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According to Meeker, who studies bugs for the state department of forestry in Gainesville, Dade's pines were set up for the beetle infestation not only by Andrew, but also by the punishing March 1993 "winter hurricane" that swept the entire East Coast, including Florida, and two succeeding months of severe drought. "Generally, these endemic, native beetles are not threatening to healthy pines," says Meeker. A healthy pine tree repels a beetle attack with a layer of sticky resin that is under pressure and actually pushes the insects away if they try to bore into the tree's core. "But after these three blasts from nature," says Meeker, "the trees were so busy trying to maintain biological function -- replacing broken limbs, making new needles -- that the resin supply was low." And the scavenger beetles moved in, building tunnels in the dead and dying pines, and multiplying like crazy. Meeker says that in the year following the hurricane, the beetle population in Dade "increased 100 fold, and that's a conservative estimate." Eighteen months after Andrew's passage, almost 90 percent of the mature slash pines were dead, and there were very few young trees coming up to replace them. Why? In the absence of the normal cycle of fire, the understory of hardwoods and other shrubs had grown up to effectively block from sunlight and strangle the next generations, the seedling and sapling trees that should have been growing in the pine needle beds beneath their elders. Instead of young pines, the rockland was filled with woody invaders, exotics such as Brazilian pepper, and tall cane grass and sedges.
Today only 4000 acres of pine rockland remain, just two percent of what was here in 1900. Still, the rocklands remain one of the most diverse ecologic communities in South Florida, home to an exuberant menagerie of animals and some 260 native plant species. Twelve of those species are considered rare, according to scientists at Fairchild Tropical Gardens, and four native plants are listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Rescuing Dade's pinelands from the brink of extinction is Joy Klein's mission. And she intends to rescue them with fire.
Fire as an agent of renewal seems almost counter-intuitive, a corollary of the famously twisted Vietnam War rationale about having to destroy the village in order to save it. But in the case of the pine trees, fire doesn't destroy; it nourishes. In the natural cycle, wildfires sparked by lightning occur with regularity during the rainy season, between May and September. These summertime fires are fast-moving and cleansing, less hot than fires that occur during the winter, when fuels are dry. They rarely kill mature trees, say scientists. Since the summertime fires occur during growing season, those trees that are scorched can refoliate. Fire kills spot fungus, a pine tree pest. And the relatively short time the fire burns at grass level spares the seedlings.
As more and more people moved into Dade, however, the pinelands became more and more balkanized, subdivided into small parcels, where residents and increasingly proficient firefighters extinguished fires set off by lightning before they could perform their historic, vital functions. Without fire in the normal cycle of every two to three years, the pine rocklands grew dangerously unbalanced, clogged with trash trees, lacking in regeneration, in need of renewal.
So far this year, Klein says, the county, along with DOF, has torched several hundred acres of pineland, including a 3.4-acre site at SW 127th Avenue and 248th Street that is to be replanted with 500 young pines and dedicated August 17 as the Andrew Dodge New Pines Global Relief Forest, in honor of a DERM public information officer who died in February. Scheduled soon are fires in Tropical Park and on 45 acres of the 250-acre Navy Wells site in Florida City.
But also on the list to ignite are small lots and wedges of pineland in the midst of busy residential neighborhoods, and these fires are the ones that require Klein to spin some public relations. Of course there is opposition, especially in upscale sections such as Pinecrest, where people who pay $300,000 and up for big lots and some economic exclusivity think that an investment as grand as that ought to guarantee an exemption from irritating wood smoke. "It's interesting," says Klein. "People from developing countries are not surprised by fires near their homes. But others are quite surprised. It's the not-in-my-backyard syndrome."
So Klein lays the groundwork at community meetings, with color slides and charts and case histories. She talks about the prescribed burn at the Deering Estate that escaped in 1989, and threatened the surrounding neighborhood, and the wildfire near Metrozoo in March, which threw a major scare into the animals and their keepers, and of the frequent arson outbreaks that plague the area around unfenced Larry and Penny Thompson Park in South Dade.
Klein makes her case, and usually, she says, "people realize that they are missing that pine canopy they had before the hurricane. The people who live there want woods. Now they have to learn to live with smoke too."
It is not just in Miami's southwestern suburbs and on Dade County lands where bureaucrats are rediscovering fire. Massive, uncontrollable wildfires have been roaring through federal park lands out west each summer for a decade or more, and this year is no exception. But it was the six-month inferno that burned 1.2 million acres of Yellowstone National Park and closed it to the public in 1988, and the 1994 Glenwood Springs, Colorado, wildfire in which twelve firefighters died that finally sparked government managers to have a look at fire policy. And what they found, as reported in a study of federal wilderness fire management by the National Interagency Fire Center released last December, was that there, too, rangers had become so adept at putting out fires that fuel loads throughout the park system were the highest in history. Thus, when a lightning bolt or a match touches off a fire, very quickly it is hell.


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I find it fascinating that there's this video game property, Halo, that I've never seen and don't know anything about. Yet it has all kinds of spinoffs, including books and comics. (Maybe I should check out the Halo Encyclopedia to learn more.) The latest tie-in comes from Warner Home Video, which is releasing the animation compilation Halo Legends on February 9.
Like The Animatrix and Batman: Gotham Knight, Halo Legends is an anthology, containing cartoons done in both CG and anime styles. Like most Warner original-to-DVD animation releases, there will be a two-disc Special Edition ($29.98), a single-disc version ($19.98), and Blu-ray ($34.99). Here's the description from the press release:
Halo Legends is a seven-story anthology — told across eight spectacular episodes — that explores the origin and historical events of the Halo universe and its intriguing characters. … each individual episode imagined by a cutting-edge, renowned Japanese anime director/animator, including Shinji Aramaki, Mamoru Oshii, Hideki Futamura, Tomoki Kyoda and Yasushi Muraki…. The individual episodes fall within Halo's 26th Century mythology as the battle between humanity and aliens rages on in an attempt to protect Earth and mankind's expansive number of space colonies. The dramatic, action-packed stories feature characters and locales familiar to Halo fans, and episodes range in length between 10 and 17 minutes — resulting in nearly two hours of animated adventures.
Bonus Features include:
The Blu-ray version has, in addition, "Halo: The Story so Far", a Halo universe overview.
Halo is about as mainstream as it gets in video games. Top selling console FPS of all time, the #1 spot for both XBox and XBox 360 of all time:
(Also, I had _no idea_ that Wii Fit was the #2 console game of all time, by sales.)
I only really know about the games that "real" gamers despise, like Beatles Rock Band and Wii Fit. :) FPS means first-person shooter, yes? That would be why it's been below my interest level. And it's Xbox only? Neat list, though, thanks!
I'm a "real" gamer and I like Wii Fit (yes, we do exist!). Playing Wii Fit Plus at the moment; it's a great upgrade.
And yep, FPS is short for "first-person shooter". The first Halo was also ported to PC, but I don't think its sequels were.
Oh, I was wondering if I should get the Fit Plus. I love the idea, but like anything related to exercise, the Fit has become something I don't do and feel guilty about. I'm glad you're more open to alternate types of videogames than some I've run into. (I shouldn't stereotype that way, though. A few hardcore types who want to exclude those not like them shouldn't color how I think about all gamers.)
So now that I'm a little more educated about Halo, my question is how do you tell stories about a game where the point seems to be "shoot whatever you see"?

subset: commoncrawl


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So why is one of the most consistently strong theater companies in South Florida and the oldest still in operation in the state one of our best-kept secrets? One possible answer: Mediocrity makes money. Richardson is not the first small-theater-company administrator to point out that in South Florida the big donors with the big dollars are the same people paying to see the same things over and over. "I think these bigger companies with the million-dollar-plus budgets need to take the lead, artistically speaking, and help out the small companies by teaching audiences to value exciting theater. It's our responsibility to take risks and not just be purely entertaining," she notes.
To this end Richardson travels frequently to the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta and the National Black Theater Festival to find these new and exciting works and bring them to South Florida. And there's a lot to bring home. With performers like Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, and Oprah Winfrey sitting in the audiences, black theater is well respected. One of these discoveries is Bill Harris' Robert Johnson Tricks the Devil, which will debut in February 2001. The play reveals the life and death of blues legend Robert Johnson, whose music is at the foundation of famous rock 'n' roll bands such as the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. "So much of the history goes unrecognized," says Richardson, "and it's a vital and rich history. It's everyone's history and needs to be shared."
Another reason why the M Ensemble has remained relatively anonymous is that it's been hard to find. Through the decades the group rarely has stayed put; in just the past six years, it has had four homes in the North Miami area. Between 1996 and 1998, when M Ensemble moved into its current space, the group didn't have a home at all. Richardson acknowledges that this has hurt attendance: "Many people have shown up over the past two years and said, "We've been looking for you.'"
But for now at least, the M Ensemble has settled into stable quarters on West Dixie Highway. In the lobby of its small storefront home, people are milling about: a smattering of whites and a dozen or so blacks, several older women in colorful ethnic prints and head wraps, younger girls twirling around in frilly skirts, and boys all scrubbed up and fidgeting in suits. Shirley Richardson rushes past them to the backroom, where she begins pulling out jugs of milk, chocolate-chip cookies, and other snacks from grocery bags. She directs visitors to the bathrooms, welcomes new faces, and hugs old friends. It's typical opening night at the M Ensemble, a perfect display of the informality and generosity that characterize this Southern troupe. It could be a church event or a social, but it's not. Beyond the glazed donuts and Richardson's easy laugh sits a stage, and the M Ensemble would like you to take that very seriously indeed.


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The Salvation Army Mississippi Gulf Coast Area Command is under the leadership of Majors Terry and Sharon Ray, who serve the entire lower six counties of Southern Mississippi as Area Commanders.
Prior to coming to the Coast, the Majors were the Divisional Youth Secretaries for North and South Carolina and operated the camp for the division. In Biloxi, they replace Majors Alan and Belinda Hill, who were appointed to the Mobile Area Command.
The news of their appointment didn't surprise the Majors. As Salvation Army Officers, the Rays expect to be reassigned throughout their careers. The commitment of being an Officer includes moving your family frequently, and accepting reassignments based on career development and filling the needs of The Salvation Army locations. The assignment on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is an acknowledgement of their ability to manage a growing community center, rebuilding communities and congregation.
Major Ray is a military veteran, having served with the 101st Airborne. After leaving the military, he took his first job with The Salvation Army in St. Louis as the music teacher for a community center. Here he met his wife, whose parents happened to be the Salvation Army officers at the center. Mrs. Ray was a third grade teacher for special hearing impaired students and has served as an interpreter at the time. Motivated by the love of God and passion for helping others, the Rays made the decision to become Salvation Army officers in 1996 and were commissioned as lieutenants to the Washington D.C. area. The Rays have also had appointments in Minneapolis, St. Louis and North and South Carolina. They were promoted to the rank of Major in June of 2011 before taking the Area Command placement on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
"We are so excited to have this new appointment on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and be part of the continued effort to rebuild. We are champions for all people, especially children
Major Tarryl Ray has been active in disaster response service. He has served as the first responder at the Pentagon following the events of September 11 and served as the Logistics Officer there, serving the military and law enforcement personnel.
The Rays have three children, Kirsten (17), Matthew (14) and Kenzie (12).


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Product Number: | XG6945P |
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These polymer pouches securely hold your magazines. Paddle design fits inside the belt or inside the pants for flexible carry options.
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Full Version:
Help - Noisey Stretch Belt
Ford Owners Club - Ford Forums
Ford Models
Ford Focus Club
September 27, 2011, 12:35 pm
i have a 2008 (58) plate focus 2.0l zetec. the stretch belt has been squeeking when cold for a month or two now so i need to get it swapped. any hints or tips on the quickest and easiest way to do it????
September 27, 2011, 2:40 pm
Hiya, it's quite an easy job but you'll have to make sure you get the tension of the belt perfect as if it's too loose then it will slip but if it's too tight then you'll risk damaging the bearings of your alternator/ A/C compressor etc.
You'll have one or two tensioners which will need to be slackened off to allow the belt to be removed, then put the new one back on making sure it's wrapped properly around all the pulleys. I'm sure there's probably a special Ford tool needed but you may be able to get around it, in fact I've changed these v-belts on many cars and never had any issues not using any specialist tools which might be required. A main agent would use a tool to measure & check the tension once it's been replaced however it should be fine if you have about 1/4 of an inch of play in the belt in the mid position somewhere, you'll be able to feel when it's right.
To get better access remove the splash cover in the wheel arch on the driver's side of the vehicle as this will give you better access to everything and will make the job sooo much easier. I don't know whether you'll need to remove the upper engine mount but if you do get a peice of wood and support the engine on a jack underneath the sump so it doesn't damage anything when you take off the engine mount.
Hope that helps, I'm not 100% sure on the procedure with your particular engine however these are just general things to look out for.
September 28, 2011, 7:30 am
ok thanks Dan. I hope i dont have to remove the engine mount but seeing how tightly packed everything is between the chassis rail and engine on the drivers side it wouldnt surprise me. i shall give it a go in the next week or so and hopefully get it sorted without much fuss. thanks again
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5 Actresses who could Play JESSICA JONES in Netflix's TV Series
Netflix and Marvel recently unveiled their plans to create a number of 13-episode series' featuring Daredevil, Iron Fist, Jessica Jones and Luke Cage, culminating in The Defenders (further details can be found in the full press release by clicking here). The question now is which actors will be chosen to portray these iconic characters; will they go for young unknowns – similar to Stephen Amell in Arrow – or will Nexflix bring big names to these as they've done with shows like House of Cards and Orange is the New Black? We don't know at this point, but here are five casting suggestions featuring actors you will without a doubt recognise, for Luke Cage!


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One of the biggest dramas of the 1996 election--for the political press corps, at least--has been the question of the Republican platform's abortion plank. Would Bob Dole alienate the religious right by trying to change the plank? Would he alienate pro-choice voters by not changing it? Will Pat Buchanan walk out of the convention? Can Ralph Reed sell "tolerance" to the Christian Coalition?
There have been literally hundreds of these stories in major newspapers across the country, according to a Nexis database search. But only about a dozen times did these papers even let their readers know what the platform plank causing so much controversy actually said.
Here's the pertinent language:
So what does that mean? The 14th Amendment says that no state can "deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." If fetuses are considered persons under the 14th Amendment, then having an abortion would have to be penalized the same as any other murder. Women who paid a doctor to perform an abortion would be guilty of a contract killing--which in many states is punishable by death.
Columnist Michael Kinsley, writing in Time magazine (6/24/96), pointed out the logic of the 14th Amendment: "Under equal protection, you certainly couldn't have the death penalty for killing a post-birth human being and a lesser punishment--or no punishment at all--for killing a fetus."
But aside from Kinsley, virtually no one in mainstream media noted that the Republican abortion plank, the subject of endless commentary, could put women who have abortions behind bars--or even on death row. The New York Times' Robin Toner examined 16 years' worth of Republican platforms, but when the party added the 14th Amendment language, in 1984, her only comment was that "the funding ban was broadened."
News reports contained a few disingenuous explanations of what the platform meant, in quotes from anti-abortion leaders. The Cleveland Plain Dealer (5/23/96) quoted Steve LaTourette, an Ohio Republican, on the abortion plank:
The New York Times cited the view of the Christian Coalition's Ralph Reed that "the current [platform] language is really silent on whether there are exceptions" to an abortion ban--for example, for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest. The Times didn't ask any legal experts to explain how you can have an "exception" to "equal protection of the laws."
The importance of explaining the impact of the abortion plank can hardly be overstated. While many people feel ambivalent about abortion, surely few would vote for a candidate that would declare that women who have abortions should face a possible death penalty.
Besides Kinsley, the only mainstream news figure who seems to have understood what the platform language says is the Washington Post's Judy Mann (6/21/96). It's worth noting that she made the point because she quoted an abortion rights advocate: "If terminating a pregnancy is killing a person, then you have to treat that as murder," the National Center for Reproductive Law and Policy's Andrea Miller told Mann. "In a state with capital punishment, you would have to apply the same degree of penalty to killing of the unborn as killing of the born." The inclusion of more voices from outside the Republican debate might enlighten reporters--and voters.


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CopyPasteCharacter: Easily copy special symbols/characters and paste them anywhere you like
Posted By Ashraf On January 4, 2012 @ 10:24 AM In Tips 'n Tricks,World Wide Web | 28 Comments
Unicode is a beauty. With over a 100,000 characters to its name, Unicode not only enables use of non-Latin character languages but it also enables users to use special characters and symbols like, say, a snowman. The problem is many of these special characters and symbols are often hard to type with a normal keyboard, requiring users to know the trick involved with each one. Well CopyPasteCharacter will have none of that.
CopyPasteCharacter is a website that does one simple thing: It allows users to copy special characters/symbols to Windows clipboard, after which users can paste the characters/symbols wherever they like. Do take note, though, many of characters/symbols will only work where Unicode is supported.
Using CopyPasteCharacter is very easy:
Users that want to copy multiple characters at one time can hold the alt key on their keyboard and click on multiple characters/symbols; all characters and symbols clicked on while holding the alt key are copied to Windows clipboard together.
These are all the characters/symbols CopyPasteCharacter supports:
Clicking on As Text gets you back to text format.
You can access CopyPasteCharacter from the following link:
Browsers supported: All browsers that run Flash
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URL to article: http://dottech.org/20476/copypastecharacter-easily-copy-special-symbolscharacters-and-paste-them-anywhere-you-like/
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[4] CopyPasteCharacter homepage: http://www.copypastecharacter.com/
Click here to print.
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What is Peak oil?
"The term Peak Oil refers to the maximum rate of the production of oil in any area under consideration, recognising that it is a finite natural resource, subject to depletion."
--Colin Campbell
The falling oil price may presage a future recessionSubmitted by Kjell Aleklett on Fri, 2014-10-17 22:44.This is the English translation of my article in the Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet, Fallande oljepris ett tecken på recession) Since July the price of Brent crude oil has fallen from $113 per barrel to $85.62 (on October 14). Historically we saw a similarly rapid fall in the in the oil price in late 2008 followed by the start of the global recession the year after. In 2008 the fall from July to December was from $140 down to $40 per barrel. At the moment we see no slowing of the price decline and we do not know how low the price will fall. The fact that increased global energy consumption is a measure of economic growth means that these recent trends are pointing to an economic contraction. Russia (Rosneft) and the USA (ExxonMobil) strike oil in Arctic wellSubmitted by Kjell Aleklett on Mon, 2014-09-29 09:57.News is spreading around the world that Rosneft and ExxonMobil have been successful in their joint effort to find oil in the Kara Sea up in the Arctic. Personally, I am doubtful that we should produce this oil but now that the oil appears to exist there we must place it in our global energy system. From the headlines spreading around the world one can get the impression that the discovery will change the future of oil production. Aging oil fields can turn the Arabian Peninsula into a powder kegSubmitted by Kjell Aleklett on Tue, 2014-09-02 09:43.If one studies the world's oil resources and oil production then the Arabian Peninsula is of central interest. The remaining monarchies of the region have established the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This was formed in 1981 as a response to the Iranian Revolution and Iraq's attack on Iran. The GCC is comprised of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, The United Arab Emirates and Oman. Within the GCC exist enormous oil resources. According to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy 40% of the world's remaining conventional oil reservs exists within the GCC. The world's largest conventional oil field is Ghawar in Saudi Arabia and there are also many other gigantic oilfields in the region. Since the 1950s it is mainly oil from the Arabian Peninsula that has been decisive for the economic growth of the global economy. OPEC's 165th meeting: "Everybody is happy"Submitted by Kjell Aleklett on Mon, 2014-08-18 14:43.On 11 June OPEC held its 165th meeting in Vienna and the organisation's 12 members decided to maintain its production volume of 30 millon barrels of oil per day (Mb/d). The meeting is reported in the OPEC Bulletin 6/14. They also decided to extend Abdalla Salem El-Badri's term as general secretary of OPEC until the end of the year. After the meeting a press conference was held during which General Secretary El-Badri stated, "Right now we have a very comfortable crude oil price, the market is stable and OPEC is producing 30 Mb/d of crude, more or less. The consumers are getting their supplies and the producers a good price. Everybody is Happy." On the question of whether shale oil production in the USA was a threat to OPEC the answer was that it was not because the USA would not be an oil exporter. With regard to future investments El-Badri considered that OPEC had a good plan for investments and stated they would study the balance between demand and production. In conclusion he said that "OPEC will continue to play its part in supplying the world with enough crude oil". In the OPEC Bulletin some of the external guests to the meeting were also interviewed. The EU's and Russia's mutual dependenceSubmitted by Kjell Aleklett on Mon, 2014-06-16 22:32.On 4 June I participated with Patrik Jotun, (a researcher and analyst at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs), in a symposium organised by the Green Liberals with the theme, "Environmental and Climate Policy in the Shadow of Developments in Russia – on environment, climate, security and energy supply". The delegates were allowed into the Folk Party's premises at Mynttorget under strict security control. My presentation was somewhat similar to that I gave at The Economist's recent symposium in Stockholm and so I will direct you to my earlier blog on that event for details (European Energy Horizons 2014). I found Patrik Jotun's presentation very interesting and it gave me new perspective on the tensions that we see today between the EU and Russia. Clouds on the horizon for fracking companies?Submitted by Kjell Aleklett on Tue, 2014-02-25 14:00.The Oil & Gas Journal has published an article with the headline, "Chesapeake mulls spinoff, sale of oil field services division". The article is especially interesting since Chesapeake is one of the largest companies in fracking. On Chesapeake Energy Corporation's website one can read that they are the second largest producer of natural gas and the eleventh largest company for production of oil and NGL in the USA. Further, one can read that, "The company's operations are focused on discovering and developing its large and geographically diverse resource base of unconventional natural gas and oil assets onshore in the U.S. The company also owns substantial marketing, compression and oilfield services businesses." On 11 February 2014 the company submitted an "Investor presentation" and they explained that they were required to make such "forward-looking statements" by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. NOG Symposium: World Energy Outlook 2013 - Energy Markets ChangingSubmitted by Kjell Aleklett on Fri, 2014-02-07 16:57.Image: Bo Diczfalusy On February 6 the Network for Oil and Gas (NOG) in Sweden organised a symposium at which the World Energy Outlook 2013 report was discussed, primarily in terms of a changing energy market. Personally, I was interested in what Bo Diczfalusy, Director at the Swedish Ministry of Enterprise and Energy, would say about WEO 2013. From December 2009 until December 2012 he was Director of the Directorate of Sustainable Energy Policy and Technology at the International Energy Agency (IEA). That means that he is well acquainted with the production of WEO reports. His presentation on WEO 2013 did not differ significantly from that given by the IEA's Chief Economist Fatih Birol last autumn. Possibly he pointed out even more clearly that the WEO report is a scenario calculation restricted by certain assumptions. Elin Akinci from the Energy Authority gave a more detailed description of the natural gas scenario that exists in WEO 2013. Fracking in the Barnett Shale around Dallas-Fort Worth, a city of 1 millionSubmitted by Kjell Aleklett on Sun, 2014-01-19 12:03.By Kjell Aleklett For the past 100 days I have visited shale formations with oil and gas from Amarillo in the north to Laredo and Eagle Ford in the south, from Odessa and the Permian Basin in the west to Nocogdoches and the Haynesville Shale in the east. The only remaining shale formation to visit on my list was the Barnett Shale around Fort Worth west of Dallas. It was here that the US adventure with fracking began and in September 2013 RRC, Railroad Commission of Texas, reported that one had drilled 18,300 wells in the Barnett Shale. Theme issue on peak oilSubmitted by Mikael Höök on Fri, 2014-01-17 16:02.
Find the full theme isse here: Nobel dialogue in Gothenburg on 9 December - commentsSubmitted by Kjell Aleklett on Fri, 2013-12-20 05:45.For the second time a dialogue has been organised during the Nobel Prize week and this time it was in Gothenburg. The idea of the event is that one should take advantage of the unique opportunity that a number of Nobel Prize winners, other leading researchers, leaders of industry and politicians are gathered in Sweden for the Nobel Prize festivities. The theme for the dialogue this year was the future of energy and I felt honoured to be invited to participate. It was especially enjoyable for me to be in Gothenburg since this is the city in which I was born and studies. However, the reason for my invitation was my research on global energy systems. The invitees began the day with a joint breakfast. For the breakfast the organisers had invited David MacKay as speaker. |
Upcoming eventsPublication tagsPeopleKjell Aleklett, ASPO President Mikael Höök, ASPO Secretary Colin Campbell, ASPO's founder, ASPO Honorary Chairman |


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Based on the Japanese smash-hit PC game, in this stunning and heartbreaking conclusion, Josh and Saya track down the rogue doctors performing barbaric, experimental surgeries on human subjects… all in a quest to gain access to Saya's world. Josh and Saya's pledge to put a stop to it all culminates in a blood-soaked, mind-blowing finale in which they both pay the ultimate price.
Preview: Song of Saya #3
Tue, April 27th, 2010 at 11:32am PDT
- Story by
- Daniel Liatowitsch, Todd Ocvirk
- Art by
- Yair Herrera
- Cover by
- Yair Herrera
- Publisher
- Cover Price:
- $3.99
- Release Date
- Apr 28th, 2010
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BrewDog Sheffield: Open for business!
On Saturday 8th March 2014, we well and truly put our hop-stained footprint on the city of Sheffield. Our latest UK bar is now open, and proved an immensely popular place to hang out over the weekend.
Designed in our ever-evolving style, this mecca of malt has comfy booths, retro-inspired high chairs, another awesome and mind-melting piece of Fisher art and a draft board visible from space (or at least the other end of the venue). It's a great place to chill out with a few session beers, or indulge in a weekends worth of antics and crazy guest beers from around the world.
But hey, don't just take our word for it. As the Emperor put it, "see for yourself."
BrewDog Sheffield can be found on twitter and facebook.
Were you there for opening night? Let us know what you thought in the comments below!
Posted in - brewdog-news
- Got to admit the draft board is pretty nice. And the fluo dogs as well. Was fluorescent paint used? would be cool if they lit up in the dark. IndianTonic11.03.2014
- Popped in on Sunday afternoon. Staff knew exactly what they were selling and dropped some sweeeeet recommendations! Found it super refreshing to sit and overhear loads of people discussing flavours and all trying their friends beers. Beverage education in sheffield has begun! Upshot Espresso10.03.2014
- such a cool vibe on Saturday night. Place was buzzin NewRegular10.03.2014
- love the draft board! are the other bars getting the same treatment? clown king10.03.2014
- A great bar, amazing staff and some fantastic beer. Cant wait to go back Yorkshire Man10.03.2014
- Amazing place, atmosphere was incredible! *Arnie voice* Ill be back! steve w10.03.2014


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Cramer: Why Yelp Is Long-Term Play Despite FTC Complaints
NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Yelp (YELP - Get Report) has dropped on news that the Federal Trade Commission has received more than 2,000 complaints about the online review site since 2008.
But TheStreet's Jim Cramer points to a SunTrust piece that says not to worry about the FTC's investigations because they are typical of any business that receives negative reviews. Cramer thinks the news will not affect Yelp, and that the decline is partially a result of pressure on tech companies that went public during this time period.
Cramer recommends Yelp as a social, mobile and cloud play for the long term because it has a great business model.
Must Watch: Jim Cramer Recommends Yelp Despite FTC Complaints
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Quick tip: How to Add Grunges to Layer Masks in Photoshop
I'm sure you've wanted to add a cool grungy effect to a text, but without using the all-known "28 days later" font, especially when you want to sell your product. So here's a really fast and easy solution to obtain the same results, and all in less than two minutes.
Difficulty: Beginner
Completion time: 2 minutes
Resources: Cracks texture by Design TNT


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Game Results
CHL, BCHL Game Night: 12/14
Submitted by chad on December 15, 2007 - 09:11Friday night's highlights:
- Jung continues to play well for Kelowna
- Fadden and Lethbridge make their Top-10 debut
- Tyrell and Prince George struggling
AHL Game Night 12/14: Bears at Admirals
Submitted by pete on December 14, 2007 - 21:18Eventually when you keep subtracting forwards, something like this happens.
Karri Ramo held Hershey to 1 goal through 40 minutes but the floodgates opened in the third. He allowed 3 goals on 25 shots in the game for the loss before being lifted for Jonathan Boutin who allowed 2 goals on 4 shots the rest of the way. Norfolk was outshot 29-20 in the game.
First Period
Second Period
HER Joudrey, (3) (Potulny, McNeill), 8:50
Third Period
HER Wilson, (6) (Barney), 3:47
HER Joudrey, (4) (Potulny, Lepisto), 5:07
NOR Stewart, (7) , 8:56
HER Barney, (3) (Wilson, Morgan), 10:14
HER Potulny, (9) (Lepisto, Wilson), 17:51 (PP)
Blair Jones was a key cog at forward for Norfolk so far this season playing over 20 minutes a night with a significant power play role. It will take time for the Admirals to adjust to his absence.
Game sheet from TheAHL.com.
Admirals Sign Kearns to PTO
Submitted by pete on December 14, 2007 - 18:59In response to the callup of Blair Jones, the Norfolk Admirals have signed center Bracken Kearns to a professional tryout contract. Kearns, 26, has played 17 games for Reading this season scoring 5 goals and 18 points with 17 penalty minutes. Kearns has one full year worth of AHL experience having played 79 games for Milwaukee in 1996-97 scoring 11 goals and 26 points in 79 games with 59 penalty minutes. The 6'0" 195 lbs forward spent his formative years playing for the University of Calgary of the CIS where he had 12 goals and 35 points in 43 games with 18 penalty minutes as a senior.
- 1 comment
- 629 reads
NHL Game Night 12/13: Flames at Lightning
Submitted by pete on December 13, 2007 - 21:21Lightning lose a track meet.
Johan Holmqvist allowed 4 goals on 6 shots before giving way to Marc Denis who allowed 4 goals on 25 shots for the loss.
Box score and extended statistics from NHL.com.
- 5 comments
- 827 reads
CHL Game Night: 12/12
Submitted by chad on December 13, 2007 - 11:01 Calgary Hitmen 1 @ Lethbridge Hurricanes 5
C Mitch Fadden, LET: 1-0-1, +1, 0 PIM
Fadden hadn't scored in 6 of his last 7 games before netting the game winner against Calgary.
Medicine Hat Tigers 3 @ Prince George Cougars 1
C/W Dana Tyrell, PG: Did Not Play. (WJC selection camp)
The Cougars were without both Tyrell and Sharks first rounder Ty Wishart, who was also cut from Team Canada.
Swift Current Broncos 3 @ Everett Silvertips 1
D Dane Crowley, EVT: 0-0-0, -1, 4 PIM (delay of game, high sticking)
Crowley played for the Broncos early last season before a trade to Everett.
Kelowna Rockets 5 @ Brandon Wheat Kings 4
G Torrie Jung, KEL: Did Not Play.
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- 428 reads


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Gluten-Free Dutch Apple Pie
From Woman's Day
For a gluten-free spin on an American classic, try this recipe, which features a rice- and tapioca-flour crust thats filled with a traditional apple pie mixture and topped with a cinnamon and brown sugar crumble.
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Nutritional Information
(per serving)
Calories | n/a |
Total Fat | n/a |
Saturated Fat | n/a |
Cholesterol | n/a |
Sodium | n/a |
Total Carbohydrate | n/a |
Dietary Fiber | n/a |
Sugars | n/a |
Protein | n/a |
Calcium | -- |
Kate Sears
U.S. | Metric | Conversion chart |
Crust (adapted from 1,000 Gluten-Free Recipes)
- 1 cup(s) sorghum-blend flour (equal parts sorghum flour and cornstarch equaling 3/4 cup, plus 1/4 cup tapioca flour; see Note)
- 3/4 cup(s) tapioca flour
- 1/2 cup(s) sweet rice flour
- 3 tablespoon(s) sugar, divided
- 2 teaspoon(s) xanthan gum (or 1 tsp each of xanthan and guar gum; see Note)
- 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
- 1/8 teaspoon(s) baking soda
- 1/2 cup(s) shortening
- 1/2 cup(s) 1% milk
- 1 teaspoon(s) vinegar
- 1 egg white, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup(s) sugar
- 2.5 pound(s) apples
- 1.5 tablespoon(s) cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon(s) cinnamon
- 1/2 cup(s) sugar
- 1 cup(s) all-purpose gluten-free flour
- 1/2 cup(s) sugar
- 1/4 cup(s) light brown sugar (packed)
- 1.5 teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
- 6 tablespoon(s) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-in. cubes
- Heat oven to 400°F. Grease a 9-in. pie pan. In a food processor, mix sorghum blend, tapioca flour, rice flour, 2 Tbsp sugar, the gum, salt, baking soda and shortening. Process until it forms loose crumbs. Add the milk and vinegar, pulsing to process until dough forms a ball.
- Remove the dough and knead it until smooth, then shape into two 1-in.-thick disks, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and chill for an hour. (You will need only one disk. Tightly wrap and freeze remaining disk for up to 2 months.)
- Place disk between 2 ample pieces of flour-dusted plastic wrap (any of the flours above will do) and roll it into a 10-in. circle. Transfer the dough to the pie pan and press to fit the pan, crimping edges to even it out. Brush edges with egg white.
- Add the lemon juice to a large bowl. Peel and core the apples and slice them about 1/4 in. thick. Toss the apple pieces in the juice to keep from browning. Add cornstarch, cinnamon and sugar, stirring to blend.
- Blend all ingredients except the butter in a food processor. Add butter, using short pulses, until mixture resembles wet sand.
- Toss filling and pour into crust. Pack topping over and around apples.
- Place pie on baking sheet and bake for 9 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°F and continue baking until apples in center are tender when pierced and filling is bubbling at the edges, about 45 to 50 minutes.
Tips & Techniques
Sorghum, tapioca and sweet rice flours, as well as xanthan and guar gums, are available at health food stores.
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JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square
4 Reviews
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- Location:Nanjing Road,People Square,The Bund
- Address:399 Nanjing West Road, Shanghai
- Tel:021-53594969 (Book this hotel, call 800-2682918)
- Hotel Name in Chinese:上海明天广场JW万豪酒店
- Lowest Price: On Request
Opened in 2003,the JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square keeps guests close to the central business district, Shanghai Grand Theatre, the unrivalled shopping at the BUND and other sites of cultural and historical significance.
The hotel boast a total of 342 exquisitely decorated and well appointed guestrooms. All rooms and suites are comfortably furnished and well-equipped with modern guest amenities.A culinary journey awaits, with a choice of fine restaurants serving authentic cuisine and contemporary specialties.
There's a 24-hour health club, luxurious Mandara Spa treatments, aerobics studio and indoor/outdoor pool to soothe and restore.
- Payment Method: pay using our secure online payment service or pay at the hotel at some hotels.
- Triple/quad occupancy may require an extra bed at extra cost.
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Services | Luggage service, Car rentals, Laundry service, Child care, Room service, Express check-in/check-out, Medical clinic service, Currency Exchange, Wake Up Call, Parking Service, 24hr Reception, Permanent English-speaking staff, Business Centre, Copy Service, E-mail, Translation Service, Fax Service, Typing Service |
Room Amenities | Air conditioning, AM/FM radio, Alarm clock, Color Television, Cable/satellite TV, Complimentary newspaper, Coffee/tea maker, Telephone, Hair dryer, In-room safe, Electronic Lock, Iron and ironing board, Refrigerator, Mini Bar, Bath and Shower, Non-smoking rooms available, In-house movies, Internet access |
Hotel Amenities: Elevator, Parking, Business Floor or Executive Floor, Air-Conditioned Facilities, Indoor Swimming Pool, Beauty Salon, Sauna, Business Center, Gift Shop, Gymnasium , Suitable for wheelchairs, Meeting Room, Ballroom, Deposit Box at Front Desk, Airline Desk, Fire Detector, Spa, Wifi
Dining Facilities: Chinese Restaurant, Western Restaurant, Cafe, Bar, Lounge Bar
Print the Taxi Directions
- Please drive me to JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square, thank you!
- Address:399 Nanjing West Road, Shanghai
- 地址:上海市辖区南京西路399号
- Tel: 021-53594969
JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square Reviews
- Food5
- Location5
- Room Comfort5
- Service5
- Our Reviews
- Reviews from TA
Guest,May.03, 2013
We enjoyed our stay in this hotel. The views from the lobby and the room are great and the location is ideal to discover the city. But the best thing about the hotel is the level of service they provide, which is really incomparable! The room is comfortable with all the amenities you would expect to make your stay comfortable. I never had to ask for anything-everything was already available. The lounge at the hotel is a great place to meet a friend or associate. The lounge is on a high floor so it offers sweeping views of the city and there is also a bar as well if you need a drink. Buffett dinner in cafe was overpriced - but expected due to 5 star and location of this hotel.
Guest,May.03, 2013
I always like to stay in Marriort when I am in business trip. Wonderful hotel, great rooms with amazing panoramic views. This time I was upgraded to ab excutive suite. The room was huge with incredible view looking over the skyline and the city. The Executive Lounge is the best I've ever been in. The quality of the food, wine and service is superlative. Staff was efficient and the billing was accurate. Check in and Check out was quick and helpful. No doubt I will come back again.
Guest,Apr.29, 2013
The JW Marriott Hotel at Tomorrow Square is a good and clean place to stay. The rooms are clean and well maintained and the business lounge well appointed. The lobby is at 38th floor right at check in you can enjoy the view over Tomorrow's square. Basically anywhere in the hotel you can enjoy a nice view of Shanghai skyline. Breakfast at lobby level offers very good selection of food, pastries and fruits. Service was good if a bit formal.
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More features on the Milk Taxi
HOLM and Lane reckons to have sold more than 500 of its Milk Taxi calf feeders since launching it at the last show.
Offered in a range of capacities from 80 to 250-litres, and designed to quickly mix milk powder with water, the latest version incorporates a number of new features.
These include a remote control dosing unit to allow individual ration quantities to be made quickly and easily. At the front
it is now also possible to fit two separate 30-litre containers to store rinse water or colostrum.
The 120-litre capacity Milk Taxi costs just under €3,000. The optional E-Drive system adds an extra €1,000.
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Maple Bacon Acorn Squash
I don't know about your family, but in our family holidays are all about the side dishes. I kid you not, we always make at least TEN side dishes to accompany our Thanksgiving turkey! We have our old standbys, but we usually try a few new ones every year. This savory sweet dish highlights seasonal squash just made it to the top of my list.
Maple Bacon Acorn Squash
Lisa @ onceamonthmeals.com, adapted from Cook Eat Paleo
- 4 cups acorn squash, cooked and mashed
- 2 Tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
- 0.5 cups bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
In a large bowl combine squash, butter, and maple syrup. Stir until smooth. Gently fold in bacon and sea salt. Transfer to baking dish. Warm in oven 350F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Freezing Directions:
Prepare as directed above but do not bake. Divide into gallon freezer storage bags, label and freeze. TO SERVE: Thaw. Transfer contents to glass baking dish. Reheat in oven 350F for 10 -15 minutes until heated through.
Servings: 6
**conversion chart image provided by Erik Spiekermann
3 Responses to "Maple Bacon Acorn Squash"
[…] 8. Maple Bacon Acorn Squash […]
I didn't have maple syrup in the pantry and didn't want a single-item grocery run. But I substituted molasses, in good Southern fashion. And, with bacon? What's not to love. Acorn squash will now grace my table; thanks for sharing.


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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - View original article
Roger Ebert | |
Ebert and his wife Chaz Hammelsmith Ebert (left) give the thumbs up to Nancy Kwan (right) at the Hawaii International Film Festival on October 20, 2010. | |
Born | Roger Joseph Ebert June 18, 1942 Urbana, Illinois, U.S. |
Occupation | Author, journalist, film historian, film critic, screenwriter |
Language | English |
Nationality | American |
Education | Urbana High School, Illinois High School Association |
Alma mater | University of Chicago, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
Period | 1967–present |
Subjects | Film |
Notable work(s) | The Great Movies; The Great Movies II; Beyond the Valley of the Dolls; Life Itself: A Memoir |
Notable award(s) | Pulitzer Prize for Criticism |
Spouse(s) | Chaz Hammelsmith (July 18, 1992 – present) |
www.rogerebert.com |
Roger Ebert | |
Ebert and his wife Chaz Hammelsmith Ebert (left) give the thumbs up to Nancy Kwan (right) at the Hawaii International Film Festival on October 20, 2010. | |
Born | Roger Joseph Ebert June 18, 1942 Urbana, Illinois, U.S. |
Occupation | Author, journalist, film historian, film critic, screenwriter |
Language | English |
Nationality | American |
Education | Urbana High School, Illinois High School Association |
Alma mater | University of Chicago, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
Period | 1967–present |
Subjects | Film |
Notable work(s) | The Great Movies; The Great Movies II; Beyond the Valley of the Dolls; Life Itself: A Memoir |
Notable award(s) | Pulitzer Prize for Criticism |
Spouse(s) | Chaz Hammelsmith (July 18, 1992 – present) |
www.rogerebert.com |
Roger Joseph Ebert (pron.: /ˈiːbərt/; born June 18, 1942) is an American journalist, film critic and screenwriter, who has been described by Forbes as "the most powerful pundit in America".[8] He is the first film critic to win a Pulitzer Prize, as well as the first to be awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Ebert is known for his film review column (appearing in the Chicago Sun-Times since 1967, and later online)[9] and for the television programs Sneak Previews, At the Movies with Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, and Siskel and Ebert and The Movies, all of which he co-hosted for a combined 23 years with Gene Siskel. After Siskel's death in 1999, Ebert teamed with Richard Roeper for the television series Ebert & Roeper & the Movies, which began airing in 2000. Although his name remained in the title, Ebert did not appear on the show after mid-2006, when he suffered post-surgical complications related to thyroid cancer, leaving him unable to speak. Ebert ended his association with the show in July 2008,[10] but in February 2009 he stated that he and Roeper would continue their work on a new show.[11] Ebert's most recent show, Ebert Presents: At the Movies, premiered on January 21, 2011, with Ebert contributing a review voiced by someone else in a brief segment called "Roger's Office".[12] It is no longer in production.
He has written more than 15 books, including his annual movie yearbook which is predominantly a collection of his reviews of that year. In 1975, Ebert became the first film critic to win the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism.[13] His television programs have been widely syndicated and have been nominated for Emmy awards. In February 1995, a section of Chicago's Erie Street near the CBS Studios was renamed Siskel & Ebert Way. In June 2005, Ebert was the first film critic to be awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He has honorary degrees from the University of Colorado, the AFI Conservatory, and in 2007 the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. As of 2010, Ebert's movie reviews are syndicated in more than 200 newspapers in the United States and worldwide by Universal Press Syndicate.
Since 1996, he has written a Great Movies series of individual reviews of what he deems to be the most important films of all time. This list and his associated reviews have now expanded to include over 300 movies. Since 1999, he has hosted the annual Roger Ebert's Film Festival in Champaign, Illinois.
Contents |
Roger Joseph Ebert[14] was born in Urbana, Illinois, the son of Annabel (née Stumm)[15][16] and Walter H. Ebert,[15] an electrician.[17] His paternal grandparents were German immigrants[18] and his maternal ancestry is Dutch and Irish.[19] Ebert's interest in journalism began as a student at Urbana High School, where he was a sports writer for The News-Gazette in Champaign, Illinois; however, he began his writing career with letters of comment to the science fiction fanzines of the era.[9] He became involved in science fiction fandom,[20] writing articles for fanzines, including Richard A. Lupoff's Xero. In his senior year, he was co-editor of his high school newspaper, The Echo. In 1958, Ebert won the Illinois High School Association state speech championship in Radio Speaking, an event that simulates radio newscasts.[21]
Regarding his early influences in film critiquing, Ebert wrote in the 1998 parody collection Mad About the Movies:
Ebert began taking classes at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as an early entrance student, completing his high school courses while also taking his first university class.[23] After graduation from Urbana High School in 1960, Ebert then attended and received his undergraduate degree. While at the University of Illinois, Ebert worked as a reporter for the The Daily Illini and then served as its editor during his senior year while also continuing to work as a reporter for the News-Gazette of Champaign-Urbana, Illinois (he had begun at the News-Gazette at age 15 covering Urbana High School sports).[24] As an undergraduate, he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and president of the U.S. Student Press Association at Illinois.[25] One of the first movie reviews he ever wrote was a review of La Dolce Vita, published in The Daily Illini in October 1961.[26]
After receiving his undergraduate degree from Illinois in 1964, Ebert spent a semester as a master's student in the department of English there before attending the University of Cape Town in South Africa on a Rotary fellowship for a year.[27] He returned from Cape Town to his graduate studies at Illinois for two more semesters and then, after being accepted as a PhD candidate at the University of Chicago, he prepared to move to Chicago. He needed a job to support himself while he worked on his doctorate and so applied to the Chicago Daily News, hoping that since he had already sold freelance pieces to the Daily News, including an article on the death of writer Brendan Behan, that he would be hired by editor Herman Kogan. Instead Kogan referred Ebert to the city editor at the Chicago Sun-Times, Jim Hoge, who hired Ebert as a reporter and feature writer at the Sun-Times in 1966.[28] Ebert attended doctoral classes at the University of Chicago while working as a general reporter at the Sun-Times for a year. After movie critic Eleanor Keane left the Sun-Times in April 1967, editor Robert Zonk gave the job to Ebert.[29] The load of graduate school and being a film critic proved too much, so Ebert left University of Chicago to focus his energies on reporting.[30]
Ebert began his professional critic career in 1967, writing for the Chicago Sun-Times. That same year, Ebert's first book, a history of the University of Illinois titled Illini Century: One Hundred Years of Campus Life was published by the University's press.
In 1969, his review of Night of the Living Dead[31] was published in Reader's Digest.
Ebert co-wrote the screenplay for the 1970 Russ Meyer film Beyond the Valley of the Dolls and likes to joke about being responsible for the film, which was poorly received on its release but is now regarded as a cult classic.[32] Ebert and Meyer also made Beneath the Valley of the Ultra-Vixens, Up!, and others, and were involved in the ill-fated Sex Pistols movie Who Killed Bambi? In April 2010, Ebert posted his screenplay of Who Killed Bambi? aka Anarchy in the UK on his blog.[33]
Since the 1970s, Ebert has worked for the University of Chicago as a guest lecturer, teaching a night class on film. His fall 2005 class was on the works of the German director Rainer Werner Fassbinder.
In 1975, Ebert and Gene Siskel of the Chicago Tribune began co-hosting a weekly film review television show, Sneak Previews, which was locally produced by the Chicago public broadcasting station WTTW. The show was picked up by PBS in 1978 for national distribution. In 1982, the critics moved to a syndicated commercial television show named At the Movies with Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, and in 1986 they left to create Siskel & Ebert & The Movies with Buena Vista Television (part of the Walt Disney Company). The duo was known for their "thumbs up/thumbs down" review summaries. When Siskel died in 1999, the producers retitled the show Roger Ebert & the Movies with rotating co-hosts. In September 2000, fellow Chicago Sun-Times columnist Richard Roeper became the permanent co-host and the show was renamed At the Movies with Ebert & Roeper.
On January 31, 2009, Ebert was made an honorary life member of the Directors Guild of America during the group's annual awards ceremony.[34]
Ebert ended his association with Disney in July 2008, after the studio indicated they wished to take At the Movies in a new direction. He and Gene Siskel's widow, Marlene Iglitzen Siskel,[35] still own the trademark phrase "Two Thumbs Up".[10] On February 18, 2009, Ebert reported that he and Roeper would soon announce a new movie review program.[11] Ebert reiterated this plan after Disney announced the last episode of the program would air in August 2010.[36]
Ebert stated in his August 18, 2010 "Answer Man" column that he was writing his memoirs.[37]
Ebert has described his critical approach to films as "relative, not absolute"; he reviews a film for what he feels will be its prospective audience, yet always with at least some consideration as to its value as a whole. He awards four stars to films of the highest quality, and generally a half star to those of the lowest unless he considers the film to be "artistically inept" and/or "morally repugnant", in which case it will receive no stars.[38]
When you ask a friend if Hellboy is any good, you're not asking if it's any good compared to Mystic River, you're asking if it's any good compared to The Punisher. And my answer would be, on a scale of one to four, if Superman is four, then Hellboy is three and The Punisher is two. In the same way, if American Beauty gets four stars, then The United States of Leland clocks in at about two.[39]
Ebert has emphasized that his star ratings have little meaning if not considered in the context of the review itself. Occasionally (as in his review of Basic Instinct 2), Ebert's star rating may seem at odds with his written opinion. Ebert has acknowledged such cases, stating, "I cannot recommend the movie, but ... why the hell can't I? Just because it's godawful? What kind of reason is that for staying away from a movie? Godawful and boring, that would be a reason."[40] In August 2004 Stephen King, in a column, criticized what he saw as a growing trend of leniency towards films from critics including Ebert. His main criticism was that films, citing Spider-Man 2 as an example, were constantly given four star ratings that they did not deserve.[41] In his review of The Manson Family, Ebert gave the film three stars for achieving what it set out to do, but admitted that did not count as a recommendation per se. He similarly gave the Adam Sandler–starring remake of The Longest Yard a positive rating of three stars, but in his review, which he wrote soon after attending the Cannes Film Festival, he recommended readers not see the film because they had access to more satisfying cinematic experiences.[42] He declined to give a star rating to The Human Centipede, arguing that the rating system was "unsuited" to such a film: "Is the movie good? Is it bad? Does it matter? It is what it is and occupies a world where the stars don't shine."[43]
Ebert has reprinted his starred reviews in movie guides. In his appearances on The Howard Stern Show, he was frequently challenged to defend his ratings. Ebert stood by his opinions with one notable exception—when Stern pointed out that Ebert had given The Godfather Part II a three-star rating in 1974, but had subsequently given The Godfather Part III three and a half stars. Ebert later added The Godfather Part II to his "Great Movies" list in October 2008 stating that his original review has often been cited as proof of his "worthlessness" but he still has not changed his mind and would not change a word of his original review.[44] When reviewing the 2009 re-make of The Last House on the Left, Ebert noted how he had given the controversial 1972 original three and a half stars and declined to make a comparison between the two versions: "I wrote that original "Last House" review 37 years ago. I am not the same person. I am uninterested in being 'consistent.'"[45]
Ebert has occasionally accused some films of having an unwholesome political agenda, and the word "fascist" accompanied more than one of Ebert's reviews of the law-and-order films of the 1970s such as Dirty Harry. He is also suspicious of films that are passed off as art, but which he sees as merely lurid and sensational. Ebert has leveled this charge against such films as The Night Porter.[46]
Ebert's reviews can clash with the overall reception of movies, as evidenced by his one-star review of the celebrated 1986 David Lynch film Blue Velvet ("marred by sophomoric satire and cheap shots... in a way, [director Lynch's] behavior is more sadistic than the Hopper character").[47] He was dismissive of the popular 1988 Bruce Willis action film Die Hard ("inappropriate and wrongheaded interruptions reveal the fragile nature of the plot"),[48] while his positive review of 1997's Speed 2: Cruise Control ("Movies like this embrace goofiness with an almost sensual pleasure")[49] is the only one accounting for that film's 2% approval rating on the Rotten Tomatoes critical website.[50]
Ebert often makes heavy use of mocking sarcasm, especially when reviewing movies he considers bad. At other times he is direct, famously in his review of the 1994 Rob Reiner comedy North, which he concluded by writing that:
I hated this movie. Hated hated hated hated hated this movie. Hated it. Hated every simpering stupid vacant audience-insulting moment of it. Hated the sensibility that thought anyone would like it. Hated the implied insult to the audience by its belief that anyone would be entertained by it.[51]
Ebert's reviews are also often characterized by dry wit.[52] In January 2005, when Rob Schneider insulted Los Angeles Times movie critic Patrick Goldstein, who panned his movie Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo, by commenting that the critic was unqualified because he had never won the Pulitzer Prize, Ebert intervened by stating that, as a Pulitzer winner, he was qualified to review the film, and bluntly told Schneider, "Your movie sucks."[53] Ebert and Schneider would later mend fences regarding this.[2][54][55]
Ebert has been known to comment on films using his own Roman Catholic upbringing[56] as a point of reference, and has been critical of films he believes are grossly ignorant of or insulting to Catholicism, such as Stigmata[57] and Priest,[58] though he has given favorable reviews of controversial films with themes or references to Jesus and Catholicism, including The Passion of the Christ,[59] The Last Temptation of Christ, and to Kevin Smith's religious satire Dogma.[60] However, Ebert identifies himself today as an agnostic.[56]
He often includes personal anecdotes in his reviews when he considers them relevant. He has occasionally written reviews in the forms of stories, poems, songs,[61] scripts, open letters,[62][63] or imagined conversations.[64][65] He has written many essays and articles exploring the field of film criticism in depth.
Ebert has been accused by some horror movie fans of bourgeois elitism in his dismissal of what he calls "Dead Teenager Movies". Ebert has clarified that he does not disparage horror movies as a whole, but that he draws a distinction between films like Nosferatu and The Silence of the Lambs, which he regards as "masterpieces", and films which he feels consist of nothing more than groups of teenagers being killed off with the exception of one survivor to populate a sequel.[66]
Ebert has indicated that his favorite film is Citizen Kane, joking, "That's the official answer," although he prefers to emphasize it as "the most important" film. He has insinuated that his real favorite film is La Dolce Vita.[67] His favorite actor is Robert Mitchum, and his favorite actress is Ingrid Bergman.[68] Ebert has expressed his general distaste for "top ten" lists, and all movie lists in general,[67] but contributed a top ten list to the 2012 Sight and Sound Directors' poll. Listed alphabetically, those films were 2001: A Space Odyssey, Aguirre, the Wrath of God, Apocalypse Now, Citizen Kane, La Dolce Vita, The General, Raging Bull, Tokyo Story, The Tree of Life and Vertigo.[69]
Ebert has compiled "best of the year" movie lists since the 1960s, which have helped to provide an overview of his critical preferences.[70] His top choices have been:
Ebert revisits and sometimes revises his opinions. After ranking E.T. The Extra Terrestrial third on his 1982 list, it was the only movie from that year to appear on his later "Best Films of the 1980s" list (where it also ranked third). He made similar revaluations of 1981's Raiders of the Lost Ark, and 1985's Ran. The Three Colors Trilogy (Blue, White, and Red), and Pulp Fiction originally ranked second and third on Ebert's 1994 list; both were included on his "Best Films of the 1990s" list, but their order had reversed.[71]
Ebert has long been an admirer of director Werner Herzog, whom he supported through many years when Herzog's popularity had been eclipsed. He conducted an onstage public "conversation" with Herzog at the Telluride Film Festival in 2004, after a screening of Herzog's film Invincible at the Ebert's Overlooked Film Festival. Herzog dedicated his 2008 film Encounters at the End of the World to Ebert, and Ebert responded with a heartfelt public letter of gratitude.[72]
In 2005, Ebert opined that video games are not art, and are inferior to media created through authorial control, such as film and literature, stating, "video games can be elegant, subtle, sophisticated, challenging and visually wonderful", but "the nature of the medium prevents it from moving beyond craftsmanship to the stature of art".[73] This resulted in negative reaction from video game enthusiasts,[74] such as writer Clive Barker, who defended video games as an art form, stating that they have the power to move people, that the views of book or film critics are less important than those of the consumers experiencing them, and that Ebert's were prejudiced. Ebert responded that the charge of prejudice was merely a euphemism for disagreement, that merely being moved by an experience does not denote it as artistic, and that critics are also consumers.[75] Ebert later defended his position in April 2010, saying, "No video gamer now living will survive long enough to experience the medium as an art form."[76] He also stated that he has never found a video game "worthy of (his) time", and thus has never played one."[77]
In a July 1, 2010, blog entry, Ebert maintained his position that video games cannot ever be art in principle, but conceded that he should not have expressed this skepticism without being more familiar with the actual experience of playing them. He reflected on the reaction to his blog entry, gamers' attempts to recommend to him games such as Shadow of the Colossus, and his reluctance to play games due to his lack of interest in the medium.[78]
Ebert is an outspoken opponent of the Motion Picture Association of America film rating system. He has repeatedly criticized their decisions regarding which movies are "suitable for children." For example, Whale Rider[79] and School of Rock[80] were both rated PG-13 (not recommended for children under the age of 13), while he thought both were inoffensive enough for schoolchildren and contained positive messages for that age group. In his review of The Exorcist, Ebert said it was "stupefying" that the film received a rating of "R" from the MPAA instead of an "X" (suitable only for adults). He has frequently argued that the MPAA is more likely to give an "R" rating for mild sexual content than for highly violent content. In his review of The Passion of the Christ, he was quoted as saying: "I said the film is the most violent I have ever seen. The MPAA's R rating is definitive proof that the organization either will never give the NC-17 rating for violence alone, or was intimidated by the subject matter. If it had been anyone other than Jesus up on that cross, I have a feeling that NC-17 would have been automatic."[59]
He also frequently laments that cinemas outside major cities are "booked by computer from Hollywood with no regard for local tastes", making high-quality independent and foreign films virtually unavailable to most American moviegoers.[81]
Ebert is a strong advocate for Maxivision 48, in which the movie projector runs at 48 frames per second, as compared to the usual 24 frames per second. He is opposed to the practice whereby theatres lower the intensity of their projector bulbs in order to extend the life of the bulb, arguing that this has little effect other than to make the film harder to see.[82] Ebert has been skeptical of the recent resurgence of 3D effects in film, which he has found unrealistic and distracting.[83]
Ebert is one of the principal critics featured in Gerald Peary's 2009 documentary film For the Love of Movies: The Story of American Film Criticism. He is shown discussing the dynamics of appearing with Gene Siskel on the 1970s show Coming to a Theatre Near You, which was the predecessor of Sneak Previews on Chicago PBS station WTTW. He also expresses his approval of the proliferation of young people writing film reviews today on the Internet.[84]
Ebert has provided DVD audio commentaries for several films, including Citizen Kane, Casablanca, Dark City, Floating Weeds, Crumb, and Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (for which Ebert also wrote the screenplay, based on a story that he co-wrote with Russ Meyer). Ebert was also interviewed by Central Park Media for an extra feature on the DVD release of the anime film Grave of the Fireflies.
On the day of the Academy Award ceremony, Ebert and Roeper typically appear on the live pre-awards show, An Evening at the Academy Awards: The Arrivals. This airs prior to the awards ceremony show, which also features red carpet interviews and fashion commentary. They also appear on the post-awards show entitled An Evening at the Academy Awards: The Winners. Both shows are produced and aired by the ABC-owned KABC-TV in Los Angeles. This program also airs on WLS-TV in Chicago, as well as the network's other owned-and-operated stations, along with being syndicated to several ABC affiliates and other broadcasters outside the country. Ebert did not appear on the 2007 show for medical reasons.
In 1995, Ebert, along with colleague Gene Siskel, guest-starred on an episode of the animated TV series The Critic. In the episode, Siskel and Ebert split and each wants Jay as his new partner. The episode is a parody of the film Sleepless in Seattle.[85]
In 1996, Ebert appeared in Pitch, a documentary by Canadian film makers Spencer Rice and Kenny Hotz.
In 2003, Ebert had a cameo appearance in the film Abby Singer, in which he recited the white parasol monologue from Citizen Kane.
Roger Ebert founded his own film festival, Ebertfest, in his home town of Champaign, Illinois, and is also a regular fixture at the Hawaii International Film Festival.
On May 4, 2010, Ebert was announced by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences as the Webby Person of the Year, having taken to the Internet following his battle with cancer.[86]
On October 22, 2010, Ebert appeared on camera with Robert Osborne on the Turner Classic Movies network during the network's "The Essentials" series. Ebert chose the film Sweet Smell of Success to be shown.
Ebert is married to trial attorney Charlie "Chaz" Hammel-Smith.[56] Chaz Ebert is now vice president of the Ebert Company and has emceed Ebertfest.[87][88]
Roger Ebert is a recovering alcoholic having quit drinking in 1979. He is a member of Alcoholics Anonymous and has written some blog entries on the subject.[89] He has been friends with, and at one time dated, Oprah Winfrey, who credits him with encouraging her to go into syndication.[90] He is also good friends with film historian and critic Leonard Maltin and considers the book Leonard Maltin's Movie and Video Guide to be the standard of film guide books.
A supporter of the Democratic Party,[91] Ebert publicly urged liberal filmmaker Michael Moore to give a politically charged acceptance speech at the Academy Awards: "I'd like to see Michael Moore get up there and let 'em have it with both barrels and really let loose and give them a real rabble-rousing speech."[92] During a 2004 visit to The Howard Stern Show, Ebert predicted that the then-junior Illinois senator Barack Obama would be very important to the future of the country.[93] During a 1996 panel at the University of Colorado at Boulder's Conference on World Affairs, Ebert coined The Boulder Pledge, by which he vowed never to purchase anything offered through the result of an unsolicited email message, or to forward chain emails or mass emails to others.[94]
He is critical of the Intelligent Design movement.[95] He has also stated that people who believe in either creationism or New Age beliefs such as crystal healing or astrology are not qualified to be President.[96] Regarding his belief system, he doesn't "want to provide a category for people to apply to [him]" because he "would not want [his] convictions reduced to a word" and states, "I have never said, although readers have freely informed me I am an atheist, an agnostic, or at the very least a secular humanist—which I am".[97] Ebert has also expressed disbelief in pseudoscientific or supernatural claims in general, calling them "woo-woo".[98]
On April 25, 2011, he achieved one of his long-time goals: winning one of the weekly caption contests in The New Yorker after more than 100 attempts.[99]
In early 2002, Ebert was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer. In February, surgeons at Northwestern Memorial Hospital successfully removed the cancer with clean margins. He later underwent surgery in 2003 for cancer in his salivary gland, and in December of that year, underwent a four-week follow-up course of radiation to his salivary glands, which altered his voice slightly. Ebert continued to be a dedicated critic of film, not missing a single opening while undergoing treatment.
Ebert underwent further surgery on June 16, 2006, two days before his 64th birthday, to remove additional cancerous tissue near his right jaw, which included removing a section of jaw bone.[100] On July 1, Ebert was hospitalized in serious condition after his carotid artery burst near the surgery site and he "came within a breath of death".[101] He later learned that the burst was likely a side effect of his treatment, which involved neutron beam radiation. He was subsequently kept bedridden to prevent further damage to the scarred vessels in his neck while he slowly recovered from multiple surgeries and the rigorous treatment. At one point, his status was so precarious that Ebert had a tracheotomy performed on his neck to reduce the effort of breathing while he recovered.[100] Although it was not revealed at the time, Ebert also lost the ability both to speak and to eat or drink (so that he would have to use a feeding tube).[102]
Ebert had pre-taped enough TV programs with his co-host Richard Roeper to keep him on the air for a few weeks; his extended convalescence necessitated a series of "guest critics" to co-host with Roeper: Jay Leno, Kevin Smith, John Ridley, Toni Senecal, Christy Lemire, Michael Phillips, Aisha Tyler, Fred Willard, Anne Thompson, A.O. Scott, Mario Van Peebles, George Pennacchio, Brad Silberling, and John Mellencamp. Michael Phillips later became Ebert's replacement for the remainder of Roeper's time on At the Movies, until mid-2008, when Roeper did not extend his contract with ABC.
In October 2006, Ebert confirmed his bleeding problems had been resolved. He was undergoing rehabilitation at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago due to lost muscle mass, and later underwent further rehabilitation at the Pritikin Center in Florida."[103] After a three-month absence, the first movie he reviewed was The Queen. Ebert made his first public appearance since mid-2006 at Ebertfest on April 25, 2007. He was unable to speak but communicated through his wife, Chaz, using written notes. His opening words to the crowd of devout fans at the festival were a quote from the film he co-wrote with Russ Meyer, Beyond the Valley of the Dolls: "It's my happening and it freaks me out."[104] Also in April 2007, in an interview with WLS-TV in Chicago, he said, "I was told photos of me in this condition would attract the gossip papers — so what?" On April 23, the Sun-Times reported that, when asked about his decision to return to the limelight, Ebert remarked, "We spend too much time hiding illness."[105]
Ebert returned to reviewing on May 18, 2007, when three of his reviews were published by the Chicago Sun-Times, and he returned to his website, a role that his editor had shouldered during the critic's illness.[106] Thereafter, he slowly worked back to his previous output of 5–6 reviews a week plus a "Great Movies" review. He also resumed his "Answer Man" column. In a July 21, 2007, commentary on a rebuttal to Clive Barker, he revealed that he was still unable to speak, but he could still write.[107] He posted reviews of the 2006 film Casino Royale and the 2007 films Zodiac and Ratatouille with a note that he was in the process of going back and reviewing some of the movies that were released during his absence.[108] He attended the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival, while awaiting surgery that was hoped to restore his voice.[109]
Ebert adopted a computerized voice system to communicate. He initially chose to use a voice with a British accent that he named "Lawrence",[110] but then switched to a high quality voice with an American accent included with Mac OS X named "Alex".[111] According to Ebert, he does not miss the activity of eating or drinking so much as the camaraderie of dining with friends.[102]
Ebert underwent further surgery on January 24, 2008, this time in Houston, to address the complications from his previous surgeries. A statement from Ebert and his wife indicated that "the surgery went well, and the Eberts look forward to giving you more good news..."[112][113] but on April 1, his 41st anniversary as a film critic at the Sun-Times, Ebert announced that there had been further complications and his speech had not been restored. He wrote, "I am still cancer-free, and not ready to think about more surgery at this time. I should be content with the abundance I have." His columns resumed shortly after the April 23 opening of his annual film festival at the University of Illinois.[114] During his various surgeries, doctors carved bone, tissue and skin from his back, arm, and legs, and transplanted them in an attempt to reconstruct his jaw and throat, though these transplants would each be unsuccessful, and eventually removed. As a result of these procedures, his right shoulder is visibly smaller than his left, and his legs have been scarred and weakened.[88]
On April 18, 2008, it was announced that Ebert had fractured his hip in a fall,[115] a result of the weakening of his body following the unsuccessful tissue transplants,[88] and had undergone surgery to repair it.[115]
As of February 2010[update], Ebert has a full-time, live-in nurse to attend to him when needed. Although doctors have asked him to allow them to make one more attempt to restore his voice, Ebert has refused, indicating that he is done with surgery, and will likely decline significant intervention even if his cancer returns, as he feels that the last procedure he underwent did more harm than good. Regarding his death one day, he has written:
I know it is coming, and I do not fear it, because I believe there is nothing on the other side of death to fear. I hope to be spared as much pain as possible on the approach path. I was perfectly content before I was born, and I think of death as the same state. What I am grateful for is the gift of intelligence, and for life, love, wonder, and laughter. You can't say it wasn't interesting. My lifetime's memories are what I have brought home from the trip. I will require them for eternity no more than that little souvenir of the Eiffel Tower I brought home from Paris.[88]
Ebert employed a Scottish company called CereProc, which custom-tailors text-to-speech software for voiceless customers who record their voices at length before losing them, and mined tapes and DVD commentaries featuring Ebert to create a voice that sounds more like his own voice.[88] He used the voice they devised for him in his March 2, 2010, appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show,[116] in which he discussed his methods of coping with the loss of his voice and his other post-surgical difficulties.[117] By January 2011, Ebert had been given a prosthesis for his chin created by University of Illinois craniofacial doctors and other specialists. The prosthesis, which took two years to fabricate, is worn by Ebert on Ebert Presents: At the Movies, in a medium shot of him that is used for the "Roger's Office" segment.[118]
In December 2012 Ebert was hospitalized with a fractured hip, which his wife Chaz jokingly blamed on "tricky disco dance moves".[119]
Each year since 1999, except in 2008, Ebert has published Roger Ebert's Movie Yearbook, a collection of all of his movie reviews from the previous two and a half years (for example, the 2011 edition, ISBN 978-0-7407-9769-9, covers January 2008 – July 2010), as well as essays and other writings. He has also written the following books:
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Kenneth 'Kenny' Franklin Phillips
Published on -12/3/2012, 4:47 PM
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Kenneth "Kenny" Franklin Phillips, 85, Russell, died Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, at Russell Regional Hospital.
He was born July 30, 1927, in Russell to Frank and Minnie (Harsh) Phillips. He attended school in Fairport and Russell.
He married Ruth Motzner on Dec. 9, 1948 in Woodston. She preceded him in death July 24, 2009. He worked at Gene's Service Station for many years until his retirement.
Survivors include a son, Paul Phillips, Russell; two daughters, Carla Batt, Victoria, and Elizabeth Langdon, DeSoto; a brother, Keith Phillips, Russell; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Otterbein United Methodist Church, Russell; burial in Amherst Cemetery, south of Waldo.
Visitation will be from 9 am. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, with family greeting friends from 6 to 7 p.m. at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, Russell.
Memorials are suggested to Otterbein United Methodist Church, Russell, in care of the mortuary.


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Draft Risers and Sliders: Pro Days Story Highlights
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Draft Risers and Sliders: Pro Days Story Highlights
Draft Risers and Sliders: Pro Days Story Highlights
By Tony Pauline, Special to SI.com, TFYDraft.com
Pro-day workouts started to heat up this week as a number of universities around the nation hosted NFL decision-makers who put some highly rated prospects to the test. There were a lot of nice surprises and a few big disappointments. Here's a breakdown.
BJ Raji/DL/Boston College
: Raji stood on most of his combine numbers, only doing position drills during the Boston College pro day Thursday, yet he continued to impress NFL scouts. He looked fluid and very athletic, quickly moving around the field. Scouts now feel it may be a waste to use Raji at nose tackle or as a two-gap defender, rather they feel he has the ability to line up as a three technique lineman. In other words, NFL decision-makers think Raji has the skills to chase the quarterback and make plays on ball carriers as opposed to just clogging the line of scrimmage. Raji has moved into the draft's top six picks barring any unforeseen red flags at the last minute.
Pat White/QB/West Virginia
: White told teams in attendance at his workout Thursday that he would participate in receiver drills or field punts upon request. He did none of that, rather performing brilliantly throwing the ball. White showed good speed on his passes and was very accurate all day. His passing drew praise from the scouts at the West Virginia pro day.
Brice McCain/CB/Utah
: McCain was one of the few draft eligible Utah players on defense not invited to the combine, yet his performance was head and shoulders above those who made the trip to Indianapolis. McCain's 40 times read as fast as 4.25 seconds on some stopwatches and his short shuttle was under four seconds. He had a solid position workout and moved into the draft's later rounds.
Demonte' Bolden/DT/Tennessee
: Bolden was sick prior to the combine and showed up at Indy weakened and underweight. He was back to full strength for pro day Wednesday. After measuring 6-foot-3.5 and 294 pounds, Bolden ran his 40 in 4.95 seconds. His other marks included 33-inch vertical jump, 9-5 broad jump and 26 reps on the bench.
Robert Francois/LB/Boston College
: Francois is one of the least known prospects from the Boston College defense, yet one of the draft's real sleepers. He measured 6-2, 245 then timed both of his 40's in the mid 4.5-second range. Francois posted a 35.5-inch vertical jump, 10' broad and had a short shuttle time under four seconds. He looked terrific in drills, working with the defensive backs, and looked better than most of the secondary prospects.
Jamarko Simmons/WR/Western Michigan
: The Broncos big possession receiver weighed 231 pounds then ran a terrific 40, stopping watches at 4.54 seconds. His vertical was 33-inches, broad 9-11 and he completed 19 reps on the bench. Simmons was put through a 25-minute session of receiver drills and looked terrific catching the ball.
Marcus Thigpen/RB-RS/Indiana
: The Hoosiers elusive scat back ran 40 times between 4.27 and 4.31 seconds. Thigpen posted 21 reps on the bench, 35.5-inches in the vertical jump and 10-8 in the broad. Most importantly, he looked solid fielding punts.
Andre Smith/OT/Alabama:
Smith's disastrous workout Wednesday has been well documented. He weighed a flabby 325 pounds, barely broke 5.3 in the 40, completed just 19 reps on the bench press and put up other marks that were horrendous. Workout results aside, Smith's immaturity has NFL decision-makers concerned. After his exploits at the combine when he disappeared unannounced prior to his workout, Smith did nothing to redeem himself during Alabama's pro day. Smith has lost millions as teams are no longer willing to use an early draft pick to acquire him as it would mean a big contract with lots of guaranteed money for someone they are not sure about. He's being compared to Winston Justice, the one-time talented offensive lineman from USC who lacks the mental makeup to play on the NFL level. Smith may get one more chance before the draft to work out in front of a cumulative audience of NFL personnel people. If he does not make the most of it he will drop into the second half of round one.
Paul Kruger/DE-OLB/Utah
: Kruger's combine was disappointing and his pro day was not much better. He barely broke 4.8 seconds in the 40 and completed 22 reps on the bench. Scouts will now debate what position to line up the 260-pound defender, who is in danger of falling out of round two.
Ian Campbell/DE-LB/Kansas State:
Campbell, who did not run or lift at the combine, turned in a poor workout Thursday. He ran in the low 4.9's in the 40 and looked weak on the bench press. The 265-pound Campbell possesses neither the speed to play linebacker nor the strength to hold up at defensive end.
Josh Freeman
of Kansas State was solid during his pro day, but did not have a knockout workout. He was much more accurate on the deep outs than he was during the combine, but many of his other long throws, such as the deep posts, went astray.
Texas Tech junior
Brandon Williams
dropped more than one-tenth of a second from his 40 time this week. Williams, who was timed at 4.9 seconds at the combine, posted times at or below 4.75 during his pro-day workout. Williams improved training regiment was the cause for the improvement.
Offensive guard
Ray Feinga
, who did not run the 40 at the combine, did not run at the BYU pro day either because of a bad hamstring. He may not get another chance to perform for scouts.
Tennessee running back
Arian Foster
unexpectedly did not show up at the Volunteers pro-day workout. Foster, who did not run or participate in position drills at the combine, is scheduled to work out at San Diego State.
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Why do you think voter turnout was so low this past election?
Monday, November 7, 2011 - 2:33pm
Only about 1/3 of Louisiana voters cast a ballot this past election. So the Street Tweets Team is asking, "Why do you think the turnout was so low?" Play the video to view the responses and please leave your own in the comment box below. We want to hear from you!


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Eleven Hialeah Students Hospitalized After Robo-Tripping at School
Categories: News
Dextromethorphan, an active ingredient found in Robitussin and other cough medicines, in high doses produces effects similar to Ketamine, such as euphoria, hallucinations, and vivid thoughts. Some users even report out-of-body experiences.
Now 11 students at Hialeah Middle School have been taken to the hospital after apparently abusing the drug in school.
The six girls and five boys, all between the ages of 13 and 14, took Coricidin, an over-the-counter medicine. Coricidin is more dangerous than other sources of dextromethorphan because it also includes chlorphenamine, which is dangerous and even fatal in high doses.
Some of the students were wheeled out on gurneys from the school and transported to Jackson Memorial and Palmetto General. Their conditions are unknown.
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Top Ten Most Shocking Shopping Riots on Black Friday!
Its Friday, Friday, gotta go shopping on Friday.
Rebecca Black Releases Video Teaser For New Song 'In Your Words'
However, after these ten videos of shocking shopping experiences, you may want to lock the doors and do your shopping in cyber space. Check out all the chaos below!
For starters, avoid Urban Outfitters at all costs…
…and Wal-mart,
Because no $1.28 towel is worth this:
…or a waffle maker of any kind.
Oh, and avoid Abercrombie, for reasons other than the smell.
Note that any display, or shelving unit cannot withstand the force of gravity on Black Friday.
Nor can this lady's pants.
Mom always told you to fight for what you believe in…but please, never fight over a printer.
The aftermath of this scene looks more like an Iron Man Triathlon rather than a Target opening.
To lighten the mood, a Black Friday practical joke that instills the fact that retail employees will be of no help to you on this ever-treacherous day.


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The "Award of Excellence for Handicrafts" logo draws inspiration from arts and crafts (traditional skills, patterns and themes).
To produce my concept, I first created the base manually by hand. I desired to put together a hand-made aspect with a contemporary feel. The logo designed to inspire people and to raise global awareness to the subject.


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The Blood Type Diet Archives Volume 8
Posted By: Pam CraigDate: Tuesday, 19 January 1999, at 3:42 p.m.
In Response To: Kiwi Sweetener...is it true?? (Linda)
I got the same thing but i do not know where it went. A Julian Whitaker sends us newletters and he mentioned a natural sweetener coming to health food stores this year, i can't remember what it is called, I will have to research this. Kiwi is very sweet so why not a natural sweetener, no chemicals, bad for the liver. I use honey alot, real honey from a beehive Pam


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Current Time
Provincetown , Massachusetts
Tel: 800 842 9858 (toll-free)
Tel: 508 487 9005
Concierge.com's insider take:
This longtime Provincetown fixture was starting to look worn when new owners—who also bought the Crowne Pointe Inn across the street—took over in 2008 and shined it up like new. Comprised of nine buildings surrounding a private courtyard with a pool, the Brass Key has a pleasantly compoundlike feel that makes it an unlikely oasis in P-town's densely populated downtown. Its almost entirely gay clientele includes many regulars who have returned for years, elevating the guests' average age. So, in the hope of luring a younger crowd—not too young, though; no children are allowed—the owners have brought in new furnishings and replaced the bathrooms in nearly half of the 43 units (so far). Also in the works are two new suites. The rooms are masculine and tastefully decorated with reproduction furniture, but guests spend less time in the rooms than around the pool and in the many public spaces, including a high deck in a turret that's popular at sunset, and a living room–like lobby with comfortable couches and a piano.
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