text:
MinuteClinic opens in Castle Hills
Published 6:48 pm, Tuesday, June 11, 2013
MinuteClinic has opened a new walk-in health care facility in Castle Hills inside the CVS Pharmacy at 6915 West Ave.
The retail-based medical clinic, which is the fifth MinuteClinic to open in the San Antonio area, features nurse practitioners specializing in family health care. They diagnose, treat and write prescriptions for common illnesses, such as strep throat, bronchitis and ear, eye, sinus and bladder infections.
MinuteClinic, a division of CVS Caremark Corp., also treats minor wounds, abrasions, skin conditions and joint sprains. It offers common vaccinations and physicals required for camp, sports or college.
News Channel
No appointments are required, and most health insurance is accepted. Prices for patients paying with cash or credit cards are posted at each clinic and online at www.minuteclinic.com. The cost for most treatments starts at $79.
MinuteClinic facilities in San Antonio operate from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sundays.


text: Mayor-elect Hancock gets down to biz By Ernest Luning on July 1, 2011 Denver Mayor-elect Michael Hancock last week returned to the Lower Downtown business where he launched his mayoral campaign to kick off a series of roundtable meetings with small business owners. It's part of a pledge the city councilman made during his campaign to meet with 100 business leaders as part of his First 100 Days […]This content is only available to subscribers. Login or Subscribe Share this:EmailTwitterFacebook Current News, Ernest Luning, The Colorado Statesman, Title Item

subset: commoncrawl


text:
A Great Big World, 'Say Something' Feat. Christina Aguilera – Song Meaning
Words can sting like anything, but silence? Silence breaks the heart. 'Say Something,' A Great Big World's achingly beautiful duet with Christina Aguilera, captures the end of a relationship, when it's far too late for words. But that doesn't stop the participants from offering that one last chance, however fleeting and futile.
We're offering our interpretation of this spare, but powerful song.
"Say something, I'm giving up on you / I'll be the one, if you want me to / Anywhere, I would've followed you / Say something, I'm giving up on you."
Someone has to say it. Someone has to make the first move, when you start a relationship and end it. Both situations hard, with one being decidedly harder.
"And I will swallow my pride / You're the one that I love / And I'm saying goodbye."
The narrator sucks it up and initiates the end, but it's clear, he or she does not like the present scenario. Maybe he or she doesn't really want to end it… but has no other choice.
"And I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you / And anywhere, I would have followed you."
How that's for grinding glass and acid into a festering, fresh wound. It didn't have to be this way, but it is. Ouch.
That's our read on 'Say Something,' a beautiful song that tugs at each and every heartstring.
Listen to 'Say Something'
Subscribe to PopCrush on


text:
Isdronningen - bolero by Annette Danielsen
Welcome! You are browsing as a guestWould you like to see 10 projects made from this pattern and much more? create a free account What am I missing?
© conras
© strikkefeen
Isdronningen - bolero
This pattern is only in danish and will NOT be translatet
This is EITHER a shrug with long sleeves OR a dress with short sleeves
Half chest circumference: 32d(35) 38 (41) cm
Sleeve length from under arm: 24 (27) 30 (33) cm
Back length: 38 (43) 47 (50) cm
Materials - shrug:
100 (100) 150 (150) g of Viscolin by Isager Strik in
color 6169
100 (100) 100 (150) g of Highland by Isager Strik in
color Plaster
This is part of a pattern set with a dress. Please look here to find it.


text:
She knew she wanted to play corky in Bound, but her management wanted her to have nothing to do with it.
Once past youth, these trees possess a thick, corky, asbestos-like bark that defies the average fire.
The substance of all mushrooms is either fleshy, membranaceous, or corky.
Syringodendron pes-capræ; tangential vertical section in the corky part of the bark, X200.
Some species are very large, some are small, some fleshy, and some are corky or woody.
Despite its corky wings, it has none of the ruggedness of the cork elm, but is a pretty round-headed tree.
The nature of the bark is known by its splintery, fibrous, or corky texture.
Both are distinguished by their thick, furrowed, corky bark; and their rough oval-cordate leaves with unequal sides.
Sometimes the substance within the "apple" is corky, sometimes spongy.
The substance is fleshy in Boletus, but in Polyporus the greater number of species are leathery or corky, and more persistent.


text:
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81850331293099742014-10-01T01:21:00.486-05:00Reactor Media ReviewsMusings for the changing music, literature and film industry.Submissionshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185033129309974.post-32822665813257229362008-05-10T11:13:00.002-05:002008-11-13T03:20:07.490-05:00Thrice vs. Counting Crows: The Latest Attempts at the Concept AlbumThe Concept Album: The Good, the Bad, the Not So Much

How long has the concept album been around? If you look up the history it can be traced back to the 1930's. Okay, maybe a stretch for what we think of as the modern concept album, but nevertheless, it can be said that by now we've had plenty of time to perfect it. For the modern concept album though, you will still find more misses than hits.
The reason? Primarily that the misses tend to come when the artist loses focus on the concept, seemingly in the middle of it all. It is as if from the beginning of the writing process they say, "Hey I just wrote two songs that have the same theme… let's make a concept album!" A big "huzzah!" likely follows from the other band members and the artist begins down the road towards crafting the ultimate one-themed album that they hope will blow your mind by its inherent simplicity. But this is not to say some concept albums are not complex. Quite the contrary. In some instances the concept itself can be so abstract and taken to the extreme that it makes you wonder what the hell they were thinking in the first place. In the end the listener just gets lost in the mix of songs about metaphorical alien encounters or highly spiritual concepts.
Recently, two concept albums have hit the scene from two different bands with differing backgrounds in the rock world. You will find, however, that they end up with the same blunders down the confusing road of crafting the concept album.

First, the Counting Crows are back after a long and didn't-they-break-up hiatus of six years. They didn't break up, and over those years released a good live album, and oh yeah, got nominated for an academy award. The band has had some great success over their life span and has gained a huge fan base across the board. Some might say that they have yet to duplicate the mastery of their breakout album August and Everything After, but that hasn't seemed to mattered to their critical and commercial success.
Now comes their concept album Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings. The concept is pretty simple. It deals with the craziness of Saturday nights out on the town drinking, partying, acting like a fool; and Sunday Mornings is the natural counter, like a remorseful hangover. The music as you can well guess follows suit with the lyrical themes. Saturday Nights is more buzz saw riffs and up beat blues-infused pop, whereas Sunday Mornings is more mellow, reserved and acoustic. Sounds like a great set up, and indeed it had me eager to find out what it would sound like, because surely a band as seasoned with previous rock-pop bluesy folk records as Counting Crows could pull it off. But, not so much.
The album becomes a victim of its own ambitious theme. Saturday is really a confusing mess of pop songs that lack sustenance, and really don't stick to their supposed place in the Saturday night party. Not that the themes in a concept album have to be spot on with the overall idea, but when you put a song called "Sundays" on the side that is supposed to represent Saturday nights, it's a little counter intuitive. The music does boast some decent efforts in songs like "Insignificant," more of a straight forward, laid back pop rock song with a nice chord progression and some fun riffs. And "Los Angeles" is perhaps the most blues rocky song on the album, with a catchy chorus, though it is a little hard for most to relate to the woes of having rock star fame when lead singer Adam Duritz sings "If you see that movie star and me, and if you see my picture in a magazine… well, I'm just trying to make some sense out of me."
Sunday is the better half of the album, but still remains foggy. "Washington Square" is a good folk song with primarily acoustic guitar, Duritz' vulnerable voice, and a light touch from the piano. It also has some nice elements that are added by some light percussion and a gritty-toned harmonica.
But that song bleeds indistinctly into the next track "On Almost Any Sunday Morning," which on its own is pretty good, but paired with the rest of the album just fades into the background. "Anyone But You" is a Ben Folds-like love song complete with "Bah bah bahs" at the end. Other highlights of the Sunday side of the album include the darker, more complex "Le Ballet D'Or" which seems to stand out the most from the rest of the album- the rest of the Sunday side probably should have followed this song's tone.
But the whole of the album is an uneven sum of its shaky parts. Duritz revisits similar problems and flat out reuses lyrics from previous efforts, most notably in "When I Dream of Michelangelo" which Crows fans will remember as a line from "Angels of the Silences." And it seems that the Crows got lost somewhere along the way with concentrating too hard on following the concept and either used it as a cop out or just really didn't understand how to make it all work. The listener comes out somewhat annoyed and confused by Saturday night, and lacking from and indifferent to Sunday morning.

Similar focus-related problems arise in the complex and fractured release by Thrice- The Alchemy Index. The difference is, these guys stretched themselves and did so in a way that didn't totally alienate the old fans and will undoubtedly bring in new ones. Thrice are a versatile heavy alt-rock band that have proven their original approach to rock music in the past with hugely popular efforts The Artist in the Ambulance and Vheissu.
With The Alchemy Index, the band themed four separate EPs around the four classic elements of Alchemy: Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. Volumes 1 and 2 were released last October 2007 and were the vastly different, and rightly so, Fire and Water.
Fire, as it might be obviously assumed, carried heavy rock songs that start in your face, dance around some reserved elements and end up just as powerful as they started. They are all well rounded tunes, though compared to Thrice's previous heavy music, seem to fall short of the mark- granted they set the mark high, so short is still impressive. The first track "Firebreather" is a well-done hardcore ballad that begins with a deep chunk riff on an offset time signature, and ends with some epic singing that plays the song out. The disc is an enjoyable one, with another highlight being "Burn the Fleet," a beautifully heavy track with some great guitar work and a chord progression that is definitely a departure for the band.
Water is a mostly digital disc that starts with the well-crafted "Digital Sea," the album's first single, likely due to its pleasing main progression that makes it a stand out, and is a dark pop departure for the band. The problem that arises with the disc is again in the concept. The digital music the band makes does sound bubbly and floating, which incurs that if water were music it might very well sound like this. However, when there are six tracks of the same floating and bubbles, they all just blend together. "Digital Sea" is exactly what it should have been, and perhaps the similar sounding "Open Water" should remain in tact, but the emotional lyrics of a song like "The Whaler" should have been more pronounced. Instead the song sounds like a remix of itself. There is an acoustic version of "The Whaler" that can be found on iTunes which is a beautiful and simple version of a great song lost in its own musical ambition to be "water-like."

In April 2008 Thrice release Vol. 3 and 4- Air and Earth. Both of these EPs contain great songs that fit their themes well respectively, and on their own are standouts for the band. But the concept seemed to limit the band again, and the highlights get lost in the mix of the slightly more mediocre accompanying songs on the discs.
As for Air, the disc starts with the ambient and driving track "Broken Lungs." It is an excellent track that is a progression for the band's sound. It's a more reserved version of the Thrice we know and the pace is set perfectly for the disc, for the album, and gives the song the ability to stand alone with sturdy legs. But so far as we have seen, just because the disc starts well, doesn't mean it will end that way. What follows is more of the ethereal, more of the ambient, but without the direction or the correct pacing. Again, alone, the songs on this disc are unique, but they just do not serve the whole. The best example would be "A Song for Milly Michaelson" which is a brilliant, soft indie-rock song. It's beautiful and reserved with a beating riff staggering on the same chord for most of the verses, and it rounds out with an excellent chorus. However, this is the clearest departure for the band on the whole album, and one is left to wonder where they were hoping this song would fit.
The album concludes with Earth. It's a folk-rock disc with an emphasis on the rock. Again there is a great start to the disc with "Moving Mountains," an upbeat song that plays well to the voice of vocalist Dustin Kensrue. Kensrue's voice is gritty and low, which fits great for the crunchy screams he is known for, and fits just as well for the kind of down-to-earth (pun intended) music on this disc. But the instability of the previous discs is again present on the final volume. Five of the six tracks sound like they were recorded in a large bathroom with one mic in the middle. It's not clear how the band connected "earthiness" with live recording on a single mic. The exception to that is "Come All You Weary," which, aside from the problems this band has had with crafting a concept album, is perhaps the most fantastic song they have put out since their earlier, heavier days. This song has a perfect earthy-folk quality mixed with some heavy chords that hit straightforward in the chorus with the right combination of reserve and power. If you were to buy just one song off the album, without doubt, "Come All You Weary" would need to be it.

So what mark do these albums leave on the future of the concept album? It seems more of the same hits and misses as always. The differences we find are in mastery of style, and the similarities come with the difficulties in mastery of the concept. While the Counting Crows effort seems lost on all counts, never finding rhythm, balance, or a conceptual whole, there are still some remnants to be saved. As for Thrice, they certainly did a much better job with mastering and progressing on style; and while the concept seems irrelevant at times and tends to hinder the potential of the song writing, the band manages to come out with some gems that will define them for years to come.
As for the future of the concept album, there will no doubt be some monumental failures on the horizon. But if there's one thing to learn from these albums, it's that while going for a concept is good, the focus should still be the music and the individual song. The concept is what it is. Leave it at that.Submissionshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185033129309974.post-23000212290997184472008-05-05T21:32:00.003-05:002008-11-13T03:20:07.636-05:00Iron Man

Ok...I could just sit here and write, "This movie kicks ass, go see it." But that wouldn't even begin to describe to you just how much ass it kicks. So therefore, let me just take you on a journey to the seat I sat in last night at the theater.

Robert Downey, Jr. Yep, his name alone. That's how much ass this movie kicked. This guy, since coming back to the "scene" so-to-speak after cleaning up his little drug habit has not let me down once...not even close. His character in A Scanner Darkly was spot on. In Zodiac, his character stole every scene he was in, and in Charlie Bartlett his character was so complex, that only Downey himself could truly play this role, because he's just so complex himself. Bring this to the table and he is the perfect Tony Stark, AKA Iron Man.

Tony Stark is a pretentious ass, playboy, billionaire, smart-ass, alcoholic...he's basically RDJ to the tenth power. Things go awry and well, he's changed...sort of. He keeps the best qualities, and only hides the other qualities. It's an amazing transition that makes for a few laughs, still keeping his quick witted words with some great lines and some amazing scenes where things don't exactly go the way they're planned.

There's plenty to say for the supporting cast also. Jeff Bridges is believable. I mean, we're talking about "The Dude" with a bald head and major facial hair going on. Terrance Howard is fun in his scenes while trying to uphold a small inkling of sincerity. It just never happens around Stark, because Stark is all about fun, money, and girls- not military issues, even though he builds weapons for the military. Then there's Gwyneth Paltrow. I've always had mixed reactions to her, but she managers to find her place his this film. The chemistry between her and RDJ works like a hot knife cutting into butter. You would think that within a few weeks you'll be reading about their affair on the cover US Weekly, but no. These are just two talented actors, one with a golden statue (Oscar). Put this group of supporting actors into the mix with Downey, give them an AMAZING SCRIPT, a visionary director, and you've got yourself one hell of a movie. I'm not going to go through too many details and give things away. But I will make two little side notes that I think are worth mentioning.

1) Industrial Light and Magic- the effects team. While watching this movie, I don't remember a moment when I could "see" what was practical (real) and what was not. The CGI in this movie is so seamless, probably because there is such an intricate mix of real and non-real (computer animated) effects that you can't tell. Not to mention the movie keeps you reeled in for the entire 2 hour and 5 minute duration, you don't even notice, let alone give a crap. My hands applaud thee, ILM.

2) Stick around after the credits, this isn't JUST a cameo or extra scene. This points to something bigger from Marvel in the future...can anyone say "Avengers"?

So now, I will say it. This movie kicks ass, go see it.

-Matthew EnnisSubmissionshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185033129309974.post-12222747716674669992008-05-05T18:09:00.005-05:002008-11-13T03:20:07.947-05:00Seven Reasons Why The Dark Knight will be the Best Film of the Summer
First, notice I didn't say the highest moneymaker. Also, I didn't say the best-reviewed film of the summer. No, regardless of ticket sales and despite what mood critics will be in, The Dark Knight will be the best film to be released this summer. And here is why.

The Man Behind the Mask
Christian Bale is hands-down the best Bruce Wayne/ Batman of them all. Let's consider his predecessors. He is only the second actor to portray the character in two films, along with Michael Keaton. Keaton did a decent job and did the best job before Bale of being as sinister and dark as the dark knight of the comics, but was a bit of an oddball choice. He carried a somewhat nerdy quality that didn't fit as well as Bale's playboy turned heroic-everyman persona. Val Kilmer was another good choice, though his Batman was less serious and became an unfortunate victim of the campy quality of the film he was in. And speaking of camp, let's not even mention George Clooney, even he regrets stepping into the suit and proves that even good actors don't necessarily make a great Batman. With that said, Bale's serious approach to the complexities of the character make Batman more realistically vulnerable, and make Bruce Wayne more believable as a vengeful young man turned beneficent hero.

The Writer/ Director
You might recall a little movie from 2006 called The Prestige. A superb, well-made film about two magicians, obsessed with their art, and with outdoing the other. It is arguably one of the top films of the past decade. It also starred Christian Bale and was written and directed by The Dark Knight writer/ director Christopher Nolan. Nolan, who also helmed Batman Begins, is an expert at crafting a film and is one of the top directors working today. He proved that Batman could be revived after he disappeared into campy oblivion, and made him more vulnerable and believable than he had been in any previous film. Nolan is known for letting his actors act and taking suggestions from them; and demands to be behind the camera on every shot, no matter if it takes longer to shoot the film. In short, he cares. He cares about the characters, about the story, about the crew, and about the audience. When you're making a fantasy action movie, that kind of director is essential.

The Supporting Cast
Batman Begins, the precursor to The Dark Knight, boasted some pretty heavy-duty actors. This film brings them all back with even more top actors to join them. Heath Ledger will steal this film and leave an incredible exclamation point on his career, and I'll elaborate on that in a minute. There are many small parts in this film that could be easily cast to decent lesser known actors that would likely do them great justice. But the caliber of the talent in this movie is unmatched. Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Cilian Murphy, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Eric Roberts. These are all actors that could and have carried many films on their shoulders alone. And all of them are in one film together? Then there's Aaron Eckhart. Without doubt, you couldn't find a better Harvey Dent. Plus (mild spoiler), Harvey Dent becomes Two-Face and will undoubtedly be the next villain in the likely sequel to this film. Eckhart is one of the most underrated actors out there today (see Thank You for Smoking), and will assuredly deliver a solid performance as the enigmatic Dent, who requires the subtlety of a great actor. To put it plainly, this is the best cast of the year, not just the summer.

The Story (no spoilers)
Good sequels pick up where the others left off. It obviously takes more than that, but it's a good start as The Dark Knight picks up just hours after the last film ended. While quickly introduced in the last film, the main villain here is the Joker. As portrayed by Ledger, he isn't the Jack Nicholson-crazy-old-man Joker (who did have his place in the Tim Burton original film). The Joker here is a psychopathic, ruthless killer, with a mission only for chaos and destruction. And what's more, he is the product of Bruce Wayne's decision to fight crime with fear through theatrics. The film explores the consequences that arise when the good guys start putting on masks. The latest tagline reads: Welcome to a world without rules. Interwoven in the story is the continuing relationship between Rachel Dawes (now smartly recast to Maggie Gyllenhaal) and Bruce Wayne, the connection between DA Harvey Dent and Batman, a new mobster running things in town, and of course the focus remaining on the complexities of Bruce Wayne himself and his struggles with becoming Batman. All of this makes for one heck of a complex action movie drama.

The Campaign
Viral marketing is under debate as being the wave of the future. Some think it's a powerful way to get a lot more attention for a lot less money. It hasn't proven to be a huge success as of yet, but that's mainly because one of the biggest onslaughts of the viral campaign before this film was with the campy-on-purpose Snakes on a Plane which did poorly at the box office. The Dark Knight might not necessarily prove the success of viral marketing either, but it has created another world to get lost in. With the media receiving real birthday cakes with hidden tape recorders in them, and the over 20 websites with viral games and realistic Gotham City interaction, this viral marketing has connected fans of the film to the story to the story in a compelling way. You can read up on the news at TheGothamTimes.com, apply to the Gotham Police Department, join a campaign for Harvey Dent at his sit IBelieveinHarveyDent.com, and find a lot of Joker created campaigns if you search them. On top of all of it, there hasn't been much revealed about the movie itself. It has truly been fascinating, eerie, and uncanny. The ability for anyone to be a part of the story makes it that much more thrilling.
(To get in on the action try whysoserious.com, clowntravelagency.com, ccfabg.com, and rorysdeathkiss.com just to name a few)

The Competition
You can't claim a film to be the "best of the summer" without considering the competition. And this summer is no walk in the park. Last summer's abysmal season full of threequels was a terrible mark on the history of summer blockbusters. Entertaining as some of them were, they were mostly horrible and pretty much signified the end to several franchises, including other heroes like Spiderman (thank the Lord for no more crying and emo haircuts). But this season boasts some really great adventures that are giving The Dark Knight a decent run for its money. Spielberg and company have created what is being called the best sequel of the Indiana Jones franchise. And other heroes are making their mark: the superb Iron Man starts off the summer, along with The Incredible Hulk (a do-over after the first bomb), and Hellboy II: The Golden Army will be cool, sleek, and fascinating. Plus there's M. Night Shyamalan back to his horror roots, the epic new Pixar film Wall-E, a Chronicles of Narnia sequel, and Ben Stiller with his daringly hilarious Tropic Thunder. Whew! Catch a breath. But rest assured, all of these will have only elements of everything The Dark Knight will carry with it in its writing, directing, acting, and everything else already mentioned.

The Joker
Finally, we have Heath Ledger. It is an immense tragedy that this great actor and masterfully unique talent is gone. None of his peers are quite as daring, as authentic, or as dedicated of a talent as he was. It came out in his films and he was exciting as well as provocative, fascinating as well as exhilarating. He was born to do what he did, and it will be no more evident than in this film. Yes, it is a dark character, and some say it wasn't the perfect note to end on. But if you have to end on something, why not end on one of the most electrifying performances of your career? Rest assured you won't see Heath up on the screen. No, that isn't what he wanted. You will see the Joker as an incarnation of vile, cruel and stunningly-fantastical evil. Heath will suck you in to his performance as he has never done before. His true talent will be in this film, have no doubt. The Joker will be an exclamation on his career, and he will steal every scene he is in. The performance will be as close to perfection as it can be, not because the camera angles were right, or the dialogue was perfectly written. It will be because Heath did what he always did best- inhabiting his character. So, no matter when you catch a glimpse of the sly smile or hear the chilling laugh of the Joker, you will know that was as real as the Joker could be. And the experience will be complete.

-Mark WingerterSubmissionshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185033129309974.post-24922407643766677462008-05-05T13:54:00.004-05:002008-05-05T14:03:36.163-05:00Movie Theatres: Proof of the Decline of Civility(Part rant, part commentary)
I like to get to a movie before it starts, which means I like to be there before the previews begin. If I get there when I plan to, you'll find me somewhere in the middle of the stadium-style seating, half way up and in the middle of the row. It used to be the perfect seat.

Stadium style seating should be the way to watch a movie. But in the age of stay-connected-or-die, it seems that no one can go to the movie theatre anymore and partake in the pleasure of escaping the world outside to dive into the adventure within. Such was the reason I found myself in the theatre recently, in my preferred section, with the lights down and the movie about to start when I looked down the rows to see what looked like the night sky all aglow with a flurry of stars. Those stars of course, were cell phones. While this has been happening since cell phones were invented and it wasn't completely unexpected, it seems the stars are coming out more often and for longer periods of time. Lately, it seems that people care as little about the people behind their heads as the feature they're texting their way through even though they paid half their paycheck to see it.

Honestly, can you not wait 90 minutes to find out that your best friend just can't believe that her sort of friend is dating that cute guy she met once?

Meanwhile, I sit trying to ignore the starry night sky below me, when in walks a young family of four into a PG-13 rated action feature. And by young family I mean of course, a mother, a father, and their three year old and infant child. Now, I am not opposed to people bringing their kids to a movie, and I understand that parents can't just get up and go to a movie whenever they feel like it. But I disagree with bringing kids to a feature they are legally not really allowed to see, and one that will most likely cause little ears hearing problems.

Now don't get me wrong, I love kids. I am looking forward to one day having my own, but I won't be bringing them into films they are too young to see. It's not only rude to the rest of the people in the theatre who have paid to see the movie, but also to the kids. An infant should probably not be exposed to THX sound blowing up all around them, nor to the germs of a rarely disinfected public place.

Which brings me to my next point- what's that smell? Where else can you go to catch a whiff of body odor, stale popcorn, sweaty feet, and that sticky mess you just stepped in on the floor? Only the movie theatre. Granted, some theatres keep their place clean, and I applaud their efforts. But most of you can probably recreate the smell I just described and know which theatre in your area is most prone to have it. It's true that theatres are public places, and there's no telling who has been in your seat before you. But it is time to instill a better process for cleaning these places up so we all can benefit from not having to wonder if the last person who sat in the seat before us took a shower or not.

Still, regardless of how well a place is cleaned, and if the text message addicts decide not to accompany your viewing, and if parents hire a babysitter, there will still be those who think that a public movie theatre is there own personal living room. These are the folks who forget that no one cares to hear their loud and corny comments. Commonly referred to as the peanut gallery, they laugh at non-jokes, laugh even louder at the funny ones, scream bloody murder when they feel like it, and sit right behind you and talk their way through the movie, making their own edits and critiques of the film. No one cares to hear it, yet no one says anything. This is partly because we don't want to be bothered by having to say anything to them, but also because there's no telling what action they will take. The truly horrible ones will most likely curse at you or just get louder to prove their point.

Civility, it seems, is on the decline. Some people just honestly don't care what other people think. They have no manners and they don't mind. Perhaps it is especially appalling because some of us were raised to respect others around us. It's really a simple concept, and a moral standard that so many have disregarded. True, there are plenty of those who are respectful and are in the same boat. But it continues.

The movie theatre needs a revamping. It used to be a privilege to buy a ticket and wait in eager anticipation of what would project on the big screen as the lights dimmed. But the eagerness fades with the growing impudence of some moviegoers.
It's a shame we cannot let go of the reality of life even to escape for a few minutes of adventure. And if you can, good for you, you'll have plenty of opportunities to do so during the summer movie season. Just try to ignore those around you who don't know you're there.

Some recommendations for avoiding the distractions:
Go to late night movies- half of the texters are of a younger crowd and the later shows are generally past their bed times.
Go to movies during weeknights- yes the movies are something to look forward to on weekends, but you're more likely to enjoy your experience on a Monday or Tuesday.Submissionshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185033129309974.post-26673201724116429982008-04-26T12:21:00.002-05:002008-04-26T12:32:39.049-05:00We're Back!! (ish)It has been a while.
Reactor media slowed down for a while (okay, like 8 months) but it never died! It kept churning in the minds of a few, laying dormant but ready to come back full force.
Originally started by Mark Dougherty, it was a valiant effort to allow people to peruse the mass quantities of media out there with easier stride. However, Mark D being the brilliant artist that he is, decided that his focus needed to be on making his musical career work, and thus had to let go of something he had long dreamed of getting off the ground.
Fortunately, this is where I come in. I am also Mark, yet not a clone or a split personality of the original. My name is Wingerter, Mark Wingerter (piece that together "win-ger-ter"). Orginially just a writer for the site, I am going to do my best to take the reigns of this bad boy that will hopefully become its own monster. Well, here's to dreaming.
Mr. Dougherty will be adding his own writings here periodically and hopefully we will be getting more writers in the near future, and if you are interested in becoming a writer, we want to hear from you. Contact us at email@example.com.
There is a lot coming, slowly but surely, and it is my hope this will be a place to focus on the good and the bad in music and film across the many markets that there are.
Look for changes to happen soon. I hope you find something here worth diving into.
Thanks for reading.
- Mark WingerterSubmissionshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185033129309974.post-77221312402010862872007-08-25T12:29:00.000-05:002008-11-13T03:20:08.239-05:00Stardust

Neil Gaiman's work always gets lodged into my head for a good few weeks after reading it, infiltrating my dreams, affecting my speech... you know, the typical.Therefore, since I had just finished Stardust the night before seeing the movie, it was not only fresh in my head, but I hadn't given myself proper time to mourn the loss of another finished masterpiece. It would have been like drinking an entire bottle of champaigne, feeling ill from overdosing on something that, in its acceptable dosage, would have been otherwise delicious and amazing.

That being said, any time I see a movie after reading the novel, I'm usually disappointed in the latter. But that wasn't the case with Stardust. This movie was spectacular and so wildly different from the book, it was like an entirely separate story altogether. Jane Goldman and Matthew Vaughn had adapted the book into a screenplay, with Matthew Vaughn as the director. At first I was apprehensive seeing how far the adapted screenplay had strayed from its source. But as the movie progressed and wove its new story lines, I was just as glued to the screen as I was each page of the book; I had absolutely no idea what was coming next.

Claire Danes was a perfect choice for Yvaine, the star, as she naturally glows on screen without the need of visual effects. Additionally, Charlie Cox was a perfect choice for Tristan: handsome, but invariably awkward when he needs to be. Overall the acting was wonderful despite Claire's propensity to lose focus momentarily breaking that suspension of disbelief. Luckily that hardly happened in this piece. Michelle Pfeiffer made for a beautiful and grotesque Lilim queen, and Robert DeNiro surprised me as a "flopping" (also known as "flaming" to those of us not from the realm of Faerie) buccaneer. Finally, tying it all together is the omniscient narration driven by the soothing voice of Ian McKellen.

Neil Gaiman created a dark, terrifying and glorious world in his novel Stardust. A domain I'd certainly like to cross The Wall into, visit the marketplace, and maybe settle into a flying ship to spend the rest of my days. Jane Goldman and Matthew Vaughn did a magnificent job transforming Gaimans words for the screen. Though different, absolutely none of the magic was lost.

-Janis AcamporaSubmissionshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185033129309974.post-31628605264859438482007-08-18T07:46:00.000-05:002008-11-13T03:20:08.385-05:00Bryan Field McFarland - All That Matters
Bryan Field McFarland
All that Matters
Sassafras Songs 2007

The world needs more musicians like Bryan Field McFarland.

On second thought.

The world needs more people like Bryan Field McFarland.

On his newly released full length album All that Matters, McFarland touches upon the gamut of human emotion and registers an album of such emotional honesty and purity that it cant help but place a beaming, joyous smile on your face for the rest of the day.

As a musician in my own right, it is and has always been my quest to observe the simple joys and wonderment in life and hopefully, reflect those feelings in songs... and in turn hopefully help others to see that joy within themselves. It is the most important quest (in my estimation) for any musician or artist for that matter.

And McFarland does this with such ease that it is hard not to relish in delight over his talent. Take for instance his song "Blacktop River," a moving acoustic number (in the vein of John Hiatt or the later career solo work of David Crosby) that simply put, is a track about taking your car out and experiencing the glory of good drive. Simply put, McFarland's music is a celebration of life, and so much of that kind of musical magic is lost in today's music market.

At times, McFarland's CD hits too heavy with religious overtones, which has never been my forte per-se, but what I do admire about these songs is that they are not geared around changing the religious beliefs of the listener, but rather simply state the feeling that McFarland has about his own faith. And again, this is a testament of McFarland's gifted craft as a songwriter.

So please, take a listen to Bryan Field McFarland's new CD... it is bound to make you feel better about your day, and anything that has the ability to do that is something purely magical.

-Mark Dougherty
Submissionshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185033129309974.post-19922015852017754762007-08-11T12:24:00.000-05:002008-11-13T03:20:08.663-05:00Blindside - The Black Rose EP
Blindside
The Black Rose EP
Self Released 2007

Here's the deal. The world of mainstream radio is a dictatorship, and you are being brainwashed if you're listening. The box in your dashboard with the dials and the frequency reading is nothing but a tool to tell you what you should be listening too, and thus what you should be spending your money on. What's happening more and more is smart listeners are turning off their radio, and logging onto the internet to find out exactly what is good and what they want to hear, not what some suit forces at them. What in turn results is less of a need for major marketing and million-dollar hype, and more freedom for real artists to create great music that will be heard.

The end is coming.

As artists become less worried about landing the long coveted record deal and start trying to do it on their own (with greater success), holes are bored in the gigantic ship that used to be the music industry. It is sinking slowly, but flamboyantly.

You probably already know this, so lets move on. To the proof that this is really working.
If you've ever heard Blindside you know they have passion. Lead singer Christian Lindskog screams desperately in most every song, so you know there's emotion running thick in his bloodstream. The band follows close at his heels with raw-sounding energy bursting though heavily distorted riffs backed by pounding beats, the likes of wish could bang the head and shuffle the feet.

The four members who hail from Sweden have been through the major label journey. Now, label free, they have taken a great risk with their latest effort. The Black Rose EP was released on June 27th. However, you won't find it in any stores. It can only be purchased online by way of their website.

The sound for the band is one of a comfortable satisfaction. They are a band that arrives with a fresh attitude for each album. From their early metalcore efforts with A Thought Crushed My Mind before there was such a genre, and their most popular, melodic hardcore release Silence, to a more mainstream screamo sound on About a Burning Fire, they always bring honesty with a punch. In 2005, the band retreated to a less polished, more reserved sound, seemingly influenced by bands in the European scene (namely Muse), on the most recent LP The Great Depression. It seemed that Blindside had reached a burnout point, as Lindskog's lyrics expressed a heavy burden he felt for the state of the world as well as their band. The title seemed to signify a weight upon the members, and the album, though littered with upbeat dance-worthy grooves, is the band's darkest one to date.

But The Black Rose EP changes their course yet again- musically and professionally. The freedom they now have is evident and Blindside returns to crush you with the album's dancing energy paired with their signature crunchy distortion. They only add fuel to the burning fire that is their sound, and seem to dance excitedly to their own beat on top of the contractual chains that once held them.

It is a well-rounded product; something that the band has expressed was their goal for Black Rose. They didn't want it to feel like a rushed project that was done simply to keep fans happy. The first five tracks are all brand new, starting off brutally with the first four and ending on an emotional acoustic note with the title track. The final three are live recordings of songs from The Great Depression.

It is apparent that they cared honestly for this album, which makes it even more daring of a risk on a personal level to release it without large monetary backing. But what they may or may not realize is that they are helping to break new ground. It may happen sooner or later that record stores will be a thing of the past. There is a new calling for artists to take their art into their own hands. If they're as honest with their music as Blindside is, it will usher in a new scene of true art, and real music. Popularity will then come to what is best, not to what is most played.

Blindside has always been about hope in the midst of change and despair. That message is sure to play loud as the scene heads toward a new type of existence.

-Mark WingerterSubmissionshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185033129309974.post-49136137527486830212007-08-10T13:40:00.000-05:002007-08-10T13:43:39.985-05:00Grant Lee Buffalo - FuzzyThis video was brought to my attention this morning by my good friend and killer good musician, Andy Fosberry.

And on thinking on it for some time, it is for good reason that we pay a little salute to one of the most rocking and life affirming bands of our time, Grant Lee Buffalo.

Take a listen and view... these guys were just brilliant.

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ILpq6LDrUWQ"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ILpq6LDrUWQ" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

-Mark DoughertySubmissionshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185033129309974.post-46263574410956095942007-08-07T10:30:00.000-05:002007-08-07T10:36:27.715-05:00Flight of the Conchords - The Humans are DeadOkay... if two things have become evident this season on HBO it is this: 1, do not even bother to watch John from Cincinnati (sucks so very hard) and 2, make damn sure you see Flight of the Conchords. These New Zealanders are hysterical, the music videos and the script itself is just bloody brilliant.

So, for those already fans and for those that need to buck up and get watching, here is an early performance of Flight of the Conchords before the show aired. Enjoy!

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WGoi1MSGu64"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WGoi1MSGu64" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

-Mark DoughertySubmissionshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185033129309974.post-60465034707260481882007-08-07T10:08:00.000-05:002008-11-13T03:20:08.810-05:00The Glaciers - The Moon Never Misses an Appointment

The Glaciers
The Moon Never Misses an Appointment
Eskimo Kiss 2006

I had been meaning to do a write up for some time on the Queens, NY based duo The Glaciers. And I am quit happy that I have finally come around to it. Because this is a group you need to know about. And I mean need. I actually am quite amazed that they have not emerged onto the national indie scene as a vital and integral band. But, soon enough that will happen. If there is any justice in this world.

But what makes the Glaciers great you may ask? A combination of brilliant attributes. The first is lead singer, Jackie Linge. She has that uniquely powerful gift of a voice that would honestly make me quite happy if she were singing me the phone book. Imagine a little bit of Sarah McLaughlin and Hem intertwined. It is a soulful, ageless and glorious gift.

If Linge's voice were it alone, this would still be a band worth holding onto. Yet, it is just the tip of the iceberg. The musicianship of her counterpoint, Ian Stynes, is so subtly beautiful and well conceived it is jarring - he is a master at the helm. Loaded in The Moon Never Misses an Appointment are soft electric leads, harmonies, piano, strings and my favorite, the pedal steel. So beautiful and ethereal - even masterful.

So listen up... The Glaciers are the kind of band that Reactor Media is in business for. And the kind of talent that I envision will be around for years. It is quite brilliant indeed.

-Mark DoughertySubmissionshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185033129309974.post-52868899707331226242007-08-03T20:31:00.000-05:002007-08-03T20:55:11.244-05:00The Clip Bandits - HigherOkay, so YouTube is the wave of the future, the gateway to letting people like you and me make a video and post it for all the world to see.

And hopefully get enough viewers to get a little instant fame. I get it. Pretty smart model. And a great place for everyone to share their creativity.

But can that be too much of a good thing?

Enter the Clip Bandits. Basically, this is a band of four that has never met each other in person. The play remotely, via video conferencing, have band practices and make songs... and get 360,000 hits on You tube. Yes that number is correct, 360,000!

Is it a bit much for a band that has a cute gimmick? I think so because the Clip Bandits are really not that great. Had the Clip Bandits met in a conventional real world and not displayed their music only on You Tube, would they be where they are today. No. It is all gimmick and zero substance. I found the songs I listened to remotely average at best, reminiscent of mediocre old time bar bands.

Which leads to the great dilemma of MySpace and You Tube and all other online media sites. It seems more and more, the beautiful craft of music is being lost in the flush of anyone who has a guitar and can write a song. It is a double edge sword, because for every Clip Bandit, there is a William Fitzsimmons, an artist demanding to be heard and not drowned out by cute little staged trickery and ideas.

It is great that everyone now has a chance; well, on second thought. Is it?

Here is a clip of the Clip Bandits. Cute, but great music? You be the judge.

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7sk49xWYvAw"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7sk49xWYvAw" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

-Mark DoughertySubmissionshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185033129309974.post-13689158666004920012007-08-02T20:33:00.000-05:002007-08-02T20:46:31.350-05:00Liz Durrett - The MezzanineI saw the Atlanta based and Vic Chesnutt produced, Liz Durrett, play alongside Ham1 last week as part of the Look Alive Presents series in downtown Greensboro. And I was blown away. Really blown away.

Listening to Durrett is like listening to about five of the best indie female singers (Cat Power, Beth Orton, Innocence Mission, etc.) wrapped into one immensely talented musical vehicle.

I was not as fond of her backing band, Ham1 because basically, I could have listened to Durrett sing the phone book without any instrumentation and I would have been moved. It is not everyday that you come across such a voice as hers.

Here is a live video of Durrett playing "The Mezzanine," from her latest iTunes release The Mezzanine (courtesy of WARM Recordings).

Do take a listen and look and catch her on her short east coast tour. Info is at her MySpace page www.myspace.com/lizdurrett.

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bWb_fmPAO1Q"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bWb_fmPAO1Q" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

-Mark DoughertySubmissionshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185033129309974.post-43296499494642131782007-08-01T20:39:00.000-05:002007-08-01T20:43:38.570-05:00Andrew Bird- Weather SystemsI am basically hooked on La Blogotheque, it is true. Case in point is their video of "Weather Systems" by Andrew Bird. What enthralls me about these recordings is their bare bones style, and sheer simplicitym but moreover, how utterly exposed the raw talent is of each musician being filmed.

And Andrew Bird is a genius. Remarkable little video. Do take a look.

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PsR0uyPxqxI"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PsR0uyPxqxI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

-Mark DoughertySubmissionshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185033129309974.post-26095338664235498512007-07-29T22:16:00.000-05:002007-07-29T22:31:17.093-05:00Sufjan Stevens - "The Lakes of Canada" CoverI have long been a fan of the Innocence Mission especially of their unforgettable staple, "The Lakes of Canada." So when I stumbled across this video on William Fitzsimmons' MySpace page a few weeks back I was really delighted. Especially since it is a take on the song, by another favorite of mine, Sufjan Stevens.

Take a listen.

And while you are at it, look up the work of LaBlogothegue on YouTube, their videos are raw and seem to capture the true essence of the artist being filmed. Really beautiful stuff.

Anyways, here is the vid... enjoy.

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ffHmMr8JQVE"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ffHmMr8JQVE" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

-Mark DoughertySubmissionshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185033129309974.post-74089543648649598902007-07-22T21:25:00.000-05:002008-11-13T03:20:09.610-05:00Project 86 - Rival Factions / Concert ReviewProject 86
Rival Factions
Tooth & Nail 2007

I stood, sweat soaked, left ear muffled and possibly damaged, watching the members of Project 86 packing up their gear on the stage. What had just occurred: a frenzy of five bands, showcasing their talent for aggressive heavy rock branching in different directions respectively. The first four were edging towards the new breakdown- oriented heavy rock with raspy high screams and deep growls, some giving a fresh approach which was nice. The temperature in the small venue was sweltering, but I stayed cool under a lone air vent in the ceiling for most of the show. That was until Project 86 took the stage.

I have long been a Project fan. It's been about a decade. Now, weathered from the major label storms and finally feeling comfortable to make the music they want, their shows are a world apart from the ones of their beginnings.

This time around they're promoting Rival Factions, their sixth album. An almost 180 from their previous album, it's more punk, more gothic, more industrial, and musically a far cry from what Project fans would come to expect. But lead singer Andrew Schwab is unwavering in his signature speak/scream vocals and poignant,
aggressive lyrics. On Rival Factions, he becomes more of an exhibitionist, as an attempt to be as forward and honest with his mistakes and beliefs.

On stage Schwab sings with pointed finger toward the crowd, teaching them of his gained wisdom from personal tragedies and experiences. The band plays fierce and calculated behind him.

Rival Factions in many parts looks at the band itself, the expectations it has faced, the success and failures it has had in its over ten year existence. Schwab, in the middle of it all, poetically and hopefully looks forward to continuing, simultaneously looking back to where he come from. In the most memorable track on the album, "The Forces of Radio Have Dropped a Viper Into the Rhythm Section" Schwab compare himself to analog tape, and in the digital world he declares "you don't expect me to rear my head, but I'm not dead."

Well after midnight, they took the stage and proved how alive they are.
Standing less than two feet from guitarist Randy Torres as he bangs out the distorted riffs on his Gibson, I reminisced back to the four or five times I've seen them over the years. I noticed they had aged, but that they still know how to make good, original hardcore music, and still stand apart from the new artists that come along and play more of the same.

They played a solid show. My usual complaint is that their shows are too short, and not full of surprises for a long time fan like me. This time was about the same, but they pulled out a few I hadn't heard before, which was nice.

Their new angle with Rival Factions channels Depeche Mode in songs like "Molotov" and "Normandy," and in songs like "Put Your Lips to the T.V." they bring more energy than they've ever had. It's definitely a new approach in a time where most rock comes out sounding generic and uninspired.

During the stage break down, Randy Torres took a break from packing his gear, and sat on the edge of the stage. I'd had conversations with him in the past, and my sweat drenched self has a question for him. Why such a difference in sound with the new album? "Well," he began, obviously drained from the tour, the heat, and the late night, "we just didn't want to make the same album twice."

I left him at that, because when rock radio all blends together and many bands are indistinguishable in their genre, what else needs to be said? No Project album is perfect, but they are always reaching. For new sounds and dynamics, for changes in culture, and for hope.

-Mark WingerterSubmissionshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185033129309974.post-15858079114164956222007-07-20T09:52:00.001-05:002007-07-20T09:53:40.300-05:00Sorry for the hiatus! We have been away and our writers are diligently working on new material to rock your socks... expect new reviews later today!

Good to be back :-)Submissionshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185033129309974.post-82321616622888439792007-07-11T18:29:00.001-05:002008-11-13T03:20:10.026-05:00The Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
The Arcade Fire
Neon Bible
Merge 2007

The Arcade Fire's Neon Bible is not entirely different than Funeral - contrary to what most reviewers would have you believe. Sure, it isn't exactly the same, but it's not jazz either.

As someone who enjoyed Funeral, but didn't think it was the be all end all 2004-2005, I find the latest release to sound a bit more mature, and thought through.

The Arcade Fire always struck me as the drama club putting together a band. This is not terrible, and I don't want to come across as cutting down on the drama clubs around the country. But, everything is just a little too staged with lots of mimicry. Like when the sound like The Pixies, you'd have a hard time telling that it wasn't actually The Pixies. The singer screams. The singer croons, and he does it as well as anyone out there - except for Frank Black. The funny thing is, I find the Arcade Fire's music much more honest when the female vocalist takes over - even if she does do a hell of a Bjork impression.

The new album follows the same pattern. A lot of mimicry, fused with a lot of honest Arcade Fire moments.

For example, if you are someone who wonders what Bruce Springsteen would sound like if he broke through in 2007, this is the album for you. Yes, not only The Pixies and Bjork, but it sounds like Springsteen too. Again, the music is good, the songs are good, but c'mon!

Thankfully, the whole album isn't Bruce, or The Pixies or Bjork, but there's enough there that you might find yourself reaching for your Nebraska album before the end. The rest of the album is very good - a bit darker than Funeral, which I enjoy - but nothing that is unique or new. Nothing comes across as totally emotionally honest.

Now, for all of my judgments above, I have to admit that I enjoy this album - a lot. It's the love child of the aforementioned Springsteen - at times it even had me thinking Jesus Mary and Chain and Sisters of Mercy (see: "Black Mirror / Black Planet").

Standout tracks include:
- Keep the Car Running (Could be a cover from Born in the USA)
- Intervention (If you loved Funeral, this is your track)
- No Cars Go (Probably the best track on the album)

Arcade Fire isn't a tribute band, but they aren't far from being one. They do an amazing job playing other people's music - a good enough job that I would recommend their records - but unless something changes with future releases, they aren't likely to be relevant in the future, but instead just a clone of what once was good.

-Curt Meinhold
Submissionshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185033129309974.post-87441164027579107042007-07-10T11:43:00.000-05:002008-11-13T03:20:10.408-05:00Kelly Clarkson - My December
Kelly Clarkson
My December
19 Recordings 2007

I am 26 going on 13.

Any time I read about an artist who 'pushes boundaries' and 'writes a dark album' and gives the big F-U to their record label, I'm all over it. (Maybe it's all those years that I spent as an adolescent listening to The Cure in the dark.) This is what Kelly Clarkson has done with her new album My December. I am not heartbroken or unhappy. I am not angry about how a man did me wrong and left me for someone else. In general, I'm quite a happy person. But this doesn't stop me from absolutely adoring this album.

I'm fully aware that this instantly makes me lose my indie credibility. Maybe you have even stopped reading this, but hear me out: My December is a pop album with a rock underbelly. It's aggressive for such a heavily marketed woman. Imagine if you took Avril Lavigne out of the mall and off her skateboard, added a few years to her, and gave her some talent.

Kelly Clarkson has one of the best voices I've heard in a very long time. There's grit to it, which only emphasises her edgy pop-anthems all the more. I guess this album is this decade's Jagged Little Pill. Just because she happened to win American Idol, and her first album was full of a terrible mish-mash of songs with absolutely no direction doesn't really matter. That was an album written by old men who get paid entirely too much money for writing forgettable songs.

She started moving towards a much different direction with her 2004 album Breakaway. On My December, there are songs with an almost metal feel. (Of course, if metal had melody, keyboards, and a pretty, well dressed brunette singing.) The guitars are loud, the drums are heavy, and she absolutely wails. The opening track 'Never Again' is the formula that made her an International success with Breakaway. I'd say it's like a follow up to 'Since U Been Gone'. I'll admit that a couple of the songs are hit and miss, and I could definitely do without tracks like 'One Minute' and 'Yeah'... It's a bit too Joss Stone for my liking. The thing that surprises me the most are the acoustic tracks. 'Irvine' is a song that, if you didn't know any better, you would assume it was someone like Marissa Nadler or Cat Power (if she was sane). Following this is the hidden track 'Chivas' which carries on in the same vein and sounds like a tour bus jam.

I'm not naïve enough to say that this album is anything more than a severe case of guilty pleasure. But that's not to say that it's not worthy of getting a proper review, because it is. Kelly Clarkson isn't just a puppet on a string anymore. She values her music, she values what she does as an artist, and she co-wrote every song on the album. Just because they are pop songs and she won a reality TV contest a few years back doesn't necessarily mean they don't have any weight or merit for fans of 'Real Music'. I say good on her, for pissing off Clive Davis, and wanting to take control of the music that she's putting out there. It might be mostly marketed towards girls in their late teens, but if you look a little deeper, you'll uncover a lot more to the MTV-laden hit singles. These are solid songs, they have a point, and I am a fan. Sue me.

-Tiffany FosberrySubmissionshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185033129309974.post-2735093156139624972007-07-09T08:19:00.000-05:002007-07-09T08:22:17.032-05:00The National - "Start a War" VideoMost of you already know about my fixation for The National... well, this vid just added to that.

Check it out. Yes?!

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8cjORoHfTcg"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8cjORoHfTcg" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

-Mark DoughertySubmissionshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185033129309974.post-41885609672992299182007-07-07T08:44:00.000-05:002008-11-13T03:20:10.536-05:00Bruce Huss - "Patience" from Patience
Bruce Huss
"Patience" from Patience
Self Released 2007

Instrumental acoustic guitar pieces have always had a soft spot in my heart. A really soft spot. Perhaps, this is because the first concert I ever attended (Crosby, Stills and Nash in Atlantic City, 1992) had an opener of Michael Hedges. Hedges' work was magical, at times it felt like I was listening to three guitars all at once — but it was only the one. He would strum away at his guitar almost like a percussive instrument, or he would make it sing like a delicate voice of an angel. A true gift.

Hedges became one of my favorites, ever, in any music medium (still to this day). And with his passing in the late 9o's there was a deep part to me that was heartbroken. But here, I have found a new voice on the acoustic guitar, a new master; Bruce Huss.

Huss is a rare talent, and on his gorgeously constructed instrumental, I am reminded of a warm sunny day, the kind that you sit and enjoy with a perfect glass of iced tea next to a deep country lake. Very pastoral and serene. It is what I feel when I listen to Huss. The same brilliance that I found with Hedges.

What astounds me with these guitar masters (and that is what Huss is) is how through one instrument they can produce such emotion and depth that full bands search for years to find (and sometimes never do). Patience has cool and soft delicate moments and a musical depth that sinks to the regions of your heart.

I urge you to look Bruce Huss up on iTunes and download it, or visit his myspace page at www.myspace.com/brucehuss. It is brilliant.

-Mark DoughertySubmissionshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185033129309974.post-50639827152562359102007-07-02T15:42:00.001-05:002008-11-13T03:20:10.657-05:00Jonah Michea Judy - Milk Sink
Jonah Michea Judy
Milk Sink
Self Released 2007

I was quite happy when the North Carolina based emo-acoustic singer songwriter, Jonah Michea Judy, contacted with a submission to the site. Normally, I have to tread through the abyss of MySpace pages, and search through peoples "top friends" and the like to hopefully, stumble across a musician that seems to have "the goods." And by "the goods" I mean, someone who seems to have that unique spirit to their music — demanding that you take notice. Such is the work of Jonah Michea Judy.

On first listen to this evocative singer, I was immediately transported to the early days of my college life when hordes of us would travel into downtown Philadelphia to see the then both alive and great Elliott Smith. Like Smith, Judy plays a type of song that plunges into the deep ravines and chasms of the soul. With musicians like these, it is kind of like staring into the sun; there is a deep part of you so very tempted to look but when you do, you know it hurts. And the passion the Judy sings with equates to such an experience.

Judy plays a solitary acoustic guitar, that could at times sound as soft as his breathy verses or as raw and passionate as his vocally explosive choruses. Imagine a mixture of previously mentioned Elliott Smith, with a little Trent Reznor circa Broken era and Dashboard Confessional.

It's good stuff. So take a listen (www.myspace.com/jonahmicheajudy).

-Mark DoughertySubmissionshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185033129309974.post-30065645283909331962007-06-29T08:27:00.000-05:002008-11-13T03:20:10.758-05:00Knocked Up

Knocked Up

What is interesting about the summer movie season is that movie studios think that they are doing their best work by spending hundreds of millions on the most spectacular explosions you've ever seen. The problem is, mushrooming clouds of fire after a while start to look the same, and we just end up board. But in between the mega million dollar adventures that sometimes end up rushed and poorly acted (gee, they never considered that part of the movie) a few films get released that actually have heart. And, surprise! They end up better than the blockbuster and at a third of the price or less.

If you are looking for an aside to the CGI- heavy summer movies this summer but don't want to sacrifice the entertainment, Knocked Up may just be perfect for you. Judd Apatow delivers a bundle of joy, beaming with painfully realistic humor that hardly ever lets you stop laughing. And in between the gross sexual humor beats a heart, something often lacking in most R- rated comedies. Those two elements combine to make Knocked Up a guy flick and a chick flick all wrapped up into one.

Seth Rogan is in rare form. He is best known for his foul- mouthed characters, most notably of which being Steve Carrell's buddy in The 40 Year Old Virgin. But his character in Knocked Up goes dirtier and more mature than in Virgin. Similarly the movie mimics Rogan's character by delving deeper into the guy side of sex, but takes the human side of the situation to a pleasant, though at times overly heart grabbing point.

The title pretty much spells out the clincher of the story. Kathryn Heigle's character has a one night stand with Rogan's character, ending up pregnant with what appears to be the bastard child of a pot smoking, jobless loser. But, as in life, the baby's impendence changes the two characters' lives completely. It is this realism, which Apatow often uses in his comedies, that make them poignant and touching.

Knocked Up is hilarious, and that is partly because of how tangible the storyline is to so many of us. Most people have at least known someone who has been in a knocked up situation, or have been in it themselves; so to see it play out in a believable scenario, makes the whole snafu hit close to home. I found myself laughing in relief that it wasn't happening to me.

Besides for maybe Heigle, there aren't any real big names in the movie. Rogan is an unlikely movie star, though he holds his own as a leading man. It works because he plays the charming loser very well, and you, in turn, connect with him. Perhaps it is the movie's lower budget and lesser known (but very talented) actors that make the film even more accessible.

Plainly put, the film is honest, and painfully so. But its genuine quality leaves you with something as you are strolling out of the theatre. Instead of a "wow that really looked cool" coming out of your buttery popcorn tasting mouth, you'll feel a workout in your abs from the laughter and a smile from the story's end. And maybe the butter popcorn taste too.

-Mark Wingerter
Submissionshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185033129309974.post-18624612078904398742007-06-28T22:52:00.000-05:002008-11-13T03:20:10.922-05:00Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
Modest Mouse
We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
Epic 2007

Any music fan knows that the scene is constantly changing. If you are a musician with at least some shred of real talent, you know that you are the product of every artist that came before you, and if you don't realize that, then you are ignorant. The original music created today is in direct relation to every change made over the past history of music. Without going into a detailed history of the changes or the origins of rock, it can be accepted that new music is inevitably going to be created; and right now someone is banging out their first strum on a G chord that will lead them to become the next Johnny Cash or Prince or Slash or combination of the three.

As a band progresses in its career, the members often feels compelled to follow their own certain pattern of evolution whether it be for label pressure, monetary gain, or by an honest development of their talent. Some of their fans, however, get left behind lamenting, and inevitably say to others "Their old stuff is better."

Case in point: Modest Mouse, who have returned this year with a follow up to their multi platinum explosion Good News for People Who Love Bad News. That album, even with their signature indie rock attitude, was met with disappointment from some fans claiming it to be a more pop-oriented album. They were right.

I read a quote from lead singer Isaac Brock regarding Good News, in which he expressed satisfaction with the record's closer to pop sound. He mentioned that he'd set out to write a pop album with each album he'd ever written.

So, who's to judge?

The new release We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank, is a great album. It plays well from end to end, and each song, separate of the others, is masterfully crafted, catchy, and very listenable. It goes past what Good News did for the band, and makes them much more approachable for new listeners. Yet, the old fans are torn. They are the ones to judge, perhaps because they remember the band for a different sound. And that is okay. But if we look at the album as a whole, it is wrong to say that it is bad because it is a departure for the band. If it were bad, I think it would certainly be panned. But there is a reason it is garnering so much attention.

The first single "Dashboard" starts off with the main guitar riff bouncing on top of a steady bass kick, and you feel ready to dance with the rest of the song. As Brock sings the line "The dashboard melted but we still had the radio," the beat kicks in and the song is off, pulling its listeners into a happy melody reminiscent of "Float On," the band's most well known hit from Good News.

"Now, here we go!" Brock repeats throughout the track.

What follows is no doubt a more poppy album than the band has ever produced. But throughout the album, the band displays elements of what has made many a great popular rock song. From the British invasion of the sixties, to classic guitar of the seventies, to modern ambient rock, Modest Mouse incorporates essential elements to making a good record.

What is missing from the album, and what ultimately hurts the album's character a good deal, is the use of non-conventional instruments that the band has often put to the forefront of their career. There are some more electronic elements to the sound this time around, but I noticed the absence of horn oriented songs, banjo riffs, and maybe the occasional Glockenspiel.

You will be caught singing at least one song in your head later. The catchiest song on the album, and perhaps catchiest melody in years is found in the song "Steam Engenius." If you're looking to dig into the album beyond the singles, try that one and I dare you not to get it stuck bouncing around in your brain.

Long time fans, you will no doubt be disappointed by the overall "new" sound. But consider the title, perhaps it is referring to your quick judgment. Hop onto the sinking ship, it is bound to pull you under with it.

-Mark WingerterSubmissionshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185033129309974.post-60304184726949904972007-06-28T15:24:00.000-05:002008-11-13T03:20:10.980-05:00Shannon Wright - Let in the Light
Shannon Wright
Let In The Light
Touch and Go/Quarterstick Records

Shannon Wright is not pop. She's not rock, or indie, and she's certainly not folk. So…where does that leave us? Shannon Wright just IS. Her music is honest, heavy, sombre, emotive, and heartfelt. It takes you to places that are dark, forgotten, and maybe even places that you've never thought existed. This could be a bold statement, but nevertheless, it's a true one.

For fans of her earlier work, you might have never thought that she would release an album like her most recent and 5th release Let In The Light. In fact, if the title itself doesn't surprise you, just wait until you give it a spin. Some reviewers might compare her to the likes of Fiona Apple, Tori Amos and PJ Harvey. I'll tell you now, you can leave these comparisons at the door. Lose the preconceived notions that women are classified by their sex and what they play and stop disillusioning yourself. The fact that she plays piano and a mean guitar is about the only similarity. Oh, and she doesn't have a penis.

Immediately into the opening track "Defy This Love" it sounds almost whimsical, and you wonder where this is going to go. You envision French boudoirs and for some strange reason, the color red. The piano moves alongside her voice, giving the song such melodic ease. The fuzzy sound of the guitar sweeps in and out and gives it an edge. It has remnants of her 2004 collaboration with composer Yann Tiersen (of the Amelie soundtrack fame). Kyle Crabtree of Shipping News' style of drumming is the perfect accompaniment to her music. It's minimalistic without being sparse. It's rich and full without being too overbearing. Think Low minus the valium.

Already, this album is a lot less weighted than her previous work, and it's hard to tell what's coming next. Then "St Pete" kicks in, and you know. This is Shannon in full force. She howls lines like"I wish God would make things clear, cause there's no fight left in me!" as the guitar crunches through a churning riff. It's loud and it's got balls. This is definitely one of the album's tracks that steal the spotlight with raw power.

After this, things take a sweeter turn with "You Baffle Me", which may very well be a love song, but I would never assume anything lyrically when it comes to Shannon Wright. Her lyrics remain slightly ambiguous, and open for the listener's interpretation. It creates an image. A picture of back yards with the sun setting low. It features nothing but vocals, sparse drums and strings, and a piano. This is the formula for most of the album, in fact. There are moments where you almost feel a bit cheated, especially during the track 'Idle Hands'. It feels a bit short, cutting off after the second chorus. However, even during these moments, there is still a fully realized song.

With her marriage, and the birth of her son, her temperament seems to have shifted, into something a little more soft. It is definitely a lot easier to swallow than her 2004 release Over The Sun. That record continues to take me to a darker place. I find it difficult to listen to, because it feels incredibly heavy and full. It sounds as if she recorded that album alone in the dark, and forgot to let anyone in.

You get the impression that with all of the changes in her life over the last couple of years, that her approach to song writing may have changed. This album feels more open than anything else that she's done. It takes you in, and swallows you whole but it allows the listener room to breathe.

There are plenty of songs on Let In The Light that really shine, like the slow and unwinding "In The Morning" which feels as if your insides are hollow and replaced with bass. It's brooding, and creeps up on you. "Don't You Doubt Me" sounds almost rude, and "Steadfast And True" shows just how musically skilled she is, gradually progressing into a swirl of sound and overlapping vocals. This song is, to be quite frank, beautiful.

The real surprise though is the Beatles-esque pop masterpiece "Everybody's Got Their Own Part To Play" which closes out the record. This is the kind of song that you would you never expect to be on a Shannon Wright album, yet there it is, in full glory. Apparently, it was husband Chris Lopez, (of Rock*a*Teens fame), that convinced her to include it on the album and let me be the first to say, that I'm glad she took his advice….because it's bloody brilliant.

This album is lush, and epic, even though it clocks in at just over half an hour long. Her voice sounds more developed, and the songs implant themselves into your brain.

If you are a stranger to her previous albums, this is definitely the one you should start with. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you've always been a bit terrified of her music, then you should definitely give this album a listen. It's soft around the edges, without being boring. It's moving, innovative, and it's going to be a classic.

Listen to "Defy This Love" and "St Pete" here: www.myspace.com/shannonwrightmusic

-Tiffany FosberrySubmissionshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Jerami Grant's "Epic Dunk Fail"
Second round draft pick Jerami Grant needs to make a positive impression on the Philadelphia 76ers in order to make their opening night roster in the fall.
Unfortunately his first ESPN highlight as a pro features the athletic forward failing to finish a dunk from right in front of the rim. And worse yet, his father Harvey was in attendance to witness the fail.
Not a great start for the raw prospect whose primary concern was supposed to be the development of a workable jump shot. If his elite NBA skill is going to be his athleticism, this better be the first AND last time we see Jerami get rejected by an inanimate object.


text:
Eucalyptus Cap by Teresa Chorzepa
Welcome! You are browsing as a guestWould you like to see 8 projects made from this pattern and much more? create a free account What am I missing?
© TahkiStacyCharles
Eucalyptus Cap
This pattern is available for free.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Cap pattern coordinates with Eucalyptus Capelet.
Cap Circumference At Lower Edge: 20"/51 cm
If you would like to receive previews of new collections and free patterns throughout the season, please subscribe to our newsletters.
For more information, see: http://tahkistacycharles.com/product/free-patterns/e...


text:
Andre Rison knows great NFL wide receivers because he sees one everyday in the mirror.
When asked by Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter Darryl Maxie about his legacy, Rison, 42, answered:
Could he still play:
Tip of the hat to Sports by Brooks
Reid Cherner has been with USA TODAY since 1982 and written Game On! since March 2008.
He has covered everything from high schools to horse racing to the college and the pros. The only thing he likes more than his own voice is the sound of readers telling him when he's right and wrong.
Michael Hiestand has covered sports media and marketing for USA TODAY, tackling the sports biz ranging from what's behind mega-events such as the Olympics and Super Bowl to the sometimes-hidden numbers behind the sports world's bottom line.


text:
WCV Migrated Content ViewerActions
Diversity and Inclusion & at UMB
Even though UMB associates are like-minded in our approach to customer service, we are also fully committed to promoting diversity and inclusion throughout our organization. This doesn't just mean that our people are diverse – it means that we value a diversity of ideas as well.
When each of us steps up and makes our own unique voice heard, our company unquestionably becomes stronger.
Diversity Statement
At UMB, we recognize a commitment to diversity and inclusiveness as an essential part of delivering the unparalleled customer experience.
- We build a stronger UMB by hiring and retaining talented, high-performing associates with diverse backgrounds.
- We demonstrate inclusiveness by ensuring each and every one of our associates has a voice and opportunities to share ideas.
- With our unique combined perspectives, we can be more competitive and create stronger connections within our markets.
- By better relating to our customers, we can advocate and advise according to their individual needs.
Unique perspectives add value to UMB by energizing the workplace and igniting innovation. We continuously explore opportunities to strengthen diversity, an essential component of our culture.
The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion
Everyone at UMB plays a role in ensuring that diversity and inclusion is a normal part of every day at our company. This includes our top leaders, who understand how important this is to UMB's success:
"We recognize that supporting a culture of diversity and inclusion directly impacts how much you enjoy your job. We believe investing in diversity and inclusion builds productivity, innovation, teamwork and ultimately leads to associate retention. There is no doubt that diversity can result in better business decisions as well. When all of our unique perspectives are combined together, we can be more competitive and create stronger connections with our customers, allowing us to deliver the unparalleled customer experience for more than 100 years." – Mariner Kemper, President and Chief Executive Officer
"The cornerstones of our UMB values are treating each other with dignity and respect, demonstrating that we care about each other and our communities, and always 'doing the right thing.' Those cornerstones form the foundation of my belief that everyone should be valued for their differences." – Larry Smith, EVP, Chief Organizational Effectiveness Officer
Diversity Collaborative Partners
UMB works closely with many organizations in the communities we operate in to strengthen our diversity and inclusion efforts. The list below includes a few examples of our partnerships:
- Asian Chamber of Commerce
- Black Chamber of Commerce
- Business Leadership Network
- Hispanic Chamber
- Human Rights Campaign
- Inroads
- National Black MBA Association
- National Society of Hispanic MBA
- Native American Chamber of Commerce/American Indian Assoc.
- Urban Financial Services Coalition
- Urban League
- Women's Employment Network


text:
Last weekend, I figured I was writing my final Random Friday Memo -- it's one of the reasons I was kicking myself for not posting it until Sunday night. What, I asked myself, will be the use of a Random Friday Memo when there's going to be a Forum where people can not only be as random as they want to be any time they want, but they can also create their own threads for discussion, no matter how on- or off-topic those threads may be?
Then I realized that my question held its own answer: The Random Friday Memo could be the place to point out what's going on in the Forum. For example, NewJerseyGirl4U has started the most active new thread by posing a "reunion series" where American Idol contestants from the past would return and sing their own music, as well as duets with contestants from other seasons. (I proposed a "Bizarro World" American Idol, in which audition-round cast-offs like William Hung, Steven Thoen and Keith Beukelaer would compete on a show just like Idol in every aspect so we could see what those contestants would look like after 13 weeks under the tutelage of professionals. But nobody seems to have taken to that idea.)
Several other members of the Idol Chatter community have taken the initiative to start new threads as well. Naija80 wants to know about everybody's favorite American Idol season. Whatanut created a thread for all things Melinda Doolittle, which I think is a great idea. I hope more of you will create forum threads for your favorite Idols, too. 4given even created a thread to talk about the changes to the Idol Chatter site. (The pink background, which I prefer to think of as "mauve," seems to be as divisive as an Adam Lambert high note.)
Speaking of the changes, I wanted to point out a few things. Did you notice the Forum has an edit button for comments? I know that's something many of you have been asking for (don't have it for the comments to my posts yet, but what're you gonna do?). Also, when you create a new thread there, you can make your own poll, like NewJerseyGirl4U did (I didn't even know about that feature until I saw that she'd done it). Also, be sure to take a look at the Idol Chatter Twitter Feed every time you come to the page. In addition to making short Idol-related posts and having ongoing conversations with readers there, I also use it throughout the day to ReTweet the best stuff from the Idols' own Twitter Feeds. And be sure to follow it, like @Buckymania, @sarahruth3 and @nanassetta recently have. Heck, follow them, too.
I'm still looking for a Reader of the Week for next week, so if you're interested, email me. And if you missed out on the chat that Richard Rushfield and I did at mjsbigblog Wednesday, you can always use that email address to get ask questions directly. If I get enough of them, maybe I could start a weekly Q&A feature.
Nashville-based Brian Mansfield began writing about music for USA TODAY in 1997 and took over Idol Chatter just before the start of Season 8. He co-authored Make Me a Star: Industry Insiders Reveal How to Make It in Music, and while he has never auditioned for American Idol, he did sing Boot Scootin' Boogie at Disney World's American Idol Experience the day the attraction opened (he lost). More about Brian | E-mail Brian


text:
Former Buffalo Bills Ray Bentley and Steve Tasker will handle the play-calling duties for the TV broadcast of the Bills' preseason game today against the Washington Redskins.
The game will air on TV locally in Buffalo (WKBW-ABC), Rochester (WHAM-ABC), Syracuse (WTVH-CBS) and Binghamton (WBNG-CBS). Kickoff is at 4:30 p.m.
On the radio, the game will air over the Bills radio network. Mainstays John Murphy and mark Kelso will man the booth. The Bills network is carried in Buffalo (WGR 550), Rochester (WCMF 96.5 and WROC 950), Toronto (FAN 590) and Syracuse (WTKW 99.5 and WTKV 105.5).
EJ Manuel will miss the game due to injury. Kevin Kolb will therefore get the start for Buffalo at quarterback.
Your man cave is your home field advantage for every game. When the game is on the line, you should be able to look around and be reminded of the great moments you've watched unfold in that very room! MJR Sports Integrityoffers a wide range or team and player-specific memorabilia that can do just that and take your game day room to the next level. Find your inspiration at MJR Sports Integrity and will your team to victory!Tags: Buffalo, Buffalo Bills, Football, NFL


text:
Definition of Krio
Get Babylon's Dictionary & Translation Software Free Download Now!
Krio Definition from Language, Idioms & Slang Dictionaries & Glossaries
JM Languages
Krio is an English-based creole language spoken mainly by the descendants of repatriated slaves from Jamaica in Sierra Leone.
The language is: Krio
The language is: Krio
Krio Definition from Encyclopedia Dictionaries & Glossaries
English Wikipedia - The Free Encyclopedia
KRIO may refer to:
- KRIO (AM), a radio station (910 AM) licensed to McAllen, Texas, United States
- KRIO-FM, a radio station (97.7 FM) licensed to Roma, Texas, United States
|See more at Wikipedia.org...
Krio may refer to:
- Sierra Leone Krio people
- Krio language, language of the Sierra Leone Krio people
- Krio Dayak people, an ethnic group in West Kalimantan, Indonesia
- Krio Dayak language
- Keriau River, in West Kalimantan, Indonesia
- Cape Krio, place of ancient Cnidos (modern Tekir), Turkey
|See more at Wikipedia.org...


text:
It might be a new year, but a lot of you are seeing the same old scams.
And you're letting me know about it.
One involves paying contractors too much too early.
It happened to Lynne.
Lynne says, "I always knew it was Friday. She needed a check or the guys wouldn't be able to finish."
She felt stuck because the contractor wouldn't proceed without getting more money. And though she wasn't satisfied with the work, Lynne ended up paying $42,000 for a mess.
Make sure your contract allows you to pay as the work is done to your satisfaction. Also, save a big payment until the end.
Another big problem I've seen involves buying a used car, but not getting the title.
Charlsie spent thousands on a car for her granddaughter. But months later, the dealer still didn't have the title.
"Every day I was so excited, I would go to the mail, oh today I'm going to get the plates and registrations. It never came."
Irvin had the same issue.
He told me he spent more than $4,000 on a car. But it turns out the previous owner had a lien on the title and it couldn't transfer into his name.
"Honestly, I was shocked," Irvin said.
We helped Charlsie get her title and Irvin get his money back.
But if you're buying a used car, check out the title with the state to make sure there are no liens.
Finally, about those free checks people keep getting in the mail. Tear them up!
"I'm sorry, but it didn't seem right to me," Michelle Holt told me.
Holt did the right thing by not depositing this check she received.
Scammers might overpay you for something you're selling online and ask for money back. Or they may pay you up front for a job opportunity that involves sending them money.
Either way, you lose.
• Joe Ducey is helping people like you everyday on ABC15 News at 6 p.m. If you've got a consumer issue you can't solve, "Let Joe Know." Contact him at email@example.com or (855) 323-1515.


text:
Get an overview of this hotel3.5-star hotel, walk to Perth Mint
Popular property highlights
Located in the heart of East Perth, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Queens Gardens, Perth Mint, and Langley Park. WACA Ground and SCITECH Discovery Centre are also within 3 mi (5 km).
Hotel Features
Along with a restaurant, this smoke-free hotel has a bar/lounge and a coffee shop/café. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, dry cleaning, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour front desk are onsite.
Room Amenities
All 93 rooms provide conveniences like refrigerators and coffee makers, plus free WiFi and LCD TVs. Guests will also find room service, showers, and phones.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!Opens in a new window
Comfort Hotel Perth City
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
The hotel offers a restaurant and a coffee shop/café. A bar/lounge is on site where guests can unwind with a drink. A computer station is located on site and wireless Internet access is complimentary. This East Perth hotel also offers tour/ticket assistance, multilingual staff, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Limited complimentary onsite parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Comfort Hotel Perth City is a smoke-free property.
- Bar/lounge
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Total number of rooms - 93
- Number of floors - 6
- Elevator/lift
- Restaurant
- 24-hour front desk
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Coffee shop or café
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Express check-in
- Express check-out
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Free WiFi
- Computer station
- Laundry facilities
- Multilingual staff
- Luggage storage
- Free self parking
- Year Built 1997
- Area shuttle (surcharge)
- Smoke-free property
- Number of buildings/towers - 1
- Television in common areas
- Parking (limited spaces)
Family Friendly Amenities
- Family Hotel
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry facilities
- Refrigerator
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Free self parking, Parking (limited spaces)
Room Amenities
- Phone
- Pay movies
- Air conditioning
- In-room climate control (air conditioning)
- Refrigerator
- Coffee/tea maker
- Daily housekeeping
- Private bathroom
- Free toiletries
- Shower only
- Desk
- Iron/ironing board
- Free WiFi
- Room service (limited hours)
Where to Eat
Continental breakfasts are available for a surcharge.
Bluerock Restaurant & Bar - This restaurant serves breakfast and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Open daily.
Room service (during limited hours) is available.
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please note them at check-out when you book your room.
Hotel Policies
Check-in time starts at 2 PM
Minimum check-in age is 18
Check-out time is 10 AM
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Kids stay free! Children 18 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
- Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
- Cribs (infant beds) are not available.
- Pets not allowed (service animals welcome)
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
Only service animals are allowed
24-hour check-in
No rollaway/extra beds available
No cribs (infant beds) available
Parking height restrictions apply
This property requires a credit card pre-authorization or cash bond at check-in. Guests must provide a photo ID and credit card at check-in. For more details, please contact the office using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
- Deposit: AUD 150.00 per stay
Optional extras
- Breakfast fee: between AUD 10 and AUD 27 per person (approximately)
Hotel Name
- Comfort Hotel Perth City
- Comfort Perth City
- Comfort Perth City Hotel
- Hotel Perth City
- Perth City Hotel
- Comfort Hotel Perth
- Comfort Inn Perth
- Comfort Hotel Perth City East Perth
- Comfort Perth City East Perth
We should mention
Children 18 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.
National Rating
This property has been awarded a star rating from the Australian Star Ratings Agency, Star Ratings Australia.


text:
Whites and blacks disagree–and disagree fundamentally when it comes to when—blacks will achieve racial equality with whites.
While I disagree with him on some fundamental issues, I am much more concerned with his lack of character.
Three-quarters of American Catholics disagree with their Church's anti-contraception policy.
These are powerful, polemical words with which it is very hard, in our present circumstances, to disagree.
As this question is phrased, I have to disagree again—with half of it.
Do you think it is a wise practice for judges who disagree with the majority of the court to file dissenting opinions?
Unless you disagree strongly, I think we'll let the men out as usual.
Once the split of houses was over we practically did not disagree at all.
"Again I am sorry to have to disagree with you," Beatrice went on quietly.
Do you mean people who disagree on matters of political opinion and religious views?