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Alphonso Jackson's Xmas present to New Orleans
So the DSB is back after a lengthy hiatus… actually in the interests of full disclosure I got a new job working for the teachers union. And let me also say that anything that I say here on this blog is my own personal opinion and should in no way be connected to the union.
And what's new on the horizon (drumroll please…) Alphonso Jackson send us bulldozers for Christmas! And the City Council lacks the guts to do anything about it! Maybe this is because in our electoral apathy we allowed a devout gentrificationist and a woman who epitomizes hatred of poor people to be elected?
Where to start? Alphonso Jackson's compromising relationship with Columbia Residential?
12,000 homeless people on the streets of New Orleans?
Blatantly biased reporting from that paragon of journalism that we know as our daily paper? (Love those 64-word lead sentences with no clear connection between clauses, guys.)
All I know is that I have sent my letters to Midura and Fielkow, and I am going to be at the City Council Meeting tomorrow morning, Thursday, December 20.
My letter to Shelly Midura:
Dear Councilwoman Midura,
I live in your district in the Bayou St. John neighborhood and I am asking you to vote not to allow HUD to demolish the CJ Peete, Lafitte and St. Bernard Developments.
Though I lived in District C at the time, I was glad when you defeated Jay Batt. You seemed like a person of compassion and integrity. This vote will be a test of those qualities.
We all agree that public housing in this city needs to be improved. But HUD's plan is privatization, not improvement. It will waste hundreds of millions of dollars in senseless destruction and will not provide enough low-income housing for New Orleanians who want to come home.
There are other plans that have been approved by the city government, including your office, such as the Unified New Orleans Plan, which provide for some demolition but also renovating and improving much of the city's public housing instead of wantonly destroying it. This plan was arrived at in a democratic and inclusive manner and is supposed to be the official plan for rebuilding the city. I implore you to follow our city's plan instead of arbitrary and destructive measures put forth by a federal government which has repeatedly shown a lack of care for this city and our people.
There is an article in the art and design section of the New York Times which describes better than I can what a waste destroying these buildings is. Before you vote you should read it— the historical and architectural value of these projects, especially Lafitte, is immense.
But it is the people, not the buildings, who are the real issue. There is a housing crisis in this city of epic proportions, and tearing down thousands of units will make it worse. It will take at least three years to rebuild any of these developments, which will only contain a fraction of the affordable housing. Many poor people simply cannot afford to move back to this city. The failure of the federal and state government to provide for a way for these internally displaced citizens to come home is a violation of international human rights law. If you vote for demolition, you will be a party to that crime.
Please make the right choice, the humane choice, the compassionate choice. Do not allow these demolitions.
Christian Roselund


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BOSTON (AP) -- John Tavares tipped in Matt Moulson's shot for the late tiebreaking goal, Evgeni Nabokov stopped 32 shots, and the New York Islanders snapped a five-game, road-losing streak with a 3-2 victory over the Boston Bruins on Saturday.
Josh Bailey and Moulson also had goals for the Islanders, who won for just the second time in six games. New York, 0-4-1 in its five previous road games, completed a 1-2-1 trip.
Tyler Seguin tied the game for Boston with his 22nd goal early in the third period. Milan Lucic also scored his 22nd for the Bruins, converting on a first-period power play.
The defending Stanley Cup champion Bruins have dropped five of eight and hold a three-point lead over Ottawa atop the Northeast Division.

subset: commoncrawl


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I've notice a change from a decade ago in that an increasing number of submitted manuscripts on crop science are coming from People's Republic of China and fewer from the United States. This trend is a reflection of the much larger expenditures by the PRC than by the U.S. in agricultural research.
In fact, our research budgets at N.C. State have been drastically reduced over the last two decades, and it is frightening to say the least. Our failure to fund such research will cause the U.S. to become an also-ran in agricultural research and development.
Agriculture is North Carolina's No. 1 industry, and that is because we have continually found new and better production technology and disseminated that information to our clientele, the people of North Carolina. We are killing the goose that laid the golden egg, and in the process we are weakening our state and country.
We're willing to go to war for oil. Just wait until we start to import our food.
Randy Wells
Professor of Crop Science, N.C. State; associate editor, Crop Science, Fuquay-Varina


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CoH: Modern Combat - Hotfix 1.018Dec 25, 2013 Patch 52 comments
Modern Combat v1.018 (requires Modern Combat v1.017). This download fixes the fatal launch crash introduced by the recent CoH 2.700.2.22 Steam update.
If you encounter any issues during installation or whilst playing, visit our technical support forum.
If you have any suggestions or wish to provide feedback, please do so via our official balance forum.
20 comments by I_am_a_Spoon on Dec 6th, 2013
Hello again Modern Combat fans!
It's been ages since our last update (just over four months to be exact), and we'd like to apologise for the delay in administering some necessary fixes. The team has been extremely busy of late... and progress has been frustratingly slow. That said, here we are. :)
The 2013 ModDB Mod of the Year competition has now officially begun, so first we'd like to take a moment to reflect (and maybe convince you to swing a vote our way).
Modern Combat was first released one and a half years ago, and it's been over six years since development first began in 2007. Throughout that time our team has changed dramatically, with many different people from all over the world contributing their time and effort to this project. Since release (an enormous accomplishment in and of itself), we've continued to improve and fine-tune with bug and balance fixes, new maps, units, abilities and weapons, sound and visual FX overhauls, a singleplayer mission, hardcore modes, a Mumble server, multiple tournaments, a brand new site and even a USMC faction, all requiring innumerable hours of work to accomplish.
Key to our success has been our fantastic community, which while smaller than it once was is still going strong despite the June release of CoH 2. Thank you all for your continued support!
If you could vote for us we'd really appreciate it. We've made the top ten list for the past two years running... a third would be incredible.
Ok, so we've made some major balance alterations in 1.017. Many of these changes will have significant implications for existing units, and we'd just like you to be aware of them before diving in. Any feedback, suggestions or insight you can offer regarding these changes (ideally on our forums) will be greatly appreciated. Like them? Hate them? Have a better idea? Let us know!
First of all, squads can no longer purchase multiple special weapons of the same type. This new restriction applies to M249 and M27 LMGs, QBU-88 marksman rifles and M25 grenade launchers.
However, most squad special weapons have also been increased in both power and cost by 20%. In addition to all four weapons already listed, this +20% buff also applies to QBB-95 LMGs and Type 74 flamethrowers. Airborne now deploy with only a single M14 EBR, but said weapon is now much more powerful at long range and weaker at short range (comparable to the QBU-88).
We hope to achieve three things by doing this: increased realism, more characterful special weapons, and minimised overspecialisation (for example, Riflemen previously wielding dual grenade launchers that could annihilate garrisoned infantry).
Secondly, both US and PLA snipers have been completely overhauled and the playing field has been levelled significantly. Many players will be happy to hear that the old US camouflage mechanic has been discarded, and that all snipers now share the same health, cost and camouflage capabilities.
The camouflage mechanic previously exclusive to hardcore mode (for over a year, please don't accuse us of copying CoH 2!) is now standard for all snipers; snipers camouflage automatically when in cover, even if moving, and remain camouflaged for several seconds after exiting cover.
The "Spotter" mechanic from hardcore mode has also been reworked and made standard. Any sniper can now be upgraded and reinforced with a spotter to form a two-man sniper team, which both increases the sniper's survivability and provides him with some additional reconnaissance capabilities (for example, the ability to see the full range of his rifle without a second scouting unit).
Note that if a two-man sniper team sustains a casualty, the sniper will always die first. This is not a bug; it's a mechanic intended to mitigate balancing issues and allow a sniper team to be 'neutralised' with a single counter-snipe.
Some other highlights include:
1. Countless improvements and optimisations to infantry and vehicle textures, including the addition of several all-new skins (proper USMC desert camouflage for example). We've also indulged a few fan requests.
2. The replacement of the "Eye in the Sky" MH-6 Little Bird with an MQ-1 Predator drone.
3. The addition of a T2 "Up-Armour" upgrade for the Humvee, allowing it to remain viable for far longer each game.
4. A fix for the pervasive Yonxing Dao singleplayer crashes (finally).
Well, that's it for now, hopefully we can return to a more regular update schedule soon and give the PLA the attention they deserve. We really hope you enjoy the patch and especially look forward to your feedback regarding some of the more salient changes in 1.017. We try to respond to every single question or suggestion that you guys post, but please remember that you're much more likely to get a punctual response if you use our forums; it's all too easy for posts on Mod DB and other secondary forums to be (unintentionally) overlooked.
Don't forget to vote for us, as well as all the other great CoH mods out there! A special shout out to the makers of the Far East War mod; congrats on the successful beta launch!
~ The Modern Combat Dev Team
Art and Sound:
ADDENDUM (Hotfix 1.018)
Modern Combat v1.018 (requires Modern Combat v1.017). This download fixes the fatal launch crash introduced by the recent CoH 2.700.2.22 Steam update.
Modern Combat v1.017 (requires Modern Combat v1.016).
This is the new installer for Modern Combat v1.016, intended specifically for the new Steam Relaunch version of Company of Heroes.
This is the selfextractor file for the fullversion 1.000 of CoH: Modern Combat. PLEASE READ THE DESCRIPTION TO FIND LINKS FOR INSTALL GUIDES
heyy guys congratulation a love this game the grafic, weapons and vehicules are great but i think the population limit is little and could be good do not have limite in tanks ( or minimun 2 tanks M1A2) i think but that is my opinion!!! the U.S. army do not have a mortar team when you upgrade the Homvee the gunner disappears.
the morter team is the mortar carrier. theyre better cause they have armor
humvee aint supposed to have gunner when upgraded. its remote controlled. read description of the upgrade
Zoom in on the Humvee before and after upgrade, you'll see it's not the same gun and the upgrade is remote controlled.
i have the same problem it wont run the laucher wat do i do?
I am sorry for spamming, but i REALLY need help with this, i succesfully downloaded Modern Combat, but when I click the application, or run as administrator nothing happens. Can somebody please help me with this problem?
i got the same problem
Do you guys have OF or ToV installed and up to date?
hahaha i have the same problem like i said i find the PLA outspaming the Ami's... and i mean in both P vs. AI and P vs. P games.
The AI was amped up, so you'll have to adjust to a much more challenging computer opponent.
**The US engineers are pretty strong compared to China's initial units, don't be afraid to push forward right off the bat.**
Highest Rated (30 agree) 10/10
Fucking Awesome
Mar 13 2012, 8:09am by Captain_Romulus
Lowest Rated (18 agree) 4/10
I think it's a great concept and everything, but really it's just Vanilla with reskins and different voices. That's what I felt when playing it, though I am a Blitzkrieg follower I prefer my tanks to kill light armored personal cars in 1 shoot and not 4 shoots, I also experienced sligtly problems playing with infantry as PLA does a pretty bad job against Amerian infantry but when I get my tanks I dominate the Battlefield. It's like the AI never really deploys tanks but only light armored cars, even…
Mar 13 2012, 1:55pm by SMGJohn
Promote Company of Heroes: Modern Combat on your homepage or blog by selecting a button and using the HTML code provided (more).


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Directed by Matt Dunnerstick, The Custom Mary, stars Alicia Sixtos and James Jolly. The film, produced by Becky Wang, will be featured at the 2011 New York International Latino Film Festival, going on next month from August 15th through August 21st.
The film's synopsis is: "A young Latina in East Los Angeles meets an African-American Lowrider, and struggles to reconcile her faith and blossoming love affair while becoming dangerously involved in a religious attempt to clone Jesus."
If interested, "like" the film's Facebook page for updates.
Watch the trailer below.
Jeff | August 2, 2011 10:46 AM
Oh my, I'm pretty sure that's the best synopsis I've ever read. Can't wait to see this.
Kevin Sorrell | July 28, 2011 4:02 AM
Now THAT'S how you take a time-worn archetype and throw a twist on it to come up with something we haven't seen before. Cloning Jesus... why couldn't I have thought of that?!
darkan | July 28, 2011 3:44 AM
*Eyes Wide Open staring at the computer screen wondering what I just saw* Huh?
Cynthia | July 28, 2011 3:29 AM
Interesting. Especially about cloning Jesus.


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Sorry, this product is no longer available for purchase.
Paul & Joe know sexy eyes are always in style. New Eye Color B shadows are sinfully-sweet with swirls of color suitable for any occasion. Available in three distinctly to-die-for shades, Eye Color B transforms the eye from dull to desirable with soft yet poignant greens, lilacs, and yellows. Blend the palette with a brush and apply to eyelids for a fresh color combination that instantly dresses up any face.
All orders shipped complete, when all merchandise is in-stock; no partial orders shipped. You will not be charged until your order is shipped.
FREE standard shipping within the contiguous U.S. on orders of $75.00+.
Standard - UPS Mail Innovations - 2 to 7 days: $5.95
UPS 2 Day - $16.95 (Order by Noon Pacific Time)
UPS Next Day - $25.95 (Order by Noon Pacific Time)
USPS Priority Mail - 1 to 3 days: $9.95
APO/FBO Addresses: b-glowing proudly ships to our military. Please specify USPS during check out.
Please see Customer Service-Shipping for more information.
From adorably cute cat in the hat blusher sticks to luxurious formulations, Paul & Joe Beaute is a line we have fallen head over heels in love with.
This beauty brand has reached acclaimed cult status around the world because of their charming packaging and stylish seasonal collections that speaks to determined and strong women who love the fun and creativity makeup can bring.
By incorporating the prints on their packaging to correlate with the current season's Paul & Joe clothing line makes it a brand that is a true fashion and beauty hybrid.
I just received the Le Midi and the color is so beautiful on. I like it so much that I am going to purchase the other two!


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A man was killed and a teen girl wounded after they were shot Monday night in the West Side Austin neighborhood.
The shooting happened about 10:30 p.m. in the 5800 block of West Superior Street, police News Affairs Officer Amina Greer said.
The man and teen girl were sitting in a car when two men walked up on the foot and one of the men fired shots at the vehicle, Greer said.
The 38-year-old man was shot in the armpit and was pronounced dead at West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park, Greer said. He was identified as Sherman Horton, of the 5900 block of West Superior Street, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office.
The 17-year-old girl suffered a graze wound to the buttocks and is in good condition at West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park, Greer said.
Area North detectives are investigating.
205 N. Michigan AvenueGround FloorChicago, IL 60601Station Operator: (312) 565-5532Newsroom: (312)565-5533


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Jackways and Lockhart dominate The World Heli Challenge 2013
The World Heli Challenge 2013 went down in Wanaka, New Zealand, with local riders Will Jackways and Abby Lockhart stepping up to defend their Heli Challenge legacies with another round of first place finishes. Jackways earned his way to the top of the podium with a huge Cab 5, which in itself earned 'trick of the day.'
Antti Autti repped Finland properly, ending the day in second place, while the USA's Colin Boyd rounded out the podium with a solid third. Head snowboard judge Mike Hygemann explained, "What won it for Will J was his faultless execution, big airs and smooth flow. Antti had speed and strong elements but Will J pipped him on the day."
Abby Lockhart held it down for the women, laying out a mean reel of tricks smooth enough to earn her her third consecutive World Heli title. Canada's Jessy Brown ended the day in second, while Rachel "Ratty" Sheidow snagged the final spot on the podium.
Final Results:
1. Abby Lockhart (NZL)
2. Jessy Brown (CAN)
3. Rachel 'Ratty' Sheidow (AUS)
4. Jett Elkins (USA)
1. Will Jackways (NZL)
2. Antti Autti (FIN)
3. Colin Boyd (USA)
4. Yuta Kiyohara (JPN)
5. Clint Allan (AUS)
6. Ian Wood (USA)
7. Ricky Bates (USA)
8. Ben Waclzak (USA)
- Want to see more? Check out the World Heli Challenge website
Check out an official edit of the competition, right here.
Take Snowboardmag.com with you everywhere you go. Download the refined version 2.0 of our iPhone and iPad app for easy access to the latest news, photos, videos, snow reports, gear reviews, games and more.


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1. Catherine was crushed to death by a horse whilst attempting to have sex with it (usually the collapse of a harness/lifting mechanism is blamed).
2. Catherine died on the toilet.
The Truth (1):
Catherine died in bed of illness; there were no equines involved and a Catherine/horse nexus was never attempted.
How Did This Myth Start?:
Catherine the Great of Russia's death while attempting an unusual practice with a horse is one of the most virulent myths in modern history, transmitted by whispers in school playgrounds across the western world. It's unfortunate that one of history's most powerful and interesting women is known to most people as a beastite, but the combination of perverse rudeness and the relative foreignness of its subject makes this a perfect slander.
So if Catherine didn't die while attempting sex with a horse (and just to reiterate, she absolutely, 100% didn't), how did the myth arise? During past centuries the easiest way for people to offend and verbally attack their female enemies was sex. Marie Antoinette, the hated queen of France, was subjected to printed myths so deviant and obscene they would make spam emailers blush and certainly can't be reproduced here. Catherine the Great was always going to attract rumours about her sex life, but her sexual appetite – while modest by modern standards - meant that the rumours had to be even wilder. Historians believe the horse myth originated in France, among the French upper classes, soon after Catherine's death as a way to mar her legend.
The Toilet Myth:
However, in recent years another myth has emerged. Take a quick look around the web and you'll find pages debunking the idea of Catherine with the horse while stating that the great Empress of Russia really died while on the toilet. Admittedly such sites are quick to point out another myth, that Catherine's bloated body was so heavy it cracked the toilet (this variation was also spread by Catherine's contemporary enemies), but the toilet features prominently nonetheless. Indeed, some sources quote thus from John Alexander's marvelous biography of Catherine:
"Sometime after nine chamberlain Zakhar Zotov, not having been summoned as anticipated, peeked in her bedroom and found nobody. In a closet adjacent he discovered the Empress on the floor. With two comrades Zotov tried to help her up, but she barely opened her eyes once before emitting a faint groan as she exhaled and lapsed into unconscious from which she never recovered." (Page 324, Catherine the Great by John T. Alexander, Oxford, 1989)
If you take 'closet' to mean water closet, another name for toilet, the quote seems fairly conclusive. Unfortunately, this 'fact' isn't true but the product of a desire for belittling humour: the toilet is a common enough location of death to be true, but still intrinsically humiliating, especially for a great empress.
The Truth (2):
Catherine may have never recovered full consciousness after her collapse, but she wasn't yet dead. Alexander's book goes on to explain (in paragraphs rarely quoted) how Catherine was laid in her bed as doctors tried to save her body and priests made rites to save her soul. Throughout she was racked with pain, her convulsing appearance causing great distress to her consorts. It was over twelve hours after Zotov found her, well past nine o'clock at night, that Catherine finally died of natural causes, in bed and surrounded by friends and carers.


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Eagles, atop WNCAC, forced to forfeit five matches
Mon. September 23, 2013 at 11:13 p.m. | By Brittany Jackson
East Henderson's Brandon Garcia, right, tries to gain control of the ball over a Franklin player during Monday's match at East. (Photo by BRITTANY JACKSON/TIMES-NEWS)
EAST FLAT ROCK — Coming off three tough matches last week in three days and turning heads while doing it, East Henderson welcomed a 3-1 home win over Franklin on Monday evening.
It was a victory in less tangible ways, too, as the Eagles were without starting goalkeeper Oscar Garcia. The school administration released a press release Monday that one of the members (Garcia) of the East soccer team was not up-to-date on his required yearly physical.
The Eagles, who were neck-in-neck with Smoky Mountain at the top of the WNC Athletic Conference, were required to forfeit the five games Garcia had played in. The forfeits took their record from 8-3 overall and 3-1 in conference to 3-8 and 0-4.
Monday's win, in which Garcia did not play, made the Eagles' records 4-8 and 1-4. Franklin fell to 7-2 and 3-2 in conference.
"We had a talk with the team and administration today, and I told the guys, there are two things that can happen; either we fold up and fall apart, or we pull ourselves together and use this as a spark to run things the rest of the year," said East soccer coach Tim Roberts.
"When you take everything into account that happened (Monday), I was not expecting a perfect game. This was a really nice win against a good team, and it galvanized the guys as a team."
Garcia is now up-to-date and is eligible to play. Santiago Alleman started in his place Monday, and kept Franklin scoreless for the first half as the Eagles got up to a 2-0 halftime lead.
Alleman (four saves) had to come out with an injury after a hard collision with a Franklin player just 10 minutes into the second half, and leading East scorer Diego Juarez was recruited to play goalie. Juarez gave up Franklin's one score with eight minutes to play, but finished with three saves.
Juarez was the first to put East on the board in the first half, on an assist by Ramiro Torres. Mario Robles sifted his way up the center of the field and chipped an unassisted goal up and in to put East up 2-0.
Sushant Magar sealed things up for the Eagles with the third goal on an assist by John Escobar with two minutes remaining.
The Eagles will host Tuscola on Wednesday.


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Banks Are Tracking Your Every Move
Internet and Mobile Banking
Banks Are Tracking Your Every Move
In a very Orwellian development, Ally Financial Bank is now using their customer's smart phones to track their location. They're doing so to keep their customers constantly informed of where the nearest Ally ATM is located. With an app that runs in the background, customers can get an instant bead on the closest cash machine. Other banks have indicated similar plans to include a locator app. It needs to be up to each individual to decide whether a location tracker used by their bank is a convenience or is creepy. It would be important, however, to carefully review the bank's privacy policy. First, to make sure that it includes a provision related to its ability to track your location, and, second, to ensure that the tracking data is secure and that it remains proprietary to the bank.


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My idea of what is newsworthy sometimes differs quite a bit from everyone else's.
For example, I was once kidded at the office for putting out an APB on a missing teddy bear. The stuffed animal in question, which had been stolen with some expensive Christmas presents during a break-in, was a gift from the little girl's late father. I believe it was eventually found.
More recently, I wrote an article about a woman who is casting for a reality show called "Redneck Riviera." The interview stayed on my tape recorder for weeks because I wasn't interested enough to write it.
After the story was published, I got calls from producers at a talk radio show and one of the television stations in Birmingham. It was also placed on the AP wire, which means newspapers around the state had the option of printing it that weekend.
I could easily name 10 stories that I've done in my three-and-a-half years at the paper that were more fascinating to me than that one.
The centerpiece of today's front page is near the top of that list.
I've followed the Dream Team since their first game last year. I'll never forget one of the players letting go of his walker as he scored and sat down on home plate, his version of a slide.
I am usually not a fan of political correctness, but I prefer to say that Dream Team players have special needs rather than a disability.
Calling them disabled suggests that they are in some way defective, and there is nothing wrong with those kids. If anything, they are so much better than "normal."
Some people may wonder why God allows children to be born with conditions like Down's syndrome or autism.
I don't believe that their life is a punishment. It's more likely that they are the chosen ones, sent by God to show us who we could be if not for our sin.
They enjoy every minute of every day they are given. They don't lie or gossip about friends. They are full of love and joy instead of self-pity, arrogance or hate.
How many of the rest of us can say that?
The Dream Team is about so much more than giving children with special needs a chance to play sports.
One of the mothers that I talked to this week told me that she knew her son's diagnosis had sometimes been difficult for her other child to accept.
I can understand why. I have an aunt who is mentally disabled. I remember how people used to stare when our family was out together.
Those glares and whispers can't be easy on a little girl who just wants to fit in but can't because of her brother.
Thankfully, the mother I spoke with said the Dream Team had helped both of her children. Her son gets to be the star of the show each game, and his sister gets to see that there are a lot of people in this world like her brother so she has no reason to feel ashamed.
Nearly 20,000 people in this county over age 5 have some sort of disability, according to the 2000 census.
They are our neighbors and part of our church family.
They shop beside us in the grocery store and go to school with our children.
They don't want to be like everyone else. They just want the same opportunities.
The Dream Team is a wonderful program, but it's not just our gift to them. It's also their gift to us.


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Epilepsy discrimination
We all watch movies and TV programmes on a daily basis right? Well I think it's about time we put a stop to movie directors, and TV hosts making comical remarks about epilepsy. God forbid anyone makes a joke about 'CANCER' the 6 letter worded horror.' 1 in 3 people will be diagnosed with cancer, cancer kills...' There are over 50 cancer charities in the UK. We know it kills. But..So does epilepsy. I want people who suffer from this condition or not to join me and STOP these crude and evil remarks about a condition which brings pain, heartache and fear. A person who can watch a 6 month old baby have a seizure and find in funny is the person who needs to be on medication.
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PEKIN, Ill. -- Prenatal care providers at Pekin Hospital have found a non-clinical use for their state-of-the-art ultrasound machine.
Premier Obstetrics and Gynecology, part of the Prohealth Medical Group and Pekin Hospital, offers an increasingly popular procedure to parents in central Illinois.
"Oh, everybody loves it," said Dr. Eric Reinertson. "All the patients just love it, the families love it. It's awesome to see. I'm amazed by it each time that I see it."
Three-dimensional ultrasounds have been available in larger cities for more than a decade, often provided by non-medical businesses offering the earliest possible prenatal portrait.
Premier OBGYN offers the service from trained medical technicians.
"3D actually renders an image of what the actual surface would be of the baby," said Dr Reinertson.
The image shows details of the baby's features and facial expressions.
One of the service packages offers a 4D sonogram on a flash drive.
"Then you get an actual movement of the baby, and you can actually see the baby moving, yawning, drinking," said Dr. Reinertson.
The local availability of 3D and 4D sonograms is so recent that Elizabeth and Kevin Chance could only get a black and white two-dimensional image of their now 16-month-old daughter.
Now that Kevin Junior is expected to be here October 4, it is the perfect chance for the Chances to see their son in living color.
"It's real, like the 3Ds are close-up and you can see everything," said Elizabeth Chance. "I mean, you can see everything on him."
"It really does help bonding wise," said Kevin Chance. "Because you can see the baby before he even comes out, and that helps you know what to expect."
"I think that can do nothing but help them because they have a miniature model right here of what's going to be coming in a couple of months," said Dr. Reinertson.
Though the ultrasounds are performed by medical professionals, the procedure at Premier Obstetrics and Gynecology offers no clinical benefits and is not covered by any insurance.
It is purely an entertainment service for expectant mothers and fathers who are ready to take on the title of proud parents.


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The Chariot is about a big move, either literal or symbolic. The Charioteer is armored, signifying he's got strong emotional and physical boundaries. The Chariot is being readied for forward movement, indicating a time of "grabbing the reins" for full, deliberate control.
The move involves the whole self, and the direction comes from soulful introspection. The momentum created by the forward movement, will be hard to stop or turn around. That's why The Chariot signals you're at a time of careful consideration for your big Move.
Some decks show the Chariot managing two horses moving in different directions, showing the need to manage chaotic, conflicting impulses. This decks shows the Sphinx, for higher wisdom to guide the decisions. All the resources are there for the journey by chariot, if you keep your focus in the direction you're going.Reversed: Holding yourself back from a needed or longed-for change. Stagnating in a specific place, mindset, culture.


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Here at SFCC, we're committed to the idea that all people are valuable and that, taken together, all of our
diversities are our strength, not our weakness. In service of that vision, this page is dedicated to
resources about sexuality and gender identity/expression. Here you'll find announcements of events and
other resources dedicated to helping students, staff, and faculty at SFCC feel welcome, respected, valued,
and safe while engaging their education.
Check back often to see what's new. We hope to see you on campus!
Check out our Safe Zone Map to find an advocate.
When you see the Safe Zone sticker by someone's workspace, it means that person has been trained and has
signed the following pledge:
I will


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SAP reported Wednesday double-digit revenue growth in the third quarter, benefiting from a strong performance in the Americas and double-digit growth in the Asia-Pacific and Japan region, and high demand for its new technologies like HANA across all regions.
The company has also revised upwards its revenue guidance for 2012 which includes its October acquisition of Ariba, and expects to reach the upper end of the guidance if there isn't a deterioration in the macroeconomic environment.
[ Also on InfoWorld: Early SAP HANA customers separate reality from the hype. | Explore the current trends and solutions in BI with InfoWorld's interactive Business Intelligence iGuide. | Discover what's new in business applications with InfoWorld's Technology: Applications newsletter. ]
In the quarter ended Sept. 30, revenue was €3.9 billion ($5 billion at the exchange rate on the last day of the quarter), up 16 percent from the same quarter a year ago, according to international financial reporting standards (IFRS). Software revenue grew 17 percent to €1 billion, while software and software-related service revenue was up 19 percent to €3.2 billion.
Profit was however down 51 percent to €618 million from the same quarter a year earlier, when the company's reduction of the provision for its TomorrowNow litigation with Oracle boosted profits. Profit was also impacted by a €64 million expense related to the currency hedging of the purchase price for the Ariba acquisition.
The business software company's revenue from its in-memory platform HANA was €83 million, putting it on track to meet full-year expectations of at least €320 million from the technology, the company said. Mobile revenue was €48 million which the company said was also on track to meet full-year forecast of €220 million.
SAP's cloud momentum also continued in the third-quarter with 12 months new and upsell subscription billings increasing 14 times, the company said. Even after including the company's February acquisition of cloud software company SuccessFactors in SAP's 2011 numbers the growth is triple digit at 116 percent, it added. For SuccessFactors on a stand-alone basis, 12 month new and upsell subscription billings grew 92 percent.
Including its October acquisition of Ariba, SAP expects full-year 2012 non-IFRS software and software-related service revenue to increase in a range of 10.5 to 12.5 percent at constant currencies. This includes a combined contribution of about 2.5 percentage points from SuccessFactors and Ariba. The previous outlook provided in July was 10 to 12 percent, and did not include Ariba.
SAP continues to expect full-year 2012 non-IFRS operating profit to be in a range of €5.05 billion to €5.25 billion at constant currencies in comparison to €4.71 billion in 2011.
Staff at the company has increased by 12 percent to 61,344 from 54,589 in the same quarter last year.
The period "was our best ever third quarter," co-CEO Bill McDermott said during a conference call Wednesday. SAP is "growing twice as fast as [its] closest competitor," he claimed, in an apparent reference to Oracle.
While growth in Europe, the Middle East and Africa was fairly flat, SAP's results nonetheless "[stand] in contrast to the lackluster European results you've seen from some of our competitors," McDermott added.
Business in China grew by more than 40 percent, and that market has become the company's sixth-largest, according to McDermott.


text:
Spectacular 8 BR, 7.5BA Lake Views 5400SF - Open Oct 12 - 23 in South Lake Tahoe
- bedrooms 8
- baths 7½
- sleeps 20
- pool no
- hot tub yes
- pets allowed yes
- type Estate
- community
rates (USD)
/ night
South Lake Tahoe Estate deals
stays between: 10/12/14 & 11/19/14
deal expires today
5th Night Free - Life is a Long Weekend!
Enjoy a 5th Night Free October 12 to November 19th
- free night stay valued at $775
deal# DS7MNJ
vacation rental description
2014 Andrew Harper Award-Winning Home; the most respected voice in luxury travel.
Over (40) Five Star Guest Reviews on VRBO and Homeaway.
Now, THIS is Tahoe!!! 5400 sq. ft, 8 Bedroom, 7.5 Bath, Featuring 4 King Suites, 15 Beds, Sleeps 20, Gourmet Kitchen, Pool Table, Hot Tub, Lake Views, Large Deck, Great Setting & Location.
Combine awe-inspiring lake views with one of the finest, large homes available for vacation rental, and you have our LAKE VIEW LODGE - the epitome of comfort, style and luxury.
Perfect for all types of entertaining, this spacious retreat features a new gourmet kitchen, amazing views, vaulted ceilings, majestic fireplaces, designer furnishings and unforgettable sunsets.
There are 8 large bedrooms, including 4 king master suites, 7.5 bathrooms, and 3 family rooms -- a rare luxury in South Lake Tahoe.
Ideally located and private, this home is just 1 mile to the lake, casino nightlife, shopping & skiing -- guests are just minutes to everything!
Be sure to read guest reviews and visit us at tahoewoods. com
vacation rental location
property availability
- dates with deals
- unavailable dates
Last modified on 09-2-2014 at 10:19 AM.
email owner view full calendar
Call Our Friendly Reservationist, Sherry 415-444-0777
estate rental amenities
• 5400 Sq Ft of Mountain Luxury, Privacy & Lake Views
• 8 Spacious Bedrooms and 7.5 Modern Bathrooms
• 15 Cozy Beds, 5 Kings, 4 Masters - Sleeps 20 Comfortably
• Theatre Room with 50' HD TV & Club Chairs.
• Over-sized Luxury Chef's Kitchen With Abundant Appliances
• Game Room With Pool Table & 50" Flat Screen TV
• Furnished 600 Sq.Ft. BBQ / View Deck
• Heated Ski / Mud Room With Storage
• Level Access Garage (No Outside Stairs) and Off-Street Parking
• 1 Mile to the Lake, the Slopes, Casinos and the Heavenly Shopping Village
• New Gourmet kitchen with Walk-in Pantry
• Giant Walnut Dining Table & Granite Island bar - seats 20
• New Viking stove with six-burners and double oven
• High quality cookware, dishware & cutlery
• High-end stainless appliances and 3 refrigerators
• Cook and entertain with stunning views
• Featured in Tahoe Quarterly Magazine
• Large, Private Outdoor Hot Tub, and 6 Burner BBQ Grill
• 2 Person Indoor Jacuzzi Tub
• 2 Massive Designer Gas Rock Fireplaces
• Newer Mattresses with New Plush Bedding & Towels
• High-end Furnishings In Showroom Condition
• Cable / Wi-Fi With High Speed 60 MBS Service
• 10 Flat-Panel LCD TVs with Digital Music Channels
• Full-Service Laundry Room with New Front Loading Washer/Dryer
PRIME LOCATION! (all within 2 miles)
• Hiking Trails Right From the Property
• Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course and Restaurant
• Lake Beaches & Round Hill Pines with pool, tennis courts
• Casinos Nightlife at Harrah's, Mount Bleu, Harvey's
• Heavenly Ski Resort / Shopping Village and Gondola
• The Chart House Seafood, and Wine Bar
• Horizon Movie Theatre and Arcade
• Tahoe Rim Trail for hiking and biking
• Kahle Gym and Indoor Playground
• Safeway and Raley's Grocery Stores
CHILDREN WELCOME (leave these items at home)
• Pack n Play • High chair • Safety Gates • Local babysitters • Stroller • Sleds
- Bedroom 1 with private full bath: 1 king
- Bedroom 2 with private full bath: 1 queen, 1 double, 1 twin/ single
- Bedroom 3 with private full bath: 1 king
- Bedroom 4 with private full bath & jacuzzi: 1 king
- Bedroom 5 with shared full bath: 1 queen
- Bedroom 6 with shared full bath: 1 queen
- Bedroom 7 with shared full bath: 4 twin/ single
- Bedroom 8 with private full bath: 1 king
- Studio Area: 2 twin/ single
activities and attractions in South Lake Tahoe Lake Tahoe Area
Open the doors of your private terrace and soak up some rays or have a BBQ and dine outdoors with plenty of patio tables and chairs. Enjoy our free pool and beach access nearby. Activities include championship golfing, mountain biking and boating, just to name a few. Hiking and biking trails begin just off the property and the Edgewood Golf Course is 1 mile away. Whatever the season, you'll love our famous weather, mountain air and convenient location.
Unlike most Tahoe homes, there are no frozen steps to walk or big slippery hills. Simply drive into the level access garage and step directly into your warm and inviting home. Your group will love the super-easy access combined with our fast, reliable snow removal service. We make getting to the slopes hassle-free -- all just one mile to Heavenly ski Resort.
RENT DIRECTLY FROM THE OWNER -- it makes a difference!
We own and manage 3 large luxury homes - only. This allows us to maintain our homes to an exceptional standard with no defects to spoil your precious vacation time. We always provide sparkling clean homes, clear hot tub water, and everything in perfect working order.
Why compromise on comfort, quality, size and views?
Give us a call today!
Permit #07-425
vacation rental rates
- See current rates on our website at : tahoewoods .com
- You will be able to use our quoteable rate system for your precise dates!!!!!
Call Our Friendly Reservationist, Sherry 415-444-0777
accepted payment methods
Prior to paying a reservation deposit, always verify payment instructions by calling the phone number displayed on this listing page. By contacting the owner directly and paying by an approved method - credit card, paypal, check or bank transfer - your reservation payment will be protected up to $1,000.Learn more in our Security Center
Top things to do in South Lake Tahoe
- Skiing
- Hiking
- Biking
- Golf
- Sight Seeing
Top things to do on a budget
- Hike
- Sight See
- Relax
- Beach
- Nature walks
Top things to do with a family
- Hike
- Shop
- Boat Cruise
- Skiing
- Movies
Call Our Friendly Reservationist, Sherry , owner


text:
SAP is set to offer customers the option of running their applications on top of a cloud-based version of its HANA in-memory database technology.
The SAP HANA Enterprise Cloud service, which was announced Tuesday, will be offered by SAP through its own data centers. Eventually, hosting partners will also be able to run the service, according to the announcement.
[ Get the no-nonsense explanations and advice you need to take real advantage of cloud computing in InfoWorld editors' 21-page Cloud Computing Deep Dive PDF special report. | Stay up on the cloud with InfoWorld's Cloud Computing Report newsletter. ]
While HANA was initially aimed at analytic workloads, it has also been ported to transactional applications such as SAP's Business Suite ERP (enterprise resource planning) software.
With the service, SAP is tearing down the assumption "that on the cloud you can only have simple applications," said SAP executive board member and technology chief Vishal Sikka in an interview prior to the announcement. Such a notion is "nonsense," he added.
HANA Enterprise Cloud's capabilities "take care of a lot of the really important but more mundane tasks" such as provisioning hardware and disaster recovery, he said. Customers can also scale up resources as needed.
The HANA instances will be run on bare metal for top performance, and SAP is "doing a lot of work" building out utilities and administrative tooling for its cloud, Sikka said.
To this end, during a press conference Tuesday, SAP demonstrated an application called Cloud Frame Monitor, which is used to quickly provision HANA instances, add and remove nodes, and perform other tasks through a graphical interface that also displayed a 3-D rendering of the actual server rack inside SAP's data center.
SAP has stitched together servers in "cell configurations," each containing hundreds of terabytes of RAM, with high-speed, low-latency networking built in. Customers will get dedicated storage, networking and compute power, not virtual machines.
In order to use the service, customers would first need to obtain licenses for HANA, as well as applications such as the Business Suite and Business Warehouse, according to the announcement.
They would then consult with SAP services staffers, who would determine which of their applications would benefit the most from the HANA cloud deployment option.
SAP services would then assist in migrating the workloads to the HANA cloud, whereupon customers would pay a monthly subscription for the managed cloud services, with the cost tied to "the size, scale of data and applications," according to the announcement.
Customers who are interested can get started right away, according to an SAP spokeswoman.
Sugar producer Florida Crystals is the first pilot customer to go live on the HANA Enterprise Cloud service, according to a prepared statement from company CIO Don Whittington. The company completed "the app migration and cloud on-boarding" for its SAP ERP and Business Warehouse software in two months, Whittington said.
About 60 customers in total are working with SAP on HANA Enterprise Cloud projects now, Sikka said during the press conference.
The cloud deployment option will help propel HANA sales on a "hockey stick"-shaped growth curve, SAP co-founder and chairman Hasso Plattner said during the conference.


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Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., is the newest member of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee.
Manchin, who was just elected to a full, six-year term in November, also serves on the Senate Energy, Armed Services and Aging committees. Manchin said he is concerned about the viability of small, community banks that may be forced to shut down because of the Dodd-Frank Act.
"At a time when our economy is still wounded and recovering ever so slowly, it is important that our community banks and local credit unions serve their customers and communities to the best of their ability," Manchin said. "We need to make sure that our community banks can provide a greater range of financial services and allow financial institutions to raise capital responsibly. Our banking system can become more transparent while ensuring banks and credit unions can provide responsible loans to businesses to create jobs and decrease the unemployment rate."
Manchin said he's looking forward to working with senators from both parties to help fix the nation's financial problems.
"It is a critical time in our nation's history where we need to put politics aside and look toward fixing today's problems for our children and our children's children," Manchin said.


text:
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text:
I wish I was a glow worm.
A glow worm's never glum.
It's hard to be downhearted,
When the sun shines out of your bum!
Check out the list of comedians who taped specials in March.
Unlimited streams and downloads of the best stand-up specials for just $5.
Visit our CC Live page for live comedy events near you.


text:
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns today announced that the club has acquired guard Eric Bledsoe and forward Caron Butler from the Los Angeles Clippers in a three-team trade. As part of the deal, the Suns send guard Jared Dudley to the Clippers and a future second-round pick to the Milwaukee Bucks; the Bucks receive another second-round pick from the Clippers and agree to sign-and-trade guard JJ Redick to Los Angeles. The second-round pick conveyed by the Suns is the 2014 pick received by Phoenix from Toronto in the Sebastian Telfair trade in February 2013.
"The addition of a very dynamic young player in Eric Bledsoe and an All-Star veteran in Caron Butler is very exciting for the Suns," said Suns President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby. "At the same time, we thank Jared Dudley, a consummate professional in every respect. He takes our best wishes with him to the Clippers."
"We are thrilled to add Eric and Caron to the Phoenix Suns," said Suns General Manager Ryan McDonough. "They were both key parts of the Clippers team that set a franchise record for wins last season and we are excited to add their athleticism, shooting, and leadership to our organization."
Widely considered one of the best young guards in the NBA, and one of the league's most highly sought-after players this offseason, Bledsoe is an athletic, two-way player entering his fourth NBA season. Listed at 6-foot-1, the 23-year-old Bledsoe has a 78-inch wingspan and a 40-inch vertical leap.
Despite playing behind All-NBA First Team guard Chris Paul in 2012-13, Bledsoe averaged career highs scoring (8.5), rebounds (3.0) and steals (1.43) and added 3.1 assists in 76 appearances, 64 of which came in a reserve role. In fact, the box-score-stuffing Bledsoe started 12 games a season ago and in those opportunities averaged 14.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.50 steals. A high-level ball-handler who can create his own shot, as a starter Bledsoe averaged 4.1 free-throw attempts per game, which would have matched Suns guard Goran Dragic's team-leading average from 2012-13. Bledsoe is coming off a season in which he shot a career-best from both the field (.445) and three-point range (.397) last season.
7831 N. Business Park Drive
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Centre's back after Mark's furniture gift: Donation helps Rochford day care centre reopen after flooding (From Echo)
Get involved: send your pictures, video, news and views by texting ECHONEWS to 80360, or email us »
Centre's back after Mark's furniture gift: Donation helps Rochford day care centre reopen after flooding
5:00pm Monday 24th February 2014 in News By Philip Jones
A DAY care centre in Rochford is back in operation after flood damage last year, thanks to a donation from a businessman.
Forget Me Not centre, which caters for adults with learning disabilities and special needs, was hit by flooding in August and forced out of its South Street home into a temporary base provided by Disability Essex.
It took more than two months for the centre to be stripped, dried and renovated before the day care service could move back on November 1.
New furniture for the home was provided by Mark Bartrip, who owns the McDonald's franchise in Southend.
He had previously worked with Dianne Griffiths, 63, a director of the centre.
When Mr Bartrip's restaurants had a revamp, he was left with tables, chairs and office furniture going to waste, so he donated them to the centre.
Centre director Alan Jarvis, 38, said: "It was a bit of a difficult year for us all in all, but it's going in the right direction now.
"We lost everything. We had a skip outside to dump everything in.
"Mark's donation was amazing though. It's all really sturdy and it's been a big part in us being back where we are now."
The remodelled centre now has a dual-height kitchen so people in wheelchairs can cook, a mural in the garden painted by graffiti artist Brett Mann, and the centre is set to expand with a new sensory room.
Part of this will be kitted out with a £300 community grant awarded by the Lloyds community fund after a parent of one of the home's users nominated the centre.
Mr Bartrip said he was happy to help Dianne after knowing the work she puts into fundraising.
He said: "I did not knowmuch about them, but I heard about the centre's extreme plight and we just tried to help.
"We changed our furniture, so it was surplus to requirements and it was good to try to help it get back in business."
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text:
Insider Advantage Poll: Ms. Clinton leads in GA
by olawakandi, Tue Jul 17, 2007 at 06:35:31 AM EDT
Republican presidential primary:
(Fred) Thompson: 36%
Giuliani: 22%
McCain: 10%
Romney: 9%
Huckabee: 7%
Gilmore*: 2%
Brownback: 1%
Others: 1%
Undecided: 12%
* Poll conducted prior to Gilmore announcement of leaving the race.
Democratic presidential primary:
Clinton: 35%
Obama: 27%
Edwards: 16%
Biden: 3%
Richardson: 3%
Kucinich: 1%
Others: 1%
Undecided: 15%
The findings are based on the latest InsiderAdvantage/Majority Opinion survey, which included 400 registered Georgia voters who said they would vote in a Republican presidential primary if it were held today, along with 400 registered Georgia voters who said they would vote in a Democratic primary if it were held today.
The surveys were conducted for Southern Political Report June 12-14 and were weighted for age, race, and gender. The margin of error is plus or minus 5%.


text:
Core Purpose
Support of faculty and staff in educating students: In accordance with the University's Mission, our primary core purpose is to support the administration of the University in its mission to provide an environment in which teaching and learning occur by contributing information critical to effective decision making. The manifestation of this purpose includes both (1) supporting the University by providing data and analyses to external constituencies that evaluate the University and to internal University decision makers; and (2) scanning the environment, especially the higher education environment, for changes that may impact the University and reporting those back to appropriate university officials.
Core Values
- Data integrity. Sound data collection, analysis, and dissemination require accurate and timely data. While the office is not responsible for the collection and storage of most University data, staff members test data integrity as they complete analyses, and work closely with other offices that are responsible for the collection and storage of University data to ensure its accurate and timely use. Staff members do not present data in a misleading fashion or utilize or release data of questionable accuracy.
- Professionalism. We take pride in our work and endeavor to accomplish our tasks in an ethical and unbiased manner. We strive to be honest, impartial, and objective in all of our analyses and presentations, regardless of the target audience or the source of sponsorship. We are also committed to paying incredible attention to the detail of our work.
- Collaboration and Communication. Efficient and effective work in Institutional Research often requires collaboration between the IRA staff with technical expertise and our customers with content knowledge of their area. Effective collaboration requires communication and expert analysis is meaningless until it is effectively communicated to those who need to know the information.
- Purposeful innovation. Being a leader in data collection, analysis, and dissemination requires constant purposeful innovation along with an endless pursuit of greater efficiency and organization of our tasks as we work toward greater productivity. Achieving greater productivity requires knowledge of the changing industry in which we work and good awareness of the office within which we work so that we know when to improve operations and when to be satisfied with existing operations. Maintaining currency on technology applications is a primary means of innovation.


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Robert Half
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text:
There's never been a better time
to apply to Otterbein University.
Apply online today!
October, 2014
Details coming soon!
The Graduate School Symposium Series provokes new thought, stimulates engaging conversations, and promotes collaborations through talks on varied tops of interest. Topic areas range from education, health care, change management, technology innovations, commerce, creative arts, and social justice. The Graduate School Symposium Series facilitates the exchange of ideas and knowledge among faculty, graduate students, and the public.
Formal question-and-answer sessions allow deeper inquiry into the session topic. An informal reception allows time for private conversation among attendees and with presenters.
Barbara Schaffner
p/ 614.823.1735
e/ firstname.lastname@example.com Kate Carey
Associate Dean
p/ 614.823.3209
e/ email@example.com Terry Magas
Assistant to the Dean
p/ 614.823.3274
e/ firstname.lastname@example.com Gaby Miller
Graduate Education Recruiter/Counselor MAT
p/ 614.823.1346
e/ firstname.lastname@example.com
Dorothy Crider
Graduate Nursing Admission Recruiter/Counselor
p/ 614.823.3272
e/ firstname.lastname@example.com Amy Featherstone
Graduate Education and MAEM Recruiter/Counselor MAE
p/ 614.823.3271
e/ firstname.lastname@example.com Patricia Hohlbein
MBA and Allied Health Program Recruiter
p/ 614.823.1095
e/ email@example.com Deb Williams
Admission and Data Management Coordinator
p/ 614.823.3270
e/ email@example.com
Otterbein University, 1 South Grove Street, Westerville, OH 43081, 614.890.3000
© 2014 Otterbein University. Otterbein University is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer.


text:
TRIVIUM is pleased to announce its participation on the inaugural TRESPASS AMERICA Tour this summer across the United States. We're going to be criss-crossing the US with Five Finger Death Punch, Killswitch Engage, Pop Evil, Emmure, God Forbid & Battlecross!
The 2012 Revolver Golden Gods will broadcast live on all XBOX game consoles as well as Revolver's Facebook page starting at 6pm PST on Wednesday, April 11th, 2012!!
Following a huge demand and hundreds of messages asking us to come to this country we are very happy to confirm that we're coming September 18th to ........ MEXICO!
Mexican fans should also check the information on the great official trivium-mexico website at this location:
TRIVIUM is excited to announce its first ever South American appearance ever with a headline tour that will take place later this year in September. Trivium will bring its "In Waves" World Tour to Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela.
Special Guest artist on all dates will be DRAGONFORCE.
Tickets for all dates will be on sale on March 26. Please check back on www.trivium.org/tourdates for all ticketing details as links will be provided shortly.
For fans directly south of the border...
Trivium will be having a Free show on 3/14 at Waterloo Records for SXSW
this march were hitting up a lot of places here's a list !
- Date Venue/Show City
- 01/03/2012 Rod Laver Arena - Melbourne
- 02/03/2012 SOUNDWAVE 2012 - Melbourne
- 03/03/2012 SOUNDWAVE 2012 - Adelaide
- 05/03/2012 SOUNDWAVE 2012 - Perth
- 09/03/2012 Senator Theater - Chico
- 10/03/2012 Soma - San Diego
- 11/03/2012 Rialto Theatre - Tucson
- 12/03/2012 Dos Amigos - Odessa
- 13/03/2012 Las Palmas...
Trivium and Epiphone Guitars have teamed up for a guitar giveaway in celebration of Trivium's impending 1,000,000 Facebook fans.
We want to give this Epiphone Les Paul Custom guitar & case [see the picture attached to this post] for free to one of our Trivium Facebook fans.
The contest is open to all authorized Trivium Facebook fans and all you need to do to enter this giveaway is to click the button below and sign up.
To enter the contest click...
Friends! Supporters of metal and music! Get out to the In Flames, Trivium, Veil of Maya, Kyng tour!
Having just come off an extensive and amazing European tour with our friends In Flames, I can tell you that their show nowadays is more powerful than ever.
Trivium has been touring so much that we are a machine right now. We will be delivering the most intense set to date.
I am very much so looking forward to see what Veil and Kyng will be bringing to the table live; already a fan of both - this will be my first time seeing both bands live.
Support metal. Support...
We are currently prepping our gear and getting ready to Kill 2012 :
- Milwaukee, WI US Jan 12, 12
- Royal Oak, MI US Jan 13, 12
- Baltimore, MD US Jan 14, 12
- Philadelphia, PA US Jan 15, 12
- Tampa, FL US Jan 17, 12
- Atlanta, GA US Jan 18, 12
- Houston, TX US Jan 20, 12
- Austin, TX US Jan 21, 12
- Dallas, TX US Jan 22, 12
- Loop Station, MN US Jan 24, 12
- Winnipeg. MAN CA Jan 25, 12
- Edmonton. ALB CA Jan 27, 12
- Calgary. ALB CA...


text:
But over the past couple years, she has expanded her interests beyond tech companies to look at more macro issues.
Today, at the D Conference, Meeker gave a presentation on a hot button issue in the tech industry: immigration.
Called "Immigration In America & The Growing Shortage Of High-Skilled Workers," it first demonstrates how America's economy became mighty thanks to immigrant workers. Then it explains how everything will soon fall apart if we don't reform our national intake system soon.


text:
Bart Doan
INDIANAPOLIS — When Waste Management driver Bill Cunningham clocked in for his midnight shift that included the BMW Championship PGA Tour event a few weeks ago, he assumed it was going to be a routine night.
But while going about his business, Cunningham noticed what appeared to be two people up to no good. He notified the police department and that tip led to two arrests.
Cunningham was recently honored with a certificate and personal letter from Carmel Chief of Police Timothy Green for identifying two men who were allegedly stealing what turned out to be $1,000 worth of alcohol from one of the course chalets and notifying authorities.
Mobile police on location at the tournament were able to apprehend the men.
Green thanked Cunningham for his quick action, saying that more citizens like him are needed.
"It's a great story," Beth Schmucker of Waste Management said. "It was dark and he saw some tennis shoes running across the grass in the dark, so right away he knew that was an indication of something suspicious taking place."
Schmucker said Waste Management employees are actually trained to be watchdogs of sorts on their shifts, as often, especially at night, they might be the only ones around to see nefarious acts.
"It doesn't happen every day, but our drivers are trained because they're out there as a good set of eyes and ears in the local community," she said. "They're out on these routes on a regular basis. When something is out of the ordinary, they're a great person to tell that right away. If something doesn't seem quite right, they're going to see this stuff."
Waste Management has what is called a "Waste Watch" program where they go through security and safety training, how to spot unscrupulous or criminal activity, and to actively look for things out of the ordinary. Ironically, Schmucker said Cunningham has yet to go through that training.
"It's part of our ongoing safety training that we give them on a regular basis," she said. "Be alert to their surroundings at all times. Pay attention and react quickly. That really comes into play when you're having to respond a split second and that all ties in with safety. This time it worked out really well."
Cunningham has worked for the company since 1996.


text:
In addition to printing and viewing your local deals vouchers, you can now easily
manage your location, free subscriptions and credit card details.
Secure access to My Account requires a password. If you have not yet created a Travelzoo password, we will ask you to go ahead and set one up.
Take a journey back to an era of luxury train travel with this offer from Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, savouring champagne and fine dining as you pass through the British countryside. This exclusive sale takes 25% off the price of UK day trips, with excursions now available from £185 per person.
Journeys are on the British Pullman and Northern Belle (sister trains to the famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express), and typically include return rail travel, brunch, a bellini, dinner and wine, as well as coach transfers and tickets to attractions on select trips. The offer is valid for travel on select dates until 31 December.
Departures are from various cities across Britain, visiting destinations such as Corfe Castle, Loch Lomond, the Lake District, Bath and York. Excursions include:
Click here to see the full list of journeys and dates.
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The first mega-tentpole of the year arrived on Friday, with the release of Disney's "John Carter," the adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs' classic sci-fi pulp hero. The film was the live-action debut of the Oscar-winning director Andrew Stanton, the Pixar veteran who brought the world "Finding Nemo" and "Wall-E," which are among the top rank of Pixar's accomplishments both creatively and financially. But in the weeks and months leading up to release, the talks wasn't of a sure-fire hit, it was of a hugely expensive film that wasn't connecting with prospective audiences. The vultures circled, and as expected, "John Carter" opened to hugely disappointing numbers at the North American box office this weekend -- $30 million in three days, less than the $1 million budgeted "The Devil Inside" managed back in January. Overseas, the numbers were a bit sunnier with $70 million coming in, but all told, the studio is far cry from the widely reported $600 million break even point for the film.
But numbers aside, for us, this is a story of creative disappointment. Stanton is an enormously talented filmmaker, and he had a top-notch creative team, including Pulitzer Prize-winning literary darling Michael Chabon as screenwriter, and, according to most sources, total creative freedom. And the film isn't a disaster -- it's rather likeable, has some neat moments, and unlike the majority of blockbusters, feels like a true work of passion. But it's also a mess. Which is curious, as Stanton comes from Pixar, a studio which has gained fame, and billions of dollars, by placing story first. Indeed, Stanton gave a TED talk on the importance of storytelling, waxing lyrical on how the form should lead towards a singular goal, a truth, with the ultimate aim of making an audience member care. However, none of that is easily evident in the final product of "John Carter." It's as though when he went into the live-action world, Stanton forgot most of what he'd learned about telling a story on screen.
Perhaps it was closeness to the material -- according to some, Stanton had dreamed of making the film for thirty years, and had a skewed perspective of the character's value, convinced that kids would come flocking at the mere mention of a "Princess of Mars" movie. Or perhaps it's simply that making a good movie is really, really fucking hard. But if you think this piece is bad, damn, you need to read this Brooke Barnes post-mortem/anatomy of a failure on "John Carter" that ran this Sunday in the New York Times when the corpse was barely cold (called tellingly "Ishtar Lands On Mars"). It's a pretty brutal and damning article that spends a good deal of time throwing Stanton under the bus for being recalcitrant, not listening to Disney execs and generally dismissing any creative feedback/constructive criticism from anyone other than Pixar folks. It's a fascinating read.
The exact details of what exactly went down between Stanton and Disney we may not ever completely know, but here's 10 things we felt went completely wrong with "John Carter." SPOILERS AHEAD.
Dave | January 29, 2014 1:08 PM
Did you not read the books those were complicated plot wise. And the thanks he was fighting were a different tribe( the Warhoon) and to all the people who say it's been done before . The books started all the cliches. Do your research people!
Poster | April 7, 2013 6:41 PM
I was delighted to have clicked on a fun, crappy b-movie on [some streaming website] but then after 10 mins of scenes and lightening I was thinking "damn that looks expensive" and after I've seen the first animations on mars I knew "no way this is a b-movie" and started googling ...
ajfree44 | July 22, 2012 9:59 AM
It was #10. Not a bad movie. Just never heard anything about it, so didn't look for it when it was released.
Koutchboom | March 20, 2012 4:29 PM
I always think its funny how people claim that Stanton had such a PASSION for this project and the story, if so none of that is felt or scene in the movie. Yeah there are a few lip service jobs to the fans of the book here and there. To me I would've like to have seen some of that on the screen, some real crazy passion for the book. For instance the DUST...there is NO DUST on mars according to the book, also there is a lot of weird gold moss on mars. But if the movie had just a few little weird things like that I could've sensed some sort of actual passion and love for the book in the film, actually showing this odd commitment to the source material. But instead stuff was changed for whatever worthless reason. Otherwise it felt like a decent adaptation of the book, but at this point in John Carters history a decent adaptation is boring and they just did to Princess of Mars what everyone else has been doing the past century, cherry picking idea's they liked. This should've been a weird almost verbatim book to screen adaptation in the vein of Watchmen. And seriously....Cranstand's wig.....that's the best wig $250 million can buy?
pascalahad | March 17, 2012 7:55 AM
Well, I agree wholeheartedly with half of the points, namely 1 (Purefoy for Carter would have been a 100% better choice), 3 (why add complication to a simple story, and more importantly, boring ones), 6 (thinking "franchise" fron the get-go was indeed a very bad idea), 9 (Burroughs' descriptions composed a much more unique landscape), and 10 (fan-made trailers made a better job at selling the movie).
I have a harder time with 2 (the backstory seemed enough to my taste, after all, the movie should about the characters and when they are at this point in their lives), 4 (actions scenes were clear to me), 5 (I found the 19th century stuff incredibly good), 7 (again, I had no problem with the tone at all, I had only issues with the pacing), and 8 (I disagree that all movie should be "about anything", it could have been a great adventure movie only and still be great, was Depp's "Pirates of the Carribean 1" about anything?).
But overall, a great analysis to me, that perhaps went too far in the "everything sucked anyway" area, but which made very good points.
Bob | March 16, 2012 4:25 AM
overlooked the number one problem with the film: John Carter suddenly leaping over an entire city like Superman? John Carter jumping 15 feet is awesome .. John Carter jumping tall buildings in a single bound is .. ridiculous.
Mark | March 15, 2012 7:22 PM
As for the assertion that it's "not about anything," this really does demonstrate just how little you paid attention, or how little you generally care for narrative and themes in storytelling. This is about a man of war and violence, someone who is good at it, who tried to turn his back on fighting and killing on behalf of other people's "causes" because it cost him his own family. He vowed never to do it again, and spent his life instead searching for a hole in the ground full of gold to fill up the loss inside of him. But now, that hole in the ground takes him to a world where the "cause" of other people becomes his own cause, because he comes to actually be a part of the people he's fighting for and because he has found it in his heart to love again. The man of war who spent the first half of his life fighting for wrong causes he wasn't truly part of now fights for the right cause that has become his own. He will only know peace by redeeming his previous "wrong cause" fighting with this "right cause" fighting, and thus earn a right to fall in love and be happy again.
Or, if that's too "complex" for you -- man fights for bad side, looses family, gets sad; goes to new place, fights for good side, finds family, gets happy. To find redemption for the earlier bad fighting and senseless death, he must believe in a cause and fight for it to erase the earlier stain on his honor and heart. Then add complex emotions and serendipity and racial themes and romance. Get it yet?
So, you think the visuals are bland? This is just a subjective thing, but I'll point out that I must assume you thought "Gladiator" and "Conan the Barbarian" and "Jason and the Argonauts" and "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad" were all visually bland. And that you thought large portions of "Star Wars" were bland (it takes place almost entirely on bland Tatooine, inside the bland Millennium Falcon small rooms, and in the gray & repetitive bland halls of the Death Star, for about 90% of the movie I'd guess). So I'm guessing "bland" visuals in your mind are defined entirely by how bright the colors are? Bright and shiny = not bland? So the imagery of these alien soldiers atop vicious beasts, riding across the Martian landscape, is "bland" to you, but if they'd been in bright yellow and blue outfits and there were more explosions in big bright red fireballs, that would've been visually exciting?
Most telling in your complaint about the visuals, though, is the remark that it looks like the filmmakers chose from "other" films, and the two main sci-fi films you mentioned in the complaint are "Star Wars" and "Avatar." Which are both films heavily influenced by "John Carter." This film accurately and faithfully adapted the original source material, which was source material for those two other sci-fi films, as well as many others. That you seem totally unaware of this connection, and would accuse this film of being "derivative" of those other films, is laughable and displays a gross lack of knowledge about the subject matter. This film chose not to try to run from the truth, and instead embraced the source material and the cinematic traditions it inspired, demonstrating just how much modern sci-fi owes to "John Carter." A more insightful article would know that, instead of absurdly complaining that "John Carter" is too much like the films inspired by it.
Lastly, while the marketing is the one area of complaint that I think has very valid points, it's very much worth noting that the marketing was competing with uninformed, repetitive bash-fest journalism that was declaring this film bad and a flop etc long before it even opened. Critics and writers who resented and disapproved of the large budget, who turn a stiff upper lip toward what they feel is "excess" by Hollywood, and therefore who set out to bang the drum against this film (something that happens to plenty of films in advance, when critics and journalists decide to "take the film down a notch or two" on principle instead of based on any honest, serious assessment of the film on its merits), helped create a very hostile environment in which this film had to market itself, and the truth is that the marketing was flawed but not so bad as to cause a significantly low opening.
No, the marketing was drowned out by the echo-chamber of negative commentary about the film, most of it hyperbolic and disingenuous in the extreme. And once this narrative had been established early on, the typical lazy behavior of too many writers kicked in and it was easier to just keep writing the same thing instead of using their brains and thinking a bit for themselves in order to write something original and more accurate and honest about the film. (Plus, I've no doubt that a notable segment of film reviewers and Hollywood journalists were itching for a chance to render a "failed!" verdict against Pixar, even indirectly, because too much success breeds contempt in some circles.)
The "lazy narrative" problem is very common, since it's always simpler to just write the same tripe everyone before you wrote, of course, and in this case it started before anyone had even seen the film. Having already proclaimed it bad and a likely flop, some writers felt beholden to stick to that narrative after the film released, and so they piled on with negative reviews and articles like this one here. Some even lifted much of their reviews from previous ones, including the same repeated lines and phrases to bash the film.
Now, in the aftermath, a little silly cottage industry exists right now, with some writers trying to milk all the mileage they can out of the bash-fest against the film. Another case of lazy journalism, obviously, and this article is a perfect example. Lazy thinking, lazy writing, all founded on lazy viewing and lazy expectations that can't tolerate "complexity" at any level, apparently. Or it's all just intellectually dishonest, and the complexity complaints are just a cheap excuse to find reasons to complain, in order to hammer out a lazy article for quick readership. Either way, it's lousy film reviewing and writing.
Mark | March 15, 2012 7:21 PM
This is frankly a rather absurd list, based on a truly simplistic viewpoint regarding film and storytelling. Let's break them down to demonstrate how little substance there is to your list...
The first point, about the supposed lack of charisma, is subjective of course, but I'll just note a few problems with your assertion of the point. You say he seems "too contemporary," but what exactly does that mean? Your explanation is to just reference his character from "Friday Night Lights" and say that in the film he's "Tim Riggins in a hat and beard." So you thought John Carter was basically a problem drinker who uses women and has no focus in life, stuck in a small life setting that he both resents and identifies with? And surely you don't think long hair and a beard were out of place on a Civil War vet? I don't see you articulating any evidence of the characterization being "contemporary," and I think it's because there isn't really any such evidence. It's just a way of trying to assert "he's just the same guy he plays in that TV show" but lacking any substance to the charge.
Regarding your complaint about backstory: We get a LOT of backstory for Carter, Dejah, Tars Tarkas, Sola, Tardos, and even Burroughs. We know their background and motivations. But you single out two characters who supposedly lacked background, as evidence for the entire film lacking it? And I'll note you apparently went to the bathroom when Matai Shang's (and the Therns') basic backstory and motives were laid out. But can you seriously mean it when you say you never find out why the warlord Sab Than is bent on conquering the planet? A warlord, on a planet of diminishing resources, bent on ruling the world... and you don't get it? Wow.
You also complain that it's too complicated. Oh no, a film with a plot. God forbid. Look, it gets a bit tedious to read reviewers who either moan about how films are so simplistic nowadays, and then groan about how a film is too complicated to understand in a simple one-two-three manner. It's intellectually dishonest in the extreme to start spouting off a list that includes "what's the geography of the planet?" as a complaint about how oh-so-hard-to-follow the film is, for goodness' sakes -- you're clearly reaching for excuses to justify the claim, nothing more. This film had a plot more complicated than "man punches alien, things go boom!" but not more complex than plenty of other films that are in fact hailed for not spoon-feeding the audience. Being complex and requiring you to use your brain is a GOOD thing, and perhaps film critics who spend a lot of their time bemoaning the lack of more thoughtful, complex stories need to try to be a little more consistent.
You go on to complain that the editing is bad -- and your proof of this is one of the most excellent, thoughtful sequences in the film?? We get a magnificent moment where John Carter wades into an army in an apparent suicide attack, to allow Dejah to get away alive, and as he fights the endless army that's slowly surrounding him, we see quick flashes of his finding his family dead and digging their graves -- all cut to mirror what's happening in the action sequence. It's a great, complex moment of editing and storytelling (and providing additional motivation and backstory, which you complained was lacking earlier). Most critics would -- or rather, should -- understand this sequence and appreciate the complexity of editing and emotion behind it... well, unless complexity is suddenly some kind of BAD thing.
(Complex story, complex editing, complex emotional revelations, complex revealing of backstory -- there comes a point when these complaints start to paint a picture that's rather more revealing and negative about the *reviewers* than about the film.)
Those complaints about the bookend scenes (with Burroughs) make no sense. You basically just say "what's up with THAT?" as if just saying it somehow renders the sequences worthless/pointless. Well, you don't actually do anything to demonstrate how or why they are supposedly pointless except to indicate you don't understand it or don't like it (or both). We see that John Carter has spent his life digging around the world for something, and that his body is hidden away in a tomb that only opens from the inside -- leading to his nephew's reading of a secret journal that takes us into the story. And that opening seems pointless to you? As opposed to, for example, mysterious and interesting? When we finally come full circle back to the nephew (Burroughs) and get the twist ending, it sets the stage for John Carter's return to Mars, but it doesn't actually take us there yet -- that's for the sequel, obviously. To treat these bookend sequences as some sort of huge problem that helped sink the film, and as if they just make no sense and serve no purpose, displays a lack of appreciation for (or understanding of) narrative techniques and rich storytelling, and seems just another cynical attempt to find excuses to complain about the film without any true substance to the complaint.
The claim that the villain is just a setup for the sequel makes exactly as much sense as if you had said "Darth Vader in 'A New Hope' was just one big setup for a sequel" too. The villain plays a key role in this story, there is another villain who drives events as well, and the fact that the villain survives to return in a sequel is hardly some huge "OMG teh villain lives!!!" moment. If you honestly (as opposed to just being disingenuous about it as an excuse to write a snarky article) think that a villain surviving totally reduces the villain to existing just to set up a sequel, negating their entire role in the existing film's plot, then you have a very simplistic view of storytelling and are not paying enough attention to the films you're watching.
Your complaint about the tone needing to either be humorous and self-aware or dark and brutal indicate a surprising lack of matured sense of tone and storytelling. Did you sit through "Die Hard" complaining the entire time that it needed to either be a brutal action flick or a comedy routine? This is another example where complexity is being treated as a bad thing. "Don't give me complex tone! Pick one thing and just do that the whole time!" Exactly how simplistic and lacking in any sort of complexity did you really want this film to be? This film never attempts to be a "kid film," and you seem biased by the fact this is a Disney/Pixar film and so you are making wrong assumptions in that regard. The inclusion of humor and a cute animal never become fodder for "kid-fare" moments in the film, and while the film can definitely be viewed and enjoyed by young audiences as well as adults, there was never any attempt by the filmmaker to sway back and forth into "kid-film" territory here.
s | March 15, 2012 7:16 PM
Regardless of the film's quality, it's sad that most movies these days only get 3 days to prove themselves. After the first weekend, the L.A. Times was already comparing "John Carter" to "Heaven's Gate" and "Ishtar". That said, the marketing was dreadful; those orange billboards screaming JOHN CARTER with what appeared to abominable snowmen on them-no wonder no one
knew what the film was about.
ska-triumph | March 15, 2012 5:07 PM
I'm compelled to respond - concisely - to your points since I found many/most of them to make no/little sense from a blog that I thought to have intelligent film discourse. It'd be one thing, if this was being badly marketed to only 10 year-olds but clearly it was still badly marketed to be a 4-quadrant film. So I concur with your #10.
As I do, mainly, for your #9. Being more red - in the atmosphere and/or surface - would've immediately disorient JC and the audience. Would've probably sped up the plot. (Like he's really not on Earth).
Your #8 is just dismissive. I could clearly see the ironic theme of a man looking for peace, yet again in war - and by extension creating a planetary peace, and future for all who're "good." Sure there is the missing Star Wars-kumbaya moment with all happy races but the subplots worked.
Your #7? Ok I give you that but I also expected it to be all over the place, respecting the tone of the source material. Pulp science fiction is messy by design and default: you can't say that Star Wars doesn't have the same tonal shifts that simpler storylines allowed for.
Your #6 is just ridiculous. Tell me that FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING wasn't a setup for Frodo. That A NEW HOPE wasn't a setup for Luke & Vader. Shang is a puppeter with power that JC had yet to understand; yes he's got some weak parts but their conversation via JC's capture and the ongoing wedding was some mature stuff.
#5: I'd have to see JC again to agree or refute this claim. I was only bothered by JC's first flight sequence. It was rushed and forced for me, in stakes and in VFX.
#3 and #4: all I have to say is that I saw it in IMAX 3D and saw the plot holes. But it didn't bother me. The story wasn't confounding at all. (What, the Tharks couldn't exist with different bands or clans? Are you that dull to think that there's only one monolithic race?) I understood each piece without being too bored it all; I'll concede that a sense of urgency with revelations came late in the film.
#2. Did a puppet king really need backstory? We got it in the first, though woefully placed, scene with all that voiceover. Here's a greedy, spoiled king who gets some new power and makes a deal. The sorrowful, losing king with the smart-warrior-princess. (Plenty of missing mothers.) The proud, thoughful Thark; the "ruined" or ostracized Thark who also grows because of JC. I didn't need to know their life story; the conflicts were clear as day. Thin for some? Sure. Did you complain when Chewbacca and Solo didn't talk about their frat days?
Your #1. This was not TINTIN. Woola isn't Snowy. They don't even occupy the same space narratively or in relationship to the protagonist. The Tharks did their job, and so did the live cast. Frankly, I'm tired of seeing Strong being evil or underhanded but no one went in half-assed.
Okay that wasn't concise but I appreciate getting the words out.
Pete | March 14, 2012 2:20 PM
Not a perfect movie by any stretch, but head and shoulders over anything Michael Bay has ever directed. I really enjoyed it. Going back again this weekend and taking my wife. Haven't met anyone yet that didn't like it, actually. The only negative buzz seems to be coming from media outlets.
movie-depressed | March 14, 2012 3:31 AM
I KEEP THINKING IT IS A MOCKERY OF JESUS CHRIST( i.e. J.C.-JOHN CARTER). THAT'S WHY I DON'T WANT TO GO SEE THIS MOVIE.
Someeone | March 14, 2012 1:49 AM
John Carter is this year's Rise of the Planet of the Apes. The Playlist runs a piece by someone who clearly misunderstood most of the film, while the IMDB rating climbs higher (instead of falling lower) and it eventually gets called the unexpected feel good blockbuster of the year a few months from now on this very same site.
star | March 14, 2012 12:16 AM
I enjoyed it too. It's not perfect but it's far from a flop.
Miles Bader | March 13, 2012 8:55 PM
Hey was was your issue with Tintin, anyway? It completely nailed the tone of the original books (despite the dramatically different visuals). I suppose you might argue that the main character isn't most charismatic figure—but neither is the original Tintin. His appeal really isn't "charisma."
John | March 12, 2012 9:54 PM
I really enjoyed it actually but I also thought it could have been much better.
Watching it I did think that there was so much to take in that I would have loved to see it as a series competing with Game of Thrones.
Anyways in the end it worked for me although I wish it worked more for others so I can see a darn sequel.
Andy | March 12, 2012 9:19 PM
Relating the success/failure of this film to Stanton's previous career seems to miss a vital aspect - his previous work is made up of original and creatively difficult films, which were new to audiences. If this film stood on it's own, if Star Wars or Avatar or the endless list of other similar sci-fis didn't exist, then John Carter would have offered audiences a reason to go. They do exist, so they haven't. The core genre fans have turned out and the numbers are fair for them. It's not a once-in-a-ten-year experience Disney seemed to budget for. People will love it or loathe it for their own reasons, but Disney's expectations lacked common-sense. I wonder if they'll be emailing out copies of the Jefferey Katzenberg 1991 memo, it's a true for them now as it was then.
Mike | March 12, 2012 8:12 PM
The book series is really fun & engaging, and builds a whole world around its characters, despite elements being cribbed from it for the past century to make who knows how many other movies it could still be told in a way that comes off with more originality. The movie wasn't terrible, but the criticisms of tone & pacing are dead on. A feature clearly wasn't the way to tell this story. Perhaps it could have worked if they'd been able to launch a franchise by using a more modest budget & to the point marketing, but come on the series just screams to be done by people taking it seriously & with time on their hands like a series in line with Game of Thrones. It's a shame this will only go down as a footnote in movie history instead.
Mark Deckard | March 12, 2012 5:20 PM
What happened is that the wrong studio and wrong producer made this story into a movie. This is a shame considering this saga is the ancestor of all modern scifi story telling. (If you consider when these stories were written you realise Star Wars and Avatar ripped off Burrows) When I was a teen the sci fi fantasy guys and the D&D crowd considered the John Carter series the definitave action adventure story. We imagined John Carter through the amazing cover art supplied by the great Boris Vajeho . No hats off to him whatsover in the visual or cinematography. I thought maybe this was shot on Tattoine. I kept waiting for Jedis to jump in and help. In order to really create an unearthly feel the martian scenes should have felt more like the atmosphere of 300 or the Immortals. That strange blend of Noir 3d scenery and augmented live action would have taken us to Mars and never let us for get we had been there. Oh yea and maybe the dirt could have been more...I dont know...RED? As in the RED planet.
I tell you who should have done this movie. Peter Jackson. I dont care if it had to be done in three parts each 3 hours long. A lesson from this and from Atlas shrugged. There should be a law against someone taking a artifact of literary history and absolutly blowing the film adaptation opportunity for all time. They missed a chance at epic movie legend with John Carter.
Paul | March 12, 2012 4:28 PM
I thought John Carter's family background was hackney sure but I really liked the cutting in the battle against the band of Tharks.
Huffy | March 12, 2012 4:00 PM
Does anyone actually believe Disney allowed Stanton to control the marketing of the film? I don't think a studio would let a director do that in 1979, let alone today with a picture this expensive.
Shawn | March 12, 2012 3:44 PM
I wholeheartedly agree with the assessment of the fight scene. I sat there thinking WTF does this flashback have to do with this.
The whole film is a mess actually. Who is gonna let this guy ever direct again?
Boby | March 12, 2012 2:56 PM
Yes, nine of your "causes" are really subjective. The only good reason you give is the marketing. The rest is just personal opinions and critics of the writers.
And of course it is a setup for a sequel. Making John Carter in one film is impossible. So you didn't like it, but that doesn't explain why it flops.
hg | March 12, 2012 2:32 PM
your only point that caused it to flop was #10
would it of been so hard to market trailers with title cards of :
"From 2 Time Academy Award winning Director of WALL-E & Finding Nemo"
"Based On The novel That Inspired Star Wars & Avatar"
Bethany Taylor | March 12, 2012 2:24 PM
I could not wait for this movie to hit the big screens!! I saw it opening day and LOVED IT!!!!! The twists and turns were great, I never had a clue how it would end and loved the suspense.