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PEORIA — Famous Dave's is no secret in Peoria.
The place always looks busy at its location across the street from the Shoppes at Grand Prairie.
It's the third location for the chain that returned to town in 2010. It's a franchise with headquarters in the nation's barbecue mecca: Minnetonka, Minn.
OK, so it's not Memphis, Tenn., or Kansas City but don't tell that to the eager eaters who dive into portions of chopped pork or beef brisket here.
What makes Famous Dave's so appealing is its consistency. You know up front that their "country-roasted" chicken is peppery and that the Devil's Spit barbecue sauce has a kick.
We dropped by for dinner recently and went for the All-American Barbecue Feast ($61.99). That's a cross-section of Famous Dave's offerings: St. Louis-style spareribs, chicken, beef brisket, chopped pork, cole slaw, fries, beans, corn on the cob and, of course, the trademark corn muffins.
No, I didn't try to eat all this by myself. They say the feast feeds four to six but we had eight at our table (two being small children), and we still had leftovers.
The atmosphere at Famous Dave's is always informal and more festive than your average restaurant. The staff helps make it a pleasant experience. You feel like you're in a small town diner among friends not just enjoying a casual meal surrounded by strangers.
As for the food, the ribs were exceptional. Their dark exterior appeared almost burnt but they were as tender as they were tasty. The brisket and pork are both reliable favorites although I tend to overdo the barbecue sauce so generously tendered at each table.
All of the Famous Dave's main dishes seem to go well with beans and cole slaw so it really doesn't matter what main dish I go for.
The middle of winter really isn't the time for corn on the cob. The ears came up a little soggy but the corn muffins made up for that.
Famous Dave's sticks with a successful formula. They make barbecue appealing and they don't try to do everything under the sun. You won't find a slew of new wave dishes slapped on the menu just to be trendy. From appetizers (burnt ends, $8.99) to salads (barbecue salad, $10.69) to burgers (Devil's Spit, $11.49), they stick to what makes the place unique (at least outside of Kansas City).
No, they don't offer barbecue for dessert. Instead, you'll find bread pudding ($6.69), banana pudding ($5.99) and a hot fudge Kahlua brownie ($6.69) available.
But after all those beans and ribs, who's got room for dessert?
Steve Tarter is Journal Star business editor. Tarter's phone number is 686-3260, and his email address is firstname.lastname@example.com.
Dining Out: Famous Dave's stays true to a successful formula
PEORIA — Famous Dave's is no secret in Peoria.


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Frightenstein and Count Laughula
The warm-up to Halloween in today's world is often a week's worth of really scary horror movies pre-empted by dad wanting to watch something dumb, like the World Series. When I stop and think about it, when I was a kid, life wasn't that much different. The big difference was that the movies weren't on TV; we had to actually walk to a theater to see them.
The Janet Theater was about four blocks from my house. The ancient building was a little hole in the wall that smelled like a candy factory with buttered popcorn and fountain sodas thrown into the mix. The owner ran the projector that chewed up film and broke down at least once during every movie.
As unsavory as the place may have been, it was the town baby sitter every Saturday afternoon, and parents were glad it was open. It gave mothers an opportunity to do the weekly shopping without kids in tow. It was also the major source of entertainment for teenagers who were not quite old enough to drive on Saturday night. Those privileged few who could drive and had access to a car went to the drive-in to do everything but watch movies.
Anyway, Halloween week was special at the Janet, and we looked forward to that memorable time every year. On Saturday and Sunday afternoon, the marquee read, "Eight Hours of Horror - 25 cents." For another quarter, we could get a fountain Coke in a paper cup, a bag of popcorn and a hot dog. For fifty cents, we were set for the day. If we had a dollar, we could eat enough candy to make us sick. We used to save our allowances for weeks before attending this major event. Kids under t12 owned the Janet on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
We lined up an hour early to get a good seat. The bigger kids sat in the balcony and threw water balloons and popcorn at the kids down below. The owner hired high school football players to act as ushers and keep the peace. They occasionally caught a 12-year-old boy throwing a water balloon. They would sneak up behind him, pull him out of his seat by the scruff of the neck and throw him out to much applause and fanfare from the kids on the main floor. The kid would never tell his parents because he didn't want to get paddled for throwing water balloons.
The doors opened about 20 minutes or so before the show started. Anyone younger than 10 years old knows that 20 minutes is an interminably long time. Then we'd have to sit through a 15-minute news and sports reel followed by a half-hour of cartoons, which wasn't bad. Finally, they got to the real stuff.
The owner would bring the house lights up, then slowly dim them until they went out. After about 30seconds of sitting in total darkness, the movie would begin. The sound system crackled, and the film was sometimes shaky as it made its way through the aging projector. Nonetheless, a real horror movie was starting and we were just on the edge of wetting our pants because we were so scared. Of what, I have no idea. Nothing had happened yet.
For the next hour and a half, not a piece of candy, kernel of popcorn, or sip of soda would pass our lips as we sat, stiff with fright, watching Boris Karloff play Frankenstein. We would suck in our breath, scream, and cover our eyes in all the appropriate places as Hollywood scared us to the point of sleepless nights, bad dreams, and a lifelong fear of the dark.
Lon Chaney, playing the dreaded Count Dracula, followed Frankenstein, and "The Thing" then filled the screen. We watched the destruction of the world in "The Attack of the Killer Tomatoes," followed by "The Human Hamburger Devours Chicago," (I made that up.) Anyway, we watched, mesmerized by cheap Hollywood effects, until eight hours of horror that kept our hearts beating like trip hammers finally ended.
Kids today would laugh at those movies. If the truth be known, by today's standards, they weren't scary at all. This was long before Linda Blair twisted her head around 360 degrees and spewed pea soup in "The Exorcist." It was before Freddy Krueger was old enough to grow nails. No - these movies would be comedic in today's world of unspeakable horror. Nonetheless, we didn't know the difference, and we were scared out of our wits.
Now remember, we entered the theater before noon. We were there until eight o'clock at night - 'night' being the operative word. After watching eight hours of horror, we had to walk home in the dark. About a dozen of us walked in a pack. We were convinced that Count Dracula lurked behind every tree. The shadow people owned the night. They were gonna suck us into the dark, never to return. We were sure of it.
We walked together to everyone's house down to the last kid. He had to walk a full block by himself. He ran so fast, he could have done the hundred in ten seconds flat. In those days, horror movies were a big part of that system we can't understand.

subset: commoncrawl


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Even under the best of circumstances, real economic growth rate in Jordan this year will not exceed three per cent. [2] This is a rather low rate if compared to much higher growth rates achieved by the economy during the past several years, when the average was around seven per cent.
Some observers, however, believe that in view of the prevailing circumstances in the region, the mere fact of achieving positive growth is in itself a success that deserves to be celebrated. All countries that experienced the Arab Spring suffered negative growth in their economies, sometimes to a painful degree. [3]
Jordan is believed to have weathered the political and social risk that rocked Arab Spring countries. It restored the state of political and social stability. It is only normal under the circumstances to expect the rate of economic growth to rise next year, perhaps to 5 per cent.
A growth rate in the gross domestic product of up to 5 per cent next year is rather an ambitious target and cannot be attained just like that. Motivation, stimulation and investment efforts are needed to make it happen. The generous grant of the Gulf states may make such an objective attainable. [4]
Jordan needs a higher economic growth rate, not only to maintain the standard of living of its fast growing population, but also to reduce the high rate of unemployment, [5] especially among young people and women, not to forget or ignore the heavy burdens facing the economy in view of the extensive influx of Syrian refugees.
The above issues we are so far dealing with are of a general nature and can in fact be taken for granted. The hard question that imposes itself on economic and decision makers is: How can a higher economic growth rate be achieved despite the current limitations?
Let us leave generalities for a moment to delve into the status of certain sectors that comprise the national economy as well as to the fiscal, monetary and trade balances, to identify the weak points and distortions in an attempt to do something about them.
Beside an overall plan of economic growth, officials need to study the state of affairs of the individual sectors of the economy, one at a time, to identify the challenges and difficulties and try to come up with answers. An obvious example is the mining sector, potash and phosphate, which suffers internal and external problems that deserve attention. [6]
The trade balance has also a serious structural weakness. National exports do not make up more than one third of the value of foreign imports. This is obviously not only abnormal but also an unsustainable state of affairs. To make things even worse, exports are either decreasing or stagnating, while imports continue to grow at a rate faster than the rate of growth of the economy.
By Fahed Fanek
[1] http://www.syndigate.info
[2] http://www.google.jo/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CC4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tradingeconomics.com%2Fjordan%2Fgdp-growth-annual&ei=b-auUpvNHYSAhAfKyIDwCA&usg=AFQjCNFmlB3-rJnEcgiaqqd6vX7vbFngUQ&bvm=bv.57967247,d.ZG4
[3] http://www.google.jo/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&ved=0CDQQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.albawaba.com%2Fbusiness%2Farab-spring-economies-442795&ei=n-auUq_jCoGrhQeZ0oDYBg&usg=AFQjCNEq3OKzjtwdaL8ssCsNrWcto3UrrA&bvm=bv.57967247,d.ZG4
[4] http://www.google.jo/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCkQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fuk.reuters.com%2Farticle%2F2013%2F12%2F03%2Fuk-jordan-aid-syria-idUKBRE9B20J520131203&ei=zuauUrWfAcGrhQfRmYCgCQ&usg=AFQjCNH9f8esMg-1WGnJMm-0wuGJKJAlSA&bvm=bv.57967247,d.ZG4
[5] http://www.google.jo/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCkQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.albawaba.com%2Fbusiness%2Fjordan-unemployment-525632&ei=9uauUo7jLdSKhQfOw4DoBw&usg=AFQjCNFZarnSLM75oAKWanBk81K1q2cVYg&bvm=bv.57967247,d.ZG4
[6] http://www.google.jo/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&ved=0CC8QFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjordantimes.com%2Fjordan-phosphate-mines-co-trying-to-reverse-misfortunes&ei=KOeuUsqpCpKihgetrYGABw&usg=AFQjCNHDQcb3zmfD1iN1kgh7Qq663k0wlQ&bvm=bv.57967247,d.ZG4
[7] http://www.jordantimes.com


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Tuck MuseumMay 23. 2013 11:33AM
40 Park Avenue
Hampton, NH 03842
Ph: 603-929-0781
This summer, explore Hampton's history at Tuck Museum, located on Historical Meeting House Green (founded in 1638), 40 Park Avenue in Hampton.
The museum features four buildings: The Tuck Museum, the Seacoast Fire Museum, the Farm Museum and a 19th Century District School House. The museum is free and open to the public on Sunday, Wednesday & Friday from 1-4 pm, June 1 to September 30 and from October 1 to May 30: Wednesday 9 am to 12 pm & Sunday 1 to 4 pm. Touring the museum is a great way to entertain children who are home from school, and those out-of-town guests as well.
The Tuck Museum building is the major building in the Tuck Museum complex. Life in early Hampton, the development of Hampton Beach, and Hampton schools are the subjects of some of the permanent exhibits. Changing displays illustrate other aspects of Hampton's history.
The museum also contains a small library with information on Hampton genealogy, NH town histories, town and school annual reports, photographs, and post cards. There is a small gift area where postcards, historical publications, and souvenirs may be purchased.
Website: Tuck Museum
Email: email@example.com


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United States:
United Kingdom:
Do you need a way to express your gratitude to someone dearly? Choose from any of these stunning thank you flowers and show your appreciation and gratefulness to that important person!
Send flowers and gifts to Faro with Flowers for Faro. We specialize in delivering flowers, bouquets, baskets, gifts and cakes to Faro.


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2012-05-02 / Events & Calendar
Armed Forces Day spring concert May 19
The Seaford Community Jazz Band and Seaford Community Concert Band will hold an Armed Forces Day spring concert, Sat., May 19, 8 p.m. The event will be held at Seaford High School, 1575 Seamans Neck Rd., Seaford. Donations will be appreciated.
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Inspection sticker violation leads to arrest of Mexican nationals in WashingtonBy MEGHAN PIERCE
Union Leader Correspondent
July 04. 2014 8:30PM
WASHINGTON -- A motor vehicle stop for an inspection sticker violation on North Main Street Thursday led to three arrests, including two on immigration violations.
The driver and his four occupants were returning home from a job site, the Unity Elementary School construction project, Washington Police Chief Steven Marshall said in a press release Friday.
Marshall stopped the vehicle on North Main Street around 4:17 p.m. on Thursday for an inspection sticker violation. During the stop, Marshall discovered the driver, Filiberto Rivera, 42, of Manchester and Dallas, Texas, was driving with an expired driver's license.
Marshall detained all five men in the vehicle with assistance from the Hillsboro, Newport and Croydon police departments, and the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office, until identifications could be established.
Police determined two of the passengers were wanted by the Department of Homeland Security- Immigration and Customs Enforcement for immigration violations, Marshall said.
Brothers Erick Tinajero, 24, and Rolando Tinajero, 29, who are Mexican nationals living in Manchester, were arrested on a DHS-ICE detainer for investigation to determine whether they are subject to removal from the United States.
They were taken to the Sullivan County House of Corrections in Unity, pending transfer to a federal holding facility prior to a court appearance.
The driver, Rivera was charged with driving without a valid license and transporting an open container. He was released on a summons to appear in the Newport District Court in August.
Police gave the remaining occupants an opportunity to arrange for a ride home.


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Ookamitenshi wrote:
There were a lot that I came into late watching that I kick myself for not seeing sooner. Especially lately is Kuroko no basuke. OMG I fell in love with it instantly. Others include Kuroshitsjui, Bakemontgatari. (apologize for the misspells)
There are shows from the 1980's I still haven't seen yet, that I want to see. I'm grateful for finding Gunbuster, which lead me to Diebuster, which lead me to appreciate the shorter anime in life - the six episodes ones like the two I just mentioned, FLCL, Murder Princess, Time of Eve, Rin: Daughters of Mnemosyne, etc.
[No information available]
Arsenette wrote:
I know I've benefited from recommendations of friends when it comes to anime. Even on CR (like the spotlight section) I've found things that I didn't even know existed. What series have you found lately that was totally new to you that's been out for a few years? I am an unabashed marathoner so in a lot of ways I adore finding these series after they are done because I don't have to go through the pain of waiting week after week for resolution.. LOL Either way my current list of "new for me" anime:
Kimi ni Todoke - I'm watching now and I'm really enjoying it. I remember it being "the anime about a girl mistaken for the chick from the Ring movie" and that was about it. I'm happy it wasn't "just" that and so far halfway through the first season I'm getting the His and Hers Circumstances vibe from it. (that's good for me )
Time of Eve - Surprised I never knew a thing about it until the CR spotlight on it: http://www.crunchyroll.com/forumtopic-791513/catalog-spotlight-time-of-eve I'm reaaaally happy I saw it. I love that type of world (like Appleseed, Ghost in the Shell, etc.) so that small window in the cafe was just a treat for me. Sucks it was short but even at that length I'm really a fan.
Both series being done a while ago.. have you guys run into anything recently (like this year) that ended a long time ago but you just discovered and liked?
This is not from the last year but I'm reading the Manga with it. Funimation has the license for it: Claymore.
Naruto, my most loved and inspiring character disappointed me to new levels when they ended the series leaving the plot open ended and mediocre after 100 quality episodes. Naruto still having the 9 tails brooding inside him, Saskue and Naruto having their relationship in shambles and Naruto never became Hokage. I have never been so engrossed in an anime only to be so let down. SEQUEL?!?!?!?
A series missed by a lot of people that was one of the best anime of 2010 is Kuragehime.
I was suprised How much DearS reminded me of Chobits, and yet i think i like the charactors more. its a shame they never made anymore than 13 episodes. Dog days was suprisingly pleasent, and i am looking forward to watching the second season.
I bleed for fun.
Well, there was one anime, I'd heard the name thrown around and seen pictures of it here and there, but I never really gave it any attention until this year...
I don't know why I avoided Gintama for so long... It's amazing!!
Eat well, exercise and die anyway
I just for The Legend of the Legendary Heroes. Only 9 eps in but so far I'm loving it. Also I wish there was a second season for Aesthetica of a rogue hero. I love that show. I cant seem to find any info if there will be a second season, anyone know?
I don't why it took me so long to watch these series.
this weather is killing me
Wow there's a LOT of series listed that I haven't seen.. I have to make a list..
It's a wild ride and really touching.
Only just now watching Spice and Wolf, Soul Eater and Zero no Tsukaima
Just started watching Spice and Wolf because of this thread. Can not believe I waited this long to watch it. To be honest though, my to watch list is quite long.
Dont kill me please but Im 22 years old and I just started watching the first Naruto..... currently on episode 40
Forever a nub
I just started watching Fate Zero on crunchy roll. It is fantastic! I would definitely add to you long watch list. It's a prequel to another show (Fate/Stay Night), but I don't think you have to watch that series to understand it. I haven't had problems so far.
Also, Puella Magi Madoka Magica. It's also on crunchyroll and is only 12 episodes.
Steins;Gate is kind of a big deal. I thought it was good, but a little slow to get started. It's on hulu.
You should try Penguin Drum! It got overshadowed by Madoka and Steins;Gate, due to not having a simulcast (which is ridiculous) in 2011.
Mayou is currently airing. It gets compared to Spice and Wolf a lot. It's good, but is not Spice and Wolf Good.
Sword Art Online was also big for a while. I can't recommend it (as I thought it was terrible), but it was popular.
Also gonna second Kuragehime (romantic comedy) and add Shiki (horror). I think these are both on hulu.
Arsenette wrote:
Time of Eve - Surprised I never knew a thing about it until the CR spotlight on it: http://www.crunchyroll.com/forumtopic-791513/catalog-spotlight-time-of-eve I'm reaaaally happy I saw it. I love that type of world (like Appleseed, Ghost in the Shell, etc.) so that small window in the cafe was just a treat for me. Sucks it was short but even at that length I'm really a fan.
Yokohama Shopping Trip (1998):
~ This is not so much a story as it is a slice of life. Or rather, it is a look into portions of the life of a girl named Alpha, together with the people around her. Alpha runs a little cafe on the outskirts of Yokohama. There are almost no customers, but Alpha does not mind at all since she has the occasional company of the old man who runs the gasoline stand down the road, as well as that of his grandson Takahiro. This is a Yokohama of the future, when the sea covers most of the land and roads have disappeared under sand or water. Alpha is in fact a robot, looking after the cafe during her owner's indefinite leave of absence.
Aquatic Language (2002):
~ Several people are spending their evening in a cafe. Two gossiping girls, two debating men, a bookworm and a boy, who just broke up with his girlfriend. The cafe's waitress starts a chat with him, persuading him to take a look at certain easel, while other customers begin to notice unusual things.
Pale Cocoon (2005):
~ A future where the continuity of history has broken off, a world of enormous ruins that continues endlessly. Oceans and continents have vanished, existing only within the archives brought up from the remains. Ura works in the Archive Excavation Department, which restores and analyzes the data left behind. One day, he finds a disturbing visual record...
Hotori: Tada Saiwai wo Koinegau (2005):
~ At the Personality Plant, robots are being built and slowly outfitted with the artificial memories of real people. Suzu is one such robot, being made to replace the young boy a family has lost. By chance, he meets a Hotori, a young girl suffering from progressive memory loss. The two children become friends and attempt to define themselves in the light of their changing memories.
Dennou Coil (2007):
~ Eleven years after the introduction of internet-connected, augmented reality eyeglasses and visors, Yūko Okonogi moves with her family to Daikoku City, the technological center of the emerging half-virtual world. Yūko joins her grandmother's "investigation agency" comprised of children equipped with virtual tools and powerful metatags. She quickly crosses paths with Yūko Amasawa, an expert hacker of the virtual environment, as Amasawa relentlessly seeks to "unlock" the mystery of a computer virus that emerges from an inaccessible corrupted space.
Half-Broken Music Box (2010):
~ In 2039, helper androids are widespread as general purpose electronics. Keiichiro lost his family in a traffic accident and retired from his band. One day, he finds an old model android in a garbage dump. He takes her home but after taking her to a repair shop he was told she couldn't be repaired so he planed to throw her away, but the next day he finds her making breakfast for him. Thus begin the summer days of a memoryless android and a dreamless boy.
Some I'd thought I'd share, though I knew about them beforehand (ie not lately). Just thought if anyone's seen Time of Eve and enjoyed it... these are similar. Of course, there are others (there are thousands of upon thousands of shows out there after all) and these are only pebbles in a rock quarry. They are still good examples though, none the less.
[No information available]


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Anne Hathaway was a breath of fresh air at the 2014 Oscars on Sunday (March 2), held at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre.
The 'Song One' star and presenter for the evening looked fresh and modern in a design by Gucci.
The black silk crepe column gown featured a crystal embroidered detail on the bust and waist, which was one of the most eye-catch details of the evening. One of my favourite red carpet looks of the night, the halter neck and slim silhouette gown was a beautiful example of modern, edgy glamour.
Anne accessorized her gown with Gucci shoes and a black plexiglass clutch. To allow her minimalist look to shine, Anne smartly kept her jewels and makeup minimal.
Do you love Anne's red carpet style as much as I do?
Credit: Getty


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is there audio quality difference between the airport extreme and Apple TV
I want to bring the iTunes library to my stereo, and googling on this there were a number of posts that suggested that Airport Extreme had better decoding for CD quality audio then did the AppleTV. All the iTunes files are of course digital, and I am intending to use the optical output of either the Airport Express or AppleTV.
To really hear a difference I would need to do an A/B test of one against the other - which I do not intend to do, but I do have a very high end system so when things are not as they should be there is no hiding it.
I don't need the AppleTV right now for the theater setting - so video streaming ability would be on hold there, for now but likely added sometime in the next year or so.
It's really a matter of which device is going to be better for delivering the iTunes music library to the stereo system. Why there would be a different between the Airport Extreme and the AppleTV is not clear to me. The limiting source would seem to be the bit rate of the files in iTunes - but perhaps I am missing something. Perhaps there is a difference in DA converters - though that too would seem strange, but with the use of the Digital Optical Out I would think that there should be no difference.
But certainly better to know about it before I buy the device and get it set up - appreciate any thoughts and suggestions.
- Asked by Dan R from Superior
AirPort Express
Product No Longer Available
2 Answers from the Community
Best Answer:
I just got an ATV 3rd Gen and experimented with it's TOSLink audio out compared to the optical out of the Express. My Moon Simaudio amp indicates that it's receiving an input from the ATV at 48KHz compared to 44.1KHz from the Express. Given this is a higher sample rate, you might expect some benefit but as far as I'm aware, it'll depend on a number of factors such as the integrity of the digital signal (incl. error correction capability) from the source i.e your Mac, over your wireless network to when it enters the digital input (Toslink, SPDIF etc) of your amp. Then there is the issue of the quality of the DAC in your amp or separate DAC unit. After all, a high quality DAC will over sample sufficiently and deal with other digital artefacts to minimise noise etc etc and not suffer the effects of a steep LP filter.
If anyone else with an audio engineering/digital audio background can explain further then that would be great! I can't help but think that there is a lot of unnecessary myth and confusion created in the digital domain (esp optical) I.e applying techniques to preserve the integrity of analogue signals carried over copper/silver to those in the optical digital domain. Why? How is a digital optical signal adversely affected by electromagnetic interference and in any case, even if it were, aren't errors corrected?
Just a thought and would love to hear from others.
- Answered by Nick R
(This is an old post, but in case some anyone is still interested, here is the answer)
For most standard audio songs, especially originally from CDs, the format are 44.1kHz 16 bits even if they are in AAC/MP3.
Most Videos, DVDs or Bluerays are 48kHz/96kHz/192kHz 16 or greater bits.
So, if you are using iTunes for audio, the AE is the best choice AE only puts out 44.1kHz 16 bits.
ATV are geared to be connected to TVs and Home theater system via HMDI, so that is a better match. If you are streaming movies, the ATV is the better choice. ATV on TOS link only puts out 48 kHz 16 bit for audio.
In both case, if you stream the other format, it will perform a conversion, but it will results in some artifacts especially to or from 44.1 tand 48. High sampling rates to 44.1 kHz is not as noticeable.
Now if you connect a Mac laptop via TOS link directly, there it can handle both if you equipment can handle it. I am using a laptop directly and outputting 24bits for 16 bit sources so I can use the iTunes volume control using the remote, my stereo has no volume control. Using AE, you should not use the volume control in iTunes since it will divide the 16 bit value to reduce the volume.
If you migrate to high definition audio, use the laptop instead of the AE or ATV.
- Answered by Albert C from Huntington


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Slain woman laid to rest after 2 years of uncertainty
Slain woman laid to rest after 2 years of uncertainty
After more than two years of uncertainty, a central Kentucky woman was finally laid to rest.
Sonsaray Warford's family reported her missing in June 2010.
Her body, along with the body of her boyfriend, Charles Walker, was found in a Richmond field in March but police said Warford was killed soon after her disappearance.
Warford's remains were released to the family last week.
Court documents said a drug dealer hired two men to kill the couple because he thought Walker owed him money.
Walker's funeral will be later this week.


text:
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — A Florida woman charged with murdering her teenage children had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder by several different doctors during her lifetime, and became more psychotic in the months leading up to the slayings, two psychiatrists testified in the woman's trial Monday.
Dr. Michael Maher and Dr. Eldra Solomon each interviewed Julie Schenecker for a total of about 20 hours while she was in solitary confinement in the Hillsborough County Jail following her January 2011 arrest.
Both said they also reviewed thousands of pages of her medical records.
Schenecker is charged with two counts of first-degree murder. The state contends that Schenecker knew right from wrong when she bought a gun and shot her children, but is not asking for the death penalty.
Maher told the jury that Schenecker was prescribed up to 10 different anti-psychotic, anti-depression and mood-stabilizing medications for her bipolar and depression disorder.
Under cross-examination, Maher also said that Schenecker's illness was difficult to treat, in part, due to a biological resistance to the medication and because she under-reported her symptoms. The former military mom also drank excessively at times and didn't take her medication — which exacerbated her condition, Maher said.
"If she had perfectly followed the right regime of medication, it is likely she would have been better off," Maher said. "However, it is not that simple. She tried, at times, to do the right thing. But she was misguided."
Maher also testified that Schenecker had a gambling problem in the months leading up to the killings. He said that she spent about $1,000 a month at a local casino, eventually forcing the family to take out a $10,000 loan to pay monthly bills.
There was also an indication that she had told a mental health professional about her desire to kill herself and harm her children. In late 2010, Schenecker wrote on a treatment center intake form that she'd thought of leaving the car running with her teens inside, Maher said.
Solomon told the jury that Schenecker called herself a failure because she didn't succeed at committing suicide after killing her children.
Both psychiatrists were called to the stand by the defense team, which is trying to prove the 53-year-old was insane in January 2011 when she shot her teenage children
Schenecker is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of her 16-year-old daughter and 13-year-old son.
Solomon said Schenecker was molested by a neighbor when she was 7; had thought about suicide since she was 12; and tried to commit suicide twice.
"I think without a doubt she was insane at the time of the shooting and during the week prior to the shooting," Solomon said.
Solomon said Schenecker intended to kill herself after shooting her kids. She had a three-part plan, Solomon said: sit in the car and breathe carbon monoxide, take pills and then shoot herself. After shooting her children, Schenecker reloaded her gun and then took the pills — but the pills knocked her out for the night.
"She said she was very angry at herself because she failed," Solomon said. "She was very upset because she didn't succeed at killing herself."
Schenecker awoke the next morning in the family's home, groggy and shaky. Officers arrived soon after; Schenecker's family had called police and asked them to check on her because they were worried about her mental health.


text:
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Nice! I'm totally being sarcastic right now.
In today's strip, we find Cole talking to Francis about Brent's upcoming wedding. Cole thinks there's a good chance that there won't be a wedding, due to shortcomings on Brent's part.
Ruh-roh. Brent has overheard. But how will Brent react? The totally predictable set up leads us to believe that Brent will not be happy to hear it. But the way the panel is drawn (and even lettered) implies almost no sense of sarcasm in Brent's delivery, leaving the reader up in the air.
The author is too close to his characters, and I'm guessing that he hears the script in his mind, as if spoken out loud, as he lays out his panels. The problem is he doesn't take into account the difficulty in projecting sarcasm using only the written word. Email is a perfect example of this -- we use emoticons in IM and email for just this purpose, but in a comic strip the art is supposed to do the job.
The depiction of both Brent and Cole in the last panel are so lacking in context, that we can do almost anything with the dialog in this panel, including give the line to Cole:
... or give Cole a new line:
This ambiguity can hurt an on-going story line by leaving the reader with a false impression of what happened in the previous strip. If readers aren't given a solid sense of Brent's reaction at the end of this strip, they will be confused when Brent preditably decides that perhaps Cole isn't the right man for the job. And makes the troll his best man. Until Cole redeems himself.
(Anyone want to take bets on whether this is the planned storyline?)
98 comments:
- Scott said...
Who are you?
- January 22, 2008 at 11:19 AM
- Fake Scott McCloud said...
I am Fake Scott McCloud.
- January 22, 2008 at 12:04 PM
- Scott said...
You spend more time thinking about my strip than I do. I think that makes you my biggest fan.
I'm going to post to your site today.
- January 22, 2008 at 3:44 PM
- Scott Duster said...
PErsonally, a huge fan of the strip would have realized that Brent hates Skull, and with Francis already appearing in the panel, Francis is the obvious choice for best man.
The fact is, sometimes you have to ride the cliche to do something different. PVP almost always succeeds in this aspect.
- January 22, 2008 at 4:08 PM
- Ben said...
Seriously, how do you have this much time in life? Is Scott Kurtz such a pop icon that he deserves this level of analysis? No offense, Scott, you draw an entertaining strip, but this level of dissection is more appropriate for federal legislation than for a webcomic. Or maybe a bad U2 album.
- January 22, 2008 at 4:16 PM
- J. R. said...
The fake Scott McCloud? You sir need to get some originality.
- January 22, 2008 at 4:16 PM
- Phymns said...
Dude, instead of putting all this effort into hating something, you should pour it into creating something yourself. To create takes guts and yet, more to put the creation out to the public. It takes none to smash it down. Cause the creator, ultimately will not care. You're wasting time and effort. Go create something of your own, sir.
- January 22, 2008 at 4:17 PM
no he doesn't need originality. he needs a life. stop living through other people. you might actually accomplish something more than dissecting a comic strip to the point where it's almost creepy.
- January 22, 2008 at 4:20 PM
Do you (fake scott mccloud) publish any webcomic ? I would like to see some of your observations about the shortcomings you see in PvP put into a creative effort of your own; perhaps for others to see how you would fare ?
- January 22, 2008 at 4:20 PM
- Gary Clair said...
Ahh.. the critic.
Someone who produces nothing, but criticizes those who do.
Tis' the highest form of douchbaggary.
- January 22, 2008 at 4:24 PM
- Jeremy Star said...
Just, wow. A whole blog based on something you don't like. Not a post, or a couple of rants, but an entire blog dedicated to a comic you don't like.
That's some dedicated dislike, right there. Or some complete stupidity. I can't decide which.
Wait, yes I can.
- January 22, 2008 at 4:32 PM
I'm sorry that you feel you deserve more attention than Scott. Life can be unfair sometimes... it's just not in this case.
- January 22, 2008 at 4:33 PM
- JediJohnson said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- January 22, 2008 at 4:34 PM
I actually agree with you and most of your critiques of PvP fake scott mccloud. PvP doesn't seem to be as good as it used to be (if it ever was that good). I too, did not know whether or not he was using sarcasm in this strip. But the way you maintain a whole blog about it and discuss each strip in such detail seems a bit overdoing it and obsessive. Do you really have this much free time to badmouth this guy's comic?
- January 22, 2008 at 4:36 PM
I disagree with your assessment here. The expression on Brent's face does the job. Brent is always pretty deadpan, and the turn in his brow in this scene is a look almost always reserved for Skull, with whom Brent is continually annoyed. Upon first reading, I got this one. Cole looks surprised in a negative way, Francis looks oblivious, and Brent looks peeved. Works for me.
The Brent/Jade marriage story line is most appealing to long-time readers, I'm guessing— those people would be familiar with Brent's style of speaking. I'm not saying that you have to have read PvP for years to enjoy the strip today, but in this case, I'd say it helps.
From your other posts that I've looked through, it seems to me that you like a little less subtlety in your comic strip, and that you favor hyperbole. I'd say This is more offensive to The Real Scott McCloud than is is to Scott Kurtz.
Maybe that's what you're going for, who knows. I can see the value of analyzing comic strips and giving critique, but I think your stretching the premise pretty thin here.
- January 22, 2008 at 4:39 PM
I'd say that the sarcasm in the final panel can be understood through context, as this is something that Brent would not have remarked positively on. However, a tweak in Brent's facial expression may get the point across a little better (easier said then done I'm sure).
- January 22, 2008 at 4:39 PM
- James Zintel said...
So, Quiznos or Subway?
- January 22, 2008 at 4:41 PM
Jesus - who has this kind of time?
- January 22, 2008 at 4:46 PM
- Kevin said...
I actually kind of respect what Fake Scott McCloud has to say. He's got an opinion and he's putting it out there. Whether I agree or disagree with what he as to say makes no difference. He's decided to be critical.
It doesn't matter if FSM doesn't create his own webcomic. No one is calling for Gene Shallit to make his own movie instead of critiquing. The vast majority of people aren't programming their own operating systems when they're complaining about Windows.
I respect what FSM has to say because his critiques are more than just, "Sucked!" or "Gay!"
- January 22, 2008 at 4:47 PM
- Jim Cowling said...
Huh. Not only is PvP mediocre, but Kurtz has self-esteem issues. Kurtz, it is nearly impossible for an artist to respond to critics without looking like an ass. You don't have the chops to do so. Bow out.
And all of you PvP fanboys are doing nothing but putting a pathetic face on a community.
I read PvP every day. Sometimes it's great. Sometimes it stinks. Overall, it is mediocre. I came here from the PvP site to find criticism that is entirely fair and doesn't shuffle anywhere near the 'line' that Kurtz sees.
Suck it up, folks.
FSMC: I'd like to see you tackle, in more detail, the weaknesses of the Mary Worth/Rex Morgan serial style and how it applies to PvP, perhaps by taking an especialy weak storyline and a stronger storyline and analyzing their flows.
- January 22, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Fake scott! it's ok to not like pvp, but then you go and do this, instead of deleting the bookmark and never going back to pvp you make a blog. You citicise it and take everything way to seriously.
Your blog will now be targated by the readers of pvp, the link may disapear from the real scott's blog, but it will forever circle the forums. When you are defeated seen logic and given up,deciding to get a life and stop looking at the site as you hate it, their will still be pvp fans comming on here and tebaging your blog's corpse like n00b on 20 cans of red bull.
- January 22, 2008 at 4:55 PM
I think the emotion comes across just fine in the shape of Brent's brow and mouth.
- January 22, 2008 at 4:55 PM
- Rachard said...
Maybe we should make a website that criticizes the Fake Scott McCloud. Everytime he criticizes something, we in turn, analyze him down to his very last period. (pun intended)
Seriously, you read these comics for free. It doesn't cost you anything. Don't like it, don't read it. Use the extra time to get a life.
- January 22, 2008 at 5:04 PM
Huh. Interesting site - criticism has its role in art. For the record, it took me a little thought to realize that the "Nice!" was sarcastic. From the sound of Kurtz' comment I would have thought there was a lengthy critique of each strip.
That said, I have to wonder about the self-awareness of people who take the time to criticize someone for taking the time to criticize a web comic.
- January 22, 2008 at 5:07 PM
Why? Could it be Kurtz's old jilted high school sweetheart? A fledgling cartoonist who was spurned by Kurtz? A mental case who randomly picked on a popular webcomic to boost his self-esteem issues? Is he actually the REAL SCOTT MCCLOUD! Could this all be Kurtz's elaborate plan to boost traffic to his site - Muua-ha-haha!
- January 22, 2008 at 5:09 PM
Wow. How very sad.
- January 22, 2008 at 5:12 PM
- Gary Clair said...
I was wrong when I called you a "douchbag" earlier.
It's spelled "Douche Bag".. with an 'e' and it's two words.
PVP rules!!
Oh, and you don't have to call yourself the 'fake scott mccloud.'
You're not fooling anyone.
Scott McCloud is intelligent, insightful and articulate.
And you seem to be fighting off unconsciousness, insecurity and mental retardation.
Maybe you should call yourself the 'Opposite-Scott McCloud."
And instead of posting all your thoughts about PVP, and go through the trouble of re-captioning the jokes.. just write out "Me am not talented enough to make me own comic as good as PVP so me make fun of instead."
It's more direct and to the point Douche Bag! 2 words with an e.
- January 22, 2008 at 5:14 PM
C'mon guys, Scott Kurtz respects this dude's criticism, so let him vent his spleen. Anyone seen that website that picks apart For Better Or For Worse? Funny stuff!
Can we talk about the fact that Francis looks like some weird mutant insect-boy ever since his hair changed? (Check out today's "RePVP" to see the difference.)
- January 22, 2008 at 5:20 PM
Family Circus - Now that makes me sad!
- January 22, 2008 at 5:22 PM
I'm half-tempted to start my own blog, "'PVP Makes Me Sad' Makes Me Sad," picking apart all of your [mediocre and generally uninteresting, in my opinion] posts and using them to illustrate points I want to make about bloggers.
But I have a feeling that doing so would be mediocre and uninteresting, and would also make me sad.
Not to mention meta-humor is a total cliché.
- January 22, 2008 at 5:51 PM
I feel bad that everyone here is giving Fake Scott McCloud too rough of a time. Clearly he is a well read and culturally in tune gentleman.
I just get this strange feeling that this is all his attempt to impress Jodie Foster. Trust me dude, I get it. I've been there.
- January 22, 2008 at 5:55 PM
You know what's hilarious about these fanboy comments? They're about the critic, and not about the critique. Typically fanboy douchebagger at its finest.
You need not be a chef to know a fly doesn't belong in your gazpacho. You needn't be a master barber to know when your hair cut stinks. Nor, does anyone need to create a web comic to capably and articulately point out the flaws in a mediocre web comic by a ranting whiny lunatic like Kurtz.
By the way, TFSM, when do you think Kurtz will ever learn to use his black character? Maybe at the same time Buckley learns to use his linux reclusive character?
Nah. Hell will probably host the ice escapades before either of those things happens.
- January 22, 2008 at 6:14 PM
Why is this guy called fake scott mccloud when anti-mccloud sounds a lot better?
- January 22, 2008 at 6:19 PM
It's amusing how quickly Spork attacks Kurtz's character after lecturing the "PVP fanboys" about doing the same.
And, for the record, since nobody asked, I got the sarcasm right away. The frown on Brent's face was kind of a dead giveaway.
- January 22, 2008 at 6:26 PM
Aaaaw, I thinks someone needs a hug!
- January 22, 2008 at 6:38 PM
So you don't like a comic that much you dedicate a blog to it. Now that is some seriously dedicated anger, I mean I have found some truly awful stuff trawling the web but i just avoid it.
I'm curious if you didn't/don't like Chinese food would you got out everyday try a new dish and the write a blog about how much you didn't like it??
Still at least you have attracted attention to yourself. Like my mom always says if you can't be popular, funny or talented then write a blog about something people like. That's the way to make friends for life.
btw I quite like the web comic, but oddly found the print comic quite dull and lifeless. Maybe I'm as "special" as you.
- January 22, 2008 at 6:40 PM
- The Wax Lion said...
Good points here, Fake Scott. I stopped reading PvP a while back, but I do check in on it now and again--and happened to catch the link today.
Folks, if this dude wants to pull apart each panel of PvP that's up to him; there's a guy I know who does the same thing with "For Better or For Worse," rips each and every strip to bits on his blog. There's a place for this kind of meta-criticism, so long as it's thoughtful, and he's doing it here on his blog--not over on Scott's PvP blog, so as far as I see there's no cause for anybody to get up all in his grill about it.
Well, except for Real Scott McCloud. :)
- January 22, 2008 at 6:55 PM
I've read all of PVP, most of it twice. I still think there are many great stories and jokes to be found. But they are not in the last half or 2007, but way back in the past, about when the art changes completely to nearly (francis hair) what it is now. THOSE were great.
So I hope we can read a fair critique here, no fanboys (except in the comments), and no blatant hate for hate's sake. I don't want to read "I hated todays comic". Ever. Give me a reason.
- January 22, 2008 at 6:55 PM
I use to read PVP every day, but it seems like the art has been sucking or lazy to me in the past year or so. Scott is really phoning it in, which this critic is pointing out a lot. I got the feeling Scott has too many other things going on and the strip has suffered because of all the other bells and whistles.
- January 22, 2008 at 7:17 PM
This all seems pretty fair. I read PvP from time to time, it's fine.
- January 22, 2008 at 7:58 PM
- Clint said...
Recieving well-reasoned and well-articulated criticism is like getting a free seminar from someone.
I like to think you want PVP to improve (the opposite of love being indifference) and appreciate your effort.
There's a lot to be said for criticism that goes beyond the Beavis and Butthead level of "This rules" or "This sucks."
- January 22, 2008 at 8:06 PM
- Chad said...
I disagree with the critique. Nice blog tho.
It's cool to have a stalking hobby.
- January 22, 2008 at 8:16 PM
- earwax said...
"...I do not understand PVP's continued great success as the writing for the strip barely stands up to Garfield."
Well, you're clearly doing your best to be an asshole. I don't buy for a second that you prefer Garfield over PvP. And it's sad so many people are leaving comments that agree with your posts. Guys, stop adopting the opinions of anyone more well spoken than you. Learn to understand the intent of the writer. Or at least have the decency to form your own opinions.
I follow PvP because it's consistent, and unlike many other webcomics, it updates regularly. PvP isn't my favorite strip. Never has been, never will be. This isn't a real dilemma for me, because checking my favorite webcomics in the morning doesn't have to be a profound experience. Because they're comic strips. Not the intense mindfucks you imagine they should be. They have punchlines and amusing drawings. Get over yourself.
I'm guessing you're a cartoonist. The only reason I can think of for hiding your identity is that your work couldn't stand up to the same kind of criticism that you're dishing out.
- January 22, 2008 at 8:41 PM
- chadkevinkeithnickleestevejohn said...
Good evening gentleblogs.
You guys need to stop all fighting, get with together, and collectively download bish?!
Are we joking??!!? I don't know, I don't understand sarcasm??!!!!!
Also, this scott guy is not funny either, he should bish his strip up so that relating to mr. Fake Bish McBish more so that together having happiness, will be.
<pylon>Does not attack.</pylon>
- January 22, 2008 at 8:41 PM
Fake Scott, you're just jealous you're not as talented or near successful as Scott Kurtz. It's okay. A blog will give you the impression that your famous and popular sometimes.
- January 22, 2008 at 8:57 PM
Scott, I will assume you read this.
My only criticism of the strip in question is that it seems pretty mean (like, out of character mean) for Cole to say something like that about his best friend.
That's all.
- January 22, 2008 at 8:57 PM
While structured well, your argument goes down the hole early, rendering the rest of it utterly irrelevant.
You can tell that Brent's upset; a mere look at his eyebrow tells you. It's subtle, but easily noticed.
- January 22, 2008 at 9:00 PM
I think it's really cool of scott to have shown us all this without a call to arms. Critics exist, at least this guy is doing it with intelligence. If scott is able to generate this type of criticism I think it is a sure sign that PVP is going to be around for a loong time to come.
Good for Scott Kurtz, good for the fake scott mccloud if he is the fake scott mccloud.
- January 22, 2008 at 9:03 PM
i love the internet!
- January 22, 2008 at 9:15 PM
I love Pvp and I love Scott McCloud. And you, sir, are no Scott McCloud. 100 level English classes do not an insightful critic make. Stop practicing your new found attitude on . . . some random readers who are only even modestly interested in your writing because 1) it refers to something they already enjoy created by 2) the author who linked to your work. Nver mind. Don't worry about it. Keep riding the coat tails of the real Scotts.
On the other hand, I wonder:
Are you -- actually -- OLD MAN CARRUTHERS?! I mean -- Scott KURTZ?! Multiple Personality Disorder made manifest or just the nagging critic inside your head given voice? Is this the means by which your fans can assert themselves, their love, and, maybe, honest criticism without getting all wrapped up in the "fishing for complements" accusation?
Or is this Gabe and Tyco and Scott playing with their audiences? Something. There's a trick here -- its just a bit fishy. Somehow wven after years of trolling the internet I find it hard to believes that anyone could be this methodically petty. I obviously have no capacity to learn from my experiences. I guess the internet really does make you stupid.
- January 22, 2008 at 9:42 PM
- January 22, 2008 at 9:43 PM
kay, as a sexually active female I would just like to say that you will probably never get a bit of pussy with that attitude. You are kind of acting like a 14 year old girl who has just started the rag and doesn't know how to deal with it.
Calm the fuck down and stop being such a bloody cunt fart.
- January 22, 2008 at 9:49 PM
- Windier E. Megatons said...
You're welcome to your opinion, but... there is literally no way the sarcasm would not be clear in this strip unless you did not know what sarcasm was. Never read the strip before? Doesn't matter, you can tell from the dialogue that Cole is the best man and that, since he has disparaged Brent, Brent is being sarcastic when he lauds his own choice of best man. Maybe if you received a blow to the head between panel 3 and panel 4, you would be confused.
- January 22, 2008 at 9:57 PM
Wow . . . I think Scott was very generous to link to your blog from his page. I read your last two posts, and I can't take any more. Regarding your most recnet post: Brent's sarcasm was clear as day for me. If you missed it, I don't think we can take you seriously as a "critic." Regarding your previous post: how can you complain about how poorly written and derivative PvP is, only to turn around and complain that he doesn't follow the standard cartoon formula for a character eating something unpleasant?
If you had something valuable to add, I could understand an angry blog on a topic. If you were just rambling, but doing it with no ill-will, you might be funny. But your poorly-constructed criticisms, dripping with vitriol, make me ill (and please note: I'm not a big PvP fan . . . I read it because it is OK, and only takes a moment). I would say that you should rethink this blog, but I suspect that rethinking your overall philosophy on life might be more productive.
I'm sure you will ignore this post, and I'm sure you won't care when I say I won't be returning.
- January 22, 2008 at 9:57 PM
- Sean said...
I am relieved that someone out there feels the same way about PvP as me. I'm actually a fan and I read it daily, but for the last year or so the quality of the comic's writing has declined significantly.
I always felt as if Scott's comic suffered due to his other endevaors taking up so much of his time. The comic seems to be more about drawn out story arcs planned out weeks in advance than actually delieverying the funny on a regular basis.
I will always be a regular PvP reader, if only because Scott is a nice guy (I stop by his booth every year at comic con too). I just wish he would go back to making funny comics instead of making half assed podcasts and videos that only a fraction of his fan base bothers with.
- January 22, 2008 at 10:55 PM
When one criticizes the critic it does not have to mean that he or she is a fanboy "defending" something.
Problem with this guy here is that his critique is extremely shallow. He writes many words but speak of very little.
The whole thing is so badly written that I could almost say that its Kris having fun with the nature of the internet.
This blog stand's compared to for instance demonbaby blog how some kids fast noodling on guitar stands to John Petruccis solos.
Even thou my main interest is jazz, I really like Dream Theather.
Even thou I don't fit by force art or anything for that matter thru the hole that leads to my liking-space, I do like for instance demonbaby because while he might be doing just that sometimes, he does it in a way that makes me both laugh and want to scroll down to read it all.
If a kid would jump into my room and start to play some shit on an electric guitar but with a JP haircut I would think "shit that sucks".
When I have read all the posts in this blog I thought exactly the same.
What makes me load the PVP page a few times a day is the fact that it nicely stimulates my brain. I like to read the blog post there, hear the podcast, read the strip.
Webcomics like PVP and CAD are in their base only empty shapes where the creators of them get inside and try to fit properly. Now I don't read CAD and I do read PVP. That is mainly because with CAD I don't like the artist, the shapes are nothing special and what is very apparent, the creator takes someone's other shape, changes it a bit and then try to somehow fit into it, but he does not fit well.
With Kurtz and PVP I think that PVP fits around Kurtz rather than the other way around and I like that.
I don't want to read the 5000 strip about some gamer problems, it was funny when I first saw stuff like that but pvp have moved forward.
What is important to note is that just like Miles Davis practically "created" some styles in jazz, Scott Kurtz practically invented some styles in webcomics and just like Miles he moved onwards.
It would be exceptionally not appealing for me if SK would try to be younger 20 years and go for the teens that want to see yokes about people getting drunk and about larra croft's boobs.
The old PVP was awesome because it was a novelty then, the new PVP is awesome in a different way.
Just like while growing up your tastes in food changes.
That does not mean that your new tastes are the more "mature" ones, it just means that you both need something else and you already had enough of the old stuff.
Maybe I do miss something but all this blog and this "critique" is just some mumbo jumbo.
Its like someone would want to sell me lemon lime flavored water after I asked about mortgages, its irrelevant.
- January 22, 2008 at 11:14 PM
Grow Up and quit drinking your parents milk.
- January 22, 2008 at 11:48 PM
- Jai said...
To answer the "Why don't you just stop reading PVP instead of putting actual effort into a blog that details how PVP could be better" crowd:
Why don't you guys just stop reading this blog instead of putting actual effort (Well, so I assume) into typing "douche" repeatedly? Well, that's somewhat rhetorical. It's obvious that many of you DID stop reading this blog, somewhere in-between "starting to read this blog" and "two minutes later". You guys are the equivalent of the guy on YouTube who cried about how mean people were being to Britney Spears. You guys are huge fans of Mr. Kurtz. That's fine. Nobody's asking you not to be. You'll make yourselves look better if you don't swarm a link Mr. Kurtz labels as "Constructive criticism" with insults, though. It's possible he was being snarky by posting the link on PVPonline.com, but I like the guy myself, and prefer to think more highly of him than that.
To answer the "Why do you use a dumb nickname and hide your identity, you must be hiding from something. Or maybe you're just no good at whatever it is you REALLY do" crowd:
Hello. Welcome to the internet. Practically ALL of you are using fake names, and a good number of you are not using ANY kind of name. You react as if the author has spent years of his life developing this blog and slaving away over details. Or, perhaps, you just feel that blogging is an excerise in futility. How much more apparent can you make it that you yourselves are unused to effort? You haven't taken the effort to read this blog. You haven't taken the effort to think any of this through. You haven't taken the effort to see that the author of this blog has some very helpful ideas that could improve PVPonline. You think this guy's being mean to Mr. Kurtz? Thank God you haven't managed to stumble upon someone who's TRYING to be mean, then, like "Your Webcomic is Bad and You Should Feel Bad".
This all seems like quite the uproar for some guy who's spent a little time pointing out some small stuff.
- January 23, 2008 at 12:40 AM
C'mon guys, Scott Kurtz respects this dude's criticism,
No he doesn't, if he did he wouldn't post this thing on his site. Scott isn't stupid, he knew all the fanboys woud come over here and defend him.
Why be the annoying petty guy who isn't capable of taking criticism when you can send your minions to get your point across.
The poster has a point, PvP isn't perfect, popularity is not a reference for quality.
Some of his criticism is accurate, others not so much.
I have been reading PvP for years now, and there have been a lot of moments where the comic failed to live up to my expactations story-wise.
- January 23, 2008 at 12:40 AM
WOW an obsessed fanboy critique, they're like 1:1,324,786 of all comic readers! congratulations scott, you have approximately 1,324,786 viewers. (give or take 217,564). Whereas the fake scott mccloud has 600 profile views. I'm guessing only 20% of viewers actually look at his profile giving him 3,000 viewers. I reckon 95% of people who view pvp like it and only 50% of people who visit this site enjoy it. giving the fake scott mccloud a mere 1,500 viewers and scott 1,280,000 viewers (give or take 200,000)
Scott is clearly the winner
Notice: no statistics here are actually from real sources
- January 23, 2008 at 1:04 AM
- Feiff said...
Hmmm... I can't say that I agree with the all the negative things you say about PvP-comic, but you do have some minor points here and there though. Making an entire blog about it though, that is somewhat over the top. Heh... Scott is probably right, you are perhaps his biggest fan.
- January 23, 2008 at 1:23 AM
I call shenanigans.
No one can be this pathetic.
- January 23, 2008 at 1:25 AM
It's true that PvP, like countless other strips, relies heavily on reduced character designs which transport emotional states mostly through the reader's effort to read a reaction into them. Considering that a daily schedule is hard to uphold, it's a valid "tool" to lighten the cartoonist's work - and, let's make this clear, none that's superior to graphic subtlety. Insofar this bit of criticism is "valid".
However, and this is where the criticism of the criticism starts, accusing a single cartoon panel of being potentially ambiguous or unclear is neither very original nor is it, as mentioned above, something plaguing PvP exclusively.
No matter the degree of graphic subtlety, or lack thereof, every drawing can be reduced to mere lines, or an accumulation of positive and negative spaces forming a motif. It is always up to the observer to interpret the information.
The way in which this entry in particular presents its criticism strongly reminds me of the way John Kricfalusi (Ren & Stimpy, Ripping Friends) rants about animated cartoons, not the way Scott McCloud theorizes about comics. The differences are, however, that Kricfalusi is an animation artist himself who doesn't hesitate to show how he thinks things should be done, and that he doesn't focus on one kind of animated cartoon exclusively. Bottom line: if the cranial effort behind these PvP-related rants was evenly distributed to all the Ziggies and Garfields in the world, this blog might actually hold up longer and maybe even develop into a varied and constructive look on an art form.
- January 23, 2008 at 1:40 AM
- Adam Prentis said...
A very level-headed and detailed criticism. So long as you don't fall into ranting, I'm saying thumbs up to a) an excercise in comics criticism b) an analysis of one of the popular webcomics and c) a refreshing kick in eyes for Scott and the readers, that is always needed from time to time.
- January 23, 2008 at 3:05 AM
- Scott said...
(Another scott).
You realize, of course, that the sarcasm is evident in the context of the situation.
Why would Brent think he DID pick the right best man after overhearing this insult Cole levied upon his best friend?
- January 23, 2008 at 3:08 AM
I happen to like Mr. Kurtz' strip, have for years. I think the best thing we can do for this "Fake" guy is to give him what he wants... The SlashDot Effect!
- January 23, 2008 at 4:49 AM
Your dialogue needs work. Scott's is much better.
- January 23, 2008 at 5:02 AM
- Scott Hamilton said...
I think that the first word "Nice!" which is used in the current language by most expresses the sarcasm just fine.
I respect another's opinion but am perplexed as to why you're focusing so much attention on analyzing PVP only.
- January 23, 2008 at 5:05 AM
what most of the people who are defending this blog don't understand is that it's not the actual criticism that's mind boggling here. it's the fact that that's ALL THERE IS ON THIS BLOG. clearly there's some sort of personal issue this person has against the strip which goes beyond just criticism. it's clearly some sort of grudge that this so called "fake scott mccloud" is just using to get attention. it's sad, really.
- January 23, 2008 at 5:14 AM
69 days until we see the truth?
- January 23, 2008 at 5:30 AM
All this criticism and no one really bothers to ask AGAIN: What in the world is the "Mary Worth Syndrome"???
- January 23, 2008 at 5:44 AM
You suggest he has no life, yet you've all taken the time to read his blog. Pot, meet Kettle.
- January 23, 2008 at 6:01 AM
- James said...
I love the last panel! I was wondering if I could gank it for an icon.
"Dude! Sarcasm requires effort!"
- January 23, 2008 at 6:05 AM
I think the problem here is you've crossed from critiquing his comic, into wanting to write it yourself.
If you can draw, make your own comic, if you can't, learn.
I think you are missing the point of life here.
- January 23, 2008 at 6:12 AM
Guys, I almost hate to add to the posts, but somebody at least has to TRY to stop the madness. I guarantee that when this guy sees the 75 posts that you made, his first thought will not be "OH NO! PEOPLE THINK I'M DUMB!"
More likely it will be "cool, 75 hits."
I'm not sure what Scott was thinking posting to this site either, but then again, I don't personally know the guy.
Just a thought though... if a guy who writes critiques of webcomics has no life, what does that make somebody who writes critiques of somebody who writes critiques of webcomics. Then again, here I am writing a critique about people writing a critique about some guy writing a critique about a webcomic... my head hurts.
- January 23, 2008 at 6:33 AM
to "lol are all funny"
the argument about people commenting here having no life either is ridiculous. this guy's spent hours critiquing scott's strip. it takes me 5 minutes to skim through this blog, and an extra 30 seconds to make this post.
to think that i have no life for replying to this? that's just idiotic on your part
and yeah, this fake scott mccloud clearly has no life.
- January 23, 2008 at 7:02 AM
- Bardy said...
As someone who frequently reads webcomics (my favourites are , , , and Penny Arcade), I must say that PvP does have the weakest writing of any of the popular ones that I've encountered. It really is around the level of Garfield sometimes.
However, that being said, I still get a chuckle now and then. I get a chuckle from Garfield now and then. Sure, it's usually subpar, but if it has moments that make you laugh, it's worth it, right?
My point is...I see your idea with this blog, but PvP isn't really a worthy target to pick apart. It's not awful. It's not even that bad. It's just mediocre is all, which, as everyone from Oasis to Jim Davis knows, is not really a crime.
- January 23, 2008 at 7:05 AM
- Bardy said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- January 23, 2008 at 7:09 AM
Sarcasim not only requires effort, but context.
I'm hardly a fan of PvP, but I don't hate it either. There are story arcs to it, and any reader can go back and start on one, and read through. If they don't want to do that, then the probably aren't going to enjoy the strip.
Taking a line out of context from the rest of the strip makes it ambiguous.
But please continue. Searching for minute details to deride in someone elses work is the sign of a brilliant mind.
Can you follow that, or should I put the above comment in some sort of sarcastic lettering.
- January 23, 2008 at 7:36 AM
- Lee Cherolis said...
Fan Boys VS Haters, and there can be no winner. I have only myself to blame for reading every comment.
Does FSM have no life? The blog is still pretty new, started in December, and blogs don't take a lot to start these days. Some of these reactions might have weight if this guys been doing this for years. He could be doing all this on his lunch break.
It's a little sad to see the point of the critiquing exercise missed by so many, including the Critic himself. Critiquing is best when it's an open dialog. Why isn't the Critic responding to comments? Why aren't people discussing the strip, rather than attacking each other?
This guy isn't wrong in his opinions of PVP, while it would be nice to see his motivations explained. How can we know for sure if his posts are in earnest or created for the sole purpose of upsetting the PVP fanbase?
If Kurtz is serious about taking this guys criticisms to heart, it shows a real willingness to conquer his own self-admitted complacency in his work. I hope he didn't just say so while sending his readers to take the critic down.
As for FSM, if you're intentions are honorable, and they need to be so to lend credibility to this exercise, you wouldn't have taken so many opportunities to incite these attacks. The name of your blog, the screen name, the aggressive put downs of the work...
All of these point to you asking for a flame war.
Good luck with your blog, I might visit again, because controversy is interesting, but I'm much more likely to continue regularly following all things Kurtz.
See? I'm a PVP Fan Boy and we're not all horrible.
- January 23, 2008 at 7:38 AM
- The Shark said...
I totally understood this panel on my first reading. Scott was detailed enough to include Brent's furrowed eyebrow in his profile, which gives us the expression on his face, which in turn lets us understand the sarcasm in his words.
I do agree with a lot of your other critiques in other posts, but not this one.
- January 23, 2008 at 7:43 AM
I agree with you wholeheartedly, man. I two have somehow fallen into PVP and read it for years, but I thought that I was the only one who found it mediocre. It's like the pap I read when I've read all the webcomics I like - the filler that keeps me going.
- January 23, 2008 at 8:18 AM
THANK YOU for being the voice of reason in this insane world that gives PVP so much attention. I read it every day, and for no other reason than the other strips out there are either written even worse, have no artistic value of note, or don't come out often enough to be interesting. PVP is like the bad sitcom that you're just used to watching, and since you know the characters and (predictable) plot lines, you just keep watching it, rather than try out a new sitcom for a few weeks (or months). Far preferable is scary go round, which keeps a consistent (weekday) schedule, has MUCH better writing, and British humour, which garners extra points.
In any case, thank you for this blog, I'll be coming back often.
- January 23, 2008 at 8:19 AM
FSM, your blog is fascinating and excellent criticism. It's great that Scott Kurtz takes it seriously, but it's a shame he couldn't do so quietly, instead of inadvertently setting his fans on you like rabid dogs.
- January 23, 2008 at 8:27 AM
- John said...
The others say "analysis".. well i say pure stupidity :P Worse even... philosophy...
If your friend says your a irresponsible looser, and ur not going to marry the girl you love...
i mean.. you just CANT be sarcastic about that :P Bren overreacted but he thought the right way...
Thats what makes PVP better than the daily newspaper Garfield strip, the Characters Evolve, their like real people, Just like a Sitcom...
Ehh... well you suck... you cant even figure out a decent nick...
k.. Bye.. ;P
- January 23, 2008 at 8:39 AM
- cheesesoda said...
People seem to like embracing relativism. Just because you don't like the comic doesn't mean that you just have to completely ignore it. It's this kind of attitude that makes people complacent and we become ignorant to things around us.
The funny thing is most of these people while want to support the idea that you should ignore something you don't like instead of making it known that you don't like it... are fucking hypocrites. They're bitching at you for posting your opinion when they're doing the same. Hypocrisy is so fun!
Now, I certainly don't think that there's really anything to be gained by writing a blog about one webcomic and what's wrong with it. I don't think I could ever agree with half of your assumptions, but just as I'm doing by commenting you, you have every right to post as you are. Everybody else just needs to shut up and take their own advice and just leave it alone.
- January 23, 2008 at 8:40 AM
Just seems like your trying to piggyback of Scott's work with your critics, perhaps people would view your work better if you reviewed a number of webcomics or linked some of your own work(?).It would make it less obvious that your just doing this for the shock value of 'sticking it to the man'.
- January 23, 2008 at 9:15 AM
- Johnny Mastronardi said...
Oh, come on people. Criticism is good and even necessary for art. Stop being fanboys. If there are things that could be improved upon in PVP, let the man speak. Just because you enjoy the strip doesn't mean its flawless. Personally, I find many of the criticisms accurate, even though I still read and enjoy PVP.
- January 23, 2008 at 9:27 AM
I hope this doesn't get lost in the morass of immaturity, but here it goes:
I've been reading PvP for years, I've enjoyed the humor and the characters. I've most enjoyed his attempts at bringing a more serious attitude to his otherwise slapstick characters. I feel that over time, I've come to know these characters fairly well. You said that perhaps the artist has grown too close to his own characters. I don't know about him, but I sure have. I can't honestly think of a reaction the character Brent would have had there other than hurt outrage, expressed typically through sarcasm. Sure he (Mr. Kurtz) may have left it ambiguous for newer or less frequent readers, but in time, when his intended atmosphere becomes more obvious, this strip will be an example of the behavior of his characters. It'll be more obvious to people who read this storyline what the likely meaning is the next time a slightly ambiguous panel comes along. The readers understanding of the characters will grow overall.
At least, that's what I think.
- January 23, 2008 at 10:30 AM
- Rachel said...
I had the same problem with this strip. Scott is currently obsessed with drawing his characters from behind to achieve a more three dimensional look but in this case it really hurt the story. I know the characters well enough to guess correctly how it is meant but it doesn't read well.
- January 23, 2008 at 11:14 AM
"kay, as a sexually active female I would just like to say that you will probably never get a bit of pussy with that attitude. You are kind of acting like a 14 year old girl who has just started the rag and doesn't know how to deal with it.
Calm the fuck down and stop being such a bloody cunt fart."
I might just say, that if that actually IS a female, it's not. No female would be that fucking stupid.
As for the blog, I never really thought about it before, but you brought up some cogent points. The 'Kahn' reference was sorta badly put in there, and the end of the Santa arc was pointless.
The rest of you, shame on yourselves. fucking SHAME!
- January 23, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Man! I wasted all this time reading this blog when I could have been playing with my XBOX 360!
I have but one word for this blog:
- January 23, 2008 at 3:01 PM
xI agree with a lot of what is being said by FSM. I mean, I LIKE PVP and log in nearly every day. But it just hasn't been very good for a long, long time.
Could be that Scott is phoning it in because he has other projects going, could be because he has run out of good ideas, could be that I've just outgrown comic strips.
In any case, I have to say that FSM is showing a whole lot more class here than the fans of PVP. Scott, take this more seriously than your fanbase. Someone has taken the time to give a good organized critique of your work and has given solid reason why he is critiquing it. Take it to heart and improve your strip, lest you be left with ONLY the fanboy base that is showing no class.
- January 23, 2008 at 3:36 PM
Rex, it's obvious that your grasp of sarcasm is about as strong as Kurtz's.
- January 23, 2008 at 5:00 PM
I must say that those of you wasting time flaming have less of a life than you accuse FSMC of having.
I'd call his analysis more of a hobby than an obsession. That being said, it takes a lot of guts to post his thoughts like this. Same with Scott K, for those of you that haven't published anything it takes a lot of nerve to step past that boundary of "maybe it's not good enough" and "what if no one likes it."
I can't say that PVP is my favorite comic, but it is a regular stop along with 3 others. While it may have slid down from it's original material, so what? The characters have grown and changed. There's a line between Mary Worth and Garfield, to me, PVP skirts it.
Kudos, FSMC. :)
- January 23, 2008 at 8:15 PM
I guess my thing is that sarcasm is just a bit of an under-reaction, it rings hollow. Your oldest, best friend who you've asked to be best man has just expressed a total lack of confidence in you, and all you have to say is "nice?"
That's what you say when someone drops their lunch tray, not when they stab you in the back.
- January 23, 2008 at 8:56 PM
I'm guessing Fake Scott is Gabe, or possibbly Tycho, having some fun. Things have been too quiet on the PA v. PvP front lately, and a fancy lad could get bored...
- January 24, 2008 at 5:45 AM
- The Fake Ms. McCloud said...
I actually don't tend to read comment threads that closely, usually because they're usually pretty repetitive. I actually failed to scan this one until today.
I'm only pointing this out so that it's known that I did not, in fact, intend to rip off someone else's idea. Honest to God. And I'm really glad to see I wasn't the only one with this inclination, either. Precious little seriously pisses me off online anymore, but somehow this blog just makes me want to smack someone.
- March 8, 2008 at 7:01 PM


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DALLAS (AP) — A day before sharing the stage with his Republican predecessor, President Barack Obama raised money for Democrats at a supporter's sprawling home in Texas.
Even as he sought to build up his party on Wednesday, Obama hinted at a more bipartisan tone set to envelop Dallas on Thursday, when the Obamas attend the dedication ceremony for former President George W. Bush's presidential library. He vigorously defended the Republican whose record as president he derided in both of his presidential campaigns.
"One of the things I will insist upon is that whatever our political differences, President Bush loves this country and loves his people, and shares that same concern, and is concerned about all people in America," Obama said. "Not just some. Not just those who voted Republican."
Riffing on immigration, education, gay rights and women's issues, Obama likened the Democratic Party's values to those displayed by Americans who rushed to help strangers in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings and the fertilizer plant explosion last week in West, Texas.
"The Democratic Party, at its best, tries to give expression to that," Obama said.
He lamented that the sense of national unity and communal obligation that often follows such tragedies evaporates so quickly. "Wouldn't it be something if we could somehow capture and sustain that spirit beyond tragedy?" he said.
Obama and first lady Michelle Obama arrived in Dallas on Wednesday, greeting supporters who gathered to welcome him to this heavily Republican state before headlining a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee, still millions in debt from fueling Obama's re-election victory in November.
About 60 donors paid between $10,000 to $32,000 per ticket, said a Democratic official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss party finances. Hosting the event was Naomi Aberly, a major Obama fundraiser and prominent supporter of Planned Parenthood who credited Obama for working to protect women's reproductive rights. Former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk, who was Obama's first-term U.S trade representative, also attended.
"Occasionally I may make some of you angry, because I am going to reach out to Republicans. I am going to keep on doing it, even if some of you guys think I'm a sap," Obama said. "But what I also believe in is that when Democrats have the opportunity to set the agenda and we don't have a country where just a few are doing really, really well, we have a country where everybody has a chance to do well."
Obama has made a point on recent trips outside Washington of raising money for his party, following through on a commitment to mount a concerted effort to help Democratic candidates in 2014. With a divided Congress still standing in the way of much of the time, Obama hopes that victory for Democratic candidates next year will shore up prospects for realizing his second-term agenda during his last two years in office.
"Unfortunately, right now, Washington — how do I put this charitably?" Obama said. "It's not as functional as it should be. It could do better."
Before returning to Washington on Thursday, Obama will also travel to Baylor University in Waco, Texas, for a memorial service for victims of the fertilizer plant explosion last week in the nearby town of West. The blast left 14 people dead and hundreds more injured.
Reach Josh Lederman on Twitter at http://twitter.com/joshledermanAP


text:
May Contain Spoilers
I haven't read anything by Lisa Renee Jones before, so I was eager to start Play with Me. From the first sentence I was sucked into the story. I loved Kali's voice. She's a no nonsense young woman who knows what she wants, and she's not afraid to work to achieve her goals. After suffering a major setback in her plan to reboot her life, she takes a temporary position as Damion's personal assistant. She quickly discovers that he's a beast to work for. An attractive beast, but a beast none the less! Relying on a strong sense of self, though, she quickly lets him know she won't let him push her around.
The sexual tension sizzles, and both Kali and Damion try to keep their attraction in check. Kali doesn't want to give gossip to the rumor mill, and the thought of sleeping with her boss doesn't sit well with her. Try as she might, though, she can't deny that all she wants to do is rip off his clothes and play out every naughty daydream she's entertained, with Damion taking center stage. The push and pull between them is occasionally maddening, but Jones draws you right into Kali's head, so you know exactly what she's thinking and exactly what she wants.
In addition to fending off her blazing desire for Damion, Kali finds herself in the middle of a suspected embezzling case. Something fishy is going on at the casinos Damion's in charge of, and Kali's first hint that something's very wrong in Damion's kingdom includes being locking in a hotel room for most of the day with no contact with the outside world. She's pissed about her treatment during the casino lockdown, and who can blame her? Her introduction to her employment at the casinos totally sucked. Her first encounter with HR had her wasting most of the day while the indifferent staff ignored her, and then, BAM! solitary confinement. Not a great start to her new job, and not a great start to her new life!
The resolution of the corporate intrigue felt a bit rushed, as did Kali's offer to expose Damion's misdeeds and write an expose on the casinos after a chance meeting with a former employee. Despite these quibbles, Play with Me is an entertaining read featuring a demanding man who gets what he wants, and an equally forceful woman who knows what she wants. Part of the story takes place during Thanksgiving, but I didn't find the holiday flavor very strong, so if you were avoiding Play with Me because you don't like holiday themed stories, you won't have an issue here.
Grade: B
Review copy provided by publisher
From Amazon:
Heating Up the Holidays 3-Story Bundle (Play with Me, Snowfall, and After Midnight): A Loveswept Contemporary Romance
PLAY WITH ME by Lisa Renee Jones
Kali Miller has spent three years reporting fluff stories, waiting for the article that will launch her career to new heights. When she suddenly finds herself forced to take a job as an executive secretary at a Vegas casino, Kali meets the subject of what will surely be a shocking exposé: her boss, Damion Ward, the arrogant and undeniably sexy CEO. But after Damion invites her to help him plan a Thanksgiving charity event, Kali begins to see another side of the man. And when she surrenders to the exhilarating tension simmering between them, Kali hopes her story will have a happy ending.


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text:
Printing with E-coli and Charging Students to Print Homework
Published on April 7, 2017
Frank has a potpourri of items to rail against, especially printing with e-coli bacterium. He also rants against charging students for printing homework assignments.
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14 Ways To Double Your iPhone's Battery Life
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text:
Stepping outside on an April evening, you'll notice many more bright stars in the western sky than in the east. Those bright stars in the west are the stars of winter, still high in the west at dusk because winter officially ended about a month ago.
Orion, the Hunter, remains well placed for observing. As you watch him set in the west, his three-starred 'belt' seems parallel to the horizon, with the brighter stars Betelgeuse and Rigel above and below the belt, respectively. Extend a line to the right from the belt. This line points to Aldebaran, which marks the eye of Taurus, the Bull. As the sky darkens, notice the dim V-shaped cluster right under Albebaran, marking the Bull's face. Go back to Orion's belt, and this time extend a line to the left. In this direction, Orion's belt points at Sirius, the Dog Star, which is the brightest star we ever see at night. Forming an almost equilateral triangle with Sirius and Betelgeuse is Procyon, the Little Dog Star.
Standing over Orion as he sets in the west are the Twins of Gemini. Look for two stars of roughly equal brightness and less then 5 degrees apart. (Three fingers held together at arm's length is about five degrees). These stars are Castor and Pollux, marking the twins' heads. To the right of Gemini are stars in the form of a pentagon–the stars of Auriga, the Charioteer. The brightest star in Auriga is Capella.
| Photo Credit:
April is the last full month to observe this swath of brilliant stars; they begin leaving the evening sky in May. Not only does this set of stars include six of the twelve brightest stars at night, but it also includes at least one example of each spectral class of star. Astronomers classify stars into seven spectral classes in order from hottest to coolest: O, B, A, F, G, K, and M. "Oh Be A Fine Girl/Guy, Kiss Me" is the most common phrase we use to remember the order.
Astronomers learn what a star is made of by producing a spectrum of its light and noting which wavelengths are absorbed. Black lines across the continuous rainbow spectrum indicate particular wavelengths absorbed, which correspond to particular gasses in the star.
In the 1890 Draper Catalog of Stellar Spectra, Williamina Fleming divided stars into fifteen categories from A to O based on the presence of hydrogen lines in the stars' spectra. Only much later did astronomers figure out the more interesting relationship between a star's spectrum and its temperature. Annie Jump Cannon of Harvard eliminated redundant categories and merged others, leaving us with the seven modern categories in the current order.
The hottest stars are bluish and the coolest stars are reddish, with pure white stars in between. This may sound counter-intuitive at first. If you think about it, however, you probably know that 'white hot' is hotter than 'red hot', and that the hottest flames are bluish.
In the sky tonight, the three stars of Orion's belt are O stars. Rigel is a 'B' star, while Betelgeuse is in the coolest 'M' class. Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, is an 'A' star. The Little Dog Star Procyon is an F star. Capella in Auriga is a G star (as is our Sun). The bull's eye, Aldebaran is a K star. At first glance, all stars look white to us, since starlight is scarcely bright enough to stimulate the color-detecting cones of our eye. When a bright M star is close to a bright O or B star, however, you often can see the difference by contrasting the two. I invite you then, to contrast Betelgeuse and Rigel in the sky and see if you notice a difference in color.
| Photo Credit:
Sabrina Campagna
We often describe G stars such as our Sun as yellow. The Sun's rays even look yellowish when we accidentally glimpse it through, say, a canopy of leaves. However, sunlight is in fact white. The yellow in the Sun's rays is an illusion created by our atmosphere.
The Sun emits light of a wide range of wavelengths, including all colors of visible light. This light interacts with the molecules of gas making up our atmosphere. A molecule of gas, though, is much smaller than the wavelength of visible light. As a result, the shorter the wavelength of the light, the more likely that the light will be absorbed or redirected after interacting with an air molecule. This is called 'scattering'.
|Photo Credit: law_kevan
We often use the mnemonic device ROY G. BIV to teach the order of the colors in the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. (By the way, we rarely use 'indigo' in any other context; Isaac Newton slipped it in because he really wanted seven as opposed to six colors). This is the order from longest wavelength (red) to shortest (violet). Therefore, our atmosphere scatters violet and blue light much more than the other colors–this is why our sky is blue. Although violet light is even more scattered than blue light, the sky does not look violet to us because our eyes are less sensitive to violet light than to blue light.
Now that the heavy rains have passed, we're in for a spate of clear weather this week (of April 20). I invite you to enjoy the clear blue sky and watch a sunset or two. And of course, keep watching after sunset as all those bright stars appear in the west. As you learn to appreciate them, the colors in the sky become as fascinating as those in the flowers on the ground.