Hey folks. I want to reiterate one very important fact. I know nothing other than what I read and hear and learn. Do not take my information as fact because it is often not. Do your own little research if I intrigue you. I'm just trying to help. With that being said.....
Let's get it all out in the open. I DO NOT use an antivirus. I don't use anything to keep my computer from anything. I pay bills on here and don't fear anyone hacking into my wireless router. I am a fearless surfer.
But maybe I should. I too get the lagging PC. I get pop-ups from time to time. I once caught a literal bug. I was editing a huge project (Dave Conley's) and literal bugs came onto my desktop and ate away my wallpaper until there was nothing. That does happen. And I format. I format a lot! I back-up all my info all the time and formatting is a snap. It helps my PC run super quick. I love it. It can be a pain but it is helpful.
Perhaps I should use an antivirus. But they are so expensive! I had Norton on my desktop and Mcafee on my laptop. If I have to choose, I liked Norton better. Seemed to run in the background where as Mcafee just pops up all the time. This is just a personal preference. I also used to use Spy Sweeper which was a phenomenal product a few years back. I have not updated it since but I loved it when I had it. It clears away all the spyware and junk that is downloaded.
What is the best? I don't know. What is new and fresh? I have no clue. Why am I writing this? Well, the Akron Beacon Journal has been doing a story on antivirus' and they were working with a company called Vexira. They are local to Ohio. They work in most of the school systems so I assume its quality. They basically offered all ABJ readers a free one years subscription. I just wanted to pass it along. I haven't had an antivirus in years so I am going to give this one a whirl. It expires on June 28, 2010.
Let me know what you think.
Here is the link again. It's a free Antivirus software. Hope it helps!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Awenone - USA should get participation trophy
If you haven't read/heard/seen/been told, the USA lost (in style) to Brazil.
USA 2 - 3 Brazil
This score may seem like a Brazilian shellacking, but it is just the opposite. USA granted themselves a demanding lead going into the half. They pulled off a goal in the 10th minute as well as one in the 27th (give or take) minute. They lead 2 - 0 coming out of the locker rooms. Brazil came out realizing that they were Brazil (freakin Brazil) and then shaped up quickly. They scored within 2 minutes. Scored again several minutes later and then their final goal came at about the 82nd minute. They played possession from there and didn't give us much chance for any offense.
It was a phenomenal loss. A great loss. One I would not want to have any other way. A win would have been nice. But the loss is satisfactory. This shows our talent. Our skill.
Is it enough to win the glory of being a world champion. No. At least, not yet!
With some work and conditioning in the next year, we may be ready to play this Brazil team for the whole 90 instead of just our 45 we played yesterday.
We proved to the soccer world that we aren't just little USA. We can be dominant and we can upset. We took advantage of a situation that was not deserved in getting us to the second round. We played amazing and we really showed that we may have a place in soccer after all.
I'm not saying we're bringing home the cup, but keep a close eye on this US soccer team. There will be a bunch of games from now until next year. We may not be the best, but we will make waves. I can promise you of that.
USA 2 - 3 Brazil
This score may seem like a Brazilian shellacking, but it is just the opposite. USA granted themselves a demanding lead going into the half. They pulled off a goal in the 10th minute as well as one in the 27th (give or take) minute. They lead 2 - 0 coming out of the locker rooms. Brazil came out realizing that they were Brazil (freakin Brazil) and then shaped up quickly. They scored within 2 minutes. Scored again several minutes later and then their final goal came at about the 82nd minute. They played possession from there and didn't give us much chance for any offense.
It was a phenomenal loss. A great loss. One I would not want to have any other way. A win would have been nice. But the loss is satisfactory. This shows our talent. Our skill.
Is it enough to win the glory of being a world champion. No. At least, not yet!
With some work and conditioning in the next year, we may be ready to play this Brazil team for the whole 90 instead of just our 45 we played yesterday.
We proved to the soccer world that we aren't just little USA. We can be dominant and we can upset. We took advantage of a situation that was not deserved in getting us to the second round. We played amazing and we really showed that we may have a place in soccer after all.
I'm not saying we're bringing home the cup, but keep a close eye on this US soccer team. There will be a bunch of games from now until next year. We may not be the best, but we will make waves. I can promise you of that.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Awesome - Top 13 movies that will (safely) blow your mind...
I have been given some pressure to do this blog. I am not the best movie blogger. I write, I watch, I enjoy but I may not always be able to tell you why something is great.
These movies are best described as thrillers or dramas, but with a twist. That when you head says, "No...no. That can't be...what the..." Boom. Explosion in your mind.
These are the movies that you watch a hundred times and everytime you dream about having your "insert film name here" virginity back. These are all movies that I wish I could see for the first time again. I envy you first time viewers of any of these films!
This type of film impresses me more than anything.I have tried countless times to tackle the twist ending in my own writing. What I come up with is, 'Blah, blah, blah. Here is my movie...the end...but wait. He was actually dead.' Not so good, right. The twist has to be expected and known but without the viewer knowing that they know. Confused? Good, these movies will do much worse.
SPOILER ALERT: This is going to be an awesomely enjoyable blog and I will not spoil any of these films for you, I promise. I will just intrigue you to see them if you haven't.
13. American History X - We start here. A great movie. Why 13? Well, it won't blow your mind as much as the rest. It will help you fall in love with Edward Norton (there will be a Norton/Pitt trend you will see). This movie gets down to the nitty gritty. It tackles very touchy race issues. And if you hear anyone ever say "bite the curb" just close your eyes.
12. Magnolia - This movies will confuse you and bring you in. With a ridiculous cast including Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore and William H. Macy, it is bound to leave you entertained. Then mix in a little Paul Thomas Anderson (director) and your bound to be educated as well as perplexed. There are several storylines (understatement) and more bible references than an Ernest Angely concert. If you have 3 hours to waste, give it a try.
11. A Beautiful Mind - Some of you may think I'm getting a bit soft. But this is a great movie with a slight twist in the end that will shake you to the very core. The setting sells you on everything and you really enjoy the entire story. Russell Crowe plays a scholar that deals with his life and the nightmares that come with it. If you think its too light, watch it again but know that it is based on a true story. Freaky, right!?
10. 12 Monkeys - Hey Brad Pitt! More importantly Bruce Willis. This movie makes you ask question after question. Bruce Willis is basically a convict in the future. They send him all around in time to stop a plague. He deals with being thrown into the past and tries to piece the puzzle together before its too late.
9. 25th Hour - Here comes Edward Norton, again. He is being brought up on drug charges and tries to deal with all his life's issues in the 24 hours before he is sentenced. This movie is straight up good. You enjoy it, it happens. You say, "What a great Spike Lee joint". Then the end comes and you can't believe your eyes. You loved the movie. Then a twist. Then boom a twisty twist. You don't know what to think.
8. Se7en or Seven - Ouch. Just ouch. A couple rules...Don't watch this with the lights off, don't watch by yourself, and don't try any of this at home. Not a horror movie, but a thriller. A perverse, dirty thriller. I don't want to give to much away with this. If you haven't heard of it then you may not even know what the title means. Its a great film. Just check it out. Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman really do a great job. You will love it, just try not to laugh when you here someone say, "What's in the box?"
7. Memento - This is one of those movies you had to see growing up. Not that you had to be little but when I was in school everyone knew this movie. Guy Pearce play a man who can't remember anything short term. He forgets what was just told to him in a couple minutes. He uses notebooks and tattoos to help him find the man that killed his wife. Ya, good right? Well, the movie plays out a little different and the end will leave you speechless. Really good Christopher Nolan movie. He went on to write/direct The Dark Knight and The Prestige.
6. Fight Club - This is a classic. If you're male, you've seen it. Great movie. And I don't typically do this guys, but even better book. (I'm sorry!) Brad Pitt play one if his most memorable roles alongside Edward Norton. Norton is a depressed insomniac whose condo blows up. He moves in with Pitt whose much more loose. Antics happen! Oh yea, and they form a fight club. Much like a knitting club but...well, you get it. The end is phenomenal. It's something that was told to you a million times but you just wouldn't listen. Damn, me!
5. Donnie Darko - This is great. Young Jake Gyllenhaal puts on a spectacle. Full with a rabbit mask and Patrick Swayze. This movie will get your marbles working. The story is far from done once you've seen the movie. GO to their website, its fascinating. The movie is based on scientific theories. Just makes you think.
4. Mulholland Dr. - Why don't you explain it to me? If you can watch this under 10 times and tell me what has happened, you win. Its complicated. Doesn't mean it doesn't deserve the 1,000 viewings I have given it. And I still had no idea until I spoke in depth with a professor at my school about it. Its great. Watch it once. If you hate it, then move on. If not, then give it more of you. Its a great film that turns itself into a masterful puzzle. You may need some help but there is no shame in that.
3. The Usual Suspects - This is a standard. You've seen it, right? No? The whole movie is based on Kevin Spacey. He tells the story of what has happened. It all starts with these 5 random criminals in a police lineup. His story has some twists and turns and he's quite the character himself. Watch this and you may understand some one-liners in a whole bunch of other films. This is a film standard...period. Its flawless.
2. Life of David Gale - This one is almost indefinable to me. Everyone might fight me on this choice but I didn't see then end coming. If you did then you're a way better man then I. Another Kevin Spacey movie. He's on death row and wants a reporter to tell his story. Enter Kate Winslet. She listens to his tale as well as investigates much for herself. The clock is ticking and Spacey will soon be put to death. The movie deals with the right to kill a human and really takes you on a ride. The movie ends and you will be so pleased how good of a movie it was. You will expect credits to roll, but they won't. One more scene and ka-plow! Mind blown to smithereens.
1. Irreversible - Not for the weak stomached. This movie follows a couple and how they're lives spin out of control (technically). It's tough to really define it. They story is told quite uncommonly and there are 2 VERY gruesome scenes. Momma, don't you dare watch this movie. Its gotta be one of the best. Will it blow your mind in the last 10 minutes? No, but that's only because it will blow your mind in the first 3 minutes...your mind will grow back and it will get blown to pieces about 40 minutes in. It will grow back once more before getting melted by amazingness. It will not grow back again. We gotta be logical. And for my own little twist...its a french film...I know i know, subtitles. I didn't want you to know that up front. Try is out. Read a movie. The words will give your stomach a break from the images. Want to read some awesome facts? Click here, you will be shocked!
Bonus Movie: Okie Noodling - a documentary full of awesomeness. Nothing twisty about this. Just trashy hillbilly's catching 300 pound catfish with their bare fingers. Ya, freakin amazing. Watch this. Funny to laugh at crazy people and sweet to see how they do it. And there is apparently an Okie Noodling II.
So, there is my list. Tear it up, people. Watch some and let me know. What's your list? Top 13 or 10 or 5? What's your number one?
SPOILER ALERT: This video is funny!
These movies are best described as thrillers or dramas, but with a twist. That when you head says, "No...no. That can't be...what the..." Boom. Explosion in your mind.
These are the movies that you watch a hundred times and everytime you dream about having your "insert film name here" virginity back. These are all movies that I wish I could see for the first time again. I envy you first time viewers of any of these films!
This type of film impresses me more than anything.I have tried countless times to tackle the twist ending in my own writing. What I come up with is, 'Blah, blah, blah. Here is my movie...the end...but wait. He was actually dead.' Not so good, right. The twist has to be expected and known but without the viewer knowing that they know. Confused? Good, these movies will do much worse.
SPOILER ALERT: This is going to be an awesomely enjoyable blog and I will not spoil any of these films for you, I promise. I will just intrigue you to see them if you haven't.
13. American History X - We start here. A great movie. Why 13? Well, it won't blow your mind as much as the rest. It will help you fall in love with Edward Norton (there will be a Norton/Pitt trend you will see). This movie gets down to the nitty gritty. It tackles very touchy race issues. And if you hear anyone ever say "bite the curb" just close your eyes.
12. Magnolia - This movies will confuse you and bring you in. With a ridiculous cast including Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore and William H. Macy, it is bound to leave you entertained. Then mix in a little Paul Thomas Anderson (director) and your bound to be educated as well as perplexed. There are several storylines (understatement) and more bible references than an Ernest Angely concert. If you have 3 hours to waste, give it a try.
11. A Beautiful Mind - Some of you may think I'm getting a bit soft. But this is a great movie with a slight twist in the end that will shake you to the very core. The setting sells you on everything and you really enjoy the entire story. Russell Crowe plays a scholar that deals with his life and the nightmares that come with it. If you think its too light, watch it again but know that it is based on a true story. Freaky, right!?
10. 12 Monkeys - Hey Brad Pitt! More importantly Bruce Willis. This movie makes you ask question after question. Bruce Willis is basically a convict in the future. They send him all around in time to stop a plague. He deals with being thrown into the past and tries to piece the puzzle together before its too late.
9. 25th Hour - Here comes Edward Norton, again. He is being brought up on drug charges and tries to deal with all his life's issues in the 24 hours before he is sentenced. This movie is straight up good. You enjoy it, it happens. You say, "What a great Spike Lee joint". Then the end comes and you can't believe your eyes. You loved the movie. Then a twist. Then boom a twisty twist. You don't know what to think.
8. Se7en or Seven - Ouch. Just ouch. A couple rules...Don't watch this with the lights off, don't watch by yourself, and don't try any of this at home. Not a horror movie, but a thriller. A perverse, dirty thriller. I don't want to give to much away with this. If you haven't heard of it then you may not even know what the title means. Its a great film. Just check it out. Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman really do a great job. You will love it, just try not to laugh when you here someone say, "What's in the box?"
7. Memento - This is one of those movies you had to see growing up. Not that you had to be little but when I was in school everyone knew this movie. Guy Pearce play a man who can't remember anything short term. He forgets what was just told to him in a couple minutes. He uses notebooks and tattoos to help him find the man that killed his wife. Ya, good right? Well, the movie plays out a little different and the end will leave you speechless. Really good Christopher Nolan movie. He went on to write/direct The Dark Knight and The Prestige.
6. Fight Club - This is a classic. If you're male, you've seen it. Great movie. And I don't typically do this guys, but even better book. (I'm sorry!) Brad Pitt play one if his most memorable roles alongside Edward Norton. Norton is a depressed insomniac whose condo blows up. He moves in with Pitt whose much more loose. Antics happen! Oh yea, and they form a fight club. Much like a knitting club but...well, you get it. The end is phenomenal. It's something that was told to you a million times but you just wouldn't listen. Damn, me!
5. Donnie Darko - This is great. Young Jake Gyllenhaal puts on a spectacle. Full with a rabbit mask and Patrick Swayze. This movie will get your marbles working. The story is far from done once you've seen the movie. GO to their website, its fascinating. The movie is based on scientific theories. Just makes you think.
4. Mulholland Dr. - Why don't you explain it to me? If you can watch this under 10 times and tell me what has happened, you win. Its complicated. Doesn't mean it doesn't deserve the 1,000 viewings I have given it. And I still had no idea until I spoke in depth with a professor at my school about it. Its great. Watch it once. If you hate it, then move on. If not, then give it more of you. Its a great film that turns itself into a masterful puzzle. You may need some help but there is no shame in that.
3. The Usual Suspects - This is a standard. You've seen it, right? No? The whole movie is based on Kevin Spacey. He tells the story of what has happened. It all starts with these 5 random criminals in a police lineup. His story has some twists and turns and he's quite the character himself. Watch this and you may understand some one-liners in a whole bunch of other films. This is a film standard...period. Its flawless.
2. Life of David Gale - This one is almost indefinable to me. Everyone might fight me on this choice but I didn't see then end coming. If you did then you're a way better man then I. Another Kevin Spacey movie. He's on death row and wants a reporter to tell his story. Enter Kate Winslet. She listens to his tale as well as investigates much for herself. The clock is ticking and Spacey will soon be put to death. The movie deals with the right to kill a human and really takes you on a ride. The movie ends and you will be so pleased how good of a movie it was. You will expect credits to roll, but they won't. One more scene and ka-plow! Mind blown to smithereens.
1. Irreversible - Not for the weak stomached. This movie follows a couple and how they're lives spin out of control (technically). It's tough to really define it. They story is told quite uncommonly and there are 2 VERY gruesome scenes. Momma, don't you dare watch this movie. Its gotta be one of the best. Will it blow your mind in the last 10 minutes? No, but that's only because it will blow your mind in the first 3 minutes...your mind will grow back and it will get blown to pieces about 40 minutes in. It will grow back once more before getting melted by amazingness. It will not grow back again. We gotta be logical. And for my own little twist...its a french film...I know i know, subtitles. I didn't want you to know that up front. Try is out. Read a movie. The words will give your stomach a break from the images. Want to read some awesome facts? Click here, you will be shocked!
Bonus Movie: Okie Noodling - a documentary full of awesomeness. Nothing twisty about this. Just trashy hillbilly's catching 300 pound catfish with their bare fingers. Ya, freakin amazing. Watch this. Funny to laugh at crazy people and sweet to see how they do it. And there is apparently an Okie Noodling II.
So, there is my list. Tear it up, people. Watch some and let me know. What's your list? Top 13 or 10 or 5? What's your number one?
SPOILER ALERT: This video is funny!
Awesome - Team USA, an unlikely winner
This is a soccer post so I may have to give out some information. I will try to explain as I write.
The United States are playing in a tournament called the Confederations Cup. It is being held in South Africa, where the world cup will be next summer.
There are 8 teams that participate. There are 6 FIFA Confederation Championships (CAF, CONMEBOL, UEFA, AFC, OFC, CONCACAF). The USA is part of CONCACAF (the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football). So, the winners of these championships are in the tournament. And the other 2 teams are the winners from the last World Cup (Italy) and the host country (South Africa). I won't deal with the history of all of this. Are we still following along?
The tournament is broken up into 2 groups (A and B). We were group B, which means nothing. Along with us was Brazil, Italy and Egypt. We lost to Brazil and Italy, bad. We looked awful. The system works on a point scale. A win=3 points, tie=1, and loss=0.
The finals matches were Brazil v Italy and US v Egypt. We basically had to beat Egypt by 3 goals (shouldn't happen) and Brazil would have to beat Italy by 3 goals (super improbable). The odds were unlikely, but that is what happened.
US 3 - 0 Egypt
Brazil 3 - 0 Italy
Crazy. US, Italy and Egypt all tied on points (3). So there are tie breakers. They break down the goals scored to the ones scored on you and subtract the 2 numbers, which gave Egypt -3 and The US and Italy -2. So, the next tie breaker was who scored the most goals between Italy and US. Italy scored 3 and the US scored 4.
Like I said....Unlikely, Improbable and quite a miracle.
Now Wednesday, we played the number 1 team in the world, Spain.
The sport world knew that we would lose but it would give us a good look at the talent we will see next summer. If you have a newspaper or google news, you may already know.
We simply shocked the world. Not only beat Spain but shut them out with a clean sheet.
US 2 - 0 Spain
Phenomenal. If you bet on this US team then you are a wealthy man. I was so proud of that team. And now we move to the finals.
The other game is tonight, to decide who we play in the finals.
Brazil v South Africa
Thursday (tonight) 8:30 Eastern
ESPN2
Then the finals will be Sunday at 2:00pm on ESPN2
Be sure to watch. US v SA would be a great game but it will most likely be US v BRA. That will be epic. It's like the revolutionary war all over again. Still underdogs. Still kickin balls! (sorry)
Watch....comment....enjoy your countries success!
The United States are playing in a tournament called the Confederations Cup. It is being held in South Africa, where the world cup will be next summer.
There are 8 teams that participate. There are 6 FIFA Confederation Championships (CAF, CONMEBOL, UEFA, AFC, OFC, CONCACAF). The USA is part of CONCACAF (the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football). So, the winners of these championships are in the tournament. And the other 2 teams are the winners from the last World Cup (Italy) and the host country (South Africa). I won't deal with the history of all of this. Are we still following along?
The tournament is broken up into 2 groups (A and B). We were group B, which means nothing. Along with us was Brazil, Italy and Egypt. We lost to Brazil and Italy, bad. We looked awful. The system works on a point scale. A win=3 points, tie=1, and loss=0.
The finals matches were Brazil v Italy and US v Egypt. We basically had to beat Egypt by 3 goals (shouldn't happen) and Brazil would have to beat Italy by 3 goals (super improbable). The odds were unlikely, but that is what happened.
US 3 - 0 Egypt
Brazil 3 - 0 Italy
Crazy. US, Italy and Egypt all tied on points (3). So there are tie breakers. They break down the goals scored to the ones scored on you and subtract the 2 numbers, which gave Egypt -3 and The US and Italy -2. So, the next tie breaker was who scored the most goals between Italy and US. Italy scored 3 and the US scored 4.
Like I said....Unlikely, Improbable and quite a miracle.
Now Wednesday, we played the number 1 team in the world, Spain.
The sport world knew that we would lose but it would give us a good look at the talent we will see next summer. If you have a newspaper or google news, you may already know.
We simply shocked the world. Not only beat Spain but shut them out with a clean sheet.
US 2 - 0 Spain
Phenomenal. If you bet on this US team then you are a wealthy man. I was so proud of that team. And now we move to the finals.
The other game is tonight, to decide who we play in the finals.
Brazil v South Africa
Thursday (tonight) 8:30 Eastern
ESPN2
Then the finals will be Sunday at 2:00pm on ESPN2
Be sure to watch. US v SA would be a great game but it will most likely be US v BRA. That will be epic. It's like the revolutionary war all over again. Still underdogs. Still kickin balls! (sorry)
Watch....comment....enjoy your countries success!
Awesome - LeBraq or SheBron
I don't care what the celebrity mix of this name will be. It is gonna be awesome.
The Cavs acquired Shaquille O'Neal in a trade to the Suns. Ya, read it twice. They gave up Big Ben Wallace (sad to see him go) and Sasha Pavlovic (he's been slipping). They also gave up a draft pick and $500,000.
I'd say we made out. He should bring a little something to Cleveland. He helped Kobe get a ring....3 of them.
I am happy for this because the alternative was Yao Ming who just found out that his foot is not healing. They said there is no timetable and he truly may never be back if it doesnt heal.
Now we just have to tighten our belts on some other players (like Verajao). And hopefully we will be contenders again. LeBron needs some help. Mo helped a lot. Delonte gave his time and Z was really big. But just not enough.
I loved last years team but it all boiled down to LeBron vs Orlando and he couldn't win it. He needs help.
And just maybe the Shaq Attack is the answer.
The Cavs acquired Shaquille O'Neal in a trade to the Suns. Ya, read it twice. They gave up Big Ben Wallace (sad to see him go) and Sasha Pavlovic (he's been slipping). They also gave up a draft pick and $500,000.
I'd say we made out. He should bring a little something to Cleveland. He helped Kobe get a ring....3 of them.
I am happy for this because the alternative was Yao Ming who just found out that his foot is not healing. They said there is no timetable and he truly may never be back if it doesnt heal.
Now we just have to tighten our belts on some other players (like Verajao). And hopefully we will be contenders again. LeBron needs some help. Mo helped a lot. Delonte gave his time and Z was really big. But just not enough.
I loved last years team but it all boiled down to LeBron vs Orlando and he couldn't win it. He needs help.
And just maybe the Shaq Attack is the answer.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Awenone - Donte Stallworth sentenced...
Wow. Um. Wow.
I say "Awenone" because there are no winners here. Let's explain, for those of you who don't know.
I am going to let you all in on where I'm from, since I know I have so many international readers. Donte Stallworth is a wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns. Now I use the term wide receiver loosely because he caught like 2 balls last year, never played and this man who was supposed to stretch the field and give us passing depth, never ran a route longer then 15 yards. But I digress.
In march, he was in Florida, had a few drinks and hit a man in his car. The man died. Stallworth cooperated with everything. The man (Reyes I think was his last name), ran across the street trying to catch a bus. He was not in a cross walk. He was a father, brother, husband, etc.
So, everything happened and Stallworth, obviously, was sorry. He struck a deal with the courts. The minimum jail time was 4 years, maximum 15.
He got 30 days. 24, to be exact. They expect him to be out sooner for good behavior. He has to pay out a few thousand to the county, less to the city and some $500 in court costs. He also had to give money to MADD and some other charities.
Once he's out, he will have 2 years of "community control" and 8 years probation. He will not have a monitoring device, must serve 1,000 hours of community service and loses his driver's license for life.
This was because he has no previous record, cooperated fully and showed he was sorry.
He also gave an undisclosed amount of money to the family so they can not take him to court for wrongful death.
So, who wins? No one? Everyone? I don't know. Stallworth is lucky that he can continue his NFL career, although he will likely be suspended for some games. But he does have that little things in the back of his mind saying, "you killed someone". The family lost their provider. But they now have so much money they don't need to work. The community must stave off thoughts and reports that they gave him special treatment. But they now have money and someone for community service who will make their on-ramps look pretty.
Where do I stand? Let me think. I don't really know. I can't imagine what it would feel like to lose my father. But I also don't know if putting someone away for 4 years would solve anything. What helps death? Money? That's what we always seem to give when someone dies. I know it doesn't fix things, but it makes life after a little bit easier.
The whole thing was an accident, let's not forget. He loses his license for life. So he can't do it again. Peiople strike deals all the time. Is this any different?
More important than anything...If he gets out and comes back to the Browns, is he going to do anything? Maybe its the city of Cleveland he should be appologizing to? Maybe I'm just selfish.
I say "Awenone" because there are no winners here. Let's explain, for those of you who don't know.
I am going to let you all in on where I'm from, since I know I have so many international readers. Donte Stallworth is a wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns. Now I use the term wide receiver loosely because he caught like 2 balls last year, never played and this man who was supposed to stretch the field and give us passing depth, never ran a route longer then 15 yards. But I digress.
In march, he was in Florida, had a few drinks and hit a man in his car. The man died. Stallworth cooperated with everything. The man (Reyes I think was his last name), ran across the street trying to catch a bus. He was not in a cross walk. He was a father, brother, husband, etc.
So, everything happened and Stallworth, obviously, was sorry. He struck a deal with the courts. The minimum jail time was 4 years, maximum 15.
He got 30 days. 24, to be exact. They expect him to be out sooner for good behavior. He has to pay out a few thousand to the county, less to the city and some $500 in court costs. He also had to give money to MADD and some other charities.
Once he's out, he will have 2 years of "community control" and 8 years probation. He will not have a monitoring device, must serve 1,000 hours of community service and loses his driver's license for life.
This was because he has no previous record, cooperated fully and showed he was sorry.
He also gave an undisclosed amount of money to the family so they can not take him to court for wrongful death.
So, who wins? No one? Everyone? I don't know. Stallworth is lucky that he can continue his NFL career, although he will likely be suspended for some games. But he does have that little things in the back of his mind saying, "you killed someone". The family lost their provider. But they now have so much money they don't need to work. The community must stave off thoughts and reports that they gave him special treatment. But they now have money and someone for community service who will make their on-ramps look pretty.
Where do I stand? Let me think. I don't really know. I can't imagine what it would feel like to lose my father. But I also don't know if putting someone away for 4 years would solve anything. What helps death? Money? That's what we always seem to give when someone dies. I know it doesn't fix things, but it makes life after a little bit easier.
The whole thing was an accident, let's not forget. He loses his license for life. So he can't do it again. Peiople strike deals all the time. Is this any different?
More important than anything...If he gets out and comes back to the Browns, is he going to do anything? Maybe its the city of Cleveland he should be appologizing to? Maybe I'm just selfish.
Awesome - TomsShoes
Okay, now we got our first awesome. You've all seen that commercial for the mobile phone where the guy talks about needing great service. Its ATT or something. Well, he says he's the lead shoegiver for Toms Shoes......check it out.
Toms Shoes dot com
This is fantastic. Basically, the company was started to make a business and help the world. It was started by Blake Mycoskie whose name is NOT Tom. Sorry.
He was in Argentina and made friends. Saw they didn't have shoes. Did Not Like That! So, he tried to help.
The whole idea is called, "One for One". Basically, you go to their site, buy a pair of shoes (don't look at the price, just buy them), and they in turn give a pair of shoes to a child in need.
As of now, they have given 140,000 pairs of shoes to kids in need. They plan to give away another 300,000 shoes in 2009. You can be a part of that.
Let's break down the buying. The shoes start at about $46 I think and go up. They get pricey. But they are pretty cool shoes. They are basic slip-ons for the most part. I don't know jack about style but I am planning on rocking the ones with the anchor print.
But they are cool shoes for a cool cause. So, you're rockin your new kicks. Now they don't just send boxes over to Africa. No. They have a nice big staff of volunteers and vagabonds take them all over. They go into villages and give children these shoes. They put them on their feet.
I read that these kids have problems with disease. They walk on contaminated soil and it gets into their system through the sores on their feet. Its all good. I promise.
Buy some shoes. Be the talk of the town. Everyone will say, "wow, those shoes are the cats pajamas." And all the while you'll know that you've given a pair to a child who would have never had shoes. They even use recycled materials on a lot of shoes. Some shoes are vegan friendly.
Whatever the case, they've got you covered. So buy yourself a pair. Splurge. We all need shoes! Some people more than others.
Toms Shoes
Toms Shoes dot com
This is fantastic. Basically, the company was started to make a business and help the world. It was started by Blake Mycoskie whose name is NOT Tom. Sorry.
He was in Argentina and made friends. Saw they didn't have shoes. Did Not Like That! So, he tried to help.
The whole idea is called, "One for One". Basically, you go to their site, buy a pair of shoes (don't look at the price, just buy them), and they in turn give a pair of shoes to a child in need.
As of now, they have given 140,000 pairs of shoes to kids in need. They plan to give away another 300,000 shoes in 2009. You can be a part of that.
Let's break down the buying. The shoes start at about $46 I think and go up. They get pricey. But they are pretty cool shoes. They are basic slip-ons for the most part. I don't know jack about style but I am planning on rocking the ones with the anchor print.
But they are cool shoes for a cool cause. So, you're rockin your new kicks. Now they don't just send boxes over to Africa. No. They have a nice big staff of volunteers and vagabonds take them all over. They go into villages and give children these shoes. They put them on their feet.
I read that these kids have problems with disease. They walk on contaminated soil and it gets into their system through the sores on their feet. Its all good. I promise.
Buy some shoes. Be the talk of the town. Everyone will say, "wow, those shoes are the cats pajamas." And all the while you'll know that you've given a pair to a child who would have never had shoes. They even use recycled materials on a lot of shoes. Some shoes are vegan friendly.
Whatever the case, they've got you covered. So buy yourself a pair. Splurge. We all need shoes! Some people more than others.
Toms Shoes
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Aweful - Tagged, you're it...
Ever been tagged? It sucks. In every aspect of the word. You could be tagged in a game. Or tagged, like being spray painted?? That would be not nice. But as of 2006 (I believe) there is a new version of being tagged. It is a social network online.
WARNING! Do not go here, people. I'm sure you can figure out the web address on your own, but it is not a wise place to go. What's the issue?
Well, they have become one of the fastest growing social networks ever. You join, your friends join and you all chat and know each other. Fun! But this is fast growing for a reason.
One you sign up (DON'T!) it will tell you that you MUST sign in to your email account to get a contact listing. This seems harmless, but once you sign in, it gets that listing and sends an email out to everyone in your contacts....then everyone you have ever received an email from....then everyone you have ever sent an email to.
Not fun. I have a guy I work with who was tagged a while ago. He signed up. If you knew this guy, you would say, 'ya, he'd totally fall for that'. And he did. Do you see the scam? The emails keep floating around. They say something like, 'you just got tagged'. And then go on to tell you that the sender of the email really wants you to join this network and that if you say no he will be offended.
Tricky little site. Its a scam. Does it hurt you? No. But imagine if you have a business and you have sent this lame, childlike email to all your clients. And they open it and send it to theirs. They may not be too happy with you.
Don't sign up. Don't send it. If you ever receive an email from someone like this, tell them. Make them cancel their account and change their email password. Viva la revolution. Stop the tag.
If I get one of these emails from someone I know, I will know one of 2 things...Either they don't read my blog, or they are a turd face.
Happy internetting!
WARNING! Do not go here, people. I'm sure you can figure out the web address on your own, but it is not a wise place to go. What's the issue?
Well, they have become one of the fastest growing social networks ever. You join, your friends join and you all chat and know each other. Fun! But this is fast growing for a reason.
One you sign up (DON'T!) it will tell you that you MUST sign in to your email account to get a contact listing. This seems harmless, but once you sign in, it gets that listing and sends an email out to everyone in your contacts....then everyone you have ever received an email from....then everyone you have ever sent an email to.
Not fun. I have a guy I work with who was tagged a while ago. He signed up. If you knew this guy, you would say, 'ya, he'd totally fall for that'. And he did. Do you see the scam? The emails keep floating around. They say something like, 'you just got tagged'. And then go on to tell you that the sender of the email really wants you to join this network and that if you say no he will be offended.
Tricky little site. Its a scam. Does it hurt you? No. But imagine if you have a business and you have sent this lame, childlike email to all your clients. And they open it and send it to theirs. They may not be too happy with you.
Don't sign up. Don't send it. If you ever receive an email from someone like this, tell them. Make them cancel their account and change their email password. Viva la revolution. Stop the tag.
If I get one of these emails from someone I know, I will know one of 2 things...Either they don't read my blog, or they are a turd face.
Happy internetting!
Welcome
Hi all and welcome to my new blog, "Interesting Things by Brandan". I think the name pretty much explains the whole thing but just in case you don't get it...
I will be writing about interesting things. This could be anything. Things on the internet, in the news, in my life. Whatever.
I will try to post as often as possible but if you've ever read a blog of mine, its pretty short lived. My blogs have caveman lifespans. I'm gonna give this one my all, or some of my all.
Let me know what you think about the posts. I typically stop writing because no one is reading. Its a good reason to quit.
Give me topics to write about or things to look into. Otherwise I will just keep rambling about whatever.
Just a word of warning, I tend to embellish...or lie. Embellish is a better word. So, don't take this as your daily news. I will kick off with honesty.
Enjoy...and if you like it, spread it around.
I will be writing about interesting things. This could be anything. Things on the internet, in the news, in my life. Whatever.
I will try to post as often as possible but if you've ever read a blog of mine, its pretty short lived. My blogs have caveman lifespans. I'm gonna give this one my all, or some of my all.
Let me know what you think about the posts. I typically stop writing because no one is reading. Its a good reason to quit.
Give me topics to write about or things to look into. Otherwise I will just keep rambling about whatever.
Just a word of warning, I tend to embellish...or lie. Embellish is a better word. So, don't take this as your daily news. I will kick off with honesty.
Enjoy...and if you like it, spread it around.
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