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moar funny pictures
Toward the end of the 2008 U.S. presidential campaign, the media bias in favor of Sen. Obama and Sen. Biden was so flagrant in covering up their faults and mistakes while exaggerating those of Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin, or just plain spreading lies and rumors without regard for the trust reposed in the press in a democratic republic, that Pravda began to mock U.S. journalists for their bias. Pravda! Mocked OUR journalists! With good reason!
And with ABC News turning itself into the All-Barack Channel to promote Obama's healthcare reform, clearly we have not plumbed the depths to which journalists will stoop to prostitute themselves and their profession in service of their own political beliefs. So it is no surprise that conservative bloggers, en mass, recently switched from calling their paid, establishment brethren the MSM, or "mainstream media," to denoting them as the "state-run media." The latter does seem more accurate now.
However, the Kool-Aid seems to be wearing off for Carl M. Cannon at Politics Daily. My intuition is that he is looking to have a reputation if our country survives the mass betrayal of trust by our press and its complicity in the ways the Obama presidency is destroying liberty and capitalism and obliterating any and all connections to the founding principles of the United States of America.
Just to make sure Cannon's 7/8/2009 column, "Sarah 'Barracuda' Palin and the Piranhas of the Press," doesn't get scrubbed — see above, depths not yet plumbed — I am quoting it here in its entirety, although my real interest is in the fact that Cannon goes into detail about how Gov. Palin really and truly trounced Joe Biden on Oct. 2, 2008, in the vice presidential debate, where Biden's non-stop lies, distortions and gaffes were truly of epic proportions. I am not the first to point out that if Gov. Palin had made any one of the gaffes Biden did, she'd have been tossed off the Republican ticket. Conservative columnists noted and explained Biden's lies and gaffes at the time, but not in the detail that Cannon does in the latter part of his column:
Sarah Palin's rambling abdication speech was hard to follow, let alone acclaim, but in her abrupt announcement that she is withdrawing from public office, the Republican governor of Alaska was hardly the only player in a 10-month drama who demonstrated a lack of self-awareness. Democrats scoffed at her "politics of personal destruction" line, but it's a maxim they originally popularized, and one they will undoubtedly trot out again the next time it happens to one of their own. But the true villains in this political morality play may have been the press.
The mainstream media is undergoing its demise, drip by drip, day by day, and its practitioners, which include most of my friends in life, are under considerable pressure. In my opinion, however, these pressures do not excuse the treatment accorded Sarah Palin. On the contrary, to me the entire Sarah saga revealed that it wasn't only the traditional media's business model that is broken. Our journalism model is busted, too.
In the 2008 election, we took sides, straight and simple, particularly with regard to the vice presidential race. I don't know that we played a decisive role in that campaign, and I'm not saying the better side lost. What I am saying is that we simply didn't hold Joe Biden to the same standard as Sarah Palin, and for me, the real loser in this sordid tale is my chosen profession.
* * * * *
From the founding of the Republic until the 1840s, newspapers were organs of a particular political party, or faction – or reflected the personal views of the proprietor. In that decade, as is happening now, technological innovation wrought cosmic change, first in the speed of news delivery, and then in the underlying philosophy of those who presented it. The telegraph begat the Associated Press, and, over time, a new paradigm emerged. In "The Rise and Fall of the Media Establishment," political scientist Darrell M. West dubbed the second era of newspapering — from the mid-1840s until the 1920s — the "commercial media."
Political agendas remained in evidence, but there was money to be made in packaging the news, big money, and ultimately, the nation's publishers decided they could reach ever-larger audiences (and rake in ever-larger pots of dough) by toning down the partisanship. "Objectivity" became the watchword, and to enforce this concept, a host of social innovations, from journalism schools to journalism prizes, came into existence. Increased professionalism was part of a larger societal trend that swept vocations such as medicine and the law. In journalism, a movement that Professor West dubbed "objective media" came to pass. It wasn't perfect, but it was better than anything that had preceded it — and it enjoyed a nice, 50-year run.
Concerns about "liberal bias" arose in this supposed Golden Age, but we had an answer for that: Sure, reporters are liberal, we told our sources, but the publisher is conservative. The ideal being peddled was that, yes, a Depression-era reporter making $8 a week will likely pen pieces extolling the New Deal, but meanwhile the owner/publisher is commissioning editorials lamenting Franklin Roosevelt's assault on capitalism. It sounds esoteric now, but when newspapers were king it worked. (It might still work: The lone news outlet in North America that still operates under this model is The Wall Street Journal. Its editorial pages have been conservative for decades; a recent study found its news pages to be the most liberal in the mainstream media. Guess what: The Journal is the largest circulation paper in this country.) But I digress.
Perhaps the seeds of the "objective" media's demise were sown in its very creation. Professionalism and a quest for objectivity made journalism a more attractive profession even as record profits made it a better paying one. The upshot was a generation of college educated reporters and editors, along with a set of cultural and political attitudes they brought with them from the nation's elite institutions of higher learning. In time, another technological innovation – broadcast – changed the historic role of newspapers and magazines. No longer deliverers of the news, print journalists became interpreters of events. That proved a slippery slope. As the elite denizens of newsrooms began to analyze the news instead of merely chronicling it, the confidence their audience had in the journalists' fairness and ideological balance began to wane.
This trend was only heightened by the ascendancy of television network news broadcasts, which had no convenient wall between opinion and fact-based journalism. And all this happened, mind you, before the advent of the Internet. By the 1990s, the audience for political news began fragmenting into subgroups of Americans who already thought alike. Meanwhile, an unrelated development put journalism on the firing line.
That event was the decline of conservative, mostly Southern, Democrats (and, eventually, liberal Republicans as well). A patchwork quilt of ideology and regionalism gave way to a U.S. political system more closely resembling that of Great Britain. Today, an American who is liberal tends to be a Democrat, a conservative is almost always a Republican. This may help clarify things for voters, but it created a little-understood crisis for journalists. If being "liberal" now meant sympathy for the Democratic Party, and being conservative implied sympathy for Republicans, all those liberal newsrooms across the country were gradually going to alienate themselves from about half their readers.
That this might pose a problem never dawned on the men and women who controlled the media – even as it drove their right-of-center readers and viewers away in droves. When I tell my friends working in places like The New York Times that they created Rush Limbaugh, they respond with shock and disbelief. But it's obvious to me that it's true, even as the anointed sages of the Old Media solemnly denied that an animal such as "liberal bias" existed at all. It's like that scene in the fire swamp in "The Princess Bride" when Buttercup expresses fear of "R.O.U.Ses." Replies our hero Wesley: "Rodents Of Unusual Size? I don't think they exist" – just as one is about to chomp his arm off.
In the meantime, a new technology has arrived. The World Wide Web is every bit as revolutionary as the telegraph and the television, probably more so. It not only democratizes political communication, but it invokes a kind of permanent open mic night in this country. With no censors. Think of an open microphone in a great big saloon where it helps to use profanity, name-calling, and outrageous accusations — all the better to be heard over the cacophonous crowd at the bar. It was into this political and journalistic environment that last Aug. 29 Republican presidential nominee John McCain, in an uphill fight against an attractive and front-running Democratic candidate, tapped the little-known governor of Alaska to be his running mate.
* * * * *
From the beginning, and for the ensuing 10 months, the coverage of this governor consisted of a steamy stew of cultural elitism and partisanship. The overt sexism of some male commentators wasn't countered, as one might have expected, by their female counterparts. Women columnists turned on Sarah Palin rather quickly. A plain-speaking, moose-hunting, Bible-thumping, pro-life, self-described "hockey mom" with five children and movie star looks with only a passing interest in foreign policy — that wasn't the woman journalism's reigning feminists had envisioned for the glass ceiling-breaking role of First Female President (or Vice President). Hillary Rodham Clinton was more like what they had in mind – and Sarah, well, she was the un-Hillary.
"The fact of the matter is, the comparison between her and Hillary Clinton is the comparison between an igloo and the Empire State Building," Chris Matthews said on MSNBC's "Hardball" last October. (Note to Chris: That's not a "fact;" it's closer to a simile, and an ad hominem one at that.) But Matthews was hardly alone.
"This is not a serious choice," said Eleanor Clift, a regular on "The McLaughlin Group."
"It looks like a made-for-TV movie. If the media reaction is anything, it's been literally laughter in very, very many newsrooms."
Howard Fineman, Clift's Newsweek colleague, in an appearance on MSNBC, said that McCain's choice of Palin undermined the planned story line of the GOP convention, which was going to be that Obama lacked the readiness to lead the country. "Well, Sarah Palin makes Barack Obama look like John Adams."
The first thing reporters and commentators seemed to have noticed about Gov. Palin was her physical beauty. The second was that she had a bunch of kids, the last one born with Down's syndrome in spring 2008. For some reason, these two facts infuriated many Democratic activists and bloggers – and some liberal journalists.
The most egregious example was posted on Daily Kos on Sept. 12, 2008 by Paul Lewis Hackett III, a trial lawyer and U.S. Marine Corps veteran of Iraq, who ran in 2005 for a vacant seat in the House from Ohio's second congressional district, losing narrowly in a district President Bush had carried easily just a year earlier.
Fretting that the Obama campaign was going to lose Ohio to McCain, Hackett proposed his own solution: A series of savage attacks on the GOP ticket focusing on Sarah Palin and her family. Here is what he wrote:
The message (would be) simple and the professionals can refine it but essentially it should contain these elements: Sarah Palin? Can't keep her solemn oath of devotion to her husband and had sex with his employee. Sarah Palin? Accidentally got pregnant at age 43 and the tax payers of Alaska have to pay for the care of her disabled child. Sarah Palin? Unable to teach her 16 year old daughter right from wrong and now another teenager is pregnant. Sarah Palin? Can you trust Sarah Palin and her values with America's future?
Apparently, Hackett took the rumors of an affair from the National Enquirer, which offered no proof, or even evidence. He then segued into an even uglier line of attack, arguing that it's irresponsible to bring a handicapped baby into the world. This is not "pro-choice," it's pro-eugenics. It's also creepy and illiberal, and reinforces conservatives' worst fears about Democrats and the issue of abortion. And, oh yes, Bristol Palin's age was wrong. She was nearly 18 when Hackett wrote this screed, not 16. This proved a harbinger, too, as misinformation slipped easily from the left blogosphere into mainstream coverage.
This New Journalism, if you can call it that, exhibited in 2008 was epitomized by an eradication of the lines between fact and opinion – and, even more troubling, between reporting and propaganda. Some journalists were content to repeat Democratic Party talking points or bloggers' rumors as though they were established fact, interspersing them with ideological commentary in a kind of toxic stew.
"She is a far-right conservative who supported Pat Buchanan over Bush in 2000. She thinks global warming is a hoax and backs the teaching of creationism in public schools," wrote Jonathan Alter in Newsweek on Aug. 29, 2008. Actually, she did not support Buchanan, she questioned whether climate change is man-made (not whether it's occurring) and gave creationists the most minor of rhetorical nods – and never questioned the teaching of evolution in schools.
But so it went.
She was a book burner, you know. How do I know this? Like many Americans, I received numerous emails telling me so, and found a hundred liberal Web sites that mentioned it. They even listed the books Palin wanted to ban from the public library in Wasilla, Alaska, classics and best sellers, ranging from "Huck Finn" to "Catch-22." The list was a hoax, of course, a deliberate smear, and none too clever, either: It included books published a decade after Palin served as mayor. When questioned by their own audiences, these bloggers would point to stories in the mainstream media, including one in Time magazine quoting a man named John Stein, the bitter ex-mayor whom Palin defeated when she ran for office. This is from Time:
"Stein says that as mayor, Palin continued to inject religious beliefs into her policy at times. 'She asked the library how she could go about banning books,' he says, because some voters thought they had inappropriate language in them.'"
This turned out to be about half-true, as what Palin really did was ask the librarian "if she would object to censorship even if people were circling the library to protest about a book," according to a contemporary account in the local newspaper. Yet this symbiosis between the mainstream media and the blogosphere raged throughout 2008, almost always to Palin's detriment.
Remember her callous decision as governor to cut Alaska's special education budget by 62 percent? After receiving emails to that effect, CNN's Soledad O'Brien cited the figure on-air. Oops. Palin actually tripled the state's spending on special needs kids.
Did you hear the one about her membership in the Alaska Independence Party, which favors secession from the union? That made The New York Times, and it was wrong, too.
But it was in the area of her family life where the press really lost its bearings.
"A day of stunning Palin disclosures," was how the Associated Press greeted the news that Bristol Palin was pregnant. "A political stunner!" echoed CNN's Campbell Brown. In one 30-minute stretch, CNN reporters and anchors referred to the teen's pregnancy as "a bombshell" four separate times.
Personally, I had always stood with the late, great Molly Ivins when it came to kids of politicians. The legendary Texas newspaper columnist was as liberal as they come, but her view about such matters was straightforward and unambiguous. "I don't do children," Molly said. (Barack Obama, by the way, agreed. Campaigning in Michigan when the Bristol Palin "bombshell" broke, he said, "People's families are off-limits and people's children are especially off-limits. This shouldn't be part of our politics. It has no relevance to Governor Palin's performance as a governor or potential performance as a vice president. So I would strongly urge people to back off these kinds of stories.")
His admirers in the press didn't heed their hero's warning. The Times, for example, which found the alleged transgressions of an actual presidential candidate (John Edwards) unworthy of investigation, managed to find room for three Page One stories touching on the sex life of a vice presidential candidate's daughter.
Also, it's important to remember why the Palin family even acknowledged Bristol's pregnancy: Because a thousand "liberal" Web sites, led by Daily Kos, the favored site of leftist Democrats, filled cyberspace with off-the-wall theories that Trig Palin was really Bristol's daughter and that Sarah had faked her own pregnancy. This was truly ugly territory, and nutty besides. It's not terribly different from the Obama-is-a-secret-Muslim-not-born-in-this-country stuff, with one crucial distinction: The Obama Muslim stuff was either debunked or ignored by the media –not the conspiracy theories about Trig Palin's birth. In some quarters of the evolving new media – The Huffington Post and Bill Maher's HBO program, to name two – the Palin pregnancy hoax was repeated. Some traditional outlets, including Vanity Fair and, most inexplicably, The Atlantic blog written by Andrew Sullivan, kept hammering away at it after it was proven false by photographic evidence and by Bristol's own pregnancy.
* * * * *
How much did this matter, in the end, to the outcome in 2008?
I really don't know. I do know this, however: The story line recited by my media brethren, naturally, absolves us of any wrongdoing. The narrative goes like this: Bristol's pregnancy notwithstanding, Sarah Palin and her family galvanized the Republican faithful in St. Paul, where the candidate showed great poise in her first national address, while attracting 32.7 million TV viewers – only 1.1 million fewer than had watched Obama a week earlier in Denver. By the end of the GOP convention, Palin had pulled ahead of Joe Biden by nine points in a poll asking who Americans would support if they could vote for the vice presidential nominees separately. She was doing fine, until….
…The Interviews.
The first of her in-depth network sit downs came with ABC's Charles Gibson. In those sessions, Palin came across as iffy, just barely treading water. But the press dunked her, particularly after witnessing this exchange:
GIBSON: Do you agree with the Bush Doctrine?
PALIN: In what respect, Charlie?
GIBSON: What do you interpret it to be?
PALIN: His worldview?
GIBSON: No, the Bush Doctrine, enunciated in September 2002, before the Iraq War.
(Palin, clearly not knowing what he's driving at, responds with generalities before Gibson interjects as though he's a civics teacher and she's a lazy student.)
GIBSON: "The Bush Doctrine, as I understand it, is that we have the right of anticipatory self-defense. That we have the right of a preemptive strike against any other country that we think is going to attack us. Do you agree with that?"
This was widely cited in the media as proof that Palin was unready and over her head, and that McCain had done something "cynical" in choosing her. Except that Bush never said that, exactly, and certainly never suggested Iraq was one of many nations to be invaded. Gibson was simply wrong in suggesting the so-called "Bush Doctrine" was as immutable as the Monroe Doctrine. The "Bush Doctrine" was always a fuzzy concept, usually described that way by the president's critics as a way of expressing disagreement with his approach to foreign policy.
I remember seeing the phrase for the first time in a think piece by Steven Weisman in The New York Times in April 2002 – the very time frame suggested by Charlie Gibson. Weisman, writing about Ariel Sharon and the Middle East, defines the "doctrine" much differently than Gibson. ("Washington is filled right now with speculation about the state of Mr. Bush's thinking and which of his advisers have gained the upper hand," he wrote. "Vice President Dick Cheney and the hawks in the Pentagon are said to have encouraged Mr. Bush to support Mr. Sharon's military drive, arguing that it was simply an extension of the so-called Bush Doctrine, which holds those who harbor terrorists accountable for terrorism.")
Okay. Despite how it was portrayed in the press, perhaps Charlie Gibson didn't really expose Palin as an ignoramus. Maybe he tipped off his own private political views instead. No matter, the story line was set. Then came the much-parodied Katie Couric interview, where Palin couldn't name a single publication she reads as a source of news, struggled to provide an example of McCain standing up to Wall Street, and rambled semi-coherently when Couric asked Palin why on the campaign trail she cites Alaska's proximity to Russia as a foreign policy credential. It was this exchange that led to the most memorable line of the entire campaign: "I can see Russia from my house!" It came, of course, not from the candidate herself, but from her body-double, Tina Fey.
It must be said that no matter what one thinks of Couric's style of interrogation, Palin bombed in that interview. Clearly, the lack of lead time afforded her by the McCain camp, as well as her own lack of preparation, was showing. More disconcerting, she was still winging it when she should have been cramming furiously. So, the coverage of that interview may have been fair, up to a point. My beef with my colleagues in the press is that we copied Palin's very mistake: We thought after that session that we knew all we needed to know about Sarah Palin. Helen Thomas, old enough to just let it fly, spoke for many journalists when she said. "The ballgame was over after that. (Couric) saved the country."
That's one view. Another is that we chose sides in that election, and when our side pulled ahead, we stopped keeping score. The next time the Republicans showed strength (or, more precisely, when Palin's Democratic counterpart goofed up) we'd already become cheerleaders instead of judges.
Before I explain what I mean by that, it's important to remember that those weirdly personal attacks on Palin began before the Gibson and Couric interviews. "I'm not convinced that's her baby," Bill Maher had said on HBO. That was Sept. 5. The following day Mort Kondracke called Palin "this wacko right-winger." Then movie star Matt Damon gave a television interview, saying he thinks the possibility of Palin becoming president is "a really scary thing." He went on in this vein, using words like "terrifying" and "totally absurd" and saying the possibility of a "hockey mom … facing down President Putin is like a really bad Disney movie." Then, and only then, did the interviews take place. In other words, Palin's detractors had already made up their minds before she'd flopped in two interviews. Were her tormentors prescient? Or were they close-minded?
We were about to find out. As the truncated 2008 general election campaign raced by, Palin's critics in the Fourth Estate maintained that they were simply doing their job in ferreting out the qualifications, experience, temperament, and knowledge base that Sarah Palin would bring to national office. I'm not a Republican or a conservative; I'm a lifelong journalist who was born and raised in this profession and normally I'd defend the media in this argument. In this instance I cannot.
The reason is what happened when the battle over Sarah Palin came to a head on Oct. 2, 2008, in St. Louis, Mo. That night, the press showed its colors – and they were Democratic blue. That was the night that Palin cleaned Joe Biden's clock in their only debate, and nobody in the media could even see it, let alone report it. That was the night that the dual blinders of ideology and elitism prevented us being honest brokers.
* * * * *
Gov. Palin certainly had her sketchy moments that night. On one occasion, she called her opponent "Senator O'Biden." She referred twice to the top U.S. military officer in Afghanistan as "General McClellan." (His name is David McKiernan). She claimed as mayor to have reduced taxes "every year I was in office," an assertion that is accurate only if one ignores sales tax increases. Likewise, she maintained that McCain's $5,000 tax credit for health coverage was "budget-neutral," which is only possible by repealing the laws of mathematics. She gave McCain more credit than he was due in blowing the whistle on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, while repeating a misleading claim against Obama used by Hillary Clinton and McCain on an energy bill. She also exaggerated her own accomplishment regarding a $40 billion proposed pipeline in Alaska.
Sen. Biden, however, was in a place by himself when it came to bogus claims, absurd contentions, and flights of rhetorical fancy. He threw out several assertions that were so preposterous that – had Palin made them – they would have prompted immediate calls for McCain to dump her from the ticket.
The good senator from Delaware warmed up slowly, erroneously claiming that McCain voted with Obama on a budget resolution, and asserting wrongly that Obama wanted to return to the Reagan-era marginal income tax rates. He also embarked on an appallingly wrongheaded monologue about the constitutional history of the vice presidency. But when the talk turned to national security, presumably Biden's purported area of expertise, he went completely off the grid.
• "John McCain voted against a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty that every Republican has supported," Biden stated. (Actually, in a 1999 vote in Congress, McCain sided with 50 other Republicans to kill the treaty. Only four joined the Democrats.)
• "Pakistan already has deployed nuclear weapons," Biden said. "Pakistan's weapons can already hit Israel and the Mediterranean." (Pakistan has no known intercontinental missiles. The range of its weapons is thought to be 1,000 miles – halfway to Israel.)
• "When we kicked–along with France–we kicked Hezbollah out of Lebanon, I said and Barack said, 'Move NATO forces in there. Fill the vacuum, because if you don't…Hezbollah will control it.'" Biden recalled. "Now what's happened? Hezbollah is a legitimate part of the government in the country immediately to the north of Israel." (Except that the U.S. never kicked Hezbollah out of Lebanon or anywhere else. They've been entrenched in Lebanon since 1982. Actually, Hezbollah, insofar as it was responsible for the 1983 suicide bombing at the Marine barracks that killed 241 U.S. servicemen, kicked America out of Lebanon, not the other way around.)
• "The president…insisted on elections on the West Bank, when I said, and others said, and Barack Obama said, 'Big mistake. Hamas will win. You'll legitimize them.' What happened? Hamas won," Biden said. (Only the last two words of Biden's strange soliloquy are true. The rest are false. For one thing, Fatah controls the West Bank. Biden was thinking of Gaza. Secondly, neither Biden nor Obama predicted the 2006 victory for Hamas in Gaza's legislative elections. Third, McCain and Obama – but not Biden — signed a letter urging the president to pressure Palestinians to require that candidates adhere to democratic principles before being allowed to run for office. Fourth, Biden served as an election observer and later wrote an article expressing high praise for Bush's actions. To sum up: One factual error and three fibs in only 31 words. Pretty impressive, in its way.)
• "With Afghanistan, facts matter…we spend more money in three weeks on combat in Iraq than we spend on the entirety of the last seven years that we have been in Afghanistan. Let me say that again…" (He did say it again, but that didn't make it true. It's wildly and weirdly off the mark. Yes, facts matter. The facts here were that at the time Biden was speaking, the U.S. had spent $172 billion in Afghanistan. The Iraq War consumes between $7 billion and $8 billion every three weeks. Biden's math was off by 2,000 percent.)
• "Can I clarify this? This is simply not true about Barack Obama. He did not say (he'd) sit down with Ahmadinejad." (He most certainly did. And among those who criticized him at the time for it was Joe Biden, who told Byron York of National Review that the idea of a president meeting with the likes of the Iranian president or Hugo Chavez was "naïve.")
Those were alarming mistakes. To me Biden's most discordant claims concerned his Animal House-like history lecture about the office of the vice president. It came while Biden was dressing down Dick Cheney, who was not present, for supposedly being unfamiliar with the Constitution. "The idea (that) he doesn't realize that Article I of the Constitution defines the role of the vice president of the United States – that's the executive branch – he works in the executive branch," Biden said. "He should understand that. Everyone should understand that. And the primary role of the vice president of the United States is to support the president of the United States of America, give that president his or her best judgment when sought, and, as vice president, to preside over the Senate, only in a time when in fact there's a tie vote. The Constitution is explicit….He has no authority relative to the Congress. The idea he's part of the legislative branch is a bizarre notion invented by Cheney to aggrandize the power of a unitary executive, and look where it has gotten us."
Lord, would Tina Fey have had fun with this jumble of misinformation – if only Palin had said it! Article I defines the legislative, not executive, branch. The vice president is, indeed, mentioned there. What Biden finds "explicit," hasn't been so to previous vice presidents or to most constitutional scholars. Prior to the 20th century, vice presidents didn't even have offices at the White House compound – they were housed in the Capitol. The notion that a veep's constitutional authority is to provide advice to a president springs from Biden's brow; it certainly isn't mentioned, or even contemplated, in the Constitution, which doesn't even say whether the vice president should receive a salary.
Should Joe Biden have known this stuff? Since he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, you'd hope so. But even if he didn't, you'd think it would be news when he unleashed a veritable fount of misinformation to impugn Palin's knowledge of the federal system while attacking a sitting vice president. It barely rated a mention in the collective mainstream media.
Facts matter, the man said. But they didn't in 2008, not when it came to Joe Biden (our guy) against Sarah Palin (odd outsider). The ladies and gentlemen of the press were more interested in her hair, her glasses, her wardrobe, he accent, her sex life, her kids' sex lives, and her hunting habits than in whether her opponent knew anything about foreign policy, the Constitution of the United States, or the job he was running for. They still are. The relentlessly negative coverage of Palin goes on unabated — she's the subject of a much-ballyhooed hatchet job in Vanity Fair this month — even as Biden makes minor news from time to time by continuing his penchant for gaffes, this time while serving as the second most powerful person in the federal government.
I must say, however, that when Palin announced her resignation last Friday, one of the few people who commented on it without saying something snarky was the only man who ever defeated her in an election. Asked for a comment by ABC's George Stephanopoulos, Vice President Biden replied that although he didn't necessarily see Palin as a victim of political bloodletting, he accepted her judgment on this matter and assumed she was doing it out of concern for her family.
"I don't know what prompted her decision…so I'm not going to second-guess her," Biden said. "And I take her at her word that (there was) a personal ingredient in it. And you have to respect that."
My parting thoughts are that our country has been sold out by liberal media bias. Gov. Palin was answering gotcha questions while Barack Obama's competency to be president of the United States was being determined by his responses to questions on a par with whether he preferred boxers or briefs. Every fault and mistake of Obama and Biden was either hushed up or minimized. Every fault and mistake of McCain and Palin was trumpeted and exaggerated, except for the ones that were fabricated and THEN trumpeted and exaggerated.
Of the four candidates on the Democratic and Republican tickets, Gov. Palin had the best qualifications AND grasp of the measure necessary to ensure both economic prosperity and peace of ALL four candidates. We would be MUCH better off if she were president RIGHT NOW than we ever will be with Barack Obama.


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STURGIS, S.D., Aug. 8 - Two legends of the American road, Ford Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Motor Company, today unveiled the second in their line-up of limited edition trucks. This year's model is the 2001 Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCrew four door pickup that rumbles into the world for its public introduction at the 2000 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. One of the world's premier motorcycle events, this year's 60th annual extravaganza is expected to draw more than 350,000 enthusiasts from around the world to the scenic Black Hills region of South Dakota.
The limited edition 2001 Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCrew is the second truck jointly developed by the two legendary companies. The all-black truck, with distinctive Harley-Davidson visual cues, including orange and gray pinstriping and chrome accessories, is a restyled and customized version of Ford's new F-150 SuperCrew truck.
"The Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCrew is a bold truck with attitude that has the best of both worlds. With its four full-size doors it offers comfort, utility and style in a truck that looks great and is "Built Ford Tough," said Gurminder S. Bedi, vice president of Ford's North American Truck group. "This truck was truly "Born in Detroit and Dressed in Milwaukee."
On the outside, the 2001 Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCrew is offered in "any color you want, as long as it's black," riding on a 139-inch wheelbase that has been lowered one inch. Its distinctive box measures five-and-one-half feet for cargo. It comes equipped with a 260 horsepower 5.4 liter TritonTM V-8 engine powering unique Harley-Davidson branded 20x9-inch five-spoke cast chromed aluminum wheels and P275/45R20 Goodyear Eagle GTII tires. The specially-tuned exhaust system features a single inlet/dual outlet muffler, ending in chrome 3 1/2-inch "slash cut" exhaust tips. The truck is accented with a gray and "Harley-Davidson" orange stripe on the lower rocker panels.
Inside, the limited edition 2001 Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCrew features the famous look of black leather and chrome accessories, including a unique "spun metal" instrument cluster and jewel ornament and four black leather trimmed captains chairs with dual center consoles featuring Harley-Davidson Bar and Shield metal nameplates in the seat backs and Harley-Davidson identification embroidered on the console lids.
"This beautiful truck is everything that an enthusiast could want, reflecting the experience and individuality of both Harley-Davidson and Ford customers," said Jeff Bleustein, Harley-Davidson chairman and chief executive officer. "It is right at home in Sturgis, Daytona Beach or Mainstreet, U.S.A."
The 2001 Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCrew will be manufactured at Ford's Kansas City Assembly Plant and is expected to be in Ford dealer showrooms in early 2001.
The first truck in the series, the 2000 Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCab pickup, arrived in showrooms in the spring of this year. The limited production of 8,000 units quickly sold out.
The Ford and Harley-Davidson brand alliance provides the opportunity for the two companies to jointly develop and market exciting products, like the limited edition Harley-Davidson trucks, in addition to a line of co-branded clothing and vehicle accessories. A highlight of the alliance will be the joint celebrations of each company's centennial in 2003.
Harley-Davidson, Inc., is the parent company for Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport and sport-touring motorcycles. Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc., provides wholesale and retail financing, insurance and credit card programs to Harley-Davidson dealers and customers.
Ford Motor Company is the world's second largest automaker with manufacturing and distribution operations in over 200 countries across the world. Its automotive brands are Ford, Mercury, Lincoln, Jaguar, Volvo, Mazda, Aston Martin and Land Rover. Its automotive-related products and services include Hertz, Quality Care and Ford Credit.
Source: Ford Motor Company
2001 Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCrew
Exterior Features
* Black monochromatic 4x2 F-150 SuperCrew
* Unique front lower valence with fog lamps
* Unique upper chrome billet grille with chrome surround
* Gray and "Harley-Davidson" orange body stripe
* Unique 20x9-inch five-spoke chromed aluminum wheels with HARLEY-DAVIDSON identification on center caps
* Goodyear P275/45R20 Eagle GTII tires
* Chrome side nurf bars
* "Harley-Davidson F-150 badges" on front fenders and tailgate
* Unique windshield with HARLEY-DAVIDSON Bar and Shield dot pattern and Alliance logo
Interior Features
* Black interior color
* Quad captains chairs with black leather trim and jewel HARLEY-DAVIDSON nameplate
* Leather-wrapped console lid (front and rear) with embroidered HARLEY-DAVIDSON identification
* Chrome steering column stalks, door releases and seat levers
* Unique "spun metal" instrument cluster with "Harley-Davidson F-150" jewel nameplate
* 4-spoke steering wheel with Ford oval jewel nameplate
Standard Equipment
* Remote keyless entry
* Keyless entry pad
* Signal mirrors
* Power adjustable pedals
* Cargo box mat with HARLEY-DAVIDSON logo
* 7-pin trailer tow connector and 4-pin converter
* Bed extender
Powertrain and Functional Features
* 5.4 liter Triton V-8 single overhead cam engine
* 260 horsepower, 350 ft/lbs torque
* 4-speed automatic transmission
* Suspension lowered one inch
* Unique tuned exhaust system with single inlet / dual outlet muffler and "slash-cut" 3 ½ chrome tips
* Four wheel antilock braking system
* 6275-lb GVW; 4500-lb tow rating; 1200-lb payload; 10,000-lb GCVW rating
Optional Equipment
* Six disc CD changer
* Sliding rear window
* Engine block heater
* Moon roof
* Heated front seats

subset: commoncrawl


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About Us
We are Meredith Corporation, a publicly held media and marketing services company founded upon serving our customers and committed to building value for our shareholders. Our cornerstone is knowledge of the home, family, food and lifestyle markets. From that, we have built businesses that serve well-defined audiences, deliver the messages of advertisers, and extend our brand franchises and expertise to related markets. Our products and services distinguish themselves on the basis of quality, customer service, and value that can be trusted.


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Utah Word Art Long Sleeve Shirt- Utah Shirt
This listing is for a Long Sleeve Shirt.
There is no place like home! Show everyone your roots are in Utah with this embroidered word art shirt.
Highlighting many popular cities, this is an embroidered shirt that has Utah cities arranged into the shape of the state. Bright primary colors are a cheerful reminder of home.
This item can be embroidered on a t-shirt, women's fit shirt, long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt or hoodie. Please see the links below for other shirt options.
T-Shirt- https://etsy.me/2OrVTLB
Women's Fit Shirt- https://etsy.me/2mTVZPC
Long Sleeve Shirt- https://etsy.me/2mTh0tu
Sweatshirt- https://etsy.me/2K72Ka5
Hooded Sweatshirt- https://etsy.me/2OtjOdN
A city can be added underneath the state design to highlight your hometown at no additional charge.
I use my largest hoop which measures 8 inches high and 12 inches wide to stitch all Word Art Designs. Because of the variation in the size of each state, states will be stitched in different sizes. While the design can be shrunk in size, they cannot be made larger due to the size of the hoop.
The image will be stitched as shown, but I welcome custom color combinations!
Thank you and please let me know if you have any questions or comments!


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Lime Green and White Soccer Pinnies – Boys Pinnies – Unisex Pinnies – Mens Pinnies
- Description
- Additional information
Performance Game Tested lime green and white pinnies from Lightning Wear. Sports Pinnies are available in adult and youth sizes. These reversible jerseys are sold blank. We have the largest variety of color combinations on the planet. Made in Maryland USA. Lightning Wear is a USA based manufacturer of custom dye sublimated apparel and team uniforms. We print all garments in our Maryland, USA factory. Our specialties include lacrosse shorts, shooter shirts, team uniforms, reversible jerseys and team uniforms. We employ in house graphic artists. Our team is capable of producing up to 5000 pieces per week. We use state of the art print technology. As well we use only the finest materials, inks and paper to produce our garments. The Athletic reversible jerseys are made of our signature LitFit wide eye polyester mesh material. They are made with durable and comfortable mesh and wash well. These are great for soccer pinnies, spirit day, lacrosse pinnies, basketball pinnies, gym pinnies or camp apparel.
Additional information
3 Extra Large, 5 Extra Large, Large, Medium, Small, X-Large, X-Large Youth, XX-Large, YXS, YS, YM, YL


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Only 43 companies awarded this prestigious honor in 2018
CLEVELAND, May 31, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross, presented PDI with the President's "E" Award for Exports at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on May 21, 2018. The President's "E" Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.
"PDI Ground Support Systems has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion," said Secretary Ross in his congratulatory letter to the Company announcing its selection. "The "E" Awards Committee was very impressed with PDI's export sales percentage that exceeds 50% of total sales. PDI's achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs."
PDI is a leading designer and manufacturer of weapons handling systems and ground support equipment used by the United States Air Force, Navy and Army Special Operations Command, in addition to 45 other air forces worldwide. PDI's products include munitions handling units, aircraft engine trailers, weapons adapters and transport modules, munitions assembly conveyors, and running gear axle systems used for transporting and storing weapons and other ground support equipment for flight line applications.
"Export revenues typically represent over half of our annual sales," said Nathan Haber, Vice President of Sales and Business Development. "Foreign militaries seeking to enhance their weapons handling operations have routinely looked to PDI for their equipment."
In total, Secretary Ross honored 43 U.S. companies and organizations from across the country with the President's "E" Award for their role in strengthening the U.S. economy by sharing American ingenuity outside of our borders. U.S. companies are nominated for the "E" Awards through the U.S. Commercial Service, part of the Department's International Trade Administration.
About the "E" Awards
In 1961, President Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II "E" symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America's exporters. Criteria for the award is based on four years of successive export growth in one or more international markets.
For more information, please visit www.thepdigroup.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Contact: Nathan Haber, Vice President – Sales and Business Development


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The Twenty-Year Death by Ariel S. Winter is as ambitious a work of noir as any I've ever read. Presented as three separate novels, wrapped in the same binding, telling the story of a tortured author across decades. This daring undertaking is further complicated by his literary approach, channeling the prose styles of three noir fiction legends; Georges Simenon, Raymond Chandler, and Jim Thompson. With such an innovative narrative, I feel my normal style of review too clumsy an effort, especially when paired with the elegant depth and scope of Mr. Winter's work. I've agonized over the correct approach, and decided to forgo my traditional noir definition run down; instead opting for a simpler book-by-book evaluation. Let it suffice to say that his books are indisputably noir, with each defining element meticulously observed. The Twenty-Year Death is the magnum opus of a noir-loving madman.
Book 1- Malniveau Prison
Pelleter shook his head, trying to soften his expression. "You never can tell. Later, afterwards, of course, and then you wonder if you always knew." He considered his words. "Men are capable of anything."
A small town in France in 1931, a dead body and a missing person– a classic noir opener to stage act one of the novel. Chief Inspector Pelleter, a cigar smoking veteran from the city, must expose the filthy underbelly of pristine Verargent while challenging shy citizens who like their secrets buried. A complex tapestry emerges, composed of Simenon-esque methodical stitchwork, and two seemingly unimportant side characters shift into focus; A boozing American author, Shem Rosenkrantz, and his very young French wife, Clotilde-ma-Fleur. Winter's treatment of the narrative is impressive, his channeled Simenon convincing if not perfect.
"I'm just about finished with the case."
She looked at him then, but it didn't look as though she saw him. "It doesn't matter."
"It might not. But for the living, it's all we can ever do."
Book 2- The Falling Star
I had been hired to babysit a paranoid prima donna, and I had ended up finding a dead woman cut almost to pieces. For some reason, I felt as though I hadn't done a very good job.
Ten years pass, and Shem and his french wife (who now goes by Chloe Rose) have become permanent fixtures in Hollywood. He's a quickly sinking author, now spending his evaporating talent writing for porn-rags, while living large on Chloe's widespread fame as a golden-era film starlet. The narrator is another investigator, this time a private eye named Dennis Foster, hired to investigate claims that Chloe is being stalked. What he uncovers is a climate of corruption and scandal that too many who want him out of. Written in the metaphor heavy style of Raymond Chandler, even the plot feels like genuine imitation; Foster a carbon-copy of the incorruptible Phillip Marlowe. The Falling Star is an homage to powerful men in their prime, and how they become victims of their own success and desires. Trying themes of adultery, homosexuality, pornography, violence, and murder coalesce in a novel that feels straight from Chandler's pen.
Gilplaine moved his mouth like he had just tasted something sour. "My men tell me you tried to bring a gun into my club."
I shrugged. "I thought I might need it."
"And what do you think now?"
"I was right."
Book 3- Police at the Funeral
She faked shock, raising her hand to her mouth in the perfect oops pose. "I'm not that kind of girl," she said, and then she made herself ugly by laughing.
Another ten years pass, and we're nearing the only possible conclusion; the inevitable one that keeps us turning the pages and feeds the gloomy pit in our guts. 1951, and Shem Rosenkrantz is our narrator. He's a picture of paranoia, on and off the wagon and bleeding from debt, a pattern that perpetually forces him into greater feats of lunacy. His deranged wife is now a shut-in at the Enoch White Clinic in California, but Shem's back home in Calvert Maryland– attending to the will of his recently dead ex-wife Quinn, desperate for a piece of her inheritance. Forget the family- man slant–he's brought along his prostitute girlfriend Vee, and you can bet her eye is on the dough while she's working the week for the local mob boss. When Shem sees his son Joe for the first time in years, he realizes that he's more desperate for his affection than anything else- a yearning that may not be fulfilled this late in his life. Act 3 in The Twenty-Year Death is the darkest tonally of the trio, and Shem's pained narration is loaded with gravitas. I felt that Police at the Funeral was vaguely Brubaker-ian (new word anyone?)– we watch Shem make poor decision after poor decision, and his self destructive choices constrict all hope from the plot.
"All you care about is that somebody's read your damn books. Well nobody has."
She said that just to hurt me. And it worked every time. We were like a broken record, having the same fight over and over, and still each word squeezed me tighter and tighter.
Upon completing all three novels, the final product felt magnetic and beautiful– a torturous picture of a life destroyed. Police at the Funeral was my personal favorite, but Malniveau Prison and The Falling Star were essential to its construction. Each novel added to the last, strangely without feeling like sequels, each a self contained and wildly different narrative. Cheers to Mr. Winter on what is sure to be considered an instant noir fiction classic. He spent so much time imitating the prose stylings of different authors, I can't wait to read his own.


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Vote on controversial West Palm Beach gun range postponed
Range owner wants more time to reassure homeowners
A planning and zoning board vote expected to approve a controversial gun range has been tabled for now at the request of the range owner.
The proposed shooting range and gun shop, slated for a warehouse district across Parker Avenue from historic Flamingo Park and Grandview Heights, has drawn criticism and complaints from homeowners worried about property values and safety.
Zoning already permits the gun shop, but the range requires a variance because the location is slightly closer to homes than the required 1,000 feet.
Before the scheduled 1:30 p.m. zoning meeting, Commissioner Shanon Materio, who represents the neighborhood, said the owner had requested a continuance so he can work on some solutions to reassure neighbors.
"We're still going to the meeting," said Flamingo Park resident Margie Yansura. "This could just be a ploy to make sure we don't show up and object."
More From WPBF: Email alerts | Mobile | Social


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If you read my "about" page, you'll discover that I am not a total purist when it comes to being green. My preference is to use only all natural products, especially perfumes and body products, but you'll find a few mainstream bottles and tubes scattered about my house nevertheless. Lipsticks in particular are a weakness because even though I have found a few naturals that I really like, they haven't yet moved into the love category. Like how I love my Chanel Rouge Coco Shines- I've got more than a couple of those- or my Hourglass Femme Rouge in Fresco.
When I first read about Ilia Beauty over at Grace's blog, LondonMakeupGirl, I had a feeling their natural lipsticks would be impressive. Ilia's lipsticks are packed with sesame oil, jojoba oil, beeswax and pomegranate seed oil and I was eager to find out if they feel as good on the lips as they should given those nourishing ingredients. Now that I have worn these lipsticks for myself over several weeks, I can tell you they feel great and look amazing.
Sheer, balmy lipsticks with a subtle shine are my favorites, and Ilia's fall right into that category. They are not a gloss/lipstick hybrid, but rather a lipstick that feels like a balm with a lovely slip that's not waxy or sticky. These lipsticks not only feel nourishing, they are nourishing.
The colors I tried were Blossom Lady and Arabian Nights, both very wearable and flattering. Blossom Lady is the lighter pink color, which against my olive skin tone reads as a bubblegum pink. It's almost nude in tone but not quite since it is sheer, allowing for your natural lip color to add depth. I usually go for pinks that are warmer and rosier, but Blossom Lady is just so pretty. It brightens up my face on those mornings when I haven't had enough sleep.Arabian Nights is also very sheer, more so than you might think from just looking at it in the tube. But take a peek below and you'll see that when swatched, it's not densely pigmented. It's buildable if you want a richer color, but if you prefer a sheer berry lip you'll get that with just a couple swipes.
As far as the ingredients, they are over 99% all natural and 85% organic. While perusing online reviews, I found this comment from the founder of Ilia at No More Dirty Looks regarding the use of synthetic color
The 3 synthetic colours listed are minimally used with percentages as low as 0.1% of the total formula. The majority of the shades are a combination of these with "natural dyes", or iron oxides. Ironically, natural dyes or iron oxides dyes that come from the earth as minerals are full of metals…which our bodies are really good at absorbing and holding onto forever. It was a big decision to use a combination of the two in order to achieve more contemporary shades and provide options. There are many organic cosmetics brands that choose not to disclose the use of mild synthetic colours, yet most will have them if there is a brighter colour involved. Sharing this information was important to me, as to be completely transparent with nothing to hide. As an extra note, there is no Carmine in any of ILIA's shades, which was a morale decision. The one colour that is completely natural with natural dye is the nude "Nobody's Baby". Hope this of help to you, and could write forever about what I have learned in regards to sourcing the ingredients for this one product, yet I do know where each ingredients comes from, right down to its source. If you have any other questions please let me know. Cheers! Sasha // Founder ILIA Beauty
I appreciate the transparency that Sasha provides just as much as I adore her lipsticks. I want to add that they last for hours and the recycled aluminum tubes are surprisingly elegant and close with that high end snap we makeup junkies love.
Who's that crazy kid?
Ilia lipsticks are $24.95 at IliaBeauty.com
Disclosure: Samples were sent to me for consideration by Ilia Beauty. Opinions in this review are my own. I was not financially compensated for this review or any other.


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Hello SErs! Harmony here 🙂 While today's topic might, at first glance, seem basic and obvious, it has more to it than what shows on the surface.
For certain, when I wrote my first book, I didn't think about paragraph structure or use at all. I just wrote. And then my learning curve began. In earnest.
What is the purpose of a paragraph?
Stephen King '… would argue that the paragraph, not the sentence, is the basic unit of writing–the place where coherence begins and words stand a chance of becoming more than mere words.'
From 'On Writing' by Stephen King
- Some paragraphs exist simply to denote a change of speaker in dialogue.
- While others exist to introduce a scene, a character, or an issue.
- A paragraph (by its length or brevity) can be used to slow a scene's pace or speed it up.
- Lots of white space, created with short paragraphs is easier to read than a page without any breaks at all. (That doesn't mean you can't ever write a loooonng paragraph: just take care not to over use it.)
- The first line of a paragraph should set up the topic.
- The sentences that follow the first should explain or amplify said topic.
- In fiction, the beat of a paragraph is all important.
In modern fiction, we are actively encouraged to use informal language and even use the once outlawed contractions … yes, even outside of dialogue. This is especially true of the beats around dialogue and characterisation. I mention this here because, of course, each sentence is what makes a paragraph. If we worry too much about always being grammatically correct, our writing is likely to read as stilted and stale. As Stephen King tells us in his book On Writing, 'Language does not always have to wear a tie and lace-up shoes.'
Isn't that such great imagery?
Despite what I've just said about the ins and outs of paragraphs, it's best when writing your first draft to simply sit and write. You can tweak as necessary later in revision. This is because of that beat I mentioned earlier. The more you write (and read), the more you'll find your paragraphs forming naturally. These days, I don't have to think too much about them. If you keep stopping and fiddling with what you've just written, you'll break your natural flow. And still, it's good to be aware of what paragraphs are for and how to use them.
There are no rules on paragraph length. At all. I've seen (and used) one-word paragraphs, or three, or over a hundred. I've read books with pages to a paragraph.
A note on rules in general: In my book on self-editing, Polish Your Prose, I advise … that the author knows the rule and chooses to go around it, rather than blindly breaking it.
I would say the same of all rules, including the one about split infinitives that I just broke, lol.
That's it from me for today. I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Have a lovely day!
© 2019, Harmony Kent – All Rights Reserved


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Season's screenings: Hollywood loads up on end-of-year Oscar bait
It's officially Christmas season, and Hollywood is coming bearing gifts in all shapes and sizes. You name it; our cinematic Santa has got it: sequels, remakes and even an original idea or two. Many, like "The Artist" and "Young Adult," hold serious Oscar aspirations, while others, like a fourth "Mission: Impossible," a second "Sherlock Holmes" and a third "Chipmunks" movie, look to cash in on past glories.
The real treat, though, is the appearance of not one, but two flicks directed by Hollywood master Steven Spielberg, although some worry that "The Adventures of Tintin" and "The War Horse" may not pack the widespread appeal of his biggest hits. But count on both playing a big part in the upcoming Oscar race.
Same for director David Fincher ("The Social Network"), who looks to earn a second straight Oscar nomination with his star-studded remake of the Swedish hit "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo." Its stars, Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara, also will be anticipating invitations from the Academy, as will Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson for their work in Cameron Crowe's heart warmer, "We Bought a Zoo." If you prefer smaller, independent animals, there are plenty of those, too, led by the very British espionage thriller "Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy," starring an Oscar-worthy Gary Oldman as John Le Carre's venerable secret agent George Smiley. And on the quirkier side comes "A Dangerous Method," eccentric Canadian director David Cronenberg's imagining of Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen) and Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender) competing for the heart of one Keira Knightley.
Yes, there are many gifts under the tree this year and you can start opening them next Friday, beginning with:
Dec. 2
Tomboy: In director Céline Sciamma's follow up to "Water Lilies," a gender-confused 10-year-old girl (Zoe Heran) cuts her hair and tries to pass herself off as a boy, and in the process catches the eye of a smitten neighborhood girl (Jeanne Disson). And, no, this isn't based on the childhood of Chaz Bono.
Dec. 9
New Year's Eve: In 2010, director Garry Marshall massacred "Valentine's Day." This time he's out to ruin everybody's favorite party night with another star-studded cast participating in a series of disjointed vignettes involving impossibly good looking lonely hearts. Among those shamelessly cashing paychecks are Oscar-winners Hilary Swank, Robert DeNiro and Halle Berry. And what crappy movie would be complete without the acting-challenged Ashton Kutcher?
The Sitter: Borrowing liberally from the plot for 1987's "Adventures in Babysitting," Jonah Hill stars as an incompetent child minder who endangers his young charges by taking them along on a death-defying inner-city adventure in which they encounter muggers, buggers and thieves. The director is the once-great David Gordon Green ("Pineapple Express"), whose last "comedy" was the brain-dead "Your Highness." On the plus side, Sam Rockwell and J.B. Smoove costar.
Shame: In a film blurring the line between porn and art, Michael Fassbender dazzles as a sociopathic sex addict whose life spirals into turmoil after his sister (Carey Mulligan) moves into his New York City apartment and begins reviving painful memories. The British auteur Steve McQueen ("Hunger") directs.
Outrage: In this Japanese Oscar-contender, rival underworld bosses enter into a bloody power struggle involving drugs and murder.
Dec. 16
Young Adult: Diablo Cody and Jason Reitman, the team that brought us the marvelous "Juno," reunite for this equally subversive comedy in which Charlize Theron, playing a beautiful, but selfish, author of books for young adults, jets back to her childhood home in Minnesota intent to break up the marriage of her high school sweetheart (Patrick Wilson). Patton Oswalt is drawing Oscar buzz as the nerd who loved her from afar years ago, and pines for her again once called upon to help her bag her ex.
Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked: For their third cinematic adventure, the singing rodents take a disastrous sea cruise with their manager, Dave Seville (Jason Lee). Think "Gilligan's Island," except instead of the virginal Mary Ann, we get a collection of B-list human actors and cheesy animatronics sure to please the 6-and-younger set.
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows: If a film makes hundreds of millions of dollars, it's elementary that there will be a sequel. And you don't need Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and his loyal assistant Watson (Jude Law) to prove it. This time the famous detectives are on the scent of a mad man ("Mad Men's Jared Harris), who is out to harm a beautiful fortune-teller (Noomi Rapace from the "Millennium" trilogy). Guy Ritchie returns in the director's chair.
The Artist: This black-and-white beauty about silent film stars (Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo) falling in love at the dawn of talkies was a huge hit at the Cannes Film Festival. But will meat-and-potatoes American audiences be as rapturous about a silent movie in the day and age of cacophonies like "Avatar"? Doubtful, but if you're a true film buff this charmingly arty flick from writer-director Michael Hazanavicius ("OSS-117") is not to be missed.
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy: John Le Carre's popular 1974 novel receives its third incarnation (it was previously a BBC miniseries starring Alec Guinness and a PBS radio serial) as a big Hollywood movie in which Gary Oldman plays retired British spy George Smiley, who is called back into service to root out a Soviet mole. Oscar-winner Colin Firth and Thomas Hardy co-star in this adaptation by Swedish director Tomas Alfredson ("Let the Right One In").
The Conquest: Jacque le bleu! A scathing film about a sitting French president? Yes, director Xavier Durringer takes direct aim at Nicolas Sarkozy (Denis Podalydès ) in a "W."-like satire about the events leading up to the womanizing politician's much publicized divorce from his previous wife, Cecilia.
The Iron Lady: Yet another real-life politician gets her Hollywood close-up in this controversial flick starring Meryl Streep as former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Reuniting with her "Mamma Mia" director, Phyllida Lloyd, Streep reportedly delivers another Oscar-worthy impersonation in chronicling the much-maligned Thatcher's rise to power in the 1980s.
Wednesday, Dec. 21
The Adventures of Tintin: In the first of two holiday gifts from Steven Spielberg, the director brings to animated life the popular children's stories by Belgian cartoonist Hergé concerning the adventures of a plucky boy reporter (voiced by Jamie Bell). Well, popular everywhere but in America. Spielberg's name should be enough to lure the Yanks into an exciting, colorful film that's already a gigantic hit in Europe and Asia.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: The torch is passed on the world's most famous tramp stamp as Rooney Mara inherits the dragon tattoo from Noomi Rapace in this Hollywood version of the smash Swedish hit about a young woman's Monte Cristo-like revenge on the pigs who did her wrong as a child. Joining the search for the culprits in part one of author Stieg Larsson's "Millennium Trilogy" is ace reporter Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig), who serves as the yang to Mara's Lisbeth Salander's yin. The picture also reunites Mara with her "Social Network" director David Fincher, who works from a script by Steven Zaillian ("Schindler's List").
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol: The third time was hardly a charm for this flagging Tom Cruise franchise with 2006's "M:I-3," but everyone's favorite Scientologist is out to win back the masses by hiring Pixar stalwart Brad Bird ("The Incredibles," "Ratatouille") to direct this spy-vs.-spy adventure in which Cruise's Ethan Hunt is on the trail of the culprits behind a bombing at the Kremlin. "The Town's" Jeremy Renner costars.
Friday, Dec. 23
A Dangerous Method: Director David Cronenberg is on a roll with the back-to-back successes of "A History of Violence" and "Eastern Promises." And that streak promises to continue with this quirky tale about Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen) and Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender) competing for the affections of a young woman played by Keira Knightley. Now, these are the kinds of shrinks I want to see.
We Bought a Zoo: This one might not have you at hello, but Cameron Crowe ("Jerry Maguire") is determined to win you over with this fact-based tale about a grieving widower (Matt Damon) who buys a rundown California zoo and proceeds to rebuild both it and his life. The male animals will be happy to learn that the film costars Scarlett Johansson as a zoo worker who accelerates the recovery of the bereaved husband.
Sunday, Dec. 25
The War Horse: How often do we get two Steven Spielberg movies in one year, let alone one week? But Christmas indeed comes twice, as the prolific auteur follows up "The Adventures of Tintin" with his take on Michael Morpurgo's 1982 novel about a boy's quest to reunite with the horse his father (Peter Mullan) sold to the British army during World War I. As the boy with the undying devotion to his equine friend, newcomer Jeremy Irvine is drawing plenty of Oscar buzz, as is the movie, which is locked in a (excuse the pun) horse race with "The Descendants" and "The Artist" for Best Picture. Besides, who can say neigh to Spielberg?
The Darkest Hour: Emile Hirsch, Olivia Thirlby and Max Minghella are among a group of young Americans trapped in Moscow during an alien invasion. Talk about a Red Scare! Chris Gorak directs.
Several other films in the Oscar race won't officially open in the Boston area until January. Here are some of them you can look forward to seeing. A tentative opening date is listed at the end of each blurb:
Pariah: In a drama cut from much the same cloth as the Oscar-winning "Precious," a teenaged lesbian (Adepero Oduye) from Brooklyn's volatile Fort Greene neighborhood comes of age despite a troubled home life courtesy of her bickering parents (Kim Wayans and Charles Parnell). (Jan. 6).
Carnage: Roman Polanksi directs this film adaptation of the Tony-winning Broadway hit "Gods of Carnage," a darkly funny look at two couples (John C. Riley and Jodie Foster and Christoph Waltz and Kate Winslet) coming to verbal blows after their young sons get involved in a schoolyard fight. (Jan. 13).
In the Land of Blood and Honey: Angelina Jolie steps out of the celebrity spotlight and moves behind the camera to make her writing and directing debut with this harrowing story about a Christian Serb (Goran Kostic) and a Bosnian woman (Zana Marjanovic) whose lives are torn apart when violence flares between ethnic and religious groups during the Bosnian war. (Jan. 13).
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close: I tend to hate movies like "Remember Me" that rely on 9/11 as a cheesy plot device. I fear this film adaptation of Jonathan Safran Foer's cloying 2005 novel about a boy ("Jeopardy" winner Thomas Horn) and his dead dad (Tom Hanks) will join that pitiful hall of shame. But that doesn't mean I'm not holding out faint hope that Oscar-nominated director Stephen Daldry ("The Hours," "Billy Eliot") can turn sap into gold. Aiding him in his quest are Sandra Bullock as the kid's mother and Max von Sydow as a shell-shocked old soldier Horn's precocious Oskar befriends in his quest to unlock a mystery involving a key his father left behind. (Jan. 20)
Albert Nobbs: Tired of being passed over for prime movie roles, Glenn Close took matters into her own hands by co-writing a gender-bending script perfectly tailored to her skills. In it, she plays a 19th-century Irishwoman who for 20 years successfully disguises herself as stiff-upper-lip butler Albert Nobbs. Trouble arises when he/she falls in love with a beautiful young woman, played by "It" girl, Mia Wasikowska. Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Aaron Johnson costar.
Rampart: Owen Moverman directed Woody Harrelson to an Oscar nomination two years ago with "The Messenger," and hopes to do the same with this gritty cop drama co-written by "L.A. Confidential" scribe James Ellroy about the City of Angel's infamous Rampart division, a scandalous collection of corrupt policemen who left a lingering black stain on the department in the 1990s.
We Need to Talk About Kevin: Tilda Swinton gives one of her most haunting performances in this Cannes hit about a mother whose troubled son (Ezra Miller) goes on a Columbine-like murder spree. Lynne Ramsay ("Morvern Callar") directs from a screenplay based on Lionel Shriver's controversial bestseller. The always great John C. Reilly costars. (February).


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first sunday of advent
and some advent candle holder inspiration
by wirth BELT FOR CANDLE // PINTEREST // PINTEREST // menu POV // by lassen KUBUS 4
wishing you all a wonderful sunday
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment!
You make me smiiile!
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.


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Spring 2011 Extension Services Registration Information
Extension classes begin the week of January 18, 2011.
BY MAIL OR FAX: Contact the Department of Extension Services at (773) 995-2214 for a mail in/fax registration form. Mail the extension registration form to the Department of Extension Services, Chicago State University, 9501 S. King Drive, JDC 201, Chicago, Illinois 60628. You can also fax your registration form to (773) 995-2941. The deadline for registering by mail or fax is January 12, 2011.
ON CAMPUS: Students registering for off-campus courses only can register in the Department of Extension Services, JDC 201 from 9:00am-4:30pm If enrolling in a combination of on-campus and off-campus courses, students must register via CSU X-Press.
IN CLASS: Unless noted otherwise in the individual class information, if the course is still open, you may register at the first session of the class. However, you are strongly urged to register prior to the first class since some courses fill quickly.
ON THE WEB: Admitted students who are formally admitted into a degree, certification, or certificate program must obtain a current registration advising PIN (RAP) from their advisor during the advisement session. An advising PIN is not required for at-large students. However, course prerequisites must be met in order to register. At-large students may begin registering online during the period of November 10 through December 1, December 15 through January 12 and January 15 – 19.
FEES: Tuition is based on the status of the student, not the status of the class. Tuition is subject to change.
OFF-CAMPUS TUITION (Per Credit Hour):
|Student Status
|Illinois Resident
|Non-Illinois Resident
|Undergraduate 2004
|Undergraduate 2005
|Undergraduate 2006
|Undergraduate 2007
|Undergraduate 2008
|Undergraduate 2009
|Undergraduate 2010
TUITION PAYMENT OPTIONS: Call the CSU Cashier's Office directly at (773) 995-2029 to pay by credit card (Discover, MasterCard or VISA.) You may also submit check or money order payments by mail to the Department of Extension Services, 9501 S. King Drive, JDC 201, Chicago, IL 60628. Write the correct course number and section number on the check or money order. Please enclose a telephone number where you can be reached, if required, on the check or money order.
INSTALLMENT PLAN: Only students registered for six hours or more are eligible for the Installment Plan. There is an additional service fee based on the installment plan selected. Students choosing the Installment Plan Option must utilize the Tuition Management Installment Plan as presented in the Fee and Payment Information section.
See Fee and Payment Information.
CLASS SIZE: The University reserves the right to limit the size of classes and to cancel classes due to insufficient enrollment.
CLASS MEETING: Normally, classes meet once a week for 16 weeks. Sessions consist of 50 minutes of instruction each week for each credit hour, (i.e., a three credit hour course meets 150 minutes per week). Courses meeting for fewer than sixteen weeks compensate with more frequent and / or longer class meetings each week, as detailed in the individual class listing.
PREREQUISITES: Course prerequisites are stated in the Chicago State University Catalog or on the website: www.csu.edu/catalogs/.
Students enrolling in graduate courses for the first time and who are not currently admitted to a graduate degree program are required to complete a graduate-at-large application. A $25 application fee must be submitted with the at-large-application. Additionally, proof of a Bachelor's degree must be submitted with the application, (i.e., copy of a transcript illustrating an awarded degree, copy of your diploma, or state teaching certificate). Graduate-at-Large students who have not enrolled in a course at CSU within two years or more, but left in good standing, are required to apply for readmission by completing a readmit form. There is a $25 fee for readmission. Admitted students who have not attended CSU within the last two years must obtain a departmental advisor's signature. Submit your extension registration form, at-large application or readmit form, proof of degree, tuition fee, and $25 at-large application fee to your instructor or an extension services department representative on the first day of the class, or submit to the extension services department on campus in JDC 201 if enrolling only in extension courses.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: For site confirmations, room numbers, and other courses added after the publication of this schedule, contact the Department of Extension Services at (773) 995-2214.Spring 2011 Extension Sites
|Catholic Charities
|11255 S. Michigan, Chicago / Lower Level
|Community Mental Health Council
|8704 S. Constance, Chicago / Room: 301
|Eisenhower High School
|12700 S. Sacramento, Blue Island / Room: TBA
|Illinois Eye Institute/ Illinois College of Optometry
3240 S. Michigan/ 3241 S. Michigan, Chicago /
Room: Adams Center
|Naperville Central High School
|440 West Aurora Road, Naperville / Room 02
|Naperville North High School
899 North Mill, Naperville / Room: TBA
|Oak Lawn High School
|9400 Southwest Highway, Oak Lawn / Room: TBA
|Olive Harvey College
|10001 S. Woodlawn, Chicago / Room: TBA
|South Suburban College & University Center
|16333 S. Kilbourn Ave. (I-57 at 167th St.), Oak Forest / Room 5160
|Taft High School
|6530 W. Bryn Mawr, Chicago /(PE Bldg.) Rm. 136
For site and/or room information, contact Extension Services at (773) 995-2214 prior to the first class. You may also get site room number information by selecting the appropriate menu item at the same number.
Course meeting dates represent the official starting and ending dates of the term and not necessarily the class starting and ending dates. Classes start and end on the day indicated within the official term dates.
Back to Spring 2011 Quick Links


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Renee Kaftan Horse
The Renee Kaftan is one shoulder flowy, yet sexy silhouette that is so versatile it can be worn for no occasion except to feel beautiful to an occasion like a wedding. This dress is a stunner! It has a relaxed silhouette with a voluminous kaftan-style sleeve.
- One shoulder
- Asymmetric hemline
- 100% Dull Satin
- Dry clean or Hand Wash/Hang Dry
- The print is an original Ramona La Rue hand painted by the designer and transferred to fabric. Every garment has Arianne's signature in the print.
- Designed and made with love in Miami, FL USA
- Limited Edition
Size Measurements:


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Signature Mattress
Our legendary Four Seasons mattress, designed to provide just the right balance of comfort, support and optimal temperature management.
Found in our hotels and resorts around the world, our Signature Mattress will prepare you for the perfect night's sleep.
Our Four Seasons exclusive zippered topper allows you to optimize your sleep comfort with an interchangeable signature, plush or firm topper. * Only compatible with the Four Seasons mattress
Please read this disclaimer in its entirety.
Once the order is placed, the next contact you will receive will be from our Customer Service agent to confirm your order and delivery window. You will then be contacted by the delivery agent to arrange a delivery date and time. Complimentary removal of your old mattress/foundation is available and needs to be set-up with the delivery agent when scheduling your appointment.
We strongly recommend that you do not dispose of your current mattress and foundation until the new item(s) have been delivered. Both Sobel Westex and Four Seasons will not be held accountable in the event the shipment/delivery is delayed or refused and you have disposed of your mattress/foundation.
When the mattress/topper/foundation is delivered, please check your products to ensure everything is correct and there are no damages before the delivery agent leaves.
If you discover any damage or item discrepancy (size, firmness, etc.), do not accept shipment of the piece(s) in question. Please refuse the incorrect or damaged item(s). The delivery agent does not have the right to make you accept incorrect or damaged items. Note the item(s) and the reason for refusal on the delivery documentation.
Four Seasons mattress collection (mattresses, toppers and foundations) are made to order and require approximately 6-8 weeks for delivery. These items will be delivered through an in-home delivery agent. While delivery is included in the cost, certain geographical areas are subject to an additional fee of $500 which will be added to the cost of the item once the shipping address is identified. In addition, delivery services and the ability to request removal of old mattress/foundation will vary based on the shipping address including, in certain areas.
For further questions please read our FAQ Section or call Customer Service 1-844-437-7767.
- A system of revolutionary mattress toppers engineered specifically for Four Seasons that offers guests three choices to customize their bed: Signature, Signature Firm, and Signature Plush.
- Easily zipped on and off to be replaced, this added benefit prolongs the life of the mattress by changing the mattress toppers without replacing the bed's structural pocketed coil springs which last longer than the comfort layers in the mattress topper. The unique design of the Four Seasons zippered topper system is only compatible with Four Seasons mattresses.
- Each mattress is accompanied with one topper included in the price of the mattress.
- To order a replacement topper, contact our customer support team at +1-702-479-4017, or email us at firstname.lastname@example.com, or join the live chat application.
- 1st Layer: AirCool® Foam, 2nd Layer: AirFeel® Foam
- High performance stain protection embedded right into the fabric maintaining a highly breathable and soft fabric allowing air to circulate around your body, keeping you dry and comfortable.
- An array of gel foams and memory foams designed to offer the right amount of comfort and support while offering optimal temperature management.
- Softly encased and independently flexible, pocket springs conform to your body and provides optimal support that minimizes motion transfer between you and your partner when you sleep.
- Made in USA and Canada
- Twin Mattress, 38" x 75" (97 cm x 191 cm)
- Full Mattress, 53" x 75" (135 cm x 191 cm)
- Queen Mattress, 60" x 80" (152 cm x 203 cm)
- King Mattress, 76" x 80" (193 cm x 203 cm)
- California King, 72" x 84" (183 cm x 213 cm)
- Spot clean as needed
- Recommended use with a mattress protector


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Washington (CNN) - If Donald Trump decides to run for the White House, he would just barely crack double digits in the crowded field of potential GOP candidates, but his entry into the race could hurt former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, according to a new national poll.
A CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released Wednesday also indicates that Democrats may have started to close the enthusiasm gap that plagued them in last year's midterm elections.
Ten percent of Republicans and independents who lean Republican say they would most likely support Trump for the GOP's 2012 presidential nomination.
That would place him fifth on the list behind former Arkansas Gov. and 2008 Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee at 19 percent, former Massachusetts Gov. and 2008 White House hopeful Mitt Romney at 18 percent, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich at 14 percent, and 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin at 12 percent.
Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, who also ran for the Republican nomination in the last presidential election, is at eight percent, with everyone else in the low single digits.
"Adding Trump to the list of potential candidates doesn't change the GOP standings all that much, since Trump seems to pull his support equally from all the other major candidates," says CNN Polling Director Keating Holland.
But what if Trump decides not to run?
"Removing Trump's name from the list and allocating his voters to their second choice gives Huckabee 21 percent and Romney 19 percent - essentially unchanged from January. In a Trump-less field, Gingrich gets 15 percent, up from 10 percent in January, and Paul goes from 7 percent to 11 percent. Palin is the big loser, dropping from 19 percent in a no-Trump round in January to just 13 percent now," adds Holland.
The poll's release comes just a few hours after word that the businessman, real estate giant, and reality TV star, who is seriously considering a bid for the Republican presidential nomination, will head to Iowa in June to headline a major GOP dinner. Iowa plays a crucial role in the race for the White House, as its caucuses traditionally kick off presidential primary and caucus season.
Trump, who has said he will decide by June on whether he'll run for president, is also scheduled to speak that month at a political event in New Hampshire, which holds the first primary on the road to the White House.
The poll also indicates that 56 percent of Democrats say they are extremely or very enthusiastic about voting in the next election, up 22 points from last October. Sixty-two percent of Republicans say they feel the same way, up 12 points from last October, just before the midterm elections. That means the GOP's 20 point lead on enthusiasm has narrowed to a six point advantage.
In 2008, 79 percent of Democrats said they were extremely or very enthusiastic about voting, far ahead of the Republicans. That helped produced a high Democratic turnout that helped sweep President Barack Obama into the White House and widened the party's majorities in Congress. The 20 point enthusiasm advantage for the GOP last year helped the party win back control of the House of Representatives and narrowed the Democrats' majority in the Senate.
"Keep your eye on this measure - it has been a good predictor in the last two election cycles and it may help us figure out what's going on next year as well," adds Holland.
The survey also indicates that just over three quarters of Democrats and independents who lean Democratic say the party should re-nominate Obama next year, with just over one in five saying another Democrat should be the party's nominee. Those numbers are basically unchanged over the past couple of months.
The CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey was conducted March 18-20, with 1,012 people questioned by telephone. The survey's overall sampling error is plus or minus three percentage points.
-CNN Deputy Political Director Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report
Yes, just what we need. A crooked real-estate dealer who rips people off, then brags about it on national TV. A guy who cheated on 2 wives and has 5 illegetimate children. This same guy who puts his name on everything he buys to compensate for his tiny ding-dong. A dude who inherited his father's fortune, ran most of it to the ground, and runs a string of sleazy casinos. Lets make THAT guy president.
The fact that Trump and Palin account for a combined 22% makes me even more worried about the GOP (and the nation for that matter).
Palin/Trump or Trump/Palin for 2012. Yay !
Hope that's the ticket. Either way, Obama wins; again.
And, therefore America wins. Hope they go for it.
You can dream on Donal Trump.
Trump will split the vote with Palin for the tin foil hat wearing club.
I really wanted a choice so that I would not have to vote for Obama again but the Republicant's do not seem to have a clue as to a viable candidate. I would not cast a vote for anyone mentioned in this non-news article. Maybe it is time for a benevolent monarchy. I nominate Johnny Depp.
Democrats, make sure you vote. Some of us not voting is why we have a republican controlled house and several state legislatures. You have seen what the republicans are all about. One look at Wisconsin should tell you that we can ill afford anymore republicans in elected offices. They do not have our best interests at heart. All they care about is making the wealthy even wealthier.
TRUMP – PALIN 2012!!! It's the end of the world as we know it... and I feel fine! -REM
Boy, you got that right. She thought Katie Couric roasted her, and couldn't handle that. I would still love to see it though!
I really don't think Palin will run. She will do and say anything just to stay in the media.
Polls mean nothing at this stage so please ignore all presidential polls until the Presidential Season starts in 2012. Then things will really get exciting.
The only reason Huckabee polls @ 19% is because of all the cooky evangelicals and baptists that vote based on religious preference alone.
I don't like the idea of Trump in office, nor Huckabee... I do like Herman Cain! I think if he had some more funding behind him, he would be a wonderful POTUS! GO HERMAN CAIN!!!
Go Donald! We need an American Berlusconi!
So, do we want another bully ruling the USA. I hate that some of these guys think telling countries what to do is useful in all cases. Thats the GOP way. Ugly American bully trying to tell the world what to do. A lot of the world can use some guidance in things but telling them what to do with out them asking is just stupid and everyone will hate us. Reagan was the only one that made the world like us again. I grew up in Tulsa OK and had the Southern Baptist inflicted on me. Mean hateful bullies trying to tell me what they wanted me to do. Homie don't play dat!
They arn't thinking.


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BOSTON—A culture of "sexual entitlement" exists among some Boston University men's ice hockey players, according to a university report.
The players' elevated social status as five-time national champions contributed to the culture, the report says.
"On one level, what our work found is something that is common at any big school or college or university that has elite athletic programs and that is that there is a subset of the population for whom the athletes are considered stars and receive adulation and special treatment," Provost Jean Morrison said.
"The question is, is the extent to which it occurs here problematic? And I think the fact that there were two incidents where there were serious allegations of sexual assault, when we did our investigation, we found that there were areas where university oversight should be better."
University President Robert A. Brown commissioned a task force to review the team after two players were accused of sexual assault in a three-month span this winter. One player pleaded guilty to reduced charges while criminal charges were dropped against the other.
"This culture of sexual entitlement, as evidenced by frequent sexual encounters with women absent an emotional relationship or on-going commitment, can also involve unprotected sex," the report said. "This culture is actively supported by a small subset of BU's undergraduate population. The absence of systematic processes for sexual assault prevention training for members of the men's ice hockey team, and for BU students more broadly, contributes to behaviours that place many University students at risk."
The committee also found oversight of the team and clear expectations for players' behaviour were lacking.
Coach Jack Parker is a former executive director of athletics. He has since stepped down from the post, one recommendation the report made.
That one-third of BU hockey players are already drafted into the NHL also contributes "to a culture and climate in which players may not be fully engaged in the academic, intellectual and extracurricular activities that are routine for the broader student body," according to the report.
The committee found many team members were insulated from the campus community and had test scores and grades below university admissions averages. The task force recommended establishing a university sexual assault prevention office and requiring the team to undergo annual sexual assault prevention training.
BU opened a Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Center last week after multiple sexual assaults, hazing and Peeping Tom incidents occurred during the 2011-2012 academic year and the student newspaper made light of rape in its April Fools' edition.
The ice hockey task force, made of university administrators, professors and trustees, conducted interviews, held public meetings and accepted online comments and written letters before compiling its findings.
Toronto's Trivino kicked off Boston University's hockey team


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When E.T. premiered in 1982, Henry Thomas, as Elliott, human best friend to the titular lost alien, instantly became the kid everyone wanted to be. Or as Thomas says now, the kid everyone "sort of" wanted to be. Thirty years later, E.T. has already undergone a controversial re-release, but now out on Blu-ray, it's been restored to its original, glorious cut, sans computer animation and scrubbed shotguns. We talked to Thomas (who has since been on The Mentalist and CSI and in Gangs of New York) about the movie's legacy, Steven Spielberg's perfectionism, Super 8, and film sets as summer camp.
ESQUIRE.COM: Are you tired of talking about this movie?
HENRY THOMAS: [Laughs] No, I think I hit my stride about ten years ago. It's just funny because, nowadays, you don't expect to talk about a film thirty years later. I guess you're setting yourself up for a lot of disappointment.
ESQ: I can't tell if you're being self-deprecating.
HT: I was being self-deprecating, and trying to be funny at the same time.
ESQ: Do you really think there aren't movies like E.T. anymore, in the sense that we talk about them years later?
HT: I don't know if there aren't any films like E.T. anymore. I just feel that the industry has changed so much. There are so many outlets now. The idea of a film staying in theaters for a year is something of a fantasy today.
ESQ: So instead of watching the new Blu-ray edition, last night I watched the version re-released in 2002. I was pretty disappointed when the walkie-talkies showed up.
HT: I think a lot of people were disappointed with that. I remember when that happened, and from talking with Kathleen Kennedy and Steven Spielberg about this, I think there was a certain pressure that Steven felt he was under to be politically correct around the time of that release. I don't think his heart was ever really in that version of it.
ESQ: Funny you say that. I was wondering if Spielberg was making some sort of anti-guns statement.
HT: Well, it was around the time of 9/11—
ESQ: And Columbine.
HT: Columbine as well. I think that probably had something to do with it.
ESQ: It's a movie that's impacted a lot of kids over the years. What was it like to be a young kid going through that?
HT: It was definitely not something I expected when I got chosen for the role. I didn't expect any of the success to come about in the way that it did. It was the second film I had ever done. I got the part through a weird alignment of coincidences, and luck. Suddenly my phone was ringing and everybody wanted me in their film. It was kind of a roller-coaster ride for a few years there.
ESQ: Did you not understand because you were too young?
HT: I understood why films were made, and if they made a lot of money, they were successful. All of these things I knew. As a ten-year-old boy, I didn't really think a lot about finances or celebrity. I always viewed films as kind of what I imagined a summer camp to be like.
ESQ: And you made Spielberg cry in your audition?
HT: Yes. I made everyone cry, and then I got the job.
ESQ: What exactly were you doing?
HT: I read a scene from some early version of the script, and then I was asked to do an improvisation. I think the gist of the improv was, "You found someone, and they're going to take them away from you, and it's your friend, and you really don't want your friend to go away." So I started crying, and really going for it I guess.
ESQ: Elliott seems a little troubled, even from the beginning of the movie.
HT: I don't know if he's troubled, but the idea was always that this family was going through a divorce, and Elliot is having the hardest time with it, because he's the guy in the middle. Also, Elliot is a bit of an outsider. When he finds E.T. and a friendship there, suddenly he becomes cool. Sort of cool.
ESQ: Did that resonate at all with you, growing up?
HT: I don't know if I was so much of an outsider until after I started doing films. That put me on the outside. I grew up in Texas, and I wasn't the child of industry parents, and I didn't have a lot of friends in the industry or anything like that.
ESQ: Being the child star of a blockbuster must have made you something of an outsider.
HT: Sure. It definitely adds to your mystery. If it hadn't been the film, it would have been something else, like my ears, or my accent or something.
ESQ: The movie is full of phenomenal performances mostly from kids. How did Spielberg get that?
HT: He was really good at directing us. He was very specific in his notes. When you're a kid, and you don't have a lot of work under your belt, you need to feel confident about what you're doing and whether or not the people in charge like what you're doing. Steven was really good at explaining scenes in a way that kids could grasp a hold of it and give him what he wanted out of it. When we shot it, you got the feeling that he wanted to do everything, that he preferred to do everything himself. It would have been Steven playing all those roles if he could have.
ESQ: Was that perfectionism intimidating at all?
HT: There's a certain amount of pressure you feel when you get on a set. I think that combined with specific direction and a certain energy makes for a good director. When I think back on my time spent on the set of E.T., I just think about very boring day-to-day things. I remember the Kraft service cart. I loved those. My mom was always giving me a hard time because I had too many sweets.
ESQ: You said it was a kind of vacation. What other movies have felt that way?
HT: Gangs of New York was pretty good. I was in Rome for a year, and I was acting maybe an average of two days a week. Of course, I was complaining about it then.
ESQ: Why were you complaining?
HT: "Man, I'm over here, and I'm not working. They've just got me over here in Rome." That's what happens when you give an actor a job. They'll just complain about it.
ESQ: Last question: I thought E.T. would have set off a huge trend in movies about kids befriending aliens, but there are only a few of them — Mac and Me, Super 8 a little bit.
HT: I think people tried, but it's like the conundrum of the sequel. How do you create another thing that captures the same relationship, but isn't really ripping off the film? You can't really, right?
ESQ: What did you think of Super 8?
HT: It didn't really resonate with me. I saw some of the E.T. references, and the pop-culture nods. The thing about E.T. is that it's a film about compassion, a film about friendship. The number-one film to me that captures the essence and the feel of E.T. and doesn't cheapen it is The Iron Giant.