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employee spotlight
Employees at Blurb
We're engineers, product experts, designers, executives, and more—but we're also real people (who are really fun to work with). Meet some of the people who make Blurb happen and learn more about who we are and what we do all day.
Gael Zendejas
Product Manager, Website Experience
Product Department
What's your favorite thing about working at Blurb?
My favorite thing about working at Blurb is building and shipping products that enable anyone to tell their unique stories to the rest of the world. People put a lot more effort into a book than they do, say, a Twitter or Instagram post. It's really rewarding to browse our BookStore and to see the amazing stories we've enabled people to tell.
If you could describe working at Blurb in three words, what would they be?
Social. Unpredictable. Inspiring.
How do you describe your job at Blurb to other people?
I enable designers and engineers to build products customers love by employing a trifecta of customer behavior, market trends, and business strategy.
What do you like to do when you're not working?
Learn something new, practice yoga, play video and tabletop games (no LARPing, yet, though), and explore New York City one artisanal cocktail at a time.
Judith Basler
Director, Program Management
Program Management Department
How do you describe your job at Blurb to other people?
When I tell my friends about my job, I always rave about the people, how nice and smart everyone is, and the camaraderie that I enjoy so much. We have fun at work. At the end of the day, it is the people you work with that make your day fulfilling. There is a shared passion and pride amongst the Blurb employees for the brand and its products. It makes your job really easy when people are equally committed to wanting to develop something greater every day.
What technologies, processes, and techniques do you get to use?
I am a Certified Scrum Master and Agile advocate for the creation tools application development group. Our development groups are split into different scrum teams. We use JIRA, an application used to track and plan development work under the Agile principle.
Tell us about your own Blurb books.
I have made many books, most of them about my travels. My Africa images turned out so beautiful, they make me want to go back every time I look at my book. I am working on a children's book now that I hope to publish. It's my first book using professional layout features with content and images.
Chris Zhang
Senior Software Engineer
Engineering Department
What's your favorite thing about working at Blurb?
The company culture is excellent and everyone here is really diverse and welcoming, which is a rarity in the tech industry. Everyone I interact with on a regular basis is really nice and I feel respected both personally and professionally. I enjoy being around all the members of my team and I really appreciate that management respects our time and work-life balance and also doesn't, for example, start yelling or trying to throw people under the bus if something ever goes wrong, or have unrealistic ideas and demands about deadlines, or any of the other dysfunctional stories I've heard about managers at other companies.
If you could describe working at Blurb in three words, what would they be?
Good work-life balance.
What technologies, processes, and techniques do you get to use?
Uh, in no particular order: Ruby, Rails 2, Rails 3, Coffeescript, Haml, Sass, Git, Rspec. We're working on being more Agile. We do a fair amount of pair programming and all our commits are code-reviewed.
Pierre Larochelle
Engineering Manager
Engineering Department
How did you hear of Blurb?
In college, I downloaded BookSmart because I wanted to make a book for a friend. For some reason I didn't end up making the book and completely forgot about it. A few years later a recruiter I was working with suggested Blurb as a place to work. After my first interview I looked into the company a little, downloaded the latest BookSmart, and was pleasantly surprised to see my half-made book staring back at me.
What's your favorite thing about working at Blurb?
I like how laid-back things are. I think it's important not only from a life balance prospective but also because of the relaxed "just get it done, don't worry about it" environment. Everyone is always happy—even when they're stressed. It just makes coming into work that much more pleasant.
What's your average day like?
I usually start by looking through my emails and any code changes that need to be reviewed. I then get started on any stories I need to finish or start. I've been transitioning into a new leadership role, so actual development work is chopped up into the spaces between meetings. I used to really hate meetings, since they distract from "actual" development work, but I've started to notice that I'm much more motivated to get the dev work done after seeing where we're going as a company and how the work of my team has gotten us to where we are.
What do you like to do when you're not working?
I'm a very social person so I'm often out with friends. Dinners, bars, dancing—that sort of thing. I like to travel a lot (again, to see friends). When I'm on my own I like to work on personal software projects and read fiction.
Estella Madison
Senior Software Engineer
Engineering Department
What's your average day like?
First thing I do is spend 15 minutes to an hour skimming my RSS feeds for the latest technology news. Sometimes I'll come across something that's very relevant to what I'm working on at Blurb, like a new CSS technique or development tool, so I prioritize these articles. Other times it's just an inspirational blog post (like the ones I read from The Pastry Box Project).
I then focus on my tasks and stories for the current sprint. I do a lot of code review at Blurb using GitHub—this gives us an opportunity to review someone else's work and provide constructive feedback. It not only helps us maintain a high-quality codebase, but it's also a great learning tool. It gives me a chance to see how someone else might achieve a task—we each have unique approaches as coders.
When I worked out of the San Francisco office, lunch was always something I looked forward to. There are so many amazing restaurants near our office, so a few of us would get together every week to try them out. And of course on Wednesdays we have catered lunch. This is always fun as I usually get to chat with someone in a different department.
If you could describe working at Blurb in three words, what would they be?
Challenging. Flexible. Diverse.
How do you describe your job at Blurb to other people?
I'm a UI-focused Software Engineer at Blurb, an on-demand publishing platform where we help people make both print and digital books.
What technologies, processes, and techniques do you get to use?
JavaScript (Ember.js, Backbone.js, and jQuery), Rails, CSS/SASS
Tell us about your own Blurb books.
Every year my husband and I celebrate our anniversary with a book that nicely summarizes the year for us. It's a photo book of all our adventures.
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Google Mail: Turn Off Conversation View
Google Mail: Turn Off Conversation View
By default, emails in Google Mail with the same subject are all grouped together. So when you receive a new email with the same subject of a previous related email, that email will appear grouped together with all the emails associated with that subject. You have to click the group of emails to see any new messages. Google Mail calls this feature conversation view. Turn off conversation view by following the steps below.
To turn off conversation view (make new emails appear as their own message and not grouped with related messages)
- Navigate to Cedarville.edu/Google and click the "Mail" link.
- Log in to Google Mail. If you are already logged in to Google Apps, open Google Mail by clicking the [Mail] tab at the top of the screen.
- From the top right of the screen, click the gear-shaped [Settings] icon. A drop-down menu appears.
- Click "Settings." The "Settings" page opens.
- From the "Conversation View:" section, select "Conversation view off."
- Click [Save Changes] at the bottom of the page. You will return to your main Google Mail page with conversation view turned off.
Keywords: turn off conversation view, get rid of grouped emails, make new emails separate, see new emails, email being deleted, make new emails their own messageEmail this to a Friend

subset: commoncrawl


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Dolphins Stock Report: Week 1
In football, much like life, we learn many lessons. Atop those educational opportunities we receive weekly, if not daily, should be rule No. 1 for all sporting fans:
It's never really as bad as it seems.
No matter what you're facing, what you've been through, how your team played, how your favorite player performed….it's never as bad as it seems, so take a step back and put it all in perspective.
Want to put this to the ultimate test? Think about the 2007 season. Boy did that 1-15 Miami Dolphins season feel bad. Boy was it gut wrenching. But without the lows Cam Cameron and crew provided the Dolphins would have never gotten to the joy 2008 brought. That's why everything serves a purpose, so keep it in perspective.
Also, just remember the Detroit Lions experienced something even worse than what the Dolphins and their fans experienced in 2007, so…. it's never really as bad as it seems.
The point is, the gunshot wounds the Dolphins placed in their own body during the error filled season-opening loss to Atlanta isn't as bad as it seems.
The Matt Roth-like illness, injury, issues I'm personally battling, which has had me sidelined for a week, isn't as bad as it seems.
Like the loss to the Falcons, this too shall pass.
Because I wanted to push myself (even though I've been told not to) I've decided to put together my weekly post game stock report (while the warden…the wife… was away). Sorry it's four days late, but I've been busy trying to get off the PUP in time for Monday night's game.
DE Phillip Merling- Even though I tabbed Merling as the player with the most disappointing training camp/exhibition season I sensed he was coming out of his funk last Friday. While just having passing chit chat with Merling I could tell he was feeling himself (which is never a bad thing in my book). He was confident, upbeat, and excited. I remember him saying "I'm going to show people I can play. I know I can play." Damn if he wasn't right! The first pick of the 2008 draft's second round was a beast on the front line against the Falcons, contributing four tackles, and producing at least two knock downs. Merling maintains his reputation as a gamer. There's clearly a switch that goes off when the bullets are live.
WR Davone Bess – I can see why Bess continues to serve as Chad Pennington's favorite target, a distinction he'd held since the second-half of last season. Bess, who caught all seven of the passes thrown his way against the Falcons (producing 57 receiving yards) is a heat seeking missile when it comes to the first down marker. He sets himself down right in front of it, making him very Pennington friendly. Not only are his in-game reads good, but when his quarterback is scrambling Bess quickly comes back to the ball. The problem is, Pennington had little else to lean on, and in order for this offense to work the other offensive weapons must do more.
RB Ricky Williams - The one thing no one will ever say about Williams is that he wastes his opportunities. Whenever he's in the game he's playing with a purpose, is decisive, hits the hole quickly. There was no dancing in his seven carries, which produced 39 yards (5.6 yards per carrry). He also caught two passes, one of which produced the Dolphins' only touchdown of the game. I'd personally like to see Williams get more runs in with a fullback as his lead blocker.
LT Jake Long- The 2008 No. 1 pick has been beaten up more than enough for a bad game, but the truth is everyone has them from time to time, and it's not like he got roasted by a scrub. It was John Abraham, a Pro Bowler, who abused him. Okay, okay, former I-AA standout, Kory Biermann, got a couple of good licks in too. But Long will learn from this and get better. No excuses.
TE Anthony Fasano - It's hard to envision this tough Jersey guy coughing up the ball twice, but that's what Fasano did against the Falcons. Worse, one of the fumbles occurred in the red area, which mean it cost the Dolphins points. Considering those were the first fumbles of Fasano's four-year, 64 catch career, he gets a pass from me. And I wouldn't be shocked if he never fumbled another ball this season. But could Fasano be feeling the pressure of a contract year, and having to carry the majority of the tight end load due to the rest of the unit's inexperience? I've always believed fumbles happen for one of two reasons. You get the snot knocked out of you, or you're trying to do more than you should. For some reason I think Fasano's fumbles fit into both categories.
FS Yeremiah Bell- The Dolphins struggled defending tight ends last season, and picked up right where they left off in the season opener, as future Hall of Famer Anthony Gonzalez had his way with the entire secondary. Bell, who contributed eight tackles and broke up one pass against the Falcons, makes the stock down list because he whiffed on taking down Gonzalez on his 20-yard score. It's never good when your safeties lead your team in tackles weekly, and at this rate the Dolphins will have two (Bell and Gibril Wilson) atop the active tackles list by season's end. The next two games will be a critical test for that tandem because they face dynamic passing games with elite tight ends.
Considering these are three names you likely won't see under the stock down category regularly…maybe things aren't as bad as they seem.
Congrats to all you Hurricane fans, who finally have something to cheer about. That's right, you see some swagger. You finally have a quarterback.


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Blind Fortune
Joanna Waugh
2008, European Historical Romance (Regency England)
Cerridwen Press, $6.99, Amazon ASIN 9781419917639
The price and ISBN above are valid at Cerridwen Press - the e-book's price and ISBN at Amazon differ
I am not a great fan of the bad boy turned good plot point. The author asks the reader to indulge the ridiculous whims of the hero in anticipation of a happy ending with a chastened husband. I always wonder why he had to be so distasteful at the outset. Here, though, Chas is not a rake and is in fact quite unaffected by the lures of the ton; his bad nature manifests through supercilious and snide comments, many of which flow steadily within the first three chapters of Blind Fortune.
Of his prospective bride:
In June, he and Juliana could marry at St Georges...That would give him two months to plant a child in her before sailing off to assess the Jamaican properties...
Of the brides family:
Ashford and his lady are bang up to the mark but that mousy daughter, Leticia...Plain brown hair and eyes. What if Juliana whelps the same?
Somewhere around chapter four Id had enough of the Marquess of Granville, but I read on. Not only due to my obligation as reviewer, but because of Lady Fortuna Morley, our heroine. Blind since birth, she has been accompanied by her mousy cousin Letty since her teens. Ive read several romance books with blind heroes and heroines and for only one of them was the condition permanent and for that one case, it had come in adulthood. Waughs depiction of Fortis life was a revelation to me. Lacking any preachy undertones, and beyond describing the obvious physical constraints of a person without sight, she brought alive, amongst many others, the issues of dependence on the goodwill of others, resignation to the routine of life and the blessing or curse of the occasional emotional myopia experienced in those whose eyes are literally closed off to the censure of others. In one of the many scenes that stayed with me between the two main characters, Charles tells Fortuna: How fortunate that you never have to look someone in the eye while delivering your version of the truth.
And so I return to Charles. Despite my decision to be unforgiving to the shortcomings of his nature and not accept them as my due simply because I was reading a romance; somehow, somewhere, while he began to charm Fortuna, he did the same to me. Charm is perhaps a deceptive word because he did not turn into a smooth-tongued Lothario in one page. In truth, even at the very end, he didnt make it to that stage, but the road in between, still full of his many frank, harsh words, also contained some of the best dialogue between hero and heroine that I have ever read. Dialogue bursting with intelligence and witticism with an aim beyond simply being that one last riposte.
Fortuna, thanks to an attentive orator in Letty, is very well-read and they both wish for female independence as espoused by the bluestocking of the time, Mary Wollstonecraft. They go so far as to declare that they do not wish to enter the slavery and prostitution ring that is marriage. However, it is clear to the reader, Charles, and possibly (on a subconscious level) to the two women themselves, that though they agree on a certain level with the just and fair ideals of Wollstonecraft, they chose their particular path as a defensive strategy, and not based on pure idealism. Homely-looking Letty has no problems being companion to Fortuna for the rest of her life because she cannot imagine anyone ever offering her their hand in marriage. Fortuna views her blindness in much the same way her cousin views her looks. Their as yet unrealized dreams of independence (living together on their own) tempered by their understanding of the reality of their situation as spinsters who are soon to be helpmates to aging parents, tugged at the emotions of this twenty-first century woman. Despite the years that separated us, I connected strongly with that state of limbo brought on by vivid, though seemingly hopeless dreams.
Though sympathetic to her position, I felt frustrated with Fortis selfishness, especially as it concerned Letty. For Fortuna to have her cottage and her liberty, it is as if she must wrest that very independence away from her cousin. But Charles has already fallen in love with Fortuna and longs to give her what she yearns for and more. To that end, hed already introduced certain things to her life to aid in her independence that were more romantic than any bouquet of red roses could ever hope to be. I will not say that despite the Charles of the beginning, I very much enjoyed Blind Fortune. It would be more accurate to say that it is because of the Charles of the beginning that I enjoyed Blind Fortune as much as I did. Imagine me liking a bad boy gone good! What next, virgin widows?
After all my long-winded babbling, why no DIK status? Well, Waugh could have delivered a more nuanced touch to Fortunas petulant cousin and almost-bride of Charles, Juliana. Why do all these beautiful debutantes have to shallow and spoiled? In addition, I felt as if the happy ending of Letty and her husband Richard was unnecessarily dampened just so that we could see how very lucky and perfect Fortuna and Charles were for each other. The last few pages as well were excessively sweet and at total odds to the frankness of the rest of the novel. Even though Charles was by then my new homeboy, I wanted to gag.
Im hoping for a better constructed ending to Waughs next novel because certainly, Ill be reading it.
-- Abi Bishop


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We are so lucky to have so many great natural play areas around where we live. We, as a family, love the countryside and love being out in it, finding new places to explore and take the dog for walk in but one of my favorite places is Swithland Woods.
We used to go there a lot with my primary school as it is such a great wood, loads of hollows to explore, tress to climb, a little stream to play in and plenty of stick!
We often go here with and without the dog and this last week we also took my brother along with us too. It was a great afternoon, and we ended up spending 2 hours in the wood exploring, climbing and playing games!
We are a very modern family, have lots of technology in our home, but my kids still love being outside in the fresh air, pretending to be in a battle or searching for fairies under toadstools. All things every child should really be allowed to do. So why not excite your children's imaginations this week and take them to a local wood and see what fun you can have!


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Publisher's Description+
From gameloft (iDP): Sharkee and his merry band of toy sharks were living happily in the bathtub. That is, until a bunch of mischievous ducks came along to ruin their peaceful little world. These cheaply-made rubber duckies are a little loopy from the chemicals they are made of, and now they're teasing the sharks, playing pranks like they owned the place! But when the ducks kidnap Sally, Sharkee's girlfriend, that's when Sharkee and his buds have had enough! Join a wild journey to tricky bathtubs around the world, save Sally and get rid of the dimwitted ducks!
read more +


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Staten Island, NY – Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, today praised Kalitta MedFlight of Ypsilanti, Michigan, for its key role in flying Baby Joseph Maraachli from a Toronto hospital to Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center in St. Louis.
"The flight of Baby Joseph to St. Louis for medical treatment was carried out by Kalitta MedFlight," said Fr. Pavone. "Kalitta MedFlight came to us when they heard about Baby Joseph, and offered to help. We worked with them on the details, and were ready to pay for all the expenses. Then, on top of their courteous and professional service, they also told us that they would not charge for their services, which included not only a fully equipped Learjet, but also a Critical Care Pediatric Transport Team to ensure Baby Joseph's safe transfer."
Doug Kalitta, owner and operator of Kalitta MedFlight, generously donated a Learjet fully equipped with a Critical Care Pediatric Transport Team to help facilitate the safe transport of Baby Joseph to St. Louis, MO. Kalitta MedFlight is based at Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti, MI.
"There are many people to thank in this collaborative effort, but Kalitta MedFlight stepped up early on with its generous offer of highest quality transport care," added Fr. Pavone. "The people at Kalitta MedFlight are heroes in this story."
Baby Joseph Maraachli is the now-famous one-year-old who was refused a tracheotomy by a hospital near his Canadian home. He was flown in a specially equipped plane Sunday night to St. Louis where doctors will assess and treat him.


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Dorfman In Love Movie Reviews
Dorfman In Love
Release Date: Mar 22, 2013
Rating: (PG-13)
User reviews on Dorfman In Love
This was a really boring and predictable film and I do not recommend seeing it in the theaters. The film was very forgettable and the story was weak and boring, I honestly wanted to walk out of the theater couple of times. It is just another silly rom. cowith a very contradictory moral lesson and forgettable as well as annoying characters. Maybe I am being too harsh but I am so sick of these types of "quirky" films that leave a bad taste in your mouth. Overall, this film was a huge waste of my time and money and I hope you will not make the same mistake.
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It's a pretty provocative headline. But, it's sorta true and sorta not.
I have written before about Detroit's problems, so, I know full well of what goes on around here. I also happen to know that Detroit's Auto companies sales are up too.
Anyhow, I guess Governor Snyder, in between supposedly bringing in jobs for this state, is appointing an emergency manager in for the City of Detroit. Quoting the Detroit News, a right-leaning newspaper, by the way:
Snyder said the city has not been able to solve its financial crisis and that outside help is needed. Today "is a day to call all hands on deck… to say there's been too much fighting, too much blame, not enough resources, not enough people working together. The key answer I believe all of us want to get to is growing the city of Detroit."…
The review team found Detroit's cash-flow deficit is nearly $100 million. That's on top of an accumulated deficit of $327 million. The city also has $14.9 billion worth of unfunded pension and employment retirement liabilities, according to the review team report. In five years, it needs $1.9 billion to begin making payments on the debt…
Greg Bowens, a political expert and former press secretary for former mayor Dennis Archer, said an emergency manager would be a devastating blow for the morale for the people of Detroit.
"In the end, it means the governor does not have the faith in the people of Detroit to govern themselves in a responsible manner," Bowens said.
So, yes, Detroit has a cash flow problem and now the Republican statist is now going to try to solve those problems. Ah yes, fake conservatism at it's finest.
That's not what's half bad about it; you have this anonymous coward blogger, from the state who's mayor wants to ban everything that is good and enjoyable by its people. Said coward writes:
Why … yes, that's what it means. I can't believe there's any serious constituency outside Detroit that would disagree, and Detroiters themselves would disagree only out of pure pride. The city's a byword for terminal liberal sclerosis. How can this be a blow to their morale when their morale's already reached this point? Look no further than their statuary to see that they're desperate for a savior to ride in and impose order on a dystopian nightmare.
Yeah, and I suppose your little city up there is a capitalist utopia too right, Jeremy? Please. The only reason why the Communist Party of America is not running New York City is because the citizens of the suburbs would not allow it and the Republican Party of New York State would stage a massive revolt. I suppose the only thing the City of Detroit's people should do is just hang their hands and allow an outsider come and run roughshod over the City and impose his Faux-Republican style of Nanny-State Government. What a moron!
What's more: Check out some of the racist comments over on HotAir, now:
I'd love to see Mitt take the job, if only for the look on Obama's face if/when he succeeds.
Of course, for that very reason, you can bet O would do everything in his power to make sure Romney fails.
sadarj on March 1, 2013 at 2:09 PM
It should be handed to the Congressional Black Caucus … it's the result of their policies … let them shovel the shit and bag it.
OhEssYouCowboys on March 1, 2013 at 2:12 PM
Well, I certainly hope that Snyder doesn't appoint one of those RACIST! ™, RICH! ™, WHITE! ™, CRACKER! ™, FAT-CAT! ™, 1%'ers! ™
Pork-Chop on March 1, 2013 at 2:14 PM
The vestiges of racism created Detroit. More taxpayer money, more Affirmative Action leadership …
America is guilty.
OhEssYouCowboys on March 1, 2013 at 2:15 PM
Let Colin Powell run it!
ted c on March 1, 2013 at 2:21 PM
The politics of the City of Detroit are deeply (and unfortunately) racialized. It would be extremely difficult for Mitt Romney, fresh off of being painted as a filthy rich, job-outsourcing, shadow Ku Kluxer by the Obama-Biden campaign, to actually perform the tasks of emergency management in Detroit.
There LITERALLY would be riots.
Robert_Paulson on March 1, 2013 at 2:21 PM
I nominate Nancy Pelosi with Sheila Jackson Lee as her back up and Ebonics tutor.
Don L on March 1, 2013 at 2:23 PM
Put a fence around it.
Make it a Reservation.
Call it "Detroitastain" Reservation.
Call the tribe "Little Red Liberals".
Use Union Check Off money to pay for the operations.
Let them eat more crack.
Done deal.
APACHEWHOKNOWS on March 1, 2013 at 2:25 PM
Somehow I feel that the formerly good people of Detroit would prefer Eminem over Romney. I am only half joking.
weaselyone on March 1, 2013 at 2:28 PM
Is it Chuck Norris?
Only Chuck Norris could clean up Detroit.
Nethicus on March 1, 2013 at 2:29 PM
Get a ring of National Guard to surround the city with Torches, and:
williamg on March 1, 2013 at 2:32 PM
Why not just bulldoze the whole thing and sell it for parts? Oh, and do the retirements still count if the city isn't there any more..?
affenhauer on March 1, 2013 at 2:34 PM
Perhaps jayZ or the two poverty tour gentleman would like to throw their hats in the ring.
Romney should stay far far away from his one.
can_con on March 1, 2013 at 2:35 PM
Blogger juxtaposes pictures of downtown Detroit with Hiroshima! One city went from ashes to glory, the other went from glory to ashes.
Bulletchaser on March 1, 2013 at 2:36 PM
I hear that "the rent is too damn high" guy is in between gigs.
can_con on March 1, 2013 at 2:36 PM
It seems to me that 18 months is a ridiculously short time frame and that in itself means that the plan is already pre-defined such that no significant changes will be made to the governmental substructure which caused the problems Detroit's inevitable collapse.
If I were Romney, I'd say screw it. All the State of Michigan is really looking for is some sugar-daddies to take over throwing money into the sinkhole for a while.
Dusty on March 1, 2013 at 2:36 PM
I've got it – Herman Cain!
Ward Cleaver on March 1, 2013 at 2:44 PM
If most of Detroit were razed in a riot, that would help.
Philly on March 1, 2013 at 2:45 PM
And some antisemitism:
What's Alan Greenspan doing these days?
Marcola on March 1, 2013 at 2:45 PM
What's Alan Greenspan doing these days?
Marcola on March 1, 2013 at 2:45 PM
Andrea Mitchell.
steebo77 on March 1, 2013 at 2:45 PM
More Racism:
Location, location, location. The three requirements for a successful business. Same goes for cities.
Detroit is an excellent location, and that is why it became a great city at one time. Until the unions turned it into the Democratic morass it is. The only thing holding Detroit down are the degenerate inhabitants of the city. Get rid of them by denying them the fruits of other people's labor, and they will die off or move. Then replace them with virtuous citizens.
astonerii on March 1, 2013 at 2:49 PM
Not racist, but very stupid:
To do list to even have a chance of working:
– File Bankruptcy.
– Invalidate all union contracts.
– End collective bargaining for city workers.
– Eliminate pensions. Go to 401k.
– Dump employees on ObamaCare.
– Drastically reduce existing pension obligation.
– Make it right to work state (DONE!)
– School choice for every kid. Eliminate the "Detroit public school system"
– No "prevailing wage" mandate.
That's just to get the spending in line.
Then you have a create a economic development zone with large tax benefits to start attracking business investment.
Good luck!
WisRich on March 1, 2013 at 2:52 PM
Back to the racism:
Tina Turner. Her experience ruling Barter Town make her perfect for Detroit.
Mark1971 on March 1, 2013 at 2:52 PM
I absolutely love the idea. Make the fence real tall and sturdy, and start sending in people who are caught selling or making heavy drugs. Drop them food and all the drugs confiscated by the police from airplanes. Then release the last hundred people who survived there somewhere in Iraq.
Archivarix on March 1, 2013 at 2:52 PM
Allah – you know any black people?
I don't mean Toure, metrosexual, gay-but-in-denial, prog blacks.
I mean real black people. Those living in Detroit will have no problem if Mitt takes the gig.
The Pols will. The people won't.
budfox on March 1, 2013 at 2:54 PM
Silvio Berlusconi.
Obama gave chyrsler to fiat. Italy would like to return the favor.
Bunga bunga!
can_con on March 1, 2013 at 2:54 PM
Also don't forget that Coleman Young blamed all the city's ills on the white population, and told them to get lost (they complied).
Ward Cleaver on March 1, 2013 at 2:55 PM
Years of dealing with gangsters in need of an attitude adjustment, stinky welfare queens in "Wal-Mart stripper" fashionwear, and countless GOMERs* will do that to a person.
*Get Outta My ER; AKA "go home and take an aspirin".
MelonCollie on March 1, 2013 at 3:01 PM
I'm told that the white liberal population was literally looking for an excuse so they didn't feel racist about leaving the city so fast their shadows had to catch up to them. Coal-Man gave them one with his big fat mouth, and they were gone.
MelonCollie on March 1, 2013 at 3:03 PM
(By Coal-man — He means Coleman A. Young. — Racist changing of his name)
More Racism:
You could very well turn it into an educational attraction like Jurrasic Park — only much more dangerous.
Mitt Romney could be the eccentric multi-millionaire "John Hammond" character trying to tame the natural world for the benefit of humanity.
Punchenko on March 1, 2013 at 3:05 PM
These people wants everyone in Detroit dead…. "Just kill all them niggers and get it over with!":
I've often wondered about dealing with the inevitable disturbances in the Democratic quarters of our cities by taking a cue from the Thief games and walling them off overnight. If it worked on zombies and haunts, it oughta work on them.
MelonCollie on March 1, 2013 at 3:09 PM
Seriously, you could. Take young people for rides in armed, armored convoys with UAV overwatch, and show them what happens to places that follow liberal ideals.
MelonCollie on March 1, 2013 at 3:10 PM
Meanwhile back at the Klan meeting:
I think Marion Barry is between jobs and jail time right now so they could get him. He's got esperience.
Oldnuke on March 1, 2013 at 3:10 PM
Tell the illegals it is the best scanctury city in the U.S..
Put the signs up in Spanish all over.
APACHEWHOKNOWS on March 1, 2013 at 3:10 PM
Anyone notice yet that the Democrats are all insane?
APACHEWHOKNOWS on March 1, 2013 at 3:11 PM
Their kind are everywhere as it is. The only way to so much as slow their expansion is to reimpose personal responsibility where ever you want real prosperity. To get rid of them, it must be constitutionally imposed. Stop payments to individuals of all types and amend it to include a cap on spending and a denial of the government to run a deficit or hold a long term debt.
(Their kind? Hmmmm… wonder what he meant by that?)
I now have a hilarious vision of a thousand upstanding citizens of Detroit with big helium balloons tied to their belts, floating through the air, and panicking as they are suddenly caught by a fierce gust.
Darn you for making me unable to study!
MelonCollie on March 1, 2013 at 3:22 PM
How about the original Motor City Madman, Ted Nugent!
If he won't do it, pardon Kwame Kilpatrick…or Marion Barry
cat-scratch on March 1, 2013 at 3:22 PM
can_con on March 1, 2013 at 3:23 PM
I think that will be a natural part of putting the country back into balance. As the inner city residents rampage and burn their way outward, there will be a… winnowing effect. That should reduce the democrats to a minority party status pretty quickly.
trigon on March 1, 2013 at 3:36 PM
More Stupid:
Simple plan:
1) Michigan borrows a Billion Dollars from Canada to rescue Detroit.
2) Puts up Detroit as collateral.
3) Default.
4) Foreclosure cedes Detroit to Canada!
shuzilla on March 1, 2013 at 4:34 PM
Truth is, you can save any city from collapse by doing the following three things:
1) Allow only productive people to reside within city limits. No public housing – relocate elsewhere. No subsidized lifestyles of any kind. Eschew all state and federal subsidies. If you can't live in the city on your own dime then live elsewhere and commute.
(Note – public housing was located in cities to help the working poor by being close to their work. But fewer and fewer people in public housing are employable, and most jobs have moved miles away due to criminal activity in and around public housing, if not already lost to minimum wages and immigrants)
3) The state can create small socialized enclaves outside city limits for people in need of the social safety net, and provide the employable among them with public transportation to get to work inside the city in order better themselves.
2) Revive the centuries-old practice of banishment. Apply to all criminals whose crimes proclude their legal ownership of a firearm. If you can't be trusted with a gun you just don't belong in the city.
Detroit should be the pilot program.
shuzilla on March 1, 2013 at 5:06 PM
back to the racism:
Romney? Wake up and smell the coffee. They're not even going to look at any candidate who, like Romney, lacks the essential characteristic to successfully govern Detroit: Being black. Anyone who does not possess this basic requirement would be doomed to failure due to their inherent racism, as been shown so clearly over the last 30+ years of Detroit history.
Hucklebuck on March 1, 2013 at 7:23 PM
meh, build a large fence, seal the borders, give the people more guns and better training and problem solved in about 3 months.
deimos on March 1, 2013 at 8:29 PM
WTF? You could put their collective moral in a thimble. But since everyone is suggestion names, why not Obama's half brother that I read was now looking to get into politics.
MikeA on March 1, 2013 at 11:42 PM
Fun fact. 49% of blacks in MI are now disenfranchised on the local government level.
triple on March 2, 2013 at 5:14 AM
Please make it Al Sharpton, because…well…they deserve each other.
Don L on March 2, 2013 at 6:34 AM
I'd fix it…
All I would need are a few hundred buses, a fuel credit card, and a few million to pre-pay the rent on some nice apartments in the D.C area.
The former residents of Detroit would like it there, it's warmer, and no shortage of well off people to steal from.
moo on March 2, 2013 at 6:45 AM
My husband and his friend tried something like this back in the early 90s, when they were young and foolish. After a Tiger game they decided to go for a drive in the surrounding neighborhoods just to see what was what. Got a few blocks away before they were turned around by a cop who told them in no uncertain terms that, if they knew what was good for them, they'd turn around, get on the highway, drive straight out of Detroit and not look back.
We still live in the far northern suburbs of Detroit, and Detroit is still a hole. It need to be razed and replaced as a city…saying so is like heresy around here, but there it is.
Grace_is_sufficient on March 2, 2013 at 7:21 AM
My plan would be reverse secession. Just change the borders of Michigan to exclude Detroit. Politically it would have a price but Senator Levin would lose about 300,000 votes in his next election.
jpmn on March 2, 2013 at 7:56 AM
I'm not sure why the GOP isn't using detroit as a poster case for liberalism. this is a teachable moment for those that push liberalism.
unseen on March 2, 2013 at 9:56 AM
…Synder is white!…so he's not right!
(thought process…majority of Detroit politicians)
KOOLAID2 on March 2, 2013 at 10:04 AM
"who should be Detroit's emergency manager"?
Billy the Exterminator!!!
hip shot on March 2, 2013 at 10:28 AM
Romney's not Black…
claudius on March 2, 2013 at 12:15 PM
If you have made it this far, without puking or slamming your fist through your monitor; I congratulate you. This is what the Neoconservative right looks like — bigoted, hateful, and, yes, racist. This is what your political elitists, on the right, think about Detroit and yes, Michigan.
What more can I expect from an online publication, who's star editor is a man who collects medicare advantage, all the while writing as and calling himself a Conservative? I am sorry to say it; but as far as this writer is concerned — HotAir.com has all, but lost its credibility as a legitimate Conservative Blog or even news source for me anymore. There was a time, a few years ago, when HotAir.com was a decent site, who had decent writers. I even used to read it, when I was a left-of-center, and was beginning to think that the left was losing it. I would come over and read Allah's stuff and even would read Bryan Preston's stuff as well. I also liked reading Ed Morrissey's stuff at Captain's Quarters and when he first moved to HotAir.com.
Now, they have moved into the sphere on the hateful right. I just cannot get into that all. I mean, everything that I quoted above, is actually on that site, and it is sick and disgusting to me. I also tend to believe that this sort of garbage would never be on HotAir.com back a few years ago. But since HotAir.com was bought by Salem, which is a part of the hateful, neoconservative right; things have changed.
I like AllahPundit, and I like Ed Morrissey, but they leave much to be desired by their comments section.
It is truly a sad thing to behold. 🙁
As for Detroit, yeah, they have issues; but that does not justify that hate in the comments section of HotAir.com. I also find it to ironic, that this sort of bigoted nonsense gets cleared, and I was booted off, because of my disliking of the Wilsonian Right. It just seems hypocritical to me.


text:
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text: Meta Battle Subway PokeBase - Pokemon Q&A Login Register All Activity Questions Unanswered Tags Users Ask a Question Rules Chat Can you use pokegen in black 2 and white 2? 0 votes i tried and it said this Pokemon is not available for b/w games black-white-2 black white pokegen asked Feb 10, 2013 by N the Champion Please log in or register to add a comment. Please log in or register to answer this question. 1 Answer 1 vote Best answer Yes, it does work. I've done it myself. Source: Experience answered Feb 10, 2013 by Justice SwordsMaster selected Feb 14, 2013 by N the Champion Please log in or register to add a comment. Related questions Do I need AR to use Pokegen What is going on with Pokegen? Will the Wifi Shutdown for Black & White etc. affect Pokegen? Pokemon from PokeGen illegal for Tournaments such as Nationals and Worlds? How do you use pokegen pokemon for online battles? How do you use PokeGen? How does pokegen work, and what do I need to use it? Help with a shiny question Useful Meta Posts How to change your username How to add a user avatar Why was my post hidden? The points system Question etiquette Flags vs Downvotes Anime FAQ


text:
Women's Tennis Defeats Illinois State, 4-3
Feb. 19, 2005
Evergreen Park, Ill- Another weekend of stellar doubles play and a hard-fought singles showing keyed a victory for the UIC women's tennis team over Illinois State, 4-3, at the Evergreen Racquet and Fitness Center on Saturday.
UIC (3-4) went up early on the Redbirds by taking two doubles matches to clinch the paired point. The Flames then went on to split the singles side, with wins by Iris Jaklin at No. 1, Molly Smith at No. 4 and Grace Gill-Morlis at No. 6.
Jaklin survived a three-set test against Elizabeth Bingier at the top spot by rallying for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. Jaklin also snared a doubles win with Melanie Humphrey.
After Smith and Gill-Morlis clinched the doubles point with an 8-1 showing over Carolyne Parent and Emilie Sechaud, Smith went on to down Parent with a 6-3, 6-2 victory while Gill-Morlis earned a 7-5, 6-2 win over Ashley Maxwell.
Corey Steven showed a valiant effort in defeat, dropping a close 6-7, 6-2, 11-9 marathon to Laura Gravino.
Melanie Humphrey and Christina Oum played well in close singles defeats as well, with Humphrey downed by Veronique Parke-Bedard in a 7-6, 6-4 match while Oum fell in three frames to Sechaud.
UIC returns to action this Friday against Horizon League rival UW-Milwaukee at the Evergreen Racquet and Fitness Center at 11 a.m.
UIC 4, Illinois State 3


text:
At 5'1", Hella Hung is a pretty small guy, but that doesn't stop him from having big dreams, a big heart, and a big reputation.
Or, for his name's sake, a big penis.
But the dancer known as Hella Hung actually goes by several names. Some know him as Hella High Energy Hung, figurehead of the Hung Dynasty crew. His family knows him simply as Hung Van Lam. One of his mentors calls him "the man with the thousand suicides." Another calls him "Godzilla in a box" or "the Hulk" – because, apparently, Hung means no harm but leaves a trail of destruction. Some fans even go as far as to call Hung the b-boy version of Chuck Norris.
But perhaps the best person with whom Hung can be compared is another performer who shares the same last name: William Hung, who became a celebrity after butchering Ricky Martin's "She Bangs" on the third season of American Idol.
They've both developed cult followings. They can both seem to lack, for the most part, any technical skill in their hobbies. And most significantly, nobody can seem to tell if they really take themselves seriously or if it's all just a big joke.
But there's one crucial difference between the two Hungs: ProfoWon, Rob Nasty, Crazy Legs, and Kid David don't have William Hung's back.
And though nobody can really be sure how Hella Hung – a 28-year-old Chiu Chow man who enjoys dressing up like a Ninja Turtle, dropping Lion King references (and his own body), and attempting Mortal Kombat moves in real life – became a b-boy celebrity via viral videos, one fact is certain: the fall of the Hung Dynasty won't be happening anytime soon.
Like any other legend, the story of Hung begins with his birth.
Born in 1980, Hung lived in Vietnam until he was three, when he and his family moved to the United States.
Growing up as a constant target for bullies, Hung was inspired to learn how to fight, spurring a passion for martial arts that continues to heavily influence his style. Equipped with hapkido and inspired by Bruce Lee and sagas with Chinese people flying around in the air, Hung would eventually decide to commit fully to his goal of going to Hollywood and becoming a performer.
Fully, that is, except for his other passion: dancing.
It's a fire that Hung says was sparked when he was a sophomore in high school. Jilted at a school dance and sticking out like a stylehead in a power cipher, what Hung calls the "I-don't-give-a-fuck-attitude" came into play as he began to dance by himself.
"I wasn't cautious of who was watching me, and I didn't ever care," Hung says. "Girls come to you not because you ask them on date, but because you're doing something good. So here I am, going to a school dance with no girls and ended up dancing with hella girls and doing moves I didn't even know I had."
Several dance moves, raves, and years later, Hung's next dance-related epiphany would take place when he had almost earned a black belt ranking as a martial artist.
While teaching a "stubby, chubby, fat little white kid" – someone with whom Hung felt like he could relate – how to kick in sparring matches, Hung suddenly realized that while he loved the physical challenge of martial arts, he didn't want to risk hurting anybody – or himself – because of pride or a lack of self control. Drawing motivation from his first cipher experience at a rave, he began to train, seeing it as a way to test his body and try new things.
"I was struggling to do a simple baby freeze," Hung admits. "It showed me that martial arts doesn't show me everything."
In most cases, people who want to learn something will find somebody who can teach them.
Hung, on the other hand, chose a different method. He'd write about it – and then start his own club.
Working at the City College of San Francisco's student newspaper at the time, Hung was told to write a story about break-dancing. A picture of him doing a freeze was prominently displayed in the issue, which contained information (or misinformation, depending on who's being asked) about break-dancing and its relationship to people like Debbie Deb and Johnny O.
There was also Hung's illustration that showed readers how to six-step – incorrectly.
"Everyday, I'd see people complain and have arguments like, 'School sucked, school sucks.' So I wondered what can I do that would be fun," Hung explains. "And you know what the most shocking thing was? You have 50 clubs that are for students. And then what happens is, I'm a student and I'm trying to start a break-dancing club. Instead, what I get is basically the main guy is like, 'We can't have it on this college. Well, break-dancing is a risk.'
"And I'm like, 'Anything is a risk!'" Hung continues. "We can have a basketball team – how is b-boying any different? If we can have a football team, how is break-dancing any different? And I didn't take no for an answer. If I hadn't started that club, I wouldn't have met the b-boys I met. If you know what you want, you go after it and you don't let nobody get in your way. You become a success."
And so CCSF Breakin Fridays began to take place, happening as its name implies, at the City College of San Francisco on Fridays from noon until whenever people got tired and wanted to go home.
As fate would have it, Breakin Fridays would help Hung gain exposure with the b-boys he now respectfully refers to as his "teachers." And, ironically enough, Hung's mentors wouldn't just be any b-boys – they'd be some of the West Coast's most respected OGs.
But first, they'd have to get over hating him.
"Rock Force has been around since 1983," explains Ronald Creer, better known as ProfoWon.
"We have members basically everywhere. We've been around for a long time."
ProfoWon is explaining how he and his brother Robert, more famously known as Rob Nasty, took it upon themselves to be some of the East Coast's defenders and teachers of foundation and original style in b-boying.
So Hella Hung didn't exactly fit into their plan.
"There was this guy, Hung Van Lam, who I felt like was kinda putting out misinformation in the article," ProfoWon says. "You can't be misinforming people. Bug Eyed Bandit and Rob – they went to City College – were like, 'We've seen this guy Hung. He carries around linoleum and teaches people how to front tumble and this and that, and he calls it breaking.'
"He would literally just, like, throw himself around," ProfoWon continues. "I thought he was just a weird guy who was misinformed. I wasn't really feeling him at first."
Or, as Hung more bluntly puts it, "They saw me and they hated me. What I knew about breaking was commercial breaking stuff in the '80s. They wanted to kill me."
And despite getting repeatedly roasted, both verbally and on the dance floor, Hung persisted, battling with gymnastics, kung fu, and what he called "sexy dancing." Realizing that he wasn't a threat, the b-boys warmed up to Hung, if not his dancing, and the club's meetings began to look more like sessions.
And to some degree, everyone was able to get on with their lives and goals, and the b-boy balance was restored.
That is, until 2006 – the year of Diamond Studded Bullets in Oakland.
Hung is almost as quick to give credit to the people who've helped him out as he is to jump into a cipher – literally – with a Lui Kang-style bicycle kick.
For example, Hung credits Joey Groonz, also known as Groonzmaster of Rat Pack Crew, for encouraging him to enter in battles and for being Hung's "first hype man."
Then there's Rock Bandit – representing Rock So Fresh Crew, Forever We Rock, and the legendary Hound Dog Truckers – who christened Hung with an official b-boy name, bumping out "Freestyle Phoenix," the name Hung chose for himself.
"I was at Breakin Fridays one day and I just went off, and when I was done, Bug Eyed Bandit, this OG legend, doesn't say anything. Then he says, 'When you're out there dancing, you ain't b-boying, you straight be hunging. You just be hunging. That is your own thing. B-boy Hella Hung,'" Hung recalls. "Bug Eyed said, 'Let's call him Hella Hung. I know you hate Hung, but think of him as a joke. He's funny.'"
And Hung overflows with never-ending gratitude for whom he calls his "mentors," ProfoWon and Rob Nasty.
"It's a blessing that they happen to be my mentors, and they're doing it for free. And they're mentoring me because they love me so much," Hung says.
He pauses to think.
"Or, I don't know if it's because they love me so much, or they're trying to invest in me so I don't fuck up their scene," he says.
But it was Milestone of Rock Force Crew, 5150, and Hung Dynasty who first suggested not only tolerating and humoring Hung, but harnessing his abilities and appeal. For the first time, a legitimate b-boy was wanting to battle with Hung, rather than against him.
The story goes that ProfoWon, Rob Nasty, Milestone, and Flexum were trying to find a fifth member for their crew for Diamond Studded Bullets. They needed a powerhead, and Nasty Ray was unavailable.
One moment, ProfoWon was rejecting Milestone's suggestion to have Hung be the fifth member. The next moment, ProfoWon found that he had been outvoted.
It was settled. Hung would be battling with them against the likes of Flexible Flav, Renegades, Head Hunters, and Illest Villains.
"I don't care about winning, but I don't wanna look stupid. It was like, we'll do regular commandos that we do, and Hung will be like Godzilla in a box," ProfoWon says. "But we actually got to the semis. Everyone screamed for him. We'd do serious commandos and he'd do whatever it is he does. And it kind of worked."
But, like Jimmy Castor once sang, it had just begun.
If someone were to try and compile a list of the world's "legitimate" b-boys, chances are that Hella Hung probably wouldn't be on that list.
Hung's okay with that, though. He probably wouldn't put himself on that list either.
In fact, he doesn't even consider himself to be a b-boy yet – though he probably knows more about what it means to be a true b-boy than most so-called b-boys today.
It's the fruit of the labors of ProfoWon and Rob Nasty, who put their reputations on the line and took it upon themselves to take Hung under their wing and teach him the fundamentals of b-boyism – meaning everything from the physical movements to the very history and significance of the culture.
"We take b-boying seriously because it's our art and craft," ProfoWon says. "Even for me, b-boying is more like a spiritual type thing than anything else. Ultimately, the zen philosophy of martial arts is to never kill someone. You have to know how to kill without killing him. The only thing I'm doing is killing your ego. No one leaves physically hurt. It builds up character. Battling is like, you might not like the other guy you're battling, but you're going to respect the moves. You start to carry rapport with even your enemies.
"So maybe Hung's attracted because we treat it like a spiritual thing – like a martial art," ProfoWon continues. "You train, you think, you feel. Everything comes with not hurting anybody physically."
For Hung, it's become an exhaustive study of b-boying that seems to potentially take precedence over his classes at CCSF – and definitely over the martial arts classes that he quit once he began his immersion into hip-hop culture.
He says that he's learned that the difference between a "b-boy" and a "break-dancer" goes far beyond a matter of dancing on beat and having style.
"To be a real b-boy, you gotta, number one, know the history," Hung says. "A b-boy is like a very educated scholar. If b-boying was like a degree, then the b-boy is like the Ph.D. You understand the feel of it. You know the name of every move, inside and out."
Hung could probably talk about the nature of b-boying for a long time. He can – and does – talk for hours about keeping b-boying underground, researching the newest graffiti cats, and fighting the trend of poser gangstas.
"Battling Hung is like battling someone who doesn't know how to lose. It kind of sucks when you battle someone who doesn't even know they're losing."
"He's really, really trying to be a b-boy," ProfoWon explains. "We don't even call him a b-boy. We use the term 'break-dance entertainment.' That way, he's not insulting b-boys. He's trying to learn about b-boying, but he's really – he's really entertainment to watch."
And it's Hung's willingness to ask questions, soak in information, and doggedly persist that has allowed him to associate with respected b-boys who teach him, mentor him, spend time with him, and even battle with him.
But that doesn't mean it's always easy.
"This guy's a good guy. He's got a good heart," ProfoWon says. "He's just not all there."
By "not all there," ProfoWon means that Hung's brain works a little differently than those of most other people. Meaning what might take someone else five minutes to learn might take Hung two hours to understand. Meaning it's a little difficult for Hung to pick up on sarcasm sometimes.
Hung himself admits that it took him over a year to understand and accept that toning down his gut would actually help him with his dancing rather than just making him sexier.
"For me to absorb anything new, you have to sit me down and slowly explain it to me bit by bit and piece by piece and watch everything I do," Hung says.
But it's a method of training that seems to be working for Hung, who often misunderstands the motivations of the crowd's responses to his dancing, clothes, and antics.
"This is the thing," ProfoWon explains. "He's not joking around. It's serious. He thinks, 'If I dress up like a Ninja Turtle, it'll be tight, and everyone will think it'll be tight.' He doesn't think he's misinterpreting it. If that's someone's first impression of b-boying, they're like, 'Nah.'
"Battling Hung is like battling someone who doesn't know how to lose," ProfoWon continues. "It kind of sucks when you battle someone who doesn't even know they're losing."
ProfoWon says he suspects that Hung may suffer from autism or a condition where his brain doesn't properly inhibit his R-complex – a part of the brain that is said to spur rage, xenophobia, and basic survival fight-or-flight instincts – that may lead Hung to be unpredictable and impulsive.
"Maybe he's just an idiot," ProfoWon speculates.
But rather than blowing Hung off and clowning him behind his back, ProfoWon and Rob Nasty have taken him on as their own project of sorts, usually spending time with him at least once every other day. They teach him how to take care of himself – whether it's turning down opportunities to do free shows when he could be getting paid, not dancing on surfaces where he might hurt himself, finishing the things he starts, or just staying focused while walking down the street.
And the "mentors" say they don't just want to equip him so that he can perform in a cipher well – they want to teach him how to live well, whether it's as a performer, a b-boy, or whatever.
"Every movie he watches, he says, 'That's the story of my life.' Everything's so epic and shit," ProfoWon says. "Hung Van Lam, the story of your life is that you came from Vietnam and came to American and did crazy shit. It's hard to compromise with him. We're doing more than teaching him b-boying. We're giving him behavioral therapy. We're friends, but what we're trying to do is trying to teach him how to behave well.
"It's like, Hung, you're like the ocean and we're like the filters for people to drink you in," ProfoWon continues. "You speak a different language and we translate for different people. That's our job right now. It's kinda crazy."
Hip-hop has a history of having haters.
Whether it's from critics, cops, competitors or the corporate media, there always has been and always will be somebody hating.
Hella Hung, of course, is no exception.
And though his story might initially appear to be a sugarcoated b-boy version of a The Miracle Worker-esque charity case narrative, then both he and his "mentors" will quickly let you know that it's anything but. Lucky as he may be, having respected b-boys mentoring him, spreading his reputation and serving as his manager, that doesn't exempt Hung from getting smacked around, having stuff thrown at him, and being the target of general shit-talking. His friends and "mentors" are his hardest critics.
"Ness said, 'Why do you cheer for him? Why don't you tell him he's wack?'" ProfoWon recalls. "I said, 'I tell him he's wack in his face all the time.'"
It's true. Hung admits that all the attention can sometimes make him big-headed, but his friends and b-boy colleagues are always there to burst his ego-bubble and bring him down to the real world.
"At first, I was kinda ignorant," Hung says. "I thought I was the shit. People know me. I'm responsible for all this shit. But my friends said, 'You ain't shit. I'll tell you why you ain't shit – I'll smoke you every time.'"
They call his style "happy yam yam." They tell him he's not on beat. They tell him he's a big baby because he spits shit out of his mouth and because he doesn't realize the harm he's causing because he's slightly retarded. They tell him he always looks like he's listening to techno. They tell him he's a joke. They tell him that his footwork is sloppy, his technique is shit, and his body is out of shape.
And they for sure let Hung know that many people are laughing at him, rather than cheering for him – giving him "oh"s not because he's amazing, but because they're surprised he gets up after crashing.
"They tell me, 'You got blown up on YouTube by a bunch of idiots,'" Hung says. "'Now you really want to be a b-boy? Here's the thing. B-boying isn't just about the dance. It's about life. If you can succeed in this dance well, then you will succeed in life. It takes a lot of discipline and mental thought, and you don't use a lot of your brain. You use a lot of your pelvic region, if anything.' It got to a point where people wanted to kick my ass because they think I'm mocking the dance."
But it's just honesty and tough love, b-boy style, and because of the respected company he keeps, Hung has been able to go get respect at events like Freestyle Session and Might 4 and meet some of bboying's most respected figures.
ProfoWon and Rob Nasty understand his struggles, Hung says, and know firsthand how b-boying can change lives, so they're able to explain Hung and amp him up.
"So it's like a love and hate relationship, me and my boys," Hung says. "They'll love me when I'm trying to learn and expand my mind. They hate me when I'm being ignorant and stubborn. The crowd knows me as Hella Hung, a joke, comedy, comic relief, whatever. But my friends are saying, 'All this hate talk, don't let it get to you. The more haters you have, the more popular you get.'"
And at the end of the day, Hung often stubbornly accepts the authoritative advice of his peers.
Though, ProfoWon insists, there's a lot every b-boy and b-girl could learn from Hung as well.
Even the most talented b-boys who freestyle their runs usually have some idea of what moves they might do beforehand.
Hung, on the other hand, thinks about superheroes, wrestlers and video game fighting moves and sometimes ends up calling out other b-boys – on accident.
That was the case with his battle against Nasty Ray, anyway.
"I thought, what if I did the Lui Kang bicycle spin, do some Zulu spins, and somehow end in a freeze when I land," Hung explains. "Just by chance, it was in front of Nasty Ray. When I freezed, I kinda pointed, and it happened that it was Nasty Ray. And Ray was like, 'Fuck that, if he called me out, I gotta go out.' We just went round for round.
"I took it more as a challenge," Hung continues. "I had this attitude like, fuck this, I can beat any b-boy in the world. I actually thought I won. With technicality, in terms of moves and technique, Ray kicked my ass. In terms of pure energy, I had it. When I was battling him, he gave up a couple times. He walked away and people would push him back. For me, if you battle and walk away, you lost."
It's part of the reason why Hung's friends and fans say he has heart. He literally can't stop and won't stop, and he consistently dances with intensity and energy, even if the dances themselves aren't necessarily the best.
It's also why Hung prefers ciphers over battles, though he does have an advantage of being able to go over 30 rounds against opponents who might only have four good runs.
"I've seen this guy go 40 rounds with someone before," ProfoWon says. "He went 40 rounds with me, and before he battled me, he battled 40 rounds with someone else. His pain receptors aren't really that functional. He'll say, 'Watch this!' and throw himself down a hill or something."
It's a rare case that demonstrates Hung's b-boy equivalent of mass production, where quantity takes priority over quality.
Hung says that his lack of b-boying ability forces him to rely on other incomplete dancing styles that make his responses to the music crazier than the typical b-boy's.
"I'll flip in the air and I'll land," Hung says. "And a lot b-boys, that's what they call crashing. Maybe you just don't understand my savage style. My mentors and others call it crashing style."
It's his infamous combination of suicides on places like his neck and hip combined with quick transitions into locking and popping segments that have helped solidify his reputation. That, and he straight up dances a lot.
"I just kept putting myself out there," Hung says. "I did everything backwards. Regular b-boys wouldn't have the balls to go out until they're great. I went to a jam not knowing anything and just being straight raw, and I got a lotta love because I was just a raw motherfucker.
"What it is, is I have character," Hung explains. "If the right music, right mood come out, I'm jiving. Most of the time when I go off, I just really go off. And that's what I love about dancing. When you go off, shit goes off of you that you don't really plan. Sometimes a lot of really amazing shit comes out. My intention is just to be a great performer."
ProfoWon agrees.
"What makes a person wack is if they're a wack person, not their moves," ProfoWon says. "You can't knock him for trying to learn. I'll be like, 'Dude, this is why this is not good.' Wack guys are like, 'I don't need help from anybody.' I'm not like, 'Oh, I've been breaking this long, so fuck you.'
"This forgotten thing about b-boying is character," ProfoWon continues. "Hung is like, all character, all heart, and zero technique. That's the best way I can put it. He has more heart than like anyone I know. As far as having correct form, no. All these reputable OG guys love him because he doesn't give a fuck. All the people who used to talk shit are like, 'You were right all along.' He's just so honest with himself. He's not trying to be anyone else – he's just being himself. Which is just '80s television and clichéd movies. That's what he is.
"I think it's his heart. You can't deny that no matter what. His soul is free. His mind and his body aren't coordinated together. He's the most giving person I know. If you're cold, he'll take off his coat. If you need a place to stay, he'll say, 'Stay at my house.' He'll help with rent. That's Hung. Straight up. It's almost like he could be a living Buddha," ProfoWon concludes. "He's a giving person and there's certain things he's hung up on. He'll consider himself a performer before a b-boy and so we're kind of giving him that dream."
Legends become legends because their legacy is somehow remembered, and Hung certainly has left his mark on a number of people, places, and media.
There's his little brother, B-boy Phat, who is already progressing and reaping the benefits of being ingrained in the culture. There's Breakin Fridays, which continues to host between 15 and 25 people every week. There's also a slew of Hung Dynasty troops which range in name and status from the Warriors to the All-Stars to the Elite VIP members.
And then there's Hung's upcoming DVD, produced by Rob Nasty, which is scheduled to be released sometime this summer.
Hung and ProfoWon are tightlipped about the title, but they do hint at footage of an interview in front of a live audience, as well as other crazy antics – like Hung climbing a tree and falling when the branch breaks, or Hung hanging out with skateboard legend Emerson "Animal" Chin, or Hung rolling down a huge parking lot without a shirt then jumping up and battling four guys (which, according to Hung, took four takes).
"It's not gonna be just about breaking – it's gonna be about Hung," ProfoWon says. "This DVD will be different. B-boy or not, you're gonna wanna have it. It'll be one of those things like Bum Fights you just gotta have. We're trying to make it like a production. It's definitely something where Hung can have something to live his fantasies through. I'm kind of excited too."
And Hung has other goals as well. He still wants to learn how to do proper windmills, among other moves. And though he's still hesitant to commit to b-boying over being a performer, he says he wants to go on tour once the DVD is released. And not just for himself – he wants to be able to inspire people by showing them what he's been able to accomplish.
"They'll see me in my beginnings and see me press through," Hung says. "People identify with me already. How does an ordinary guy with so much difficulty make something out of himself with determination? If you pursue what you want, God's gonna find a way to give you what you want if you really want it."
Certainly, people may already be familiar with – and maybe even inspired by – his story. His videos have received tens of thousands of hits worldwide, and ProfoWon says people from all three of the countries he visited last year were familiar with Hung.
"I never knew I'd be such a big name in the b-boy world," Hung says. "I do it because I love it. Basically, everything in my life has been a blessing. It's like a stepping stone on everything. Basically, everybody pretty much has a destiny. I can kill somebody on the dance floor and get up and shake their hand and I didn't have to break a single bone, and I don't injure anybody. B-boying is my niche. What I want is to be a great performer and to be a great performer is to be great at what you do."
And again, the Hung Dynasty is still only getting started, and Hung has plenty of places to go and people to meet and battle in order to meet – and maybe surpass – his many names and reputations, whether it be Hung Van Lam or King Kong in a box.
"I think this will be the year that Hung Dynasty will blow up," Hung says. "I want to do it like until I'm 80. I'm like a true master. I'm a raw motherfucker. I'm like Bruce Lee – I'll never die."


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After almost 15 years in the world of electronic music, Marc Romboy felt the urge to start the Systematic label as an outlet for fierce, pumping and forward-thinking housemusic. Strictly dedicated to the dancefloor, the sound of Systematic..
House Label (is a division of Music Mail Tonträger GmbH).
Kontor Records is a record label based in Hamburg. It is one of the most successful electronic music labels in Germany. Well-known musicians signed to this label include ATB, Tiësto and Scooter.


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Sigh! Valentines Day is long gone but that doesn't mean love isn't in the air. You can always find love and romance if you only know where to look. And the right place is...in a good book, of course! There are lots of great romances out there and GYPSY'S GAME is one of them.
Gypsy's Game will be release in March so put it on your wishlist now.
This book is a fun romantic story in the style of old time romances, meaning sweet and fun. Just tantalizing enough to make it interesting. I had a great time reading it. Gypsy's Game reminded me of why I became a writer. To entertain people who like to read and that's just what Ms. Latham does in this book.
If you like romance, you'll be thrilled with Gypsy's Game.
Here's the back cover blurb for the story.
Gypsy Lovell stands to inherit an enormous amount of money from a father who never gave her anything except a ridiculous name. Even now, he doesn't make it easy. A stipulation in the man's will demands that Gypsy be married in order to claim what is hers.
Desperate for the monetary windfall that could save her mother's life, Gypsy visits a Christian dating agency, hoping to find a temporary husband—someone easy to handle for the required six months, and easy to get rid of when she no longer needs him.
What she doesn't know is that Solomon's Gate is a dating agency with a divine connection. What she finds there may save more than her mother's life…it could very well change Gypsy's heart and soul.


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An exciting new season is on the horizon. After an unsettling spring and summer that saw a number of splits and retirements in the pairs and ice dance ranks, the 2011 Grand Prix Series will light up the international stages starting in mid-October with a number of new faces.
The pressure this season is perhaps even greater than usual for the veterans of the circuit. Resting on past laurels is definitely not an option — here come the young guns, and they will be in the hunt not only for medals, they will be chasing those coveted titles.
As noted in our August issue, the Series has undergone a restructuring this season. International Skating Union (ISU) vice president David Dore told IFS the Grand Prix committee took several factors into account when deciding upon the new format.
"The organizers were concerned at the number of skaters last season who dropped out at the last moment, thus having to be replaced by weaker skaters, which made for overall weak events in some cases," Dore said.
"The criteria were tightened to ensure that the best were considered for each event, in the proper order. You can no longer lobby to get into the Grand Prix or invite your friends to participate in the Series."
This season, the number of competitors in three of the four disciplines has been reduced. Dore said the ISU had to take economic factors into consideration. "The cost to stage an individual event has risen, which meant some things had to be shortened," he explained.
The ISU also reinstated the option for the top skaters to participate in a third event. "The intent of this offering to the high-level skaters was because there are few opportunities to earn money these days," Dore said. "It was seen as a way for them to earn extra prize money."
The changes to the Series were not good news for some of last season's junior medalists, who did not receive a senior Grand Prix assignment. When asked what the premise was for selection was, Dore said it was all in the math.
"With the reduced number of skaters this season, the concentration in all the categories was the top six; then, those who ranked seven to 12 followed by the top 24 scorers," he explained. "We then looked at the top 24 in the world and the returning athletes such as Evan Lysacek. The juniors were the final consideration for an event.
"Thus the junior gold medalists from last season earned an assignment, but not necessarily the other medalists in that discipline. For example, Andrei Rogozine has a top-24 placement and he was the gold medalist at Junior Worlds, so he fits into another category.
"This was unfortunate, but a reality in meeting the new numbers. Juniors still have a look in the window, which is good. It is something they did not have five years ago."
Fans welcomed the news in early June that the ISU had inked a deal with CBC television to cover, among other events, all six Grand Prix competitions. "Not only is it a contract that covers a large number of events over a long term, it is also very supportive of the ISU and its current objectives," Dore said. "For North America this is like turning a page after nine long years.
"I believe there is an appetite for figure skating in North America and this could be the turning point. North American audiences are very important to the success of the sport, much like the Asian market is.
"We need to have a strong Series to interest both the public and the television broadcasters," Dore added.
Editor's Note: There have been changes to the line-ups for the first three events since IFS went to print. The line-ups online are the most up-to-date listings and may differ from the print version.
Originally published in October 2011


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Jason Haver: Equities Market Continues to Shadow 1929
Jason Haver
Charts show an intriguing comparison of the current market with the past.
The market has continued to punish those looking to buy the dip, which is market behavior most seasoned traders have been "waiting for" for a long time. In a moment, we'll look at an interesting analog chart which overlays the current market with the 1929 stock market and shows a striking similarity -- but first, the current charts.
On January 29, and in every update since, I've mentioned that the market was behaving like it's in a crash wave -- and so far, that continues to be the case. I figured it needed no further discussion, but suppose I should add that, for less experienced traders, "crash-wave behavior" means that attempting to catch falling knives is ill-advised.
(NYSEARCA:SPY) chart below shows a great example of where a seasoned vet might try to knife-catch this decline, on the idea that the most recent decline was/is a fifth wave. The challenge with crash-type waves is that they don't follow the "normal" guidelines of a wave structure -- which means that the bounces which would typically be expected to be tradable often end up being nothing more than brief pauses in the decline.
Incidentally, January 31's near-term preferred count (the only count I published, actually -- no alternate was shown) proved to be correct, and wave (4) was indeed complete. One could argue that we've reached, or are approaching, the end of this wave -- but again, given the crash-wave behavior we've continued to witness, I would recommend approaching only with extreme caution.
In favor of the bulls, do note the positive RSI divergence at the recent low, and the fact that we hit black trend support and bounced. If bulls can hold that line (or head-fake bears with a quick whipsaw) the market does have the ingredients present to put together a snap-back rally from here.
Click to enlarge
Next is the
(INDEXSP:.INX) one-minute chart. Near-term, this chart is an absolute mess. I ended up cross-referencing five major markets against this chart, but none of those charts were much better. The choppy, overlapping structure does suggest a market that's still struggling to advance against continued selling pressure, so we probably have to give odds to the idea that SPX is headed to new lows.
Examining the other side of the trade, the rally could conceivably be counted as an impulse wave. In fact, that's what I've detailed on the chart (because that's how I do my chart work while trying to arrive at a conclusion). I've outlined a few levels to watch.
Click to enlarge
Next is the
Dow Jones Industrial Average
(INDEXDJX:.DJI) -- a bit wider view than the two previous charts, which is always important for perspective.
Click to enlarge
Finally, there's an analog to today's market that you may or may not have seen previously. It's certainly intriguing. One of my regular readers has been tracking this for some time, and he was kind enough to send me his data in order to allow me to recreate his chart. This chart compares the current Dow Jones Industrial Average to 1929's market. We've been tracking this since before the market turned -- and now that we've seen something of a relentless decline, the comparison is starting to seem a bit uncanny.
In conclusion, the S&P 500 may be closing in on completing a fifth wave, which would finally lead to a larger bounce -- however, I would continue to recommend extreme caution. Even if we bounce from here, all current indications still suggest that the trend has changed at intermediate degree and that bounces should be sold. I will, of course, continue to watch for any signals that might suggest we reexamine that thesis. Trade safe.
Follow me on Twitter while I try to figure out exactly how to make practical use of Twitter:
No positions in stocks mentioned.
The information on this website solely reflects the analysis of or opinion about the performance of securities and financial markets by the writers whose articles appear on the site. The views expressed by the writers are not necessarily the views of Minyanville Media, Inc. or members of its management. Nothing contained on the website is intended to constitute a recommendation or advice addressed to an individual investor or category of investors to purchase, sell or hold any security, or to take any action with respect to the prospective movement of the securities markets or to solicit the purchase or sale of any security. Any investment decisions must be made by the reader either individually or in consultation with his or her investment professional. Minyanville writers and staff may trade or hold positions in securities that are discussed in articles appearing on the website. Writers of articles are required to disclose whether they have a position in any stock or fund discussed in an article, but are not permitted to disclose the size or direction of the position. Nothing on this website is intended to solicit business of any kind for a writer's business or fund. Minyanville management and staff as well as contributing writers will not respond to emails or other communications requesting investment advice.
Copyright 2011 Minyanville Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


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Just as the title says, are we required to administer first aid to the BG after a justified shoot?
Take this scenario,
You shoot BG it is a justified good shoot, you have disarmed him and have called 911 and reported the incident and requested law and medical attention. The BG passes out and stops breathing, you are trained and certified in CPR, the BG is no longer a threat are you under any obligation to help this guy? I say no, but a friend of mine says yes. When I received my CPR training years ago nothing was mention about having a legal obligation to use it, moral maybe but not legal. What do y'all think and what would you do?


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Nordic Bliss in the snow
15 Wednesday Feb 2012
Written by MrsLamberth in About Nordic Bliss, In store
antler, candle holder, candlestick, glass, lantern, purple, snow, tealight, vase
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Last Sunday I had decided to take photos of some of our products, but I also wanted to spend some time outside in the snow. And so I ended up trying to both.
Reindeer antler candlestick available in natural and white £44.90
Purple glass vases from £3.60
Lantern for tealights £17.90
Pictures by Marianne (nordicbliss)


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Opening Day Take Two: Ch-ch-changes
It's been a long time since I haven't watched a MN Twins Opening Day…a streak that won't be broken come Friday night!
What blows my mind sometimes, though, is how (no matter how different our lives may look from year to year) baseball is always "The Constant" (LOST fans or Field of Dream fanatics get it!) each April.
I mean, last year I was watching the Twins opener in a rental house because our family was in the process of moving, I was driving a different car, and working a different job. A lot of changes in the span of one calendar year.
Luckily, baseball (except on very few occasions) has always brightened the mood of life come spring!
Opening Day Take One: So Complicated (Or Not)
For previous seasons, I have written very detailed summaries about the Twins' chances in the upcoming season. This year, however, I think that all the storylines have been covered ad nauseum. We are all nervous about Nathan, Morneau, everyday Casilla, Mauer's health, and the bullpen.
Thus, instead of an in-depth analysis, here is a quick look at the other teams in the division and how I think we stack up against them:
Cleveland Indians: This team is a mess. From what I see, it will be years before they compete for anything.
Kansas City Royals: Are probably still a year or two away from a serious run at winning baseball, but could seriously begin that process at any time. Still make too many dumb mistakes to consistently win ballgames. Both pitching and hitting is improving, however, to the point where expecting to sweep them (even on their turf, like in previous years!) is unrealistic.
Detroit Tigers: Good luck figuring this team out year-to-year. They have enough general talent to compete, but their streakiness is incredible. Remember who was leading the division at the AS break last year? I believe it was the Tigers (I know it wasn't us). Then…complete collapse. I don't see them putting up enough of a fight to win the division unless they put on a huge streak in the waning months.
Chicago White Sox: The team that can challenge us because of their pitching (especially bullpen) and power hitting. That being said, they better have a pretty big lead heading into that final month, because we OWN them (especially on our turf) come September.
I won't say that the Twins will waltz away with the division in 2011, but I think it is clear that another division title is easily within our grasp. If key guys stay healthy and get their innings/at-bats, I think we're still the favorites to repeat.
Good Riddance (!)
Just heard the other night that Mike Sweeney retired. Whew! Talk about a Twin-killer! He OWNED our pitching during his long stint with the Kansas City Royals, then continued his mastery of our hurlers in Oakland and Seattle. I always cringed when he came up to bat against us.
Good guy, though, who just had a solid career with the bat. A career .297 hitter with 215 home runs. Not too shabby, especially considering all the years on dismal KC teams.
Oh yeah, this guy retired too…
I'll always remember Mike Hampton for those couple of dominating seasons he had early in his career with the Houston Astros. Sadly, after being traded to the Braves (in a huge deal at the time) injury woes got the better of him and pretty much rendered him spotty for the rest of his career.
The Sidewinder (Leaves)
Today, Pat Neshek was claimed off waivers by the San Diego Padres. I had no idea he would even be "up for grabs", so this move kind of blind-sided me. Sad to think how much potential he had in this organization, before the major arm troubles hit him hard and heavy.
I mean, a few years ago he was considered closer material. Now, his velocity tops out in the mid-80s and that sidewinding delivery isn't enough to fool batters on its own.
Neshek's heralded (then brief) stay with the Twins reminds me of another guy in this organization…
During the early 2000s, Michael Restovich was heralded as our best blue-chip prospect. That went well. The power never developed, the batting eye wasn't there, and pretty soon he was bouncing all over the majors (even Japan for awhile) looking for jobs.
Pretty much the same story with Neshek. Great prospect, great potential, but ultimately very little delivered (at least for us). I wish him well in his future exploits, but have a bad feeling that perhaps he may never be able to re-capture that "spark" he once had. I hope I'm wrong.
Enough Said
Enough said (for now).
Every Spring Training for the MN Twins, at some point I am reminded of the death of Kirby Puckett in 2006. Although I didn't become a serious baseball fan until the mid 1990s, the very end of Puck's cut-short career, I just remember (as a child) the presence of Kirby being larger than life. He was (perhaps more than any other) the player who initially got me excited about Twins baseball.
It's very sad to me that Puckett is no longer around. When I think of legendary players, I think of guys like Harmon Killebrew and Tony Oliva. For my dad, for instance, just seeing those guys is enough to rekindle a flood of old (and primarily rosy!) memories. Unfortunately, I don't get to do that with Puck. Later this August, when the Twins have their 20th Anniversary of the 1991 World Series, there will be a big hole in CF, as has been the case since 2006.
We only have videos like the ones in this post to remember #34.
The Wart Heard 'Round The World (aka How Far We've Come)
I remember a time, back in the late 1990s, when the Minnesota Twins were the scourge of major league baseball. We were mockingly called "Twinkies", the Metrodome was (on most nights when the Yankees weren't in town) a sea of blue seats, the playing surface was literally coming up at the seams, and we rooted for players like Jay Canizaro, Brent Gates, Chip Hale, Bob Tewksbury, and Pat Mahomes. We almost got sold to a guy named "Beaver" in 1998, and the Pohlad-Selig contraction deal nearly swallowed us up in 2002.
Contrast this with the news today, where the removal of a wart on the bottom of Michael Cuddyer's foot was the top news (top news!) in my "MLB" module of My Yahoo! today. Yes, a wart, which will keep him out of two weeks of meaningless spring training games.
How far we've come (for better or worse), indeed.
Down To Willie
Nomar Garciaparra, Derek Jeter, and A-Rod dominated SS in the American League for quite a few seasons. I was always partially to "Nomah", but you couldn't go wrong with any of them.
Spring Training 2011: On The Fringe
With the Twins now in Fort Myers, FL, for Spring Training, they've been getting more media attention than usual due to issues like Morneau's concussion comeback, Nathan's Tommy John rehab, and the new Japanese SS whose name I'm too lazy to look up for spelling (probably should get on that).
However, there are three other areas I would like to comment on that perhaps slip our minds in the midst of the "bit stories":
1. Alexi Casilla has never been an everyday player for a full season. Whenever he's been given the opportunity to start, he's droppped the ball (sometimes even in the literal sense). Considering Gardy's love of guys like Matt "The Next Punto?" Tobert or the newcomer Luke Hughes, Casilla still has a lot to prove and will not be handed the job by any means.
2. Can "Valencia Mania" continue? A favorite example of mine of this case comes from 2000, when the Mets had an outfielder named Timo Perez (heck, he might be bouncing around somewhere yet) who, in August-September that year, looked like the next coming of Junior Griffey. He then made a few World Series blunders, pitchers figured him out, and he's been a fringe player since. Pitchers now have a similar "book" on young Danny-Boy, so those fat pitches will be fewer and farther between.
3. Besides a summer (June-July) that was out of control, Delmon Young was very average at the beginning and end of 2010. What if that "Beast Mode" doesn't occur again in '11, or for nearly as long? He's always been a streaky hitter.
Keep an eye on these issues, as they could be every bit as important as "the big boys".
Andy Pettitte: HOF?
Andy Pettitte retired this week. Putting aside the steroid stuff for a moment, I believe he belongs in the HOF five or so years from now.
The raw stats (240 wins, high-ish 3.88 ERA) might not bear this statement out, but (at least to me) what Pettitte always signified was "winning". This guy just, plain and simply, won ballgames. His overall winning % is .635 over 16 seasons, and if you look at the stats there are just so many seasons where he won 9-10 more games than he lost.
Plus, Pettitte was the epitomy of a big-game pitcher. Sure, he got the chance to pitch under the October lights so many times because of his Yankee pinstripes, but his career postseason #'s are 19-10, 3.83, in 263 innings. So, basically, he pitched an entire season in the postseason, and almost exactly duplicated his regular-season stats (high win percentage, highest-3's ERA). Not bad at all on the biggest of stages for the biggest of teams. When he pitched against my Twins in a big game, I had very little hopes for pulling out a victory.
The one problem, of course…
Andy Pettitte is inside that steroid cloud based on his relationship with Roger Clemens. In fact, Pettitte admitted using HGH on multiple occasions, supposedly in order to heal an injury and help return to the team faster, not necessarily to improve performance (definitions, definitions, I know). I'm usually wary of these guys, but for whatever reason I'll give Pettitte the benefit of the doubt. Considering that no firm anti-doping rules were in place before the mid-2000s, players in a situation like Pettitte's WERE likely unsure what was "right" or "wrong" to do chemically and still play by the rules. While I truly believe that Clemens knew that what he was doing was wrong but did it anyway because he just didn't care, I think that Pettitte was caught in that grey area of past steroid usage.
Thus, if I'm voting, I'm putting Mr. Pettitte in the Hall.


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After the old school edition of WWE "Monday Night Raw" this week, there were two matches set in place for the 2014 WWE "Royal Rumble." On Jan. 7, 2014, the WWE had their weekly taping of both "Main Event" and "Friday Night SmackDown," and those SPOILERS reveal that a third match is indeed in place for the big pay-per-view later this month.
If you don't wish to know the SPOILERS for what will happen on "Friday Night SmackDown" later this week, then stop reading now.
Two matches were announced on WWE "Monday Night Raw," but another one was teased when the Big Show came out to confront Brock Lesnar. At the taping on Tuesday night, the match was extended by Show and Lesnar came out to accept.
Confirmed matches for the 2014 WWE "Royal Rumble":
- 30-Superstar Royal Rumble Match
- WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Randy Orton (c) vs. John Cena
- Brock Lesnar vs. Big Show (confirmed, but not yet announced)
So far, there are only two confirmed participants for the big 30-superstar battle royal, and they were announced on "Raw." The announcers confirmed that a returning Batista would be in the match, and then Alberto Del Rio said he would enter and eliminate "The Animal."
For e-mail updates whenever a new article is posted, please subscribe at the bottom of the page and follow me on Twitter, GoogleBuzz, or join my group on Facebook and Celebrity Buzz.
Suggested Links
- Spoilers for 'WWE Main Event': Tag team matches lead the way
- Spoilers for WWE 'Friday Night SmackDown': Old School leaks over to Friday
- WWE 'Monday Night Raw' recap, results: Jake the Snake returns on 'Old School'
- Report: Bill Goldberg reaches new agreement with WWE
- Reports surface of Brock Lesnar possibly heading back to UFC from WWE


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There are 2 cafe tables and chairs, plus 3 Boomchairs (that rock.) Come take a look next time you're in and, if you're a teen, hang out for awhile!
Martha is a librarian at the Fairfax Library.
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2015-16 PEIC Membership
The President's Environmental Issues Council (PEIC) is made up of members from all areas of campus life, represented by administrators, faculty, staff and students. The broad representation of this Council is one of its strengths.
Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm, Professor of Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences
Soraya Bartol, Professor of Biology
Elizabeth Malcolm, Professor of Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences (Chair)
Patty Clark, Research Librarian III
Bill Gibson, Batten Professor of Political Science
Diane Hotaling, Director of Community Service
Robert Levinsky, Director of the Physical Plant
Lina Green, Director of Alumni and Parent Relations
Leona Baker, Director of Marketing and Communications
Seth Antozzi, Treasurer of Marlins Go Green
Hali Goad, Earth and Environmental Sciences major


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Sometimes I am asked why I study animals so unimportant to human life and economy as pseudoscorpions. There is one simple answer: every aspect of nature that interests the human mind is worthy of study whether or not it is of direct importance to man.
Peter Weygoldt, The Biology of Pseudoscorpions
Pseudoscorpions' large claws (pedipalps) make them look like scorpions, but they lack the true scorpions' stings and are usually much smaller than the latter. The specimen pictured above, about 3 mm long, was one of the largest I have seen. Some species of pseudoscorpions do have poison glands, but these open near the tips of their pedipalps1.
Pseudoscorpions are quite common in soil, but because most species are only a few millimeters in length, they usually escape attention. The only time I come across them is when I am sorting through forest soil samples for tiny snails.
Pseudoscorpions are predators that feed on other small arthropods. They also have a peculiar behavior of attaching themselves to the bodies of larger arthropods, for example, flies, and allowing themselves to be transported in this fashion. This is known as phoresy. Phoresy presumably helps the pseudoscorpions to become dispersed over large areas1.
More information:
Michigan Entomological Society's Entomology Notes #16: Pseudoscorpions.
Fossil pseudoscorpions in Baltic amber.
1. Peter Weygoldt. 1969. The Biology of Pseudoscorpions. Harvard University Press.