When Will It End?

The unemployment rate in the state of Michigan is 14.1%--and I believe the UP is higher. (I don't have the figures close by at the moment.) It is the worst in the US, which has a rate of 9.1%. And things don't seem to be getting any better anytime soon.

The beginning of June it was reported that 8 of Michigan's prisons will be closed this year--five of them in the UP. That means more people will be out of work. BUT, there is a solution that has been proposed.

Remember the closing of Gitmo and all of those terrorist prisoners that are being held there? Well, one of our government officials has suggested that we might want to have these prisoners moved to the prisons here in the UP. I don't think so. FINALLY--not that I wanted it to happen, mind you--with the closing of the air base that was close to our town, we were taken off of any target map that any enemies might have. We no longer are a concern to anyone--we are just a rural wilderness that isn't a threat to any country. (And, most aren't even sure we are part of Michigan, much less the US.) So, if we are to house terrorists, we will be back on the enemy radar. (Yes, I realize this sounds ludicrous, but the terrorists in our world are NOT logical.) And who do we have to thank for this wonderful suggestion? Democrats. Don't like that I pointed that out? Tough shit. The dems have been in power how long now? Is ANYTHING better now than it was when Engler left office? I don't think so. And Granholm has had six years to improve things--and she has sunk this state even deeper into the shit. I hope there will be some level-headed people in power if this suggestion is EVER looked at seriously. I, for one, don't want to have terrorists living down the road from me.

Read More

Update Birth chart

Well, like a really strange, odd onion every day a new layer is revealed regarding Michael Jackson. Personally, I could have lived my whole life perfectly fine without learning that sleazy plastic surgeon Arnie Kline provided the sperm for MJ's children.... (sigh--"please mediamakers you can now Stop the dissemination train)...but anyway, one thing that came out this weekend was a new birthtime for The King Of Pop. On David Crook's site he tells of a Vedic Astrologer who met with Michael some time ago. Go to the site for the chart.

The controversy over Michael Jackson's correct birth-time may have finally
been resolved, by new information from Vedic astrologer Chakrapani Ullal, who
claims he consulted with Mr. Jackson back in the late 80's. The time of birth
given by Michael to his astrologer was 7:33 PM

Read More

My Toilet

When I move from this house, I'm taking my toilet with me. It needs to be repaired--it has a leak from the waterless tank (?)--but it is simply the best toilet I have ever used. The Turboflush 2000 (NOT its name, but should be) would flush a small animal down if it accidentally got stuck in the water. I have NEVER seen anything so powerful in my life. As a matter of fact, I tell everyone to NOT flush while sitting--I think the suction that would come from the flush would be enough to make a person stuck. And THAT would be a good story for the EMT's--but NOT one you would want repeated about yourself. When we bought this toilet, I had serious doubts as to how good it would be because it is a low-water flusher. I was concerned for nothing. I have never seen another toilet like this one, so I guess I will HAVE to take it with me.

I REALLY need a life if this is all I can find to do a post about. :D

Read More

Today's Moment of Zen: 6 points in 2.8 seconds

In this edition of Today's Moment of Zen, I present to you a highlight of the greatest comeback in college basketball history.

We flashback to the year of 1999 during a Pac-10 regular season affair between the Oregon Ducks and the USC Trojans.

The Ducks have a lead 84-79 with about 2.8 seconds left in the game. It appears that USC has no chance of winning this game. Then Adam Spanich scores six points in 2.8 seconds. The color commentator goes absolutely crazy after the shot goes in.

Eat your heart out, Reggie Miller.

Read More

I guess Ian Snell is "Hung"

The one negative of sports call-in shows is the possibility that prank callers might decide to hijack the show.

Well, during a Pittsburgh Pirates call-in show, an intrepid caller decided to ask the size of pitcher Ian Snell's "member."

The akward silence during the video might possibly be the funniest thing that I have seen in awhile.

(NSFW unless your work does not have problem with the word "penis")

(Courtesy of Busted Coverage)

Read More

New Lingerie

Via Miss Cellania.



A husband walks into Victoria 's Secret to purchase some sheer lingerie for his wife. He is shown several possibilities that range from $250 to $500 in price, the more sheer, the higher the price .

He opts for the most sheer item, pays the $500 and takes the lingerie home. He presents it to his wife and asks her to go upstairs, put it on and model it for him.

Upstairs, the wife thinks, "I have an idea. It's so sheer that it might as well be nothing. I won't put it on, do the modeling naked, return it tomorrow and keep the $500 refund for myself." So she appears naked on the balcony and strikes a pose.

The husband says, "Good Lord! You'd think that for $500, they'd at least iron it!"

He never heard the shot.

The funeral is on Thursday.

Read More

NBA Free Agency: Party Like It's '09

With NBA free-agent signings set to commence Wednesday (12:01 am if any GMs are really enthusiastic), it seems the appropriate time for OtB to bring you the top 30 players who might be moving in the coming months. With 30 quality players possibly moving and 30 NBA teams, it only makes sense to match each player with a prospective team, even if it most certainly won't shake out that way.

A quick update, before we get into the list. The teams with the most cap space are the Memphis Grizzlies, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Portland Trailblazers, and the Detroit Pistons. The teams with potentially the most players to lose to free-agency are the Lakers, Utah Jazz, and Pistons. Do the math, Detroit stands the change the most significantly this summer. You can check out ESPN's list to see all the players eligible this summer and next. It's been pointed out that big name teams are positioning to have loads of cap space next summer. Therefore, for smaller market teams like the Grizzlies, the time to make significant acquisitions might be now or never. Teams that have already made some serious moves this summer include the Orlando Magic, San Antonio Spurs, and Cleveland Cavaliers. On to the list!

1. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers: The best of this crop, Kobe can opt out this summer, but leaving the Lakers now couldn't do anything for his reputation or title hopes.
2. Carlos Boozer, Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizz don't have a history for making firebrand moves, but they are looking, as well they should be, to fill that power forward slot. The Grizz discussed a (failed, thankfully) trade for Zach Randolph, so Boozer would be a big pick up.
   
3. Ama're Stoudamire, Golden State Warriors: Though Don Nelson seems to be messing with Steve Kerr, the Warriors are still looking at STAT. There've been murmurings that Ama're won't be as effective after rehabbing his...eye.
4. Ben Gordon, Minnesota Timberwolves: Minny just traded away two shooting guards. The Brit would fit perfectly here.
5. Paul Millsap, OKC Thunder: Millsap is a restricted free agent, but OKC has been talking shop. He'd be great next to Durant, but the Thunder already have Jeff Green and are thin at the center spot. Perhaps a trade with Memphis for Marc Gasol? If the Jazz retain Millsap, teammate Okur could also be available. Just speculation here, though.
6. Josh Smith, Washington Wizards: Smith is not a free agent, but teams have been salivating over mention he might be available. Washington's Antawn Jamison is also rumored to be up for relocation. Swapsies?
7. Ron Artest, Houston Rockets: The Rockets have been getting it right lately, and though the team looks drastically different without Yao, they will most likely put a premium on brining Artest back.
8. Trevor Ariza, Cleveland Cavaliers: Ariza will most likely be back with the Lakers, but for the purposes of this exercise let's take note of the Cavs fleeting interest, especially because Cleveland would love to take a piece away from the Lakers.
9. Chris Anderson, Heat: The Heat boast plodding big men Udonis Haslem and Jermaine O'neal up front, but Dwayne Wade needs some horses to run with. The Birdman would be a perfect example. The Heat also have long standing interest in Boozer.
10. Lamar Odom, Indiana Pacers: Lamar loves the Lakers and vice versa, but if he can't get back Indiana would love to snap him up. Mike Dunleavy Jr. is out for the start of the season and Lamar would work perfectly as a complement to Danny Granger.
11. Jason Kidd, New York Knicks: Kidd might re-up with the Mavs, but New York and Mike D'Antoni (and Darko) have shown interest. Kidd could also take the mid-level to go play with Lebron and Shaq.
12. Hedo Turkoglu, Toronto Raptors: The Magic took on Vince Carter, and thus will not be able to pay Hedo what he wants. Also interested are the Pistons and Spurs, but something tells me Hidayet is going North of the border.
13. Rasheed Wallace, Orlando Magic: Orlando, however, is not staying still this offseason. They're looking to blow this weapons race out of the water by picking up the former Piston.
14. David Lee, Milwaukee Bucks: Lee could end up anywhere needing a good rebounder, including Memphis or, yes, New York. Milwaukee looks for the pick up by not extending a qualifying offer to Charlie Villanueva. Lee is a restricted free agent though, so could stay in NY.
    
15. Shawn Marion, New Orleans Hornets: CP3's team needs depth everywhere but pg and pf. Peja Stojakovic has been tailing off, so they need to pick up someone to play the 3.
16. Nate Robinson, Sacramento Kings: Though the Kings just picked up Tyreke Evans, Krypto-Nate has shown his ability to play with other points-guards, even behind them, just not in D'Antoni's system. Robinson is also a restricted free agent.
17. Kyle Korver, Utah Jazz: the Jazz stand to lose the most this summer, but they should hold on to at least some of their free agents, of which Korver is one.
    
18. Charlie Villanueva, New Jersey Nets: Powder's just 24, so would complement New Jersey's youth movement nicely, and would play well next to Brooks Lopez.
19. Brandon Bass, Chicago Bulls: The Bulls have needed a banger ever since Elton Brand left town. Bass would fill that void. Orlando also seems interested.
20. Marcin Gortat, Boston Celtics: The Celts were so desperate for depth up front that they signed Mikki Moore last season. They'd much prefer the Polish Hammer.
21. Allen Iverson, Charlotte Bobcats: I have no idea what the future holds for the answer. The only straw to grasp on now is word that Iverson wouldn't mind playing for Larry Brown again.
22. Andre Miller, Philadelphia 76ers: Similarly, I have no idea where Miller will end up. Someplace that needs a back up pg? Let's just say he goes back to Philly, since I can't imagine Jrue is really ready to be the full time distributor.
23. Mike Bibby, Portland Trail Blazers: I'm looking to Portland to make splashes through trades rather than free agency, and then perhaps make an impact next summer. Though really I have a feeling they might fumble all that talent they've stockpiled. They've been looking for a point, and Bibby can be off the ball enough to play with B-Roy.
24. Drew Gooden, San Antonio Spurs: If the Spurs don't pick up any of the bigger name big men this summer, look for them to retain Gooden.
25. Antonio McDyess, Detroit Pistons: Dumars strikes me as a guy moving through trades, so I'm not looking for big acquisitions this summer in free agency. McDyess will probably retire if he doesn't get resigned by the Pistons, so we'll put him here.
26. Grant Hill, Phoenix Suns: See above, McDyess. Substitute Kerr for Dumars.
    
27. Zaza Pachulia, Dallas Mavericks: I originally included Zaza on this list just because his name is awesome. But The Mavs don't have much beyond Dampier at the 5, so Pachulia could be a good hire.
28. Von Wafer, Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets should really stand pat this summer and just focus on re-signing the Birdman, but if they lose him Von Wafer could be a nice scorer behind Billups. Anthony Carter might not return for back up duty.
29. Stephon Marbury, Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks are thin pretty much everywhere, and need to not start Maurice Evans on one of the wings, but after acquiring Jamal Crawford, the Hawks just have to figure out what's really good with Josh Smith. Starbury could be back with the Celts, but House will probably return too.
    
30. Zach Randolph, Los Angeles Clippers: Randolph makes this list simply because the Clippers need to get rid of Z-bo and make room for Blake Griffin. Randolph's not a free agent, but their failure to move him will simply confirm that the Clippers continue to be the worst franchise in the history of sports. How did they get Boom Dizzle to sign last summer? Geez.

Honorable mention: Wally Szczerbiak, who doesn't make the list because without his albatross contract still set to come of the books, he loses a whole heap of value. Maybe Larry Bird will pick him up. Just kidding.

Read More

Operation Kobe: Rehabbing the Haters

A few weeks back, I wrote that the Kobe and the Lakers could get on to writing their own story now that the first title monkey was off their back. Recently, Kobe's been getting pub for his positive memories of the other MJ, Michael Jackson. I wanted to take the opportunity to drop a little lit on y'all. See, I figure if Kobe was able to shake off any semblance of prior demons with this championship, it would be a good time for Kobe-haters to re-think their perspectives as well. Kobe has held the title of Most Polarizing Player for years now, if indeed he can't be said to have created the position (retrospective awards could probably go to guys like Dennis Rodman and Wilt Chamberlain). Thus, I turn to Philip Roth's farcial Operation Shylock for a method of rehabbing any Kobe hate that might still linger. I present to you the TEN TENETS OF KOBE-HATERS ANONYMOUS

1. We admit that we are haters prone to prejudice and powerless to control our hatred.
2. We recognize that it is not [Kobe] who has wronged us but we who hold [Kobe] responsible for our troubles and the world's evils. It is we who wrong [him] by believing this.
3. [Kobe] may well have shortcomings like any other human being, but the shortcomings we are here to be honest about are our own, i.e., paranoia, sadism, negativism, destructiveness, envy.
4. Our money problems are not of [Kobe's] making but of our own.
5. Our job problems are not of [Kobe's] making but of our own (so too with sexual problems, marital problems, problems in the community).
6. [Kobe-haterism] is a form of flight from reality, a refusal to think honestly about ourselves and our society.
7. Inasmuch as [Kobe-haters] cannot control their hatred, they are not like other people. We recognize that even to drop a casual [Kobe-hateristic] slur endangers our struggle to rid ourselves of our sickness.
8. Helping to detoxify others is the cornerstone of our recovery. Nothing will so much ensure immunity from the illness of [Kobe-haterism] as intensive work with other [Kobe-haters].
9. We are not scholars, we do not care why we have this dreadful illness, we come together to admit that we have it and to help one another get rid of it.
10. In the fellowship of [K-H.A.] we strive to master the temptation to [Kobe] hatred in all its forms.

Because of the sensitive nature of the original tenets set out by Roth, I must make clear that it is a farcical work from which I lift these words and a farcical intent to which I direct them here towards Kobe-haterism. While I do not believe Kobe-haterism is as dire a perspective as anti-Semitism, I do hold that it must needs be addressed and have thus turned to Roth's work after which to pattern a cure for Kobe-haterism.

Other notes from the NBA:

• Sad news that Yao Ming's foot injury could keep him out the entire 09-10 season or even possibly end his career. At least Yao has a solid love life to turn to, unlike other international stars like Dirk or Pau.
• Brandon Jennings cannot be faulted for acting a fool in a private conversation. He can be faulted for maintaing a friendship with Joe Budden.
• Tyreke Evans has been confronting discussion of his involvement in the murder committed by his cousin. I don't think it's too much of a concern, as he's handling it maturely, didn't even know his cousin had a gun, and more over is going to be playing Sacramento (now if the Kings move to Vegas, we might have to look at it a little differently). However, I am concerned that he seems to play the Stan Rothenstein role from MY COUSIN VINNY.
  

Read More

Erin Andrews's "Road to Glory"

EA Sports current marketing ploy for NCAA Football 2010 is to bombard you with as many images of Erin Andrews as possible.

You even now get to play a mode call, "Road to Glory with Erin Andrews." While, I think most of you, probably hyper-ventaliated and passed out on the floor. "Road to Glory with Erin Andrews" is a campaign mode where you build a created-player into a College Football Icon.

No word yet, if Erin Andrews unlocks anything near the end of the "Road to Glory"

(Courtesy of The Rookies)

Read More

"Black Guys Don't Play Hockey"

One of our favorite singer/songwriters at Outside the Boxscore is Ryan Parker. He has now even topped himself with this latest offering titled, "Black Guys Don't Play Hockey."

I have feeling that most of you might jump down my throat for posting this parody song but in the end, sports and race go hand and hand.

Racism is sports is always a touchy subject but in the end, it's a parody song and well it is supposed to be funny.

(Courtesy of Ryan Parker Songs)

Read More

Savonlinnassa & mökillä

Mo.

Viikonloppu oli aika ihana, mitä nyt aina välillä tulee vähän mökötettyä. XD

Perjantaina lähdetiin mökille vanhempieni, kummini ja kahden serkkuni kanssa, ja oli ihan mahtavat säät! Uitiin ja saunottiin varmaan pari tuntia, kun oli niin lämmintä vettä ja kaksi uimapatjaakin. :---D Niin ja hyvää syömistä, muutenhan ei onnistu mikään.

Lauantaina-aamuna lähdetiin kaikki muut paitsi iskäni Savonlinnaan. Oli sairaan lämmintä, eikä todellakaan tullut kylmä vähissäkään vaatteissa. :D

Tässä shoppailuasu.
♥ mekko, kengät, aurinkolasit & korvikset: H&M
♥ laukku: äidin vanha
♥ panta: Accessorizes
♥ isompi Hello Kitty: Seppälä
♥ pienempi HK: Allulta tuliainen Turkista
♥ kello: Leijona
+ tietysti ostokset pussissa ;D



Tossa äidin vanhassa laukussa on Chanel-viboja.
Lakkasin myös perjantaina mökillä kynteni viidellä eri lakalla. :D I like. ♥
Okay mutta mökillä lakkaaminen selittänee vähän noita ylimenneitä lakkoja. :---D
Nam ja ostettiin mm. herneitä ja tietysti lörtsyjä kuten aina Savonlinnassa. Ne on niiin nameja. ♥_♥
Ja pari random kuvaa sieltä.

Ollaan nyt parina kesänä kävelty tuon ikkunan ohi jossa on maailman söpöimpiä imureita. 8---3 Äää haluun tommosen Hettyn!


Pienet osat matkasta taittui lossilla.
Illalla sitten palattiin mökille, ja taas uitiin ja saunottiin ja tehtiin muuta mökkimäistä, kuten istutiin nuotion ääressä.

Eilen sitten palattiin kotiin, ja menin heti töihin. Samoin tänään, ja sain muuten kaksi muovipussillista pomoni vanhaa kamaa, kun mm. siivoan heidän varastojaan. Jei! Huomenna varmaan jotain vielä lisää.. :P

Joo mutta tässä Savonlinnan ostokset:

Lindexistä kahella kympillä Marilyn paita. Ihanan lörttö.

Shortsit myöskin Lindexistä, alennuksen jälkeen maksoivat n. 7,5€. Noista saa käärittyä lahkeet alla olevalla tavalla lyhyiksi, tai sitten pitkiksi melkein polviin asti.

KappAhlista aivan über ihanat leggarit. ♥__♥ Maksoivat n. 13€.
Ja sitten kaikki korut ja asusteet samassa kuvassa:
♥ sydänhelemet n. 4€ KappAhlista
♥ leopardikorvikset n. 5€ Lindexistä
♥ step-sukat n. 3€ Seppälästä
♥ musta rannekoru eurolla torilta yhdestä kojusta, jossa joku nainen myi ilmeisesti vanhoja kamojaan
♥ tummanpinkit "klipsu"korvikset eurolla samaisesta kojusta

Harmi ettei Savonlinnan kirpparit olleet auki lauantaina. :---( vaikka en kyllä tiedäkään siellä kuin kaksi kirpparia.

Tässä vielä kaksi juttua jotka sain tänään töistä.
Joku random ketju, josta en tiedä mitä sillä teen, ja M-avaimenperä, josta saatan tehdä korun tai jättää avaimenperäksi. Noiden lisäksi sain mm. astioita, ja mm. kahvinkeittimen. XD Toivottavasti se toimii kunnolla, kun se on keltainen ja pieni ja söpö.
Yritän tässä samalla katsoa Ugly Bettyä, joten postaus taitaa loppua tähän. Myös työni muuten loppuvat tällä viikolla. Muuta en sitten tiedäkään mitä tällä viikolla tapahtuu, toivottavasti näkisin vaikka Vilua. :) Olisi niin paljon puhuttavaa esim. hänen Thaimaan reissustaan. No, saa nähdä. Saisi kyllä jatkua yhtä lämpimät kelit kuin viikonloppuna!

Mo mo!

PS. Joo ehkä kekseliäin otsikko ikinä..

Read More

Photo of the Day

Read More

July 1--A Big Day

Last week on June 22 at The New Moon I wrote that July 1 is a very active day. One that is worthy of our attention to say the least!

Early in the Morning (3:37am EDT) Uranus turns retrograde.

Uranus is going retrograde on July 1 and will remain such until December
1. Uranus moves backwards every year so this move is not
unique. Uranus is a mental planet like its lower octave planet Mercury, so
when it retrogrades we tend to go back and rethink stuff. We wonder what
made us do stuff, why we did this and why we did that. However, it
is not a passive period where we casually think, “Gosh, I wonder what that was
all about?” It has more grit to it and we think more, “That was such a
mess how I can change things so I don’t do that again?” Of course
coming up with a solution can be difficult and we may get frustrated. This
is when things can go snap and people do something very impulsive.
Try to avoid that!!! The key is to remember the truth is that there is
always a solution. It will just take a lot of creativity, intuition and a
small bit of genius ( A Uranus word). Of course getting the mind to accept
the creativity is usually the hardest step. Meditation and
reflection (Pisces) will help a lot during the next five months

.

And we have a lot of other activity.

On July 1 we have Uranus turning retrograde (see above) and we have Venus
squaring Neptune (4:01pm EDT) which brings out a lot of illusions about loved
ones. And we will have Mercury trine Neptune (4:48pm EDT) which will
soften the blow such that even if we are feeling betrayed or just sad our mind
will remind us, “This too will pass”. Then later Mercury makes a great aspect
with Jupiter (9:34pm EDT) that will lift our spirits even
further. But at the very end of the day Mercury goes and gets into
it with Uranus (10:13pm EDT) and pushes us perhaps too far. My
suggestion is stay off the phone and the internet during the evening. It will
just piss you off.

Read More

Hellepäivän käärisleivoksia vanhuksille.

Vanhuksille oli töissä kahvilla tarjolla mansikkatäytteisiä kääretorttuleivoksia. Reilu kolmisenkymmentä pääsin koristelemaan, pohjat ja täytteet eivät olleet itse tekemiäni.

Harmittamaan jäi helteisessä keittiössä löysistynyt kermavaahto, jonka takia en saanut pursotuksista sellaisia kuin olisin halunnut vaikka miten aina vein kermakippoa kylmään välillä. Olivat kuulemma kuitenkin hyviä ja se on pääasia. :)

Read More

FantasyDrafthelp.com Ultimate Football Stat

NOTE: The UQB system is explained in more detail here. Suffice to say that players are measured proportionately against each other in key categories based on the standard deviation from the mean in each area. It is truly the Ultimate Quantitative Baseline of how each player performed in 2008. Kickers are not included among the top overall players because although they account for a great deal of scoring, they do not get drafted in the top few rounds overall.

Here are the top 60 players overall from 2008:

Players
UQB
Rk
Drew Brees
1797
1
Kurt Warner
1656
2
Jay Cutler
1643
3
Adrian Peterson
1618
4
Michael Turner
1606
5
DeAngelo Williams
1571
6
Clinton Portis
1570
7
Aaron Rodgers
1554
8T
Larry Fitzgerald
1554
8T
Calvin Johnson
1553
10
Andre Johnson
1552
11
Philip Rivers
1551
12
Peyton Manning
1550
13
Steve Smith
1549
14T
Greg Jennings
1549
14T
Roddy White
1548
16
Antonio Bryant
1546
17T
Terrell Owens
1546
17T
Randy Moss
1546
19
Vincent Jackson
1545
20T
Thomas Jones
1545
20T
Steve Slaton
1543
22T
Reggie Wayne
1543
22T
Kevin Walter
1541
24
Donald Driver
1539
25T
Matt Forte
1539
25T
Donovan McNabb
1538
27T
Isaac Bruce
1538
27T
Muhsin Muhammad
1538
27T
Santonio Holmes
1537
30
Chris Johnson
1536
31
Bernard Berrian
1535
32
Tony Gonzalez
1534
33
Lee Evans
1533
34
DeSean Jackson
1531
35
Braylon Edwards
1530
36T
Devery Henderson
1530
36T
Ryan Grant
1529
38T
Ted Ginn Jr.
1529
38T
Michael Jenkins
1528
40
Marques Colston
1527
41
LaDainian Tomlinson
1526
42
Jason Witten
1524
43
Anquan Boldin
1522
44
Steven Jackson
1520
45T
Matt Cassel
1520
45T
Robert Meachem
1520
45T
Frank Gore
1520
45T
Brandon Jacobs
1520
45T
Brandon Marshall
1520
45T
Mark Clayton
1520
45T
Derrick Ward
1519
52T
Marshawn Lynch
1519
52T
Lance Moore
1518
54T
Justin Gage
1518
54T
Owen Daniels
1518
54T
Chad Pennington
1518
54T
Dwayne Bowe
1517
58T
Chris Cooley
1517
58T
Dallas Clark
1517
58T
Malcom Floyd
1517
58T

Read More

research sleuth: Stanislav Grof saves the day

This is my drawing of of a dream I had about 'floating canvases' but I thought it might symbolise floating books.....

After 3 years of reading and research I have found one sentence that begins to define my theoretical position on an idea that is critical to my thesis. I am ecstatic. I found the obscure 288 page Pdf on page 5 of a Google Scholar search, recently published by Stanislav Grof (I thought he was dead, he is mature but very much alive) - I love research.

And this is it:

To distinguish transpersonal experiences from imaginary products of individual fantasy, Jungian psychologists refer to this domain as imaginal.

Now I can go on to talk about what my definition of imaginal actually is. And sort out the philosophic/psychological framework once and for all. Yay!

But back to Grof. I stumbled on him in Tarnas's Passion of the Western Mind during my Honours whilst trying to get some much needed background in philosophy (I am new to academia) He sounded interesting but I put him aside because doctoral research needs to go deep and the tendency is that it just gets broader because there are so many damn interesting links and crossovers. (I recommend Tarnas's book for anyone interested in a very readable and systematic overview of Western philosophy. Each chapter is self contained so you can read about one particular framework without having to read the book from front to back)

Grof is scathing of Western science and its arrogance in equating the 'spiritual dimensions of reality' with 'pathological processes of the brain'. Go Stanislav! In his own critical evaluation of science he says:

In their contemptuous dismissal of ritual and spiritual life they do not distinguish between…. fundamentalists’ literal interpretations of scriptures, and sophisticated mystical traditions and Eastern spiritual philosophies based on centuries of systematic….exploration of the psyche.

He believes that Western psychology has formulated its theories on ‘the basis of experiences ….from ordinary states of consciousness’ and systematically ignored ‘evidence form non-ordinary states….’. (7) Grof uses the word holotropic (moving towards wholeness) to indicate those states of non-ordinary consciousness. These states and their relationship to images encountered through art practice are the ones I am concerned with in my thesis.

For a short but clear explanation of the term holotropic, check him out on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA1hDI5IiJQ.

Read More

LOLCats

Yeah, this is funny!

Read More

My Goodness

They seem to be dropping like flies! Billy Mays--infomercial king--was found dead today at the age of 50.

Read More

Sirhan and sex magic

Many have identified the "most precious" secret of OTO as being the Star Sapphire - a sex magik ritual, It is represented by the two-triangle earth hexagram, and looks very much the same as a Star of David.

One page of Sirhan Sirhan's notebook, written during the early months of 1968, contains three stars and three triangles, with the first two triangles pointing down; the third pointing up.

Underneath the stars, we find the words, "triune" and "saffire". Here then, is the key - "saffire" being the phonetic spelling of "sapphire". What Sirhan had drawn were not Stars of David as a manifestation of his enmity to Israel. They were Star Sapphires. Not even the triangles were mere doodles, but contain various meanings within gnostic teaching depending on which way they point. "Triune" according to the same teachings is a description of man as being made of body, soul and spirit.

Read More

Casting

BUSCAMOS CHICAS ENTRE 18 Y 30 AÑOS QUE CANTEN Y QUE TENGAN UN LOOK SEXY PARA IMPORTANTE TIRA, EL CASTING LO ESTAMOS HACIENDO EL LUNES EN LA PRODUCTORA. LAS INTERESADAS ENVIAR FOTOS Y TEL DE CONTACTO LO ANTES POSIBLE A produccion.se@gmail.com

Muchas gracias

Samanta Escudero
15-50362817

--
Producción S.E.

Read More

Oliver Stone plugged JFK and the Unspeakable last night on Real Time with Bill Maher. The book is now #37 on Amazon's best seller list.

Read More

US gives up on eradicating Afghanistan’s opium

So far, eradication efforts have merely fueled the Taliban’s coffers and driven civilian farmers further outside of U.S. influence. Because of this, the United States has formed a new strategy in the fight against the crop: They are giving up.

I'm sure the Taliban gets a cut, since they control much of the countryside. But I'm also sure they are not the only ones. They story estimates that "The Taliban [...] derives up to $100 million a year from the poppy harvest by taxing farmers and charging safe passage fees". That will buy a lot of weapons to be used against our troops but is still a small fraction of the money generated by the heroin trade.

Read More

NHL TV suggestion: how to televise the playoffs

Also at HOCKEY DRAFTOLOGY 2009 and Sportsology, which is hosting live NHL Entry Draft coverage all weekend long.

No, this is not another rant about the NHL being televised on a network with the national penetration, or lack thereof, of Versus. That would be another piece for another time if everything there was to say had not already been said 1,000 times — because frankly, there’s another issue related to this one that is of more concern and is potentially more easily addressed.

Ever since leaving the ESPN family in 2005, the NHL has placed the bulk of their playoff games in the first two rounds on a premium subscription package that costs their loyal fans more money — and puts the games behind a firewall that casual fans will not choose to access. It is worth noting that they are alone among the four major sports in North America in this regard (although the NBA does put a few games on NBA TV, currently in less homes than the Test Pattern Channel). Few if any observers would dispute that the NHL is the sport most in need of reaching out to casual fans — and few if any would dispute that the passion and action of the Stanley Cup Playoffs are elements that can accomplish this feat.

Now, this column was inspired by memories of the rare occasions back in the day when ESPN would carry a firstround playoff doubleheader on one channel and ESPN2 would carry the night’s other two games. With staggered start times of 7:00 PM EDT on one network and 7:30 PM EDT on the other, fans could experience the nirvana of skipping between the games at intermission — or commercials — and missing a fairly minimal amount of action.

From there, that format germinated into the idea of how to consolidate the action into a single channel, inasmuch as Versus is the single present cable/satellite channel for NHL action and it cannot be assumed that the league’s next TV contract will include two channels worth of action even if Disney gets back in the game. Wouldn’t the league and the sport benefit from a March Madness-type of presentation with their playoff action? Is this presentation possible?

We believe that it is, under the following format.

For first-round action with four games in one night, a pregame show should air from 6-7 PM EDT, setting the table for the night’s action and recapping events of the previous day. The first game would start promptly at 7:00 PM EDT, with the next one dropping the puck at 7:25 PM EDT. This would allow for coverage to move fairly seamlessly between games, albeit with fairly minimal intermission analysis from the studio — but that would be the price paid for the frenetic action. The geography of the local markets would determine which game would take priority for the brief moments when the games overlap — and the network would also be free to utilize the split-screen when urgent sequences are occurring simultaneously. The third game would begin at 9:25 PM EDT, hopefully right on the heels of the first game’s conclusion, although admittedly the second game would still be underway — this concession to having some overlap would be necessary, though, in order to keep the evening’s overall conclusion time within some semblance of reason. The fourth game would start at 9:50 PM EDT and the second half of the evening’s action would progress in the same manner. A studio postgame show would follow the conclusion of the last game and ideally air from about 12:15 AM EDT until 1:00 AM EDT assuming the games are all on schedule.

For first-round action with three games in one night, everything would air in the same fashion except for the third game beginning at 9:50 PM EDT so as to decrease the chances of overlap between the early games and the late one. For first-round or second-round action with two games in one night, the format with the 7:00 PM EDT and 7:25 PM EDT start times could be retained if both games are in the Eastern or Central time zones; otherwise, fairly standard doubleheader coverage would air with start times of 7:00 PM EDT and 9:40 PM EDT.

Ideally, a network would air these games with their own broadcast crew instead of subcontracting out to local affiliates like Versus has done, but if a continuation of that arrangement were deemed necessary to make the finances add up for this package to take place, it would be a trade-off that is easily justified. While a number of parties might end up sacrificing financially in the short-term to make this system possible, the buzz that would be generated and the new and curious viewers enticed would surely make this a winner within a few years. There would not be extended commercial breaks available during the three-game and four-game nights, but sponsorships for the evening could be sold off in a number of creative ways. In short, nothing would bring the unparalleled excitement of the Stanley Cup Playoffs to the masses like this idea would. Make it happen, NHL!

Read More

Watch Out for that.......Ball Girl

Usually in tennis, the point of the game is get the ball back over the net under all circumstances.

During a Wimbledon match between Tommy Haas and Michael Llodra, Llodra collided with a ball girl next to the referee chair.

Who knew that tennis was a contact sport?

(Courtesy of NESW Sports)

Read More

My Love Affair with Shaquille: 'Over the Edge'

Let me explain something to you. I used to love Shaq. This perhaps is not a big surprise considering that I'm a lifetime Lakers fan. But understand this, when my high school buddies were lauding the lithe game of Kobe, I was hating on the Mamba for driving a wedge into our team at all times. Of course I love or perhaps more accurately empathize with New Kobe, but that's a different story. The point is I defended Shaq 'til I was blue in the face. I pointed to his joviality and the camaraderie he instilled in the team. I pointed to the 15 point quarters he'd regularly throw up. I'd point to the cross-overs he'd break out a couple times a season (on Brad Miller) or when the Daddy led the break. I even went so far as to emulate his free-throw shooting style. But I never defended his thespian turns. Never that.

Now, perhaps all my opinions have been reconsidered. After Shaq has unerringly created a wake of teams he's worn away from, after he's become the only superstar journeyman (Orlando, LA, Miami, Phoenix, and now Cleveland...the first cold city for Shaqtus, could he pull a Rubio?), after his ceaseless speaking of the Truth turned to verbal diarrhea, I admittedly have grown a bit tired of the Big Name-is-Bigger-than-Game. I don't need to know how his ass tastes, because I know the sound his face makes. With this in mind, Shaq's latest bid for histrionic-est player ever comes as a welcome reminder of why I loved him in the first place: his humor. It was a wise choice too to make the video statement without his own words. Cut the diarrhea like Imodium A-D. Your actions, or act-ing, can speak much more elegantly than your words, Shaquille.

The video is hilarious. It follows Shaq on an evidently emotional car ride as he sings along to Akon's 'Over the Edge.' Shaq puts the car in park several times to jump out and let his real emotions show. It was posted via twitter when the trade to Cleveland was confirmed, along with the line, "this is how I really feel about the trade." At the beginning, you can't tell if he's showing tracks of tears, or if he's just sweating. But by the end, he's wiping his eyes, and you know he's at least feigning some real emotion here. The best is when Shaq rocks out and really goes "over the edge" for the last minute or so of the vid.

Now, it's obvious that Shaq's being silly with it, and pretending to be more hurt by his expulsion from the desert than he probably really is. However, from Shaq's overly revealing twitter hits from the past, and from all the trouble he gets in for voicing his rather bratty emotions, it's apparent Shaq's a little more sensitive than he lets on. He covers with humor, as do so many of us. The great thing about this gesture is that it allows him to show he's recognizes the bittersweet undertone to his leaving the Suns without totally trashing on the new experiences that will be afforded by this trade. Nicely done Big. Perhaps I underrated your acting abilities. Perhaps I am intrigued by the dangling bait of "Shaqology coming soon" at the end of the vid. Perhaps I'll find redemption for my once thriving Shaq fanship while you pursue that fifth in Cleveland. You got the world to watch you Shaq. Here's hoping you do something worthwhile with it.

In or out of basketball, and let's also hope you don't conflate the two...too much.
(head-lining vid courtesy of NBA Fanhouse)

Read More

Michael Jackson Breaks The Web

Today I tried to go to Amazon.com and found it extremely slow and also difficult to load. This is something I rarely experience. Then I read HERE:

The death of Michael Jackson Thursday sent the internet a surge of traffic that
caused crashes and slowdowns in what one website is calling a major "wake-up
call" for internet infrastructure.

This is interesting to me because back on New Moon which was on Sunday (and feels like an eternity ago)...anyway back there I wrote that the harsh aspect from Uranus on the New Moon would influence the entire 28 days. Specifically we need to watch out for the Uranus items...

Along with Pluto getting into it with the Sun and Moon we also have Uranus making a harsh aspect to the Sun and Moon. The desire to rebel and say, “So what” and do something abrupt will be great. Uranus hates to be trapped, hates to be pigeon hold –it seeks to break ground any way it can. It seeks to be the great provocateur. It is the planet of revolutions. Since this is a harsh aspect we should expect that there will be news events where someone goes “off”. Certainly, the turmoil in Iran feels very Uranus. And Kim Jong Il in North Korea continues to look like a crazy villain in a Batman movie but with Uranus it is often a case of “expect the unexpected.” It may come from some unusual corner of the world.

Of course, Uranus rules airplanes, computers, cyberspace, and electricity so there could be issues on all those fronts. An electrical storm in some unusual place causes problems. Airplanes return to airports because of an unusual short circuit? A hacker sends out a virus? Perhaps the new iphone has big bad bugs. Anything is possible with Uranus.

Anyway, I am not surprised this information comes out while Mercury is squaring Saturn. Remember we are all learning our weak spots during this 28 day Lunar cycle. Never underestimate Pluto Oppose Sun/Moon.

Read More

Blast from the Past

Time quotes Charles Colson: Colson's Weird Scenario

"I don't say this to my people. They'd think I'm nuts. I think they killed Dorothy Hunt."

Read More

Mercury Square Saturn

Today (June 26) at 4:32am EDT Mercury the ruler of communication is making a square to taciturn Saturn (say that twice).

Our thoughts and our conversations may be dark and stormy. We do NOT see the glass half full today. It is all empty. We feel burdened and we resent those people who keep pushing stuff on our docket. "No, YOU do it!" is what we think but in truth we know, "No, I have to do it." It is not the lightest and breeziest of days. But as the weekend unfolds we'll get further from the harsh aspect.

It is a good day to take care of businesses that have been sitting around waiting your attention. Go to store and buy that birthday card so you can get it in the mail in time. Pay your car insurance, do the stuff you must/have/gotta do. That is something that Mercury and Saturn can agree to do together.

Do not have a drink with a friend tonight. It will blow.

Read More

One Last Jam

And we're not talking jam band kind of jam. We're not talking strawberry jam. We're talking what constituted a dunk ten to fifteen years ago. We're talking something that rocks you, or rims. We're talking the memory of the King of Pop, and his dip into the hard-top world of His Airness. Embedding is disabled by request for most Michael Jackson videos on Youtube, so I'm going to respect that boundary and simply link to the video.

Yes, Michael Jackson passed away Thursday. A fact largely overshadowing any sports happenings. For all my frustration with the Big Cactus, he at least took the time to touch on this when interviewed during the draft. And, if you care, my facebook quiz representative Michael Jackson song is Thriller, just so you know.

But on this sad day, I did want to take some time to remember the song that found MJ meeting MJ. While it perhaps didn't have the cultural impact of a crossover like Paula Abdul's Opposites Attract or Jordan's own venture into cartoons with 1996's Space Jam, it does represent one of the more artful meetings of sports world and the pop music world.

Jam also featured Heavy D, which isn't a sm all thing when you consider D's importance coming out of the late 80s. But the best part of the vid is that you catch both Michaels a little out of their element. Michael Jordan worked on some dance moves, and it showed us how even he could look stiff next to Jackson. This is something to consider when you look at how these taller than average athletes we watch actually move in the real world. And, of course, it's a testament to the kind of dance wonder Jackson was. He makes Jordan look like a mannakin out there, and you can just imagine him shaking circles around Jordan. At the same time, Jordan takes Jackson through some basketball paces. And, I gotta say, Jackson didn't look uncomfortable doing it. Though his intensity reminds more of Kevin Johnson than the sublimely intense Michael Jordan.

Anyway, Michael Jackson, you were a perpetual reminder that music is important and that it can be endlessly searching and growing and moving in the most personal of ways. And, of course, in the most public of displays of talent, which we at Outside can appreciate. Thanks for the memories, especially the musical ones.

Read More