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I Can't Fall Asleep...
If you are having trouble with insomnia, there are three things you can do right away to help yourself. No matter what other factors may be effecting your sleep, you can do these three things immediately and have a good chance of helping your sleep:
- Reduce caffeine - Caffeine has been shown to cause people to take longer to get to sleep, to cause more awakenings, and to lower the quality of sleep. Many types of soda contain caffeine as does chocolate, coffee and many types of teas. One rule of thumb is no caffeine after lunch.
- Limit alcohol - Using alcohol late in the evening, even as little as one to two drinks produces troubled and fragmented sleep. Sleep is fragmented and shallow and can cause a decrease in delta sleep (deep sleep needed to restore the body) and REM sleep (sleep that helps restore the mind).
- Stop smoking cigarettes - Nicotine can keep you awake. It is a stimulant. Smokers often have more difficulty falling asleep because smoking raises blood pressure, speeds up the heart rate, and stimulates brain-wave activity. Smokers also tend to wake up more in the middle of the night.
There are many causes for sleep difficulties. Listed above are some common ones.
If you are having difficulty sleeping, especially if you experience early morning wakening, you are encouraged to see a health care professional at:
- Health Services (ext.5135)
- Counseling Services (ext. 5141)
I've Got to Get Some Sleep!!
The physical and emotional discomfort associated with sleep deprivation is a common experience for all of us who have suffered an occasional sleepless night or pulled an "all-nighter" in order to finish a paper. Most people believe that simply getting one good night's sleep will erase the impact of sleep deprivation. In addition, most of us believe that losing "a few hours sleep" doesn't really affect us. We know that 8 hours of sleep a night is recommended but we think we are unaffected as long as we get 5 or 6 hours of sleep per night. A growing body of scientific evidence is accumulating to indicate that these assumptions are not true and that even partial sleep deprivation (the loss of 2-3 hours of sleep per night) has a significant impact on human health, behavior and performance.
Studies now indicate that even one night of partial sleep loss has an impact on psychomotor performance. Losing as little as one hour of sleep may have far reaching effects and has been proven by studies which have demonstrated significant increases in motor vehicle accidents during the week following the onset of daylight savings time. Sleep related car accidents in the U.S. are estimated at 10,000 per year - 87% of these accidents are fatal.
Research has shown that the consequences of even partial sleep loss can include:
- Immunologic consequences rendering a person more susceptible to infection and/or less able to effectively control an infection.
- Mood changes including fatigue, listlessness, and irritability, decrease in self-esteem, lowered coping skills and depression.
- Social consequences including increase in interpersonal conflict and decreased effectiveness at work and school.
- Impaired hand-eye coordination and fine motor precision skills. Impaired performance in emergency situations requiring quick reflex responses.
- Slowing of mental processes including impairment in attentional focus, memory, learning, reasoning ability, problem solving and creative thinking.
- Increased likelihood of accidents
- Weight gain
- Decreased athletic performance
- Medical conditions including cardiac rhythm disturbances are more common with periods of even partial sleep deprivation.
- Seizure thresholds are lowered in epileptics and arthritic conditions are more symptomatic when even partial sleep deprivation is present.
It is clear that adequate sleep is an absolute necessity for wellness.
I Need to Sleep Better...
There are many causes for trouble sleeping. Many problems arise simply from poor sleep hygiene. Try these simple solutions. These will often work:
- Go to bed at the same time each night. Our bodies work on a cycle of rhythms. You need to establish a rhythm for sleep. Our bodies have their own internal clock and you need to set that clock for "bed time".
- Get up consistently at the same time every day. Again the sleep - wake cycle needs to be established. About 20 to 30 minutes before going to bed, do something relaxing. Also dim the lights. Bright lights and over stimulating the brain with a suspenseful or fast action TV show or video can be very counter-productive to sleep. If you have been in bed for 30 minutes and you are still wide awake, get out of bed and do something relaxing. Don't lay in bed and toss and turn, it will only make the problem worse. The mind needs to see the bed as a place for sleep and comfort, not frustration with trying to get to sleep.
- Avoid caffeine - rule of thumb is no coffee, chocolate, caffeinated tea or soda after lunch.
- Limit alcohol - having a drink in order to help you go to sleep is actually counter productive. Alcohol causes fragmented and shallow non-restful sleep.
- Don't use tobacco - nicotine will keep you awake. It increases the heart rate, stimulates brain wave activity and causes a rise in blood pressure. Be sure your the temperature in the room is not too warm. It is more difficult to fall asleep in an excessively hot room. Our body temperature actually needs to drop in the "falling asleep" process. No naps during the day until you get your night-time sleep pattern back to normal. Napping can throw the cycle off and make it hard to re-establish a normal sleep-wake cycle.
If these suggestions don't help in 5 - 7 days, then speak to a health care provider at Health Services.


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101.9 AMP Radio Hook Up #6 Starring R5! Read More | Buy Tickets | #HookUp6
Empire of the Sun
Usher Talks Taking Risks & Getting Gotye's Vibe On New Album
When you're a pop artist, you don't always have the longest shelf life. So when you've managed to churn out hits for almost 2 whole decades, you're basically a living legend.

subset: commoncrawl


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I am a young female husky that was found wandering around on Tillotson in Muncie on February 28th. Please email me at firstname.lastname@example.com if you think you know who I am or where I live.
I Lost My Way
By: huskylostSubscribe Channel: Pets & Animals Location: Muncie
+ Comment!
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Give mom a gift that could save her life this Mother's Day.
Heart disease continues to be the No. 1 health threat facing moms and all women in America. Hoosier sons and daughters are encouraged to open the conversation with their moms about their heart health and encourage them to take two simple steps that can help them live longer, healthier lives.
Step one: Find out how healthy you are with the American Heart Association's new health assessment tool, called My Life Check, at www.heart.org/mylifecheck. It will give you an overall health score and create an action plan to move you closer to your individual health goals. No matter what you score, any healthy change can help you live a longer, better life.
Step two: Sign up for the Go Red for Women movement at www.GoRedForWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1. Women who join the movement learn that small everyday choices like exercise, nutrition, and stress can make a big impact on health and life. Ninety-six percent of women who have joined the movement have made some sort of change to improve their cardiovascular health. Participants receive all the free tools they need to improve their cardiovascular health including unlimited online resources, a monthly e-mail newsletter, free recipes, a red dress pin, and more.
Also consider participating in two Mother's Day social media campaigns that are raising money for the American Heart Association:
Send a Mother's Day card while supporting Go Red! Send a Mother's Day card from Macy's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Macys through May 8 and select Go Red For Women as your charity. Macy's will donate $5 for each card created, up to $400,000! Send a card to every important woman in your life!
HH Gregg
HH Gregg is honoring moms everywhere by donating $1 to the American Heart Association for every new Facebook Like they get through May 5, so make yours count. Like them at www.facebook.com/hhgregg and you can also view heart healthy tips, take the American Heart Association's My Life Check assessment, and win prizes.


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Peoria Police have arrested a suspect in connection to the armed robbery of a jewelry store last week.
32- year-old Barry Wallace Hodge was apprehended by officers in the 1500 block of West Callender Wednesday afternoon.
Police are now seeking a second suspect, 37-year-old Robert Allen Dillard, also referred to as "China White".
The two are accused of robbing Half Price Jewelry on North University the morning of March 30th.
Dillard is described as 5 foot 7 and weighing about 160 pounds and should be considered armed and dangerous.


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CO2 Systems & Accessories
Aquarium CO2 Systems & AccessoriesCO2 (carbon dioxide) is utilized by calcium reactors to dissolve media and release calcium into the reef aquarium. And, since nearly half the dry matter of any plant is carbon, CO2 is also a popular plant nutrient for freshwater planted tanks.
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Discover Adionomy, Your Online Radio Advertising Campaign, Fast, Easy and Custom-Made!
There are 3 bands with the name 'Core'. 1. A three-piece stoner rock band from the US. The band split up some time after "The Hustle is On" was released. Guitarist Finn Ryan is currently a member of The Atomic Bitchwax, playing on their last 2 albums. 2. Core is also a three-man Austrian rock band from Vienna. They are currently working on the mixing of their new album. Their previous albums are Away and Perfect Summer, the songs on this page which are theirs are The Angle (featured in a new BMW commercial), Kissing the Silence, Alive, and Away.


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The final season of "Fringe" will kick off this fall on Friday, September 28, and it looks like Olivia Dunhmam (Anna Torv), Peter Bishop (Josh Jackson) and Walter Bishop (John Noble) have their work cut out for them.
The new trailer for Season 5 of "Fringe" was released at Comic-Con on Sunday. In addition to a series of explosions, Peter realizes that his entire career as a member of the FBI Fringe Division has carried him to the events of the show's last season.
"Everything we've been through is just preparation for what we face now," he says in the trailer.
For the inside scoop on what happened at the "Fringe" Comic-Con panel, check out HuffPost's live blog.
DC Comics' Darkness & Light Art Exhibition
When: Mon., July 9 to Sun., July 15 Where: Michael J. Wolf Fine Arts, 363 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 Why: If you're a fan of superheroes and villains, you won't want to miss this one-of-a-kind art show, presented to raise awareness and funds for the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa. The unique pairing of comic-inspired art with photography features a large-scale piece of original artwork by Jim Lee, the legendary artist and DC Entertainment co-publisher, featuring the profile of Batman in a color palette inspired by the hues of Africa. More info here.
Preview Night Pilot Screenings
When: Wed., July 11 at 6 p.m Where: Ballroom 20 Why: Warner Bros. continue their annual Preview Night tradition with exclusive world premiere screenings of the pilot episodes of five of the most highly anticipated TV series of the 2012-13 television season: "666 Park Avenue," "Arrow," "The Following," "Revolution" and "Cult."
Nerd HQ
When: Thurs., July 12 to Sun., July 15 Where: Block No. 16 Union & Spirits, 344 7th Avenue (7th and J), San Diego CA, 92101 Why: For the second year running, Zachary Levi's Nerd Machine presents Nerd HQ, a cornucopia of gaming, technology and nerdtastic "Conversations for a Cause" -- intimate Q&As with some of the industry's biggest stars to benefit Operation Smile. "Conversation" tickets cost $20 and guests include Joss Whedon, Stan Lee, Damon Lindelof and the cast of "Psych." More info here.
The "Extra" at Comic-Con Stage
When: Thurs., July 12 to Sat., July 14 Where: Bayfront Park between the San Diego Convention Center and the Hilton San Diego Bayfront hotel. Why: Free entertainment and a festival atmosphere from noon 'til 10 p.m., including movie screenings of "The Goonies," "Beetlejuice" and the "Friday the 13th" remake; a showcase featuring all six Batmobiles; live performances from The Bacon Brothers, "The Voice's" Tony Lucca and Frenchie Davis; and on-stage interviews with Warner Bros. talent including stars from "The Big Bang Theory," "Childrens Hospital," "Fringe," "Nikita," "Person of Interest," "The Vampire Diaries" and more. More info here.
The Walking Dead Escape: Live The Apocalypse
When: Thurs., July 12, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.; Fri., July 13, 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.; Sat., July 14, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.; waves will run every 20 minutes. Where: Petco Park in downtown San Diego, CA. Why: Do you think you could survive a zombie apocalypse? Now's your chance to prove it as you navigate a ballpark infested with walkers and must climb, crawl, hide and slide your way to safety. "Survivor" tickets cost $75 and participants will receive an Exclusive Special Edition of the 100th Issue of "The Walking Dead." Less daring (but more bloodthirsty) fans can buy spectator tickets for $15. More info here.
"Nikita" Q&A and Exclusive Video Presentation
When: Thurs., July 12 at 6 p.m. Where: Room 6BCF Why: Allow me to be self-serving for a moment, because yours truly is moderating this panel. But aside from representing HuffPost TV, the presentation also features the majority of the show's stellar ensemble cast, with Maggie Q, Shane West, Lyndsy Fonseca, Aaron Stanford and Melinda Clarke joining executive producer Craig Silverstein to spill a few secrets about Season 3.
"The Big Bang Theory" Screening and Q&A
When: Fri., July 13 at 12:05 p.m. Where: Hall H Why: For the first time ever in Hall H, the mega-popular TV series returns to Comic-Con for a special screening and a lively discussion. Will Howard "Froot Loops" Wolowitz return from space? Where do things stand with Penny and Leonard? And will unscheduled handholding affect "The Relationship Agreement"?
"Firefly" 10th Anniversary Reunion Panel
When: Fri., July 13 at 12:30 p.m. Where: Ballroom 20 Why: Calling all Browncoats! It's been 10 years since the crew of the Serenity first took flight in "Firefly" and for the first time ever, Science Channel will reunite Captain Mal Reynolds and the crew from the ship. Join Joss Whedon, Nathan Fillion, Adam Baldwin, Alan Tudyk, Sean Maher, Summer Glau, and many more for a trip down memory lane, some special surprises, and exclusive Science Channel giveaways. SHINY.
"Game of Thrones" Panel and Q&A
When: Fri., July 13 at 2:45 p.m. Where: Hall H Why: Last year's panel was one of the most buzzworthy of Com-Con and now that the series has graduated to Hall H, it's certain to be even bigger. Cast members attending include Alfie Allen, Emilia Clarke, Michelle Fairley, Richard Madden and Rose Leslie, with author George R. R. Martin moderating.
EW: "Powerful Women In Pop Culture" Panel
When: Fri., July 13 at 4:15 p.m. Where: Ballroom 20 Why: Entertainment Weekly presents the "Powerful Women In Pop Culture" (a.k.a. Women Who Kick Ass!) Q&A. The panel features Kristin Bauer van Straten ("True Blood"), Sarah Wayne Callies ("The Walking Dead"), Kristin Kreuk ("Beauty and the Beast"), Nikki Reed ("Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2"), and Anna Torv ("Fringe"). The fan-favorite females will open up about the power and privilege of playing characters that have redefined the rules for women.
TV Guide Magazine: "Fan Favorites" Panel
When: Sat., July 14 at 1 p.m. Where: Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront Why: "Fan Favorites" brings together stars from TV's hottest shows for a lively discussion filled with behind-the-scenes scoop. Panelists (subject to change) include Nathan Fillion ("Castle"), David Giuntoli ("Grimm"), Joel McHale ("Community"), Tyler Posey ("Teen Wolf"), Maggie Q ("Nikita"), Matt Smith ("Doctor Who") and more.
"Fringe" Panel and Q&A
When: Sun., July 15 at 10 a.m. Where: Hall H Why: Fringe returns to Comic-Con for its farewell panel to celebrate its fifth and final season. Series stars Anna Torv, Josh Jackson, Lance Reddick, Blair Brown, Jasika Nicole and John Noble, along with executive producer J. H. Wyman, offer a Q&A with fans and an exclusive video presentation. Following the panel is another cult hit, "Supernatural," featuring new showrunner Jeremy Carver, writer Ben Edlund, and cast-members Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, Misha Collins, Jim Beaver and Mark Sheppard.
Earlier on HuffPost:


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Sullivan jumped at the chance to join U's (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)
Get involved: send your pictures, video, news and views by texting CFGNEWS to 80360 or email us »
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Sullivan jumped at the chance to join U's
9:18am Tuesday 13th November 2012 in Local Sport By Jonathan Waldron
New arrival John Sullivan says he did not have to think twice about joining Colchester United.
And the Charlton Athletic goalkeeper has vowed to give the U's maximum commitment during his month's loan.
Sullivan made his debut in Colchester's 3-2 defeat at Crewe Alexandra, last weekend.
He replaced Mark Cousins between the sticks and it was the 24-year-old's first competitive game in nearly seven months.
Sullivan said: "As soon as I got the phone call I wanted to come, because I just want to play."
See Tuesday's Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news.
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Reactor Retirements Will Hurt U.S. Emissions Cuts
Subtracting nuclear reactors in the U.S. could make it tougher to meet climate goals.
Discover one of our 28 local entrepreneurial communities »
Be the first to know as we launch in new countries and markets around the globe.
Interested in bringing MIT Technology Review to your local market?
Subtracting nuclear reactors in the U.S. could make it tougher to meet climate goals.
Recent data clarify the trends causing emissions to shrink to their lowest level since 1995.
A cheaper fuel cell could provide affordable power for microgrids.
Despite the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the burning of coal has only been accelerating.
Researchers demonstrate a significant jump in the efficiency with which heat can be converted directly into electricity.
And it wouldn't need super-advanced technology to do it.
ArrayPower says its "sequenced inverter" will cut the cost of solar by more than 10 percent.
Such materials could be used to cool computers and buildings, and harvest waste heat in cars.
Researchers achieve a goal they've been after since the 1980s—the advance could make cars and airplanes lighter, and renewable energy more practical.
An Israeli company aims to commercialize microbial fuel-cell technology.


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The Sara Bellum Blog is written by a team of NIDA scientists, science writers, educators, and teens. We connect you with the latest scientific research and news, so you can use that info to make healthy, smart decisions. Sometimes it can be hard to know where to go for the truth about drugs. Here at NIDA, we learn from science—not from rumors or gossip. We have thousands of researchers around the world who study drug addiction and come up with ways to help people recover and live healthy lives. Every day, scientists and physicians discover more about how drugs affect your brain and body. You owe it to yourself to ask the right questions, look for the facts, and think hard about what you find out and what it means for you. We're here to help you do that.
If you think we're doing a good job, spread the word!
- Share our link with your friends.
- Link to us on your blog or web page.
- Subscribe to our RSS feed.
- And if you read a post you really like, share it with your social networks using the "share" button at the top of each post.


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Albany, N.Y. – Hundreds of participants will take part in the final weekend of the year to walk or run in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life events.
All proceeds collected are directed to supporting the organization's involvement in helping people stay well, get well and find cures. Funds raised support programs and services for patients and their families nearest the track location. The funding helps support programs like The American Cancer Society's Look Good Feel Better, which helps provides cancer patients with beauty techniques to help them cope and feel good about themselves during radiation, chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.
The event is a community celebration that allows volunteers, walkers, families, caregivers, survivors, schools and companies to walk or run around a local track throughout the time period designated. Candlelight vigils are also held in honor of cancer victims and survivors.
Five locations over the weekend include:
Friday, June 14, 2013 - 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.
Relay For Life of Niskayuna
Niskayuna High School
1626 Balltown Road, Niskayuna, NY
Opening Ceremony: 7:00 p.m.
Luminaria Ceremony: 9:00 p.m.
Friday, June 14, 2013 - 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Relay For Life of Scotia-Glenville
Scotia Glenville High School
1 Tartan Way, Scotia, NY
Opening Ceremony: 6:00 p.m.
Luminaria Ceremony: 9:45 p.m.
Friday, June 14, 2013 - 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Relay For Life of Duanesburg
Duanesburg Elementary School
165 Chadwick Road, Delanson, NY
Opening Ceremony: 6:00 p.m.
Luminaria Ceremony: 9:00 p.m.
Friday, June 14, 2013 - 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Relay For Life of Columbia-Greene
Taconic Hills Schools
73 County Route 11a, Craryville, NY
Opening Ceremony: 6:00 p.m.
Luminaria Ceremony: 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 15, 2013 - 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Relay For Life of Albany-Colonie
Christian Brothers Academy
12 Airline Drive, Colonie, NY
Opening Ceremony: 1:00 p.m.
Luminaria Ceremony: 10:00 p.m.
Closing Ceremony: 10:00 a.m.
341 Northern Blvd., Albany, NY 12204
Telephone: 518.436.4822
Can't find something?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2014 Young Broadcasting of Albany, Inc. A Media General Company.


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Lockout limbo
About the Author
Mike Wilkening
Senior editor
Recent posts by Mike Wilkening
Related Stories
With NFL teams stuck in a state of limbo thanks to the lockout, we are looking at where teams stand as they await the opening of the 2011 league year. Today, we take a look at the Browns.
Top three story lines
1. Will the offense be more explosive? New head coach Pat Shurmur will install the West Coast offense, team president Mike Holmgren's preferred scheme. Expect the outside receivers to be more involved in the offense, which makes this a key year for third-year wideouts Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie, especially after the Browns drafted Greg Little in Round Two. It's also a big season for QB Colt McCoy, who enters his first full season as the starter in a scheme that should suit his talent well.
2. Can the Browns' defense successfully transition from the 3-4 to the 4-3? The Browns' first two draft picks - DT Phil Taylor and DE Jabaal Sheard - could start immediately on a revamped defensive line. However, more help could be needed inside and outside. At linebacker, the Browns appear to have their three starters in Scott Fujita, Chris Gocong and D'Qwell Jackson. Jackson, who has missed most of the past two seasons with pectoral injuries, told PFW recently that he will be tried at middle linebacker.
3. What will RB Peyton Hillis do for an encore? Hillis began last season as a backup and ended it as the Browns' leading rusher. He enters 2011 as the cover model for "Madden NFL 12" and encounters much higher expectations than a season ago. Hillis is likely to again get the majority of the carries for Cleveland, but second-year RB Montario Hardesty is likely to have a key role in the offense, too. Hillis wore down at the end of last season because of injuries and a heavy workload.
2011 free agency - whenever that happens
Unsigned players: DT Titus Adams (1), RB Mike Bell (5), OLB Marcus Benard (2), ILB Titus Brown (1), LB Blake Costanzo (3), PK Phil Dawson (12, franchised), S Abram Elam (5), TE Greg Estandia (4), DE Jayme Mitchell (5), WR Evan Moore (3), S Sabby Piscitelli (4), DE Derreck Robinson (4), OLB Matt Roth (6), DT Brian Schaefering (1), TE Alex Smith (6), DE Robaire Smith (11), S Nick Sorensen (10), WR Chansi Stuckey (4), ILB Jason Trusnik (4), FB Lawrence Vickers (5), OL Floyd Womack (10), CB Eric Wright (4), OL Billy Yates (7).
[Editor's note: The number after a player's name is his years of service in the league. If the NFL decides to go with free agency under the same rules as used in 2010, then a player would become a restricted free agent after three years and an unrestricted free agent after six years.]
Analysis: Wright struggled in 2010, losing his starting job to Joe Haden. Talent is not the issue with Wright; his focus can wander at times. If he's back with the Browns, he could be a very good No. 3 cornerback if he plays to his potential. Roth, a rugged outside linebacker in Cleveland's 3-4 scheme, would play end in the 4-3 should he re-sign, but whether he's still in Cleveland's plans remains to be seen. Vickers seems unlikely to be back after the Browns drafted FB Owen Marecic in Round Four. Should Womack re-sign, he'll compete to start at right guard. Elam was better in his second season in Cleveland, but it's unclear whether he'll be back after coaching and defensive scheme changes. The Browns would like to re-sign Mitchell, who has 22 tackles and five sacks in five pro seasons. On a team that needs DE help, Mitchell could have a chance to contribute. Stuckey was not tendered and is unlikely to be back. Trusnik, who can play multiple LB spots, also was not tendered. Dawson, the last of the original "new" Browns, has connected on 83.2 percent of his field-goal attempts in a fine career in Cleveland.
2011 rookie class
First-round DT Phil Taylor (No. 21 overall) - Taylor is an intriguing prospect, possessing uncommon size and movement skills. With diligence, he could be a standout. He will have a chance to play immediately if he is up to the task.
Second-round DE Jabaal Sheard (No. 37 overall) - Athletic and tough, Sheard could start from Day One. Adding strength and improving his flexibility will be key.
Second-round WR Greg Little (No. 59 overall) - Little is a confident, physical playmaker who has go-to receiver traits and appears to be a strong fit in a West Coast scheme. With a new offense and coaching staff in place and no clear-cut top target on the roster, Little has a chance to earn a key role early.
Fourth-round TE Jordan Cameron (No. 102 overall) - Cameron's potential got him drafted early on Day Three. The former collegiate basketball player has outstanding measurables. Though he could take some time to develop, such an investment could play off for Cleveland.
Fourth-round FB Owen Marecic (No. 124 overall) - Marecic is expected to replace Lawrence Vickers as Cleveland's blocking back. A two-way player at Stanford, Marecic's rugged style won't be out of place in a Browns backfield not lacking in tough guys.
Fifth-round CB Buster Skrine (No. 137 overall) - Skrine could contribute in "sub" packages as a rookie. He is fast and strong but small.
Fifth-round OL Jason Pinkston (No. 150 overall) - Pinkston will compete for a reserve role at guard. He has good size for the position but could take some time to develop.
Seventh-round S Eric Hagg (No. 248 overall) - Hagg is a size-speed prospect who needs to improve his instincts. Special teams could be his ticket early.
Lockout fallout: How impacted will the Browns be by the work stoppage?
On a scale from 1 to 10 (with 10 being the most significantly impacted) the Browns are a seven. The lockout particularly hinders Cleveland, which is changing offensive and defensive schemes and has a new head coach and young starting quarterback. Also, the Browns need to supplement their roster through free agency.


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General Admissions Information…
Incoming Freshmen: The University of Alabama welcomes applications from all qualified prospective students and wants to make the admissions process as simple as possible. To apply:
- Complete The University of Alabama application for admission. If you are not applying online, submit your print application with a check or money order for $40.00 made payable to The University of Alabama. Application fees are nonrefundable.
- Have your ACT and/or SAT score(s) sent to our Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Our ACT code is 0052 and our SAT code is 1830. Information on these tests is available from your high school counselor, or directly from ACT or SAT. Have your most recent official high school transcript sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Please note: Admission to either the Dance program and Musical Theatre Track program is by audition only. Please visit our Program Auditions page for more information.
Transfer Students: Admission to The University of Alabama as a transfer student is based on the grade point average earned for your college coursework. Transfer applicants must have a grade point average of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Transfer applicants who will have earned fewer than 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) at the time of enrollment will also have to meet freshman admission standards. To apply for admission as a transfer student, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Graduate Students: All applicants to the Graduate School must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. institution or a recognized international equivalent. Specific materials for a complete graduate admission file include:
- Applicant data sheet
- Statement of purpose
- Two official copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Three letters of recommendation (one letter from a professor in the applicant's undergraduate major field or proposed field of study). These letters should be sent directly to the Department of Theatre & Dance
- TOEFL score (for applicants whose native language is not English)
- $50.00 Application Fee ($60.00 for international applicants)
- Additional Materials (as detailed within each graduate area of study, see MFA Graduate Degree Programs)
Additional information for Graduate School applicants can be found at the following links:
- Main Page: http://graduate.ua.edu/applicants.html
- Detailed Instructions for each class of Graduate Applicants (application fee amounts are mentioned here): http://graduate.ua.edu/application/applicationtypes.html
- Application Deadlines: http://graduate.ua.edu/application/appdeadlines.html
- Application Checklist: http://graduate.ua.edu/application/checklist.html
- Application Forms and Supporting Documents: http://graduate.ua.edu/application/forms/
- Graduate Catalog: http://graduate.ua.edu/catalog/
- Information for International Applicants: http://graduate.ua.edu/info/index_int.html
Please note that GRE or MAT scores are not required for admission to the Department of Theatre and Dance. For more information about graduate studies, contact The Graduate School.


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Baseball falls to FIU, 14-6
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Another day did not provide better results for the Dolphins as the JU baseball team dropped a 14-6 contest to FIU, Wednesday afternoon at FIU Baseball Stadium.
JU (11-11) recorded 10 hits on the day, including three home runs, but have now dropped four consecutive games.
FIU (15-7), which finished with 15 hits in the contest, has now won four of its last five against the Dolphins.
"This is not a good start to the week for us," said JU head coach Terry Alexander. "We have Mercer coming into town this weekend and we need to take care of our home field when we get into conference play."
Freshman Kentrail Pierce (2-1) was tagged with the loss after allowing three runs on three hits with a walk in 1.2 innings of relief.
Alberto Cardenas (3-0) earned the win after allowing one unearned run while allowing only one hit with two walks in 2.1 innings of relief.
Sophomore left fielder Jonathan Murphy led the Dolphins by going 4-for-5 while senior first baseman Alex Martinez and junior right fielder Esterlin Perozo each tallied multiple hits.
Mike Martinez led the Panthers by going 2-for-5 with a double, a home run and a game-high four RBI.
The Panthers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first when Mike Martinez hit an RBI double and Yoandy Barroso drew a bases loaded walk.
The Dolphins took a 3-2 lead in the third when junior shortstop Jamaal Hawkins hit a three-run homer. Senior second baseman Chuck Opachich led off the inning with a walk and then advanced to third on a single to left center by Murphy. In the next at-bat, Hawkins hit a drive over the left-field wall for his fourth of the season.
FIU recaptured the lead, 5-3, in the bottom of the third when Junior Arrojo drove in a run after being hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and T.J. Shantz hit a two-run double into the left-field corner.
The Panthers increased the lead to 7-3 in the fourth when Tim Jobe hit an RBI double to left and Borroso hit an RBI single through the left side.
FIU added another run in the fifth when a run scored on a wild pitch with the bases loaded.
JU cut the margin to 8-4 in the top of the fifth when a run scored on a double play to short with the bases loaded.
The Dolphins made it 8-6 in the seventh when Martinez and freshman center fielder Dan Gulbransen hit back-to-back solo homers.
The Panthers made it 10-6 in the bottom of the seventh when Martinez hit a sacrifice fly to center and Garrett Wittels hit an RBI chop single to short.
FIU increased the margin to 14-6 in the eighth when a run scored on a fielder's choice to second, Patton hit an RBI single down the right field line and Martinez hit a two-run homer to left center.
The Dolphins will return to conference action this weekend when they host Mercer at John Sessions Stadium beginning on Friday at 6:30 p.m.


text:
Bike thieves blasted all over the Twitter-verse by the SFPD
Thinking of stealing a bike in San Francisco? Think twice, as your face may be plastered all over the Twitter-verse by the SFPD's new anti-bike theft Twitter account.
Officer Matt Friedman is the mastermind behind the SFPD's new twitter handle that tweets photos of recovered stolen bikes, but also of bike thieves as well. A cyclist himself, Friedman created the account after being fed up with bike theft victims not filing police reports, tracking their own serial numbers, or claiming bikes in this enormous SFPD bike graveyard, shown in this instagram photo.
The SFPD recovered over 850 bikes last year, and was only able to return about 150 to owners, according to a report by The City's budget and legislative analysis office. Friedman said that really, really grinded his gears.
"I'm a bike rider too, so it hits home especially," Friedman said. "Bicycles are expensive, and its all a part of making the city a green city. We embrace bike riding here."
The Twitter account, @SFPDBiketheft, tweets photos of recovered stolen bikes, but also has tweeted a photo of a repeat-offender bike thief in the middle of, allegedly, stealing a bike.
@Marccaz @plattyjo - Charles Vogel This person is a recidivist bike thief. Call 911 if you see him near a bike. pic.twitter.com/CiJjT4UORj
— SFPD Anti Bike Theft (@SFPDBikeTheft) August 7, 2013
Then they tweeted his mugshot.
@Marccaz @plattyjo Mugshot of Mr. Charles Vogel, recidivist bike thief - for crimes in progress always call 911 pic.twitter.com/gd6dIkdvBa
— SFPD Anti Bike Theft (@SFPDBikeTheft) August 13, 2013
While there are concerns with putting photos of alleged criminals before they've had their due process, Officer Friedman said he took his time verifying the information, and made sure only to tweet the photos of a repeat offender.
And there is that matter of the alleged thief being photographed with the saw in his hands.
"I've had several encounters with this gentleman in the past, he was holding a angle grinder, it saws off locks, basically," Friedman said.
But Jeff Adachi, The City's elected public defender, said that The City could be potentially on the hook for a lawsuit if the SFPD continues to tweet photos of alleged bike thieves.
"I think the practice of tweeting photos who are suspected of committing crimes in the future is hugely problematic," he told the Guardian. "It creates a potential liability for The City if the police are wrong, and it doesn't allow for the process that we have to determine guilt or innocence."
He compared the process to the long-established database of sex offenders, where photos and addresses are listed in a government database. In this case, Adachi said, there are no legal guidelines for whose photo is tweeted and whose isn't.
And as for Mr. Vogel, who is pictured in the photo in question, Adachi was still strict about what should be tweeted. "Now if its true someone saw somebody sawing a lock off, you have evidence of a crime. Then you can get an arrest warrant and arrest them," he said. "We have to be careful we don't accuse people of crimes before a crime has been committed."
Putting the criminals themselves on blast though doesn't seem like a bad idea to everyone, and looks promising to Leah Shahum, the director of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. She said it doesn't go far enough.
"We know that while individuals stealing bikes is an issue, the greater concern is organized bike theft rings," she said. But she also said the SFPD need to take it a step further. "We urge the police to focus on these highly organized bike theft rings, where fencing operations are exploiting low-income individuals by buying bikes for pennies on the dollar, and reselling them online or at flea markets across Bay Area."
A freelancer for the Guardian even chased down the bike theft black market back in 2007, which you can read here. We asked the SFPD for a response to Shahum, and they said they'd get back to us on their efforts to thwart the bike rings.
Shahum's call to action should wrankle the bike chains of all cyclists in San Francisco. The thefts are big business for criminals -- The City's budget analyst found that the value of reported and likely unreported bike thefts for 2012 was a whopping $4.6 million dollars.
As I wrote that, I felt a disturbance in the force, as if thousands of hipsters were crying out in panic at once. But there's hope, as Officer Friedman's new Twitter account has reunited bikes with their owners in only its first few weeks.
He stressed that one of the easiest things a cyclist could do to deter theft is to make it harder for the thieves to get through to your bike. The bigger a pain in the ass it is, the less likely they are to take it.
"The Sheldon Brown locking method," he said, then dropped the mic. Well, the phone.
For the unintiated, the Sheldon Brown locking method involves securing your rear wheel to the rear triangle of your bike around a pole or post with a U-lock.
The SF Bike Coalition also stressed the need to register your bike and serial number, and they have plenty of resources for that on their website.
Much kudos to Officer Friedman, and spread the word -- maybe one of those hundreds of bikes in SFPD's storage is yours?
Follow @SFPDBikeTheft on Twitter. For more information about the impact of bike theft on The City's economy, check out the SF Bicycle Coalition's post on it here: http://www.sfbike.org/main/shocking-new-report-on-san-francisco-bike-theft-showcases-need-for-real-solutions/
to post pictures of recidivist police brutalizers and see how far you get.
As long as Adachi keeps away from public sector pensions and continues to fight hard to protect the civil rights of the accused and other untouchable groups, he has my support.
of long-term alcohol abuse. It, along with brain lesions and cirrhosis, are no laughing matter.
Paranoia is a thought process believed to be heavily influenced by anxiety or fear, often to the point of irrationality and delusion. Paranoid thinking typically includes persecutory beliefs, or beliefs of conspiracy concerning a perceived threat towards oneself.
Let me warn you about Officer Friedman. He is unethical and will lie without hesitation. I ran into him on a traffic stop in 2011. I picked up my phone, which was slipping off the rental car tray, and he stopped me to ticket me for talking on my cell and making an illegal left hand turn four blocks from the stop.
When I contested the ticket he manufactured a narrative that had me talking non-stop for the four blocks he followed me. I produced phone records in court that proved no phone calls were made or received around the time of the citation and he went crazy. When it became clear that there was not a sign prohibiting a left hand turn at the intersection, he lost it. "You're going to let her go on that too!!!"
At that point he modified his story once more, and out and out LIED. He said that I was in the right hand turn lane and then swerved into the left lane to make my turn. I think the judge accepted it because he was such an embarrassment to the police department.
This man is a disaster waiting to happen. Doubt anything he does. Anyone who can lie so easily... there has to be something wrong with him.
This is one SFPD officer who is not to be trusted.
Nothing new here.
There is no expectation to privacy outdoors....
No expectation to privacy outside
Don't expect privacy here and perfectly legal. Just don't go off topic and there will be no lawsuits.
This is an old topic now, but i recently experienced a bike related theft myself, and stumbled on this thread. I have plenty of proof of mine, and other tufts by the same person. I even knew who did it, and still can't get the police to blink twice. They seem more interested into using Twitter to talk about bike theft, that in actual prevention or apprehending criminals. Unfortunate because it seems there are really not many people involved in the vast majority of the thefts. A few arrests would actually make a big difference.
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Day 1 Arrive Nairobi
Accommodation: simple hotel Arrive in Nairobi any time and make your way to the joining point hotel. Upon arrival look for information on your trip on the hotel bulletin board regarding the meeting time and briefing to be held on day two. Take today to wander the streets of central Nairobi, taking in old colonial architecture and the brightly coloured crowds to get a feel for Africa. The city's best attraction is the National Museum, home to most of the great prehistoric finds made by the Leakey family in East Africa, from Ethiopia to the Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania. It also has sections on wildlife, art, geology, local history and a snake park.
Day 2-6 Community Volunteer Project (5B,5L,5D)
You will be picked up from the Hotel Boulevard at approximately 9:00am where you will be taken to Limuru. You will have your orientation of the projects over a cup of tea or coffee with your coordinators and have the opportunity to chat through the projects and confirm your timetable for the rest of the week. You will then spend the day at one of the projects helping out with current tasks. In the meantime your luggage will be safely handled and taken to our guest house where you will be settled into for the rest of the week. As a teaching volunteer you will spend 4 of the five week days at one of our 7 schools. Every Wednesday morning you will either assist at the local Limuru feeding program which happens bi-weekly or you will use the morning for preparation and research. Afterwards, enjoy a lunch at the volunteer cottage and continue on to volunteer at a school on the outskirts of the rift valley where you will get involved in some practical development of the schools which boards children with varying levels of functional impairments. During your four days at the school you will generally divide your day into teaching in the morning and school-based community development initiatives in the afternoon.
Day 7 Nairobi (B)
Enjoy an optional city tour. This evening you will be joined by other travellers to continue on for the safari portion of your tour.
Day 8 Lake Naivasha (B,L)
Accommodation: simple bandas/huts Driving distance: 95km Journey to Lake Naivasha, one of the great rift valley fresh water lakes. Drive through the town of Naivasha before continuing along the lake shore passing the greenhouses that grow roses for the lucrative export market. After setting up camp and an early lunch, we take a short boat trip to Crescent Island, a private game sanctuary, with zebra, wildebeest, gazelle, vervet monkeys, hares, genet cats, waterbuck and giraffe. Crescent Island is one of the few places in Africa where people can wander on foot among herds of grazing mammals since there are no predators on the island. During the afternoon free time, wander around or just relax by the lake, spotting resident bird populations including Ibis, Lovebirds, Fish Eagle and Hoopoe, as well as the Black and White Colobus monkey.
Day 9 Lake Nakuru National Park
Accommodation: Simple hotel in Nakuru town Driving distance: 70km After breakfast, depart Naivasha for Nakuru, arriving before midday. In the afternoon we take a game drive following the lake shore in our search of leopard, black and white rhino, lion, buffalo, impala, Thompson gazelle and warthog, before returning to our hotel.
Day 10 Kakamega Rainforest (L,D)
Accommodation: simple bandas (forest huts) Driving distance: 150kms After an early breakfast, board your safari vans and head towards the western part of the country, through the high-altitude town of Eldoret, stopping for a picnic lunch en route. Arrive to the Kakamega forest late afternoon to early evening. The Kakamega National Reserve, situated in Kenya's Western Province, at the northern end of the Kakamega Forest, covers an area of 36 sq km. At an elevation of between 1500 m and 1600 m, this reserve sits along the northeastern edge of the Lake Victoria basin, and from its eastern edge rises the partially forested Nandi Escarpment which runs along the western edge of the Rift Valley. In the late afternoon (time permitting), go for a guided walk with one of the resident guides, learning about the ecology and importance of this rare and fantastic forest.
Day 11 Kakamega Forest (B,L,D)
Accommodation: simple bandas (forest huts) Enjoy a morning walk in the rainforest accompanied by the local ranger/guide, returning to camp late morning. Spend the afternoon at your leisure; take some time to yourself while listening to the sounds of the forest (and maybe the rain-fall!), or go for another walk in the rainforest, or learn about the K.E.E.P,(Kakamega Environmental Education Project), which has a tree nursery program and a butterfly garden among its many initiatives.
Day 12 Kisumu (B)
Accommodation: simple hotel Driving distance: 50km Take another early morning optional walk in the forest with the ranger/guide before departing this magical place. You will arrive in the lively city of Kisumu midday, where you can explore the town, visit Kisumu's vibrant and bustling market, squeeze in a visit to the local museum, visit the impala sanctuary, or take a boat trip on Lake Victoria, to try your luck at hippo spotting and bird watching.
Day 13-14 Kendu Bay Village (B, 2L, 2D)
Accommodation: homestay with a local family (simple mud-brick homes) Driving distance: 200km Depart Kisumu to head deep into the more traditional side of Kenya. Arrive in the town of Kendu Bay before noon. Here you will stop to have lunch, and as well will be able to help your tour leader gather some goods to take to the homestays. Kendu Bay itself is a small, rural town located on the shores of Lake Victoria, where fishing is the main economic activity. Continue up the rough roads above Kendu Bay to the village that you will call home for the next 2 nights. You'll have the opportunity to visit the local potter, and learn about the traditional way of life. On Day 14 go on a guided walk through the village to visit the local school to see more of the community. Try to strike up a conversation with the locals and enjoy their hospitality. Enjoy the home-made meals and see first hand how the Luo tribesmen live. Note: Electricity lines and plumbing have yet to reach Kendu Bay.
Day 15 Kericho (B)
Accommodation: simple hotel Approaching Kericho, you will experience breathtaking views of the vast rolling hills covered by the tea plantations that are the economic backbone of the local economy. Scattered among the tea plantations are neatly arranged housing complexes for the tea "pluckers" who roughly every 17 days picked the tea leaves on a rotational basis. Good pickers can collect up to 100kg of leaves a day!
Day 16-17 Masai Mara (B,2L,2D)
Accommodation: simple tented camp We depart early today for the world famous Masai Mara Game Reserve. With its vast open plains and distinctive flat-topped acacia trees, no visit to Kenya would be complete without a visit here! In the afternoon we will arrive in the area, and get settled at our permanent tented camp, our base for our time here. Then we make our way into the reserve for an afternoon game viewing drive, with excellent chances of seeing the "Big 5" - lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino. Day 17 starts with an early morning game drive, since the best time to spot wildlife is in the early hours of the morning. The day continues with more game viewing as you criss-cross the rolling hills of the African savannah. You will also have a chance to try the optional balloon safari, in addition to stopping at a Masai village to learn about, and interact with, the local Masai people.
Day 18: Nairobi (B)
Accommodation: simple hotel Driving distance: 285km This morning we make our last game drive in the Masai Mara before heading back to Nairobi. In Nairobi you have an opportunity to buy some lovely local handicrafts, or exchange some photographs with your group in the late afternoon, before enjoying your last safari evening together.
Day 19 Nairobi (B)
You are free to depart any time this day.


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Behind the Scenes on an EPIC Short Film, 'Canis Belli'
This is a guest post by filmmaker Robin Schmidt a.k.a. El Skid.
A couple of weeks ago I shot what I hope will be my last short film. The shoot began on the 4th of November, which ought to be significant for this readership in landing the day after those double announcements from Canon and RED. While the blogotwitosphere was declaring war on itself over which camera was bestest, we were going to war producing a film about war, on the camera everyone is now keen to get close to: the Epic. Suffice it to say, our interest in what the Epic could offer us was more than a little spiced up by these announcements. These are great times for indie filmmakers, or maybe they're not so good — I'd rather see filmmakers invest their cash in their productions than in the tools they make them with, but then I would say that, since that's exactly what we've done.
But before we get into all that, why bother making a short film in the first place? Lots of young filmmakers are choosing to go straight into features, learning everything they can in over-stretched budgets, over-compressed schedules, emerging battered and bruised the other side but energized by the fight. The honest truth is this: all but the tiniest fraction of these indie features are utter crap. Fine efforts given the circumstances but utter crap nonetheless. For a long time the accepted truth was that it was better to hire a director who'd done a feature than one who hadn't, regardless of how bad it was. Having the experience of a feature behind you is invaluable. I will never dispute that. However, there are more and more of us around these days, more competition for money, less money around and I'm pretty sure that what's going to matter now is accolades.
I've worked in production for ten years and with my long-term directing/producing partner Gez Medinger, touched nearly all the spheres of production it's possible to work in. We're highly experienced, highly diverse and, apparently, highly unfundable. Firstly, funding bodies discount any work you might have done outside of drama as evidence of nothing more than an interesting sideline. Secondly, they have no taste in the UK (a cursory glance beyond the headline triumphs reveals that they clearly haven't got a clue). Thirdly, we direct as a partnership, and that is as appealing as genital herpes to a funding body. The fact that film is a collaborative business relying as heavily on relationships as money seems to completely elude the good people of the funding mechanisms. They'd rather invest in a lonely soul toiling for bread in an attic garrett, pounding the keys of an old typewriter, than a solid, proven, directing partnership that has made a success of every genre its turned its hands to. In other words, it's tough right now, very tough, to get funding, of any kind.
Gez and I made the decision to commit hard to drama last year, working on a number of ultra low budget, fast turnaround projects to work out the kinks of what we did, try out a few things, and get crucial experience of working with actors. Don't kid yourself, drama is hard, very hard. We don't just want to be there or there abouts, we want to be really good. And we know the kind of work we want to be known for. And that brings us to Canis Belli, a script initially written in 2006 and then brought to life, mainly by Gez, in Spring 2011. We wanted to do a festival film, the kind of piece that would set us apart from the myriad DSLR indie filmmakers now popping up everywhere. We wanted to do a piece that demonstrated the kind of drama we value which is this: drama which delivers a nuclear payload of emotional destruction. We like films that really stick the knife in and make you feel something.
Canis Belli is a period piece, set in the trenches of WWI:
Instantly alarm bells start ringing. How on earth are we going to do this? And that's good. It's hard to do period and that's exactly why we wanted to do it. Short films always suffer from needing to establish a huge amount in a very short space of time which is why you invariably see films about breakups, holdups and kids. We didn't want to do any of that, but most people have seen a decent number of war films and, by a singular stroke of luck, Gez happened to find the perfect location in Ipswich. And he managed to find it for the perfect price. In terms of making an impact at festivals, shooting a period piece set in the first world war is probably not going to hurt us. As close as just four weeks before we actually shot, there was no guarantee that we actually were going to shoot. We had to decide on what camera we were going to shoot, who we were going to cast, what lenses we were going to use, how much we were prepared to spend on it. And much much more…
Stay tuned for more posts from Robin on the production of 'Canis Belli.'
I'm Robin Schmidt, also known in music video circles as El Skid. I'm a freelance director, editor and latterly cameraman, as well as doing all sorts of other bits and pieces like graphics and voiceovers. I've been working in music video, corporate and extreme sports up till now but my big love is drama, which is easily the toughest directing game to gain any kind of foothold in. Earlier this year I won the Bahamas 14 Islands Film Challenge and earned the right to work with Canon as a pro envoy for video and convergence (a fancy term for shooting on DSLRs). I was also named one of Moviescope Magazine's 'One to Watch.'
We're all here for the same reason: to better ourselves as writers, directors, cinematographers, producers, photographers... whatever our creative pursuit. Criticism is valuable as long as it is constructive, but personal attacks are grounds for deletion; you don't have to agree with us to learn something. We're all here to help each other, so thank you for adding to the conversation!
people might want to read about this too
Posting that, along with my own thoughts so far, now!
Seems like a cool project, but that is one of the most boring BTS ever.
yeah bts was meaning less. but I suppose that is what you get for instant bts. The film isn't even done yet (i'm guessing since they started shooting nov4) so the BTS is a far after thought. but should have cut it in half, cuz that is all I was wiling to watch.
Totally, all our energy went into making the film. However, if you check the title of the video it's called 'On-set' footage, not 'Behind the scenes.' I've made a ton of BTS films for the BBC and this is not anything of the sort. There's tons of 'on-set' footage on makingof.com and that's all we were after. I've seen plenty of this kind of 'meaningless' footage on commercial dvd's, and personally, I get a huge amount from it. I learn something completely different from simply watching people work than hearing them talk about their work.
Thanks for doing this. Personally I like the on set stuff. If the internet has become the arm chair film school then its important to have real footage like this, just as if you were standing there holding a cup of earl grey for the director. There's nothing to replace the purely observational experience but clips like this help. You get an idea of crew numbers, interaction, positioning, workflow and just how much time and effort it takes to get a few seconds of footage.
Not a very enlightening comment.
Seriously guys… it's the first in a series. Take it easy.
As Ryan says, this is the first in a series, if all you're interested in what settings we used on the EPIC then this probably isn't a post for you, but if you're interested in seeing how quickly we put together a period shoot then you might indeed get something out of it.
Got high hopes for this one, for sure. Both film, and Robin.
If anyone's interested, I'm also in post production on my period EPIC short film. Take a look for screenshots, behind the scenes, VFX tests: http://blog.stillfallstherain.com/
/shameless plug
Chad Hustlington on 12.13.11 @ 3:18PM
Shamless, yes. Yours looks like a sweet film though!
Panasonic AF300 S35mm on 12.13.11 @ 2:00PM
I like the dog .. lol
very nice production!!
James on 12.13.11 @ 3:20PM
As a novice to filmaking I found the behind the scenes (I hate fucking anagrams) to be very enlightening. Without there even being much cohesion to the edit for it I was able to learn quite a few things about productions of this nature. I wish more productions showed the raw work behind the production rather than some "edited with purpose" expose of what happens behind the lens. Good luck and hope your film turns out great.
Kevin on 12.14.11 @ 3:47AM
I agree, having very little experience myself the on set footage was interesting and I look forward to seeing how the film develops.
Thanks guys, I threw the edit together in about two seconds flat, and I'm glad it was of some use!
Is it just me or has nofilmschool started sounding like it's thumbing its nose at DSLR film shooters? Just saying : )
Derek on 12.13.11 @ 8:42PM
Looks great, can't wait to see the final product.
JC Monaghan on 12.13.11 @ 9:12PM
Being a DSLR film-maker surely isn't anyone's endgame? I know that my endgame is to be a film-maker, just a film-maker. Right now I'm (apparently) a DSLR film-maker because I'm limited by my available budgets, not because I want to be, but as soon as I can afford to I'll shoot on a camera which is designed to be filmed with.
It's a constant battle between me and my 7D to get a usable image, I have to limit myself creatively to avoid the flaws of filming with a camera not designed to be filmed with – aliasing, moire, rolling shutter, separate sound, etc.
It seems alien to me that someone would think that aspiring to greater things (I'm referring to shedding creative constraints, not buying fancier cameras!) is a bad thing?
c.d.embrey on 12.14.11 @ 12:55AM
Don't let other people define who you are. If have the chops, than you are a film-maker.
Andrew on 12.14.11 @ 2:40AM
errr, how is seperate sound a flaw??? isn't that the norm of high end work?
True, not so much a flaw as a challenge, but it's a pretty major one.
JC Monaghan on 12.14.11 @ 10:03AM
Yeah, sorry. I shouldn't have said that separate sound is a flaw, I should've said it's a massive pain in the arse.
On larger shoots you run dual system sound regardless. You can run it into the camera if you want, but the sound crew tends to want to have it to their own control, without any of the additional compressing or limiting that the camera may add.
And without a separate sound recording, we wouldn't have great bits like Christian Bale's behind the scenes freakout! :)
Why would you define yourself through technology? That seems at odds with being an artist. There are a few pros working with DSLR's who are producing some really nice stuff, Shane Hurlbut comes to mind and Danfung Dennis who was just nominated for an academy award.
There seems to be this prevailing attitude that in order to be a 'filmmaker' you need to upgrade to a non DSLR camera, this is wrong you need to upgrade your craft.
A part of this problem maybe that we just haven't seen that many examples of good filmmaking with DSLR's. Camera reviews and two minute clips on Vimeo don't really count but there are a few exceptions.
I don't think anyone should define themselves through technology… but in order to pick the best tool for the job (and use it correctly), you have to be educated about it. I still have my DSLR and am going to use that for some shoots… the RED for others. Neither "defines" me. And I think we've seen plenty of good DSLR films…
The 'best tool for the job' phrase is used a lot these days. I interpret this as the 'job' is paid and you have to select the right tool. So when I say there is a lack of DSLR films that are good examples of paid work I mean just this. Yes, there are plenty of nice clips on Vimeo that look beautiful but are you going to get paid to make them outside of companies like Kessler?
Of course my assumption is that most want to make a living as a filmmaker, but given the clips we celebrate and the obsession with gear, I feel that this message misleads people into thinking all you need is the latest equipment and a Vimeo account to make it. The reality is of course much different.
So of all the good DSLR films you have seen I'd like to know what was good about them and why? Were they good because they sold 1000 sliders? Were they good because they told a story, highlighted a social issue, evoked some emotion or visually developed a character? How did they get you closer to being a full time filmmaker?
They were good because they told a story well. Tiny Furniture, Rubber, Hell and Back Again, Like Crazy…
I guess it depends what you're looking for from the site. I've always enjoyed reading it because Ryan's development seems to be heading down the same path as mine, questioning the same kinds of things, looking for the same kinds of opportunities. DSLRs have been a massive bonus in terms of wringing the necks of our crippling budgets but I don't think it's wrong at all to talk about the next step, pushing forward and bridging the gap to more mainstream professional work. Don't get me wrong I love DSLRs and continue to shoot on them, but for this job, the camera was only as important as the script, the actors, the production design, the production management, the hair and makeup etc…. Not more, not less.
Ryan Elliott on 12.13.11 @ 6:46PM
It looks amazing! did a fantastic job doing the recreation
"I shot what I hope will be my last short film" – why? Many well known directors still shoot shorts because they realize how powerful the format can be.
Many believe that you aren't a true filmmaker until you shoot a feature, which is utter bull. You make a film for the story, and if the story demands a film of a feature length's duration then so be it – but if it doesn't then don't stretch it. Shorts aren't taken seriously enough, which is a shame – because it can be such a powerful medium.
Starting your article with "I shot what I hope will be my last short film" wasn't a good choice – rather contradictory actually,
Hi Kyle, you raise a very good point and it's worth addressing because it's a very real problem. I have no issue with the format at all, in fact I really like short form, it's challenging and liberating, but equally it's very frustrating. Pulling the funds together to shoot a piece that isn't just done on a wing and a prayer, that you actually have some control over, is a pretty painful business. We funded this one ourselves and I won't see any financial return on the outlay. None. That's absolutely fine, but I can't continue to self-fund. The funding schemes in the UK have all but disappeared in the last two years with only a very few projects seeing any large scale financial support, so you have to do it yourself. If I could make a career shooting short films then that would be fine, but really my career options are TV or feature films. I would take either. The counter argument is that, with all the gear we now have you should be able to shoot way more for way less. Yes. And no. The camera doesn't operate itself, you still need people and HR costs money. I refuse to ask people work for free. I'm perfectly capable of 'slumming' it shooting on a shoestring, but you know what, I've done it, and it was one of the most frustrating experiences of my life. I directed a one hour pilot for another production company last summer and, while learning a huge amount, the biggest lesson I learned is that I never ever want to work like that ever again.
So, starting my article with 'I shot what I hope will be my last short film' is no slight on the short film medium, merely a statement of intent regarding a career in which I hope to be earning a living doing what I love, not squeezing it in at weekends funded out of my own pocket. Far from being contradictory, I hope you see that this is a big gamble/investment in my own future, in which I can at least continue to work in drama.
I completely understand. But, hopefully, you won't brush off shorts forever – maybe once you've made it big you'll rediscover its power.
If advertisements never replaced cinema's supporting program then maybe shorts would have still been a viable investment/endeavor. Sad really.
Arnold on 12.14.11 @ 3:35AM
Great article.keep them coming.and yeah,i love the on set stuff of guys working than just people talking about their work!but then again,if they do show the work and talk about it,thats even better.May be a bit longer and boring to others but am sure a few of us will be well informed and educated.
"Secondly, they have no taste in the UK (a cursory glance beyond the headline triumphs reveals that they clearly haven't got a clue)."
Care to elaborate?
Let's start with this number. Cinema Extreme funded it, and while I don't have the exact budget, they were funding up to a maximum of £50k. First time I saw this was during a Film Council showcase on the best work they'd produced that year. I may just be a complete idiot but one of the criteria of this scheme was that it 'expects applicants to demonstrate how they will make a successful transition into cinematic storytelling, and how this film will enable them to take the step into directing features.'
Now, I'm not saying all the work they were involved in was ass, but so much of it was underwhelming I just got fed up of bothering to apply anymore.
I'd have to agree with this view – unfortunately. I've seen some really great stuff produced under various UKFC funding schemes, but I've also seen far too many horrendous wastes of money. God knows how they can justify the amount that was spent on the films produced under some of these schemes – the film Robin has highlighted served no 'cinematic storytelling' purpose and simply provided its director with an expensive music video showreel.
Admittedly, there may be some bias in my outlook as I've made many (unsuccessful!) applications for funding, and have also given up with that route. That may be telling me something, but it's best not to dwell on that possibility! Not wishing to self-promote, but if anyone does want a watch of our latest (£350) epic, it's here (and strong feedback is greatly appreciated!): http://alexrichardson.co.uk/project/the-ballad-of-byron-and-cole/
Robin – how are you planning to use this film once it's completed? Are you going down the festivals route? (and is this going to be detailed in another post…?)
Yeah, we definitely made the decision to play ball and do a 'festival' film, whatever that means. So, submitting to a select group of festivals with the aim of earning a few stripes along the way. There's no guarantees in any of this but it's just a necessary step to gaining cred. Hopefully I'll be able to persuade Koo to let me do an update if/when we pick up some laurels.
Anthony on 12.15.11 @ 4:13AM
Excellent post. I enjoyed the video too. Looking forward to updates.
After just making a very long short film myself (low and behold it ran so long we now have to plan on entering it as a feature in many festivals), I appreciate the struggle that you detailed; although I'm based in Brooklyn, NY, we had to really plan things out and stay inventive in order to raise some money and get things done. I understand your whole mentality, and it is quite frustrating out there. We initially wrote the film as a longer short, it read well as a shorter script and we thought it would clock in at around 30 mins or less, but it ended up running over (you never know I guess). Competing with higher-money features in US festivals can be tough, and since this is our first 'real' project (and our most ambitious), we though shorts were the way to go. Either way it's great when you are able to achieve something.
The fact that you are shooting on location and seem to be telling a different kind of story in your short (war, WWII), I am excited to see the outcome, also because of how legit everything looks and that camera can't hurt of course! The challenge of narrative in short form, as well as the period stuff, as well as everything else/problems too, will definitely keep helping you guys get better and better and more notice.
Anthony on 12.15.11 @ 4:14AM
Forgot to say that shorts deserve more respect! And this is a brave and exciting project. I think you can help people to take shorts really seriously too.
Good luck and all the best.
When you do this kind of film the first instinct is to default to Saving Private Ryan style. We didn;t do that and watching the first cut it felt like we really should have done. And yet, and yet, that's about the sound design, the editing and the bravery in sticking to the original vision and idea. We know the story's pretty good, but the edit has never felt so important with this one. We'll be posting a little teaser with the next post as I think it's important for people to see what exactly we were going for with the shot selection and the style in particular. Drama's really tough… but really rewarding too.
Huascar on 12.15.11 @ 7:02PM
Good job guys, all this work and all this posts keep me motivated!!!!
joe A on 12.18.11 @ 2:10AM
I also appreciate this. Thanks for posting. I guess since I enjoy production, and being a camera operator and a DP, I love the "on the set" environment, and appreciate when I see other filmmakers at work doing what they love doing, and working hard at achieving magic :)
Thanks for posting. I have a few questions.
1. What camera slider did you use for the shoot?
2. Did you shoot with the original Hawk V Anamorphics or the Lite version? And also did you shoot with the 1.3x squeeze or 2x and what are your impressions?
Thanks again!
3 pingbacks
- Behind the Scenes on 'Cannis Belli,' an EPIC Short Film (Part 2) - NoFilmSchool on 12.30.11 @ 11:35AM
- Canis Site | CANIS BELLI ON NOFILMSCHOOL on 04.25.12 @ 1:12PM
- Behind the Scenes on 'Canis Belli,' an EPIC Short Film (Part 3) - NoFilmSchool on 05.2.12 @ 1:27PM


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Have you ever realized how much you rely on electricity? You may not have if you haven't had to go without it due to a storm or perhaps because you weren't able to pay your electricity bill. So if you haven't had to go without it, why don't you walk through your day?
1. You wake up in the morning to your alarm clock that is plugged into the wall. This is probably most likely your phone which you definitely need charged.
2. You wash her hair then need to blow it dry and straighten it.
3. You run the dishwasher because you don't have any more clean bowls for your breakfast cereal.
4. You turn the lights on throughout the house while going through numbers 1, 2 and 3.
5. You grab your milk for your cereal from the refrigerator. (Hint: if you no longer have electricity open your fridge as little as possible so you can conserve the cool air in there.)
6. You plug your computer in at home or at work because there is no way you could work or watch your favorite television shows without your computer being fully charged.
7. You plug in the speakers to your iPod so you can listen to your music while you are working out at home after work.
8. You have your internet router and modem plugged into the wall so you can have internet and check your bank statement, pay your bills, etc.
9. You plug in your fan at night because you are super hot. You also have your air conditioning window unit plugged into the electricity as well.
10. And finally let us not forget all of the general things that are necessary to have plugged in: lamps, toaster, toaster oven, blender, television, etc.
My point being if you have a glitch with your electricity you are certainly going to be having a rough go of it. You don't want to go messing around with electricity because no one wants to be electrocuted. So what are your options? You can call an electrician specifically you call call Mahaffey Electrical Services. They do work from residential, commercial to industrial so no matter what your electrical needs Mahaffey is there help meet them.
Since we were talking about our home earlier than we will focus on the residential electrician services that Mahaffey provides. One of the best things they offer is their emergency electrical services. They are committed to providing folks with the fasted response time there is to ensure that you aren't left in the dark or cold for too long. They understand how important electricity is for our well being and so they want to make sure that you don't go too long without it. They also understand how dangerous it can be for someone who doesn't know anything about electricity to mess around with it. Don't make a fuss and just give Mahaffey a call. They will get to you in enough time that you won't have to worry about being completely inconvenienced though they know that not having electricity in and of itself is an inconvenience. So call Mahaffey today!


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The San Francisco Giants started the 2012 season 0-3 because of poor-to-awful starting pitching. Tim Lincecum was roughed up in his Opening Day start. Madison Bumgarner couldn't make it through five innings. Matt Cain was spotted a 6-0 lead, and ended up with a no-decision. That left it up to Barry Zito, scheduled to pitch against the Colorado Rockies in Coors Field. Sure.
Zito was masterful, throwing the first complete-game shutout of the 2012 Major League Baseball season. I don't think anyone had Zito in the first-complete-game-shutout pool, but it's like Mega Millions, and the pot just rolls over for the next one.
Zito didn't allow a walk for the first time in a start since last July, and he pitched the 19th shutout in Coors Field history. It was the first by a Giants pitcher in Coors Field, and it was the first shutout for Zito since April 18, 2003. It's not like this gets less weird with more factoids. It just gets weirder.
Manager Bruce Bochy let Zito go out for the ninth inning despite a pitch count over 100, and Zito finished the game with 114 pitches, nine of which went for swinging strikes. The Rockies got a runner to second base three times, but no farther.
It's April. We're four games into the 2012 season. This is your early reminder that you have absolutely no idea what baseball is up to. Barry Zito threw a shutout at Coors Field. I think if Todd Coffey hits for the cycle, the Rapture begins. It was a good run we had, humanity.


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Pictures: Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights through the years
Image 1 of 167
Halloween( Universal Orlando / August 29, 2014 )
"Halloween" is coming to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida. The 1978 slasher film, directed by John Carpenter, will be the basis of a haunted house at this year's Horror Nights, Universal Orlando said late Wednesday. The movie is known for introducing the character of Michael Myers, a masked mass murderer.


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Dr. Remi Creusot, PhD
Dr Remi Creusot is an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine and principal investigator at the Columbia Center for Translational Immunology and the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center. Dr Creusot obtained his BS degree in Biochemistry and MS degree in Microbiology from the University of Nancy (France), and received his PhD in Immunology from the University of London at University College London (UK). He subsequently trained at Stanford University, where he was consecutively postdoctoral fellow, research associate and instructor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology. Dr Creusot's research interests revolve around the pathogenesis and prevention of Type I Diabetes. He and his group study how gene dysregulations and environmental factors impact the progression of this disease and design new strategies to restore immune tolerance and block autoimmunity through basic research, preclinical studies using mouse models and translational studies using patient samples.


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All issues of Inside Integrative Medicine are in PDF format.
- February Step up to Exercise!
- January Bite by Bite: Shopping Tips for Cancer Prevention and Optimal Health
- December Compassion and Cancer Care: A Strong Back and a Soft Front
- November How Can Acupuncture Complement Your Treatment?
- October Nutrigenomics: The Future of Personalized Nutrition in Cancer Prevention and Treatment
- September Expanding Services to Improve Outcomes
- August Cancer Patients Tune in to Music Therapy
- July Spirituality and the Cancer Patient
- June The Comprehensive Lifestyle Study: Examining an Integrative Oncology Approach
- May Manage Your Stress Before It Manages You
- April Environmental Factors and Breast Cancer
- February Let Food be Your Medicine: Diet and Cancer Prevention
- January Six Tips for Finding a Qualified Oncology Massage Therapist
- December: Tai Chi – Moving Meditation to Improve Quality of Life
- November: The Role of Soy Food and Breast Cancer
- October: Mindful Eating: Cultivating Your Inner Gourmet
- September: Center Welcomes Two New Team Members
- August: Cancer Survivors Should Keep Moving
- July: Talk to Your Medical Team About Complementary and Alternative Medicines
- June: Depression and the Importance of Mood
- May: Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Their Role in Cancer Prevention and Treatment
- April: Medical Hypnosis Demystified
- March: Whole Foods or Supplements?
- February: Meditation reduces stress and cultivates inner peace and well-being
- January: The Power of Touch: Oncology Massage
- August/September
- June/July
- April/May
- February/March
- December/January


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Narrow your search
Lenovo's first LTE smartphone comes packed with high-end features, including a 5MP front-facing camera.
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Don't call this a phone -- despite its phone-like shape and voice-calling capabilities, the Panasonic insists that it's a slate.
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With its powerful processor, great camera, decent screen and gorgeous, waterproof design, the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact is the best small Android phone around.
The Xperia Z1S is the most impressive smartphone Sony has ever sold on any carrier, but an inferior screen makes Samsung's Galaxy handsets better deals.
The Sony Z Ultra Google Play Edition's insanely large size and stratospheric price make the Nexus 5 and Note 3 better options for pure Android power.
With its aluminium body, high-quality digital audio amplifier, and ability to play lossless audio files, the Sony NWZ-Z10 is an MP3 player for the dedicated audiophile that demands top-quality sound.
Sony's flagship Xperia Z1 packs a Full HD display, a quad-core processor, and a whopping 20.7-megapixel camera into a waterproof body and wraps it in an aluminium frame.
For iPhone photographers who want to get closer to the world around you, this is the lens to do it with.
There may be no Android, but Samsung's Z phone running its in-house Tizen operating system looks enough like the Galaxy S5's custom interface to easily get around.
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Some first impressions of the company's new compact, least expensive interchangeable-lens camera.


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Matt Cain is a good pitcher, but he has a weakness: giving up home runs to the Cincinnati Reds. He allowed four in 13 innings during two regular-season contests against the Reds, and in Game 1 of the NLDS, Cain has allowed two booming home runs. Jay Bruce hit a solo homer in the top of the fourth, putting the Reds up 3-0.
After missing with a first-pitch change-up, Cain came back with a change-up that caught a little too much of the plate with the second pitch. Bruce hit it into the right-center field power alley -- 420 feet at its deepest, with a 24-foot high wall. It cleared the wall easily.
The Giants will have to come back against their arch-nemesis Mat Latos, whom they know from his years in San Diego, and who owns the second-lowest career ERA at AT&T Park, behind only Clayton Kershaw. He also looks like a thumb with bleached hair.


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Seattle Mariners — Jarrod Washburn
This is actually challenging, because the prompt asks for a target of irrational hatred, hatred unrelated to performance, and not only do I not really hate players on sports teams, but the closest I come to hatred is generally reserved for those with lackluster performances. I mean, I don't think I've ever hated a Mariner the way I hated Carlos Silva, but Carlos Silva was f***ing terrible.
The name I'm going to put out there is Jarrod Washburn. I just never got on board with the whole Jarrod Washburn thing. I didn't like Ryan Franklin at all, because I don't think we'd get along in person, but he was mostly inoffensive. I didn't like Miguel Batista at all, but he didn't perform and he also took forever to pitch. Hence Washburn. Washburn posted a 104 ERA+ as a Mariner so he wasn't a bad pitcher, but I remember hating the contract at the time, I remember hating the message of the contract, and I remember thinking that Washburn came across as a real douche. Plus, there were accusations of some unseemly off-field conduct that I don't feel like getting into but that no one to my knowledge has ever categorically denied. But these aren't irrational reasons! I had rational reasons for not liking Jarrod Washburn! Is it too late to say "pass"?
—Jeff Sullivan
For more Mariners coverage, please visit SB Nation's Lookout Landing.
Texas Rangers — Nobody?
I've given this some thought, and I can't really come up with any Rangers player that I just irrationally hated. There are players whose tenures with the Rangers still make me cringe and say obscene things, but even for those players there is a particular motivation behind the loathing. Chan Ho Park, for example, was a disaster as a Ranger, a guy who was signed to a big-money (at the time) contract to be the Rangers' long-desired ace, and was hurt and terrible while here, and I celebrated his departure, but that antipathy was performance-related.
Similarly, Roy Oswalt this past season left a terrible impression, and I can't wait until he's gone, but it is because he's been lousy and a grouch. Joaquin Arias might be the closest thing to a real choice here, but even with Arias, the frustration was over the fact that 1) he was the "prize" of the Alex Rodriguez trade when we paid the Yankees to take the best player in baseball from us, 2) the Rangers could have taken Robinson Cano instead of Arias, but preferred Arias, and 3) the Rangers kept him around despite not having any discernible baseball skills.
—Adam Morris
For more Rangers coverage, please visit SB Nation's Lone Star Ball.
Oakland Athletics — Bobby Crosby
Many A's fans will always have a special place in our hearts for Bobby Crosby. Unfortunately, that place is where all the things we loathe go. Crosby burst onto the scene as the A's shortstop of the future in 2004. It was his presence that allowed the A's to not pursue league MVP and fan favorite Miguel Tejada, even though Tejada had publicly said that he wanted to return to the A's and would even give them a hometown discount. Crosby softened the blow of losing Tejada, and at the start it looked like he might meet the lofty expectations set for him. He won the AL Rookie of the Year award in his first season, albeit with a rather mediocre season as far as ROYs go, and without much real competition for the prize. It was the following year, however, that Crosby's fate was ultimately sealed.
Crosby performed marvelously in 2005, putting up a .349 wOBA, which is a pretty big deal for a shortstop. But there was a catch: Crosby would be a frequent visitor to the disabled list and would wind up with only 371 plate appearances. Crosby then followed his great partial season with four worse-than-mediocre seasons. He was bad. Very bad. And yet, time and again he would land himself on the disabled list, giving false hope to fans who hoped Crosby would return to his once-great self when he was finally healthy.
Good health eventually returned for Crosby in 2008 when he finally made it through a full season. Unfortunately for Crosby and the A's, he was also horrible, so much so that fans were actually hoping for an injury so that, well, anyone could take his spot up the middle. Crosby's healthy season drained all hope anyone had left for the guy. Crosby played a partial season with the A's in 2009, but by that point it was clear that he was going to be gone sooner rather than later.
The hope that Crosby generated at the beginning of his career while replacing the jettisoned star and fan favorite Tejada placed considerable expectations on him, expectations which he simply couldn't deliver on. It was that feeling of letdown, of betrayal of expectations, that led Crosby to become one of the most hated A's players in recent memory.
—Shane Higginbotham
For more Athletics coverage, please visit SB Nation's Athletics Nation.
Los Angeles Angels — Jim Edmonds
I have always held an irrational hatred for former Angels great Jim Edmonds. Watching him sitting in the stands in 2002 instead of being on the field was my most satisfying moment as a spectator. When he won a World Series ring with the Cardinals in 2006 I was not happy, although that feeling was mitigated by David Eckstein and Scott Spiezio receiving their rings.
My hatred of Edmonds stems from reports in the LA Times after the 1998 season of how he selfishly ignored suggestions that he become more enmeshed in the clubhouse during that season's September pennant chase. The Angels were very close very late, a rare thing for them then. Reports about his selfish nature leaked out and spread like wildfire. It was the rare instance of the mainstream media actually doing some reporting on the inner sanctum to which they alone had access.
Of course, the goal of trading Edmonds and not suffering a public relations blow may have inspired Angels management to green-light these reports. I am not under any delusion that the quid pro quo between press box seats and kissing ass to team management are anything less than the norm. Regardless of the source, the detailed coverage of Jimmy Showboat's selfishness on and off the field enraged me. When he was traded for Adam Kennedy I took an unusually passionate advocacy of the trade and of Kennedy himself. Over the years Jimmy Showboat's ego has betrayed his public persona enough times that the small tarnish on his legacy leaves me satisfied that my emotions were in the right place.
—Mat Gleason
For more Angels coverage, please visit SB Nation's Halos Heaven.


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Steven Paul Martinez, 59, of Big Spring, died Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011, in a local hospital. His services are pending with Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring.
Big Spring girls' track coach Nick Roberson can't hide the excitement when he talks about the team he has this year.
There's talent across the board and a good mix of youth and experience.
"Our expectations for our team this year are at the highest level," Roberson said. "I have one expectation for this team and that's to be very successful. For years, I've been building. I haven't had any senior leadership or any leaders to speak up. Now my young ones have grown up, and I've got some young ones behind them."
Western Texas had nothing to play for in Thursday's matchup against Howard College in Dorothy Garrett Coliseum.
Sometimes those are the most dangerous teams.
The Hawks' comeback was a little too late as they fell to the Lady Westerners 55-53 in WJCAC action.
More importantly, the loss ties Howard with New Mexico Junior College for the fourth and final spot for the Region V Tournament. Both teams are at 5-5.
In an effort to make up for an anticipated budget shortfall, Big Spring public school officials are offering personnel a de facto early resignation bonus.
Any Big Spring Independent School District employee who announces his or her resignation prior to March 1 will receive a one-time payment of $1,000, BSISD Chief Financial Officer Sandra Waggoner said.
Mike Eggleston had lots of stories from his days as a Texas peace officer, but it took a nudge from his wife to put those stories on paper.
Eggleston, whose career in law enforcement included a stint with the Big Spring Police Department, was at the Heritage Museum Wednesday to sign copies of "Distorted Pillars," a fictionalized account of some of the events in his career.
Written under his pen name, Mike McKee, the book follows the career of Mike Evans, who strikes out at anything he considers unethical, unfair or unpatriotic.
Mark your calendars, numerous events are coming up in the next two months. Upcoming events were the main focus of the Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce board's meeting Wednesday.
The Big Spring Police Department reported the following activity between 7 a.m. Wednesday and 7 a.m. today:
• RICKY BOB YANEZ, 25, of 1302 Sycamore, was arrested Wednesday on a warrant from another agency and a warrant for resisting arrest, search or transportation.
• ZACKARY BENNETT WATKINS, 25, of 908 Mountain Park, was arrested Wednesday on warrants for expired license plate and failure to appear.
• JACOB DANIEL PETROWSKI, 21, of 2803 Apache, was arrested Wednesday on a warrant from another agency.
Cory Lee Puga, 19, of Big Spring died Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, at University Medical Center in Lubbock. Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at Myers & Smith Chapel. Funeral mass will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with burial at Trinity Memorial Park.
Sandra De La Garza Ramirez, 44, of Big Spring died Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011, at Midland Memorial Hospital. Vigil services will be at 4 p.m. Thursday at Myers & Smith Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
ACKERLY — School trustees here will decide whether to call for a May 14 bond election when they hold their monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday in the district board room.
Trustees will explore two possible bond options during the meeting. The first would ask voters for $1 million to upgrade the campus' heating and cooling systems, while the second option would be for $2 million, which would pay for the HVAC upgrades, three new buses and a new track surface.
Superintendent Wayne Blount said trustees would discuss both options Thursday.


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I upload a picture taken on my Nokia Serie 60 (3620) into a server, but the picture quality is too bad.
Can I improve picture quality ?
The mmapi documentation says that I can with parameters in the sentence
but when I try it, throws an exception.
Can anybody help me ?