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Friday, November 1, 2013
The HorrorDads Carrie On, And On...
If you're like me, you might be bummed to wake up today to find yourself on the other side of Halloween for another year. To blunt those blues, why not join myself and the rest of the HorrorDads for a lengthy discussion of all things Carrie?
Head HorrorDad Richard Harland Smith recently reassembled the gang - Dennis Cozzalio, Greg Ferrara, Paul Gaita, Nicholas McCarthy, and myself - for a roundtable talk about not just Brian DePalma's 1976 horror hit but also King's novel, the 1999 sequel The Rage: Carrie 2, the 2002 TV miniseries starring Angela Bettis, the new theatrical remake, and Carrie's precursors in film and literature.
It was a discussion so sprawling, it had to be split into two parts.
Click here for Part 1 and here for Part 2. Give it a read, won't you?
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Trick or Trailers: Prince of Darkness (1987)
Oh, what a trailer this is - what I wouldn't give to see something this promising coming soon to theaters! Also, why can't every trailer have the movie's title smashing through glass at the end?
If they did, I'd see a lot more movies, I'll tell you that!
By now it's probably not fair to describe John Carpenter's Prince of Darkness as underrated as its reputation as one of John Carpenter's finest films seems well established. In 1987 I remember being soooo excited for Carpenter's return to horror. This was the first Carpenter horror film I was able to see in theaters and it did not disappoint.
Released on October 23rd, 1987, this was not the sleeper hit that Halloween had been but it did respectable business and it marked a commercial bounce back for Carpenter.
For me, this is in the very upper ranks of Carpenter's films. I love the mood, the gonzo ideas, the funky, truly ghastly gore, and the amazing score by Carpenter and frequent collaborator Alan Howarth (not as iconic as Halloween's but every bit as good). A great cast here, too, with Carpenter reuniting one last time with both Donald Pleasence and Victor Wong.
Being that it's Halloween and I have many things to do, I don't have time for a long post. Then again, after 31 posts this month I've probably already said too much! To anyone who's stuck around with me this October, I hope it was a kick to spend time reminiscing about the Halloween releases of years past - some of them classics, some of them, ehhh, not so classic, but all were fun to look back on.
Here's hoping for a great crop of new horror next October!
Have a happy and safe Halloween, everyone!
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Trick or Trailers: Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)
The fact that this year marks the 35th anniversary of John Carpenter's Halloween has been just cause for celebration. However, the fact that this year also marks the 25th anniversary of Halloween 4 hasn't gotten nearly as much notice. Subtitled The Return of Michael Myers, this was an effort on the part of Moustapha Akkad to save the series, after the Michael Myers-free Halloween III: Season of the Witch had been roundly rejected.
From a commercial standpoint, going back to basics was an excellent call on Akkad's part and while subsequent entries might've made fans wish that Michael could be permanently retired, 4 was a very good effort all around. For me, it's the pinnacle of the Myers sequels. Director Dwight Little is no John Carpenter but he did an admirable job just the same. The atmosphere is dead on, the suspense is effective, and there's a clear reverence for the original.
Alan McElroy's script picks up where II left off, building on the familial aspects that Carpenter's screenplay introduced in II, but without burdening his screenplay with the kind of mystical mumbo-jumbo that 5 & 6 went for. And the cast is terrific, populated with a set of genuinely likeable young protagonists (why Ellie Cornell's career never took off, I don't get) and topped by the irreplaceable Donald Pleasence.
I'm predisposed to having fond memories of 4 because it was the first installment of the series I was able to see in the theater but I think by any objective standard this remains the gold standard of the series. If they were going to continue the saga of Michael Myers, this showed how to do it right and bringing back Pleasence as Loomis was the real masterstroke. While it would've been easy to leave the character dead, having Loomis miraculously survive an explosion that should've reduced him to ash was the smartest decision anyone involved in this film made, giving it a stamp of legitimacy. As soon as you saw Pleasence ranting about Michael in the trailers and TV spots for this, you knew Halloween was on again.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Trick or Trailers: Halloween II (1981)
It's funny to look at this trailer and remember a time when sequels were still a novelty. Now they're so common but in the early '80s, it was actually something of a surprise when slasher sequels started to arrive because as far as horror goes, sequels were usually reserved for the likes of blockbusters like Jaws, The Omen or The Exorcist.
I hadn't seen the original Halloween by the time II came out but I remember being excited that they made another one as it just seemed like a big deal - and the trailers and TV spots successfully terrified me.
Somehow I had missed seeing much in the way of promotion for Halloween when it was first released. My only exposure to the marketing to that film was through posters and newspaper ads. Really, what creeped me out the most to do with Halloween was the cover of the novelization.
But when Halloween II came out, maybe because it was a heavily hyped major studio release, it was impossible to avoid previews. As a kid, it was the shot of Michael Myers walking down the stairs that really stuck with me for some reason.
The low angle, the way the mask looked, it all just freaked me out.
In some ways, they screwed up Michael's mask in this movie; they just weren't able to recreate the original look but I still like what they came up with. Michael's mask has changed much throughout the course of the Halloween films but I'd rank this look just behind the original's.
Most would say the same about the movie itself but personally I don't think it's the next best Halloween. If anything, I hold something of a grudge against it as I feel like it started the franchise on the road to ruin by making Michael into Laurie's brother and then introducing all the Samhain nonsense. Those developments opened the door to all the ways the series would continue to go wrong.
The ads for Halloween II promised "More Of The Night He Came Home" but as much as I've enjoyed many of the Halloween entries, I think this movie proved that, in the end, sometimes less is more.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Trick or Trailers: Trick or Treat (1986)
Here's a film that could've only been spawned in the '80s, at the height of heavy metal hysteria. Two of the most popular scapegoats parents and authorities turned to when looking to assign blame for bad behavior among teens were heavy metal and horror movies so why not make a horror movie that revolved around heavy metal?
Of course, the problem with Trick or Treat is that it made metal out to be the bad influence that it was accused of being - even going along with that corny old cliché about discovering hidden messages by playing records backwards. So right from the start, Trick or Treat was tone-deaf to the audience it was trying to appeal to.
Released on October 24th, 1986, Trick or Treat failed to make undead rocker Sammi Curr into a household name, even in houses with FANGORIA subscriptions. What the makers of Trick or Treat didn't realize was that in 1986, horror already had a huge rock star on the rise - and his name was Freddy Krueger.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Trick or Trailers: Paranormal Activity (2009)
People often ask whether today's horror movies can ever have the seismic impact of a movie like The Exorcist (1973). In fact, just the other day Badass Digest was asking that exact question in this post.
First, you have to ask if any movie in general could ever have the same impact as movies once did. There are still popular movies today, obviously, that have a "can't miss" quality to them but it's different now. A movie like Gravity is huge by today's standards, most everyone who sees it raves about it, and it's maintaining its hold at the box office but had it been released in the '70s, or even into the '90s, however, it'd be a true phenomenon with lines around the block.
Our culture is just too splintered now for a movie - or, really, I think anything - to be such a focal point anymore. Not only is there so much out there pulling people's attention in different directions but specifically with films, the way we watch them has changed so much. I'm old enough to remember a time before cable and VHS when, if you wanted to see a movie, you had to go to the theaters.
When I was a kid, once something like Raiders of the Lost Ark had left the theaters, that was it - you couldn't see it again until it ran on ABC or something. And that would be a few years down the line, pan and scan (not that most knew what to call it then), and cut up with commercials. Even then, that would still rate as a big deal and you knew that on the schoolyard the next day, everyone would have watched it.
Now, if you don't see a movie in the theater, you know you can get through Redbox or Netflix or whatever just a few months down the line. Of course, that's if you haven't downloaded it illegally while the movie's still in theaters. There's more access to movies, from multiple venues, so the need to see them on the big screen and be a part of a cultural moment, is not the factor that it used to be.
Also, even if people were still going to the theater in the same volume they used to, digital projection means that theaters can have multiple screenings in a way that didn't used to be possible. During the '80s, I remember standing in long lines for every single big movie that came out. As much of an imposition as that was, it always made them all seem like true events - every Indiana Jones, every Star Wars, every Star Trek, Ghostbusters, you name it.
That's because my local theater had just one print of a film, maybe two. Usually it'd be one print that would have to be interlocked between two houses so the screenings would be set ten minutes apart so things would always be mobbed for blockbuster films. Today, sold out shows are practically unheard of because if they think a movie's going to be big enough it's booked into four or five houses with showings spaced every half hour or forty five minutes.
But back to horror - can a movie still wipe people out like The Exorcist did? Eh, yes and no. The reasons why it's tougher for a movie to have that kind of impact are multifold. One, someone has to actually make a movie as good as The Exorcist and that happens very, very rarely. Two, audiences are more jaded and more sophisticated. Not sophisticated as in smart because people now are dumber than they've ever been but sophisticated in the sense that they've seen so many taboos broken by now and special effects aren't mystifying in the way that they used to be. Add to that the fact that people are just bigger douches now and less inclined to give a movie their full attention and you've got a climate where, more than ever, horror movies have their work cut out for them.
All that said, I'm reassured by the impact horror can still have. I think it's kind of a miracle, really. Over the summer, The Conjuring was a big hit and it was generally agreed to be effectively scary. For seasoned horror fans, it was kind of lightweight, yes, but what's interesting and encouraging about The Conjuring's popularity is how old-fashioned its approach was. Nothing explicit, no FX to speak of, just things that go bump in the night and I find it heartening that there's still a big audience that's receptive to that kind of fright.
In 2009, I felt similarly encouraged by Paranormal Activity's success. What Oren Peli's film proved was that you could still scare an audience with very little. Sure, not everyone will be affected equally but that's always been true. I had an uncle who saw The Exorcist in theaters back when it came out and found it laughable.
The magic of movies, horror movies specifically, is that there's a suspension of disbelief involved. For them to work, it requires that we set aside the part of our brain that tells us it's just a movie. It may be that fewer people are able to, or care to, make that leap than there used to be but when a movie like Paranormal Activity does succeed, it's because, like the best classic horror movies, it invites people to stop being jaded smart-alecks and just scream.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Trick or Trailers: Saw 3D (2010)
Whether you like the Saw films or not, there's no arguing that the Saw series has earned its place in horror history. Over seven films, it became the first major horror franchise of the new millennium.
Honestly, they never did much for me - although I give credit to 2006's Saw III for actually making me feel physically ill at a horror movie for the first time in forever and 2009's Saw VI for weaving an intriguingly topical health insurance angle into the Jigsaw saga. Then there's 2010's Saw 3D, which gave the series a big 3D send off.
Saw 3D definitely had the coolest trailer for any of the Saws, pouring on some extra cheese in order to exploit the 3D. I didn't love it as much as the trailer for the My Bloody Valentine remake...
...but it's good.
Even though it was only three years ago, the content of Saw 3D has pretty much passed from my memory. Still love the trailer, though!
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Dear Friend,
We met during an embarrassing time of my life, but I could say the same to you. I remember I was envious of your hair sooooo much. But that's probably why I gave it to you. The same about your wardrobe. Sorry about that. Hope you like your shirt though, it's kinda symbolic though! I thought it'd be kinda cool to keep it (even though it looks like Blink-182, I didn't even realize that). Besides, I think it suits you.
I'm sorry I haven't drawn you much at all the past few years. I promise I haven't forgotten you. We're like Andy and Woody. You're still always my favorite, and you mean the most to me. I've grown up a lot, I've completed high school. But you know that already don't you? I mean, you've been on nearly all my tests and notebooks. I miss drawing you. Now all I can do is.. doodles and sketches.. and commission other people to draw you, but it's not the same. They don't draw you the way I do. They don't see you the way I do. They don't know you the way I do. I wish I could do full art of you again. I really miss it. I'm so caught up with commissions now. It's funny.. back when you dominated my gallery, I could barely get commissions. Maybe for points.. but now, it's unbelievable how far I've come. I know you're proud. I wanted to thank you though. I would've never gotten this far. I probably wouldn't even be an artist if it weren't for you. You opened my imagination. You gave me the opportunity to become an artist. You were my tortured test subject for years as I practiced drawing daily.
I look back and laugh at how goofy I made you look. But look at you now. It's unbelievable how much you've changed, but stayed my same ole emo-lookin fox boy, You went through as many bad phases as I did. Remember when you were a trap? I drew you in skirts and all that shit. Hahah, the girls loved it though. You were cute. You still are cute. Cute, handsome, whatever you like being called, or drawn so to speak.
It's been 9 years. It feels like a long time to be with someone. I'm glad I never let you go. I'm glad I never let you fade out and become forgotten like the rest. I could never forget you though. Ever. You've always been there. Through my best and worst times. You were there to listen to my problems and catch my tears under my pencil. You listening to everything that was never said, because you knew it all, you felt it all.
You were happy when I was, you helped me improve, you helped me meet amazing people and make friends. People love you, but not as much as I do. You mean a lot to me. I wish you could read this. I wish I could hear a response. I wish you knew how much you meant to me. I don't care what other people think or say, you're not just a character to me, Enro. Happy Birthday.
TL;DR it's enro's birthday. here's a compilation to celebrate (ones you guys prob already saw)

subset: commoncrawl


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One-month anniversary of my blog! First class delivery today for all my friends and followers around the globe who posted comments and wrote me emails to tell me how much they appreciate my work: a thank you card fashion illustration featuring Italian Vespa.
In any colour, it's my favourite scooter! Yours?


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WordFax 2.0
Faxing from Word has never been so easy with WordFax. Finally, an add-on for Word automates faxing using any fax program on the market. WordFax automates faxing and printing hard copies all within Word for Windows. With the included professionally designed fax templates, you can create custom faxes that get results. WordFax is the bridge between Microsoft Word and your fax software -- making faxing just a button-click away.
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CD and DVD Jewel Case and Label Creator for Word 3.8
Now you can create your own beautiful and professional CD Jewel Cases and CD Labels in just minutes! Perfect for business, home, or hobby. Works with any type of paper or CD label including centered label sheets. Making Jewel Cases and Labels has never been so quick and easy! It's easy to make both front and rear CD Jewel Case Covers with Side Spines, CD Booklets, as well as CD Labels -- all in one package! This program can also make DVD labels!
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NEW! Business Card Creator version 3.2 for Word for Windows and Macintosh is a complete do-it-yourself package. Easily create beautiful, full-color, professional business cards in just minutes. Create a design that suits you and your business, the way you want when you want it and when you need them! It's easy to create as many or as few as you need! Easily add customized logos, graphics, scanned pictures and so much more to your business cards!
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WinFax Pro Automator for Word 2.0
The One-Click Faxing Solution for WinFax and Word. Faxing has never been so easy or convenient! With this tool, let Word harness the power of WinFax Pro. Save time and boost productivity with one-click, professional faxing. The WinFax Pro Automator takes full advantage of WinFax Pro's vast capabilities directly from Word. Automatically send WinFax the recipient, fax number, subject, cover page and more -- right from any Word document.
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Create professional looking Zip Disk Jewel Cases and ZIP Disk Labels in minutes with this handy utility! Imagine -- with little or no artistic skill, anyone can produce astounding cases and labels for home, professional, or business use. Great for any business and so easy to use -- anyone can use it! Save yourself the hassle of paying expensive setup costs at your local printer -- do it in house and better -- and save hundreds! Try it today!
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CreateCDLabels 4.0
Now you can create your own beautiful and professional CD and DVD Jewel Cases and CD Labels (and even MP3 or Video CD labels) in just minutes! Say goodbye to the handwritten marker look. Forget expensive graphics programs. With the CD and DVD Jewel Case and Label Creator by CreateCDLabels.com, you can have professional labels without the expense of a graphic designer. Our tool is perfect for business, home, or hobby.
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Word Doc to PDF Batch Convert Multiple Files Software 7.0
Convert (create) numerous MS Word Documents into PDF format without Adobe Acrobat.
See also: document, converting, create, save, microsoft, conversion, export, import, exporting, importing, exported, imported, make, free, hundreds, converter, numerous, many, format, printer, printable, source, destination, adobe, make, office, suites, 2003, 2000, sheets, worksheets, books, workbooks, acrobat, process, application, from, processing, solution, print, printing, macro, distribute, docs, creation, mass, massive, folder, word2pdf, doc2pdf, editor, alternative, distiller, saving, creating, output, input, filename, exporting, winword, convertor, wizard, maker, auto, automatic, automatically, into, 2002, covering, postscript, post, script, conv, converted, change, changing, portable, hundreds, free, creator, saver, creater, open, opening, ghostscript, ghost, bulk, Word Document into PDF Files Convert Doc to PDF For Word is the fast, affordable way to create professional-quality documents in the popular PDF file format, a PDF into Word, it generates - random strings from the PDF into Word, but nothing else. (Same for RTF) When I re-generate, specific Thank you, Joe If Adobe Acrobat is installed "after" Word, it automatically makes Word contain a "create PDF" button., PDF is created with the Convert to Adobe DF macro in Word 2002, Word Print Preview, Word for Windows does not have a built-in ability to convert files to .pdf format I would like know how to convert word document to pdf file, hundreds of PostScript files to PDF doesn't need the SDK at all, you can use watched folders in Distiller. That leaves converting the Word document to, converting a word documents to pdf, the page structure is never kept I am using Acrobat 5.0 printing the word document in
MS Word Backup File Auto Save Software 7.0
Use this software to automatically save all open Word documents to a separate backup file at a interval that you define. Backups can be set to occur every 5 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, etc. This application sits in the system tray at the bottom right corner of your screen which makes it not intrusive and convenient.
See also: automatic, automatically, doc, documents, files, options, back, copies, backing up, autorecover, autosave, autosaving, recovery, create, make, auto-save, location, different, folder, path, directory, protect, always create backup copy, can not open, can't, 2000, 2003, 2002, back-up, drive, temp, temporary, undo, problem, data, losing, changes, corrupt, always, work, feature, saved, mistake, earlier, version, msword, microsoft, ms word, winword, background, recovering, help, guide, problems, overwrite, saved-over, backuped, backuping, autorecovering, interval, similar, excel, processor, errors, changing, renaming, rename, relocate, crash, macro, getting, every, seconds, hours, minutes, option, unwanted, where, generate, not working, filename, actually
Word Password Recovery 1.0M
Word Password Recovery is a program to recover lost or forgotten passwords to the Microsoft Word 2003/2002/2000/97/95 documents protected with password for open. The program supports the "brute-force" attack, dictionary-based attack and dramatically fastest "Booost-Up" attack. The program automatically saves password searching state and can resume an interrupted attack (after a stop, crash, etc.)
See also: word, winword, password recovery, word password recovery, word password craker, lost password, lost word password, forgotten word password, forgotten password, word document, doc


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JONAH Co-Founder Arthur Goldberg Convicted Felon
Arthur Goldberg, head of Jews Offering New Alternatives to Homosexuality (JONAH), apparently has a hard time breaking old habits – he co-founded the Jewish ex-gay organization a month after he completed parole as part of his sentence for perpetrating fraud.
A 1991 New York Times article tells us:
Arthur Abba Goldberg, the former executive vice president for Matthews & Wright who arranged the bond transaction, was sentenced to 18 months in prison. He had pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and fraud.
The victims of the fraud in this case were entire communities – East St. Louis, Illinois and Guam. At the time of the article's publication, East St. Louis was described as "impoverished" and for years had been "bankrupt." Residents of both were hoping that the investment firm of Matthews & Wright would provide rejuvenation.
Help never came but Goldberg and his associates managed to bring in millions of dollars in profits. As part of the sentence, a judge ordered the defendants to pay East St. Louis a total sum of $7 million, which was placed in a special fund to be used for the city's benefit. The citizens of Guam never received any repayment or the promised benefits. The scandal rocked the (then) $2B municipal bond market with a late 80s version of Bernie Madoff.
Goldberg dropped the "Abba" in his name and co-founded JONAH in 1999, usually opting for just the middle initial. However, in what seems too coincidental to be such, the longstanding "Arthur A. Goldberg" in the Wikipedia article about JONAH was changed to "Arthur Avrum Goldberg" on February 8th. The editor goes by the name of Ann Jonah.
Avrum is Yiddish for Abraham, which in turn means "father of nations" or father in general to the Jews. Abba also means father and so we think Goldberg is being cleverly deceptive here. We also think we know why this edit was made several days before the current story hit. This post will be updated once confirmed.
Goldberg also heads Positive Alternatives to Homosexuality (PATH), an ex-gay referral organization, as well as serving as Executive Secretary for the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH). All three organizations have consistently held ties to repeatedly disgraced ex-gay "reorientation coach" Richard Cohen's organization International Healing Foundation (IHF), where Goldberg serves as Vice President. Goldberg is also involved with Rich Wyler's People Can Change (Journey into Manhood weekends) and both refer to each other.
Watchdog organization Truth Wins Out reports that "The SEC banned Goldberg and his firm from ever selling securities again. In addition to his prison term, Goldberg was disbarred in both New Jersey and Connecticut. Despite that, he lists himself as a Doctor of Laws today on the website of NARTH." Goldberg is also president of Congregation Mt. Sinai, a Jewish place of worship in Jersey City that doesn't subscribe to any specific denomination, but offers a "traditional environment."
According to SFGN, the prosecutor of the bond scandal case against Goldberg went out of his way to emphasize the scope of his depravity:
K. William O'Connor, the U.S. attorney who put him away, said at his sentencing that Goldberg was "a man who habitually took advantage of people who were economically dependent upon him; that he did not hesitate to lie or cheat or cover up to achieve his criminal aim. His greed has cause incalculable harm…"
To have a criminal past is one thing. To escape into a new venture so quickly, while hiding that past is quite another. Good people have done bad things, but they usually own up to them and use them as an example to others. If one can't own up to one's own demons, running an organization that claims to help people change to a more moral way of life is probably not the best idea.
These revelations about Goldberg's criminal record are the result of a joint investigation between Truth Wins Out and South Florida Gay News. Ex-Gay Watch's past coverage of Goldberg and his organization can be found here.
Note: The Wikipedia entry on Arthur A. Goldberg was effectively removed unilaterally today. XGW contributor Dave Rattigan, an established wiki user, has restored it, in keeping with Wikipedia's guidelines.
David Roberts contributed to this article.


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HALF MOON BAY, Calif., February 4, 2013 — Breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe, sweet Sierra skiing and easy proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area are only some of the reasons to pack your bags and head off to Tahoe's North Shore this winter, while the snow is still good. If it's been a while since your last trip to the slopes at Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows, it's time to consider a return visit.
Because both resorts have merged operations, there's only one mountain pass to worry about. Shuttles connect Squaw and Alpine, so you don't have to think about driving yourself. Between Squaw's 3,600 skiable acres spread across six peaks and Alpine's 2,400 acres for skiing, there are plenty of options for skiers of all levels of experience. At the moment, I'm still an intermediate skier, and after two days, I felt I had plenty of trails to play on.
Home to the 1960 Winter Olympics, Squaw Valley's miles of groomed trails, wide-open bowls, big beginner areas, world-renowned steeps, and manicured terrain parks and pipes offer a wealth of ways to fill your day. Improve your skills with a lesson or just hit the slopes yourself and have fun. Don't skip a look at the events calendar for everything from competitions to ski adventures to après specials.
If you're a Starbucks fan, make sure to visit North America's first ski-in/ski-out Starbucks, right at Gold Coast. Even if you decide to take a day off from skiing, there are plenty of other things to do, from snowshoeing to dog sledding.
Be sure to work in equal time for turns at Alpine Meadows. Aside from its varied-level trails, the terrain park has expanded to an entire mile-long park run, making it the longest terrain park run in the Tahoe region. Continue your ski school lessons here with kids and adult programs as well as private lessons. Always wanted to learn to telemark? You can do that here too. As with Squaw, a handful of events mark the calendar every week.
Take advantage of the great season thus far and head out to the Left Coast for some quality skiing. I'll return in the spring for an update.
Where To Stay
If Squaw Valley is high on your ski list this winter, the best ski-in/ski-out luxury accommodation is the Resort at Squaw Creek. Much more than a convenient place to access both Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows, the resort is also a sweet spot to relax when you're off the mountain.
Don't miss the opportunity to chill out après-ski in one of the resort's hot tubs or at Sandy's Pub.
The hotel's 405 guest rooms range from deluxe rooms to fireside suites to bi-level penthouses. All rooms have at least a full bath, LCD flat-screen TV, robes, hair dryer, coffee maker, and refrigerator. Suites and penthouse rooms have resort kitchens and gas fireplaces. Rates at the hotel start at $229 per night, and vary depending on type of room and time of year.
Jill K. Robinson is an award-winning journalist and adventure seeker. Follow her adventures on dangerjillrobinson.com and Twitter @dangerjr. Jill is an avid kayaker and owner of Half Moon Bay Kayak Company.
This article is the copyrighted property of the writer and Communities @ WashingtonTimes.com. Written permission must be obtained before reprint in online or print media. REPRINTING TWTC CONTENT WITHOUT PERMISSION AND/OR PAYMENT IS THEFT AND PUNISHABLE BY LAW.


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Review of: Firesteel (Revised)
reviewed by
on 08/29/2004
Credited Review
Excellent Script
For some reason medieval fantasy and comedy seem to go hand in hand. Perhaps because of "Shrek" this seems like a can't miss formula. The rarity of these films on screen seem to make the spec scripts all that more original. Firesteel is no different and perhaps represents the best of the bunch. A few criticisms: Von Goth returns too early in the story. I'd like to get some semblance of everything before you throw in this twist. Perhaps moving it after we see what has become of Firesteel's son. See if you can eliminate the (MORE's) by tweaking the margins. Blackmartin reminded me of "Donkey". I enjoyed everything else in the script. Favorite things/lines: "Oh, thank god. Itâs blood." The UHB's refusal to fight Von Goth because he's not a VKB member. Loved all the acronyms. The collectors edition mirror with author's commentary. "Donât laugh deeper than I." The "magic 8" vision pool. Firesteel's lack of WSB. The VSB By-laws. UHB Rule 17-67. "The chief export of Burnia is tin." Excellent work!
Other Reviews by iceeis 383
A review of The Rivalryby iceeis on 08/04/2010I was actually assigned the first draft of The Rivalry, but didn't get to it before it was deleted, so I was happy to get the second draft. It was a good read, and has potential to be a good traditional light hearted RomCom. One of the reasons I was interested was I am a huge Football fan. Unfortunately I mostly watch NFL, but I do keep track of College Football and go to... read
A review of People Who Love Peopleby iceeis on 06/21/2010Wow, I really dont know how to review this. Part of me is fascinated by this script, the other half is utterly confused. I loved the setting. It reminded me of the city of Rapture from the Bioshock games. A unique society slowly driven mad by the same thing that makes them unique. More importantly, the concept of the purple gas and the people choosing to live there made... read
A review of The Rescue of Sarah Madiganby iceeis on 06/14/2010It has been a very long time since I read a western, so I decided to give Sara Madigan a try. It was an entertaining screenplay, and fairly well written. I was able to follow everything, and it flowed well. I enjoyed the fact that the writer intended to tell a story and not a history lesson (which is one of the reasons it's been a while since I read a Western). I do have to... read


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Tridgell Reveals Bitkeeper Secrets
Re:Perhaps a stretch (373 comments)
The only reason Bit-Keeper is annoyed is because they see a free product competing with thier own. Most companies adopt a business model of giving the client away for free and charging for the server. To the best of my knowledge, Tridgell was reverse-engineering the client, not the server. That shouldn't have resulted in any revenue loss to BitKeeper if they had followed the traditional business model. Wasn't BitKeeper also giving their client away for free?


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how do you post a picture |
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- Posted by PoohBear2767 (email@example.com) on Thu, Jun 16, 05 at 10:35
Hi Roscoestan, Try this site: http://www.kodakgallery.com/Welcome.jsp It is free to register and then you can make a folder to put whatever pictures you want in it....found on your computer and then uploaded to the site then you simply copy and paste the url into the spot below where you write your messages, no messing with code free and simple and voila .....everyone can see the pics you wanted to share. Its free and easy to do ....Like this ........ Signet |
Here is a link that might be useful: Pictures of my garden
www.photobucket.com Simple interface, and it's free. |
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Does anyone know the laws pertaining to asbestos exposure? I'm a tenant and building was remodeled. Attic was disturbed during renovation. I had increased problems with allergies and choking on food. I didn't realize until I moved out that all my allergies were asbestos related and my throat cleared within 48 hours of moving out. I was breathing this in for several months and need to know my legal rights. |
Follow-Up Postings:
Because this is a legal matter, you need to know the law in your state--laws about these things vary from state to state. Google [yourstate] tenant/landlord law. Also google [yourstate] asbestos removal. Sorry this has happened to you. |
You would also need to be able to prove that there was in fact asbestos in the attic and that your allergy wasn't to dust or some other substance in the attic. |
- Posted by nosoccermom (My Page) on Fri, Jun 28, 13 at 19:19
Asbestos does not cause allergy symptoms. However, it may cause long-term health problems. |
Here is a link that might be useful: asbestos
- Posted by lazygardens (My Page) on Tue, Jul 9, 13 at 10:10
I had increased problems with allergies and choking on food. Asbestos is NOT an allergen. How do you know there was asbestos in the attic? And can you prove that it got to the apartment? |
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YHA HI Maps and Guides
YHA New Zealand offer a FREE map to help with planning your trip and exploring the country. We also have free guides from other YHA and Hostelling International organisations around the world. Click here to request your free guides.
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Mon, May 5, 08 at 10:21
I received some red canna seeds in the mail and I can't read the return address but I think its from New York. I can't find in my notes that I owe anyone any trades. I think the last name is Foster. So, if you're out there and I owe u anything, please LMK and I'll get it to you ASAP! Thanks, JOel. |
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Monday, May 4, 2009
No Worries Allowed
And I admitted to her that I'd thought about it, even once felt guilty that I didn't have my enthusiastic child signed up for gym or music classes. I'd once complained to my husband that all the other Mommies had their babies learning Cantonese, while mine was just mastering plain old English.
He rolled his eyes at me and told me I was silly (which he often says to me). Then life started happening and we moved and all this other stuff happened and the desire for music classes and tumbling took a back burner to more important things.
Then I realized, Roo doesn't need any kind of class at all.
Roo is two years old.
She's a child.
She should act like a child.
She shouldn't have to worry about learning a foreign language until high school. If she wants to tumble, I'll show her in the front yard. If it's music she desires, I can crank up the radio and sing along in a horrible fashion.
Roo is never going to get these moments back, why waste them stuck in a classroom? She's going to have nothing but pressure to learn when she gets older. Why can't she just enjoy being a kid? Why can't she just learn how to pull the tails off of lizards and chase ladybugs in the garden for now?
This is the only time in her life she won't be feeling this pressure to perform. This is one of the only times in her life she doesn't have to worry about squat.
And I'm totally fine with the other toddlers doing their thing, while my baby does hers.
8 comments:
- MamabearMills said...
my daughter isn't in anything either. first off, Im NOT wasting my money! she has more fun with music at home than she could in any $40 class!
- May 4, 2009 at 12:00 PM
- Stepfanie said...
My daughter just turned 2 and we put her in a ballet class after we had to run into a ballet studio to use the restroom, and she ran into the studio and started listening to the instructor and copying what she was doing. Now she cries every time her class is over and we have to leave. But I completely agree with your post. People put so much pressure on their toddlers and get them into so many different things. I'll let my daughter tell me what she wants to do. Ballet is enough for me, the rest of the weeks it's just me and my daughter and a bunch of paint, playdough, and paper! lol
- May 4, 2009 at 12:16 PM
- Yaya said...
I guess you're right. Although I know I have tons of fun taking the ones I nanny for to little classes where we run around together and have fun! Not that we can't do that aside from a class, but with 4 kids it sets apart that hour for JUST that kid, ya know? So yeah, with one kid, it's not really something you have to worry about yet.
- May 4, 2009 at 1:20 PM
- Capital Mom said...
We signed my daughter up for "gym" class where a bunch of kids run around and play on balance beams and the rings, etc. It is a lot of work for the parents because you have the watch them the whole time to make sure they don't fall and break something! But it is a lifesaver when it is minus 20 degrees and it is too cold to do anything outside and she has more energy then I ever will. Never mind that the snow is higher than a child. Now that spring is here I just let her lose in the park. But those classes are a lifesaver in the long Canadian winter!
- May 4, 2009 at 2:42 PM
- chermonblie said...
Personally, we don't have the extra money for all of that stuff. Miles is a brilliant child and it's not because of this class or that... it's because his mom and dad interact with him and are showing him the world. That will mean more in the long run than any baby gymnastics class will! :)
BTW... M and I will be in OC next week thru the 22nd. Are you close by? I'm wanting to take him to the beach on Saturday or Sunday if you and Roo want to go with us. - May 4, 2009 at 2:44 PM
- Erika said...
I hear ya. I'm already worn out from Peyton and the sports thing and we only participate in two sports a year. I can only imagine next year when Shey starts too.
- May 4, 2009 at 2:51 PM
- Ashley said...
I agree. I think Babe needs the interaction at this age and when he gets a bit older, but I do not feel guilty for not putting him in a class to learn more. If he were to ever show interest in something, I would allow him to pursue it but I'm not putting pressure on him to be anything but my baby!
- May 4, 2009 at 9:34 PM
- The Wrenns said...
- May 5, 2009 at 8:17 PM


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If you are walking down a hallway, sidewalk, etc. and make eye contact with a member of the opposite sex and smile, nod or say hi, Is that flirting?
In my opinion it is just being friendly. Personally I think under those circumstances it would be rude to look away like he was scary or something. |
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IMHO, it's just being friendly. |
Most people agree with that. I asked my beautician today and she said flirting, but not sexually. I asked her what is it if I say hi to a woman. LOL |
Friendly is just friendly -- that's behavior. That's being polite. "Flirtation" depends on what you're thinking and what they're thinking when it's done. The joy/curse of actual flirtation is maintenance of easy deniability. Subject of many, many relationship-beginnings and many, many misunderstandings. It has always been thus. Who know's what the other person may be thinking? On the other hand, friendly behavior is almost always welcome in typical social environments. Appropriate behavior is always expected. Misunderstandings are part of it from time-to-time and are, likewise, expected to be handled graciously. |
Very well stated alolo!! I have been accused of flirting MANY times, when I truly, and quite innocently, just smiled a "hello" at someone. I'm more uncomfortable looking away or not speaking at all. If one is on a busy, say, downtown street, the likelihood of the eye-lock is slim, but if it happens, I would say a light smile might be polite. HOWEVER, someone could mistake it as a come-on, so you should still be cautious. |
Also, I think it's different for women and girls than for men and boys. Men and boys are far more prone to misinterpretation. They are also far more prone to act upon it. |
I don't think I am in any danger from what a guy thinks. At my age they would not respond unless they were at least 85 then I would be considered a younger chick. LOL |
- Posted by bookworm_2007 (firstname.lastname@example.com) on Wed, Mar 26, 08 at 8:05
I think that a smile and a hello is just being friendly. A guy may take it the wrong way-but guys tend to take a lot of things the wrong way! They may read into a hello as being flirting which I think is crazy. I would not ignore someone just because they are of the opposite sex. I guess if I winked or stared at them then that may be considered flirting. |
- Posted by dirtdivarocks (My Page) on Sat, Mar 29, 08 at 16:12
It's all in the WAY you say it. You vibrate what you mean. You give off non-verbal signals all of the time. A little twinkle in the eye, holding eye contact just a second longer than you usually do. A lot of times when people are attracted to one another, they will give a half-friendly/half-flirty hello. They do this to protect themselves from rejection and also to let the other know that they are open to talking. And the games begin!!! ha, ha. But, please don't ever stop yourself from being the friendly person that you are. You will know if someone takes your friendliness the wrong way because the response won't "feel" right to you. You can then politely set them straight. The people that read too much into a friendly hello are usually looking for or hoping for someone to flirt with them. Right now the position I am in (very married with children) I am finding that I never notice anyone flirting with anyone. I'm just not in the market nor looking for it. But, if anyone would flirt with me, I would immediately sense it. Been there, done that. Like riding a bike, you never forget it. Now some people LOVE to flirt....that's another thread! |
Hi Dirtdiva, I know about body signals. I like people and I always smile at everyone. I'm open to dating, but I don't want a close relationship that requires me to be the giver. I've been there, done that, now it is about me. Dating would depend on how much stress/comfort was involved. when I was younger, guys gave me second looks and always asked me to dance when I went to a club. One time a guy asked me to dance as soon as I sat down and I told him I didn't know how, you should have seen the look on his face, rejection I guess. I sat there and thought about it and finally went over to him and asked him if he thought I had lied to him. He said..."yes, you walked in with a spring in your step and smiling, I thought you were ready to dance." I told him again I didn't know how to dance, I was just there with friends to watch. |
I LOVE to flirt - it's just plain fun! Jonesy, at our age, it's as close to intimacy as we will probably get, so I say 'JUST DO IT'!!! |
If I wanted a guy, I would go back to my old neighborhood on some nice summer day and see if the gentleman across the street from my old house is outside. He told me not to move away without telling him where I was moving to. My husband was alive then and I wasn't going to give the gentleman a reason to think I was interested in him. He hugged me every time he saw me and that is something my husband gave me maybe once a year. It's funny, my former female neighbor stays away from him just because he hugs. People are so different. |
I have an idea - why don't all we 'old' ladies ascend on this 'hugger' - we would all have a wonderful time! |
I think he is already being ascended on. The house where I saw him all the time belongs to a relative and she told me that the ladies in his neighborhood lay in wait for him. When they see him walking by, they ask him in for coffee and cookies. They probably all like his hugs. What can I say, he's Latin. |
Where's this neighborhood? I need to go there. |
Don't we all? LOL |
I live in a small town....smile and say "hello" to people that I don't know their name...hold the door for ladies or men if they are right behind me as I enter. It's the way I was taught, and I would think if more were taught that way, there wouldn't be people being self-conscious about someone being nice to them...welcome to the year 2008 |
Hey there guy...that long weekend must be over!! Like what you said - we all need to go back to manners and respect. Everything is so fast paced and we are so self-absorbed that we forget. Practice makes perfect. Glad to hear that a "gentleman" is amongst us still. It also feels good to know that I can smile or speak to a gentleman and we know what I really mean!! Funny story about all this though - I was a a store this weekend and a guy folllowed me down the aile, hailing "Miss, Miss, Miss". I finally turned around and he used every one-liner in the book!! I'm not sure what he really wanted but I wasn't having any of it. Maybe his intentions, whatever they were, would have been better received if he hadn't chased me. Maybe if he had been MUCH less obvious and cheap sounding, I may have been more receptive. Nice guy, but definitely that nice. It was fun knowing "I still got it"!!! |
I went to McD's Sunday morning for breakfast and there were 5 people at the table next to me laughing and having a ball. There was no way I could "not" hear them. They started talking about the elderly who pinch pennies and won't spend a dime even when they have more than enough money to live out their lives. Then they started in on touching people and how good it feels to be hugged or shake hands and hold the hand a little longer or put an arm around the shoulder. Then they talked of another subject and I can't remember it, but it was something I feel strongly about. One woman saw me grinning then down right laughing at their comments and she pulled out the chair next to her and said come on over. After the second invitation I did just that. I had such a good time with them. There were 3 ladies and 2 men, so I asked them about making eye contact and saying hi or smiling. They all, even the men said it's just being friendly. My friends told me that the men will take the smile wrong, but these two men said they wouldn't. |
hmmm..., interesting. aaah the wonder of individualism. I bet you though, if polled, most men would say they wouldn't take it wrong either. |
I agree, but this friend that accused me of flirting really believes it's wrong. I started another thread about another of her statements. It is shocking. I hope it's not pulled or that if there is a man who reads it, he doesn't take it wrong. |
- Posted by newgardenelf (My Page) on Tue, Apr 8, 08 at 15:54
my feeling is.....you KNOW when you are flirting.....it is not merely the act- it is the intention.. I know women who call everyone honey and are touchy,touchy- they are just friendly.. |
I agree with you elf. |
- Posted by sayhellonow (My Page) on Mon, Apr 21, 08 at 18:05
I think we know too. But hey -- what's wrong with flirting? That is, unless one of you is married or partnered with someone else. |
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text: The Health Equity and Partnerships Division respects the work others do to eliminate health disparities. Our active support of community-driven efforts is a core value for this Division. Faculty has also been recognized for leadership efforts with regard to health advocacy for the medically underserved. Please see links below to learn more.


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The department's operations in Australia and overseas are underpinned by a sound financial resource management framework. The framework includes:
- developing and monitoring financial management, budgeting and procurement policies
- supporting and improving our financial management information system
- monitoring and refining a system of effective internal controls, including financial delegations
- managing our internal and external financial and budgetary processes
- providing comprehensive and timely budgetary performance reports to the department's managers and senior executive and the Government
- managing our treasury and tax functions
- managing the external financial audit process.
The department was recognised for having effective internal controls in place to ensure good financial management and a sound financial reporting framework in the ANAO's Interim Phase of the Audit of Financial Statements of General Government Sector Agencies for the Year ending 30 June 2008, tabled in Parliament in June 2008. The ANAO found no audit issues of a significant or moderate nature in our financial statements.
The challenging international environment continued to make an impact on the department's operations in Australia and overseas. In the 2007–08 Budget, the Government provided additional funding for us to further advance Australia's interests internationally, including:
- $2.6 million for Australia on the World Stage—enhancement, to promote a positive image of Australia overseas through cultural diplomacy and cultural export programs
- $4.1 million to continue negotiations on the Australia–China Free Trade Agreement
- $0.3 million to support global sustainability of forests and climate
- $1.8 million to implement recommendations of the Inquiry into certain Australian companies in relation to the UN Oil-For-Food Programme (the Cole Inquiry)
- $1.5 million for Shanghai World Expo 2010—planning and design
- $4.2 million for the purchase of land and the construction of a new chancery in Nairobi, Kenya
- $0.5 million for the refurbishment of the chancery in Paris, France
- $1.3 million for the refurbishment of embassy apartments in Tokyo, Japan.
Following the federal election, through the 2007–08 Additional Estimates Budget process, the Government provided additional funding and withdrew funding, as follows:
- additional $1.3 million to support Australia's involvement in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum
- additional $3.0 million to support the work of the Hellenic Red Cross for victims of forest fires in Greece
- additional $0.5 million for Working with Australians Overseas to promote Australia's interests
- withdrew $1.3 million from the revision of Australia on the World Stage
- withdrew $2.1 million from the revision of Australia–China Free Trade Agreement—continuation of negotiations
- withdrew $0.5 million from the revision of the 2006–07 Budget measure for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade—budget sustainability
- withdrew $3.7 million for a two per cent efficiency dividend.
In 2007–08 the department paid to the Consolidated Revenue Fund a dividend of $25 million from the Overseas Property Office special account.
Review of the department's resources
In response to the Government's decision to undertake a 'root and branch' review of the adequacy of the department's resources, we established a small team from within existing resources to work on the review. The review is designed to assess whether our funding base is adequate to allow us to continue to effectively and efficiently deliver the Government's foreign affairs and trade objectives. We are working cooperatively with the Department of Finance and Deregulation on the review. There have been no other developments or events since 30 June 2008 that have affected or will affect future operations or financial results of the department.
Assets management
Responsible asset management is a departmental priority. To ensure this continues to occur, the department introduced a new asset management policy framework and a streamlined IT-based stocktaking process. These have improved identification, management and stewardship of our asset holdings. Work areas continually review and update their asset purchasing and disposal needs in a five-year asset plan.
Under the department's rolling cycle for revaluations, asset classes are revalued once every five years, with the exception of Land and Buildings, which are revalued every year. Informal reviews and impairment testing of asset classes covered by the relevant Australian accounting standards are conducted annually to ensure asset values are fairly stated. In 2007–08, the Furniture and Fittings and Leasehold Improvement asset classes were formally revalued under the rolling cycle.
Competitive tendering and contracting
The department consolidated relevant procurements with other Australian Government agencies during the year. These resulted in the delivery of savings through more efficient procurement processes, leveraging the purchasing scope of combined procurements and taking advantage of volume price discounts.
The department reviewed its procurement manual to ensure full compliance with the Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines, and continually reviewed its suite of standard contracts to ensure they reflected the changing procurement environment. The department's website provides notification of all tenders, including select tenders, expressions of interest and pre-tender notices.
All competitive tendering and contracts of $100 000 or more let during the reporting period provide access for the Auditor-General to the contractors' premises.
Purchasing performance
The department's procurement policy provides for the efficient, effective and ethical delivery of the Government's purchasing and procurement programs. All contractual arrangements entered into by the department are in accordance with the principles of value for money, encouraging competition and non-discrimination. They comply with all relevant Commonwealth procurement policies and legislation, in particular the Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines.
Exempt contracts
There were no contracts in excess of $10 000 or standing offers exempted from being published in the Purchasing and Disposal Gazette (AusTender) on the basis that publication would disclose exempt matters under the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
Consultancy services
The department engages recognised experts on an ad hoc basis to provide specialist expertise or where independent assessments or input are considered desirable.
The selection process for consultancy services both in Australia and at overseas posts is consistent with the department's broader procurement policies and the Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines (January 2005).
During 2007–08, 38 new consultancy contracts were entered into involving total actual expenditure of $1 898 522. In addition, 18 ongoing consultancy contracts were active during 2007–08, involving total actual expenditure of $3 978 316.
More detailed information, including a summary of the department's policy on the selection and engagement of consultants and a detailed list of all consultancy contracts let during the year to the value of $10 000 or more, is available in Appendix 11: Consultancy services.
Information on expenditure on contracts and consultancies is also available on the AusTender website (www.tenders.gov.au).
Mark Davidson |
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Mark Davidson
Mark Davidson is one of eight Corporate and Financial Management Trainees (CFMTs) who began work in the department in February 2008. After a broad training program of seven rotations over two years, CFMTs are equipped to perform a wide variety of departmental corporate services work in Australia and overseas.
On his third rotation, Mark is currently a member of the 'root and branch' review team. This joint DFAT-Department of Finance and Deregulation review is assessing the major functions and activities that the Government expects of the department and the associated resourcing requirements. The results of the review will be considered in the 2009–10 Budget context. Mark's experience in this role is providing him not only with a strategic overview of the department's operations, but also with invaluable experience of inter-departmental liaison and cooperation.
Overseas property—leased estate
The department's overseas property estate comprises Australian government-owned properties (funded from the overseas property Special Account—see Outcome 4) and properties leased from private landlords (funded from the department's appropriations).
In 2007–08, the department leased approximately 550 properties overseas, including chanceries, head of mission residences, staff accommodation and other facilities. Overseas leased estate projects under way or in the planning and development stages included the partial refurbishment of the chancery in Budapest, construction of staff apartments in Baghdad, new space in the existing chancery in Abu Dhabi and relocation of the chancery within the current commercial office building in Seoul. Work began on the relocation of chanceries to new premises in Belgrade, Madrid and Tel Aviv.
Staff welfare is an important aspect of managing the overseas estate. The department's Overseas Property Office audits properties in both the overseas owned and leased estates, to ensure compliance with health and safety requirements. This also helps posts to meet compliance obligations.
Domestic property
Under the terms of the lease on its central office (the R G Casey Building), the department has taken up the right of first refusal on additional space in the area vacated by the Department of Defence. Planning has commenced on an additional 3500m² of office space that should be ready for occupancy by October 2008. The additional space will help alleviate accommodation pressures in other areas of the building, and accommodate passport work units operating in other premises.
The department continued and completed the rolling program of security systems upgrades in the R G Casey Building and at state and territory offices. All locations now have integrated security systems monitored and managed centrally.
In the R G Casey Building, the department has an Environmental Management System certified to International Standard ISO 14001. The annual compliance audit of the system was conducted in May 2008 and the department achieved a satisfactory level of performance against established criteria. We have undertaken a pilot program to improve procedures in the R G Casey Building to better segregate recycling and waste streams. This was developed to reduce the amount of recyclable material deposited as landfill.
Key corporate management and accountability challenges for 2008–09 include: implementing savings measures required to meet the Government's Budget objectives, working with the Department of Finance and Deregulation on the joint review of the adequacy of the department's resources, and managing the implementation of the new workplace arrangements, including through a new collective agreement with non-SES staff and an equivalent instrument for SES staff for 2009–2012. Implementation of the upgraded Human Resources Management Information System will be a priority. An ongoing challenge will be maintaining an appropriately skilled workforce to manage the Government's active agenda.