seattle City Council votes on the final legislation on Monday night.


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Every week a panel of voters participate in The News' large and small school football polls. Check out this week's polls here.
We have one vote in each poll. Here's how we voted in the preseason, Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four, Week Five and Week Six. Here's this week's ballot:
1. Sweet Home (8-0) [last week's ballot: 1] -- Panthers tend to punch their ticket to The Ralph with authority.
(Interesting note to follow up on my post last week about Sweet Home getting widespread support as No. 1 in NY: this week's National Prep Poll has one New York team mentioned, and it's Aquinas -- which is definitely legitimate).
2. Clarence (8-0) [2] -- Another big number could be put up Friday night.
3. Orchard Park (7-1) [3] -- OP has a chance to show that Week Seven fourth-quarter comeback (three touchdowns) at Jamestown was one of those we-already-clinched-a-playoff-spot lack-of-focus deals.
4. Williamsville South (8-0) [4] -- It'll be a nice night for Williamsville (although probably nicer for South). To completely round things out, North should swing by at halftime and get a shoutout for making the playoffs (and watch alum McDuffie coach East).
5. St. Francis (3-5) [5] -- 3-0 vs. WNY. Solid win over O'Hara. This ranking still feels a bit tenuous with Lynch out. We'll find out soon enough: Saturday at Canisius. Note to MMA schedule makers for 2011 and beyond: St. Francis-Canisius should be earlier in the season to a) avoid the Section VI semifinals; and b) avoid having the same teams play in back-to-back weeks.
6. St. Joe's (3-5) [6] -- 2-1 vs. WNY. Big loss at Steubenville, which entered the weekend 6-2 and ranked fifth in Ohio in Division III (third-largest of seven Ohio divisions) by the Associated Press; in the Ohio High School Athletic Association's computer rankings (the ones that decide playoff spots), the Big Red were ranked second of 30 teams in Division III's Region 2.
Big stat from the 59-39 loss at Steubenville: Senior linebacker Dominic Bargnesi with a school-record 31 tackles. Whoa.
7. Canisius (6-2) [7] -- 2-1 vs. WNY. Great win at Walsh Jesuit (coming into the game, its 6-2 mark put it ninth of 30 teams in Division II's Region 5 computer rankings). Check out video of the winning touchdown here (the link should work, especially if you are on the Crackbook). All of a sudden the Crusaders are poised to power into the playoffs.
Timeout No. 1: As great as the win at Ohio is, the earlier results involving St. Francis and St. Joe's (and Aquinas) have to keep Canisius behind its league mates right now.
Timeout No. 2: While we're taking a Buckeye's glance at some teams:
* Cleveland Heights, which outscored St. Joe's earlier this year, is 4-4 and ranked 19th of 27 teams in Region 1 of Division I -- that's the state's largest classification; other Region I teams ahead of Cleveland Heights: national top 50ers Glenville and St. Edward as well as Solon, St. Ignatius (14th -- routed St. Francis, 47-7) and Mentor.
* Cardinal Mooney, which thumped St. Francis, 42-0, is 5-2 ,sixth in the AP state Region III poll as well as first in the Division III Region 9 computer rankings.
Timeout No. 3: I have seen plenty from the second tier of Class AA in the last two weeks (below), which makes me all the more certain that the MMA three should come ahead of the next two AAers.
8. Jamestown (5-3) [NR] -- They won at Riverside, which won at Kenmore West, which beat Frontier, all last week, to put them atop the heap of second-tier AAs.
9. Kenmore West (6-2) [9] -- The rest of AA North should be blowing up the Blue Devils' Crackbook pages with kudos after Ken West registered the league's only win to avoid a sweep by AA South.
10. McKinley (6-2) [10] -- Strongly considered them for No. 8. Might get there next week -- or maybe even higher?
Riverside drops despite a close loss to Jamestown and a close win over Ken West -- if they played McKinley I'd take the Macks because Riverside has had serious trouble scoring and extremely serious trouble with penalties. ... Next up? Frontier, Will North, Lockport, NT, Niagara Falls, Grand Island, Starpoint.
From the I-don't-really-hate-to-say-I-told-you-so dept.: Who was voting for Amherst again? Tigers deserve props for a 6-1 regular season and a home playoff game (their first in forever). They just didn't deserve votes in the top 10, as McKinley's win showed Saturday.
It's a little hard to believe that there are eight Section VI large schools playing for the right to go to The Ralph and one of them is nowhere near getting on my ballot (Will East).
1. Southwestern (8-0) [1] -- Ladies and gentlemen, your new Section VI win streak record-holder.
2. Lackawanna (7-1) [8] -- Talk about a bounce back: They went into Depew and won the game, and won the Wildcat's former spot in this poll. The Steelers had success running on Depew's huge line (including up the middle), they have a big-play-big-moments guy in junior quarterback Christian Smith and they played some really tough defense. We're officially considering the Week Seven loss to Eden one in which they took a team lightly that they shouldn't have taken lightly.
3. Randolph (8-0) [3] -- Strongly considered moving Cardinals up to No. 2, but Lackawanna won a game that might have been the Class B championship. Cardinals-Red Dragons is a great matchup of names, but I think the result will be something like this poll, where one team is No. 3 and one team is outside the top 10.
4. Alden (8-0) [4] -- A season worth of questions will be answered Friday night (and perhaps the following week ... and the week(s) after that?).
5. Burgard (6-2) [5] -- I seriously thought about these Bulldogs ahead of the No. 4 Bulldogs. Extremely impressive shutout of Eden.
6. Depew (7-1) [2] -- I started the season reluctantly ranking the Wildcats at No. 5 since -- this-may-sound-familiar alert -- they finished off of my year-end ballot due to a first-round exit at home (to eventual finalist Alden).
7. Pioneer (7-1) [6] -- Solid win at home over Medina gives them another shot at the Steelers.
8. Cardinal O'Hara (5-3) [9] -- Hawks head down to Steubenville with a bigger challenge than the ones its faces the last two weeks (losses to St. Joe's and St. Francis).
9. Grover Cleveland (8-0) [10] -- Huge game Friday night with the Hillbillies visiting the big city.
10. Fredonia (7-1) [NR] -- Hugely impressive win over Cleveland Hill (56-14) provides them spot.
Silver Creek still deserves to be ranked. Fredonia's margin of victory over Cleve Hill led to this awkward imagery: a Hillbilly leap-frogging a Black Knight (look out for that armor!).
Don't like what you're reading? The comment space is below.
Also, visit here Wednesday for a live chat with yours truly at 8:30 p.m.
---Keith McShea
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taggedHigh school football


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CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- An area church group is headed to Kenya, preparing to lend a hand to needy families.
House of Hope is a program undertaken by the Kenya Baptist Convention. The of 11 from Nations Ford Community Church will travel to Kenya for about 11 days to build four home for four separate families.
This is the second year they've done mission work in the country. In the past, they've traveled to other spots like Haiti.
The group flew out out of Charlotte Douglas Airport early Tuesday morning. They'll return next Friday.


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Weatherford Democrat
— By BRIAN SMITH
National Night Out, a chance for neighbors to get to know each other and learn about ways to protect their property from local law enforcement officials, is scheduled for Tuesday night.
Weatherford will have several small events around the city with city and police officials attending to spread the word. Events will include visits from Weatherford's police officers, firefighters, McGruff the Crime Dog and members of the Citizen's Police Academy Alumni Association. Many events are scheduled for residents of the neighborhoods themselves but there a couple open to the public.
Freedom House, 1149 Fort Worth Highway, is having an event from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with refreshments being served. A special visit from McGruff the Crime Dog is scheduled along with a bounce house. Whataburger on the south service road of I-20, is also having an event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
A number of neighborhoods are having block parties, which are not open to the general public. Those areas are Weatherford Lake (east side), Lake Hills Addition, Westover Village Estates, Timber Creek Estates, Woodhaven Villas, Austin Heights Addition, W. Josephine, and Kelly View Estates.
Detective Beth Turnbow with Weatherford Police Department says it's not too late for any area wishing to have an event to do so. Turnbow can be reached at 817-594-4419 for assistance in organizing an event.
According to a press release, National Night Out is designed to:
• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness.
• Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts.
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.
• Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Hudson Oaks events
Hudson Oaks will also be having events around its city with three block parties. The come and go events will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and take place at:
• North of I-20 - intersection of Gray Wolf and Red Eagle.
• Parker Oaks area - Austen Street.
• Diamond Oaks area- Intersection of Lakeshore and Diamond Oaks.
Public safety and administrative staff from the city will be at all three locations to meet with residents and answer any questions they have about city services. The city will provide food and drinks for participants at each location.
The Hudson Oaks Police Department will have officers visiting each location to showcase departmental vehicles and equipment and make presentations about valuable crime prevention techniques.
Aledo event
In Aledo, the Aledo ISD police and a number of law enforcement entities are hosting an event from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bearcat Stadium. The fun includes free food, entertainment and prizes.
Other agencies participating include Aledo Volunteer Fire Department, Parker County Sheriff's Office, LifeCare, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Willow Park Police Department.


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Kashmir Hill, Forbes Staff
Welcome to The Not-So Private Parts where technology & privacy collide
The term "Crackberry" seems silly today — and not just because consumers OD'ed on Blackberry and moved on to iDealers. The term arose in an earlier "aughts" time when Blackberry dominated the smartphone market and lawyers and execs were nearly the only ones who had them, due to their need to be able to respond to email immediately. Things have changed. Now we all need to be able to respond to email immediately. And to tweet. And to instantly share our photos on Facebook. We're all addicted to technology now, and not just to the Blackberry. We're "addicted" to our iPhones, and Facebook, and Twitter, and Android, and Pinterest, and iPads, and Word with Friends, and fill-in-the-blank-with-your-digital-dope-of-choice.
The sudden and dramatic advent of social-media-enabling technologies into our lives seems to be causing some mid-digital-life crises. Not only has Silicon Valley developed a guilty conscience about addicting us to screens, we the users are starting to question how technology is changing us: making us fat, making us unhealthy, making us depressed, making us lonely, making us narcissistic, and making us waste time worrying about whether it's making us fat, unhealthy, depressed, narcissistic and/or lonely. That's leading some users to consider abandoning the whole enterprise. My colleague Haydn Shaughnessy gave up his smartphone last year. Now, inspired by the example of former Facebooker Katherine Losse, he's considering giving up Facebook.
I am writing with some words of caution. I used to say that "if you're not on Facebook, it's possible you don't actually exist." I think it's time to update that, courtesy of Slashdot: Facebook abstainers will be labeled suspicious.
Slashdot flagged a German news story in which an expert noted that mass murderers Anders Breivik and James Holmes both lacked much of a social media presence, leading to the conclusion, in Slashdot's phrasing, that "not having a Facebook account could be the first sign that you are a mass murderer."
That's a tad extreme, but I'm seeing the suggestion more and more often that a missing Facebook account raises red flags. After a woman found out via Facebook that a man who'd 'poked' her in real life had a long term girlfriend, she turned to digital manners advice givers Farhad Manjoo and Emily Yoffe of Slate to ask whether she should tell the girlfriend. They said she should and then went on a digression about transparent romances in the age of Facebook:
Farhad: I think we've mentioned it before that if you are going out with someone and they don't have a Facebook profile, you should be suspicious.
Emily: Wait a minute. You may have mentioned that.
Farhad: I think I've recommended that. You know why, though? Imagine if this guy didn't have a Facebook profile. That's why. You should be suspicious of someone who is not making your relationship known publicly on a site like Facebook. I'm going to go on record with that.
Emily: I'm fine with people not having a Facebook page if they don't want one. However, I think you're right. If you're of a certain age and you meet someone who you are about to go to bed with, and that person doesn't have a Facebook page, you may be getting a false name. It could be some kind of red flag.
via Transcript: Facebook stalker: Should I tell a cheating guy's girlfriend that we hooked up? – Slate Magazine.
It's not just love seekers who worry about what the lack of a Facebook account means. Anecdotally, I've heard both job seekers and employers wonder aloud about what it means if a job candidate doesn't have a Facebook account. Does it mean they deactivated it because it was full of red flags? Are they hiding something?
The idea that a Facebook resister is a potential mass murderer, flaky employee, and/or person who struggles with fidelity is obviously flawed. There are people who choose not to be Facebookers for myriad non-psychopathic reasons: because they find it too addictive, or because they hold their privacy dear, or because they don't actually want to know what their old high school buddies are up to. My own boyfriend isn't on Facebook and I don't hold it against him (too much).
But it does seem that increasingly, it's expected that everyone is on Facebook in some capacity, and that a negative assumption is starting to arise about those who reject the Big Blue Giant's siren call. Continuing to navigate life without having this digital form of identification may be like trying to get into a bar without a driver's license.
Case in point: Katherine Losse, the ex-Facebook employee that quit the company and the social network after cashing in her stock options, and who inspired my colleague to consider UnFacebooking, couldn't stay off Facebookfor long. She wound up opening a new account.
"You can't get away from it. It's everything. It's everywhere," she told the Washington Post. "The moment we're in now is about trying to deal with all this technology rather than rejecting it, because obviously we can't reject it entirely."
Well, you can, but it might lead to your being rejected down the line too.
* Updated August 7 to include some reasons why a person might choose not to be on Facebook, beyond being too busy planning commando attacks.
* Another update: Haydn responds (and critiques)!
* And another update: A follow-up story from me, "You Don't Need A Facebook Account To Be Considered 'Normal' (But It Helps)"
Read more:
What Facebook Hands Over To The Police When A User Is Suspected Of Murder
Using Twitter To Identify Psychopaths
Is Facebook Making You Lonely? Don't Be Stupid
It's funny you say that because I happen to think that any grown adult who thinks that highly of Facebook is a sociopath and should be avoided. Your friend likes to bash Facebook one minute, bu can't compel herself to quit the site? I wonder why that is. Could it be that your friend needs (not wants) to be inundated with a sense of approval that she can only get in the virtual world? If so, her problems are bigger than anything that can be solved through the internet.
Anybody who relies on social media to facilitate a social life is, to be blunt, pathetic. In the real world, nobody cares about the number of likes you've been getting for your pointless status updates or uploaded pictures of your pets. If you want to be liked, go out in the real world and actually show folks you're an interesting human being with captivating thoughts, skills, and/or abilities. It's almost shameful that modern adulthood has regressed back into this I-Wonder-What-Facebook-Thinks mentality thats permeated through most of our lives.
As far as your friend using Facebook as a dealbreaker, does she really think that Facebook is a good source of truthful information so much that she's willing to dismiss somebody for simply abstaining from it? You've got to be kidding. Some of you folks need to really get over yourselves.
There's almost 7 billion people in the world and there's under 1 billion "users" on facebook (counting all the fake ones). By this logic 6 billion people are suspects? When you're world revolves around fb / twit / social "dope", you're suspect. There's a real world out there waiting for your to post more crap on your fb page about it.
Then there are people that need to make an announcement that, "they are giving up facebook". As the old Nike saying goes, "Just Do It". Not getting enough attention on fb, is that why people are announcing to the world that they are now "leaving" this mystical place called fb?
Since we're doing some overly critical diagnosis of people NOT having fb pages, is having an fb page and then "leaving fb" the new cry for suicide help? According to "experts", it is!
"You can't get away from it. It's everything. It's everywhere," – please, enough with the drama. People tend to forget how useless 90% of fb post are. I have a fb profile and the best part about it? It reminds me of my friend's birthdays, that's about all I use it for. Those birthdays make up for the other 10%.
It's worth noting that most of those 6 billion people are probably poor and don't have internet access. This article seems to be more centered around the U.S. population, so your argument really falls flat.
No, it doesn't. You're just providing a point of clarification on one thing Nikho said. Many of the 6 Billion who aren't on Facebook couldn't be even if they wanted to. But there are A LOT of people of people who CHOOSE not to be on Facebook (Twitter,etc) in the US and internationally.
Your point doesn't at all invalidate Nikho's "argument"…if you can call it that. Everything else he said seems spot on to me.
Huh? If anything it strengthens my argument. The fact that most of those "poor" 6 billion people are living their lives, just fine without facebook or other social drug is a testament that not everyone needs it, including those that are "rich" with internet access.
6billion probably poor so the argument fails – yeah I can see that was a well researched response (sheesh). You don't even have an argument much less one capable of falling over.
I gave up my FB account last year by the way – seemed pointless.
It's very "popular" nowadays to hate Facebook among the counterculture, but just because your friends are useless on Facebook doesn't mean that Facebook is not a big part of peoples' lives in this day and age, especially among the younger crowd that uses this networking.
-If you want to ask someone out, you can know immediately if they're already with someone or available using Facebook.
-Many people don't have time to keep up with many people at once, or have multiple social circles that are all completely disconnected. For example, I've moved 20+ times in my life, so I have social circles from each of these places I lived and I don't have time to call each and every one of these people individually to make sure we still have a relationship. However, a relationship is maintained by comments on statuses and by being aware of what's going on in the others' life.
-Facebook has become an incredibly easy way to plan events. Free to invite, can easily get the information out about an event you would like people to go to, and instant so you can know who's coming to your party or other event immediately.
-It can be used to contact hundreds of people at once. One of my friends just made a status a few days ago about having an extra ticket to a concert, and wanting to go with someone. Without Facebook, she would have had to contact each person she was willing to go with, see if they enjoyed the band, was free, and wanted to hang out. Instead she opened the opportunity to reconnect with old friends that she hadn't talked to in a while and ended up going with someone that she considered a friend but hadn't spoken to in a while, something that would not have happened otherwise.
Maybe you're just too…old for Facebook, honestly. This is coming from the point of view of a 19 year old college student at a top 20 university, not some Facebook zombie, but even I recognize that within my age group Facebook is nearly essential to socializing. I do know a few people that don't use Facebook. I also know that I would like to contact them, but considering I didn't assume they don't use Facebook when I met them I don't have their phone numbers and because they reject Facebook I have no way to contact them. People I would like to see I end up never seeing because they don't use Facebook. I also end up having to recount my entire life every time I see someone who doesn't use it, because they don't see status updates or changes.
Keep in mind that Facebook is only as good as your friends. If you have crappy friends that only post useless things, then you would have a bad Facebook experience. If you have higher quality friends who use Facebook as a social networking tool, then your experience is far improved and it becomes more essential to your life.
Milx you are the not so unique example of the socially damaging combination of the arrogance of youth swirled with the false sense of intellectual privilege.
Many have dropped FB because of the dishonest IPO, Using their size to force small business to sell to FB or die, and now the news that FB is committing fraud with it's advertisers by ratcheting up their bills by FB using bots to click adds. You do realize this article was PAID for right oh youthful ignorant one. FB is taking a hammering in the press over their alleged illegal fraudulent activities and look suddenly there is an article about how you have show people you are "normal" by having an FB page. If this wasn't paid for then Google plus and other social media business would be mentioned in it. Instead it's all "everyone must have a FB to prove they are normal". I know this just like I know you are NOT presently working towards a degree in the sciences or math.
Please don't make an assumption about my college major. I'm in Engineering. And whether or not the article was paid for, my comment was not paid for. My opinions weren't paid for, and my friends and their updates aren't paid for.
I understand that people drop Facebook for various reasons. What you don't understand is that that makes no difference to my point whatsoever. It doesn't make a difference to the point that in my age bracket, using Facebook makes everything a million times easier and more convenient. When people around my age don't have a Facebook it usually ends up with them becoming more socially isolated, due to all the easy ways to keep in contact through Facebook. Either that, or they're already socially isolated so see no need for it. I know why the few friends I have that don't have Facebooks don't have them, and none of them were citing business practices as their reason. And no, I don't think of any of them as "suspects". I do hang out with them less because it's harder to make contact with them though. That was the point I was making, that for people around my age, not having Facebook is a serious decision that actually has a lasting effect on your social life.
I'm not speaking for your age bracket, or your social group. I'm speaking for mine, and expressing the flip side of "FACEBOOK IS DUMB EVERYONE ON IT IS STUPID HURR" that the original commenter was claiming. You're pretty hostile for really no good reason. Is someone having legitimate reasons to use Facebook threatening to you somehow? I can understand why you would have a problem with the article, but I didn't even mention the article in my comment. I was replying directly to Nikho, not to the article.
For the record, I have a Google+. I don't use it because only maybe 10% of my friends have one. A social networking site is only as good as the people on it; if Myspace still had all my friends on it and Facebook had none that's where I'd be. That's why Facebook is "the thing" that people talk about. If Google+ ever really takes off I'm sure there will be similar articles about it.
Farhad is a faggot mangina. What's he going to say next: "only those who wear nike shoes can play basketball"…"only those who pluck their eyebrows and get jersey shore tans can be considered normal?" Fuuuck that faggot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5OdQGbVNa4
Yes, because if someone doesn't use Facebook they're clearly just too old. Or maybe you're too young, and frankly, naive enough to give away your life's information to a company that has no interest in protecting your privacy, because you've grown up thinking it's ok to do so. You are the product and you're being sold.
Is it only me that doesn't put their relationship status on Facebook on the basis that I don't want to be sold ads based on my girlfriend?
Those 6 billion poor are not living "just fine", by and large. If you were to adopt their lifestyle for a week you would agree. A sizable percentage lack or are short of basic necessities like food and water. The vast majority live under corrupt, ineffective governments or dictatorships. Obviously, this does not relate to their Facebook usage, but they are definitely not living "just fine".
I don't use the Relationship Status option either. My relationship is between my girlfriend, my *actual* friends, and myself… not my 1200+ social networking connections. FB, for me, is a great tool for communication and information sharing. I don't like to share much personal information on the site, nor do I like gossip.
Best comment. Faghead Manjuice is right about himself.
" This is coming from the point of view of a 19 year old college student at a top 20 university"
Milx, people might actually start taking your comments seriously when you get to the point in your life where you realize that throwing in the " I'm from a top 20 university" means absolutely nothing.
You're a baby and you grew up with the Social Network fad beginning by the time you hit high school. You're entrenched in it to the point where you cannot see that interactions can exist outside of FB.
Milx's logic: IF you do not use FB, then you will USUALLY become more socially isolated (if you are not already).
It sounds to me like mommy and daddy just wasted a 100 g's on their little princess but to no avail to send them to the Ivy. Enjoy your apps Mr Engineer
Ray MacKenzie Just posted
" This is coming from the point of view of a 19 year old college student at a top 20 university"
Milx, people might actually start taking your comments seriously when you get to the point in your life where you realize that throwing in the " I'm from a top 20 university" means absolutely nothing.
You're a baby and you grew up with the Social Network fad beginning by the time you hit high school. You're entrenched in it to the point where you cannot see that interactions can exist outside of FB.
Milx's logic: IF you do not use FB, then you will USUALLY become more socially isolated (if you are not already).
It sounds to me like mommy and daddy just wasted a 100 g's on their little princess but to no avail to send them to the Ivy. Enjoy your apps Mr Engineer
There are 2,267,233,742 with internet in the world. Google is your friend. SO majority of people DONT have facebook and your counterpoint falls flatout. herpderp.
To refer to facebook as an "essential" part of Life is really kind of sad. Yes, it is a large part of many people's lives. Guess what though, it doesn't need to be! it wasn't an "essential" part of anyone's life pre-myspace, if you wanted to see what your friends were up to, you'd call them up and they'd call up other friends and they would call up others and you would all meet up somewhere and hang out and INTERACT PHYSICALLY with one another.
Also pointing out the fact that you are coming from the point of view of a 19yo is about as pointless as anything. You were born into technology. You are practically Borg. You have no history of life BEFORE the internet. Only Vague memories of phones with cords on them and Cellular phones you could kill a horse with. This is coming from a 35yo Network Administrator, who, btw, does have a facebook page but thinks updating my status every 15minutes is just plain retarded. I have managed to reconnect with a few friends from my past, but mostly I use it for the fact that it has a single signon function for many pages that I visit regularly. I, in fact, have NEVER updated a status on my Facebrik page.. even once.
Simply put, pull your head out of the facebook cloud and actually go an interact with people! "soanso is now doing something retarded!" is not interaction.. Try Shaking someone's hand, or talking to them without using your thumbs. you may find it pretty rewarding!
This is hilarious. I'm in your age bracket and I remember being very young and very fond of computers and especially the internet before it gained critical mass. It was an absolute nightmare trying to convince anyone that this stuff wasn't "just for nerds". Things like IRC where you could have actual, immediate conversations were looked at as weird and creepy. People don't even remember the older social sites like xanga, bolt or friendster. What was popular? Ad plastered AIM and MSN. Same damn thing as ICQ, which they would've never touched.
Now the same people that were confused and wary of technology are calling other people creepy for not using the same technologies they once labeled nerdy. I guess this is because of the general culture shift to elevating prepackaged nerdiness as defined by TV shows. Now you can be a nerd too by just pressing big icons on a smartphone. Ain't life grand?
Some people have moved on, some people want privacy, and some people just don't give a damn about you waiting in line for a burger.
I'm speaking for "your age group". You're a moron, get some real friends. See me and my large group of friends keep tabs of each other actively because we are actual friends. If you seriously need a website where people post neutral things to thousands of people to keep track of your "friends" that's sad. What a chore actually communicating personally with my friends, what trite bullshit. GET OFF FACEBOOK AND GET SOME REAL FRIENDS.
^ sounds like the biggest shill post here.
The writer of this article is ridiculousness and a narcissistic. Who really values the "like" and disconnection of friendships? How about showing the amount of lives facebook has actually ruined? Family's that have broken apart because someone hooked up with a old classmate, pictures that incriminate Facebook is a trailer park and if you have a account i suspect you are a clingy needy individual.
Sounds to me like you are not the type of person who has real friends — the type who don't think it is to much trouble to take the time to call someone or better yet, visit them. You put quantity over quality — and your entire style of writing tells this to all.
I absolutely agree Milx. Facebook has allowed me to be more socially active because of my ability to connect with people I would rarely see or who no longer live near me. It's not as if I couldn't call people up individually, but Facebook makes it much easier. It's not a substitute for physical interaction, it's a useful TOOL to facilitate it. I don't understand all the hostility toward Facebook. I don't pick on people for not using it, so why should they pick on me for using it?
I do believe you're one of the sanest people, I've encountered on the net.
Thank you for seeing this stuff in context of reality, not in context of internet hype.
Leaving FB isn't a cry for help, it's a choice to use time better and lose petty schoolyard, drama queens and stalkers.
The funny thing is the increased social acceptability of very creepy behaviour by people and companies on social networks.
Despite all the additional political correctness in the world, the lack of social correctness and sociopathic behaviour of people on the web is amazing….not trolls, ordinary people.