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Wed, 30 May 2012 10:02:34 GMT

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Tue, 29 May 2012 14:58:42 GMT

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Invisible Fences: Are They Dangerous to Your Pet?

Fri, 25 May 2012 14:43:48 GMT

by: jianne
Now of course invisible fences is harmful towards pet, so why did over one million cat owners purchase one prior to now 12 months? There needs to be a reason for any popularity. For what reason the popularity?

These kinds of pet containment systems have become far more affordable, and additionally pet owners have realized them to be a safe, efficient way to keep their dogs contained in the lawn.

The more doggie fences which were purchased, a lot more unfavorable sentiments are formed. Some mention they make a dog aggressive. Some other claim they don't work and that they damage and will damage your pet. All of these claims are generally untrue since there is not any knowledge to verify them. Recently available studied start to reduce new gentle on the strength and protection of undetectable fencing.

The cutting edge manufacturer for invisible pet fences had to compare the shock of one's collar in order to common conditions. An independent laboratory work tested the collars and found that the really don't produce the power of correction some folk believed. Believe it or not, the punition level of the dog fence dog collars were only one would have from a plain-ole shock through walking at carpeting. Numerous people have when put next these dog collars to a livestock fence with a stun gun. Case study found the particular shock seemed to be one-fourth that of a livestock fence along with one-twentieth of a stun marker.

But there is a lot more to the account. The study opposed the current of these appliances. In other words, the particular intensity also, the duration of typically the shock. Leading brands of dog secure fencing give a static correction for a fairly brief speedy. If the k9 fence grab has the UL press, the punition lasts only one-fourth of a secondary. This is not as much as the time it will require a person to return back their arms.

It is important to recognize that not all zap is the same. As the correction regarding dog stone border collars will be less than a plain-ole shock, they will not be painful, not comfortable or possibly bring about your pet any sort of injury. Market research was carried out of owners who have got a new invisible fence . Each of these dog owners purchased a system that integrated the proper training handbooks that noticeably increases your chances of success a web based business to feature your pet. It is important that when obtaining these types of family pet training products, that you choose to look for a person's that offer entire installation and additionally pet training substance.

Over Just 1,000 folks who had been using an invisible dog fence for at least Ninety days were questioned about their expertise in the system. Among the many questions inquired was: Due to the fact training your dog on the fence how would you express your pet's conduct?" The survey called for the following reviews: Far better behaved and if so, how? Step 2. No alteration of behavior and three. Worse behavior and if so, exactly how?

The desired info is staggering. Just a bit over 2/3 (860 of just one,025 dog owners) told the pollster that their dogs overall actions had in simple fact improved since using the furry companion containment system. Points that these pups would clearly show an overall advancement in their habit would include that the owners utilized the equipment efficiently. Correct usage includes shelling out a significant amount of precious time working with in addition to socializing using your dog. Because a dog should get an increase in attention and time, his behaviors will usually modification for the more desirable.

This questionnaire also helps to dispel one more myth regarding the use of not visible fences : that it factors dogs to behave aggressive. Not one of the dog owners interviewed purchased your machine for the purpose of doing away with aggressive habits. However, about 12% stated this another favorable side effect using the equipment appeared to be that their dog no longer exhibited occasional intense behavior that had been seen in the past. Also, of such owners proclaiming that their most dogs behavior compounded in some way considering that using the invisible fence for dogs accessories, none claimed the difficult being in the form of aggressive patterns.

I hope these tips have been to your benefit. If you are considering a low profile fence for your personal pet, do not hesitate since pretty much all reputable enterprises offer money-back guarantees if the machines does not work in your case and your family pet.

About mee

Fri, 11 May 2012 14:27:27 GMT

by: shanelee
Bio

Taking up <a href="http://www.culinaryschoolstraining.com/">culinary training</a> during summer vacation and I will be watch a <a href="http://www.pacquiaovsbradleylive.com/">pacquiao vs bradley</a> this coming June.

About myself!

Fri, 11 May 2012 14:23:34 GMT

by: shanelee
Murmur

Taking up culinary training and I will be watch pacquiao vs bradley this coming June.

Review for the Land Rover Discovery

Thu, 10 May 2012 06:06:29 GMT

by: jessicasmith
You can observe all site visitors incidents involving you and the skyline, that?s how substantial you remain, and the air conditioning is so great that even in heat-waves, despite the a couple of sunroofs and all the particular glass, you're feeling chilled perfectly.

The material bar dangling down from your ceiling of the car park the front, with its distinctive red and white chevrons is likely to tell you the most height of vehicle that can fit in. This was certainly the case with the Mall car car park in Studying. The problem not surprisingly, is that so that you can know if you may fit under a 1.93 m substantial barrier, you need to know the height of your respective Land rover Discovery.

My partner and i didn?t know, so i was later for a conference. So I crept approximately the buffer, got out, and seeing a slither of sunlight between top and chevronned club, decided to chance it.

CRUNCH. THWACK.

The roof, as it happens, is A person.92m tall though the aerial package on the top is an additional 0.05m. You may have already worked out that I had been precisely 4.04m too large for this car recreation area. Don?t look therefore smug, the pretty lady on Land rover says I am not the first.

Next, i had to tell the Managing Director of the UK?s major warranty firm that I was going to be later because My spouse and i couldn?t fit in your car park, and might he maybe meet me personally on the street?

?That?s preposterous, my Toyota Land Cruiser corresponds. Don?t they know individuals need to park??

I discussed that our Discovery might now fit into his car car park, as I experienced reduced their height. You observe, in order to get out there, I had so that you can bash beyond the barrier yet again. This totally removed the particular bent piece of plastic top trim. It?s simply just, with the way the day was going, I thought it would be best to store somewhere with 5cm of freedom.

Provided you may have about 60cm involving flexibility in all directions (including up), the unbelievably massive Disovery is usually a doddle to park. This all-round sensors are certainly good, the actual wheel is actually light and the steering secure gives you a great deal of turn-in.

Resist briefly longer, if you can, to chuckle like my local freinds did pertaining to me driving a car a 4x4 of any account (let alone just one bigger than the Toyota Land Rover Discovery Parts and Land Cruiser motorcycle) in cities. My turbo diesel Breakthrough comes with a as well as offset plan, so it is wholly carbon simple. That means once i sit a whole story over the electric G-whizz car as well as overtake the Prius, I am still greener compared to both.

Loud back along the motorway via Reading I realised why Land rover is selected for jungle expeditions. Because you can depend on any ?Landy? to get you throughout the tight locations that people adventurers unavoidably stumble upon. While in the urban rainforest of Examining we had are available face-face with multi-story heck, and severed the aerial cables. Hence imagine precisely how impressed I used to be to realise the Sat Nav even now worked and that i could even now pick up Funds and Virgin radio stations.

My partner and i opened any chilled sip from the family fridge that can be perfectly located at the central armrest, flicked around the cruise management and peaceful in the bronzed leather chair; the elevated section of the M4 has never experienced so tranquil. The combination of incredibly excellent front seats and library-like quantities of road along with wind racket mean that a new Land rover Discovery is surely an oasis.

?But an individual wouldn?t actually buy a person, would you?? expected a friend.

Actually, I would. I was not particularly fired up when I scheduled the Land rover parts set for a test. Initially when i first walked about it, the excitement lower slightly additionally. But then I personally drove this a couple of times in fact it is sublime in almost everyway.

It is actually lighter about than the Volvo XC90 plus the gearbox pick-up is much better too. It is surprisingly cost effective with its utilization of diesel plus glides along side motorway being a stealth bomber.

You can see all visitors incidents amongst you and the skyline, that?s how substantial you stay, and the air conditioning is so superior that during heat-waves, despite the 2 sunroofs and all the particular glass, you feel chilled to perfection.

OK them rolls considerably round the corners, so you have to search very gradually, but then it's slightly higher than a bungalow and has never claimed to be a sporting activities car. So what will you expect? Along with whenever you enter, you whip the door shut but it doesn?t shut properly. So you have to open that and slam it manfully. Then a passengers many have to do a similar. But that?s this.

Sadly I actually never had the chance to use the big chunky Four wheel drive controls this set the car up to get steep slopes, ravines and the like. Even so, nor will probably most of anyone if you buy just one.

Can STEP UP REVOLUTION Surpass STEP UP 3D?

Thu, 03 May 2012 18:28:36 GMT

by: JeffR
A high point of the 2010 cinema experience was STEP UP 3D. Can its sequel be even better?

When my wife and I entered the theater to see Step Up 3D, we were just looking to have a fun time. We were fans of shows like America's Best Dance Crew, which showcases intricately choreographed group dance numbers, and we wanted to see something even bigger. We were not disappointed.

The film's plot was paper-thin and completely forgettable. I believe that the female lead's father didn't want her to dance anymore but she wanted to keep at it because she had a natural inclination towards dance and wanted to use it to change the world. Now, I'm probably getting that mixed up with Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo's plot but whatever. It doesn't matter. The story wasn't why we were there. It didn't even seem to be why the film makers had made the film. Everyone just wanted to see attractive people move their bodies in sync and we got that in droves.

Even better than the dances themselves were the 3D effects. In Step Up 3D, the extra dimension was a novelty. It was a toy for the movie to use to have some fun with the audience. Did the scene in which a dance stage is flooded with water make any story sense? No, but it made every foot stomp look like an explosion to the audience seeing the water splash out at them. Why did every dance seem to incorporate a part where the dancers thrust their limbs out in front of them? Just to give the audience a thrill of course. The most blatant use of the 3D as silly fluff happened when the male protagonist let loose a torrent of bubbles into an exhaust vent, causing the bubbles to fly at the viewer's face. I laughed out loud at the film's self-awareness.

It was the most fun I had in the theaters in the entirety of 2010. I say that without hyperbole. And I know that Inception, Toy Story 3, and How to Train Your Dragon all came out that year. We saw them all in the theaters. My statement stands.

So how will the next film in this franchise top it? I don't think that it can. But, I'm happy to be proven wrong. The trailer looks pretty good. The flash mob concept feels a bit dated, but it still could be a fun time. I enjoy that it appears that this film has absolutely nothing to do with the previous film as all the actors like new to me. But who needs continuity amongst these films? I just want to see beautiful people dancing with pinpoint precision. It looks like I'll get my wish. I'm sure I'll enjoy myself even if my giddy enjoyment of the film's insanity isn't present.

Step Up 3D captured lightning in a bottle. I don't think we'll see its ilk again.

I think that robot dancing guy is back though. Awesome.

My Assignment on Musical Plagiarism

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 04:56:24 GMT

by: marciarodis
Musical plagiarism has affected composers and song writers.

I have this music assignment on plagiarism in the music industry. I've heard of such cases, and I found out why duplication of songs happen.

Plagiarism in the music industry has always been an issue ever since. High profile singers like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Madonna once underwent charges against them. Some of these cases were solved in an off-court settlement. Whether intentional or not, copying a tune from another song or taking a portion of a tune from a song is still plagiarism. So music composers and song writers must do their research to avoid facing a lawsuit.

Can musical plagiarism be avoided? It can be. But then again, some cases might be unintentional. Music only has a few notes. Being aware of a composer making his piece will help. Deliberately "borrowing" some parts of a tune can pave way for copyright infringement, so one must ask permission from the copyright holder. Like in the very popular sampling used in hip hop music. An example of this is Iyaz's "Solo" which borrowed a tune from Janet Jackson's "Again".

Like in writing, people always try to come up with an original piece of music that they can proudly call their own. Avoiding musical plagiarism isn't that easy. But it's doable.

ESSAY HELP!!:DD

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 03:14:01 GMT

by: bigbangg1215
Hi, I'm trying out for a Samsung scholarship and i need help reviewing my first draft of the essay the prompt is "Tell us in 300 words or less, how will technology enable the collaboration process in the future?" The essay has to be original, relevant to real world and be in a good writing quality. I know i'm not a good writer so help!!

Hi, I'm trying out for a Samsung scholarship and i need help reviewing my first draft of the essay

the prompt is "Tell us in 300 words or less, how will technology enable the collaboration process in the future?"

The essay has to be original, relevant to real world and be in a good writing quality.

I know i'm not a good writer so help!!

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Imagine a world without technology. Smart phones are no longer there for means of communication and people?s entertainment. Computers are just a box of plastic which fail to connect people globally, and life is just dull without Social Networking Systems. Without digital communication tools, complaints about inconvenient and time-consuming offline meetings are heard everywhere.

Because technology is a vital part of everyday life on earth, people not only cannot live without it, but also are expecting it to play a significant role in the future: global connection and collaboration. Social Networking Systems like Facebook and Twitter enable people to build personal relationships online easily. Skype and Face Time are convenient tools for people to have conversations face to face limitlessly and effortlessly. Furthermore, these incredible technologies are used to spread global issues and concerns that need attention and care. Recently, there was a huge attention given to this one film, ?Kony 2012? which is created to promote Invisible Children Inc.?s ?Stop Kony? movement to make Ugandan war criminal Joseph Kony internationally known in order to arrest him in 2012. The film revealed brutal crimes that he committed to hundreds and thousands of innocent children in the East and Central African countries. It shocked the world and immediately gained wide recognition and concerns from people. Help from U.S. military was given and there is still movement to raise support going on; without technology, this worldwide collaboration to help victims would have never occurred.

A talented gift from mankind, technology has infinite possibilities. It will bring people from every culture and countries together, and will be used to combine heads to make the world a better place for everyone to live.

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Sat, 28 Jan 2012 06:52:39 GMT

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Kriby's Return to Dreamland

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:16:07 GMT

by: mchristatos
A return of one the most beloved video game icons.

    Living in a society that prides itself on high-end graphics and head shot counts, it is often difficult to find the value in a relatively ancient gaming franchise like Kirby. Lost amongst the release of Modern Warfare 3 and Skyrim, many probably did not even realize Kirby's Return to Dreamland was released for the Wii a few weeks ago. Coming off the heels of it's highly stylized brother, Kirby Epic Yarn, newbies and traditionalists can breath a sigh of relief with Nintendo's return to traditional game play.

    Kirby's Return to Dreamland is a simple story, where Kirby and his frien-emies King Dedede, Waddle Dee and Meta Knight, join forces to help repair a mysterious spaceship that recently crash landed on their native planet. With the ability to play with three other friends, you won't mind the toilet paper thin narrative.

    Color was not in short supply during development. Kirby offers a lush and vibrant game that is as fun to watch as it is to play. Stages suffer from some slight repetition but still offer enough variation to remain interesting. The music is a mix of old-school remixes, upbeat instrumentals and mysterious synth ballads. The design for the denizens of Kirby's world will always be, first and foremost, cute. That aside, there is a something about the character designs that you will not forget, making a little bit harder for you to digest them.

    Despite the fluffy exterior, Return to Dreamland boasts a surprisingly challenging gameplay mechanic. Just because Kirby and his friends boast a never-ending ability to fly, coasting through the levels are not always a possibility. Playing as Kirby, you are constantly needed to change your ability to reach certain switches or buttons. Learning each ability's control scheme is a lesson in and of itself. The game itself is broken down into 7 different worlds with about 5 stages in each world. Scattered throughout the levels are Energy Spheres, that if collected, will open locked sections of the crashed spaceship, rewarding the die hard completionists. Other than the main storyline, there are 4 player challenges, ability time trials and an arena that challenges players with defeating the game's bosses with limited recovery items.

    All in all, Kirby's Return to Dreamland is a great 4 player romp that will be great for people of all ages. The main storyline will run you a few hours but if you manage to get 3 other friends in the same room, the limitations in game time and story won't matter.

Create Natural Settings at Home with Your Garden Wall Fountain

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 03:47:16 GMT

by: janica
Is your house or office hunting for some new décor? Consider wall fountains or other water features so you can update your office and include its aesthetic appeal.

Indoor wall fountains may offer your office visitors with an aspect relaxing to look at while they simply wait for an appointment. No matter what the category of business that you own, one of everyone major reasons for concern is usually the waiting around area. You will want your friends and family to make a relaxing environment to wait patiently in for their meeting time and energy to start or for their visit. Generating a waiting area that has off a soothing vibe may benefit you and your guests. The easiest way to accomplish this is going to be create a natural setting by putting on indoor fountains and other items inspired naturally.

It?s hard not to feel comfortable when you are listening to the stress-free sounds for water cycling via the fountain and seeing as it trickles all the way down. With the addition of some other sort of natural wall fountains essentials such as vegetation and fluffy lighting, your attendees will be able to chill out and rest as they wait for their session. Waiting for a scheduled head to can be stressful, especially in distinct office environments. If you managed a medical office or even banks your guests can become with side the longer that they simply wait. In order to provide them with optimal maintenance and also service, it will serve you much better to have your men and women and also clients in a laid back feelings. Being in a enjoyable conditions invoking the sights and may seem of nature may have an advanced impact upon the particular predisposition of your guests.

Water features deliver dental as well as auditory arousal generating the most relaxing setting available. If you are running a couple of minutes associated with on your appointments so as to your attendees do not apparently mind nearly as much when they have somewhere pleasant to sit and also wait. Take the anxiety away from tabletop fountains and your staff to help you rigidly stay on schedule and / or associated risk dealing with unhappy friends. Most people won?t have to remodel your whole office to make it more appealing to the guests. Focus your attention on your holding out area and go with an ideal all-natural theme in order to provide a agreeable place for them to relax since they wait. By carefully selecting the most appropriate features and accessories to add to your room you will be able to completely transform the style and the feel of your ready room.

Instead of missing out on owning the maximum enjoyment out of your fountain, you might start to purchase one of these units for your interiors of your home? Even when summer months ends you can still delight in all of the benefits of owning a fountain. Get yourself a fountain in your bathroom, bedroom, and in some cases great room for maximum enjoyment. Different kinds of Garden Gnomes sizes and styles of fountains so that you can buy the perfect unit to match your stipulated needs in any room at your home. If a wall unit is too giant for the interior of your home give consideration to purchasing a tabletop unit. There are a number designs of these smaller, far more portable fountains available and you will be capable to set these smaller fountains up wards and get them running by means of minimal effort on your own.

I am writer

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:27:38 GMT

by: albert
There are a lot of things you can do to help make essay writing service work for you ? and get a decent grade in the process: Essay writing | university essays | essay writing service

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Garden's beauty, The absolute right place for sentiment..

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:45:47 GMT

by: juliaanne
Garden's gives great meaning to our lives..

From the 100 lovely lakes, and we can see the fragrant breath of pine and fir and cedar and poplar trees. It's got given me blessed release from care and worry as well as troubled considering today's day. It is a huge return to the primitive and the peaceful. Whenever for most complex city life thins my blood and benumbs my brain, I seek relief within the trail; so when I hear the coyote wailing to your yellow dawn, my cares fall from me - I will be happy.

Think about the trees, consider the birds, look at the clouds, think about the stars... of course, if you have eyes it will be possible to view that this whole existence is joyful. Everything is happy. Trees are pleased for no reason at all similar of having tabletop fountains at your house; they simply, simple nonetheless they will usually are able to capture your vision because of the beauty inside it. Go through the flowers - for silly. It is actually unbelievable how happy flowers are.

It is always good being alone within a garden at dawn or dark in order that all of its shy presences may haunt you and possess you in a very reverie of suspended thought. At my garden you will find a large spot for sentiment an excellent Garden Gnomes and flowers that's filled with thoughts and dreams. The ideas grow as freely because flowers, and also the dreams are as beautiful as garden. If you have ever never experienced the practical benefits of accomplishing greater than you can think of, How fair is really a garden amidst the trials and passions of existence..

Guaranteed Electricity Underwater Information Pertaining to Reasons

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:42:02 GMT

by: Criss
DFNA Marine battery isolator and Smart Battery isolator

The installation of a Certain Power Battery Isolator in a marine inboard application is very much like that of a typical automotive set up, with a few small exceptions. The real difference arises when the use of your battery selector transition is essential or needed.When putting in battery power Isolator within the program not demanding the use of battery power selector switches, please follow the particular Sure Power Multi-Battery Isolator Application along with Installment Guidelines, incorporated in this bundle. When working with several charging source, please refer to the group installation guidelines for your particular alternator. Nearly all marine installations will certainly fall under Team 1 or perhaps Party three or more directions. Typical maritime electrical wiring images without having selector buttons tend to be demonstrated inside figures 1, two along with several. smart battery isolator may be used with selector switches. Isolators basically enrich battery power swap applications because each and every battery power can nonetheless be charged separately when the transition is attaching either battery. Regular Isolator using battery change apps are proven inside figures 4 along with 5. These images are only two of the possible connection alternatives. NOTE: Be sure that the actual alternator has remote sensation capacity. Most single-wire Delco alternators do not possess this supply. The regulator must sense battery power current. Your perception collection ought to be attached to the primary electric battery critical with the Isolator. Phone your Positive Strength customer-service department in case a particular program arises which isn't covered. Be aware: In the event that having a circuit buster mainly electric battery series, Certain Power recommends linking your voltage regulator impression line to the main battery terminal of the Isolator. Please refer to marine battery isolator and also BIA rules and recommendations relating to proper marine wiring dimensions as well as proper signal breaker protection.

Having Ones Boats Electric Dispatch Form Program

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:56:24 GMT

by: cyvan
Websites yo might prefer: marine battery isolator VHF Broadcast Life saver! Movie trailer Requisites!

Charter boat solar battery convert, isolator (isolators) and also integrator (integrators) methods are actually valued at the body weight within precious metal while it all happens that will double (multiple) battery pack organization. Virtually no boat master really should end up being not having this! This unique smart battery isolator tool may well save you people a new great deal regarding challenges the moment this comes to help 2 battery power control. Discover the simplest way to make sure you retain battery power on-board an individual's boat from making everyone getting stuck! It all might be, accordingly, typically the hasty one who welcomes being not practical needing twice all sorts of things on-board a new charter boat, up to the point left within the event. For that reason although a few is frequently excepted for the reason that a lot better than 1, it again can certainly rather be mentioned that it's possible to become very little superior to only two, in case the recent is usually badly used. Just like, say you have been upon an right away fishing journey. Floodlights, bilge pump, aerator, spotlights, . . .. be able to been in dynamic work with the overall night. You haven't any electrical creator suitable for you are usually expertly re-loaded with two 14 volt battery packs as well as convert. Sorry to say, when wishing to prank typically the serfs, you at the same time marine battery isolator packs are usually departed because of it convert being placed through the "all" location, burning at the same time battery pack dry. This can be all the the situation several finish up in in the event that budgeting their electrical power having isolator move only. Too, should the battery pack change survived during the "1" standing (main quality battery pack) as you move "#2" (aux. power) had been depleted via start using, how can it's energized by the alternator should the battery turn just isn't gone to live in also all of the "2" as well as "all" place? Foreign exchange along with working with a power supply go solely to get dual solar battery methods is always that the moment the particular fishing boat isn't really being listened to for one a lengthy time frame and also battery move remains inside "all" place, the actual superior of these two electric batteries could certainly strain any this sturdier you. An even more serious problem, which can damage the alternator, might be keeping the battery switch to all the "off" place as the boat's program is without a doubt managing.

Life of Care

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 03:04:01 GMT

by: gelinelockhart
Caring for Children

There are quite a few people who I was able to cross paths with who shared my interest in raising a child.When i first told my parents that the career that I wanted to pursue was children's education, they were first shocked because as a kid, I already showed interest of becoming lawyer, and up until junior high, this was what I have been telling them. Only during my Senior Year in high school when I was able to join an exposure trip to a children's facility. The children who live there are those who have been abandoned or were mistreated in the previous families that they had.

After that trip I told myself that I wanted to dedicate my life to help children and I was absolutely sure about it. Unlike a career in Law where i was not 100% committed to. So when I took a course in children's education in college, I was extremely happy. I loved every class I attended. The excitement that I had in it was truly remarkable. I couldn't wait until I graduated and have the right to submit my resume writing to different schools for a job.

So anyway, I graduated very happily but on during the first month after my graduation, I had to put my plans on hold. It's because I found out that I was pregnant. The thing is, usually, women who find themselves pregnant get somehow sad that their careers might be pulled on hold. I on the other hand did not feel that way. I wanted a career in being around children and to be able to be given the opportunity to care for a child that actually came from my womb is the best thing that could have happened to me.

Official time of death: 12/20/10 at 12:31 pm

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:36:18 GMT

by: Brad
death of a forum

RIP Murmur!

Doctor Who Experiment: The William Hartnell Years

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 17:31:51 GMT

by: TheNextChampion
In my first of, hopefully, continously running articles I will discuss about the original series of Doctor Who. This article will discuss the first ever seasons of the series with the First Doctor: William Hartnell

Doctor Who is a weird series for me in a lot of ways. Mainly that a series with: A) virtually no budget for the majority of it's run, B) It still has a cult following even with a huge gap between the original and new running of the series, and C) It's still considered one of the most influential shows today. What it has accomplished in almost fifty years is nothing more than remarkable. Now for me, a man who has recently got into the series with David Tennant and Matt Smith, I never really acknowledge the original run. All I knew of it at the time that it was a laughably bad series in terms of production and it has a crazed fanbase that defend it to this day. But my interest with the original run was piqued to extreme levels and I couldn't take it anymore.
So I did the most rational thing I could do: Go on my netflix account, find every single Doctor Who serials of the original run that are currently released, and put them in sequential order for viewing on a weekly basis. Yes, I have a Doctor Who experiment on my hands ladies and gentlemen. I will brave into the unknown and risk my sanity to watch over one-hundred and twenty DVD's of the original run of Doctor Who. I have no idea what I am getting into only then what of the knowledge I know already and with a little help with my good friend Brian McNamara (who is an uber-fan of the series). This experiment will all lead up to the grand finale of seeing the elusive 8th Doctor film that is legendary for it's awfulness but shockingly great performance by Paul McGann. My goal is to do an article on about every incarnation of the Doctor that I can watch and see how good or bad each series is in comparison to the others. It will be difficult since some episodes (especially for the 2nd Doctor) are completely wiped from history and the releases of the DVD's in general for each aren't fully complete. So there will be some confusion in an already massive sea of confusion.

Onto where the series all began starting in 1963. Where everyone involved with the first ever episode would have no idea how much influence they would put in the lexicon in TV history.
---------------------------------------------------

William Hartnell

Episodes: An Unearthly Child, The Daleks, The Edge of Destruction, The Keys of Marinus, The Aztecs, The Dalek Invasion of Earth, The Rescue, The Romans, The Web Planet, The Space Museum, The Chase, The Time Meddler, The War Machines

Companions: Susan Foreman (Carole Ann Ford), Barbara Wright (Jacqueline Hill), Ian Chesteron (William Russell), Vicki (Maureen O'Brien), STEVEN TAYLOR* (Peter Purves), Dodo Chaplet (Jackie Lane)*, Polly (Anneke Wills)*, Ben Jackson (Michael Craze)*

*In the case for Dodo, Polly, Ben, and STEVEN TAYLOR the BBC has only released one DVD involving them so far. For STEVEN TAYLOR it would just be for the episodes of The Chase (final episode) and The Time Meddler. For Dodo Chaplet she only appears in The War Machines since a good portion of her appearances are either wiped or not released. While Polly and Ben appear in The War Machines and become full companions for the Doctor after the episode and for the 2nd Doctor with Patrick Troughton.*

Analysis

The beginning of this experiment was like watching an experiment to begin with. (A weird Inception-like experience if you will) The first three serials were available to view and you can see how the show kept evolving overtime. AN UNEARTHLY CHILD is a pretty good pilot episode for the time. It has a lot of production problems and virtually no sense of direction in the twenty-five minute run time. It's quite obvious that when watching these Hartnell episodes (at least for his season) the cast and crew were winging it as they went on. But I'm also amazed at how much padding went into each serial. The Daleks, for example, is seven episodes long. Seven episodes! You'd think that they'd have good reason to make it that long but really they could've condensed it down into three and it would've been just as good. It's the only complaint that I found with each serial is that the length for each were ridiculously long. Like any shows during the early days of Television, the people who ran the networks felt they needed to fill in as much time as possible. So seeing five, six, or even seven episodes just to fill the gaps isn't that bizarre.

William Hartnell is also a bit perplexing to me. He's always referred to as a brilliant actor in interviews, retrospectives, and commentaries; but for the life of me I can't see why. A good amount of these serials has Hartnell flubbing his lines or clearly ad-libbing as it went on. The budget had to be so low that retakes were an impossibility. Still even though I think he isn't that great of an actor, he does try and do the best he can with the ridiculous material. As the serial goes on, he does really improve and by the time we get to The Romans, I really see why people love him so much as The Doctor. It's funny how I can see where David Tennant and Matt Smith get their ideas by using some of this Doctor's personality in here. When Hartnell figures out the mystery, or has a plan in his head, he really is like a kid with a wide smile and energy in his eyes. Plus I also like the wardrobe with his serial, especially with his ridiculous cape and hat in the original pilot. Overall he is a pretty good Doctor, but I am in favor to see a different take on the character with Patrick Troughton.

The real highlights for me with this experiment was Jacqueline Hill and William Russel as Barbara and Ian respectively. Seeing the actresses with the recent Doctors, I had low expectations for these early companions because I don't really like the idea of the Doctor having companions in general. (Let me be blunt, I hate Rose Taylor and Billie Piper respectively) But Jacqueline and William were pretty much the best actors in each episode consistently. They evolved as the episodes went along, their personalities and resourcefulness evolved over time (Ian turns into a pretty good fighter by the end), and they really did bring the heart to the series. So when they left towards the tail end of the second season I was really bummed out. Mostly because no other companions could hold a candle to those two. First off, I'm sure Carole Ann Ford is a great actress and a lovely person but Susan got on my nerves so quickly. She's the stereotypical woman in danger in almost every episode. If she isn't screaming her lungs out, she's crying. If she isn't crying, then she's getting everyone else into trouble. Her replacement, Vicki, was an improvement but that's like saying your replacing smooth peanut butter with chunky peanut butter. Yes there is a bit of a difference (and for me an improvement) but it's still the same damn thing. Then you get the awkwardness with the only Dodo, STEVEN TAYLOR, Polly, and Ben episodes released at the moment (again either for being lost all together or not yet released) for the First Doctor so I have no idea what to think of them. On the surface Dodo is weird (with a really stupid name even for this series), STEVEN TAYLOR is a jerk (and I put his name in caps because they stated his name literally a hundred times in The Time Meddler), finally Polly and Ben are too stereotypical of British people at the time to be taken seriously.

Like any TV show, there are some high points and some really low points. For me, if you want my opinion on the best serial for the original Doctor, I'd go with The Space Museum. Only because it has the best ideas going for it especially with the first episode. Plus it has some of the best acting involving with all of the cast, even with the random actors (or pre-red shirts as I like to call them). Some of the things covered in that episode in terms of time travel were really interesting. Even with the episodes running today I don't see as much creativity as that four episode serial had. A close second would be The Edge of Destruction as it was a nice bottle episode to show all the characters really interacting with each other more. Having this in between two massive adventures was a smart idea and really got me interested with Ian and Barbara. As for the worst serial, no question it would have to go with The Web Planet. I literally fell asleep halfway through with this serial as the plot and creatures used were so boring. Seeing these huge ant-like creatures and butterflies was laughably bad at first sight. But as the episode continued, my interest wanned and even the ridiculousness couldn't hold my interest. Also, whoever thought the idea of constant beeping would make the serial even more interesting should be shot.

Final Thoughts

With my experiment going on full throttle, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the first run with William Hartnell. It wasn't perfect mind you; with constant reminders of the laughable budget, somewhat wonky acting, and ridiculous plots. But the series grew with me overtime and other then one really bad episode I have to say that I would really recommend people watching these serials. It's always interesting to see how a series began and even if this is no where near close to how Doctor Who runs today; you can still see where some of the new series continues in tradition with the original run. But my friends, this is only one Doctor I have watched so far. I still have seven more to go for my experiment! Coming up (hopefully) next month will be my thoughts on the first time we see a new change within the series: The 2nd Doctor aka Patrick Troughton!

NaNoWriMo - November 2010. Who's in, Who's out?

Sun, 10 Oct 2010 19:23:42 GMT

by: Ckl
Which Murmur folks are up for this year's NaNoWriMo madness? It's not like you have anything better planned for November, right?

There was plenty written and podcast-ed about NaNoWriMo 2009 at the end of last year, and blow me down if it ain't coming up to that time of year again.
For them that don't know, NaNoWriMo is an annual writing challenge to create a 50,000 word novel from scratch in the 30 days of November. More details can be found on their website: www.nanowrimo.org

Several Murmur-ers, including staff, had a go last year. Some loved it, some loathed it, some didn't complete. I did it for the first time, and was pleased to get to the 50,000 word deadline with a couple of days to spare. That was despite holding down my regular job.

Is anyone up for the challenge this year? If so, put your NaNo user name below if you want some new Writing Buddies, and best of luck! See you in December!

One Week with the AppleTV

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 22:53:03 GMT

by: mikeromo
Mike Romo discusses the AppleTV, one week in.

Another AppleTV review? Well, I guess. Maybe. Well, maybe this is less a "review" than "the story so far" as far as my experience with the recently released AppleTV is concerned.

You know the basic talking points, of course: the AppleTV unit is small, the iTunes store doesn't have enough content, it has Netflix, and it is pretty closed off in terms of supported video formats.

All of this is true. It is ridiculously small--like, whatever you are thinking right now? Reduce it by 10%. The pictures don't really do it justice and seeing it next to the original AppleTV just make you realize how large the original AppleTV was. The glossy black finish is nice and it actually has a somewhat rubberized-feeling bottom, which was nice; I wonder if the coating (which reminds me of the bottom of the Harmony One remote control) helps prevent slippage? Some of those cables can get pretty heavy, after all.

Setup is easy, sure, but, then again, nothing's ever easy when you are adding another media source like the AppleTV into an ecosystem of equipment. I mean, let's be serious, Apple--people are not just gonna hook this up to a TV, right? It looks nice and all on the website, but for many of us out there, this is yet another box, which means at least a few more cables in the back of the system.

My system is somewhat complex, but by no means overly elaborate. My Denon 2808ci receiver, while quite nice, only has 2 HDMI inputs, which requires some maneuvering on my part, given that it is already supporting a DirecTV receiver, an Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray player and, occasionally, an XBox 360. My TV, a 42" Samsung plasma (720p--I know, but I got it a few years ago!), has 2 HDMI inputs, so I ended plugging the AppleTV directly into the TV via HDMI and use a toslink (optical) cable from the AppleTV into the receiver, which involved re-assigning (and renaming) that optical input to a "free" channel.

After that, I plugged the AppleTV directly into my Airport Extreme basestation, which is resting about six inches from the AppleTV. Yes, I know that the AppleTV has built-in wireless (802.11n), but I prefer a wired connection whenever possible, especially for streaming media from the Internet, which is what this is all about, right?

Then it took some doing to get the AppleTV entered into my Harmony One remote, which involved creating a new Device (Home Theater PC, Maker: Apple), and a new activity, with at least one page of customizable buttons for dealing with the various sound modes, which really help the device out, as you will see below.

So, yes, if you are plugging the AppleTV into a TV on its own, fine--simple. Otherwise, it can be a bit more complex.

(By the way, I refuse to refer to the AppleTV device as Apple does--just "AppleTV," as in "Plug AppleTV into your TV using..." or "Sometimes AppleTV will have issues with romantic comedies?"--it creeps me out the way Apple wants you to refer to their products.)

Once it was all plugged in, it was a cinch to get up and running--just hold down the "play" key and it turns on, very quickly. However, you still need to configure your iTunes Store account, Netflix account, YouTube account, enter in a flickr contact, turn on Home Sharing if you are paying for that service, and be ready to enter in your last credit card security number (the one on the back of your card) the first time you rent an iTunes movie/TV show. This is lot of text entry, and you can't use a keyboard, because the unit doesn't have a freakin' USB port and even though it apparently has bluetooth, you can't sync a bluetooth keyboard in, and you can't use your iphone/iPad keyboard to do the text entry (well, I didn't try, but I am assuming this to be the case, though, wow, that would be smart), so you spend a good deal of time (well, several minutes at least) "typing" all of your credentials. This is not a big deal, it's just annoying, and Apple doesn't help, with the alphabet locked down to display as A-Z/a-z as opposed to the QWERTY layout. Come on-at least give the option to toggle the layouts! (Note: I have heard that you can actually use your iPhone/iPad/iPod touch for text entry--this is awesome?but it would be more awesome if they told you could do this in the main UI!)

Also, for some reason, it doesn't display your password as you type this. Yes, I know, security. But seriously--honestly, give us the option to see the password as you type it. We can handle the risk! It's just that the way you enter, but constantly pressing the direction keys, it can be really easy to accidentally hit the enter key (right in the middle of the direction keys) and randomly hit a character. This happened a lot to me, and no, I wasn't drinking. It was just a glaring usability issue that Apple could have addressed. But whatever, it's a nitpick?but still?PICK!

Okay, let's get to the juice. Once you have entered in all the different accounts, this thing is super simple to use. It works really well. Let's just hit the highlights, go here or here for a full-on technical review of all of the features.

- Netflix - impressive HD (or close to it) streaming at 720p. Video is good quality, sometimes quite good, depending on source material. Sound is lame--2 channels. I recommend plugging this into a receiver and using one of the surround modes to give it a bit of juice (I prefer the DTS Neo6: Cinema mode) to wake up your subwoofer and the rest of your sound system. I will admit-- I was impressed with the Netflix picture quality, but I am annoyed that (most) everyone dismisses the lack of 5.1 surround sound. Yes, not everyone has this, but, like, all of the networks broadcast in 5.1, so it's not like it is some unusual feature. I get that we can only do so much, right now, with streaming, but that's why it's not as good as solid media. Compared to Blu-ray this is nice, but it's not the HD experience that I build my system for. But if you just wanna watch a movie or a TV show and don't care all that much about this stuff? It's good.

- iTunes - Okay, I admit it: iTunes playback is impressive. Way impressive. Way better than I thought it would be. Like..if I didn't have a Blu-ray player, I would just accept this as pretty much solid HD. I rented the Unrated version of Robin Hood (not sure what makes it unrated, but I haven't finished it yet?and may not finish it, considering how terrible the movie is--it's basically Gladiator in tights) and was very impressed very impressed, with the video and the sound. Yes, Blu-ray might be better--but most people are not going to notice the difference, both in terms of picture (admittedly, I am watching this on a 720p set, which could be a major caveat for those with TVs large than 42") and in sound (as much as I like seeing the DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD lights turn on in my receiver, I don't think I am really noticing much of a difference). So, from an experience point of view? I think the iTunes content is pretty much great.

- Other video - You can't play .avi's, .wmv's or anything else--it's all .mov, .m4v, .m4a, .mp3 and the other "basic" Apple codecs. This is pathetic--expected, but pathetic. I hate it. I don't even have that much stuff in the other codecs but I don't like this arbitrary limitation. I am hoping that we'll the AppleTV open up later on, but I don't see Apple rushing to do this. Most of the people who have a ton of content in other formats will probably use a Roku or Boxee Box...

- Podcasts - I gotta tell you, it was super awesome to finally watch the iFanboy video podcast (see pic) on my TV. Nerdy, I know, but, hey.

- Music sharing - This is what I actually needed from the device. My old airport express died on me, so I figured I would get this to play my iTunes music from the various computers around the house to the main sound system downstairs. It works great.

- Non iTunes sources - I have a hard drive connected to my Airport Extreme, which I use as a music tome and backup drive. I would love it if the AppleTV could see that hard drive and access all of the music on there, but it doesn't. This is frustrating and kinda lame. I hope that Apple figures it out and realizes that not everyone is going to use iTunes to do everything, you know? This is a theme with Apple--to do something about 80% right (and not allow developers to address the other 20%). Just doesn't make any sense to me.

- Remote control - The iPad and iPhone remotes act as you would expect them to. Once we get the iOS update that allows for Airplay, these apps will be a lot more fun (Airplay allows you to stream music, video and pictures from your iOS device to the AppleTV). By the way, I liked the look and feel of the included silver remote, but I won't be using it since I am using the Harmony One remote.

So, how have I been using it? Well, I am glad you asked. I had to test the device out in a fun way, so I played music while doing a slide show. It worked pretty well, but if you have a slideshow on and then want to change the music using your iOS remote application, it interrupts the slideshow and just becomes a music player. I understand why this might happen, but I found it kind of annoying. I have been using Netflix more than I thought, but I must admit, I am frustrated by the lack of content on it. I know, I know--there seems to be a ton of stuff, but I still can't see The League or old episodes of The Mary Tyler Moore show (I know, random, but I am watching old pilots for a writing class). I mean, okay--I can rent them from Apple, but it's the Mary Tyler Moore show. I don't want to pay for it. Oh, I can indeed watch the show for free (albeit with commercials) on Hulu, but, of course, Hulu is not on AppleTV. I have talked to a few people about this, and we all agreed--despite seeing a ton of stuff available, both for Netflix and iTunes, it just seems that most of the time, when you are searching for a specific show or movie - it's just not there, which is incredibly frustrating.

Which is a problem. Yes, I know it's probably not Apple's fault, but, I mean, Hulu is gonna be on Roku, right? So, what's the holdup?

But all in all? After a week? I like using the AppleTV. I find myself using it a lot more than I thought I would, and then start thinking, "Wouldn't it be nice to have a browser app for this? Or a twitter client? Facebook, even?" If I could surf the web, using the iPad as a keyboard and "mouse", this would be awesome--which surprised me; I usually could care less about doing web stuff on the TV, but it was like, I was already doing so much other "computer-y" stuff on the TV (looking at photos, playing movies and music) that it felt natural. I wanted to tweet about using the AppleTV and was surprised that I wanted to tweet about AppleTV on AppleTV. Of course, this might all happen--I am convinced it will happen--given the rumors of an App Store for AppleTV, so stay tuned for that.

One week in and I am pretty much telling people that the AppleTV is pretty great. Yes, there are issues (mostly in terms of content and wow do I hate those time limits), but I think those issues will slowly disappear as studios relent and share more of their content with Netflix and Apple. What does all this mean for Blu-ray? Well, I hope it means that movie prices will go down, but, honestly, I think that Blu-ray will stick around, but it won't be the major force that DVDs were. But that is another article altogether.

Is the AppleTV worth $99? Depends on what you like to watch. If you have a Netflix subscription already and don't really care about other formats and you desire the ability to get content on iTunes Store, it's a total no brainer. This is a lot cheaper than buying the content at Best Buy or renting it from your local video store (if you, like, still have one of those). If your TV is 42" or smaller, you are going to be fine with how the content looks--I can see people with 52" TVs seeing pixelation and a slightly less clear picture if they are used to 1080 content from satellite/cable/over-the-air. Sound-wise, if you were fine with DVD sound, you'll be fine with this sound (for iTunes content; Netflix has a lot of work to do in this area). If you already have a Blu-ray player, but don't have Netflix and are irritated with how much more you have to pay to buy a movie, this is a solid addition to your system.

If I were to give this an iFanboy style rating, I would give it: Technology: 4, Content 3.5 (out of a 5 point system).

Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think about the AppleTV in the comments.

Mike Romo is an actor in LA. You can read his weekly scribbles about comics on iFanboy.com. Follow him on twitter!

---

Addendum

I found a rub with iTunes that I think will prove to be confusing for a lot of users. Remember how I really, really wanted to watch an episode of The League and couldn't find it on iTunes or Netflix? Well, I could buy an episode of The League if I went to the iTunes Store on my Mac, which I then could stream to the AppleTV. I didn't do that, however; they wanted $2.99 to buy an HD episode, which I thought was kind of over the top for a 22 minute show that I was only going to watch once, so I ended up buying an SD episode for $1.99 and watching it on my iPad. Overly complex, seriously. If a piece of content is available to purchase only, then the AppleTV should be smart enough to buy it, saving it to your computer, and then letting you watch it. This is just silly media voodoo and everyone suffers when it's this difficult. I blame the networks and studios for their out of touch idiocy but Apple should at least let you know if the content you want is only available via iTunes on your computer/iPad/iPhone. Ugh. Just gives me a headache!

Book Club Discussion for Stiff

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 23:33:47 GMT

by: JChristie
Book club discussion for the sixth book in the Murmur Book Club, Mary Roach's Stiff.

You all did your homework and read the book, right?

For the book club discussion, we'll be using the same format we did for the first five books. Since the other threads fostered tons of comments and articles, I'm hoping we'll have the same for Stiff. If you pulled a four-fer like a few Murmur members, feel free to chime in on Roach's other three books, Spook, Bonk and Packing for Mars.

To recap; the discussion of Stiff will be built around the comment system and "write a response" feature of the site. Most of the discussion of the book will happen in the comments on this article. Everyone that read the book can post their SPOILER-filled comments, reviews, and questions for discussion. I'll also post a few book club questions in the comments, and everyone who wants to can reply to the questions. If you have a lot to say about the book - or if you want to post a collaborative article or video - you can click on the "write a response" button and dedicate a whole article to the book. More discussion will happen on these articles, though most will probably be taking place here.

As is becoming custom for these things, I'll be guesting on the Murmur podcast for a discussion of the book. Since Murmur is such a community-driven site, we would all love to be able to talk on the podcast about the thoughts and reviews from you, the readers. So, of course, the more people can put in their responses to the book the better.

Per usual, if you have any suggestions for a change in format, shoot me an email or let me know in the comments.

Also, if you have a suggestion for a future book pick, feel free to e-mail me or send me a message on Twitter. Next in line for the club is The Passage, Justin Cronin's massive take on the vampire genre. I've got a few ideas for further books, but suggestions are always welcome.

So... discuss! What'd you think of Murmur's second non-fiction book, the surprisingly-entertaining Stiff? And, if you tried it, what'd you think of Rogue's Dead Guy Ale?

George Sprott: 1894-1975: A review

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 23:00:04 GMT

by: g0ofgnewt
2009 can be argued as the year of the graphic novel. WHen going over the fabulous content of last year you can't overlook the brilliant George Sprott by the cartoonist SETH.

GEORGE SPROTT 1894-1975: A PICTURE NOVELLA

WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY SETH

It could be argued that 2009 was the year of the graphic novel. It was the year that saw the release of such works as Asterios Polyp and Parker:The Hunter as well as collected editions like the Hellboy: Library Editions and Starman Omnibus'(omnibi?). One collected edition that I feel was overlooked is the picture novella GEORGE SPROTT by the cartoonist SETH (Gregory Gallant-pictured).

George Sprott is a collection of strips originally serialised in the funny pages section of the New York Times Magazine from September 2006 to March 2007 and was collected by Drawn&Quarterly. The story that was serialised has been expanded in the collected edition. There is also photos of models painstakingly created by SETH of the buildings of the fictional Canadian city of Lakeside Ontario.

The hardcover book is an unconventional size, measuring in at 12x14 inches (31x37 cm), which does make it difficult to store with other comics, but what it does allow you to do is to pour over the artwork in this book and the amazing cartooning of Seth.

The Story:

The story starts off focusing on the last day of life of George Sprott, this is to start with, as we journey through George's life from birth to death.

The story has the feel of a documentary (or as George isn't real it be suggested that it may be a mockumentary), which is really difficult to do in a sequential medium. Throughout the story we find out about George's final days as a TV presenter for channel CKCK (number 10 on your dial), his early days as an arctic explorer and even his days in the priesthood (because he was trying not to be drafted into WW1).

You not only see this story from George?s point of view but from the point of view of his family, friends and co-workers. Our perception of George is a combination of experiences and other people?s flawed memories.

Not to spoil anything but to say that at times its funny and at times deeply moving. This story is more about the journey of his life than the ultimate ending. Some pages you will admire George for his impact on the town and others and on other pages you will see him as the most despicable person on the face of the earth. Namely that you will see him as human, and as they say to err is human.

The Art:

SETH?s cartooning style is sparse and mostly monochromatic. This does give the feeling that its simplistic. Nothing could be further from the truth as each line is meticulously placed on the page.

What surprised me about this story is that the layout of the page, in a grid fashion, never falls on the old tropes of the 9 panel or 12 panel grid yet you never have a problem reading the page. Even when SETH incorporates two stories on the one page. This is because he uses different monochromatic colour schemes to show that different yet related stories are shown on the page. This is akin to a voiceover or a split screen image in a film documentary.

Drawn and Quarterly?s collection uses blank pages, usually of differing colours in order to preserve the quality of the page turn and also to almost create a pause (sometimes a sigh and sometimes a huff). There is even fold out pages, one having four fold outs on each side of the page. They have also used a heavier paper stock than usual graphic novels this added with its unusual size make this a unique book from cover to cover even without the art.

In Conclusion:

Because George Sprott is in essence a collection of serialised stories it does make it a very quick read- if you want it to be. I?ve given this book to many friends and are astonished at how quickly they finish it. I personally decided to take my time with it and found the episodic nature of the story refreshing. There were times where I left the book alone for days on end but I never felt that I missed anything from the story. This, to me, is because in essence SETH created this story to be read in weekly segments.

If you?ve ever been to my unit, for coffee or for dinner or even to drop off a parcel you?ll know that I try to force this book into your hand and I would not hesitate to recommend this book to strangers and friend alike.

VERDICT: MUST READ

Greyhound Jockeys: Time For a Retry!

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 05:44:12 GMT

by: JohnVFerrigno
Greyhound Jockeys were tried in the 1930s. Time to give it another go!

   It's no secret that the American people are, on average, fairly bereft of original ideas. Our movies are remakes of original content in foreign countries, sequels to movies that didn't need another installment, updated re-imaginings of older (and always better) movies, or based on television shows. Even our television shows are becoming nothing but spin-offs of other shows or remakes of older shoes. People don't write new music anymore, they just sample old music and make it less enjoyable by adding monotonous computerized beats and inane lyrics. We are a culture that constantly rehashes old ideas instead of creating new ones.
   Since we can't come up with anything new, we are constantly looking for things to remake for a new audience. However, when we do this, we always make the same mistake. We take old properties that were highly successful and try to match that success with mediocre new versions. This needs to end immediately. There are plenty of projects from years past that failed horribly, but had potential to be great. Why would we remake movies like Psycho or King Kong? The originals are recognized as all-time classics. Why aren't we taking properties that should have made great movies, but because of poor execution, lack of vision, or failing to understand what made the property so valuable in the first place, failed at the box office? The world doesn't really need a remake of Clash of the Titans. We do need a remake of Howard the Duck.

   There is one thing that I do feel we need to try again. One thing that failed, but only because the people who tried it didn't realize that just because the results they got weren't what they were expecting, they still held unbelievable value. In fact, even though their initial efforts were seen as a failure, if the originators of this outstanding concept had thought outside the box and made the appropriate adjustments to their presentation of said product, the popular culture of this country, especially in relation to spectator sports, would have turned out vastly different than it did.

   Of course, the project in question is the use of monkeys as jockeys during greyhound races.

   In 1930, Loretta and Charlie David developed the idea of using capuchin monkeys as jockeys on greyhound dogs during dog races. They felt that jockeys would add to the appeal of dog racing, as they are such a staple of horse racing. however, since people are far too large to serve as jockeys on greyhounds, they purchased 12 capuchin monkeys. Over a period of two years, they trained the monkeys to ride in a specially designed harness on the backs of the dogs. The idea was introduced in Palm beach and created a bit of a buzz at first, but soon died down. The idea failed because the monkeys, while racing around the track, would get into fights with each other, disrupting the race.

   What the Davids saw was an idea that failed. What they should have seen was opportunity.

   Sometimes people have an idea and that idea turns out completely different from what they originally conceived. This is usually viewed as a failure. If, however, the Davids were able to look outside the box and see what they actually had in their grasps, today they would have left a legacy of dominance and wealth in the world of entertainment.

   Yes, the monkeys would hit each other and try to knock each other off of their horses. While this may have technically been against what they were trained to do, wasn't it so much better? What would you rather see: a bunch of digs running around in a circle or a bunch of dogs running around in a circle, while trained monkey combatants did battle during the race, leaping from dog to dog, wrestling at high speeds, and knocking each other off their steeds?

   If the monkeys could not be trained not to fight, they should have reversed tactics. Train those little guys to do battle! Teach them the fundamentals of jousting and grappling. Instruct them on the use of slings and nets. Hone their little monkey fighting skills until they are hardcore, tough as nails monkey combatants. this would have made the contest so much more entertaining. Instead of betting on who would cross the finish line first, spectators in the stands would place wagers on who would be the last monkey standing at the end of the brawl. You think the chariot race in Ben-Hur was entertaining? Just imagine instead of hammy actors knocking each other off of chariots, ferocious, yet adorable, capuchin monkeys doing battle at high speeds!

   If marketed properly, Monkey Gladiatorial Matches on Dog-back would have become the most insanely popular sport the world has ever known. Baseball? Who wants to watch a bunch of guys stand around in a park throwing a ball back and forth while a guy with a stick swings at it and missed eighty five percent of the time when you could watch monkeys racing at lightning speeds, throwing nets at each other? Soccer? You can't even use your hands in soccer. the game is so boring, members of the audience have to bring loud whistles to try to amuse themselves during the game. The only sound you would hear an audience member make during high speed monkey combat is the sound of their hearts beating in their chests as they stared with awe at the spectacle they were witnessing. Basketball? Who wants to watch a sport where the last two minutes take half a day and whenever there is a penalty, the action comes to a grinding halt as the player who suffered the infraction takes boring free throws? In Monkey Combat Racing, there are no fouls and the action never stops, until one monkey reigns supreme. Football? In a three hour broadcast of a football game, there is seven minutes of actual action. Greyhounds racing as fast as they can while monkeys leapt from dog to dog, drop kicking each other to the ground, would be 100% action from bell to bell.

   The only sport with the potential to match Greyhound Monkey Jockey Warfare is hockey, but even that, as great as it is, falls short. While hockey has mostly action that doesn't stop, as well as the fact that fighting is encouraged, it still doesn't stack up. Hockey players are on skates on ice, making the potential for entertaining fights pretty high. However, as soon as a fight breaks out, the hockey players throw their sticks to the ground, thus making the encounter far less interesting. Monkeys don't understand fair play and respect for their opponents. Monkeys are wild animals, creatures of instinct. The only way a monkey is throwing his weapon away during a brawl is if he hurls it at his opponent as hard as he can.

   With the right production values, this idea could take over the sports world. Soon, niche sports like snowboarding and skateboarding would be a thing of the past. Then combat sports, like MMA and boxing would slowly vanish. Before you know it, institutions like baseball and basketball would lose their audiences to this new, far more riveting pastime. Within a few years, nobody will even remember the Super Bowl is on anymore. instead, companies the world over will be spending millions of dollars to unveil their most creative and original commercials between rounds of the Monkey Bowl.

   It's time for somebody in this country to repackage Greyhound Monkey Jockeys as the extreme sport it is meant to be. We remake everything else, why not this idea? This is a classic example of a missed opportunity, one that our remake crazed culture should leap on the first chance it gets. But if they don't, in a few years, it will at the very least give me an opportunity to re-write this article.

Project Runway 8.9

Sat, 25 Sep 2010 23:32:23 GMT

by: magnetgirl
Recap and discussion of Project Runway Season 8 Episode 9.

Due to incredible over-scheduling (gah, the start of Fall Semester) I missed last week's recap. A tragedy when you consider the lost opportunity to go on about Katie Holmes' role in the upcoming History Channel miniseries -- she really is the perfect pick for Jackie Kennedy. Anyway, sadly, Michael D. went home for his inability to dress Katie, er, Jackie, and this week we are down to eight.

THE FOLLOWING INCLUDES SPOILERS FOR PROJECT RUNWAY SEASON 8 EPISODE 9.

The Challenge was to make a couture look that would be featured in an advertorial for L'Oreal Cosmetics (sponsor!). Yes the return of the dreaded "Make a Dress" challenge. They tried to make it more inspiring by adding that the look should be inspired by one of L'Oreal's signature eye shadow blends (yeeeeah). And the designers were given $300 and two days to complete it. In addition to the ad, the winner would also receive $20,000 (as Gretchen said, $20,000 doesn't seem like it should change your life but it can go towards crippling college loans or credit debt and anyone dealing with those knows that might be life-changing. Or you could buy a miniature pony like April.)

Anyone who pays attention to these shows would be wary about the generous extra day but most of the designers reveled in it. And when Tim showed up on the morning of Day Two with the additional challenge to create an additional Ready-to-Wear look they floundered. But excepting Valerie they bucked up and went on. Valerie tried to escape the cameras by fleeing into the Ladies Room but after her fellow lady designers followed her in so did the cameras. Thus, her breakdown was televised. And I was a little embarrassed for her. But compared to Erik on Work of Art, Shannon on Survivor, or (King of Dramarama) Seth on Top Chef: Just Desserts, Valerie's whining over her loss of integrity was boring. A few kind words from the others and she exited the bathroom and did her best (ish) to Make It Work (Tim's advice that compromise is part of the business is sort of what sent her into her downward spiral in the bathroom in the first place. But it is also good advice from someone who understands the industry and I seriously, honestly want my own Tim Gunn. Just saying.)

So each designer presented two looks:

Safe were Christopher and April. They were so safe I barely remember the looks -- though I liked them both fine. Moving on!

In the Top we had Gretchen, Andy, and Mondo.

Gretchen's high end look was ... very Gretchen. She chose the 'velvet' palette (I assume she took Tim's warning about it as a double dog dare) and made a velvet and feathered and beaded robe type dress. I expect it looked impeccable up close but it bored me from home. Her RTW was cute and flirty and in a brighter colour I'd really like it. But I'd call the whole thing Ho Hum. Pretty. But Ho Hum.

Andy's high end look was freaking fantastic. He called it a suit for a Warrior Woman and it absolutely was. It was pretty over the top but it was so clearly well made and distinctly designed and styled that it all worked. Even Nina loved the boot caps. And it could only be worn on the red carpet which is the whole idea of a high end/couture challenge (Gretchen's high end would look fine on date night). Then his RTW look was equally awesome. It was a future-warrior-woman (like Trinity in The Matrix) inspired LBD, it fit beautifully and together the looks wowed the judges.

But Mondo took the win, and it was well-deserved. His dress was very Mondo the way Gretchen's was very Gretchen (and Andy's was very Andy for that matter) but I love Mondo. This was crafted, corseted, colourful, and it screamed couture. And the RTW dress was equally fashionable and also somehow adorable. Michael C. suggested Heidi would want to snag it off the model and she'd not be the only one. At this point Mondo is definitely my personal favourite, but we'll see if he can keep it up.

As for the Bottom --

Michael C. (who I suppose we can just call Michael now) landed in the bottom the first time with what Michael Kors (Michael K.?) called his ode to Gone With the Wind. From the couch, that dress looked magnificent, just beautifully put together. And Nina confirmed that was true up close too. But there was a ridiculously long train and his "Mini-Me" version for RTW was too mini for even Heidi Klum (shocking, I know). It was Too Much by a lot. But I liked Michael's and I'm glad he was in the top of the bottom.

In the bottom of the bottom -- in an "unbelievably tight race for hideous" -- were Valerie and Ivy. And it's true, all four looks were hideous. Valerie was not able to make anything work. She was supposedly inspired by Audrey Hepburn (a running theme with her) but there was nothing Audrey about her white "last seen at the Sophomore Social" allegedly high end dress OR her black "last seen on the K-Mart clearance rack" ready to wear as long as you don't mind your dress being ill-fitting and blah dress. Valerie = YIKES.

But Ivy the Terrible actually topped her with two nearly identical blue disasters. The "high-end" one was supposed to evoke cascading ocean waves. It did not. It looked like Cinderella's dress if it had been ripped apart the way her first (mouse and bird tailored, awww) one had been. It really looked post-stepsisters. The RTW look was somehow worse in that it looked even cheaper (yes, cheaper than ripped to shreds) and the fit was even worse. Everyone kept saying the colour was so lovely but it looked drab. There's really nothing positive I can say about Ivy the Terrible's looks so I'll just say: she (finally!) went home.

We're getting close now -- who are you hoping to see in the final three?