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How The Room’s unintentional absurdity hides its dark heart

Strange Interpretation #16

Tommy Wiseau in The Room (2003)On the last Saturday of every month, something strange happens at the Laemmle theatre in Los Angeles, CA. A screening is arranged, viewers flock to it and sell it out in almost record time. Diehard fans bring with them what seems to be a selection of provisions for a picnic of a trip to the beach, including plastic spoons and footballs. They are here to watch an eleven year old film which has enjoyed cinema events across the globe, and has made a star of its director/writer/producer/star. Other regular screenings can be found in Copenhagen, Cleveland, Edmonton, Glasgow and London. These too sell out. The Prince Charles Theatre in London proclaims itself the British home of said movie. Its celebrity fans include Alec Baldwin, Paul Rudd, David Cross and Patton Oswald. Her affection for the piece led Kristen Bell to insert various references into her hit show Veronica Mars. An unlikely cross section of entertainers, actors and regular Joe moviegoers are all united by a common love; Tommy Wiseau’s The Room, which since its limited 2003 release has become legendary. Not, it should be noted, for the right reasons, since The Room is no masterpiece. In truth it’s not good. Not even nearly.

The cult that is The Room is truly fascinating both in the nature of its existence and the manner in which it came about, given a lease of life by 5secondfilms’s Michael Rousselet, later plucked from obscurity by Comedy Central and now a mainstay meme of modern online culture. Its madness has been celebrated in analysis by the likes of The Nostalgia Critic and Cinema Sins’ ‘Everything Wrong With…’ series. Entertainment Weekly was moved to describe it as “the Citizen Kane of bad movies”, while The United Kingdom’s Guardian newspaper aptly summarized it as a mixture of “Tennessee Williams, Ed Wood and R Kelly’s Trapped in the Closet”. Lines of dialogue are regularly quoted out of context in the knowledge that somebody listening will know the source. It has taken on a life of its own, belying its independent origins and modest (read financially disastrous) initial release, and turned Wiseau into the most unlikely of internet sensations.

At the centre of all of this is the mysterious Wiseau, a gaunt and long haired figure with the enunciation of Walken and the quasi-English of Benigni, who somehow drummed up six million dollars and promptly poured it in to a project of love which is the picture perfect representation of low rent production. Where he comes from is unknown, aside from allusions to routes in New Orleans and wild guesses over the origins of his baffling accent, part Jean-Claude Van Damme part Borat. How he was able to waste so much money, or even make it in the first place, is a subject of heated debate. His continuously fluctuating stance on the nature of his movie, whether it’s intentionally ridiculous or simply the 21st Century’s Plan 9 From Outer Space, is rather less ambiguous. With a script stuffed with the bizarre non-sequitur language that interviews and Q&A sessions have revealed to be entirely his own manner of speech, Wiseau set out to make a serious drama and got lost along the way. The mutation of his baby into a subversive hit has naturally dictated his responses, perhaps to play along with the fun or perhaps to avoid further ridicule. This is a wise course, because if one were to stop laughing Wiseau might suddenly seem less amiable.

The unlikely cult of The Room has made Wiseau an ironic star.

The unlikely cult of The Room has made Wiseau an ironic star.

So, what the hell is The Room? For those who have only glimpsed its insanity in YouTube clips and sound bytes, story is not an issue to trouble oneself over. Once one has seen the majesty that is the flower shop scene, or the “Oh, hai, Mark” exchange, there is little else to learn. Luckily, the horrific mal-quality of the film is such that viewing it from start to finish is not the intolerable experience it should be, since its entertainment levels are so high. There are countless moments from which to derive pleasure. Naturally, there’s the dreadful screenplay enhanced by nightmarishly bad acting, but also part of the madness is the incompetence in stage direction, musical accompaniment, set design, editing tricks, sound mixing…everything seems geared to make one laugh. It is hard to grasp the idea that this was ever meant to be something other than hilarious. But beyond this, one can find the actual purpose of the film if one has sufficient patience and immunity to the absurd to find it. Like any other movie, this one has a story, even if it is told badly. More than that, one can also read enough into it to discover a dark, bitter heart that speaks of the fiber of the creator. So intimate in fact that it makes the accidental comedy a boon not just for us but for Wiseau himself. Were it not so funny, it would just be depressing or perhaps even infuriating.

The story is incredibly basic. Wiseau is Johnny, an illogically successful banker who is perhaps the kindest and most sympathetic man in the world. Not only does he shower gifts and affection on his girlfriend Lisa, he also has apparently ‘adopted’ a young man of dubious age and mental capacity named Denny. He supports both of them financially, loves both of them, in Lisa’s case physically and in Denny’s case through wise and sage advice and fatherly bonding. He has a number of friends as well, but the only one who really matters is his best friend (who is his best friend, his best friend…) Mark (his best friend). They do everything together, which means they throw a football at each other meaninglessly while sitting on the roof of Johnny’s apartment building looking out over a badly lit artistic rendering of the San Francisco skyline, where they discuss life and women and philosophy. Badly. Johnny has the perfect life and couldn’t be happier and couldn’t deserve it any more. So naturally it all has to go wrong, which it does when Lisa starts an affair with Mark for no reason and tears Johnny apart.

This is the basic plot, one that is sufficient for a half hour made for TV special but is stretched out to ninety minutes through the use of repetitive filler and perplexing character ‘driven’ set pieces. Even taking into account Johnny slowly figuring out that his beloved ‘future wife’ (the word fiancée apparently not in Wiseau’s vocabulary), disposable subplots involving Denny and a drug dealer, Lisa’s mother’s troubles (including a bout of breast cancer that doesn’t pan out) and the bizarre tragedy of Michael and Michelle (and his underwears), scenes are rehashed and repeated ad nauseam to hammer home a point, telling us what to think. It means that by the end, we all hate Lisa, all feel terrible for Johnny and when the latter commits suicide, in despair at the betrayal he has suffered, it is like watching the death of Jesus. At least, that’s the intention. Were things not so bafflingly batshit it might be possible to have something approaching emotional connection to this, rather than laughing hysterically at Lisa asking “is he dead?” regarding Johnny’s headshot, motionless body. That register would probably be in the negative however, and had the dialogue been written by someone with a grasp of vernacular everybody would have walked out for different reasons.

Tommy Wiseau & Greg Sestero in The Room (2003)The Room’s infamous reputation and ironic following are not what posits the movie as an example of the potential perils of independent filmmaking. Instead it is the picture of a bitter man being able to exert full totalitarian rule over a project that presents the strongest cautionary tale. This is the reason why so many cast and crew quit (accounting for much of the budget), and why American actors recite lines apparently consisting of pigeon English. The script’s biggest problem isn’t its bizarre dialogue, penchant for shaggy dog storytelling and ignorance of basic rules of screenwriting; it is its mind numbing lack of subtlety, nuance, balance or complexity. Very few go far enough into such a turkey to spot the fact that clearly Wiseau is telling a story of experience that presents him as the good guy and the girl as evil. It is the worst example of vanity project that one can find. At some stage in his life, Wiseau suffered a painful break up and The Room is his way of getting back at the woman in question, by exposing her as some kind of soulless, meaninglessly sadistic demon rather than trying to understand that these matters are never so simple.

Of course, we’ve all been there and it doesn’t matter how open minded, understanding or philosophical we are, that pain bites deep. To love someone and to be rejected, betrayed even, is one of the harshest experiences imaginable. For a time the only way to survive seems to be hatred, turning that pain into a weapon and pointing it at the perceived cause of said trauma. Eventually, though, one learns to accept the fact that this is done, that things were not meant to be, and that we were holding on to a rose tinted image of what it once was. Even if it still hurts, we have to force ourselves to look at the bigger picture. That other person was unhappy, perhaps due to something we did and are reluctant to accept, and break up was inevitable. Protracted misery for the sake of short term evasion of pain would be the real evil. These are lessons that should be learned in the fledgling days of romance, whether it be puppy love or early adulthood maturity. It requires a level of modesty and humility. Clearly humility is also not a part of Wiseau’s vocabulary because beyond the cheap laughs The Room is his warped account of romantic trauma that places him in the role over utterly righteous victim and the other party as succubus.

Think about the ridiculous overemphasis of Johnny (clearly Wiseau’s surrogate) as a shining light in the lives of his friends and peers, a genius of banking, a warden of the vulnerable, beloved by all. Even the buddy who is sleeping with his girl seems to be in awe of his goodness. Now think about Lisa; she is essentially a butt-monkey for the screenwriter, depicted as incompetent and utterly unable to support herself, shown to be a sociopath (who else would be unable to love Tommy…er, Johnny?) and even named as such by a conveniently placed psychiatrist friend, only redeemed by her constantly referenced ‘beauty’. She openly states that her only reason for not loving Johnny anymore is because she is bored of him, she throws herself at Mark in undignified manner, and even as she cheats on her ‘future husband’ at his birthday party she lies about being pregnant to “make things interesting”.

Juliette Danielle, Phillip Haldiman & Tommy Wiseau in The Room (2003)Both portrayals, at opposite ends of the spectrum, are insultingly simplistic and bluntly presented. They are born out of a nauseating mixture of ego and hatred. Wiseau wants us to see him as the good guy, and wants us to see that it was all her fault, all hers, and that there was nothing more to it than that. Even the enabler to the betrayal, best friend Mark, is allowed a free pass because clearly Lisa is so evil that he was as much a victim as Johnny was. The fact that the women of the story bear such a passive response to the betrayal also reveals a darkly chauvinistic attitude and paints Wiseau as a man with deeply seeded neuroses. The final suicide is the ultimate in adolescent hysterical immaturity and, in its near messiah complex subtext, a final florid and loathsome display of narcissism.

It rather puts The Room’s reputation in perspective. Adoring fans lapping up every unintentional moment of hilarity may seem like a form of cruelty, but it has saved Wiseau and given him not just notoriety but also status. When members of the cult celebrate his work, it is with warmth and genuine affection, and as much as they accept that the movie is dreadful they enjoy it none the less in a manner very few filmmakers are able to replicate, to see their baby seen by the world and somehow loved. One should be very wary of feeling sympathy for Wiseau, since it is the awfulness of The Room that saves it, prevents viewers from seeing what was intended which is so much worse than Ed Woodian tripe. For his celebrity status and for missing the bullet of being exposed as an egotistical, neurotic exponent of ill-virtue, he should be very thankful. Oh, hai, infamy.

This has been a Strange Interpretation…

Scott Patterson

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Born to unknowing parents, Scott hails from the land seen as romantic to those who don’t know, and a place for heavy drinking and hypocritical cynicism to those who do know. Although he’s yet to rise to great acclaim and disgraceful rich antics, he writes fiction and factual, the latter mainly on his greatest passion of film, in all forms and variety, all genres or styles. What matters to him is a good story, whether it be in cinema, literature, anecdote or excuse for having a suspicious stain on one’s trousers. His sense of humor falls somewhere between wry and outrageous, and he fights hard every day to avoid misunderstood in this regard, though not in any other. His politics can be best described as militantly neutral, bordering on passive aggressive. Favored pass times include watching what he calls football, and will never stop calling football even if it is lost in a common language, quiet conversation with friends, a night at the movies and the company of a darling woman, preference vague if not fluctuating. Favorite Films: Apocalypse Now Memento The Fountain Fight Club Inception LA Confidential Seven The Usual Suspects Wonder Boys Goodfellas

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Soundtrack Information

The Company You Keep

The Company You Keep

Milan Records

Release Date: April 2, 2013

Format: CD

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1. You Have a Full Green Light 3:18
2. We Could Have Made a Difference 2:37
3. Who Is Your Best Reporter? 3:16
4. Somewhere Someone Knows Something 4:24
5. Diversion 3:59
6. Weathermen 3:55
7. Still Got the Juice 3:09
8. Nothing But a Dream You Once Had 2:37
9. One the 10 Yard Line 2:30
10. The Cabin 2:04
11. Put the Pieces Together 3:00
12. Real Estate Records and Plot Maps 2:53
13. I Met Your Daughter 4:03
14. Father and Daughter Reunion 2:08
15. Can't Say I'm Happy to See You 3:21
  Total Album Time: 47:14
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FY 2009 U.S. federal budget

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Electionsgovernmentpolicylogo.png This legislation or issue article is part of the Congresspedia
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On February 4, 2008, President George W. Bush submitted (as is customary for a president to do so) a budget request to the U.S. Congress for fiscal year (FY) 2009. It would amount to $3.1 trillion in federal spending, and trim spending on several domestic programs while eliminating others. In addition, his proposal would make permanent the tax cuts passed during his first term and increase defense spending by 5 percent.[1]

Funding for the government is provided by Congress under Article I, Section 9, Clause 7 of the Constitution. This is the "purse strings power" and there are no exceptions to it. Absent appropriations made by law, no operations by the government may take place: government employees may not work without pay and those who would contract with the government may not "volunteer" their goods or services.

Funding for government employees salaries and wages(including the President) is provided in "one year" funds which expire at the end of a fiscal year. While Congress may pass "continuing resolutions" providing some interim funding where appropriations are not timely enacted, in the absence of such continuing resolutions no government employee may work.

Current status

FY 2009 Appropriations Bills [2]
Appropriations House Approvals Senate Approvals Conference Approvals Public Law
Committee Report Comm. Vote House Vote Committee Report Comm. Vote Senate Vote Conf. Report House Vote Senate Vote
Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009

(Continuing Resolution through 3/6/09) H.R. 2638

Budget Resolution

H.Rept. 110-543 3/06/08 3/13/08 Vote Summary S.Cmte.Print 110-39 3/06/08 3/14/08 Vote Details H.Rept. 110-659 6/05/08 Vote Details 6/04/08 Vote Details President does not sign

S.Rept. 110-426 7/18/08
Commerce/ Justice/ Science

H.Rept. 110-240 6/25/08 S.Rept. 110-397 6/19/08
Energy & Water

6/25/08 S.Rept. 110-416 7/10/08
Financial Services

6/25/08 S.Rept. 110-417 7/10/08
Homeland Security

6/24/08 S.Rept. 110-396 6/19/08
Interior & Environment
Labor/ HHS/ Education

S.Rept. 110-410 6/26/08
Legislative Branch

H.Rept. 110-775 6/24/08 8/1/08
Rule 1384
S.Rept. 110-428 7/17/08
State/Foreign Operations

S.Rept.110-425 7/18/08

S.Rept. 110-418 7/10/08

Articles and resources

Related SourceWatch articles

  1. Michael Abramowitz and Jonathan Weisman,"President's Spending Plan Would Rival 2004 Deficit," The Washington Post, February 4, 2008.
  2. "Status of Appropriations Legislation for Fiscal Year 2009, Library of Congress's Thomas site. Latest capture and update: August 13, 2008.

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Narayana N.R. Murthy

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Narayana N.R. Murthy, "chairman of the board and chief mentor of Infosys Technologies Ltd., serves on the Ford Foundation Board of Trustees. He is a member of the Audit and Asset Building and Community Development committees.

"Mr. Murthy co-founded Infosys, an international software services firm based in Bangalore, India, in 1981. He was the company's CEO until 2002 and executive chairman of the board and chief mentor from 2002 to 2006.

"Mr. Murthy serves as an independent director on the boards of several global companies, including Unilever, HSBC and NDTV. He is also council chairman of the Asia Business Council. In addition, he is a member of the advisory boards and councils of several educational institutions, including The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, INSEAD, Stanford Graduate School of Business, University of Tokyo, Singapore Management University (SMU), Indian Institute of Information Technology-Bangalore (IIIT-B) and ESSEC Business School, Paris.

"The recipient of numerous honors, Mr. Murthy was given the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award, by the government of India in 2008. The government of France conferred on him the Officer of the Legion of Honor in 2008 and the British Government conferred on him the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2007. In 2005, he was ranked among The Economist's list of 15 most admired global leaders.

"Mr. Murthy received a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Mysore and a master of technology degree from the Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur." [1]

Resources and articles

Related Sourcewatch articles

  1. Narayana N.R. Murthy, Ford Foundation, accessed October 22, 2008.
  2. Rhodes Trust Trustees, organizational web page, accessed April 9, 2013.
  3. About, Better World Fund, accessed April 4, 2009.


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Riviera Travel - South Africa

A tour taking you into the very heart of South Africa, exploring its unique history, amazing wildlife, truly breath-taking scenery and vibrant cities, all complemented by its excellent cuisine and wines.

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Villas,houses,apartments for sale or rent in Sunny Southern France. Many house sales with pools, houses for sale in the French country. French Property Sales Mediterranean villas, at WWW.SouthernFrance.com .
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Southern France - your guide to property for sale, wine, sun, sand and sea on and near the Mediterranean in the South of France.

We live and work in the department of Herault, the heart of Languedoc, in the South of France. We can help you find the home of your dreams, whether it is for an overnight stay, a few days, or a lifetime. With the support of the best estate agents in France who are based in Mougins, near Cannes on the French Riviera Coast and Country, we can offer you a high quality service for finding and help in buying property in the South of France

With many years of experience owning and renting villas, apartments and Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Southern France, we understand what visitors are looking for - not only comfort and peace, but some adventure, interest, culture and fun. We can help you find your dream in Languedoc,Provence or on the French Riviera, the most beautiful, exciting and truly happy places you could wish to find.

The two regions of France which are on the Mediterranean are; Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence-Alps-Cote d'Azur (PACA). The departments within these regions bordering the Mediterranean are, from west to east; Pyrenees Orientales (66), Aude (11), Herault (34), Gard (30), Bouches-du-Rhone (13), Var (83) and Alpes Maritimes (06). The numbers of the departments are very useful to know as it help you with postcodes an searches for properties to rent or buy.

From our home in Montblanc, Herault (34) we are one hours drive from the Spanish border and four hours from the Italian Border - Our Coast and Country offices in Mougins, Alpes Maritimes (06) are one hour from Italy and four hours from Spain - so we can offer you in depth local knowledge of both Provence and Languedoc.

Our aim is to offer you a home in Southern France - from a day, to a lifetime...

Contact us and ask about anything - we try to reply to everyone about anything to do with life and living in France. - France, from one day to a lifetime - we can help. Have a look at our weather pages with forecasts for Provence and Herault, Languedoc

Southern France is the site that finds you holiday houses & vacation rentals in Languedoc and Provence, in The South of France.

Discover our houses in Cotignac, la garde freinet, lorgues, mandelieu, mougins, roquefort les pins, st paul de vence, tourette sur loup, valbonne

Find out about the villages, market days, and fetes in our guide to Southern France.

Coast and Country an established, French, fully registered estate agency, help you buy a house, anywhere in southern France - with offices from Languedoc to the Cote d'Azur.

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Villas,houses,apartments for self catering vacation lets in Sunny Southern France.Many house rentals with pools,house lets in the French country.You will find Mediterranean vacation villas,luxury lets in the South of France chez nous at WWW.SouthernFrance.com .


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The News & Record
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Dick Moore, mayor of Halifax, dies

The mayor of the Town of Halifax, Gilbert Fleming “Dick” Moore, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2015 at his home after a prolonged illness.

Answering the call

Blood drive held in honor of infant born prematurely draws overwhelming response

Armed robber gets nearly five year term

Eye on the prize

Clarksville fire destroys funeral home

South Boston NewsSouth Boston News / September 07, 2011
A three-alarm fire today destroyed C.H. Harris Funeral Home in Clarksville.

According to Assistant Chief Robert Wilkerson, the call came in around 7:30 a.m. When fire fighters arrived on the scene, two cars (a hearse and a limo) parked next to the funeral parlor were fully engulfed in flames as was the roof covering the vehicles. The fire quickly spread to the adjoining funeral home.

“Once that happened, the fire moved to the roof, causing it to collapse onto the second floor, which then fell down onto the first floor,” Wilkerson said adding that no person or bodies were in the building at the time of the fire.

Wilkerson said, “I don’t think the building next door [to the north of Harris Funeral Home] was damaged. It might have some minor smoke problems, but it was protected by a cement block wall.”

The actual cause of the fire is under investigation, Clarksville police officer Andy Elliott, who first spotted the fire, believes he saw “arcing” coming from the building before the cars caught fire.

Fire crews from Chase City, and Boydton were called to the scene, as was Clarksville Emergency Medical Squad (EMS). Wilkerson, received minor burns, but was otherwise unharmed when a lintel from the building fell on him as he entered through the rear door. Debbie Osborne, an EMT with Clarksville EMS said, “No other injuries occurred.”

“This is the first fire inside the town since the 1980s,” according to Police Chief Ricky Wilkinson, “I’m glad no one was hurt.”

Walking around surveying the damage, Ricky Harris said, “We’re just thankful no remains were inside and no one was hurt. We will continue to serve people in Clarksville from our Chase City site, until we can get up and running again here in Clarksville.”

Wilkerson expressed appreciation to employees of the town of Clarksville and area businesses for bringing water and food to the firefighters, and helping clear debris from road near the fire, “Thank you Sherry, and the rest of the town employees, and Hardees, Bill Baker, Frank Dover, and Bruce Woerner for all they did to help today.”

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My prayers go out to the Harris family and all the wonderful people of Clarksville. This great monument in the community may have been destroyed but may your faith and your ability to serve others in need sustain you until you are blessed to build Bigger and Better !!!

My Prayers are with you guys

When tragedies strike without warning it is our faith, family, and friends that provide a blanket of support. May God strengthen you and bless you all for the sacrificial, loving, and excellent service you have provided the community for over 50 years.

My prayers goes out to the Harris family. You have been a pillar in the Clarksville community, as well as serving my family (Henderson). Keep God first, and he will help you restructure, be fruitful and be more blessed to serve the people of Clarksville. Thanks!

I would like to extend my prayer to the Harris Family, and I would like to send prayers out to the wonderful people of Clarksville. You maybe a small town but you are a loving town.

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How NASA Flies Space Shuttles on 747 Jets (Photos)

1 of 8

The Beginning of the End

Credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
NASA’s space shuttle Discovery landed for the final time at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., March 9, 2011. Soon, it will make its final journey,…Read More »

from KSC to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., where it will spend the rest of its days on public display. Here’s a look at how this complicated move will be done. Editor's Note: If you snap a photo of Discovery flying over Washington on its way to the Smithsonian, and would like to share it with SPACE.com for a possible story or gallery, please contact managing editor Tariq Malik at tmalik-at-space.com.    Less «
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'Explorers' to don Google Internet glasses
by Staff Writers
San Francisco (AFP) Feb 20, 2013

Google on Wednesday invited "explorers" with creative vision and $1,500 to spare to be part of a select group of people who get to experiment with glasses synched to the Internet.

A video intended to capture what it feels like to use Google Glass was posted online at along with information about what the eyewear does and how to be among those putting them to the test.

"We're looking for bold, creative individuals who want to join us and be a part of shaping the future of Glass," said a message at the website.

"We're still in the early stages, and while we can't promise everything will be perfect, we can promise it will be exciting."

Roller coaster rides, ice skating spins, sky diving, trapeze stunts, ballet moves, and ski runs captured from first-person perspectives were among action snippets woven into the Google Glass video.

Google glasses that overlay the Internet on daily lives should hit the market in a little more than a year -- technology the tech giant hopes will someday make fumbling with smartphones obsolete.

Google co-founder Sergey Brin offered the estimated timeline in June after a project update that included sky divers dropping in on a developers conference in San Francisco with a new version of "Glass" wearable computers.

Brin introduced "Explorer" edition glasses that developers were invited to buy for $1,500 to become the first people outside the company to shape the revolutionary eyewear before it gets to market.

The eyewear features built-in camera, microphone and speaker technology and can synch to the Internet using wireless connections.

As with the sky divers, cyclists, and wall-walkers who took part in the Google developers conference stunt, video through the eyes of wearers can be streamed live on Google's social network.

Brin wears a pair of Google glasses much of the time as he and members of his team at the company's X Lab refine the technology.

Google has been speaking with eyeglass frame companies about ideas for a consumer version of the glasses, which he expected would cost "significantly" less than the Explorer prototypes.

Google on Wednesday set out to diversify the group of people experimenting with Glass eyewear "that will literally be changing before their eyes."

US adults interested in the program have until Feb. 27th to express in 50 words or less what they would do if they had Glass eyewear and then post the messages at Twitter or Google+ social networks with hashtag #ifihadglass.

People chosen for the Explorer program will have to pay $1,500 each for Glass eyewear, which they will need to pick up in person at sessions to be held in New York City, Los Angeles, or San Francisco.

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Sony pressured to change game with PS4 console
San Francisco (AFP) Feb 19, 2013
Sony is expected to reveal its vision of the future of home entertainment on Wednesday by providing a glimpse at a new-generation PlayStation console that streams games, films, music and more. "Sony needs a big hit with this game console," said Forrester analyst James McQuivey. "Not just because it has lost its dominance in gaming to Microsoft's Xbox 360, but because the company needs to ... read more

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Space Quest 5 Fun Facts > This page contains everything you wanted to know about Space Quest 5 and then some!

game information

inventory items

Game Help
hint book
point list
saved games
goliath maps

message board

design sketches

Behind the Scenes
cameo appearances
easter eggs
spoofs & references
plot inconsistencies
cheats & debugs
fun facts
cancelled stuff

Space Quest 5 Fun Facts
Two Guys Comix Shortly after Space Quest 4 was released the famous Two Guys from Andromeda (aka Scott Murphy and Mark Crowe, the designers of the Space Quest series), broke up! According to Craig Alexander (general project manager of the first cancelled Space Quest 7), Sierra was swamped with projects in Oakhurst. Dynamix volunteered to do the next SQ, and Mark Crowe wanted to move to Dynamix anyway, so he grabbed the opportunity. Mark Crowe himself tells the story this way: "Let's see. It was back in '90/'91 that I was directing Police Quest 3 after Space Quest 4 was released. SQ4 had been a particularly stressful development (I still consider it to be my masterpiece product) and I was ready to move on to something different for my next project. I was impressed with the work Jeff Tunnel was doing at Dynamix, and was ready for a life change so I came on board there in Eugene, Oregon. I had a few product ideas in mind that utilized Dynamix' adventure gamer development system, but shortly after my arrival, I was asked to do SQ5 using Sierra's SCI." Scott Murphy stayed working in Oakhurst and they would never again work together on a Space Quest game. Mark Crowe continues: "I was aware that Josh Mandel (co designer of SQ6 -ed) was working on a design for SQ5 at that point of time. I don't know about all the politics surrounding that. They asked me to do SQ5, I had some ideas for a story so I said SURE!"

Have you ever wondered why Space Quest 5 doesn't have "voices"? After Space Quest 5 was released they were in fact working on it. Sierra's Official Hint Book confirms this. It says: "Finally, 14 months after the preliminary design meetings were held, SQ5 was shipped to eager Space Quest fans across the galaxy. But the story doesn't end there, The Next Mutation will be translated into five languages and converted to a full-voice CD-ROM version as well." Sean Murphy, an artist on the Space Quest 5 project adds: "I can't say for certain; I seem to recall that we had actually started work on doing just that [preparing a CD-Rom version of SQ5]. I think that politics and the fact that Dynamix was going through a very rough financial period at that time prevented us from doing any supplemental work on it... I suspect that the management was eager to move on to another "big profit" project instead of spending time and resources for a "gold" version of an already-released game."

Although Space Quest 5 was designed and created at Dynamix, the game utilizes Sierra's SCI system. This was because when Sierra CEO Ken Williams saw that Dynamix was doing adventure games, he wanted them to use Sierra's adventure development system instead.

It looks like Dynamix was working on Windows support for Space Quest 5. You see, some DLL files are included (supplied only with the beta version 0.028). Also, SCIWV.EXE is actually a ZIP file. If you rename it to SCIWV.ZIP and extract it, you have an EXE-file that will run under Windows only. Pointless, but pretty cool.

The Russian version of this game changed a lot. For instance, Flash Gordon's listing on the Grade Master in the Academy is changed to Boris Yeltsin, some music themes where replaced by those from old Soviet movies, and the word "buckazoid" is translated to "babking"; a derivative of the corresponding slang word for "money".

New Funfact!When using the transporter on the Eureka you would normally use the WALK cursor on the teleporter and then the ORDER cursor. However, in the Russian version, you need to use the WALK cursor and then the TALK version.

Somewhere, there a 32 colour version out there for the Amiga. The game lets you skip the crest scrubbing sequence because it's not possible to make any difference with using just 32 colours!

Space Quest 5: The Next Mutation consists of:

bytes of source code, which compiles down to
bytes of object code
bytes of animation
bytes of background picture
bytes of sounds effects and music
bytes of programs, drivers and interpreter
bytes of message files
bytes total are compressed by a proprietary program down to the 7,142,190 bytes of resources on your program disks.

All original content (c) Frans van Hofwegen. All Space Quest related material (c) by Sierra Entertainment.


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Tag Archives: Wii2

Reggie Says Wii U Will Arrive After April 2012 [Video]

While making an appearance on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, Nintendo’s Reggie Fils-Aime shared a few upcoming titles. For starters Reggie showed some Kid Icarus AR gameplay, then showed a taste of Skyward Sword. As you’ll most likely be able to tell from Jimmy Fallon’s enthusiasm the games are pretty cool. Of course Reggie had to close things out with a touch of the new Wii U and this time the console got a little face time! The Focus was still on the controller, but hey at least the machine was there. Though he didn’t give up an official release date, he did say that the new system will release after April 2012. So by our count, we’d expect to see something released either just before or immediately after 2012′s E3. Oh and here’s a little spoiler, Reggie gave everybody in attendance a copy of Ocarina of Time 3D. Check out the energetic video after the break.

Who Wii? Yeah U! [Video]

Aside from a terrible name, the Nintendo Wii U came off as pretty impressive. However there were a few things that we noticed that got our attention. The Wii U console itself was hardly shown during Nintendo’s announcement videos. Most of the focus was on the system’s unique controller and the way it interacted with the console and doubled as a display when within range of the Wii U. Nintendo has a history of taking advantage of gimmicks and the tablet-like controller looks mighty suspect, but after soaking up some action with the tech demos on the showroom floor, we couldn’t help but be intrigued. The big N stayed pretty mum regarding actual hardware specs, but their closing video showed multiple game developers pledging their support for Wii U and praising it as a new and exciting platform. We’d also like to note that some of the games announced for the future console are scheduled to release late this year and early next year on both Xbox 360 and PS3. Could this be a hint that we’d see an early 2012 release for the Wii U, in order to stay on par with its competition? Take a look at the things to come for Nintendo’s step into the HD realm. Wii U support lineup video after the break.

Where to Watch Nintendo’s E3 Press Conference

Not going to E3, but want some play by play action from Nintendo’s official E3 press conference? Nintendo has just announced that they’ll be streaming their press conference on the web. The big media event will start on June 7th at 9AM PDT. They’re also making mention of broadcasting exclusive content via the Nintendo Channel, which is accessible to just about anybody with a Wii connected to the internet. Now that we know you’ll be watching, we’re working on something witty to shout out during the show to show that we’re thinking of you guys. Full press release after the break.

Fake Looking Project Cafe Video Ruled Fake

A few days back an obscenely fake looking video of what was rumored to be a private presentation of the Wii’s successor was floating around the internet like a plastic bag caught up in a heavy breeze. Unlike many other sites on the world wide web, we refused to air the video, because we knew it was bogus (the things people do for web traffic!). It wasn’t because we had a super secret inside source about the situation. It was because Nintendo took no action and the video stayed on YouTube without any issues. If it was real, Nintendo would’ve had the video pulled immediately. We also took into consideration that the video looked extremely fake.

Wii Price Drop Gets Real Starting May 15th

After pretty much everyone under the sun talking about a Wii price drop, Nintendo has finally decided to come clean. The big N has added a brand new SKU to the tune of $150. Available May 15th, this new bundle will include: Wii console, Wiimote with Motion Plus, Nunchuk, a copy of Mario Kart Wii, and a racing wheel. We don’t know about you, but we see the Wii going the way of the Dreamcast and original Xbox around two years from now. For those of you that are interested, full press release after the break.

Nintendo is Moving on, but What About the Other Guys?

After an almost five year run, we’re now a few weeks away from Nintendo announcing the Wii’s passing of the torch at this year’s E3 in Los Angeles. Like everyone else we’re very excited about this upcoming milestone, but we’re also wondering how will this impact the other two players in the ongoing console war? We’ve decided to kick a few ideas around of what could possibly happen now that Nintendo is introducing some new hardware. Let’s get ready to play a game of the what ifs.

Nintendo’s New Console to be Called Revolution?

After an endless sea of rumors and Nintendo even stepping in to clear things up a bit. We now have more gasoline to throw on the fire! We’ve received word that the soon to be revealed Wii successor that is said to be sporting the codename “Project Café,” will not be called Wii2! In an interesting twist the new system is said to bear the name “Revolution,” which was the original name of its predecessor. This kinda makes sense, but we’re gonna take this with a grain of salt until we can get something concrete. However, with all the talk of touchscreen content streaming controllers and hardware that surpasses anything currently on the market. The name Revolution would be very fitting for such a machine.


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Whether you need to de-stress, look your very best, or bond with someone important to you, the Sparking Health Spa is ideal.

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For larger groups (like conferences, team-builds, special days – ie: secretaries's day, women's day etc), the Spa is housed in a 750sqm thatched pavilion overlooking the wooded area next to the Krom River.

The Spa comprises an indoor heated pool, hydro treatment rooms, steam bath, Jacuzzis, gym, large salon, sun bed and a sun deck which is ideal for after treatment relaxation. Together, the adrenalin rush of a Canopy Tour followed by a Spa treatment is the ultimate team build.

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Combine your visit to the Sparkling Health Spa with a stay at our hotel, or visit us for just a day. Click here to book your treatments!

Just like Sparkling Waters Hotel, you simply have to experience the Sparkling Health Spa to believe it!

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MISTYBUG   8,123
7,000-8,499 SparkPoints

I have 6 pics in my gallery

Mistybug's Gathering Momentum Page

I'm definitely gathering momentum in my life these days...upward mobility!
I'm definitely gathering momentum in my life these days...upward mobility!

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 current weight: 365.0

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Member Since: 6/3/2008

SparkPoints: 8,123

Fitness Minutes: 4,250

My Goals:
My main goals are to become healthier, lose weight, and exercise to increase my stamina and flexibility. I believe that stretching and increased mobility helps with my fibromyalgia pain.

My original weight goal was 160 but at this point that doesn't seem like a reasonable or reachable goal for me, I can't imagine ever reaching that weight nor do I sincerely care to, so I'm going to please myself and stop looking at the charts and change my goal to 204. I still can't imagine ever reaching that number but it's a nice even 150 pounds from my highest and I like things to be even....lol

My Program:
Last year I realized I was quickly approaching 40 and decided to make some big changes in my life such as exercising daily and changing what I eat and how much I eat. I've fallen off the wagon in a big way over the last few months and it's been hard to focus on myself for the last few months. I haven't stopped exercising completely but food is a real problem for me. I'm always looking for strategies to help battle my food compulsions! I give the term 'portion distortion' a whole new dimension! lol

I never imagined I'd say this but exercise is much easier for me than diet. I've never been thin so it's an abstract concept that's hard for me to grasp. I also don't struggle with self-loathing as some people do...sometimes I think it would help motivate me if I disliked myself. I'm just a little too comfortable in all this skin I'm in! lol

Feel free to approach me with advice or suggestions or even your own motivations and reasons for losing weight.

Personal Information:
I'm just an ole redneck hippie gal...very down-to-earth and 'tell it like it is'. I'm from Indiana and have four kids, two of which are grown. I'm a music freak and love making graphics and webpages and spending time creating and sharing in my various groups and forums. I collect books and movies, pets, and kids.

Other Information:
Eat a bug first thing every morning and nothing worse can happen to you all day!

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Workout Shoes

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Member Comments:
9/29/2009 5:54:04 PM

You are just the mostest! Hope all is well in your world.

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9/29/2009 3:08:57 PM

Awww Ms Misty! Thanks so much for the lovely gift. I miss you, and someday I may get back.

Hugs emoticon

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9/14/2009 10:06:43 PM

Hey, thanks for the applause. I love the title on your page. Gaining momentum is exactly what I'm trying to do. Thanks again.

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9/14/2009 12:44:46 AM

Welcome to the Done Girls Team. Good luck with your goals.

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9/13/2009 10:52:31 PM

Hi! Welcome to the Done Being the Fat Girl team.. This truly is a great
team...lots of laughs and lots of "Wow! Now I get it " moments..Glad to
see you and hope you post alot...Come on to the threads and have some
fun...somebody is always around.

Peace my lettuce leaf,
"THE Sexxy Strapless Strawberry"

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    IMOJANE   1,220
1,000-2,499 SparkPoints

5 runs a week?! Huuuh!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Just had a couple of questions about training programmes and to say hello to everyone :-) Sorry I ramled on a bit in this one! It's 8 minutes. oopsy

Member Comments About This Blog Post:
YOGINI_JACKIE 1/20/2010 2:48PM

    Yes, I would say that you might want to hold off and do 3-4 times a week for running. When I was training for my HM last summer, I injured my hip because I overdid it. Plus, the treadmills can be rough on your body.

As far as figuring out your speed, you could get a pedometer, I suppose. The only problem with this is that you would have to time your run and then figure out how many km/hr you are running. If you run outside, you can try to map the distance of your run. Sparkpeople has fitness maps, but there is also a site called mapmyrun.com where you can both search for runs and map out your favorite routes. I already checked, and it does map out Europe, yay!

I totally agree! I think about sparkpeople when I exercise as well! Or when I'm eating! I know that I will blog about my experiences later, and if I eat poorly or slack with my exercise, I still need to be accountable for it, no matter what.

Thanks for the shout out; I will have to do one for you next time I vblog. I know one of my biggest pitfalls is when I meet my goals and then I stop logging onto SP--it's like I think I don't need it anymore, but in reality, that's when I need it the most. And you're right--we are on SP for others, not just for ourselves!

Glad to see that things are going well with the training--I hope the fitness maps work!

p.s. I like your collage in the background :)

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ARIANEMB 1/20/2010 2:38PM

  I think that there are some websites that you can map out your route of what you're running outside and can tell you how far that it is. You could also take a stop watch with you and time your miles/kilometers.

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    WOOHOOFORYOU   13,445
10,000-14,999 SparkPoints

Just STOP being so mean.

Monday, November 19, 2012

So. This post requires some back-story of some sort.

I have a really mean grandma. That sounds horrible to say, I know. But really. This woman has made me hate myself from the time I was six. That sounds like an exaggeration, but it isn't. Not even a little. She has always made me feel really fat and ugly. Combine that with the fact that she's told me she (honestly.) thinks I'm going to hell because I have my ears pierced, wear jeans, and cut my hair, and it's a recipe for minor Anna-disaster. End back-story.

I've been actively trying to lose weight since July. I've lost a fair amount of weight, and gone down 2 pant sizes. I still have a long way to go, but at this point, it's pretty evident that I've lost quite a bit of weight.

I ran into her at the store today. She said, "Oh, your dad said you'd lost quite a bit of weight. Well, I can't tell, but you just keep at that."

It sounds harmless, and even typing it, I feel petty. But holy mother, that hurt. It hurts. I'm currently hurting.

If nothing else, I suppose it serves as good motivation to work out...

Member Comments About This Blog Post:
LEVITAS 1/14/2013 10:40AM

    Hey! Just randomly checking out blogs and looking for some new motivation buddies. :)

A couple of things:

First, two pants sizes IS A BIG DEAL. And what she said WASN'T NICE. She may not have meant to be be mean, but that doesn't mean she succeeded. It's totally understandable that it hurt your feelings-- but maybe telling us about it is the first step to let those words go. You are beautiful and apparantly doing an amazing job at reaching your goals.

Second, I love your background. :)

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SPARKLINGHOPE 11/20/2012 8:55AM

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TATTER3 11/20/2012 6:30AM

    Baby girl...you make me want to keep an eye on how to be a better gran'ma!!! Hold your head up. I grew up in the same environment...and what I wish is that I could erase all the words I heard. I learned to emotionally walk away from the negatives...I hope you can! Keep Sparkin'! (BTW...think what your parent went through growing up with her).

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MARYBETH4884 11/19/2012 7:24PM

    Your grandmother is probably truly unhappy with her life, so she turns that pain away from herself and unfortunately focuses it on you. You are the important one to see and feel the difference in yourself. If you are feeling good with your progress then be happy. You are going to have to live with yourself longer than anyone else. I hope you have a support system of other family and friends who do love and support you unconditionally. Then there is all of us here who really understand your journey. emoticon

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GIVENTHANKS 11/19/2012 5:55PM

    I am so sorry that your grandmother is like that but that is HER problem. Some people seem to LIKE being critical of others and judging them. She will have to answer for doing that when she stands before the ONLY one that has the RIGHT to judge us. Please pop over to my Sparkpage and read my blog from yesterday. It deals with the same thing.

You are doing emoticon emoticon and don't ever let anyone discourage you! What others think or say is not what matters. What matters is that we are doing things to make ourselves better and others need to take care of the issues that they have in their OWN lives!

Pat emoticon

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DIET_FRIEND 11/19/2012 3:47PM

    I have a complicated relationship with my family too. I am thinking in your case, grandma is the one who's wrong. Hopefully you have other people in your life to look to for sincere love. I am so lucky to have a nice husband and kids and a nice mom and sister. I usually think I have a nice dad, but it's complicated. I'm going to quit acting like everything's okay with him and just accept that it is what it is and probably won't change.

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    LOLGURL   18,809
15,000-19,999 SparkPoints

Fighting My Inner Food Demon

Monday, December 09, 2013

I'm back!

Sadly the past year and a half has been a big roller-coaster ride for me in more ways than one and the stress and boredom led to my regaining the last 25 pounds that I lost and thought were gone for good. My work life is 99% sedentary and chances for a break are minimal so I've been lashing out at myself by snacking on high-caloric, high-carb foods and drinking a lot more alcohol than I usually do. In addition, I didn't work out for about two months during which time I packed on 10 pounds. I feel gross! My body feels fatigued and slower than it was. But all hope is not lost! Nelson Mandela said, "the impossible is only impossible until its done." I've marked this month as the beginning of my rejuvenation. I've been experimenting with gluten and find that I feel soooo much better when I limit the amount of grains that I eat on a weekly basis. Also, dairy (milk in particular) and alcohol put a damper on my energy levels.

I won't stop until I succeed and maintain!

Going forward:
I will workout out for at least 30 minutes six times per week.
I will strength train at least 3 times per week.
I will do a deep stretch once a week.
I will drink adequate amounts of water and go to bed on time.
I will limit my grain and dairy intake. (80/20 primal)
I will drink alcohol no more than twice per month.
I will reach out to others when my mind wants me to eat out of boredom or frustration.
I will have the body and the confidence that I want and it will be amazing!

Member Comments About This Blog Post:
TAICHIDANCER 12/10/2013 5:00AM

    Glad you're back. emoticon

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BERRY4 12/10/2013 12:25AM

    You could write my blog! The same amount of weight added and other "stuff" that has been difficult to deal with.
You have the RIGHT plan & attitude.

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FLORIDANATIVE2 12/9/2013 10:23PM

  emoticon emoticon

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  • All The Way To Reno (You're Gonna Be A Star)

    7/28/2015 11:40:07 PM, by HANNAH_CALM

    Here is a song I have been thinking about today. It is an R.E.M. song about someone who thinks they can be famous if they go to Reno, Nevada. The video is actually shot in Brooklyn, New York, though! Kids from several high schools helped with the camera work. http://youtu.be/zHlpWokiduk I... Read more

  • Good weekend

    7/27/2015 1:47:32 PM, by PHGARDENER-2

    I am doing pretty good. I am still tracking my food everyday and having trouble doing exercise everyday. Have to force myself every other day. Have a great day.... Read more

  • Sunday Gratitude Blog

    7/27/2015 1:58:31 AM, by HANNAH_CALM

    This week, I did a lot of reading and a lot of napping. I am feeling all rested up, and have some books finished! I read one I would like to share with you. I was thinking I could turn it into a short story, or re-tell it in installments. It is a very good story! And of course, I will give credit wh... Read more

  • First time to Blog

    7/25/2015 8:29:59 PM, by PHGARDENER-2

    I started on July 3 and have lost 8 pound tracked every day and exercised 4 out of 6 days. I do not want to stop. I am feeling a little discouraged. Afraed that I am not getting this. The web site can be a little overwhelming. So here is what i have done to stay as close as I can I just tracked... Read more

  • Yellow

    7/24/2015 9:55:53 PM, by HANNAH_CALM

    I am thrilled right now, because I had a pee, and it was all yellow! No blood at all! I just wanted you guys to know that I am feeling better. Things are improving! Here is Coldplay, with Yellow: http://youtu.be/yKNxeF4KMsY Yellow Look at the stars Look how they shine for you ... Read more

  • Summer Memories

    7/23/2015 5:59:15 PM, by CJWORDPLAY

    Summer takes me back to the time when I was a child playing my way through school vacation time. Things like wearing flip flops (we called them Zori’s) and writing in the sand. Do you remember your first hula hoop? I did a lot of silly things to play with it before I was big enough to... Read more

  • Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

    7/23/2015 4:26:58 AM, by HANNAH_CALM

    What I thought at first was the problem was not it at all. I never had taken too much iron for myself. I need a lot, because of how severely anemic I am. Plus, the kind I am taking is a safe kind, the kind that they add to food, and it is very hard to overdose on that kind. One of the reasons is tha... Read more

  • Welcome back!! (to myself at least)

    7/23/2015 12:46:21 AM, by EMMASMOM9

    Hello! I'm back after one blog post, and 7 years absence. When I signed up for this account, I had full intention of using this site to it's full potential. However, life happens, and what matters most is that I am back. I am recently a new stay at home mom with my 12 year old daughter who ... Read more

  • A Shocking Discovery About Iron Supplements!

    7/21/2015 3:35:48 AM, by HANNAH_CALM

    I learned something today that really upset me, because I have been doing everything wrong. I thought I was doing what was best for me, given my medical history and how badly anemic I have been lately. However, I made a bad mistake! And it happens quite often, is what is so sad. I had a real... Read more

  • Just some whining to remind myself why I'm here.

    7/21/2015 12:04:28 AM, by IMSHININGBRIGHT

    I am not someone who can think back and reminisce about my skinny days. I have never had skinny days. I've been overweight my entire life. For the most part, I've been okay with it. Having to shop in ~specialized~ stores hasn't always been my favorite thing, but I've always been comfortable an... Read more

  • Summer bounty

    7/19/2015 9:42:39 PM, by LINDAM.1

    fresh berries and oatmeal Love fresh organic local food .salad greens fresher.... Read more

  • Sunday Gratitude Blog

    7/19/2015 9:05:14 AM, by HANNAH_CALM

    Not a lot has been happening in my life. I am still too sick to do much, from over-exercising and exacerbating my iron-deficiency anemia. I was wondering how I could do so much work and have such small muscles and not be losing any weight. That happens when you have anemia. Those were my first sympt... Read more

  • Pictures of Oregon in Summer

    7/15/2015 4:55:32 AM, by CJWORDPLAY

    When I think of summer in Oregon certain pictures come to mind. First, are the roses. They signal summer, coming into bloom in June and blooming bountifully all summer. The picture above was taken at the Portland International Rose Test Garden. It is a joy to walk among them. The n... Read more

  • Tuesday july14

    7/14/2015 12:13:16 PM, by TERRIH0904

    Did good yesterday. Stayed on track and did a lot of walking. Even with pizza as dinner. I went shopping with my daughter and granddaughters. It was nice to get out. Since we moved we're kinda stuck on where we go, we have no car, and no bus money, so I have to rely on my daughter. But the... Read more

  • Inspirational/Motivating Story

    7/13/2015 3:01:34 PM, by WALK-ON

    Inspiration/Motivation James Lexa Walking is one step at a time, just as life is one step at a time. Jim is accomplishing things he never thought he would because of his steps! As a hyperactive kid, who excelled in sports, Jim spent m... Read more

  • Monday July 13

    7/13/2015 12:28:15 PM, by TERRIH0904

    Did pretty well yesterday kept track of all I ate yesterday. Feeling motivated and ready for a new week.... Read more

  • Monday Gratitude Blog

    7/13/2015 8:12:09 AM, by HANNAH_CALM

    This week I am doing my gratitude blog on Monday, instead of Sunday. like I usually do it. I felt blah yesterday, so I did not want to write anything. Well, I still feel that way, because I could not sleep at all. So I ended up just getting up out of bed. I will take a nap later when I get more slee... Read more

  • HAPPY 4 th

    7/12/2015 9:47:58 PM, by LINDAM.1

    hope you had a happy 4 th berries and salad life is good watched fire works from our tent trailer. the power went out but I had talked my husband in to buying a solar power cell. so when the power went out we were fine .... Read more

  • Saturday July 11

    7/11/2015 11:52:16 AM, by TERRIH0904

    I got off to a slow start, had some good days and not so good days. But I managed to lose a lb. So I had a good start. 244 I finally found a park I could take the grandkids to and its a decent walk to get there and back so at least a couple days a week that will be my exercise. It'll be a ... Read more

  • The Travel Reckoning

    7/10/2015 7:51:04 AM, by MSJESSPDX

    Whew! Back home after a short, busy trip. I had a great time, reconnecting with colleagues from around the country, and attending sessions that were fun and informative. Part of the trip included eating and drinking, as it always does with this group. A huge part of this journey is evaluating o... Read more

  • A Termite Scare!

    7/10/2015 2:12:52 AM, by HANNAH_CALM

    My mom was happy to get a call from a neighbor of ours, that lives around the corner on the opposite side of our block,whose neighbor across the street had her walnut tree cut down. Her tree was growing into her sewer line, and the water bureau removed it for her. She was going to keep some for a li... Read more

  • Vacation starts tomorrow!

    7/9/2015 2:15:50 PM, by SWEET_CAROLYN

    So tomorrow is my first day of vacation! I'm nervous and excited - traveling to a new place and all! I plan on trying to watch what I eat, but I also want to enjoy the local food too. Anyway, I won't be on much the next two weeks. Wish me luck! And happy healthy journey to everyone in the meant... Read more

  • How The Victorians Kept Their Children's Clothing Simple

    7/9/2015 2:34:42 AM, by HANNAH_CALM

    The Victorians are not really known for simplicity, especially in their attire. They wore heavy hoop skirts and corsets. They dressed their little boys in frilly dresses. However, they did have one trick up their sleeves to simplify dressing their children. They gave their child one new outfit to... Read more

  • Things I Have Learned About Iron-Deficiency Anemia

    7/7/2015 11:34:12 PM, by HANNAH_CALM

    I have been doing a lot of reading recently about iron-deficiency anemia, because I have had it all of my life, off and on, and I think that is what is bothering me lately. Some of the things I have read are astounding! 1.) Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia throughout th... Read more

    7/7/2015 11:36:34 AM, by SWEET_CAROLYN

    It's probably been like two weeks since I came back on SparkPeople and started monitoring what I ate on MyFitnessPal. In that two weeks, I hadn't really seen the scale move much at all. In fact, Scale and I had a heart-to-heart awhile back. But today IT MOVED! I was down 4 pounds since I starte... Read more

  • Turbulence and the Scarf of Terror

    7/7/2015 7:37:12 AM, by MSJESSPDX

    Yesterday was a travel day; it was no big deal, except for a couple instances of turbulence throughout the flight. Me being me, the slightest bump convinces me that the plane is about to plummet from the sky! It didn't, of course, and here I am in a hotel room, planning on visiting the National Muse... Read more

  • Falling off the horse

    7/6/2015 1:04:56 PM, by HARRIET113

    I'm starting to feel like a broken record. It's July 6th and I essentially haven't lost any weight in the last month or so. I lose a few, gain a few, end up back where I started. There are a few reasons for this, all of them obvious: 1. I haven't been counting calories as consistently as I... Read more

  • The Results Are In...

    7/6/2015 12:21:19 PM, by SWEET_CAROLYN

    And I think I did pretty darned well! Honestly, this weekend was so hot, all my sister and I wanted to do was lounge in front of the AC. But I did get off my booty and ran on Friday morning, though it was a tough run - so hot! At the game on Friday, I kept hydrated in upper 90's weather - ... Read more

  • Sunday Gratitude Blog

    7/6/2015 2:41:06 AM, by HANNAH_CALM

    It is sort of difficult to write a gratitude blog, between the heat wave that we are dealing with in my area and having some serious health issues. The heat has not been helping me recover! It makes it very difficult to sleep and to get things done. But there are still things to celebrate. 1.)... Read more

  • First Day

    7/5/2015 6:54:43 PM, by TERRIH0904

    Today is my first day trying to lose weight again. I've lost 45 but gained 25 back. I know I have to do this just to actually be able to feel good. I've been starting to get a little depressed.. and I know what that means. I refuse to give into it. So I'm going back to the beginning, and starting ov... Read more

  • Cake, beer, and airplanes

    7/5/2015 9:44:34 AM, by MSJESSPDX

    I did it! I made it through the Fourth, managing to indulge a bit, have fun, and stay in my calorie range. It took more planning than I usually do (pre-entering the evening's cake into my tracker in the AM), and I was probably a bit neurotic with my friends ("How many shrimp do you guys think are in... Read more

  • Motivation, Marbles, and "Supernatural"

    7/4/2015 9:55:05 AM, by MSJESSPDX

    First and most importantly, tracking food is working really well for me! For the first time, I can say having all these ridiculous devices (phone, Kindle, Chromebook, work computer) is a benefit. No matter where I am or what I'm doing, there will be a way to track my food. (For the record, the only ... Read more

  • Celebrating America’s Birthday

    7/4/2015 4:16:31 AM, by CJWORDPLAY

    Grandma always said that Independence Day was America’s birthday and we liked to celebrate it with music (as well as parades, picnics and fireworks). I wanted to give you samples of some of my favorites by American (mostly) composers. I’ve tried to give you links as well. One of ... Read more

    7/4/2015 3:04:24 AM, by SUNSHINE65

    Macy's has severed ties with Donald Trump and no longer will carry his men's wear collection. From now on, men who want to look like Donald Trump will have to hunt and kill their own hair piece. -Conan O'Brien Last night for the first time in 24 years Jupiter and Venus appeared almost on top of... Read more

  • Hard time lifting my dog--ugh!

    7/3/2015 9:39:21 AM, by MSJESSPDX

    Whew, hello 3 day weekend! It got off to a bit of a rough start around here--my dog, Jimmy, broke a toenail, which can apparently be quite a big deal for dogs. He spent a few hours at the vet, and when I picked him up he was *very* heavily sedated. Moving him around (he couldn't walk so well) was qu... Read more

  • I Bought A String Bikini!

    7/3/2015 3:16:29 AM, by HANNAH_CALM

    Ha! It felt good. I felt really liberated to be buying this at the store. Red and black, with an elastic string that looked pretty sturdy. Not the tying string on the bottom, that was elastic on both sides. Okay, though, this has been quite a while! Did I trick you? I was actually thirteen that y... Read more

  • Goals for the Weekend

    7/2/2015 12:01:19 PM, by SWEET_CAROLYN

    The weekend is coming! And with this being a holiday weekend, and knowing what type of person I am, I am going to have to gird myself and ready myself for the trials ahead. Tomorrow, I'm going to a soccer game. Fun, but of course, junk food galore. Besides being ridiculously and obscenely expen... Read more

  • Successes and stresses!

    7/2/2015 9:26:03 AM, by MSJESSPDX

    Just a quick check-in this AM... Success! My weight is down today! I'm trying to actively reference my SP Nutrition Reports, and replicate meals/days that worked. My last two days were identical in what I ate, and I'm enjoying finding foods and habits that will be sustainable for me (and delici... Read more

  • Back on Track!

    7/1/2015 9:48:07 AM, by MSJESSPDX

    Yes! Yesterday was great, food-wise. I'm back down, a few ounces below where I was after my insane salt/sugar/fat orgy, in fact. I'm trying to look at major "lapses" as an important part of all this, as that can help me develop resiliency. I mean, not all the time, because regains are stupid, but o... Read more

    6/30/2015 5:35:35 PM, by LINDAM.1

    W are not poor but no doing a good job of saving. Smile we have two houses and a tent trailer. Our animals are healthy We have each other. 334 it is healthy 252... Read more

  • A good day!

    6/30/2015 12:36:43 PM, by SWEET_CAROLYN

    Yesterday turned out to be a good day - particularly last night. Once I got off Medifast and adopted my old Bad Habits, dinners had gotten, well, out of control. You know what I mean - you have eaten pretty good all day at work, avoiding the donuts and candy by the receptionist's desk, and then... Read more

  • My Television Binge Binge

    6/30/2015 9:21:46 AM, by MSJESSPDX

    Ugh. Well, there it is, my first bona fide binge since restarting this journey. Last evening I binge watched some tv ("Jane the VIrgin," if you were wondering--cute show!), and binge ate some food. It started with dinner, pork cutlets, when I had 2 1/2 servings. That in and of itself wouldn't have b... Read more

    6/30/2015 2:28:59 AM, by CJWORDPLAY

    “The only difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is the way you use them.” I remember the first time I heard this saying. I had arrived at a huge stumbling block in my life. In fact it had stopped me cold. I was stuck and didn’t want to be -- but I couldn’t see... Read more

  • Non-Scale Victory!

    6/29/2015 1:37:19 PM, by SWEET_CAROLYN

    So I haven't made any significant scale victory (boo!), but there is one non-scale victory (NSV) I have made: I have checked into Sparkpeople every day for the last 8 days! 208 CELEBRATION! 248 This time around, I haven't been as stringent about being on MF, which may change depending on... Read more

  • Living and Losing, Losing and Living

    6/29/2015 1:34:27 PM, by MSJESSPDX

    Living my life and losing my weight do not need to be mutually exclusive! This is such a struggle for so many of us, me included--how easy it would be to stick to our regimented eating and workout schedules, portions, pre-tracked foods, and generally avoid "risky" situations that swap out some know... Read more


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Secrets of Success

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Self Acceptance

Members Were Sparked
This Sparked Me!

If you are not happy about who you are before you start a diet/exercise plan, you won't be happy when you're thin either. Counseling prior to my signing up for SparkPeople helped me more than anything else because I was able to conquer the inner demons before working on the outside.

- Submitted by FILMBELLA 5/28/2010 in Staying Positive | 6 Comments
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Member Comments

ROBERTAGW 6/8/2010 2:42:00 PM

    I agree. Journaling has really helped my with my self esteem issues. When I see my negative self talk in black and white, I see it for the lie it is. I'm practicing writing about what I have accomplished after I spew the negative stuff.

AGOLDIE 5/28/2010 5:40:00 PM

    I have to agree. I have the worst self-worth and self-esteem in the world. Even when I lost the weight the first time, I was still not happy with myself. THAT'S why I gained it all back and then some. I think the only way to go about this (personally) is to go get some counseling! Great idea! Thanks for posting!
2RCSATHOME 5/28/2010 3:37:00 PM

CLWALDRO 5/28/2010 2:31:00 PM

    Great tip!!!
SANDRA0011 5/28/2010 2:28:00 PM

    Great advice!!
SPARKGIRL32 5/28/2010 2:01:00 PM

    I totally agree!!!

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Never Drive If It'S Less Than 5 Miles Away

Members Were Sparked
This Sparked Me!

or 4. or 1. or 10! Choose a number that works for your fitness level and schedule, and then commit to never drive to a destination if it is less than that distance. I bike if it's less than 5 miles, or walk if less than 1 mile. This saves money, benefits the environment, and adds cardio minutes!

- Submitted by CAMDENCYCLIST 8/4/2010 in Exercise | 2 Comments
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Member Comments

LOVEMYLAPTOP 8/6/2010 5:01:00 PM

    It works unless you need to look presentable for your job when you get there...especially difficult in the rain when cars slosh standing water up one's legs!
BANKER-CHUCK 8/6/2010 10:28:00 AM

    Great idea. I am to adicted to saving time and energy I take the car. Walking serves several purposes, exercise and saving fuel are only a couple.

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Help us make a difference!

septembre 14, 2012 | SOI General: Headquarters

Daniela and Kelyn

By Will Schermerhorn

Kelyn reaches out to Daniela for a high five.

As I was taking photos at the World Aquatics event, I noticed two swimmers exchange a high five. They were in side-by-side lanes. I noticed they were from the same team, Costa Rica, and I noticed they had the same last name, Murillo. I wondered if they were sisters. I was able to talk to one of the girls today, Daniela Murillo. She said she met Kelyn Murillo six weeks ago when the Costa Rica delegation got together for the first time. They live in cities that are five or six hours apart. "We have become really good friends. We get along really well," Daniela said. Since they are both swimmers and are both part of Special Olympics Costa Rica, they have a chance to seei each other again at a future swim meet. That won't keep them from staying in touch though, Daniela said. "I hope to continue our friendship after the games."

About Will Schermerhorn: Will is Special Olympics' director of web products and is the father of a Special Olympics Virginia athlete.

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[SRILM User List] AdaptiveMix LM

Andreas Stolcke stolcke at speech.sri.com
Mon Nov 9 10:40:15 PST 2009

Joerg Tiedemann wrote:
> Hello,
> I was wondering if there is some information somewhere on how to use
> adaptive-mix LMs. Especially also on how to set parameters like the
> decay factor and how to control the cache (to decide when and what to
> add to the history - if this can be done on demand). My apologies if
> this has been mentioned/discussed already on this list. I couldn't
> find any search facilities for looking through the mailing list archives.
I added back the search capability to the srilm-user archives (this was
lost when switching from majordomo to mailman earlier this year).  It's
at http://www.speech.sri.com/projects/srilm/mail-archive/ .

There are several references to the AdaptiveMix LM (search for "adapt"),
though I don't know if these would answer your questions.

> Thanks in advance!
> cheers,
> Jorg
> _______________________________________________
> SRILM-User site list
> SRILM-User at speech.sri.com
> http://www.speech.sri.com/mailman/listinfo/srilm-user

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Old 01-27-2012, 06:44 PM   #275
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Originally Posted by Lmn View Post
What does everyone think? New thread for February or just keep updating this one?
I think updating this thread should be fine.
Are you able to update posts #2 & 3 to keep the current month's budgets and challenges up top?
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Old 10-15-2012, 06:07 AM   #27
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Thank you! I don't think I can ever get enough of using "text."
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Running a little late today but I did it! Whoohoo! Love the sketch!! Thanks for the great challenge:

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Eye On Boise

Federal judge dismisses Rep. Hart's legislative immunity claim in federal tax case

Phil Hart (Betsy Russell)
Phil Hart (Betsy Russell)

U.S. District Judge Edward Lodge today dismissed one of tax-protesting state Rep. Phil Hart's key defenses in the federal lawsuit seeking to foreclose on his Athol home: That he's protected by legislative immunity. "Defendant Hart can only raise a legislative immunity defense if it is available under federal law," the judge wrote. "He has not done so here." Hart was citing a provision from the Idaho Constitution.

Plus, Lodge wrote that legislative immunity under federal law covers only "legitimate legislative activity." He wrote, "The claims raised in this case are in regard to Defendant Hart's private actions in allegedly failing to pay his federal income taxes."

The U.S. Department of Justice filed a motion to dismiss Hart's immunity defense; Lodge granted it. "Granting the motion in this case will avoid the expenditure of time and money that must arise from litigating spurious issues," the judge wrote, adding that Hart's immunity claim "clearly lacks merit under any set of facts that he might allege." You can read the judge's decision here, and our  full story here at spokesman.com, from reporter Tom Clouse.

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Betsy Z. Russell
Betsy Russell covers Idaho news from the state capitol in Boise and writes the Eye on Boise blog.

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The Slice archive for Dec. 2012

MONDAY, DEC. 31, 2012

Who else says this?

The truth is, I say it all year long. Though, it doesn't really make much sense in, say, May or September. But on New Year's Eve night, if we're not going out again, I have been known to come through the door at home and...

Continue reading this post »

New Year's Eve in The Slice (1998)

Here's an outline for the first half of a children's story. Your challenge is to come up with the second half. Good luck. A dwindling band of squirrels in the Palouse believe their small cluster of trees is the only island in an endless, rolling...

Continue reading this post »

New Year's Eve in The Slice (1996)

The fact that they weren't invited anywhere isn't the only reason a lot of people don't go to New Year's Eve parties. No, more than a few folks stay home because they are afraid they won't have anything to say to strangers. This is called...

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New Year's Eve in The Slice (1994)

Today's Slice question: What will be the hottest Inland Northwest lifestyle trend of 1995? (Readers took that question about as seriously as it deserved. One respondent suggested the hot trend would be scraping mud off boots before coming inside.)

Continue reading this post »

SUNDAY, DEC. 30, 2012

SATURDAY, DEC. 29, 2012

FRIDAY, DEC. 28, 2012

Email privacy and fake-out tactics

I was discussing email privacy with a friend when I remembered something a classmate had said back in junior high. Our algebra teacher, Mr. Powers, wanted all his students to keep a notebook. Occasionally he would ask that we hand these in for evaluation. One...

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This date in Slice history (2001)

The problem with New Year's resolutions is that they call for change. And change can be hard. So today, The Slice suggests resolutions that are a bit more realistic. Unlike the usual "quit smoking" or "lose weight" vows, these demand flexible behavior reforms most of...

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THURSDAY, DEC. 27, 2012

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The online home for Paul Turner's musings and interactions with disciples of The Slice.

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Dec. 2012
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21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30

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February 3, 2011 in Washington Voices

Time is now to vote for schools and Spokane

I hate taxes.  Hate ’em.  Years ago, I was an intern in California, and even though I was close to the poverty line, Uncle Sam and The Terminator took a hefty chunk of my measly income each month.  It was enough to make me want to move back to the darkest, rainiest corner of Washington to avoid extra taxes.

As much as I hate seeing part of my paycheck disappear immediately each month though, there are two exceptions to my tax hatred: getting a good deal and putting that money toward community pillars like schools.

Right now construction is cheap. Plus, if this bond gets passed, the state will kick in $32.8 million toward the Central Valley School District project and $31.8 million toward the Mead School District plan. We have an opportunity to improve the community, and the timing is right to maximize value.

Whether you have kids or not, solid local schools benefit the community, too.  Nice schools mean families finding not only Mead and the Valley desirable places to live, but also Spokane.  More families moving to the area means more money is going to be spent at local businesses. Money being spent at local businesses means – hey, local benefit!  Besides economic gain, there’s the cachet of being a sought-after region to live in. Sure this is anecdotal, but strong local schools are a piece of a healthy and vibrant community.

Look, taxes stink, but if we’re going to pay them, we might as well be sure we get the best return on them as possible: cheaper costs, money from the state, and improved community vitality.  I don’t even have kids, but as a member of this community, I know we all can benefit from taking advantage of approving these bonds now.

Maybe if the Governator could’ve shown me that that my taxes were going toward something local and worthwhile, I never would’ve left California?  Nah, Cali can’t hold a candle to Spokane.

Steve Hitchcock

Well-wishers’ card collection planned for ill poet

Milton Taylor, champion Australian Bush poet who has for the past decade performed throughout the area at various venues and schools, is now hospitalized in Queensland with a serious illness.

The Budding Rose Art Gallery, 510 S. Whitman Ave. in Rosalia, Wash., where Milton has performed for the last 10 years, is now collecting get well cards from his fans, to send to Queensland in one big mailing.

Please help by mailing cards to:

Budding Rose Art Gallery, Milton Taylor Group Mailing, P.O. Box 347, Rosalia, WA 99170-0347.

Diane and Jim Nebel

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March 27, 2011 in Letters, Opinion

Life-saving support

I am writing this letter in full support of Planned Parenthood. By now, I’m sure you have heard of misleading attacks made by Abby Johnson. I feel strongly that the truth needs to be told.

I am one of the millions of women who has relied on Planned Parenthood for my health care. Planned Parenthood has always come through for me. They have helped me with birth control and other health care services I would not have been able to otherwise afford. I want to make this very clear: Planned Parenthood saved my life.

Planned Parenthood, no matter what my problem was, took the time to educate me about all of my options and always took the time to explain things to me.

The fact is the vast majority of Planned Parenthood’s services are focused on prevention. For many women, this is the only health care they will receive. Don’t take these services away.

Andrea Oton

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May 24, 2013 in Nation/World

Tornado victims’ burials begin

Heavy rain slowing cleanup efforts
Matt Pearce Los Angeles Times
Associated Press photo

David Lee Estep sits atop a pile of rubble that was the home he shared with his parents in Moore, Okla., on Thursday. Estep was waiting for his parents, who also survived the storm that devastated much of the town.
(Full-size photo)

MOORE, Okla. – Rain drenched the tornado-devastated towns near Oklahoma City again Thursday as weary survivors began to bury their dead and find the strength to carry on.

Authorities said they don’t expect the death toll to rise beyond 24 – 10 of whom were children. More than 375 people were injured.

The first funeral was for Antonia Lee Candelaria, 9 – one of seven children killed when Monday’s tornado leveled Plaza Towers Elementary School in Moore.

In her obituary, “Tonie” was described as “a beautiful young lady on the inside and out” who could “find the positive, good and joy in everything.” She and her best friend, Emily Conatzer, also 9, “were inseparable, even in their last moments,” the obituary said. “They held on to one another and followed each other into heaven and they will never be alone.”

Another tornado victim, Megan Futrell, died trying to protect her 4-month-old son. Futrell, 29, a teacher at Highland West Junior High School in Moore, left to get him from daycare when she heard about the tornado. With the infant, Case, she took shelter at a 7-Eleven, but it offered no protection. She was found clutching the baby, both of them dead from blunt force trauma to the head.

“I want people to remember this woman for the love she had for her child,” said Pastor D.A. Bennett, Futrell’s childhood pastor, who will preside over their funerals Tuesday at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City. “I think that this was a mother who wanted to do everything possible to protect her child. It was hard to protect anyone on that day.”

A memorial service for all the victims was set for Sunday, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin said in a news conference. President Barack Obama will be in the disaster area and is likely to attend.

Moore and other towns along the twister’s 17-mile path have a daunting cleanup task ahead. Property damages are estimated at $2 billion, utilities are still down in many areas and some businesses have been destroyed, and with them, jobs. Roads are heavily congested and police checkpoints intended to prevent looting are slowing cleanup, especially for those who lost IDs in the storm.

The wet weather, too, slowed recovery. Pelting rain combined with strong winds to knock down some relief tents, drenching supplies.

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Word Ladder: Happy Tax Day!

Random Just For Fun or word ladder Quiz

Can you name the 5-letter links in this word ladder?

Updated Mar 21, 2013

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One of life's certainties
Late actor Ledger, or a toffee treat by Hershey
Preliminary races
Comes from the heart
Bills, bills, bills
Highest values of a wave's amplitude
There are four of them in a bushel
Prepares for a long vacation
War agreements
''The _____ of Life''
Confronts a fear
Documents sent over a telephone line
One of life's certainties

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Word Laddyrinth XIII

Random Language or word ladder Quiz

Can you name the 4 letter words to get to the finish line?

Updated May 26, 2012

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Hunger Games-Who Said It?

Random Literature or The Hunger Games Quiz

Can you name the characters that said it?

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How to Play
QuoteCharacterBook Appearance
'Had a damp morning?'CF
'Shoot me and he goes down with me.'HG
'Just remember, stealing's punishable by death.'HG
'...Only it isn't an act, which makes you more unbearable. Please feel free to take this personally.'M
'You're a painter. You're a baker. You like to sleep with the windows open. You never take sugar in your tea. And you always double-knot your shoelaces.'M
'I don't care if you got knocked up. I can still rip your throat out!'CF
'Let's show a little district pride for a change, Ms. Everdeen. Hm?'CF
'Because I'm in pain...That's the only way I get your attention.'M
'Just this once, I let you go. For the little girl.You and me, we're even then.'HG
'...whatever happened in the past is the past. And no one is in this arena was a victor by chance. Except maybe Peeta.'CF
'I'm not allowed to bet, but if I could, my money would be on you.'HG
'Look, if you wanted to be babied, you should have asked Peeta.'CF
'Ally...Friend. Love. Victor. Enemy. Fiancee. Target. Mutt. Neighbor. Hunter. Tribute. Ally...'M
'Handsome lad like you. There must be some special girl. Come on, what's her name?'HG
'I'm okay once I realize you're here.'CF
'We could do it, you know. Leave the district. Run off. Live in the woods. You and I, we could make it.'HG
'I think we'll make this whole situation a lot simpler by agreeing not to lie to each other.'CF
'You're punishing him over and over for things that are out of his control.'M
'But mockingjays were never a weapon...They're just songbirds. Right?'CF
QuoteCharacterBook Appearance
'You don't forget the face of the person who was your last hope.'?
'You know, you could live a thousand lifetimes and not deserve him.'CF
We had to save you because you're the mocking jay, Katniss. While you live, the revolution lives.'CF
'You weren't joking, about wanting me for an ally?'HG
'Yes, and I'm sure the arena will be full of bags of flour for me to chuck at people.'HG
'Well, don't expect us to be too impressed. We just saw Finnick Odair in his underwear.'M
'I promised Cato if he let me have you, I'd give the audience a good show.'HG
'I had to do that. At least once.'CF
'Let the Seventy-Sixth Hunger Games begin!'M
' and I... well, if we see something sweet, we better grab it quick.'CF
It takes ten times as long to put yourself back together as it does to fall apart.'M
'Stop! Stop! Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to present the victors of the Seventy-Fourth Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark!'HG
'Today he was feeding himself pudding!'M
'Yeah, we know. Tick, tock. Nut's in shock.'CF
'Feed it to the pig, you stupid creature! Why not? No one decent will buy burned bread!'HG
'You love me. Real or not real?'M
'So, here's what you do. You win, you go home. She can't turn you down then, eh??HG
There are much worse games to play.'M
'Here's some advice. Stay alive.'HG

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