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For the few people still tuning into this season of The Celebrity Apprentice, you know Arsenio Hall went on a tirade on last Sunday's episode. He was going off about Aubrey O'Day. The former late night talk show host got all up in arms about the pop singer and her background in the industry. According to Celebrity Apprentice cast member Lisa Lampenelli, Arsenio's tantrum was way worse than what made it to air.
Lampenelli called in to Broadminded on Sirius XM Stars claiming Hall called O'Day the c-word and got violent behind the scenes. As Lampenelli gave her account of events, she alleged Arsenio told O'Day he would "something something all over her face." However, the only part of his outburst that aired was him saying, "I Googled her [Aubrey] and a naked picture with a gut popped up…f**k her!" Lisa Lampenelli says she was so shaken up by Arsenio Hall's behavior once the cameras stopped rolling, she said something to the producers of the reality competition show. She said she hadn't been this scared of anything in 20 years.
Arsenio Hall hasn't made any statement regarding Lisa Lampenelli's allegations. He probably won't either. At this point, it's all hearsay anyway. Do you believe Lisa Lampenelli's story?
25 Reasons We Loved the Arsenio Hall Show
Top 9 Black Television Talk Show Hosts
Vesta Williams Remembered By Arsenio Hall

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Are You Spending All Your Money on Yourself?
By Terry Austin, Crosswalk.com
I am reading through a boring book that is filled with interesting information. I hate it when that happens – someone has very useful material but their writing skills tend to make it difficult to locate and extract the nuggets. It is kind of like panning for gold in a desert creek instead of a Rocky Mountain stream. The gold is just as valuable but the experience of getting it may not be inspiring.
The recent nugget I discovered is the observation, after examining and reviewing and dissecting numerous surveys and studies, that ninety-seven percent of all money that people give to the church is spent on the people who give it. After wading through their research and conclusion, I think the ninety-seven percent figure might be a little overstated, but not by much. Think about it! We build and maintain buildings, conduct activities and events, hire staff to meet our needs, which consumes most of the money churches receive.
That's discouraging!
The problem is that we have constructed massive organizations that require huge amounts of money to sustain. A successful church is expected to have multi-million dollar buildings, professional staff to minister to everyone in the family, as well as first-class media and entertainment resources. Anything less makes it very difficult for a church to sustain growth.
How many parents with young children are willing to attend a church that does not have children's activities? How often do parents make church choices based on who has the best youth program? How important is it for a church to have professional quality musicians and state of the art video productions?
You might quickly say, "Not me!" and you might be right. However, if so, you are in the minority. For the most part, the churches that are growing today are the ones that have all of these things and more. Some of these churches are growing at phenomenal rates. There are churches with multiple thousands in attendance every week that did not even exist five or ten years ago.
At first glance it might seem that the existence of these enormous churches is evidence that more and more people are following Jesus. That would be nice, but incorrect. Every study reveals that fewer and fewer people are attending church and identifying themselves as Christians, almost every year. In other words, we are not reaching new folks, simply rearranging the ones we already have. The people attending these massive churches with massive buildings, professional programs, and slick presentations are leaving other churches and gathering in more appealing places.
The size of the median church in America is seventy-five attendees on Sunday morning. In the past fifteen years, I have preached in hundreds of churches in Texas and other states and can testify that this figure corresponds with my experience. There is a church within short driving distance of my home that recently constructed a new campus and announced eighteen thousand in attendance the first weekend. This church did not even exist eleven years ago.
These eighteen thousand folks represent the equivalent of two-hundred and forty median size churches. I don't have any idea how many churches located in our city have two thousand or more in attendance each week, but it is a sizable number. In other words, thousands of churches no longer exist since folks are attending these large churches. Is this a good thing?
I have an opinion, but my purpose is not to offer an evaluation of this situation. My intent is to discover why Christians are spending such a high percentage of the money they give to the church on themselves. It is extremely expensive to do church like this. When we expect our church to provide everything for the entire family – entertainment, education, religious experience, child care, recreation, etc. – it requires a great deal of money.
The rationale for building this type of church is that it is the only way to reach modern day folks. However, given the fact that church attendance is not increasing, perhaps we are doing something wrong, or at least ineffective. It might be time to stop spending our gifts to God on ourselves and invest it in other places.
This article can be found on GenerousChurch.com and at the Austin Group. Used with permission.
Terry Austin is partner at the Austin Group. The Austin Group provides consultation to churches in the area of stewardship, including fund raising, financial management, budget development, planned giving, and discipleship resources. The mission of The Austin Group is to prepare churches to experience generous stewardship.
GenerousChurch helps leaders like you release generosity in your church through leadership development, campaigns, and culture change. Our books, online learning, coaching, events, and web resources will help you expand the impact of your leaders, change your money conversation, and grow the giving capacity of your people. We partner with National Christian Foundation, along with other ministry alliances.
Publication date: December 28, 2012

subset: commoncrawl


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Arizona state government revenues rose 8 percent in November from the same month a year earlier, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee reported Thursday.
The increase came because of significant gains in retail sales taxes, up 9.2 percent from last year, the largest such increase in 16 months, the report said.
The increases kept 2012-13 revenues running ahead of the budgeted forecast by $19.8 million, and that was 4 percent ahead of last year.
The state has operated at a surplus in the last year and a half, ending the 2011-12 fiscal year with a $450 million reserve account and an additional $380 million in "carry-over" cash.
Republicans who control the Legislature have said that cash will be needed to cushion the state against potential economic downturns and to help cover revenue losses when the temporary one-cent education sales tax expires.
Democrats have said the state has cut too much from education, health care and transportation and needs to begin restoring some of the funding.
The Joint Legislative Budget Committee reports on state revenues each month and uses those figures plus projections from a panel of financial and economic advisers to make budgeting and spending decisions.
Gov. Jan Brewer has her own budget staff and economic advisers. Their figures sometimes differ from those of the Legislature. Last year, they were predicting higher revenues than the legislative staff, and the figures so far have been closer to the governor's office's projections.
Read legislative revenue report here
View at Google Docs | Download File


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Touchscreen shooting, passing, tackling and free kicks lead the list of GamePad-specific features for FIFA 13's Wii U version, which Official Nintendo Magazine has published in its latest edition.
Touching the GamePad screen will tell your players who to mark or tackle and where to pass the ball. You'll also be able to place your shot on goal by either shaking the controller or clicking the left analog stick, which will bring up a representation of the goal. Touch which corner or side you want to shoot on and your footballer will attempt to put the ball there.
The PS Vita version of FIFA 12 had a somewhat similar feature using the device's back touchscreen, which won applause from sports fans and non-sports fans alike.
For free kicks, players will use the GamePad to see the shot setup from the perspective of the player taking the free kick. So, they'll raise up the GamePad, use it to aim the shot and look around the pitch at where their teammates are and how the wall is aligned, before setting the amount of spin they want to put on the kick and then firing away.
FIFA 13 for Wii U does not yet have a release date because the Wii U itself does not yet have a release date.
6 FIFA 13 Wii U facts - how it uses the GamePad [Official Nintendo Magazine]


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Category: Modular Buildings
Factors To Consider for Modular Buildings Systems
March 17, 2017
If you are considering putting up a commercial building, you can choose a preferred construction method between, modular and traditional onsite building. Over the years, modular building systems have increased in number as builders and owners alike learn about their advantages over those built on site.
If you are considering putting up modular commercial buildings, you will need to consider some important factors before you proceed with the project.
What Are Modular Buildings?
Modular buildings are those that are built in a factory setting, instead of on site. Different parts of the building are prefabricated in a facility, before they are shipped out to the construction site where they are put together with the use of cranes. Once the building is complete it resembles on site built buildings and has the same characteristics.
It is important to note that modular buildings are not the same as manufactured homes, which are actually considered to be mobile buildings. Once a modular building is completed at the building site, it is permanently fixed and cannot be moved.
Now that you know what modular buildings are, read on to find out some of the main considerations to keep in mind when it comes to getting one built.
Choosing A Manufacturer
Choosing the right manufacturer for your modular building is vital. Just like you would look for the best builder for a regular on site constructed building, you need to take the time to find the best manufacturer to source the modular building components from. This is because different manufacturers may be serving different markets or offering varying design selections. As such, it is recommended that you take the time to research the available options before selecting the most appropriate one.
It is true that the client can specify just about any design. There are also numerous architects specializing in creating modular designs for commercial projects. It is however worth noting that simpler designs ensure that you get to reap all the benefits associated with modular buildings including lower project completion costs as well as shorter delivery periods.
Complicated modular designs take longer to manufacture, therefore increasing the cost. This actually means that most of the savings made by choosing this construction method are substantially reduced or even completely wiped out.
Site preparation is an important part of the modular building process. The foundation built to hold the modular building should perfectly fit the measurements of the structure to be placed above it. It is worth noting that any deviations in this respect could render the foundation unusable.
Furthermore, it is important to prepare the site accordingly to accommodate the proper operation of the machinery, including cranes, to be used in putting together the modular commercial building. For instance, overhanging trees and cables should be cleared.
Choosing to put up modular commercial buildings can actually save you a lot of time and money. However, some aspects such as putting up a basement are left out of the cost of the modular building as they must be constructed separately, on site.
Consider all these factors beforehand to ensure that you end up making an informed final decision.


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Thursday, April 18, 2013
Scrum exposes problems. It does not fix them.
I regularly hear people making statements such as "If we do Scrum, it will solve our problems".
The reality is in fact, it does exactly the opposite. Scrum helps to expose problems. In some way, you could view this as purposely creating them.
Let me explain.... The Scrum Framework is deceptively simple. If followed properly, it will quickly show impediments to the development process. As work continues, it will expose an increasing number of obstacles.
Scrum does not fix a company or a system. The fixing needs to be done by the company, team members, management and leadership.
By exposing impediments, Scrum allows the removal of obstacles to the development process. Due to it's time-box nature, it improves the focus of the teams and organization to fix those problems.
By removing those obstacles, it allows the team to go faster.
Think of a balloon filled with helium with several layers of straps and barriers keeping it down.
The balloon wants to climb, but cannot because of barriers holding it back.
Some people think that the measure of "velocity" can be used to "push" a team to go faster. This is the equivalent of just pushing harder on the balloon to have it try and force the straps out of the way.
In a Scrum context, we realize that pushing the balloon harder to go up when a strap is holding it down only stretches the balloon to it's limits and will eventually cause it to explode as opposed to climb.
Work to remove the straps holding the balloon back, and it can be free to climb.
As the balloon climbs and more barriers are removed, it can start to move at it's natural rate (flow).
The problems Scrum expose need to be addressed. Only then can the performance of the team increase.
If Scrum shows you something that is hurting the development process, you need to adjust the process to remove the delay to the team.
Having the team changes its' way or worse; trying to change Scrum so you do not have to deal with the information, only serves to allow the straps to remain secure.
Trying to adjust Scrum to allow the "straps" to stay in place and just keep pushing will not fix the problem Scrum has shown. What is intended is the direct application of pressure to remove the obstacle.
Please don't tell people that Scrum fixes problems. Remember, Scrum exposes them.
by Mike Caspar
Passionate About Agile
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32 million euro for top-level technological research
In the coming years almost a hundred researchers are going to develop innovative technologies together with industry and social organisations. That will happen in six new Perspectief programmes, which have been given the green light by NWO, Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research. The programmes should lead to a new 3D printer for large metal components, more efficient deep-learning systems, extreme microscopy, new bacteria for the chemical industry, injury-free exercise and wearable robotics for people suffering from muscular disorders.


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Servings: 4.
2 Tablespoons Olive oil or other vegetable oil
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
1 Tablespoon orange juice
2 cups cooked barley (do not overcook)
1 ½ cups seedless or halved, seeded Chilean grapes
½ cup sliced celery
¼ cup sliced green onion
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
In mixing bowl, whisk together oil, lemon and orange juices. Add barley, grapes, celery, and onions, tossing to coat. Season with salt and pepper; chill until serving time.
Nutritional Information per Serving
Calories: 246
Carbohydrates: 42g
Total Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Saturated Fat: 1g
Dietary Fiber: 8g
% of Calories from Fat: 29%
Sodium: 89mg
Protein: g
Source: www.5aday.org
*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.


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GZip file decompression
Copyright (c) 2004 John Goerzen, firstname.lastname@example.com
The GZip format is described in RFC1952.
|GZip Files
GZip files contain one or more Sections. Each Section, on disk, begins with a GZip Header, then stores the compressed data itself, and finally stores a GZip Footer.
The Header identifies the file as a GZip file, records the original modification date and time, and, in some cases, also records the original filename and comments.
The Footer contains a GZip CRC32 checksum over the decompressed data as well as a 32-bit length of the decompressed data. The module GZip is used to validate stored CRC32 values.
The vast majority of GZip files contain only one Section. Standard tools that work with GZip files create single-section files by default.
Multi-section files can be created by simply concatenating two existing GZip files together. The standard gunzip and zcat tools will simply concatenate the decompressed data when reading these files back. The decompress function in this module will do the same.
When reading data from this module, please use caution regarding how you access it. For instance, if you are wanting to write the decompressed stream to disk and validate its CRC32 value, you could use the decompress function. However, you should process the entire stream before you check the value of the Bool it returns. Otherwise, you will force Haskell to buffer the entire file in memory just so it can check the CRC32.
|data Header
|type Section = (Header, String, Footer)
|A section represents a compressed component in a GZip file. Every GZip file has at least one.
|data GZipError
|data Footer
|Whole-File Processing
|decompress :: String -> (String, Maybe GZipError)
Read a GZip file, decompressing all sections that are found.
Returns a decompresed data stream and Nothing, or an unreliable string and Just (error). If you get anything other than Nothing, the String returned should be discarded.
|read_sections :: String -> Either GZipError [Section]
|Read all sections.
|Section Processing
|read_header :: String -> Either GZipError (Header, String)
|Read the GZip header. Return (Header, Remainder).
|read_section :: String -> Either GZipError (Section, String)
|Read one section, returning (ThisSection, Remainder)
|Produced by Haddock version 0.8


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UCONN WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Three Points from Monday's win over Maryland
THREE POINTS -- A closer look at three key points from UConn's 63-48 win over Maryland on Monday:
?Huskies battle back: Maryland's towering frontline came out and physically challenged the Huskies. Once it was clear the officials were not going to call most of the rough stuff, junior center Stefanie Dolson, freshman forward Breanna Stewart and senior wing Kelly Faris were among the players who gave it back to the Terrapins.
"We can definitely learn from this game on how tough we know we can be," Dolson said. "Every team that is going to go out and play us is going to come out and give us a good game (and) think they can push us and hit us. We have to know that we can push and hit them back."
?Banks steps up again: After posting double-digit scoring games against lesser opponents, sophomore guard Brianna Banks likely won over more of her skeptics after hitting the biggest shot of the game, a 3-pointer after Maryland had pulled within seven. Banks finished with 11 points in 19 minutes and was the Huskies' best bench player.
"I don't have any reservations about putting her in the game," coach Geno Auriemma said. "She has exceeded my expectations already."
?Mosqueda-Lewis ailing: It wasn't another blow to the head but a hard fall on a drive to the basket in the first half which sidelined sophomore forward Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis. She came out of the game but was allowed to return. After being re-examined at halftime, UConn made the decision not to play her in the second half. Her status for Thursday's game is uncertain.
?Up next: vs. No. 10 Penn State on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Gampel Pavilion. The game will be televised by SNY.


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Some Florida companies that are bringing jobs back from overseas.
• NatLabs: Automation enabled the Bradenton-based manufacturer of dental prosthetics to move much of its production from China back to Florida. The company aims to phase out 200 jobs in China and move all production back to the U.S. over the next five years, creating about 283 jobs.
• SB Manufacturing: The company plans to move manufacturing of aluminum castings for the automotive parts industry from China to Pasco County. Its reshoring effort is expected to create 75 jobs with an average annual wage of $40,000, which is 126% of the Pasco's average annual wage.
• RF Micro Devices: The global designer and manufacturer of semiconductor components, which already employs 68 workers in Hernando County, is hiring another 15 to do work previously done in China. The company received a $30,000 job creation incentive from the Hernando County Commission.
• Sleek Audio: After experiencing quality-control problems and other headaches, Sleek Audio moved production of high-end earphones from Chinese suppliers to its plant in Manatee County in 2010.
• Genicon: The Winter Park company, which makes laparoscopic surgical equipment, moved its manufacturing back from China 2009 after encountering problems with quality and intellectual property theft. The reshoring effort created 50 jobs.
• Aquateko: The Ponte Vedra Beach-based fishing products company used to produce its Knot2Kinky fishing line leader in Taiwan. Today, the product is produced and packed in Jacksonville by employees with disabilities through an employment program run by the non-profit Pine Castle. Pine Castle employees also package Aquateko's "InvisaSwivel," which allows bait to twirl in the water or a hooked fish to spin without twisting the fishing line. The company says the arrangement has improved the quality of its product line and lowered costs through savings on freight costs and import duties.


text: Disclaimer: This data is being furnished to you for your information. PRS makes every effort to use reliable and comprehensive information, but PRS does not represent that this information is accurate or complete. PRS is an independent, not-for-profit group. This data has been collated without regard to the objectives or opinions of those who may receive it.


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Withings describes its new Activité watch like this: "The first Swiss made watch that happens to be an activity tracker."
And that's the coolest thing about this watch. There's no longer anything novel about fitness tracking wearables: It's just a set of features that will very soon be subsumed into a wider set of features offered by mainstream smartwatches.
The watch, for starters, has an analog dial, with real hands, not a digital one. The accelerometer-based activity tracker built into the watch monitors steps taken, calories burned, distance traveled and sleep patterns. The Activité also builds in a second dial on the front of the phone that tells you how close you are to reaching your daily fitness goal.
Withings founder and chairman Eric Carreel tells VentureBeat that his company's decision to rely on analog dials for its display is significant.
"We are not creating a mini smartphone for your wrist," Carreel says. "It has to deliver information. You need to be able to quickly read where you are in your day and where you are in your fitness targets," Carreel says. "With an analog display you will instantly remember where you are; it's a much more efficient way to be guided in your day."
Withings focused on the materials and design of its new watch, and ended up with a device that people would probably be willing to wear even if it contained no "smart" capabilities.
At $390, the Activité costs quite a bit more than other smartwatches, like the $250 Pebble, or fitness trackers, like the $100 Fitbit Flex, but there's a good chance people will pay the extra money for the elegance and design.
Nina Garcia, creative director of Marie Claire Magazine and Project Runway judge, said this about the Activité, in Withings' press release: "It's unlike any smart watch I've seen, a true style accessory and one of the most wearable wearable out there. This is a really exciting time in fashion, which until recently has not been on speaking terms with technology."
The new watch, and all of Withing's wearables, reports its information into an app called HealthMate, which runs on both Android and iOS. This is wear users monitor their progress, manage their data and set fitness and sleep goals, Carreel says.
The Activité, which is available in silver and black, was designed in Paris and made in Switzerland, the luxury watch capital of the world.
The watchcase is made of stainless steel, with a crystal of unbreakable sapphire glass which includes touch screen capabilities to tap between modes. It has a fine leather strap, and it comes with an interchangeable plastic strap for underwater use (the watch is waterproof).
Carreel points out that one of the main reasons people stop using their smartwatches is that they have to recharge the devices every day or so. Carreel stresses that because the Activite´ uses a standard watch battery it won't need constant recharging, only a battery replacement every year or so.
The watch connects to iOS devices through Bluetooth Low Energy.
The watch will go on sale at selected retail outlets this Fall.
The audio problem: Learn how new cloud-based API solutions are solving imperfect, frustrating audio in video conferences. Access here


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Thomas Cook Travel & Tourism Courses 2012
Thomas Cook Travel & Tourism Courses 2012
Thomas Cook Centre for Learning offers courses in travel for all those who are looking for career in the world of travel
Courses offered
* Travel Professional Program - A PG Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management
Highlights - Intensive Industry centric training. Multiple International Certifications. Mix of theoretical and practical trainings. Study Tour. Foreign Language. Visiting Faculty from IITTM. Opportunity to work within the organization.
* IATA / UFTAA - Foundation / Consultant course
Join and get the IATA Internationally recognised qualifications to succeed in the travel and tourism industry.
* Domestic Certificate Course in "My India My Way"
An opportunity to master India as a destination and build your skills in product, Operations, sales.
* Certificate Course in World Tour Management
Let every day of the week be a Holiday !!! The course equips you with all the necessary knowledge to become a tour manager.
* PGDM in International Tourism Business-MBA
* Diploma in International Ticketing and Reservations
For further details pl. contact :-
Centre of Learning Cell, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. Cook's building Dr. D.N. Road, Fort, Mumbai
Tel - 022 - 66091685/86/88 or 9833160905
Email - firstname.lastname@example.com
for more information visit : http://col.thomascook.in


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Buy Fast or Build Fast---How Do You Decide?
edited April 2014 in General
There seems to be a point of diminishing returns when you try to make a slow car faster. You often here the phrase: "If you want a faster car, go buy one".
The first few mods to make a fairly sedate car move along a bit faster seem affordable, but don't really get you very much speed for $500; then once you're hooked into the project, you might have to speed a *serious* sum of money to make a Dodge Neon or a stock V-6 Mustang go seriously fast. Turbocharging, bigger injectors, cams, headers, etc.-- or even an engine transplant.
What are some of the considerations when deciding whether to invest in the car you have, or turn it over for a car that the factory already made as fast as you want to go?
The first few mods to make a fairly sedate car move along a bit faster seem affordable, but don't really get you very much speed for $500; then once you're hooked into the project, you might have to speed a *serious* sum of money to make a Dodge Neon or a stock V-6 Mustang go seriously fast. Turbocharging, bigger injectors, cams, headers, etc.-- or even an engine transplant.
What are some of the considerations when deciding whether to invest in the car you have, or turn it over for a car that the factory already made as fast as you want to go?
Dodge Neon is an excellent chassis for one. Its CHEAP used, fair durable, solid chassis and strong engines as long as the MLS head gasket was installed after the older versions failed and caused leaking.
But for around $1,000 you can turn a standard Neon into one of the best handling FWD cars you can buy and its been proven by its SCCA track record.
Hahn Racecraft over Christmas was selling their Stage 2 turbo kits with intercooler for less than $3,000.
The stock engine can handle around 10-12psi as long as its in good working condition and last for several thousands of miles with regular maintance.
In fact starting with a $2,500-3,000 mint condition '95 model sedan or couple for around $15,000 you can build car that does over 1 g on the skid pad, in both directions, bolt-on some slicks and run low 10 second ET's, have cheap insurance and still get over 30mph at freeway speeds if you keep the engine out of boost.
That's not bad considering double that won't get you a car nearly as fast.
That's just one example... 1st gen DSM's are an excellent value in a project car also.
But honestly it just depends what your after. Not everybody can afford to pay $50,000 for some of the hotter hardware that the OEM's offer. That has always left room for the aftermarket to operate, where you can take the stripper base model of say a Mustang V6, with some bolt-ons run 13's on the motor, hit the nitrous bottle, run 12's and bolt-on a supercharger or turbocharger and hit 11's.
Its already been done...
Considering a V6, 5 speed Mustang runs around $22,000 out the door, that's much more to increase its performace to the level of even a highly modified Mustang GT.
Part of the problem is people don't research deep enough and end up spending money two and three times before they get it right.
But the truth is a project is never finished. It might end up in a state of being where you want it to be, but there's always one thing you would move, change or modify.
There aren't many hobbies where you can turn a profit anyway and modifying cars is one of them.0
carlisimo Posts: 1,280True budget speed involves used cars and used parts. Get a $2-3k car, go the junkyard and get a $200 turbo...
I think what happens a lot is that no matter what the owner's driving, he wants to add stuff to the car every month or two. If he buys a faster car... he's still going to want to do stuff. It's his hobby. So the modification budget comes before the car payment budget, and then it's not worth getting a new car.0
I understand and agree completely...but I was thinking that there are some cars where it really is a complete waste of time to try and get any decent performance out of it...contrary to popular belief, you can't really just "add up" the promised HP from each individual component. Or you create driveability problems that make your car much less pleasant to operate.0
The problem with the topic is that those cars you would include don't have an interest so no one is going to mention them. The ones that get lots of attention, asian rockets, Mustang, Corvette are all in work so people don't care what others think except at the end of the project.
The real issue for me is that the original question is driven by two points, do you have more money or more time(given some talent)? Then given a or b, what do you want to do with those two factors? For most people there is no question that they have more time compared to money. In my case, no talent, I'll keep a stock machine and continue to try and improve driving skills but that does seem again to be in the minority. Most I see on the track have done lots of their own work and the work is almost as much fun to them as the result. For me the work is seat time and the result is little improvements that I recognize as I get a better line or higher rpm exit from a specific corner. Having lots of different tracks to practice helps as well.0
"but I was thinking that there are some cars where it really is a complete waste of time to try and get any decent performance out of it"
When you said this, one immediately came to mind - Mitsu 3000GT. Car is heavy, and had mediocre performance to begin with (VR-4 models excluded). If I recall correctly, they also had some pretty sophisticated computer components on them too (for their time anyway). Not to mention, I would assume they are pretty expensive for a 20 something year old to insure.
Point being, if you were going to buy one of these for $10,000 (just a guess for what an unmolested, decent one would go for), you could easily add $5,000 worth of goodies to it (CAI, exhaust, chip, tuneup, tires, wheels), and still not be where you could be by starting out with something like a $15,000-$18,000 low mileage '99 Mustang GT.0
The problem is you seem to be talking apples and oranges.
The Stealth/3000 being awd, if I'm correct, are seen on track every so often and being low with lots of grip they do fairly well if a little underpowered for weight.
The Mustang with solid axle, I think, is ok for going to the drags but is not going to do much on a road course without lots of help. As a daily driver I agree, they can be fun, but for performance you are missing a lot with one of them.0
"The Stealth/3000 being awd, if I'm correct, are seen on track every so often and being low with lots of grip they do fairly well if a little underpowered for weight."
The VR-4 was AWD...The standard and SL models were fwd. The '97 SL model for instance weighed almost 3300#, and had 218hp.
"The problem is you seem to be talking apples and oranges"
Depends on what you consider apples, and what you consider oranges. I am comparing apples to apples in the fact that I am comparing 2 vehicles that have $15,000 invested in them - remember my original example of a $10,000 3000GT (non VR-4 model) with $5,000 worth of mods, vs a $15,000 used Mustang GT??0
I think AWD is nasty to drive at serious speeds on a track, but that's another topic of discussion!
Less weight = horsepower and upgraded brakes and steering have got to be worth 50 HP on the track.0
Not that I'm a fan but there seem to be a few out there:
Just so happens that a couple of my coaches/instructors have been 3000 drivers and they do quite well but probably have set ups that are far from stock. Then again, my stock Vette on street tires has the HP advantage and after some time on track seems to pull away. The AWD guys seem to love it on track and I can see some advantages but we all seem to run what you brung!
At the track, road race courses, build fast is most often as you note, upgrade things other than under the hood. There is something to be said for passing a 500hp car that gets on track about twice a year. But then again, my teacher mode kicks in and I usually show them the line and off they go.0
There are lots of things that cost the same but don't do the same job. That is what I mean for your comparison. The amount of suspension work required to get a Mustang to handle is beyond most and gets messed up more often than not when done by other than a professional. The 3000 otoh is fairly capable out of the box which the Mustang is really not. JMO
The opposite is probably true at the drag strip where I've seen lots of Mustangs and many are set up to run very well, in many cases better than my stock 350hp Corvette on street tires. All about deciding what you want to accomplish with either the purchase or through the after market and not making too many detours.
Go to an Open Track Day or Time Trials and just see how well a EVO operates on a road course. Every type of car takes a different driving style. You don't drive a FWD, like a AWD, like a RWD, like a Rear engined car or like a Mid-engined car.
Its all different...
Some cars are hard to modify because they have no aftermarket support. Sorry, but the Neon is most likely the only other car to have challenged the Honda market effectively on the street and tracks of American and Canada.
There is no 10 second Focus, a Focus hasn't won any sort of championship but has a better aftermarket and more smog legal parts than the Neon does.
There's already a two 9 second Neons that could be driven on the street if the desire where there, but they are 100% trailered track cars.
The EVO is the best bargin in a new performance car, period. There isn't another car you can buy brand new for under $30,000 that's a complete giant killer the EVO is, that includes the WRX Sti.
At last count there are 5-6 EVO's, with 2 of them being daily driven that run 9 seconds in the 1/4 and make well over 600hp.
For the total investment for less than a Corvette Z06, you can roast just about anything on the road with one of these in a highly modified state and not advestly effect day to day driving.
A true dual purpose weapon.
I would get just as many props for a hot EVO has I would for some fancy Audi or something. Not to diss Audi, but their cars, even the S series aren't all that fast for as much as they cost.
There so many ways to do things, you have alot of choices making it hard to decide sometimes.
Some would think a twin T67 turbocharged, 5.4L powered Ford Truck would be overkill at 600+hp on 92 octane pump. I say its just about right...0
The 3000GT VR-4 is a really heavy car and with the crampped engine bay, it makes using upgraded turbos a chore.
That is most likely one of the hardest of the old 90's Japanese supercars to modify effectively.
Actually making a 5Oh handle isn't that much of an issue. For a sizable investment in Griggs racing parts, you can turn your Fox chassis based Mustang into a serious weapon on a road course. Also Saleen and Steeda Mustangs have done very well in showroom stock based competition.
I would venture to argue the newest Mustang is the best handling car yet and a excellent platform to build from.
I think this is where I should mention the Mitsubshi 4G63 turbo engine from a Gen 1 or Gen 2 DSM fits inside some early Hyundais with very little modifcations....
You want a true sleeper? Put one of those into a Hyundai Excel.
Its been done a few times and quite effective...0
I guess the question isn't so much "CAN you do it" but "SHOULD you bother to do it?"
Now some people will say that just the challenge alone makes doing it worth it, but when I started this topic I was thinking more of general advice to first timers. Should they chuck that Excel or Mitsu 3000 and start with a fresh sheet of paper? Would that make them happier in the end?
Ditto a flexi-flyer 5.0 Mustang. By the time you get that chassis to work for you, might you have been better off with a newer Mustang?0
Do DIY'ers really think like that? I'm not so sure from what I see. Those that are inclined jump in without thinking it all the way through, in most cases anyway. Where I have seen it is in Corvettes. First thing to add is the supercharger. Then they try to use it and break several other parts before figuring out that stock design for 350hp isn't going to work with 500+hp. Some go all the way and get it pretty sorted but many just back off and never really push the package since they know something else is going to break.
Also with some friends of our daughter got to see the same in Mustangs for a year or so, and some modded right up to the point where it wouldn't run. It would have been funny if it wasn't so sad. I guess that makes the case, at least for me that it shouldn't be done by the back yard guy or gal, but there is always the exception and those are the success stories you mostly hear about. People don't advertise failure. But, on the bright side, these folks are probably keeping some of the manufacturing muscle that is still resident in the lower 48 by creating a fairly low demand for custom parts in the aftermarket. Not all of it comes from across a pond.
Having a stock package that is functional out of the box and with a little experience driving is faster than most on track is really satisfying, at least for me. Laguna Seca was mostly dry last Friday, braking downhill into turn 2 for the morning through runoff over the track was worth some pucker factor (110+mph) but dried off as the day went on. Thunderhill on Saturday was even better but it was a school so with cone chicanes (?) on the straights they kept even the high HP cars under 100 all day.0
Well if we want to talk fastest performance car for $15,000 why not just go buy a Camaro Z28 for $6,000-8,000 put $7,000-9,000 into it and be running low 11's? I'll never understand why Mustang GT's get so much hype about being great track cars. The f-body is simply a faster car with equivalent mods.0
It might be faster but quite honestly (no offense intended) the last generation Camaros are about the worst-built car I have ever experienced in my life. They are so cheesy it would be hard for me to own one---even though they are really fun to drive and all that.0
no offense taken... friend of mine has had two of them (V6's but I understand the build quality was about the same across the board) and they were pretty cheap interiors...
that said, the thread was about cheap speed, not interior quality. If you want a good interior AND speed, I'd say an '05 GTO would be the choice over a mustang of the same year.... I'm admittedly a GM fanboy when it comes to muscle cars, but even so, the GTO is faster, handles better (thank you IRS), and according to most sources has one of the best interiors available in any GM product. Tack on a pedders suspension kit for $3-4k and some bolt on engine mods and there's your street friendly mustang killer...0
Can't I buy a late 90s C5 Vette for less than an '05 GTO? If my goal is all around performance, wouldn't the C5 be a far better car?0
Well, that's kind of apples to oranges, but ok, I'll play...
According to Edmunds' own rating system:
A '98 Vette (best engine, cheapest price) that's fairly well optioned with average yearly miles (12K/yr) will run ~$12,700 (private party), while an '05 GTO with average miles will run ~$18,400.
So yes, you can buy a C5 for less money. You'll also be getting a car that's probably been beaten up to some degree whereas the GTO is still new enough that it's not likely to need any major repairs yet. The GTO also has a better (though slightly) motor to build on (LS2 instead of LS1 for the Vette). If performance is your goal then I'll leave off all that nonsense about the great GTO interior and the Vette's less than perfect interior or anything about standard options, daily driveability, # of seats, etc...
The Vette will probably be faster around a circuit course where handling is key due to it's lower weight, and lower center of gravity. However, when both were new, the '98 coupe vette ran a 13.3 1/4 mile and the '05 GTO ran a 13.3 1/4 mile (exoticcar.com). The same site has the Vette running 0-60 in 4.7 and the GTO in 4.8.
Simply put, the GTO (due to weight) might be a little more sluggish around the corners, but just as fast on the straights. If you want a pure performance car for the money, and don't mind it having a little age/wear then the Vette is probably a better bet, but not by much. You're paying $5,000 less for a car with a lot more miles, and similar performance.
However, if you take two cars of something closer to the same year (i.e. the vette and GTO are about 7 years apart) and compare the '98 Vette to a '98 Camaro then you've gotta take the Camaro. Once again you'd be sacrificing some things (a nicer interior, handling, etc) for a car thats cheaper to make go fast.
When they were both new (even according to Edmunds) the only edge the Vette had over the Camaro was prestige and styling. It was $15,000 more expensive and not $15,000 faster. It's up to you to decide if a '98 Vette would be $5,000 faster than a '98 Camaro. By the same token, it'd be up to you to decide if the '05 GTO would be $6,000 better than the '98 Vette. It all depends on what you wanna do with them...0
Camaro, I served with Corvette. I knew Corvette. Corvette was a friend of mine. Camaro, you're no Corvette.0
True enough. When it comes down to it, I guess there's no substitute for personal preference.0
paisan Posts: 21,181There are several factors in play here.
What is the car being used for? Racing? Street driving/cruising? Showing? etc.
There are several schools of thought in the racing world on build v. buy.
Pros and cons to both.
Build: Pros- you know the car is solid, it's custom for you, you may already own it.
Cons- Usually costs more, more time involved, more shakedown time
Buy: Pros- Cheaper, quicker Cons- Sometimes fall apart w/o notice, less personal interest, not custom to your desires.
This discussion has been closed.


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A Pint With: Matt Steinberg, New Jersey Beer Company
Chatting about beer with the folks who make it.
Matt Steinberg has been pretty busy the past few months getting his fledgling brewery running, but he took a minute to check in with us and tell us how it's going over at New Jersey's newest microbrewery. Thanks for joining us, Matt!
Who: Matt Steinberg
What: Founder & President, New Jersey Beer Company
Where: North Bergen, NJ
Can you tell us about the path that led you to this point? When did you first decide to start a brewery? Let's just say the path looks a lot more like the Appalachian Trail and a lot less like I-80. It began as a homebrewing hobby and a love of food and beverage. That, mixed with a dead-end job that had reached the breaking point, finally pushed me towards it. It was very much two paths coming together...Right around the beginning of 2009, I finally started doing all the necessary research to put it together and [now] here we are!
How did you assemble your team? Mostly from word of mouth, recommendations from people I knew, and a bit of serendipity as well as far as coming across the right people at the right time. I take a lot of pride in my staff and am very confident that each person fills their respective role well, but has the talent to overlap and cover other duties when required. I put a premium on people that don't need their hands held and find ways to get the task at hand accomplished. We just welcomed aboard new brewmaster Pete Velez. Pete comes to us from Gordon Biersch in Myrtle Beach and Capitol City before that.
Where did your equipment come from? China for the brewhouse and fermenters. It's one of the biggest regrets I have. We have a beautiful new system, but it was horribly delayed and probably largely unnecessary. I was just very concerned about what all I was getting with used equipment, like buying a used car without the Carfax. The rest of the auxiliary equipment was made here or in Canada.
How did you choose North Bergen? I've lived here for the last six years. I knew I wanted to do this in Hudson County, but was somewhat flexible on the exact town. Once I started looking at the available locations in the area, there was no reason NOT to do it locally. Being within a short walk of the brewery is immensely handy, especially for little things like taking a gravity reading on a Saturday morning or filling the hot liquor tank and turning on the boiler at night so there's hot water for mashing in the next morning.
So, what's on tap? Can you tell us about each of your beers and the inspiration behind it? We launched with three beers. Why three? Why not. Seemed like a manageable number to start with, but enough to allow us a range of styles. Our first is the Hudson Pale Ale. I really just wanted a very straight-up, bright, hoppy classic pale here. Something where the malt bill would balance, but play second fiddle to, the hops. We were careful to keep it an American Pale and not stray too close to the IPA line, leaving room to bring out some hoppier offerings down the road.
The second is the 1787. This beer is an Abbey Single, a style not too commonly seen. It has the distinctive aromas and flavors that you'd expect to find in a traditional Belgian Abbey, but scaled back to a sessionable level. What we wanted was something golden, light, very drinkable, and refreshing; something that just about all beer drinkers would find approachable. I don't like the term "conversion beer," but I do think it's appropriate. This is the beer that you can give your macro-drinking buddies as a way of introducing them to the craft beer world.
The last is the Garden State Stout. This one I blame on cookies, specifically of the oatmeal-raisin-chocolate chip variety, which is what you'll find [in terms of flavor] in the stout.
What will you brew next? How do you come up with recipes? We are looking at putting out our first seasonal brew for the fall [or winter]. We've decided to go on the heavier side with the seasonals. We'll also be adding a 4th brew to the regular rotation around the same time or shortly thereafter.
The recipes start as homebrew batches. We'll generally outline a basic recipe for a generic version of whatever style we're working on and then start to modify it to suit our desires by adjusting malt quantities or bringing in adjuncts. I'd say we generally start with the grain bill and then build up the hop additions to complement it appropriately.
Where can people taste your beers? We have a list of all the locations that are serving NJ Beer Co. I try to keep that list updated as often as possible. We're on tap in about 30 locations throughout NJ now and expecting the bottling to help kick things up a bit. We're into the contract phase with distributors for NY and PA.
What are your hopes for the coming year? Where would you like to see NJ Beer Co. in the next five years? Right now I'm just trying to get a good flow going, supplies coming in, money steadily coming in from the distributor, beer steadily going out to retailers and into consumers. But, over the next five years, I really expect to get this brewery up to the level I think it should be. That means increasing our exposure and name within the industry until we're synonymous with the other great craft breweries in America.
What have you learned thus far? Money. Everything costs more than you think it will and expect it to. Thankfully, we have some skilled people in the company and are getting quite good at fixing things ourselves.
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


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david p
Well, after dodging two bullets (the last two snowstorms), the Pittsburgh area is in the path of the newest, I think it's name is Saturn. It's predicted we could get maybe 6" or more tuesday night into wednesday. It will start out as rain then turn to snow. Boy, I'm SO glad I'm out of the snow shoveling business!!


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World Cup: United States vs. Ghana Preview
WSJ Reporter Matt Futterman takes an in depth look at the United States' first match against Ghana. U.S. players note that Ghana's physical and mental toughness will have to be matched in order to win their first match of the World Cup group stage. Photo: AP
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
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WHISTLER, B.C. — You'd think an athlete would never get tired of winning medal after medal, as Canadians Lauren Woolstencroft and Viviane Forest have done at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. But you'd be wrong.
Skiing down Whistler Mountain is really the easy part. It's all the other stuff that goes with being a high-performance athlete which drains the body and soul — the repetitive media interviews, the flower ceremonies that induce an attack of hay fever, the constant medal-hangings which chafe the neck.
Of course, most other alpine athletes would love to have the unique problem of being stunned by the spotlight. Together, Woolstencroft and Forest have achieved more than half of Canada's medal total at the Winter Games for adaptive athletes with a total of eight between them.
Woolstencroft's latest victory in the super giant slalom (women's standing category) Friday represents her fourth gold in as many races, which meant another evening trip to the Whistler Medals Plaza to see stereotype Mounties in red serge hoist the Maple Leaf and listen to more high-spirited Canadians clanging cowbells and singing O Canada.
Forest took her second silver medal of the games in the women's GS for visually impaired athletes and now has four medals of her own, including one gold.
"I don't necessarily find it hard to keep my focus on skiing," Woolstencroft said. "It's just keeping up my energy (level). There are only so many hours in the day. When you have to do a lot of media and medal ceremonies . . . I mean, it's all been awesome. The medal ceremonies have been an incredible experience. I wouldn't trade it. But it certainly takes it out of you, to do it day after day. You just have to dig deep."
Hang on, Lauren. There's just the super combined left, Saturday, when the 28-year-old electrical engineer for B.C. Hydro attempts to join Chantal Petitclerc (wheelchair athletics) and leg amputee Stephanie Dixon (swimming) for the most Canadian medals won at a single winter or summer Paralympics. Petitclerc won five golds at both the 2004 and 2008 Summer Games and was named Canada's athlete of the year in 2008.
Woolstencroft now has nine Paralympic medals in total for her career, seven of them gold, more any alpine skier in Canadian Paralympic history. And to think she nearly retired after the 2006 Games in Turin. Newly graduated with an engineering degree from the U. of Victoria, Woolstencroft wondered if it would be possible to balance a working career with the demands of a full-time athlete.
'"I had just got my degree and I felt I wanted to put it to use," she explained. "I didn't know if I could find an employer who would allow me to balance skiing with work and allow me to hold down a full-time job. I was fortunate enough to get a job with B.C. Hydro. They're a supporter of the Games and a big supporter of me. There were willing to give me enough time off, so I just kept at it. I'm super-happy that I didn't retire."
But following her factored 5.46 second victory over Melania Corradini of Italy in the GS, Woolstencroft admitted that Whistler might be a good departure point for her skiing career. She has won more than 50 medals in World Cup, world championship and Paralympic Games competition, and the Sochi Games of 2014 seem a long way off. Then again, if B.C. Hydro continues to be public relations savvy as well as PowerSmart, why not allow her to remain a highly-visible example of their commitment to Canadian sport?
"It (her fourth gold) kind of pushes my decision both ways, to be honest," Woolstencroft admitted. "I'm kind of stuck in the middle. In a way, the way I'm skiing makes me want to keep going. But it's good to go out on top. I'm going to take some time to reflect and see what happens next."
Forest finished 3.73 seconds behind Henrieta Farkasova of Slovakia in her super-G event and now has a gold, two silvers and a bronze in four races. Her goal was to take home five medals in five events.
"Each of our medals has added an important piece to our goal of going five-for-five," said Lindsay Debou of Whistler, Forest's guide. "Every day has its own unique story. And today was a story of survival. We made it down good and we made it down safe. We're good in slalom (part of the super combined), so we'll have a really good chance to be on the podium again."
Like Woolstencroft, the 30-year-old Forest admitted she is wearing down from a jammed pack week of races, ceremonies, media demands and the fact she's spent extra hours in physio having a painful pulled groin muscle attended to. But over her 16 years of Paralympic competition (Forest joined the national program to play goalball when she was 14) she's developed the mental skill to perform when not at her physical best.
"I'm slowing falling apart . . . running out of gas," Forest chuckled. "But I'm using a lot of (adhesive) tape. I spend most of the day after a race trying to recover. But there are good vibrations here (in the stands). It will give me the strength to find a way to podium tomorrow (Saturday).
"In the World Cup circuit, we have a lot less media attention, and our days are a lot shorter," Debou adds. "The medal presentations are a lot shorter. Here, there's been a lot less time for ourselves. But it's our two weeks to promote our sport, and we're happy to do it."
It's the price a Paralympic athlete accepts to bring her sport out of the shadows.
Vancouver Sun


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Awesome Games Done Quick has, no lie, delivered some absolutely compelling video game theater this weekend already. That's a genuine roar from the audience when these runs are finished, and the cheering is richly deserved. Early this morning we got another instant classic: A world-record run of Goldeneye.
Ryan White and Alex Anderson of the speedrunning community The-Elite.net are, like a rally-race team, handling this run cooperatively, with White handling the "driving" and Anderson calling out the directions while taking care of the pitch, trigger, A and B buttons. They snip the finish line at 24:01, taking advantage of trick where Trevelyan drops a grenade on himself.
The appeal of eSports may escape some, but a familiar game played for speed is easily understood. I could watch this stuff all day, but I have to work. If you want to tune in, check this post. They just finished Paper Mario. If there's a run you missed or if you're wondering if a game you like has been played, see this Reddit thread with all the games and times, and links to archived video of the speedruns.
Awesome Games Done Quick also is raising money to support cancer research, and if the spirit moves you to contribute, you may do so here.
To contact the author of this post, write to email@example.com or find him on Twitter @owengood.


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I've been tasked with designing a system to recur events. Events may recur daily, hourly, monthly or yearly. Users should be able to schedule events "every 3rd Wednesday of the month" or "The 1st of each month" or "hourly."
Say I'm starting with a 'events' table:
id INT
name VARCHAR
notes TEXT
What fields/entities/architecture should be used to persist the recurrence rules?
fwiw, I'm using MySQL 5.5.x.
UPDATE (Aug 29, 2012):
- Considering iCalendar standards
- Reviewed this SO link
- Still mulling a better path.


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FEEL the EXCITING world of WOOD CARVING
…such read the subject line of the email advising us of the existence of Black Belt Sorvi Hero, and I see no reason at all not to use it again here. BBSH was the winner of the Assembly Summer 2011 computer festival in Finland, and it is indeed a game about woodcarving. It's not your average game about wood carving, however. If you were fearing this was the lathe-based equivalent of Street Cleaning Simulator, you may be heartened by news that it features a lightsaber and an in-game toolshop run by a down and out version of the Linux Penguin. Also, the option to foolishly use a human hand. That doesn't work out so well.
On top of that, it is indeed a fairly elaborate, physics-bestowed wood carving simulator, and with a techno soundtrack too. The game's out now, but if you fear your wood-fu is not up to muster, you should definitely watch the video below. IF YOU KNOW WHAT'S GOOD FOR YOU.
You can play the game yourself here. We really wanna see those carvings.
Thanks, Morris.


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ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) Glenn Robinson III had 14 points, including a pair of crucial dunks in the second half, and No. 2 Michigan equaled its best start to a season with a 62-47 victory over Nebraska on Wednesday night.
The Wolverines (16-0, 3-0 Big Ten) overcame their shakiest shooting performance in a while, holding the lead for the entire second half. The only other Michigan team to start 16-0 was the 1985-86 squad that went on to win the Big Ten title.
Ray Gallegos scored 19 points for Nebraska (9-7, 0-3), which held the Wolverines to 39 percent shooting. Michigan, which beat its first two conference opponents by 28 points apiece, went 3 of 17 from 3-point range.
Trey Burke scored 18 points for the Wolverines and Tim Hardaway Jr. added 15 points and 11 rebounds.
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - Gorgui Dieng had 16 points and 14 rebounds - both season highs - to lead the Cardinals to their ninth straight win.
Freshman Montrezl Harrell, starting in place of injured Chane Behanan, tied his career best with 14 points, and Luke Hancock hit two 3-pointers in a late, game-breaking 12-2 run that gave the Cardinals (14-1, 2-0 Big East) the win.
The Cardinals won despite getting a combined 4-for-17 shooting performance from starting guards Russ Smith and Peyton Siva.
Brandon Mobley had 18 points and seven rebounds for the Pirates (12-4, 1-2), who lost their second straight. Eugene Teague added 14 points and 10 rebounds, while leading scorer Fuquan Edwin was limited to 13 - most coming after the game was decided.
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) - Freshman Ben McLemore had a career-high 33 points, including a tying 3-pointer with a second left in regulation, and the Jayhawks rallied to beat the Cyclones.
McLemore was 10 of 12 from the field and perfect on six 3-pointers for the Jayhawks (13-1, 1-0 Big 12), who scored the first nine points of overtime to wrap up their 12th straight win.
The eight-time defending Big 12 champions sure were tested, though.
Iowa State (10-4, 0-1) poured in 14 3-pointers, and had forged a 79-76 lead with 8.4 seconds left in regulation. But the Jayhawks' Elijah Johnson found McLemore on the wing, and he banked in a 3-pointer from well beyond the arc with a single tick on the clock to force overtime.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - C.J. Fair scored 23 with 11 rebounds, and Michael Carter-Williams scored 17 with six assists and the Orange rallied from a nine-point, first-half deficit to beat the Friars.
Rakeem Christmas scored 15 with eight rebounds for the Orange (15-1, 3-0 Big East), who won their fifth consecutive game since a Dec. 22 loss to Temple at Madison Square Garden that is their only defeat of the season.
Bryce Cotton scored 24 for Providence (8-7, 0-3), which lost its fifth in a row.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - Joe Coleman scored 29 points and Andre Hollins added 22 to help the Gophers top the Illini and remain undefeated in the Big Ten.
The Gophers (15-1, 3-0 Big Ten) held off a charge by the 12th-ranked Illini midway through the second half.
Joseph Bertrand pulled Illinois within at 44-42 on a short jumper with 12:37 left.
But the physical matchup took its toll on the Illini (14-3, 1-2). And as Illinois piled up fouls, Trevor Mbakwe connected on layup with 6:15 to play for a 62-49 lead that Illinois couldn't overcome.
Mbakwe added 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Brandon Paul led Illinois with 21 points
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Mike Rosario scored 19 points, Erik Murphy added 11 despite playing with a broken rib and the Gators opened Southeastern Conference play with a victory over the Bulldogs.
The Gators improved to 12-5 in league openers under Donovan, including 7-0 at home. They also extended their recent dominance against the Bulldogs, winning for 16th time in the last 19 meetings.
The latest one was no big surprise since the Gators (11-2) have played well most of the season while Georgia (6-8) has struggled against just about everyone on its schedule.
The Bulldogs, though, had won four in a row after losing six of seven. Georgia turned the ball over 19 times and fell to 0-3 against ranked teams this season.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the team's lone bright spot, led the Bulldogs with 11 points.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Rotnei Clarke scored 28 points and Andrew Smith had 24 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Bulldogs over the Hawks.
Clarke made six 3-pointers to help the Bulldogs (13-2, 1-0 Atlantic 10) win their 10th straight game. Butler made its A-10 debut after leaving the Horizon League.
Chris Wilson scored 15 points, and Ronald Roberts Jr. had 12 points and nine rebounds for the Hawks (8-5, 0-1).
Langston Galloway airballed a 3-pointer, then missed a second attempt on the same possession in the final minute to end Saint Joseph's chances. Halil Kanacevic also missed a pair of 3-point attempts with the Hawks down four.
No. 16 SAN DIEGO STATE 65, FRESNO STATE 62
FRESNO, Calif. (AP) - Jamaal Franklin scored 20 points, including a highlight reel dunk, and had 18 rebounds to help San Diego State beat Fresno State.
Franklin had the play of the night when he threw the ball off the backboard during a fast break, caught it in midair and dunked between two Bulldogs defenders.
Fresno State trailed by 10 in the second half before rallying to take a 62-61 lead with 2:45 left. The Aztecs (13-2, 1-0) hit two free throws to go back on top and then Franklin made two more with 18.1 seconds left to seal the win.
Kevin Foster scored 18 points and Kevin Olekaibe added 15 for Fresno State (6-8, 0-1), which has lost five straight to Division I opponents.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Lorenzo Brown had 21 points and 10 assists and the Wolfpack pulled away late to beat the Yellow Jackets for their ninth straight win.
Scott Wood added 20 points and C.J. Leslie had 19 in his 11th straight game in double figures for the Wolfpack (13-2, 2-0 Atlantic Coast Conference).
The nation's most accurate shooting team shot 50.9 percent and needed a late surge to remain on a roll heading into its biggest game of the season - a visit Saturday from top-ranked Duke.
Robert Carter Jr. had 15 points and 10 rebounds and Mfon Udofia added 13 points for the Yellow Jackets (10-4, 0-2).
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - Cleanthony Early scored 39 points to help Wichita State beat Southern Illinois, two days after the Shockers jumped back into the poll.
Early's 39 points were the most for a Wichita State player since Xavier McDaniel had 44 in 1985.
Wichita State (15-1, 4-0 Missouri Valley) needed everything Early could do as Southern Illinois rode a hot-shooting first half to keep it close into the final minute.
Desmar Jackson scored 28 points and Anthony Beane added 14 for the Salukis (7-8, 0-4).
Ehime Orupke had 10 points and nine rebounds for Wichita State, which has won 16 straight games at home.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Alex Kirk had 23 points and nine rebounds to lead the Lobos over the Rebels in the Mountain West opener for both teams.
Justin Hawkins hit a 3-pointer with 3:25 left to cap a 7-0 UNLV run that gave it a 58-56 lead. Then New Mexico (14-2, 1-0) took over, closing the game on a 9-2 run.
Kendall Williams hit a 3-pointer with 2:09 left to put New Mexico up for good at 60-58. The Lobos, however, struggled from the line down the stretch, at one point going 3 for 8 to give the Rebels (13-3, 0-1) life. Trailing 63-60, UNLV's Katin Reinhardt's 3-pointer caromed off the front of the rim with 13.5 seconds left and Tony Snell made both free throws to finally clinch it for the Lobos.
Anthony Bennett had 12 points for UNLV (13-3, 0-1).


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HistoryPoints News
Flint's normal Oddfellows
Flint's prominent Oddfellows' Hall has the letters MU above its date. If you're thinking Manchester United, you're only a letter or two out. The initials are ...
those of the Manchester Unity order of Oddfellows, which broke away from the long-established order in 1810. The Oddfellows were a form of friendly society, long before the welfare state. For example, Flint's Oddfellows paid a weekly pension to a former saddler before his death in 1898. The land for their hall was donated by the Muspratt family, which had made its fortune from establishing an alkali works in Flint. For more about the building and the Oddfellows, scan the HistoryPoints QR codes to the left of the entrance to Gap Personnel's offices on the ground floor. Or click here


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Monitronics embraces Wi-Fi for IP alarms
DALLAS—Monitronics International has begun accommodating Wi-Fi for IP alarm communications, paving the way for what the company says will be easier installations and lower service costs for customers and dealers.
Bruce Mungiguerra, vice president of Monitronics' sales and dealer program, said that since more than 60 percent of U.S. homes have wireless broadband, it makes sense to use it for alarm signals.
"It should reduce the overall cost of service because IP communication is a lot less than cellular communication, and the cost of the IP wireless connection is a lot less than a cellular radio," he told Security Systems News.
The Wi-Fi capability will also save time and labor during installation because it eliminates the need for the CAT5 wire used to connect alarm communicators to the Internet.
"It makes life a whole lot easier for the technicians in the field," Mungiguerra said.
The Monitronics initiative currently involves only the LYNX Touch 5100 from Honeywell, the security industry's first system to provide Wi-Fi alarm communications. It was introduced at ISC West in March and released marketwide in June.
Mungiguerra said the Touch 5100 and other Wi-Fi-enabled systems could help break down the reluctance of many alarm companies to embrace IP.
"I think a big piece of why they haven't wanted to tie into IP in the past was having to run that CAT5 wire," he said.
While there are also dealers hesitant to adopt Wi-Fi because of router issues, Mungiguerra said the concerns are unfounded if the correct procedures are followed.
"Part of it is they've been afraid that if they tie into a customer's router and the Internet goes down, now it's seen as the installer's fault and they'd be getting a lot of unnecessary support calls," he said. "As long as they put in a separate router, they're in great shape. If they try to connect it to the customer's router, then that may cause some additional challenges."
On the fence for Wi-fi IP
Being a Monitronics dealer, I am excited and proud that we are again on the forefront for changes in the alarm industry. While, switching over to Wifi IP alarms sounds like a great idea in theory in practicality it might cause some serious problems. First, being the sensitivity of routers in places such as our location in Atlanta, GA where one cloudy day can interupt all wifi signals, let alone the constant lighting storms that zap routers dead in an instant. Plus, there are so many great alarm products available such as the 2 GIG product that isn't currently using this style. There just aren't enough products currently available using this capability for our dealership to jump on board immediately.


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Promote your tour packages with our travel agency templates
So, you want to capture leads for your travel agency? You can capture leads for your travel agency business online with our modern and professional travel agency website design, tour and travel landing pages as well as PPV landing pages. Tour and travel agency website design Professional travel agency responsive website designs


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Jules Verne: the first and most elaborate space rendezvous for Europe
In September 2004, the mission of the first Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV), named Jules Verne, marks the first rendezvous and docking for a European spacecraft. It also represents the most demanding and complex of 7 ATV missions planned from 2007 to 2014 to re-supply the International Space Station (ISS).
It is up to Jules Verne to demonstrate that, under the responsibility of the ATV Control Centre (ATV-CC) in Toulouse, it can automatically - and safely - handle any contingency plans for the safety of the ISS crew.
The complexity of this first mission arises from its various scenario objectives. This demonstration flight must test and prove that the 20.7-tonne cargo ship can interrupt the rendezvous - at any time - by stopping its motion and by flying away from the 178-tonne ISS.
When Jules Verne is 225 metres behind and below ISS, it will simulate an escape manoeuvre directed automatically by its own active Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) system; that is to say, its own autopilot. The bus-sized cylindrical ESA spaceship (10m length by 4.5m diameter) will safely stop, back up or drift away from the Space Station for a while before initiating a new approach attempt.
One day later, at a distance of 20 metres from ISS, another safety system will be put to the test. Simulating a major malfunction during the final rendezvous phase, the ATV-CC or the ISS crew will initiate a Collision Avoidance Manoeuvre (CAM) to remotely direct Jules Verne away from the Station. Unlike the escape manoeuvre described above, a safety unit totally independent from the regular GNC controls this abort manoeuvre. It provides an additional safety layer that permanently supervises ATV performance.
It is only during the third attempt on the third day - once the ATV is back to its previous rendezvous 'hold' position - that it will safely resume its final approach and go all the way to docking. Europe's first ever automated space rendezvous will take Jules Verne between 7 and 10 days to fulfil its multi-scenario mission. The second ATV nominal rendezvous mission, a year later, will only take 3 to 5 days to reach ISS.
Jules Verne is launched from French Guiana by an Ariane-5 and injected into a 51.6 degree orbit, the same as that of ISS, at an altitude of around 230 km, compared to the Station's altitude of around 400 km. Approximately 75 minutes after lift-off, when separation from the launcher is confirmed, the ATV becomes a fully automated spaceship.
From the initial orbital injection to docking with ISS, the ATV executes automated sequences (solar panel and antenna deployment) and manoeuvres, which are computed, loaded and monitored by the ATV-CC at CNES's Toulouse facility, via NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) and ESA's Artemis data relay network.
When the ATV is within 30 km of ISS and 6 km below it, it sets up a direct microwave link with the Station, allowing the ATV to initiate relative and accurate navigation to ISS using also GPS technology. As it gets closer to its objective, ATV-CC ground controllers direct Jules Verne to a step-by-step predefined approach. This approach requires authorisation from the Mission Control Centre in Moscow (MCC-M) - because it docks on the Russian Zvezda segment of ISS - and an overall coordination with Mission Control Centre in Houston (MCC-H), which is responsible for the entire ISS. For each of these steps, the ATV performs automated manoeuvres.
State-of-the-art of space rendezvous
"It's a remarkable automated spacecraft," says Philippe Estaque, one of the flight directors at the ATV Control Centre in Toulouse. "If everything is nominal, that is, according to the flight operations plan, the ATV will handle many operations on its own, all the while being monitored and controlled by the ATV-CC. For controllers like us, accustomed to monitoring satellites, even of the new generation, the ATV operations are a great challenge. Actually, we have to develop a new operation concept, because of the spaceship specificities and the involvement of other entities, like the Mission Control Centres in Moscow and Houston and ISS crew, for joint operations."
These built-in automatic capabilities of the ATV are crucial requirements to be compatible with the demanding requirements of human spaceflight safety.
For the final rendezvous manoeuvres, the ATV uses its eye-like sensors, combined with additional parallel measurement systems, which ensure an automatic docking with an incredible 1.5 cm precision while the spacecraft and ISS are circling the Earth at 28 000 km/h. "The first European rendezvous spacecraft is expected to dock with ISS with the accuracy of the size of a one Euro coin", says ESA astronaut Jean-François Clervoy, Senior Advisor to the ATV programme.
At any given moment during the approach phase - based on detection by sensors or a decision by the Station crew or the ATV-CC - the rendezvous operations can be suspended and resumed, or even postponed. Jules Verne will demonstrate all these capabilities and re-supply ISS with 6.7 tonnes of water, refuelling propellant for the Station, and dry cargo such as bags.
When docking is completed, Jules Verne will be an intrinsic part of ISS for up to six months.
During the highly critical phases of the ATV flight, from launch to the docking with ISS, and from departure to re-entry, the entire 60-person control team in the ATV-CC will work in three adjacent control rooms separated by large glass walls.
During the attached phase, when the ATV is in a dormant mode, the control team in Toulouse, with two team members working in shifts, will monitor and control the ATV 24 hours a day. In case of emergency, a complete team could be reactivated within an hour.
The official language during all ATV operations is English, including the communications with Moscow and Houston.
After six months of being an extension of the Station, Jules Verne, loaded with up to 6.5 tonnes of waste, will separate from ISS with the same safe procedures performed for docking and then burn up completely during a guided and controlled re-entry high over the Pacific Ocean.


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Indigenous cultures are ofttimes portrayed as a primitive people of the past, when in reality they are a people of pride, articulate manners, elaborate courtesy, and spirituality that had a love and respect for the land. There was no need to teach these people the importance of self sustainability, for that was the foundation of their well being. These people did not disappear, in fact each one of us represents in someway, shape or fashion an indigenous culture. Find out how you relate to these forgotten and sometimes belittled civilizations in the Nation19 Magazine Fall of America Issue #07. Watch and share our true history! #APDTA
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… Better late than never …
I just HAVE to do a review on this movie, because, it is literally one of my favorite movies of all time and since I already spend so much time and energy talking to people about it (whether they like it or not!), I figure it's time to get all of my thoughts out here.
Moana is a story about a strong-willed girl who follows her heart to fulfill her destiny that was bestowed on her as a little girl. This movie is incredibly uplifting and surprisingly emotional. The connections developed between all of the characters are real and they almost feel like family. The cinematography is magnificent, and I was amazed at how realistic they sand, rocks, and water appeared. They just keep getting better!
There are so many parts to this movie that I simply adore. What I would like to focus on is the uniqueness that Moana explores by utilizing her grandmother's spirit as a large part of the progression of the movie. The patriarchal grandmother, Tala, is the self-proclaimed "crazy-lady" of the village of Montunui. Her understanding of the world stretches beyond the comprehension (because of hesitation, perhaps?) of the rest of the village, including her son and Moana's father, Chief Tui.
Tala is the oratory guru and spreads the tale of the creation of the earth. She tells about Te Fiti, a Goddess with the power to create life, and how her heart was stolen by Maui, a shape-shifting demigod. This act began the destruction of the earth, slowly sucking the life out of the islands until the earth would inevitably be swallowed up. Tala's connection to this story of the Goddess strengthens her spirituality, and we begin to see that she is a strong believer in this tale. Tala also believes in reincarnation, as she tells Moana that she hopes to return as a stingray, which matches her tattoo.
While the rest of the village ignores her stories, Moana is enchanted by them. She holds her grandmother in the highest regard, especially since Tala allows Moana to dream and silently encourages her to feed the wild side she struggles to keep at bay. Moana is not allowed to follow her heart, however. Her father does not want her to travel beyond the reef, yet, Moana is enticed to travel the ocean. This struggle grows as she does, and soon her grandmother feels it is time to reveal to Moana that their people used to be voyagers. Tala tells her this because she knows a secret about Moana. The secret being that the ocean chose Moana to deliver the Heart of Te Fiti and save the earth from its inevitable destruction.
The most heart-wrenching part of Tala's story can be summed up during the reprise of Moana's song, "How Far I'll Go." Tala knows Moana is weary of the ocean after her one attempt failed miserably. However, Tala also knows that Moana needs to leave the island, find Maui, and save the world! The moment Tala reveals to Moana that their ancestors were voyagers, you can see her begin to get weak and tired. There is a theory that Tala's purpose was to guide Moana to the truth of her destiny, and once that action began to roll, Tala's life began to dissipate. Extremely quickly, Tala's life is shortening and Moana is struggling to understand why. You may have noticed that as Tala is lying down, she is beneath a wall scroll which has the form of Maui drawn on it. Underneath him is the image of a stingray, aka, Tala.
Tala insists that Moana leaves immediately. As Moana is rowing away towards the open water and singing the reprise, she looks back at the hut where Tala was laying. Suddenly, the lights go out, and a breeze rushes down the landscape towards the ocean. Once it reaches, you see an illuminated stingray, which heads for Moana's boat and guides her through the reef safely. It is absolutely beautiful and crushing at the same time. I cry every time!
The strong connection this movie makes to ancestors, family, and discovering where you fit in to the whole puzzle, gives this movie the distinct feature of depth that makes the movie better each time you watch it. The humor and beautiful songs help as well!
I love that Moana is a movie about a young woman on a mission. The absence of a romantic arch is something I hear a lot of other people comment on. Some love the fact that the movie had a strong plot while avoiding the sometimes predictable plot line, while others felt it lacked something without it. For my Miyazaki fans, we are used to strong female leads and I appreciate the fact that a romantic arch is actually less common, therefore, I did not feel that anything was missing at all.
I'm not saying only women will enjoy this movie, however. It really is a wonderful film that has a great story, awesome characters, fun songs, and a refreshing take on story telling. Maui, voiced by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, is hysterical and downright perfect for the role! The sidekick chicken, Hei Hei, voiced by the impressive Alan Tudyk, is another funny-without-being-annoying character that has his own destiny to fulfill, and he does it well!
Moana feels like an ancient tale while at the same time is a breath of fresh air to the Disney collection! It's been an instant favorite and I just can't wait to see what else Disney has in store!


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When You Contract to Provide a Presentation
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Outreach Programs periodically contracts with individuals to provide a presentation or to create content for a webinar, workshop, conference or online course. As a state agency we are subject to specific policies related to the development of these contracts. The information below is meant to help you understand what each piece of paperwork you are asked to complete is about and also to serve as a checklist to you.
Please be sure you have submitted this information to your TSBVI Outreach Programs contact.
Speakers need to submit a W-9 form. They can go to www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf to download the W-9 form, complete it and send it to the business office at the address noted on the contract. If they are from a country outside the USA or have other issues related to the W-9, please speak with Miriam first.
Submit Speaker Information and Media Release Forms
Your contact at TSBVI Outreach will send you the Speaker Information and Media Release forms electronically. It is extremely important that you complete these forms as soon as possible so your contract and other paperwork can be generated and you can be paid. Please share your travel itinerary so we can track your flight in case of delays or cancellations. You can preview the form by downloading a sample version.
Travel Arrangements
Each speaker is responsible for making their own travel arrangements and paying for them upfront. This includes your hotel reservations. Please visit the event website for information about the hotel(s) associated with this event or ask your Outreach staff contact about appropriate lodging. We typically have a block of rooms at a special conference rate which we would prefer you use.
If you need assistance in making your hotel arrangements, please check with your Outreach contact who should be able to help you.
Your Contract
After we receive your Session Information and Media Release forms, we will generate your contract, so please return these forms as quickly as possible so we can get your contract to you in a timely fashion. The contract will be made for a "flat fee" that includes the cost of services, travel costs, meals, parking, rental vehicle, gas, taxi/shuttle fares and any other miscellaneous costs such as baggage fees. Before you sign your contract please make sure you are in agreement with the fee we propose to pay. If you have questions please direct them to your Outreach staff contact.
If you wish for the contract to be made with your agency rather than you as an individual, you will need to provide an EIN number for your agency. If you are not a United States citizen, there may be some special paperwork that you need to share with us. Please discuss your special situation with the Outreach staff person who contacts you so we can make sure you are submitting the correct forms for payment.
Curriculum Vitae or Resume
A speaker must submit a current Curriculum Vitae (CV). If you have a CV or Resume online you may send the link to us.
Please Register for the Event
You will need to register for the event at https://txtsbvi.escworks.net even if you do not plan to attend all sessions. If the speaker has not registered for an event previously you will need to create an account. Speakers should use the special promotional code we will provide so that the system will not charge you a registration fee. If you have any problems registering for an event or have any questions related to registering for an event contact Brian Sobeck at 512-206-9225 and he can help you.
We provide handouts that include the content of any powerpoint you show plus any additional content (e.g., bibliographies, articles) into a single screenreader accessible handout. This handout is posted on our conference website for participants to download. We only provide paper handouts on request. This takes some time on our end to prepare. You MUST submit any handout and powerpoint content to us by date listed in your Session Information Form in editable electronic files. Please do not send "Read Only" files or other files where the content cannot be copied for inclusion in a Word document.
If you are sending multiple files, please specify the order for each piece of content. If you are including any images or graphs in either your power point or handout material, please be sure to caption them or include an alt text tag we may use for each image.
Here is a sample of how the handout will look after we process it for posting on the web.
Here are some of ways to make your handout easier to process:
- Send content (powerpoints and other material) in editable formats.
- Limit images in your powerpoint to those that are essential and be sure to provide captions for each image.
- Consider sharing a bibliography with links rather than a full article.
- Include information about the order of the various files you send when they are compiled into a single handout (we always put the powerpoint first).
- If you have special instructions such as not including your photos or images or powerpoint in your handout, please let us know. You will need to plan to provide a description of each slide during your presentation if your powerpoint is not included.
- Try not to make changes to your powerpoint after you submit it to us.
- Forms will need to be accessible as well and may need to be re-sized to fit on an 8"x11" paper format. Consider whether these forms need to be included.
Your handout will be posted approximately 1 week prior to the event and will be removed from the web approximately 1 week after the event is over.
Special Needs
We want your experience at this TSBVI event to be as pleasant as possible. Don't hesitate to ask us if you have any special needs that we should be aware of or simply have questions. Our Outreach staff will do every thing we can to make sure you have what you need.
After Services are Provided
Invoice Us
A speaker must submit an invoice no later than the 15th of the following month after the work is completed (e.g., work done in February should be submitted by the 15th of March). Send the invoice to our business office at the address noted on the contract. If you have any questions about this please contact the Outreach staff member who contacted you about your presentation.
You may want to download a sample invoice or make sure the invoice you send includes a purchase order number which we will supply when you attend the event.


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Oakland, Berkeley, And East Bay News, Events, Restaurants, Music, & Arts
It's impossible to talk about The Ringer, a comedy about someone pretending to be retarded in order to rig the Special Olympics, without mentioning that episode of South Park in which Cartman does the same thing. The Ringer was already in production when that episode was made, and has taken its sweet time coming out, possibly to give audiences time to forget. It's produced by the Farrelly brothers, who used to make fun of handicaps (in There's Something About Mary) but more recently have gone soft on the subject (as in Stuck on You and Shallow Hal). By contrast, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, who were once slated to make a prequel for the Farrellys' Dumb and Dumber, hold nothing sacred and feel no Hollywood obligation to make Eric Cartman sympathetic in the least. Cartman's a lot funnier than Johnny Knoxville anyway.
But once you see the movie, the comparisons disappear. There have been multiple movies about the regular Olympics; surely the world can handle more than one story about the Special ones. The Farrellys didn't write or direct, which is probably for the better; the screenplay is by Ricky Blitt (TV's Family Guy and Politically Incorrect), and the director is Barry W. Blaustein, a comedy writer who is also very familiar with athletic events featuring freakish performers who don't always get the respect they deserve -- his last movie was the pro wrestling documentary Beyond the Mat. Fellow WWE fans should watch and listen for cameos by Terry Funk and the voice of Jesse Ventura.
Knoxville plays Steve, a lower-level office drone so desperate to improve his lot in life that he walks into his boss' office and demands a promotion. He gets it, but only if he'll agree to fire the loyal and lovable janitor Stavi (Luis Avalos), because, as the boss explains it, "I caught him using my personal bathroom -- I sat in his pee!" Steve is too good-hearted to do it, but he needs the promotion, so he persuades Stavi to come work for him instead, as a personal gardener. Stavi doesn't fare so well in that position, and a nasty lawnmower accident ensues, necessitating expensive surgery. Hoping to call in a favor from his compulsive-gambler uncle Gary (Brian Cox), Steve finds that Gary is woefully in debt to a loan shark, who has a soft spot for the Special Olympics -- especially the reigning champion, Jimmy (real-life Special Olympics champion Leonard Flowers), "the Deion Sanders of retards." So Gary ropes Steve into a plan that'll pay both their debts -- bet against Jimmy and have Steve, a former amateur track champion, enter the contest pretending to be mentally handicapped.
Steve enters under the pseudonym "Jeffy Dahmor" and uses his talents as a failed actor to convince the organizers that he is indeed challenged (coulda just shown them some episodes of Jackass, really). But his fellow athletes quickly see through the ruse, and while initially hostile, they decide to help him win, because they all hate Jimmy, who gets driven around in a limo with the license plate "Speshl J" and has Nation of Islam bodyguards to fend off fans. Complications ensue when Steve-as-Jeffy falls for a nonspecial (but especially beautiful) volunteer (Katherine Heigl) with a boorish boyfriend (Zen Gesner, who's been in every Farrelly brothers movie to date).
Knoxville isn't a great leading man. He seems to have been chosen for his ability to fall down and get hit with stuff, but his pretense at being handicapped isn't all that convincing or funny. By contrast, the actors and athletes who play his Olympian friends are hilarious, and most viewers would be surprised to find out which ones are "challenged" in real life and which are not. Jed Rees, who played a none-too-bright alien in Galaxy Quest, gives one of the year's best comedic performances as Glen, a competitor obsessed with hugging and making childish jokes about his fingers. Newcomer Edward Barbanell, who plays Steve's roommate, nicely skewers all those clichés of handicapped nobility and inspiration by being a smartass who never seems to let go of a grudge. Bill Chott, Leonard Earl Howze, Geoffrey Arend, and John Taylor round out the main cast, and all are scene-stealers.
As much as The Ringer appears to follow the formula of a sports movie, it's at least as much a parody of such earnest Oscar-bait films as I Am Sam and Mifune. Put one mentally challenged person in a movie (or beloved actor playing same), and the temptation tends to be to make him or her into a messianic innocent. But populate a movie almost entirely with such people, and they actually get to have personalities. These guys are laugh-out-loud funny, not because they're being belittled, but because they're finally getting a chance to show a sense of humor onscreen.
Contact the author of this piece, send a letter to the editor, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
News - October 20, 4:00 AM
News - October 14, 4:00 AM


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Straight BM 8350
The Belt Conveyor Light is a belt conveyor that is divided into zones and operates with zero pressure accumulation; its drive is based on the 24 V RollerDrive. It is possible to transport and accumulate small products, as well as products not suitable for roller tracks. Not suitable for reversing operation.