(From The Associated Press)
Lafayette, Louisiana's CAJUNDOME was looking for volunteers to flush more than 200 toilets in the building.
About 70 volunteers were needed to participate in THE GREAT CAJUNDOME FLUSHOFF set for 6 pm on December 27th.
The Cajundome and CONVENTION CENTER housed as many as 17,000 evacuees of hurricanes KATRINA and RITA for 58 days ending October 26th. That many people in the facility 24 hours a day took a toll on the arena's plumbing system.
Cajundome Director GREG DAVIS said THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) has denied a request to inspect the sewer system with a camera.
So, to test the plumbing before hosting an event in January,
a minimum of 70 volunteers are needed to spend 15 to 20 minutes flushing toilet paper down 220 or so toilets and testing urinals.
Scott O'Leary, thanks for the post.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Season's Screenings
(From The Hartford Courant -- By Susan Dunne)
The presents are opened. Ornaments are broken. The stockings lie empty on the candy-wrapper-strewn floor. The phone calls have been made. The ham is history.
After weeks of preparation, everything you had planned to do on Christmas is done. The afterglow has turned into tedium. Even the dog is bored.
But the night is young. How to fill the hours?
In increasing numbers, Americans are jumping in the car and going to the movies around the holidays.
"There's nothing a family enjoys together more than to be told a story gathered around a fire," says ZVI COLE, spokesman for CROWN THEATRES, which has two locations in Hartford.
"Going to a movie and all sharing the story is basically the same thing."
Season's Screenings
The presents are opened. Ornaments are broken. The stockings lie empty on the candy-wrapper-strewn floor. The phone calls have been made. The ham is history.
After weeks of preparation, everything you had planned to do on Christmas is done. The afterglow has turned into tedium. Even the dog is bored.
But the night is young. How to fill the hours?
In increasing numbers, Americans are jumping in the car and going to the movies around the holidays.
"There's nothing a family enjoys together more than to be told a story gathered around a fire," says ZVI COLE, spokesman for CROWN THEATRES, which has two locations in Hartford.
"Going to a movie and all sharing the story is basically the same thing."
Season's Screenings
All Hangover "Cures" Are Useless
(From Reuters)
Forget aspirins, hairs of dogs and hot baths, the only sure way of avoiding a hangover is not to drink in the first place, according to a new study.
Researchers led by MAX PITTLER of the PENINSULAR MEDICAL SCHOOL AT EXETER UNIVERSITY, surfed the Internet and combed medical databases to study a range of hangover cures from the traditional to the novel.
Their research roamed from the humble aspirin to fructose, artichokes and even prickly pears but found no silver bullet.
However, they did hold out some hope for the potential of BORAGE, a bright blue herb with star-shaped flowers used traditionally to decorate gin-based summer cocktails.
But their conclusions were sobering.
"No compelling evidence exists to suggest that any complementary or conventional intervention is effective for treating or preventing alcohol hangover," they wrote in
THE BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL on Friday.
"The most effective way to avoid the symptoms of
alcohol-induced hangover is thus to practice abstinence or moderation," they added.
Scott O'Leary, thanks for the post.
Forget aspirins, hairs of dogs and hot baths, the only sure way of avoiding a hangover is not to drink in the first place, according to a new study.
Researchers led by MAX PITTLER of the PENINSULAR MEDICAL SCHOOL AT EXETER UNIVERSITY, surfed the Internet and combed medical databases to study a range of hangover cures from the traditional to the novel.
Their research roamed from the humble aspirin to fructose, artichokes and even prickly pears but found no silver bullet.
However, they did hold out some hope for the potential of BORAGE, a bright blue herb with star-shaped flowers used traditionally to decorate gin-based summer cocktails.
But their conclusions were sobering.
"No compelling evidence exists to suggest that any complementary or conventional intervention is effective for treating or preventing alcohol hangover," they wrote in
THE BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL on Friday.
"The most effective way to avoid the symptoms of
alcohol-induced hangover is thus to practice abstinence or moderation," they added.
Scott O'Leary, thanks for the post.
CHUDLEIGH -- The Snow Dog
Season's Greetings!
Check out this cool interactive card from JACQUIE LAWSON and meet CHUDLEIGH -- The Snow Dog!
Chudleigh -- The Snow Dog
Melissa Horton, thanks for the post.
Check out this cool interactive card from JACQUIE LAWSON and meet CHUDLEIGH -- The Snow Dog!
Chudleigh -- The Snow Dog
Melissa Horton, thanks for the post.
Bizarre Incident Results In 6 Charges
(From The Patriot News [Pennsylvania] -- By Reggie Sheffield)
A Central Dauphin School District teacher faces charges of assaulting a Lower Paxton Township police officer and possession of illegal drugs after being arrested earlier this month while standing naked in the snow outside of his home, police said.
CURTIS LOFTON, 23, of Springford Terraces, Lower Paxton Township, was arrested early in the evening of December 10th after a neighbor called police to report a disturbance, court documents say.
Lower Paxton Township police said that when they arrived to investigate the disturbance, they found Lofton standing stark naked in the snow.
Lofton was charged with aggravated assault involving a police officer, resisting arrest, open lewdness, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of the prescription drug oxycodone.
According to court papers, when Lofton was asked if he was okay, he responded, "No, I am...crazy, and I need a menthol cigarette."
When asked where he lived and why he was naked, Lofton is alleged to have said that he was "JESUS CHRIST" and that the officer must be "GOD," court papers say.
A scuffle broke out between the two men during which Lofton is alleged to have hit the officer over the head with a long plastic toy trumpet which he scooped up from nearby.
The officer used his pepper spray on Lofton, at first to no avail. Then a cursing Lofton advised the officer that "'JESUS' is now blind," court papers say.
Central Dauphin School District Spokeswoman SHANNON SPENCER said that the school would have no comment on Lofton, a second-year French teacher, and his troubles with the law.
"No comment. That's something we won't be releasing," Spencer said.
Lofton's attorney, TERRENCE J. McGOWAN, said that the school district had scheduled a meeting to discuss Lofton's future. Lofton taught in Central Dauphin High School.
"Basically, he had some mental health issues that hopefully are in remission. I don't think it affects his ability to be a French teacher and it wasn't school-related, so we're hoping we can get him back to work," McGowan said.
McGowan said that his defense of his client was somewhat complicated in that his client did not recall any of the events of December 10th.
McGowan said that Lofton's performance reviews have been "excellent" and that he had an "impeccable" record as a teacher.
"At this point, I don't know what the school's intentions are," he said.
Lofton is currently undergoing a psychiatric examination and has been released on $10,000 unsecured bail.
Scott O'Leary, thanks for the post.
A Central Dauphin School District teacher faces charges of assaulting a Lower Paxton Township police officer and possession of illegal drugs after being arrested earlier this month while standing naked in the snow outside of his home, police said.
CURTIS LOFTON, 23, of Springford Terraces, Lower Paxton Township, was arrested early in the evening of December 10th after a neighbor called police to report a disturbance, court documents say.
Lower Paxton Township police said that when they arrived to investigate the disturbance, they found Lofton standing stark naked in the snow.
Lofton was charged with aggravated assault involving a police officer, resisting arrest, open lewdness, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of the prescription drug oxycodone.
According to court papers, when Lofton was asked if he was okay, he responded, "No, I am...crazy, and I need a menthol cigarette."
When asked where he lived and why he was naked, Lofton is alleged to have said that he was "JESUS CHRIST" and that the officer must be "GOD," court papers say.
A scuffle broke out between the two men during which Lofton is alleged to have hit the officer over the head with a long plastic toy trumpet which he scooped up from nearby.
The officer used his pepper spray on Lofton, at first to no avail. Then a cursing Lofton advised the officer that "'JESUS' is now blind," court papers say.
Central Dauphin School District Spokeswoman SHANNON SPENCER said that the school would have no comment on Lofton, a second-year French teacher, and his troubles with the law.
"No comment. That's something we won't be releasing," Spencer said.
Lofton's attorney, TERRENCE J. McGOWAN, said that the school district had scheduled a meeting to discuss Lofton's future. Lofton taught in Central Dauphin High School.
"Basically, he had some mental health issues that hopefully are in remission. I don't think it affects his ability to be a French teacher and it wasn't school-related, so we're hoping we can get him back to work," McGowan said.
McGowan said that his defense of his client was somewhat complicated in that his client did not recall any of the events of December 10th.
McGowan said that Lofton's performance reviews have been "excellent" and that he had an "impeccable" record as a teacher.
"At this point, I don't know what the school's intentions are," he said.
Lofton is currently undergoing a psychiatric examination and has been released on $10,000 unsecured bail.
Scott O'Leary, thanks for the post.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Coincidence?
1981
1. Prince Charles got married.
2. Liverpool crowned soccer Champions of Europe
3. Australia lost the Ashes tournament.
4. Pope died.
2005
1. Prince Charles got married.
2. Liverpool crowned soccer Champions of Europe
3. Australia lost the Ashes tournament.
4. Pope died.
In the future, if PRINCE CHARLES decides to remarry, somebody please warn THE POPE.
Laura Roberts, thanks for the post.
1. Prince Charles got married.
2. Liverpool crowned soccer Champions of Europe
3. Australia lost the Ashes tournament.
4. Pope died.
2005
1. Prince Charles got married.
2. Liverpool crowned soccer Champions of Europe
3. Australia lost the Ashes tournament.
4. Pope died.
In the future, if PRINCE CHARLES decides to remarry, somebody please warn THE POPE.
Laura Roberts, thanks for the post.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
SNL -- The Chronic Of Narnia Rap
If you missed it on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE (SNL) last weekend, here's the well done THE CHRONIC OF NARNIA RAP.
Word.
SNL -- The Chronic Of Narnia Rap
Erik Paulsen, thanks for the post.
[Pretty fly for white guys CHRIS PARNELL and ANDY SAMBERG.]
Word.
SNL -- The Chronic Of Narnia Rap
Erik Paulsen, thanks for the post.
[Pretty fly for white guys CHRIS PARNELL and ANDY SAMBERG.]
THE SIMPSONS Cavalcade Of College Football
Letting no good idea go unstolen, here's your trusty field guide to college football as explained via the cosmology of FOX's THE SIMPSONS.
Dave Salerno, thanks for the post
The Simpsons Cavalcade Of College Football
Dave Salerno, thanks for the post
The Simpsons Cavalcade Of College Football
Canadian Court Lifts Ban On "Swingers" Clubs
(From Reuters)
Group sex among consenting adults is neither prostitution nor a threat to society, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled on Wednesday as it lifted a ban on so-called "swingers" clubs.
In a ruling that radically changes the way courts determine what poses a threat to the population, the top court threw out the conviction of a Montreal man who ran a club where members could have group sex in a private room behind locked doors.
"Consensual conduct behind code-locked doors can hardly be supposed to jeopardize a society as vigorous and tolerant as Canadian society," said the opinion of the seven-to-two majority, written by CHIEF JUSTICE BEVERLEY McLACHLIN.
The decision does not affect laws against prostitution because no money changed hands among the adults having sex.
Canadian Court Lifts Ban On "Swingers" Clubs
Rob Berman, thanks for the post.
[Gotta love those Canadians!]
Group sex among consenting adults is neither prostitution nor a threat to society, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled on Wednesday as it lifted a ban on so-called "swingers" clubs.
In a ruling that radically changes the way courts determine what poses a threat to the population, the top court threw out the conviction of a Montreal man who ran a club where members could have group sex in a private room behind locked doors.
"Consensual conduct behind code-locked doors can hardly be supposed to jeopardize a society as vigorous and tolerant as Canadian society," said the opinion of the seven-to-two majority, written by CHIEF JUSTICE BEVERLEY McLACHLIN.
The decision does not affect laws against prostitution because no money changed hands among the adults having sex.
Canadian Court Lifts Ban On "Swingers" Clubs
Rob Berman, thanks for the post.
[Gotta love those Canadians!]
Saturday, December 17, 2005
NFL Streak Broken
(From The USA Today -- By Michael Hiestand)
For the first time since CBS got the NFL's AFC game package in 1998, CBS' THE NFL TODAY pregame show got ratings that topped FOX NFL SUNDAY, whose NFC package has teams in more big TV markets than the AFC package does.
Sunday, CBS' show drew 3.9% of U.S. TV households.
FOX's show drew 3.4%.
For the first time since CBS got the NFL's AFC game package in 1998, CBS' THE NFL TODAY pregame show got ratings that topped FOX NFL SUNDAY, whose NFC package has teams in more big TV markets than the AFC package does.
Sunday, CBS' show drew 3.9% of U.S. TV households.
FOX's show drew 3.4%.
ABC Alters Studio Complexion With Celebrity Guests
(From The USA Today -- by Michael Hiestand)
Eventually, the TV studio show built around big-event coverage might not have much to do with game stats.
As it starts another season of NBA coverage with a Christmas doubleheader, ABC will introduce the latest twist in going
beyond -- its NBA NATION studio show will each week feature guest celebrity panelists who won't necessarily have any connection to the NBA.
Except, that is, that they like the NBA.
NORBY WILLIAMSON, an ABC/ESPN Executive Vice President, suggests the panel will resemble ones the old ABC show POLITICALLY INCORRECT, where host BILL MAHER would often lead a discussion among people who didn' seem to have any obvious connection to each other or to the topics at hand. The NBA show's panelists, he says, might include athletes outside basketball as well as people who aren't big celebrities -- as long as they "have a passion for the NBA."
The ABC panel is another case of using people on sports TV -- think DENNIS MILLER, RUSH LIMBAUGH and FOX NFL comic FRANK CALIENDO -- who aren't sports reporters or former players or coaches.
"We're trying to reinvent the pregame show," Williamson says. "We want people to tune in and say, 'Whoa, how are those people connected?'"
But one new face on ABC's studio show will seem logical -- SCOTTIE PIPPEN. The seven-time NBA All-Star, who retired in 2004 after 17 seasons, will join the show to fill the vacancy created by STEVE JONES and BILL WALTON, who are leaving the studio to call games.
Pippen says he's willing to be "critical. But I only critique guys to give a positive spin, to show the right way things should be done."
Eventually, the TV studio show built around big-event coverage might not have much to do with game stats.
As it starts another season of NBA coverage with a Christmas doubleheader, ABC will introduce the latest twist in going
beyond -- its NBA NATION studio show will each week feature guest celebrity panelists who won't necessarily have any connection to the NBA.
Except, that is, that they like the NBA.
NORBY WILLIAMSON, an ABC/ESPN Executive Vice President, suggests the panel will resemble ones the old ABC show POLITICALLY INCORRECT, where host BILL MAHER would often lead a discussion among people who didn' seem to have any obvious connection to each other or to the topics at hand. The NBA show's panelists, he says, might include athletes outside basketball as well as people who aren't big celebrities -- as long as they "have a passion for the NBA."
The ABC panel is another case of using people on sports TV -- think DENNIS MILLER, RUSH LIMBAUGH and FOX NFL comic FRANK CALIENDO -- who aren't sports reporters or former players or coaches.
"We're trying to reinvent the pregame show," Williamson says. "We want people to tune in and say, 'Whoa, how are those people connected?'"
But one new face on ABC's studio show will seem logical -- SCOTTIE PIPPEN. The seven-time NBA All-Star, who retired in 2004 after 17 seasons, will join the show to fill the vacancy created by STEVE JONES and BILL WALTON, who are leaving the studio to call games.
Pippen says he's willing to be "critical. But I only critique guys to give a positive spin, to show the right way things should be done."
CBS' Spotter Good At Keeping Tabs On Everyone
(From The USA Today -- By Michael Hiestand)
TOM SPENCER, who works alongside play-by-play announcer
JIM NANTZ on CBS' lead NFL game each week, starts by serving as an "extra pair of eyes."
He's a TV spotter who has worked with Nantz for a decade. He confirms details -- "with all those bodies flying around, a 6 can look like an 8 from 200 yards and you don't want to guess" -- and keep track of traffic for Nantz, who also juggles replays and reads on-air promos. Spencer sometimes points to names on a board.
"The biggest challenge is keeping track of who's in the game," he says. "There can be eight (subs) at once, and I have two seconds to identify key guys."
Says Nantz -- "The role of the spotter has become more difficult each year as substitution patterns skyrocketed."
Spencer, who also reports for a San Francisco radio station, spots for Nantz on golf, too. That's "totally different" because he follows players before they arrive at Nantz's 18th-hole perch -- "I'm trying to keep track of every golfer to help tell their story, whether it's the story of their round, their week, or even of their life."
Says Nantz -- "Tommy is a vital part of our storytelling process."
Football, says Spencer, is harder, partly because Nantz likes to track all NFL action -- "We're constantly looking at our laptops to keep track of other games. And PHIL SIMMS always wants to know how his son (Chris, the Tampa Bay quarterback) is doing."
TOM SPENCER, who works alongside play-by-play announcer
JIM NANTZ on CBS' lead NFL game each week, starts by serving as an "extra pair of eyes."
He's a TV spotter who has worked with Nantz for a decade. He confirms details -- "with all those bodies flying around, a 6 can look like an 8 from 200 yards and you don't want to guess" -- and keep track of traffic for Nantz, who also juggles replays and reads on-air promos. Spencer sometimes points to names on a board.
"The biggest challenge is keeping track of who's in the game," he says. "There can be eight (subs) at once, and I have two seconds to identify key guys."
Says Nantz -- "The role of the spotter has become more difficult each year as substitution patterns skyrocketed."
Spencer, who also reports for a San Francisco radio station, spots for Nantz on golf, too. That's "totally different" because he follows players before they arrive at Nantz's 18th-hole perch -- "I'm trying to keep track of every golfer to help tell their story, whether it's the story of their round, their week, or even of their life."
Says Nantz -- "Tommy is a vital part of our storytelling process."
Football, says Spencer, is harder, partly because Nantz likes to track all NFL action -- "We're constantly looking at our laptops to keep track of other games. And PHIL SIMMS always wants to know how his son (Chris, the Tampa Bay quarterback) is doing."
Cutting Edge Of Prognostication
(From The USA Today -- By Michael Hiestand)
DAVID ADAMOVICH, known professionally as "The Great Throwdini," doesn't follow football.
But the professional knife-thrower -- blindfolded -- tosses knives at NFL team logos on a spinning wheel to pick games each Friday on ESPN2's COLD PIZZA.
Don't laugh.
He's 26-21 overall -- 12-3 in the last five weekends.
His Sunday picks:
* Broncos over Bills
* Bengals over Lions
* Cardinals over Texans
It's about time sports bettors got some picks from someone whose professional act includes axes, tomahawks and a "wheel of death."
DAVID ADAMOVICH, known professionally as "The Great Throwdini," doesn't follow football.
But the professional knife-thrower -- blindfolded -- tosses knives at NFL team logos on a spinning wheel to pick games each Friday on ESPN2's COLD PIZZA.
Don't laugh.
He's 26-21 overall -- 12-3 in the last five weekends.
His Sunday picks:
* Broncos over Bills
* Bengals over Lions
* Cardinals over Texans
It's about time sports bettors got some picks from someone whose professional act includes axes, tomahawks and a "wheel of death."
Friday, December 16, 2005
Quote Of The Week -- SOGYAL RINPOCHE
Although we have been made to believe that if we let go we will end up with nothing, life itself reveals again and again the opposite -- that letting go is the path to real freedom.
SOGYAL RINPOCHE, from THE TIBETAN BOOK OF LIVING
AND DYING
SOGYAL RINPOCHE, from THE TIBETAN BOOK OF LIVING
AND DYING
The Carol Of The Chins
Ahh, 'tis the season!
Here's THE CAROL OF THE CHINS -- an interactive holiday gift to all of you.
Enter in your favorite holiday song and let the chins do the singing!
The Carol Of The Chins
Scott O'Leary, thanks for the post.
Here's THE CAROL OF THE CHINS -- an interactive holiday gift to all of you.
Enter in your favorite holiday song and let the chins do the singing!
The Carol Of The Chins
Scott O'Leary, thanks for the post.
Media Bistro.com
Here's a good site for jobs and a community for media and journalism professionals.
Media Bistro.com
It's worth a look when you get a chance. It was recommended by THE WALL STREET JOURNAL.
There's lots of cool things including a professional networking section for events in New York City.
Dave Walsh, thanks for the post.
[I've also added Media Bistro to the links section.]
Media Bistro.com
It's worth a look when you get a chance. It was recommended by THE WALL STREET JOURNAL.
There's lots of cool things including a professional networking section for events in New York City.
Dave Walsh, thanks for the post.
[I've also added Media Bistro to the links section.]
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
ESPN Considering Offering Programs On APPLE ITUNES
(From Reuters)
WALT DISNEY COMPANY's ESPN cable sports network is looking into distributing some of its television programs on APPLE's ITUNES music and video service, possibly joining its corporate cousin in a landmark deal, ESPN and ABC SPORTS President GEORGE BODENHEIMER said.
Although ESPN has not held talks with APPLE COMPUTER INC. yet, the top rated cable sports network plans to offer its diet of original shows and game clips to "any pipe, any device," Bodenheimer said at the UBS global media conference.
"We're not just in the TV business anymore. We're going to the table as a sports media company," Bodenheimer said.
ESPN could join Walt Disney Company's ABC television networks, which announced a deal a few weeks ago to offer recently broadcasted episodes of hit shows LOST and DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES for $1.99 per episode on APPLE's service.
The deal ignited a fresh round of distribution deal making, leading to recent announcement of deals including one between GENERAL ELECTRIC's NBC and DIRECTV GROUP INC.
ESPN earlier had announced plans to launch a cellphone service under its own brand, called MOBILE ESPN, by leasing space on SPRINT NEXTEL's cellphone network.
Phones bearing the ESPN brand name will hit BEST BUY stores by next February, Bodenheimer said.
The company was also one of the earlier media companies to launch a full-fledged high speed Internet video programming services, ESPN 360.
More distribution deals and the creation of new products could boost profit growth to an average "double digits" percentage through 2009.
"We're comfortable, very comfortable, with double digits growth," Bodenheimer said.
Bill Smallfield, thanks for the post.
WALT DISNEY COMPANY's ESPN cable sports network is looking into distributing some of its television programs on APPLE's ITUNES music and video service, possibly joining its corporate cousin in a landmark deal, ESPN and ABC SPORTS President GEORGE BODENHEIMER said.
Although ESPN has not held talks with APPLE COMPUTER INC. yet, the top rated cable sports network plans to offer its diet of original shows and game clips to "any pipe, any device," Bodenheimer said at the UBS global media conference.
"We're not just in the TV business anymore. We're going to the table as a sports media company," Bodenheimer said.
ESPN could join Walt Disney Company's ABC television networks, which announced a deal a few weeks ago to offer recently broadcasted episodes of hit shows LOST and DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES for $1.99 per episode on APPLE's service.
The deal ignited a fresh round of distribution deal making, leading to recent announcement of deals including one between GENERAL ELECTRIC's NBC and DIRECTV GROUP INC.
ESPN earlier had announced plans to launch a cellphone service under its own brand, called MOBILE ESPN, by leasing space on SPRINT NEXTEL's cellphone network.
Phones bearing the ESPN brand name will hit BEST BUY stores by next February, Bodenheimer said.
The company was also one of the earlier media companies to launch a full-fledged high speed Internet video programming services, ESPN 360.
More distribution deals and the creation of new products could boost profit growth to an average "double digits" percentage through 2009.
"We're comfortable, very comfortable, with double digits growth," Bodenheimer said.
Bill Smallfield, thanks for the post.
The Rules
In every business there are rules.
Below are the rules for business.
You have to know the rules, in order to break the rules.
Rule 001
Once you have their money, you never give it back.
Rule 002
The best deal is the one that brings the most profit.
Rule 003
Never spend more for anything than you have to.
Rule 008
Small print leads to large risk.
Rule 019
Satisfaction is not guaranteed.
Rule 060
Keep your lies consistent.
Rule 169
Competition and fair play are mutually exclusive.
Rule 181
Not even dishonesty can tarnish the shine of profit.
Rule 239
Never be afraid to mislabel a product.
Rule 266
When in doubt, lie.
Rule 267
If you believe it, they believe it.
Below are the rules for business.
You have to know the rules, in order to break the rules.
Rule 001
Once you have their money, you never give it back.
Rule 002
The best deal is the one that brings the most profit.
Rule 003
Never spend more for anything than you have to.
Rule 008
Small print leads to large risk.
Rule 019
Satisfaction is not guaranteed.
Rule 060
Keep your lies consistent.
Rule 169
Competition and fair play are mutually exclusive.
Rule 181
Not even dishonesty can tarnish the shine of profit.
Rule 239
Never be afraid to mislabel a product.
Rule 266
When in doubt, lie.
Rule 267
If you believe it, they believe it.
A CHRISTMAS GORY
If you enjoy the movie A CHRISTMAS STORY, just wait till you see what us editor-types have transformed it into now.
A Christmas Gory
[Ahh, the power of editing at work for the holidays.]
Scott O'Leary, thanks for the post.
A Christmas Gory
[Ahh, the power of editing at work for the holidays.]
Scott O'Leary, thanks for the post.
Cop Tasers Partner After Soda Fight
(From The Associated Press)
A police officer has been charged with using a Taser on his partner during an argument over whether they should stop for a soft drink.
RONALD DUPUIS, 32, was charged Wednesday with assault and could face up to THREE months in jail if convicted.
The six-year veteran was fired after the November 3rd incident.
Dupuis and partner PREMA GRAHAM began arguing after Dupuis demanded she stop their car at a store so he could buy a soft drink, according to a police report.
The two then struggled over the steering wheel, and Dupuis hit her leg with his department-issued Taser, the report said.
She was not seriously hurt.
Hamtramck police union lawyer EUGENE BOLANOWSKI said he expected Dupuis to hire a private lawyer.
Hamtramck is a city of 23,000 surrounded by Detroit.
Tom Blais, thanks for the post.
A police officer has been charged with using a Taser on his partner during an argument over whether they should stop for a soft drink.
RONALD DUPUIS, 32, was charged Wednesday with assault and could face up to THREE months in jail if convicted.
The six-year veteran was fired after the November 3rd incident.
Dupuis and partner PREMA GRAHAM began arguing after Dupuis demanded she stop their car at a store so he could buy a soft drink, according to a police report.
The two then struggled over the steering wheel, and Dupuis hit her leg with his department-issued Taser, the report said.
She was not seriously hurt.
Hamtramck police union lawyer EUGENE BOLANOWSKI said he expected Dupuis to hire a private lawyer.
Hamtramck is a city of 23,000 surrounded by Detroit.
Tom Blais, thanks for the post.
Office Parties Not Like Those You Can't Remember
(From Reuters -- By Ellen Wulfhorst)
It's office party time of year again, but the holiday shindigs just aren't what they used to be.
Gone are the nights of photocopying one's bare buttocks, groping interns and hauling home a gift bag full of goodies.
Instead, sensitized by sexual harassment cases, sobered by the dangers of drunk driving, solemn since September 11, 2001, saddened by Hurricane Katrina and set back by economic worries, companies are staging sedate affairs these days.
Office Parties Not Like Those You Can't Remember
Scott O'Leary, thanks for the post.
It's office party time of year again, but the holiday shindigs just aren't what they used to be.
Gone are the nights of photocopying one's bare buttocks, groping interns and hauling home a gift bag full of goodies.
Instead, sensitized by sexual harassment cases, sobered by the dangers of drunk driving, solemn since September 11, 2001, saddened by Hurricane Katrina and set back by economic worries, companies are staging sedate affairs these days.
Office Parties Not Like Those You Can't Remember
Scott O'Leary, thanks for the post.
He Puked His Guts Up? Nice.
(From Reuters -- By Erik Kirschbaum)
The British embassy in Germany launched a new website for
THE 2006 WORLD CUP on Friday that includes handy German phrases for England fans, such as "He was sick as a parrot" or "He puked his guts up."
Bristish Embassy World Cup.com is designed to help the estimated 100,000 English fans expected to travel to Germany for the 32-team tournament that starts in Munich on June 9th and concludes with the July 9th final in Berlin.
"Germany will be hosting the world's biggest party and it will make a great job of it," said British Ambassador PETER TORRY in a statement announcing the new website ahead of Friday's draw in Leipzig, 200 km (120 miles) south of Berlin.
Torry said, with their 100,000 fans, England would have more supporters in Germany than any other team, with the exception of Germany. Britain has assigned a dedicated soccer attache with a staff of 20 to coordinate the embassy's World Cup activities.
The web site contains information for fans and journalists that includes details about the World Cup venues, tips about German soccer culture and other bits of off-beat advice.
"Ihm war kotzuebel" (He was sick as a parrot) and "Er kotzte wie ein Reiher" (He puked his guts up) are in the guide as is "Wembley-tor" (Wembley goal) -- the controversial 1966 World Cup final extra time goal by GEOFF HURST when England beat West Germany.
Scott O'Leary, thanks for the post.
The British embassy in Germany launched a new website for
THE 2006 WORLD CUP on Friday that includes handy German phrases for England fans, such as "He was sick as a parrot" or "He puked his guts up."
Bristish Embassy World Cup.com is designed to help the estimated 100,000 English fans expected to travel to Germany for the 32-team tournament that starts in Munich on June 9th and concludes with the July 9th final in Berlin.
"Germany will be hosting the world's biggest party and it will make a great job of it," said British Ambassador PETER TORRY in a statement announcing the new website ahead of Friday's draw in Leipzig, 200 km (120 miles) south of Berlin.
Torry said, with their 100,000 fans, England would have more supporters in Germany than any other team, with the exception of Germany. Britain has assigned a dedicated soccer attache with a staff of 20 to coordinate the embassy's World Cup activities.
The web site contains information for fans and journalists that includes details about the World Cup venues, tips about German soccer culture and other bits of off-beat advice.
"Ihm war kotzuebel" (He was sick as a parrot) and "Er kotzte wie ein Reiher" (He puked his guts up) are in the guide as is "Wembley-tor" (Wembley goal) -- the controversial 1966 World Cup final extra time goal by GEOFF HURST when England beat West Germany.
Scott O'Leary, thanks for the post.
APB For Stolen Flamingos
(From MSNBC.com)The top beauty enforcement officer in this once idyllic beach town is driving around in a foul mood. You see, someone's stealing pink flamingos -- in fact, he's lost two from outside his FEMA trailer and wants them back.
"People's flamingos are coming up missing and they're not showing up on anyone's yard," says JIMMY LOIACANO,
who really is in charge of beautification for Bay St. Louis.
His third and last flamingo is now on the grill of his pickup truck -- shielded with the protective forces of a zip tie,
a Christmas wreath and mini-dolls.
"Somebody tried to poke his eye out," he says as he takes a permanent marker to the bird’s face in a delicate surgery.
"He's got to see where he's going."
APB For Stolen Flamingos
Scott O'Leary, thanks for the post.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Man Pleads Guilty In Horse-Sex Case
(From The Associated Press)
A man has pleaded guilty to trespassing in connection with a fatal horse-sex case.
MICHAEL TAIT, 54, of Enumclaw, was accused of entering a barn without the owner's permission. Tait admitted to officers that he entered a neighboring barn last July with friend KENNETH PINYAN to have sex with a horse, charging papers said. Tait was videotaping the episode when Pinyan suffered internal injuries that led to his death.
Tait pleaded guilty Tuesday and was given a one-year suspended sentence, a $300 fine, and ordered to perform eight hours of community service and have no contact with the neighbors.
The prosecutor's office said no animal cruelty charges were filed because there was no evidence of injury to the horses.
Rob Berman, thanks for the post.
A man has pleaded guilty to trespassing in connection with a fatal horse-sex case.
MICHAEL TAIT, 54, of Enumclaw, was accused of entering a barn without the owner's permission. Tait admitted to officers that he entered a neighboring barn last July with friend KENNETH PINYAN to have sex with a horse, charging papers said. Tait was videotaping the episode when Pinyan suffered internal injuries that led to his death.
Tait pleaded guilty Tuesday and was given a one-year suspended sentence, a $300 fine, and ordered to perform eight hours of community service and have no contact with the neighbors.
The prosecutor's office said no animal cruelty charges were filed because there was no evidence of injury to the horses.
Rob Berman, thanks for the post.
Driving In New York
[If you think that's bad, try driving in Connecticut or Maryland.]Kevin Callihan, thanks for the post.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Opinions
(From The Yahoo Avid User's Group -- As Told By Stephen Bayes)
ANDRE BETZ used to cut all the VOLKSWAGON ads. He started as a kid from New Hampshire in the big city of Boston. Eventually he got good enough to go to New York City, where he took the clients with him.
Anyway, Andre had a saying that actually worked with difficult clients -- you just have to say it right.
He would swing around in the chair and say:
"Opinions are like assholes. Everyone's got one and yours stinks."
That would shut them up pretty quick. Later he would tell them when he was done and they could look at it.
ANDRE BETZ used to cut all the VOLKSWAGON ads. He started as a kid from New Hampshire in the big city of Boston. Eventually he got good enough to go to New York City, where he took the clients with him.
Anyway, Andre had a saying that actually worked with difficult clients -- you just have to say it right.
He would swing around in the chair and say:
"Opinions are like assholes. Everyone's got one and yours stinks."
That would shut them up pretty quick. Later he would tell them when he was done and they could look at it.
The Wizards Of Winter
Is your house on fire, Clark?
No Aunt Bethany, those are the CHRISTMAS lights.
This is definitely house you don't want across the street from you.
Maybe too much Christmas cheer?
CLARK GRISWALD would be proud.
Here's the original clip:
The Wizards Of Winter 1
This new clip is just as cool as the original:
The Wizards Of Winter 2
[Gordon and Beers, why can I see you guys coming up with something like this.]
No Aunt Bethany, those are the CHRISTMAS lights.
This is definitely house you don't want across the street from you.
Maybe too much Christmas cheer?
CLARK GRISWALD would be proud.
Here's the original clip:
The Wizards Of Winter 1
This new clip is just as cool as the original:
The Wizards Of Winter 2
[Gordon and Beers, why can I see you guys coming up with something like this.]
It's A BK Holiday
To all who enjoy good Burger King faire, especially Miriam, Happy Holidays!
It's A BK Holiday
Todd Coleman, thanks for the post.
[Also check out the MP3 Remix of BK Guy by JOE DAVIDSON at the bottom of the site.]
It's A BK Holiday
Todd Coleman, thanks for the post.
[Also check out the MP3 Remix of BK Guy by JOE DAVIDSON at the bottom of the site.]
FAMILY GUY -- Peanut Butter Jelly Time
Brian sings the Peanut Butter Jelly Time song to cheer Peter up.
Hilarious! We love Family Guy!
Family Guy -- Peanut Butter Jelly Time
Bill Smallfield, thanks for the post.
Hilarious! We love Family Guy!
Family Guy -- Peanut Butter Jelly Time
Bill Smallfield, thanks for the post.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Two To Replace JENNINGS
(From The Hartford Courant -- By Roger Catlin)
It will take two anchors to replace PETER JENNINGS at the desk of ABC's WORLD NEWS TONIGHT.
Network officials Monday announced ELIZABETH VARGAS, 43, and BOB WOODRUFF, 44, will become co-anchors of ABC's flagship evening nightly newscast beginning January 3rd.
Vargas will remain co-anchor of the network's 20/20 newsmagazine. She and Woodruff, a former attorney who has been a New York-based correspondent, have been filling in since Jennings left the broadcast in April because of chemotherapy for lung cancer; Jennings died in August at 67.
ABC beats CBS in filling its top on-camera news position.
CBS has been without a permanent replacement for
DAN RATHER since the veteran anchorman stepped down in March. As BOB SCHIEFFER has continued the interim slot at CBS, officials there have discussed bringing in an anchor team to permanently replace the single-voice anchor, but ABC beat them to the punch.
Vargas and Woodruff will be the third male and female co-anchors for a network news program after two famous failures -- BARBARA WALTERS with HARRY REASONER on ABC in 1976-1978 and CONNIE CHUNG with DAN RATHER on CBS 1993-1995.
Though Vargas is the third woman named a co-anchor for a network newscast, she's the first Puerto Rican woman with such a high profile position.
It will take two anchors to replace PETER JENNINGS at the desk of ABC's WORLD NEWS TONIGHT.
Network officials Monday announced ELIZABETH VARGAS, 43, and BOB WOODRUFF, 44, will become co-anchors of ABC's flagship evening nightly newscast beginning January 3rd.
Vargas will remain co-anchor of the network's 20/20 newsmagazine. She and Woodruff, a former attorney who has been a New York-based correspondent, have been filling in since Jennings left the broadcast in April because of chemotherapy for lung cancer; Jennings died in August at 67.
ABC beats CBS in filling its top on-camera news position.
CBS has been without a permanent replacement for
DAN RATHER since the veteran anchorman stepped down in March. As BOB SCHIEFFER has continued the interim slot at CBS, officials there have discussed bringing in an anchor team to permanently replace the single-voice anchor, but ABC beat them to the punch.
Vargas and Woodruff will be the third male and female co-anchors for a network news program after two famous failures -- BARBARA WALTERS with HARRY REASONER on ABC in 1976-1978 and CONNIE CHUNG with DAN RATHER on CBS 1993-1995.
Though Vargas is the third woman named a co-anchor for a network newscast, she's the first Puerto Rican woman with such a high profile position.
Compassion Linked To Better Health
(From The Hartford Courant -- By Garret Condon)
If your heart goes out to others, it may stay healthier.
A recently published BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY (BYU) study that examined the possible link between religiosity and better psychosocial health found that COMPASSION was the active ingredient in the relationship.
PATRICK STEFFEN, lead author of the study and Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology at BYU, said that religious people had the best health in his study, but that when he and his colleagues controlled for compassion, the religion-health relationship vanished.
Compassion Linked To Better Health
If your heart goes out to others, it may stay healthier.
A recently published BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY (BYU) study that examined the possible link between religiosity and better psychosocial health found that COMPASSION was the active ingredient in the relationship.
PATRICK STEFFEN, lead author of the study and Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology at BYU, said that religious people had the best health in his study, but that when he and his colleagues controlled for compassion, the religion-health relationship vanished.
Compassion Linked To Better Health
APPLE Worried About The Future Of Macs
APPLE COMPUTER has quietly voiced its concerns about the growing threat it faces from LINUX in the desktop market.
The Californian manufacturer's concerns emerged in its
FORM 10-K filing with the US SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION late last week. The 10-K is an annual report on the company's business, and an effective disclaimer on factors that may affect the company's future performance.
In this case, APPLE concedes that the personal computer industry is highly competitive and is characterized by aggressive pricing practices and downward pressure on gross margins, amongst other elements.
"Over the past several years, price competition in the market for personal computers and related peripherals has been particularly intense as competitors who sell WINDOWS and LINUX based personal computers have aggressively cut prices and lowered their product margins for personal computing products,"
the company said.
APPLE concedes that its financial condition has been adversely affected by these pricing pressures, but goes on to continue that "MAC OS has a minority market share in the personal computer market, which is dominated by makers of computers utilizing other competing operating systems, including WINDOWS and LINUX."
Moreover, the company expressed concern that to the extent
its minority market share has caused software developers to question APPLE's prospects in the PC space, developers could be less inclined to develop software for APPLE products, and instead feel more inclined to devote their resources to developing software for the larger WINDOW market or growing LINUX market.
"There can be no assurance software developers will continue to develop software for MAC OS X, the company's operating system, on a timely basis or at all," the firm said.
Bill Smallfield, thanks for the post.
The Californian manufacturer's concerns emerged in its
FORM 10-K filing with the US SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION late last week. The 10-K is an annual report on the company's business, and an effective disclaimer on factors that may affect the company's future performance.
In this case, APPLE concedes that the personal computer industry is highly competitive and is characterized by aggressive pricing practices and downward pressure on gross margins, amongst other elements.
"Over the past several years, price competition in the market for personal computers and related peripherals has been particularly intense as competitors who sell WINDOWS and LINUX based personal computers have aggressively cut prices and lowered their product margins for personal computing products,"
the company said.
APPLE concedes that its financial condition has been adversely affected by these pricing pressures, but goes on to continue that "MAC OS has a minority market share in the personal computer market, which is dominated by makers of computers utilizing other competing operating systems, including WINDOWS and LINUX."
Moreover, the company expressed concern that to the extent
its minority market share has caused software developers to question APPLE's prospects in the PC space, developers could be less inclined to develop software for APPLE products, and instead feel more inclined to devote their resources to developing software for the larger WINDOW market or growing LINUX market.
"There can be no assurance software developers will continue to develop software for MAC OS X, the company's operating system, on a timely basis or at all," the firm said.
Bill Smallfield, thanks for the post.
WALTER MURCH's HD View
(From Millimeter.com -- By Michael Goldman)
Famed editor WALTER MURCH's continually evolving approach to editing high-end feature films continued on his latest film, JARHEAD.
Among the changes he implemented on the project from previous approaches was the decision to cut the piece
(on FINAL CUT PRO 5) relying primarily on HD media in the form of 720p/24fps QUICKTIMES in the DVCPRO HD format as his dailies source material.
Early in production in Los Angeles, Murch routinely viewed both film dailies and HD images side by side. After his editing room moved to SKYWALKER SOUND near San Francisco a few weeks later, Murch decided for the first time in his career that he would forego using film dailies entirely while cutting the movie. His repeated tests satisfied Murch that 720p HD media clips would be sufficient for achieving the film's creative needs.
So he switched over even as director SAM MENDES continued to view traditional film dailies throughout production in Los Angeles.
"I was in Los Angeles for the first three to four weeks of shooting, and there I was able to view film dailies and HD dailies synched up in projection rooms at UNIVERSAL," Murch says.
"But when we switched to my cutting room in Marin County,
I started watching the material exclusively on a 50-inch plasma screen. The quality and my experience viewing HD dailies and film dailies side by side convinced me to dispense with looking at film dailies, and rely exclusively on HD transfers the rest of the way. That was a big change for me, but the transfers were so good, and I realized that if I am confident in the transfer, I'm perfectly happy to let HD be my first exposure to the material I'm editing."
In other words, Murch believed the HD dailies compared favorably enough to film dailies that they did not require, as his longtime assistant SEAN CULLEN explains it, "Any unnatural leaps of imagination during the editing process."
Walter Murch's HD View
Famed editor WALTER MURCH's continually evolving approach to editing high-end feature films continued on his latest film, JARHEAD.
Among the changes he implemented on the project from previous approaches was the decision to cut the piece
(on FINAL CUT PRO 5) relying primarily on HD media in the form of 720p/24fps QUICKTIMES in the DVCPRO HD format as his dailies source material.
Early in production in Los Angeles, Murch routinely viewed both film dailies and HD images side by side. After his editing room moved to SKYWALKER SOUND near San Francisco a few weeks later, Murch decided for the first time in his career that he would forego using film dailies entirely while cutting the movie. His repeated tests satisfied Murch that 720p HD media clips would be sufficient for achieving the film's creative needs.
So he switched over even as director SAM MENDES continued to view traditional film dailies throughout production in Los Angeles.
"I was in Los Angeles for the first three to four weeks of shooting, and there I was able to view film dailies and HD dailies synched up in projection rooms at UNIVERSAL," Murch says.
"But when we switched to my cutting room in Marin County,
I started watching the material exclusively on a 50-inch plasma screen. The quality and my experience viewing HD dailies and film dailies side by side convinced me to dispense with looking at film dailies, and rely exclusively on HD transfers the rest of the way. That was a big change for me, but the transfers were so good, and I realized that if I am confident in the transfer, I'm perfectly happy to let HD be my first exposure to the material I'm editing."
In other words, Murch believed the HD dailies compared favorably enough to film dailies that they did not require, as his longtime assistant SEAN CULLEN explains it, "Any unnatural leaps of imagination during the editing process."
Walter Murch's HD View
THE BIBLE At Light Speed
(From The Hartford Courant -- By Susan Campbell)
In the beginning, GOD created the heavens and the earth.
And then, stuff happened.
The jokes started as soon as word got around that a new version of the Christians' HOLY BIBLE was written to be read in its entirety in 24 hours.
What, God created the world in two days and then rested?
Did it start -- In th bgning, Gd crted?
"A lot of people think this is irreverent, or not appropriate," said WILLIAM PROCTOR, editor of the newly released
THE HCSB LIGHT SPEED BIBLE.
"JOHN WESLEY said the Bible should be read slowly.
But people can speed it up and use this as an adjunct to in-depth study."
Proctor's project, written in modern-day English, joins other niche-market sacred texts, including THE 100-MINUTE BIBLE, THE BIBLE IN 90 DAYS and a new version not wedded to helping its readers complete the text within any time frame,
THE OUTDOOR BIBLE, which is a waterproof, tear-resistant
New American Standard version -- perfect, according to the press kit, for the "skier, snow-boarder, hunter, mountain climber, military serviceperson, or outdoor enthusiast."
The various forms of the sacred text are answering a need,
said Proctor.
The Bible At Light Speed
In the beginning, GOD created the heavens and the earth.
And then, stuff happened.
The jokes started as soon as word got around that a new version of the Christians' HOLY BIBLE was written to be read in its entirety in 24 hours.
What, God created the world in two days and then rested?
Did it start -- In th bgning, Gd crted?
"A lot of people think this is irreverent, or not appropriate," said WILLIAM PROCTOR, editor of the newly released
THE HCSB LIGHT SPEED BIBLE.
"JOHN WESLEY said the Bible should be read slowly.
But people can speed it up and use this as an adjunct to in-depth study."
Proctor's project, written in modern-day English, joins other niche-market sacred texts, including THE 100-MINUTE BIBLE, THE BIBLE IN 90 DAYS and a new version not wedded to helping its readers complete the text within any time frame,
THE OUTDOOR BIBLE, which is a waterproof, tear-resistant
New American Standard version -- perfect, according to the press kit, for the "skier, snow-boarder, hunter, mountain climber, military serviceperson, or outdoor enthusiast."
The various forms of the sacred text are answering a need,
said Proctor.
The Bible At Light Speed
Quote Of The Week -- LILLIAN SMITH
Education is a private matter between the person and the world of knowledge and experience, and has little to do with school or college.
LILLIAN SMITH, American writer and social critic, 1897-1966
LILLIAN SMITH, American writer and social critic, 1897-1966
Highest Wages In The East, Lowest In The South
(From The USA Today/Associated Press -- By Stephen Ohlemacher)
Americans have been migrating south and west for decades, but it appears they've been leaving some high-paying jobs behind.
While there are many pockets of wealth in the South and West, the states with the highest wage earners line the East Coast, according to CENSUS data released Tuesday.
CONNECTICUT, with a median household income of $56,409, supplanted New Jersey as the country's highest wage state in 2003, the most recent year available.
NEW JERSEY slid to second, at $56,356, followed by Maryland, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Highest Wages In The East, Lowest In The South
[I guess this proves there's more to happiness than just wealth.]
Americans have been migrating south and west for decades, but it appears they've been leaving some high-paying jobs behind.
While there are many pockets of wealth in the South and West, the states with the highest wage earners line the East Coast, according to CENSUS data released Tuesday.
CONNECTICUT, with a median household income of $56,409, supplanted New Jersey as the country's highest wage state in 2003, the most recent year available.
NEW JERSEY slid to second, at $56,356, followed by Maryland, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Highest Wages In The East, Lowest In The South
[I guess this proves there's more to happiness than just wealth.]
Get Your REVENGE
Want to get back at your neighbors who drive that car with the thumping, bass-heavy sound system that can be heard three blocks away?What about the lady with the barking dog?
Or the teenagers who like to crank their stereos?
Or the man who insists on lawn moving, leaf blowing, or snow plowing at 6 am?
We have the perfect noisy revenge.
In fact, it's called REVENGE.
The REVENGE package is an ear-splitting CD that you can crank up and point at your noisy neighbors to, as the product declares, "give them a taste of their own medicine."
The CD (which comes with earplugs for you) has
20 ear-splitting sound effects, including an electric drill, newborn, unhappy dog, banging doors, practicing violin scales, and a ringing telephone.
There are even sounds of amorous bedroom activity.
It sells for $18 at WishingFish.com.
Revenge never sounded so sweet.
[Track 3 -- "Orgasm" -- is outstanding.]
No Joke -- DUMMER Expelled From School
(From The USA Today)
The board of trustees at the GOVERNOR DUMMER ACADEMY in Newbury, Massachusetts, have voted to shed "DUMMER" -- and the jokes it drew -- from the institution's name.
The legal name won't change, but the school will begin doing business as THE GOVERNOR'S ACADEMY on July 1st.
"Reseach has shown that the current name has been an impediment," Communications Director JUDITH KLEIN said.
WILLIAM DUMMER was an acting governor of Massachusetts in the late 1720s.
The board of trustees at the GOVERNOR DUMMER ACADEMY in Newbury, Massachusetts, have voted to shed "DUMMER" -- and the jokes it drew -- from the institution's name.
The legal name won't change, but the school will begin doing business as THE GOVERNOR'S ACADEMY on July 1st.
"Reseach has shown that the current name has been an impediment," Communications Director JUDITH KLEIN said.
WILLIAM DUMMER was an acting governor of Massachusetts in the late 1720s.
No News Is Good News With COURIC Rumor
(From The San Francisco Chronicle -- By Tim Goodman)
The truly sad part about the rumors of KATIE COURIC becoming anchor of THE CBS EVENING NEWS -- now closing in on one year of whimsy in the ether, with six months to go --
is not that the end result would be Katie Couric as successor to DAN RATHER and WALTER CRONKITE.
It's this -- Katie Couric is not a revolution.
Wake us up when you get OPRAH.
Or import KEITH OLBERMANN and COUNTDOWN from cable.
Or burn the whole building down with JON STEWART's DAILY SHOW starting a synergy fire.
Because there has been such substantial buzz about Couric jumping from NBC's TODAY SHOW to CBS and thus becoming this country's first solo female anchor of a broadcast network newscast, it's clear that any real thinking -- any real ideas about change as it relates to the network news dinosaur --
is not on the docket.
Sad, that.
LES MOONVES -- is that all you've got?
Moonves is the head of CBS, a man who once said that network news had to be revolutionized, rethought, repackaged.
And make no mistake about it -- news division bosses like SEAN McMANUS at CBS and STEVE CAPUS at NBC or DAVID WESTIN at ABC will not be making the decisions that lead to any kind of revolution. It will be their bosses -- way up the corporate media chain, like Moonves -- who decide when the bell has rung on the old school.
What a strange world we live in.
We get to read about how technology is changing everything -- from IPODS and the music industry to NETFLIX and the descending price of HDTV damaging the movie business, to unrelenting navel-gazing about how the Internet is damaging newspapers -- all the while talk emanating from the world's biggest media companies tells us that archaic, failing models of information delivery will continue to limp on into oblivion, except for the occasional "fresh" coat of paint -- hello Katie.
Television news programs in particular are keen on fear of change. No one wants to break the model until the whole thing has gone bust, apparently.
Avoidance of a revolution is everywhere.
ABC wanted NIGHTLINE gone so it could woo DAVID LETTERMAN and put entertainment, not news, in that slot.
Then TED KOPPEL leaves and ABC keeps a news program in that slot -- NIGHTLINE Version 2.0 -- that is A) Inferior to Koppel's show and B) Exactly like any other news magazine show ever dreamed up.
Moral? Be careful what you wish for -- you might get it and choke.
No News Is Good News With Couric Rumor
The truly sad part about the rumors of KATIE COURIC becoming anchor of THE CBS EVENING NEWS -- now closing in on one year of whimsy in the ether, with six months to go --
is not that the end result would be Katie Couric as successor to DAN RATHER and WALTER CRONKITE.
It's this -- Katie Couric is not a revolution.
Wake us up when you get OPRAH.
Or import KEITH OLBERMANN and COUNTDOWN from cable.
Or burn the whole building down with JON STEWART's DAILY SHOW starting a synergy fire.
Because there has been such substantial buzz about Couric jumping from NBC's TODAY SHOW to CBS and thus becoming this country's first solo female anchor of a broadcast network newscast, it's clear that any real thinking -- any real ideas about change as it relates to the network news dinosaur --
is not on the docket.
Sad, that.
LES MOONVES -- is that all you've got?
Moonves is the head of CBS, a man who once said that network news had to be revolutionized, rethought, repackaged.
And make no mistake about it -- news division bosses like SEAN McMANUS at CBS and STEVE CAPUS at NBC or DAVID WESTIN at ABC will not be making the decisions that lead to any kind of revolution. It will be their bosses -- way up the corporate media chain, like Moonves -- who decide when the bell has rung on the old school.
What a strange world we live in.
We get to read about how technology is changing everything -- from IPODS and the music industry to NETFLIX and the descending price of HDTV damaging the movie business, to unrelenting navel-gazing about how the Internet is damaging newspapers -- all the while talk emanating from the world's biggest media companies tells us that archaic, failing models of information delivery will continue to limp on into oblivion, except for the occasional "fresh" coat of paint -- hello Katie.
Television news programs in particular are keen on fear of change. No one wants to break the model until the whole thing has gone bust, apparently.
Avoidance of a revolution is everywhere.
ABC wanted NIGHTLINE gone so it could woo DAVID LETTERMAN and put entertainment, not news, in that slot.
Then TED KOPPEL leaves and ABC keeps a news program in that slot -- NIGHTLINE Version 2.0 -- that is A) Inferior to Koppel's show and B) Exactly like any other news magazine show ever dreamed up.
Moral? Be careful what you wish for -- you might get it and choke.
No News Is Good News With Couric Rumor
Monday, December 05, 2005
Scientists Working On Cure For Gassy Cows
(From Reuters)
Cows belching and breaking wind cause methane pollution, but British scientists say they have developed a diet to make pastures smell like roses -- almost.
"In some experiments we get a 70 percent decrease
(in methane emissions), which is quite staggering," biochemist JOHN WALLACE told REUTERS in a telephone interview.
Wallace, leader of the microbial biochemistry group at
THE ROWETT RESEARCH INSTITUTE in Aberdeen, said the secret to sweeter-smelling cows is a food additive based on
FUMARIC ACID, a naturally occurring chemical essential to respiration of animal and vegetable tissues.
A 12-month commercial and scientific evaluation of the additive has just begun, but he said if it proves successful it could be a boon to cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions.
"In total around 14 percent of global methane comes from the guts of farm animals. It is worth doing something about," Wallace said. Other big sources of methane are landfills, coal mines, rice paddies and bogs.
Scientists in Australia and New Zealand have also been working to develop similar products amid growing concern about greenhouse gas emissions from cattle and sheep.
In New Zealand the government in 2003 proposed a flatulence tax, with methane emitted by farm animals responsible for more than half the country’s greenhouse gases. The plan was ultimately withdrawn after widespread protests.
"We've had more success than they (scientists in Australia and New Zealand) have. Everyone has been trying different methods. We just got lucky," Wallace said.
[Great, but will it work on Beers?]
Scott O'Leary, thanks for the post.
Cows belching and breaking wind cause methane pollution, but British scientists say they have developed a diet to make pastures smell like roses -- almost.
"In some experiments we get a 70 percent decrease
(in methane emissions), which is quite staggering," biochemist JOHN WALLACE told REUTERS in a telephone interview.
Wallace, leader of the microbial biochemistry group at
THE ROWETT RESEARCH INSTITUTE in Aberdeen, said the secret to sweeter-smelling cows is a food additive based on
FUMARIC ACID, a naturally occurring chemical essential to respiration of animal and vegetable tissues.
A 12-month commercial and scientific evaluation of the additive has just begun, but he said if it proves successful it could be a boon to cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions.
"In total around 14 percent of global methane comes from the guts of farm animals. It is worth doing something about," Wallace said. Other big sources of methane are landfills, coal mines, rice paddies and bogs.
Scientists in Australia and New Zealand have also been working to develop similar products amid growing concern about greenhouse gas emissions from cattle and sheep.
In New Zealand the government in 2003 proposed a flatulence tax, with methane emitted by farm animals responsible for more than half the country’s greenhouse gases. The plan was ultimately withdrawn after widespread protests.
"We've had more success than they (scientists in Australia and New Zealand) have. Everyone has been trying different methods. We just got lucky," Wallace said.
[Great, but will it work on Beers?]
Scott O'Leary, thanks for the post.
The Chicken And The Egg
A chicken and an egg are lying in bed.
The chicken is leaning against the headboard smoking a cigarette with a satisfied smile on its face.
The egg, looking a bit pissed off, grabs the sheet, rolls over and says, "Well, I guess we finally answered THAT question."
The chicken is leaning against the headboard smoking a cigarette with a satisfied smile on its face.
The egg, looking a bit pissed off, grabs the sheet, rolls over and says, "Well, I guess we finally answered THAT question."
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Next APPRENTICE To Be Shot In California
(From The Associated Press)
DONALD TRUMP is leaving New York to fire people on the West Coast.
NBC announced Tuesday that THE APPRENTICE has been picked up for a SIXTH season and will be shot in Southern California.
The New York-based Trump will continue to star in the reality show, in which candidates compete for a job with the real estate mogul.
"Donald has so many recent West Coast projects, that it made perfect sense to change locations," the show's creator MARK BURNETT said in a statement.
Among Trump's California holdings is THE TRUMP NATIONAL GOLF CLUB LOS ANGELES in Rancho Palos Verdes.
DONALD TRUMP is leaving New York to fire people on the West Coast.
NBC announced Tuesday that THE APPRENTICE has been picked up for a SIXTH season and will be shot in Southern California.
The New York-based Trump will continue to star in the reality show, in which candidates compete for a job with the real estate mogul.
"Donald has so many recent West Coast projects, that it made perfect sense to change locations," the show's creator MARK BURNETT said in a statement.
Among Trump's California holdings is THE TRUMP NATIONAL GOLF CLUB LOS ANGELES in Rancho Palos Verdes.
KING KONG Movie Magic
Okay. I don't know about you -- but I find this TOTALLY amazing and one of the reasons I love movies so much.
This is what we see on the screen.
And here's how much of this actually exists.
What can you say other than "WOW!"
Kraig Bailey, thanks for the post.
This is what we see on the screen.
And here's how much of this actually exists.
What can you say other than "WOW!"
Kraig Bailey, thanks for the post.
I'm Gonna Write To The President
(From Parade Magazine)
For more than 200 years, citizens -- from cranky seventh-graders to ALBERT EINSTEIN and ELVIS PRESLEY -- have penned letters to the man in THE OVAL OFFICE.
Those in DEAR MR. PRESIDENT (National Geographic, $20), culled from THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES, makes for a fascinating read that's enriched by photos and reproductions of the original correspondence.
[DEAR MR. PRESIDENT is in bookstores now.]
For more than 200 years, citizens -- from cranky seventh-graders to ALBERT EINSTEIN and ELVIS PRESLEY -- have penned letters to the man in THE OVAL OFFICE.
Those in DEAR MR. PRESIDENT (National Geographic, $20), culled from THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES, makes for a fascinating read that's enriched by photos and reproductions of the original correspondence.
[DEAR MR. PRESIDENT is in bookstores now.]
Friday, December 02, 2005
Quote Of The Week -- STEPHEN HULLFISH
A wise old editor once told me that sometimes it's better to just start from scratch than to revise something to death.
The Five Least Watchable News Personalities
(From TVSquad.com -- By Anna Johns)
What makes you like a certain news anchor over another one?
Is it his or her appearance?
The voice?
Professionalism?
Sarcasm?
There are a lot of reasons news people rise to the big time or get stuck in small markets. I always liked TOM BROKAW and PETER JENNINGS because they seemed like like classy men. I turned to DAN RATHER during breaking news because he was just plain batty. I get a kick out of MIKE WALLACE because of his confrontational attitude. And, I just love KEITH OLBERMANN for his wit, news judgment, and self-deprecating sense of humor.
That said, there are also some talking heads who make me turn the channel.
For me, it's the anchor's attitude that generally turns me off. But, I can also be superficial.
Here is my list of the five most unwatchable news personalities.
5. ANN CURRY
Her "genuine" concern about every, single story she reports is just plain fake. A person cannot be in news that long and truly empathize with everything from soldiers being killed during war to the break-up of NICK AND JESSICA. I just don't buy it. Topping things off, she seems casual, rather than professional, with her delivery. And her breathy voice sends shivers up my spine.
4. ANDERSON COOPER
There. I said it. He bothers me. Sure, he's cute. But, he's a little too cute, ya know? I realize that he's CNN's golden boy right now, but his breathless delivery on each and every story is tiresome and a little stress-inducing. You're reading a teleprompter, Anderson! He treats every story like it's just breaking and he's getting information about it in his ear as he speaks. Chill, buddy. Plus, what's with all the GQ-style photo shoots? Maybe I'm just bitter.
3. GERALDO
I know, I know. He never was a real newsman. But, since he appeared on FOX NEWS CHANNEL for so many years, I'm going to include him. And, he did go into Baghdad with the armed forces (and, famously, got kicked out for revealing strategic military positions). Anyway, Geraldo is a jackass. When he is reporting a news story, whether it be HURRICANE KATRINA or THE IRAQ WAR, it's all about him. God forbid he step out of the view of the camera for a few minutes! And then there's that moustache.
2. NANCY GRACE
This woman would hold the number one slot, if it weren't for a certain, annoying newcomer. Nancy Grace embodies all that is wrong with 24-hour cable newschannels. She likes to beat to death stories like ROBERT BLAKE, SCOTT PETERSON, MICHAEL JACKSON, and NATALIE HOLLOWAY. CNN pawns her off as a legal journalist, which is her background, but she actually is an excuse to have more coverage of "big" stories that have no bearing on the lives of Americans. In Nancy Grace's world, people are guilty. Period.
1. RITA COSBY
AKA, LORD VADER. What is up with that voice? Is she a heavy smoker? Why would MSNBC claim victory by stealing her away from FOX NEWS CHANNEL? Did she sound like this when she was on FOX? Her show on MSNBC it is unwatchable (yet, it's doing well in ratings). She, too, is guilty of focusing on stories like NATALIE HOLLOWAY, but her voice is so distracting that it's impossible to pay attention to her nightly topics.
What makes you like a certain news anchor over another one?
Is it his or her appearance?
The voice?
Professionalism?
Sarcasm?
There are a lot of reasons news people rise to the big time or get stuck in small markets. I always liked TOM BROKAW and PETER JENNINGS because they seemed like like classy men. I turned to DAN RATHER during breaking news because he was just plain batty. I get a kick out of MIKE WALLACE because of his confrontational attitude. And, I just love KEITH OLBERMANN for his wit, news judgment, and self-deprecating sense of humor.
That said, there are also some talking heads who make me turn the channel.
For me, it's the anchor's attitude that generally turns me off. But, I can also be superficial.
Here is my list of the five most unwatchable news personalities.
5. ANN CURRY
Her "genuine" concern about every, single story she reports is just plain fake. A person cannot be in news that long and truly empathize with everything from soldiers being killed during war to the break-up of NICK AND JESSICA. I just don't buy it. Topping things off, she seems casual, rather than professional, with her delivery. And her breathy voice sends shivers up my spine.
4. ANDERSON COOPER
There. I said it. He bothers me. Sure, he's cute. But, he's a little too cute, ya know? I realize that he's CNN's golden boy right now, but his breathless delivery on each and every story is tiresome and a little stress-inducing. You're reading a teleprompter, Anderson! He treats every story like it's just breaking and he's getting information about it in his ear as he speaks. Chill, buddy. Plus, what's with all the GQ-style photo shoots? Maybe I'm just bitter.
3. GERALDO
I know, I know. He never was a real newsman. But, since he appeared on FOX NEWS CHANNEL for so many years, I'm going to include him. And, he did go into Baghdad with the armed forces (and, famously, got kicked out for revealing strategic military positions). Anyway, Geraldo is a jackass. When he is reporting a news story, whether it be HURRICANE KATRINA or THE IRAQ WAR, it's all about him. God forbid he step out of the view of the camera for a few minutes! And then there's that moustache.
2. NANCY GRACE
This woman would hold the number one slot, if it weren't for a certain, annoying newcomer. Nancy Grace embodies all that is wrong with 24-hour cable newschannels. She likes to beat to death stories like ROBERT BLAKE, SCOTT PETERSON, MICHAEL JACKSON, and NATALIE HOLLOWAY. CNN pawns her off as a legal journalist, which is her background, but she actually is an excuse to have more coverage of "big" stories that have no bearing on the lives of Americans. In Nancy Grace's world, people are guilty. Period.
1. RITA COSBY
AKA, LORD VADER. What is up with that voice? Is she a heavy smoker? Why would MSNBC claim victory by stealing her away from FOX NEWS CHANNEL? Did she sound like this when she was on FOX? Her show on MSNBC it is unwatchable (yet, it's doing well in ratings). She, too, is guilty of focusing on stories like NATALIE HOLLOWAY, but her voice is so distracting that it's impossible to pay attention to her nightly topics.
GUERRERO Gives An Update On The Nudes, But Nothing More
(From The New York Daily News -- By Rush And Malloy)
LISA GUERRERO is proud to show off her 41-year-old curves in the January issue of PLAYBOY. But the sportscaster-turned-actress doesn't want you to see some nude pics she did 18 years ago.
Phoenix-based agent DAVID HANS SCHMIDT says that back when she was 23, Guerrero arranged for photographer LLOYD WAINSCOTT to shoot the alluring images shortly after she got breast implants. Then sporting blond hair, she posed in a lacy white gown with matching garter and G-string.
When Wainscott read that Guerrero had posed for PLAYBOY, he asked Schmidt to see if the magazine wanted to see pictures of her before she became an obsession of male fans of FOX's
THE BEST DAMN SPORTS SHOW PERIOD and ABC's MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL.
Schmidt says he sought Guerrero's blessing by approaching her agent, KEN LINDNER. Her spokesman, MARCEL PARISEAU, confirms that Lindner's office told Schmidt "to approach PLAYBOY. They felt it was the right thing to do."
However, when PLAYBOY's editors decided they'd spent enough on the pictorial, Guerrero's handlers "agreed I should seek other offers," Schmidt says.
But after we called Guerrero's camp, her lawyer KRISTIN ALLEN said her client wanted no part of the deal. "Those were personal pictures Lisa took for her then-boyfriend," says Allen,
a lawyer for Guerrero, who is now married to veteran
major-league pitcher SCOTT ERICKSON. "They were never intended for publication. She never gave a release."
"We tried to control the situation, however, we now realize that it is impossible to maintain control."
Both sides are now threatening legal action.
Schmidt says, "They gave me the green light. Then they shut it off. PLAYBOY has pictures coming out in her 40s. I have pictures of her in her 20s. Which would you rather see?"
LISA GUERRERO is proud to show off her 41-year-old curves in the January issue of PLAYBOY. But the sportscaster-turned-actress doesn't want you to see some nude pics she did 18 years ago.
Phoenix-based agent DAVID HANS SCHMIDT says that back when she was 23, Guerrero arranged for photographer LLOYD WAINSCOTT to shoot the alluring images shortly after she got breast implants. Then sporting blond hair, she posed in a lacy white gown with matching garter and G-string.
When Wainscott read that Guerrero had posed for PLAYBOY, he asked Schmidt to see if the magazine wanted to see pictures of her before she became an obsession of male fans of FOX's
THE BEST DAMN SPORTS SHOW PERIOD and ABC's MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL.
Schmidt says he sought Guerrero's blessing by approaching her agent, KEN LINDNER. Her spokesman, MARCEL PARISEAU, confirms that Lindner's office told Schmidt "to approach PLAYBOY. They felt it was the right thing to do."
However, when PLAYBOY's editors decided they'd spent enough on the pictorial, Guerrero's handlers "agreed I should seek other offers," Schmidt says.
But after we called Guerrero's camp, her lawyer KRISTIN ALLEN said her client wanted no part of the deal. "Those were personal pictures Lisa took for her then-boyfriend," says Allen,
a lawyer for Guerrero, who is now married to veteran
major-league pitcher SCOTT ERICKSON. "They were never intended for publication. She never gave a release."
"We tried to control the situation, however, we now realize that it is impossible to maintain control."
Both sides are now threatening legal action.
Schmidt says, "They gave me the green light. Then they shut it off. PLAYBOY has pictures coming out in her 40s. I have pictures of her in her 20s. Which would you rather see?"
HANEY Usually Just Cracks People Up
(From The Hartford Courant -- By Pat Seremet)
SCOT HANEY, meteorologist on WFSB-Channel 3 (CBS) in Hartford, Connecticut, is forever warning his viewers to be careful driving when it's icy.
But after he and his VW BEETLE ricocheted off a brick retaining wall into two telephone poles Thanksgiving Day, he says, "Now I'm the idiot!"
It was around 4 am when Haney left his Canton home, heading for a live TV shot at a Farmington road race before going to work downtown, when he found himself between a rock and a hard place.
His first thought upon hitting the wall was, "Oh, damn, my insurance rates are going up, and I'll be late for work."
When he hit the poles, he heard "this huge impact," and his thoughts were more grim.
"I almost could have died," he said Friday, his mother in the background loudly agreeing.
But trouper that he is, he eventually left his car against the pole, got a ride to the race, then to work, and back home for Thanksgiving dinner for 21.
When there wasn't room for all of the cars in the driveway, his friend PAUL MARTE told him to go out and crash one of them.
"I'm buying a Hummer," Haney vowed.
SCOT HANEY, meteorologist on WFSB-Channel 3 (CBS) in Hartford, Connecticut, is forever warning his viewers to be careful driving when it's icy.
But after he and his VW BEETLE ricocheted off a brick retaining wall into two telephone poles Thanksgiving Day, he says, "Now I'm the idiot!"
It was around 4 am when Haney left his Canton home, heading for a live TV shot at a Farmington road race before going to work downtown, when he found himself between a rock and a hard place.
His first thought upon hitting the wall was, "Oh, damn, my insurance rates are going up, and I'll be late for work."
When he hit the poles, he heard "this huge impact," and his thoughts were more grim.
"I almost could have died," he said Friday, his mother in the background loudly agreeing.
But trouper that he is, he eventually left his car against the pole, got a ride to the race, then to work, and back home for Thanksgiving dinner for 21.
When there wasn't room for all of the cars in the driveway, his friend PAUL MARTE told him to go out and crash one of them.
"I'm buying a Hummer," Haney vowed.
Deal Nips Lawsuit Over Showing Breasts To Ape
(From The Associated Press)
Two animal handlers who say they were fired for refusing to expose their breasts to a 300-pound gorilla have settled their lawsuit against THE GORILLA FOUNDATION on undisclosed terms.
NANCY ALPERIN and KENDRA KELLER, both in their mid-40s, claimed that GORILLA FOUNDATION President FRANCINE "PENNY" PATTERSON pressured them to indulge KOKO the gorilla's "nipple fetish" as a way of bonding with the 33-year-old female.
The foundation denied the allegations.
The foundation, founded in 1976 to promote the preservation and study of gorillas, is best known for Koko, who speaks sign language and has mastered more than 1,000 signs.
The settlement was reached November 9th.
A similar lawsuit filed by another employee is pending.
Scott O'Leary, thanks for the post.
Two animal handlers who say they were fired for refusing to expose their breasts to a 300-pound gorilla have settled their lawsuit against THE GORILLA FOUNDATION on undisclosed terms.
NANCY ALPERIN and KENDRA KELLER, both in their mid-40s, claimed that GORILLA FOUNDATION President FRANCINE "PENNY" PATTERSON pressured them to indulge KOKO the gorilla's "nipple fetish" as a way of bonding with the 33-year-old female.
The foundation denied the allegations.
The foundation, founded in 1976 to promote the preservation and study of gorillas, is best known for Koko, who speaks sign language and has mastered more than 1,000 signs.
The settlement was reached November 9th.
A similar lawsuit filed by another employee is pending.
Scott O'Leary, thanks for the post.
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