Police in California are investigating claims that cookies brought to a high school and shared with multiple students contained cremated human remains.
According to the Sacramento Bee, on October 4, the Davis Police Department received reports from several students at Da Vinci Charter Academy that they had eaten the homemade baked goods prepared by two students who later claimed to have used their grandparent's ashes as a macabre addition to the cookie dough.
A couple of students came to school, they brought some cookies they made. Some other students ate the cookies. Then the students that brought the cookies essentially, at some point, claimed they contained one of their grandparent's remains from cremation.
The police department spokesperson also noted that the potentially adulterated cookies don't appear to have actually caused anyone any physical harm–at least not yet.
And as for the official crime of poisoning? That likely wouldn't apply here–even if the cremated cookies claim is true–Doroshov noted, because cremated human remains are mainly phosphate, calcium, sulfate, potassium and sodium and therefore aren't considered toxic or harmful materials.
Every person who willfully mingles any poison or harmful substance with any food, drink, medicine, or pharmaceutical product or who willfully places any poison or harmful substance in any spring, well, reservoir, or public water supply, where the person knows or should have known that the same would be taken by any human being to his or her injury, is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for two, four, or five years.
Doroshov did hold out the scant possibility that the students involved could be charged under an "obscure" section of the California penal code dealing with the improper disposal of human remains.
But, Doroshov cautioned, because of the students' ages, charges weren't likely and the police were instead looking to work with the school district in favor of an equitable solution.
This recent case has been particularly challenging and we have responded appropriately and in the most respectful and dignified way possible. Those who were involved are remorseful and this is now a personal family matter and we want to respect the privacy of the families involved.


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CyHawkThoughts – Ready for a Hoopin Good Winter?
Walt Rogers Releases Second Round of Legislative Endorsements
Steve Myers
CyHawkthoughts,
Iowa Hawkeyes,
With Iowa State and Iowa both in the AP Top 25 poll at the same time in who knows how long, it got me thinking of the special year this could be for the state during another Midwest winter. Hopefully both will be ranked when they meet on Dec. 13th so the nation takes notice. Win or lose, both teams and fan bases will smiling alot during the conference season.
I said it at the end of the season last year and I am still saying it, Iowa will have a very good season, and I think they will be battling for 2nd or 3rd in the talented Big 10. While Iowa may not be the most athletic team (they are getting better in this area), they are deep, experienced, smart, and play within themselves; add a lot of chemistry to that, and you have a winning formula. Aaron White is the most underrated player in all of college basketball, and he is going to have a 2nd team all Big 10 type season. Roy Devyn Marble is going to continue to produce all season as he has throughout his career, and I hope he plays his way into a draft pick. The Hawks picked up a key freshman in Peter Jok to go along with now sophmores Jarrod Utoff, Mike Gessel, and Adam Woodbury. There are 4 more that play significant minutes as well…like I said deep. Even teams like #1 Michigan St. aren't going to look forward to playing Iowa; especially in Carver.
Iowa State is nowhere near as deep as Iowa, but make up for it with athletes and shooters. They exploit mis-matches so well and with the NBA scheme and spacing they have, it makes it really tough on opposing defenses. This is finally Melvin Ejim's team, and he is ready to shoulder the load. His offensive game has blossomed; add that to his rebounding and effort plays that Cyclone fans are used to and look out. He has 1st team all Big 12 written all over him. He does have some help with transfer DeAndre Kane who reminds me of a bigger Curtis Stinson (not a bad Cyclone to be compared to). Georges Niang is ready for his sophmore campaign as can be seen by his late game heroics in the Michigan and BYU games. The surprise this year is the play of Naz Long, who has been really good from behind the arch. The Cyclones have another high energy transfer in Dustin Hogue and also picked up some talented freshman this year with Matt Thomas and Monte Morris. They will compete for 3rd in the Big 12 behind Kansas and Oklahoma St. Hilton Magic will be alive as ever this year with a fanbase that purchased the most season tickets in school history.
I could sit around and write more about the two teams, but why? Both are going to be NCAA Tournament teams with seeds no higher than 6. Let's just sit back, have fun, and watch it all unfold.
Branstad-Reynolds Campaign's Greatest Threat May Be Internal
With Branstad-Reynolds campaign's fundraising & organization they may be nearly impossible to beat in 2014 in an election, but perhaps not at convention.
Deja Vu: Tax Hypocrisy Stings Conlin Again
By Bob Renaud, Campaign Manager for the Grassley for Senate Campaign "U.S.…
New Push in Iowa to Make Gold and Silver Legal Tender
House File 346, a bill filed in the Iowa House, would make gold and silver coins legal tender in the state of Iowa.
As Media Outlets Note Loebsack's Endangered Status, Miller-Meeks Continues to Campaign Hard Across Iowa 2nd Congressional District
OTTUMWA, Iowa – As Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks campaigns vigorously across the Second…
Posted on November 1, 2010 March 9, 2012
Steve Myers is a graduate of Des Moines Christian School and William Penn University. While…

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Swiss regulator fines banks for fixing forex trading
FILE PHOTO: The logo of Barclays is seen on the top of one of its branch in Madrid, Spain, March 22, 2016. REUTERS/Sergio Perez -
Sergio Perez(Reuters)
ZURICH (Reuters) – Five banks have been fined a total of 90 million Swiss francs (71.45 million pounds) for colluding to rig the foreign exchange market, Switzerland's competition authority said on Thursday.
The fines are the latest fall out from a scam which led to them being fined 1.07 billion euros ($1.20 billion) last month by the European Union for manipulating the multi-trillion dollar forex market.
Barclays, Citigroup, JP Morgan and Royal Bank of Scotland were punished by the Swiss authority, known as WEKO, said it found "several anti-competitive arrangements between banks in foreign exchange spot trading".
Also punished was Japan's MUFG Bank for its part in the scam which involved traders coordinating their activities through internet chatrooms.
Traders of Barclays, Citigroup, JPMorgan, Royal Bank of Scotland and UBS participated in the so-called 'Three way banana split' cartel from 2007 to 2013, WEKO said. Participants in the 'Essex express' cartel which ran from 2009 to 2012 were traders of Barclays, MUFG Bank, RBS and UBS.
Barclays was fined 27 million francs, Citigroup 28.5 million francs, JPMorgan 9.5 million francs, MUFG Bank 1.5 million francs and RBS 22.5 million francs.
UBS was not punished because it revealed the cartels to the competition authorities first, while an investigation is still underway into Credit Suisse. WEKO said it had closed its investigation into Julius Baer and Zuercher Kantonalbank.
JP Morgan declined to comment, while Barclays, RBS, Credit Suisse and Citi did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
(Reporting by John Revill and Silke Koltrowitz)


You can see your edits in all panes simultaneously.
You can view several pages at the same time.
You can view several layouts at the same time.
You can use a different view mode in each pane.
You can view your work at different magnifications at the same time.
Choose Window → Split Window→ Horizontal or Window → Split Window → Vertical.
(Windows only) Click the split bar to the right of the scroll bar (for a vertical split) or at the top of the scroll bar (for a horizontal split).
Click the split window icons in the layout controls area at the bottom left of the project window.
After a window has been split, you can change the width and height of the splits by dragging the bars between the splits.
You can split panes multiple times horizontally or vertically within a pane, to see several views of your project at the same time. To do that, use the same window-splitting techniques mentioned previously.
To remove one pane, click the Close button (X) in the top-right corner of the pane. To remove all split panes from a window, choose Window→Split Window → Remove All.


Several people mentioned to me how good this game was so I had to check it out. It is in fact a lot of fun. Scott and I use to get a kick out of playing two-player Trivial Pursuit late into the night and this almost gives me some of the same feel as those late nights of laughing our butts off about the strange and sometimes too easy questions that game offered.
Wits and Wagers is not a hard game. In fact you really don't need to be a trivia person at all to do fairly well at it. The questions are often so obscure that no one knows the answer and thus everyone is just guessing to try to get as close as possible without going over.
The only problem pointed out by anyone I have played it with is that the final round is "All In". The early rounds limit you on how many chips you can bet but the last round allows for you to bet as much as you wish. This is similar to Final Jeopardy and is not an uncommon concept however it does sometimes result in people feeling that the only question that matters is the last one. Still the game is fun and informative and can easily be picked up and played by any group.
This was the other game I picked up for playing over the holidays. It has actually become a bit of staple of our group as of late. The main problem I see with Gift Trap is that it is much more fun when you know the people you are playing with and can become random and dull when playing with a large group that is only mildly familiar with each other.
The first game I played was with eight people and I only really knew about two of them as more than casual acquaintances. After that first game I was not very impressed at all. However after having played it some more with my wife and some of my closer friends I have concluded that the game is quite enjoyable.
There are several things that I would like to work on and get up on this site as soon as I can. One of them is my own personal version of Heroscape Quests. Heroscape is a great game but for my group the Quests variant that can be found on Heroscapers.com proved far more interesting and fun. While I think their version is awesome, I have been adding new more bizarre quests to our mix for a while now.
Recently I revamped a number of the basic rules and while I think their version is still great and everyone should check it out I think some people may find my version entertaining as well.
Along with this I want to get some pictures of the Heroscape boards I have built up (edit: I happened to have a few photos from our 2005 game in my archives – Scott) and possibly discuss some of the board games I have been playing lately. I also recently picked up Scion: Hero by White Wolf and that RPG may justify some comments.
I also played in the Morningtide pre release (going 3 – 0 – 1 since I always offer a draw if I am 3 – 0 for round four). Morningtide looks like a great set and I feel I will need to talk about it at some point.
The last thing that I would like to get up on this site at some point is a silly little card game designed by myself and a friend of mine. It's called Minimum Wage and was actually designed while we were working a menial job shredding paper one summer. If I can get it into an easily downloadable format I want to make it available for anyone to try out.
There's more to come from Pair O' Dice so keep checking back – or consider subscribing to our RSS feed (hit that big orange button over there… go on, you know you want to)!
Posted on February 6th, 2008. Tags: Gaming News & Views, Game Reviews, Heroscape, Minimum Wage, Morningtide, Party Games, Scion.
If I'm busy, I guess it's for a lot of reasons, but Life is a good one.
Trivial Pursuit is fun late at night, even with only a couple people! In fact, I think late night is the only time I like to play Trivial Pursuit any more. Best enjoyed with sugar.
I'll probably be the only other person to appreciate it, but I am looking forward to seeing Minimum Wage make a comeback (also a game best enjoyed with sugar).
I enjoy Minimum wage, having played it several times recently. And it's not just because my lifetime record is 4-2. 😉 It's a fun(usually short) game. I give it a thumbs up.
I would like to say that no matter what the title of this post may imply, my life really isn't all that bad. "Life is a Four Letter Word" has always just been one of those things I say when life is busy and complicated. I feel now I should have explained that somewhere in the article. Meh.


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About YQB
Governance and General Management
Pass control office
Airport Improvement Fee (AIF)
Reserved Transport Request
Visit Québec City
Comment on our services
File a complaint about noise
Flights Flights and Destinations
Live Flight Schedules
Destinations Served
Vacations Packages
Sunny Destinations
Plan Plan a Flight
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Travelling with animals
Children travelling alone
Access Airport Access
Directions to the Airport
Pick Up and Drop Off Passengers
Taxis and Limousine
Adapted Transportation
V.I.P Lounge by Club Med
Shops and Restaurants
Money Exchange and ATMs
New city bus routes to YQB : Greatly improved access to the airport site for passengers and employees
Barre latérale - À propos (english)
Québec City, August 28, 2019. – The president and CEO of YQB, Stéphane Poirier, and the new executive director of the Québec City transit corporation, Alain Mercier, today officially opened the new bus routes and facilities operated by Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC) at Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB).
"The creation of routes 76 and 80 is good news for both passengers and airport workers. Hundreds of thousands of people who travel to and from YQB each year will now have access to an affordable travel option. This greatly increases the accessibility of the airport site. YQB will always do whatever it can to promote bus routes to the airport, working alongside the RTC," says Stéphane Poirier, YQB's president and CEO.
Routes 76 and 80, announced last December, connect YQB to the main bus and rail stations in Sainte-Foy and downtown Québec City. They will operate 7 days a week, from morning to evening, with services every 30 minutes. This will offer the 2,500 workers on the airport site, and the 1.8 million passengers who pass through YQB each year, a new way to get to the airport.
"We are delighted to be able to offer airport workers, visitors and citizens a frequent public transit service to the Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport. These two regular routes, in addition to serving YQB, will improve bus services in the northwestern sector of the city, and reflect the major revision of the bus network that is currently being implemented," says Alain Mercier, executive director of the RTC.
About Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB)
YQB is managed by Aéroport de Québec inc., the private corporation responsible, since November 1, 2000, for the management, operation, maintenance and development of Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport. Around a dozen carriers use YQB to offer connections to North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe, and daily flights to the main hubs in eastern North America.
PASSENGER FIRST®
Twitter : QuebecYQB
Facebook : facebook.com/aeroportdequebec
Web : www.aeroportdequebec.com
Laurianne Lapierre
Advisor, communications and media relations
Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport
Phone: 418 640-2700, extension 2624


New manager Manuel Pellegrini is confident of taking Manchester City to the knock-out phase of the Champions League for the first time. City have failed to get out of the group phase in the past two seasons.
But they have been drawn with Bayern Munich, CSKA Moscow and Czech side Viktoria Plzen in this year's group phase.
Pellegrini took unfancied Malaga through to the knock-out phase last season and feels that means there is no possibility of complacency.
The City manager, whose side face Hull in the Premier League on Saturday, said: "I think that all are difficult groups.
"Maybe one (team) has more history in the Champions League than other clubs but I'm sure last year when Milan knew that Malaga were in their group they were happy.
"We have a difficult group, we have chances if we play well because we have weaker teams.
"(Getting to the knock-out phase) is one of our targets. We have a difficult group and we will try to continue further in the Champions League than in other years."
City have been heavily linked with a move for Atletico Madrid's Argentina defender Martin Demichelis and the prospect of Toby Alderweireld moving to the Spanish club should speed that up.
Pellegrini is confident of making an addition before Monday's transfer deadline and, despite many other managers complaining about the pressures of the transfer window, the Chilean is comfortable with the system.
He added: "We will see before next Monday what we can do. We have some days to bring someone and we will see.
"There are a lot of names linked with Manchester City and it's not my duty to answer all those names. We'll see on Monday what happens.
"I don't know if it will be busy. For the rest of the teams I don't know.
"I have no opinion about (the transfer window). Everyone knows the rules, and you have three months after the Premier League finishes. Ninety days is a lot of time.
"We tried to do it as soon as we could. We have just a few things that we can have three days more to do so this club I think was a normal period to do it."
City were beaten 3-2 at Cardiff last weekend, with Javi Garcia and Joleon Lescott forming a makeshift centre-half partnership due to injuries to Vincent Kompany and Matija Nastasic.
Kompany is confident of returning from a groin problem in time to face Stoke on September 14.
But Nastastic, who was an unused substitute in Wales, is set to make his first appearance of the season against Stoke, following an ankle injury, while Micah Richards remains on the sidelines.
Pellegrini added: "Nastasic is at the level to play from the beginning. I think that Javi didn't do badly.
"He normally plays as a midfielder but it's Nastasic's position so it's better for the team."
Pellegrini has introduced training sessions at the Etihad Stadium the day before home matches since taking over in the summer.
He said: "I did it the other game we played at home (the 4-0 win over Newcastle). It's better for the team to work one day here at the stadium."


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UK Theme Park Round-Up - October Review and November 2014 Preview
Sunday, November 2, 2014 - 10:28
October and November are the most popular, most crazy, and most intense time of year to visit the UK's theme parks thanks to their world-class Halloween events, and no doubt us park-goers made the most of the mild weather and longer dark nights to squeeze in as many thrills as possible.
However, this October brought a bigger surprise than "bumps in the night" and rides in the dark to the UK theme park scene in the form of the unexpected release of a planning application for a brand new ride launching in 2016? Oh yes.
The "Island Like No Other" hit capacity on several dates this year, as their Halloween events proved to be extremely popular. A bout of unseasonally warm weather seemed to work well with Thorpe Park rolling out more Fright Nights marketing than ever before, to draw thousands of thrill-seekers through their turnstiles this October.
In fact, the event was so popular that Annual Pass tickets for Fright Nights sold out completely in advance over Halloween weekend (October 30 until November 1). Annual Pass tickets for Fright Nights are not required for those lucky enough to hold a Premium or VIP Merlin Pass, but are required for Standard Merlin Passholders and Thorpe Park Annual Passholders.
In previous years, the Annual Pass tickets for Fright Nights were £5, but this year Thorpe Park decided to change its pricing, offering tickets for £5 before October 1, which then increased to £10 per ticket. This would mean that the park's management could monitor numbers better and improve the Fright Nights experience as they would know the number of guests inside the park. Despite the lower price incentive for Passholders, this did not leave much flexibility for those wanting to go to Fright Nights but needing more time to decide a date, to benefit from the lower price.
Fright Nights took place from October 10-12, 17-19 of October, and October 24 - November 3, conveniently lining up with Halloween and half term week. The park was open from 10am until 10pm, giving parkgoers a full 12 hours to enjoy the park and its wonderfully scary attractions.
Thorpe Park's 2013 Fright Nights partnership with Lionsgate continued for 2014, with four out of five of the live-action horror walk-through attractions available at the park all based on Lionsgate movies. The line-up of mazes included My Bloody Valentine, Cabin in The Woods, SAW: Alive, The Blair Witch Project, and Thorpe's own take on a maze, Studio 13: The Motel - which is brand new for 2014.
Studio 13 replaced the Asylum, Thorpe Park's longest standing (and arguably most iconic) Fright Nights attraction. The Asylum maze ran for 9 seasons, before finishing its time in the park at the end of 2013. It boasted a famous ending that drew crowds at the exit - guests being chased out of the maze by a guy with a chainsaw. Interestingly, Thorpe Park chose to keep this ending for Studio 13 - well, with the layout of the maze, it works perfectly. The park even went as far as renaming the BBQ dining outlet next to Studio 13, usually known as "BBQ Bar & Grill", to "Backlot BBQ" - exclusively to tie in with the movie studios theme of the park and Studio 13 next door.
It was great to see the return of Reserve 'n' Ride, Thorpe Park's trial paperless Fastrack system, for a select few Fright Nights dates. Reserve 'n' Ride operates in a similar way to Disney's FastPass+ system; allowing park guests to book a slot at one of Thorpe Park's attractions using their smartphone, before heading to the ride later on in the day to enjoy little or no wait. Over Fright Nights, Reserve 'n' Ride wasn't available on any rides but was offered on the 4 live action horror mazes (as Blair Witch Project is technically a scare zone).
Based on how many dates Reserve 'n' Ride was available this year, and the attractions it was trialling on, it is looking very likely Reserve 'n' Ride will be making a large appearance next year. The question is - will this remain exclusive to Thorpe Park, or will other Merlin theme parks be embracing the virtual queuing smartphone booking experience also? We shall have to wait and see.
2014 at Thorpe Park also featured possibly the most intense Fright Nights experience ever created. Thorpe Park's brand new "Extra Cut" experience even made the news, the media drawn to its extreme and unique nature.
The "Extra Cut" was available to be booked by guests staying at Thorpe Park's onsite Thorpe Shark Hotel. It involved "kidnapping", being chased by cannibals, and having to navigate your way around the park in the dead of night, taking place from 11pm - 2am. Spaces were advance book only, and cost £125 per person. A strict age restriction applied to the "Extra Cut", and it was not open to guests under the age of 18 - certainly not for the faint of heart.
As if Thorpe Park's Fright Night experiences couldn't get any more chilling, those guests wanting to scare themselves silly could book a "Night Terror" add-on to their stay at the Shark Hotel. Between 11pm and 2am, a "Night Terror" character would appear in the corner of their room. Simple, yet terrifying.
The most exciting news this month came when the plans Thorpe Park has submitted for its brand new upcoming attraction were released. Little to nothing is known about the new ride, but if the plans are anything to go by, it looks most likely park guests can expect an immersive (and possibly interactive) dark ride experience.
It is believed that Thorpe Park's 2016 attraction will be the most expensive investment of any Merlin park, and has got enthusiasts speculating over what this new ride will be, and the experience that it will entail. Interactive "dark" ride technology does not come cheap, although suppliers have been working to cut the costs.
Thorpe Park's Mid-Term Development Plan, released in 2010, showed the next 2 major rollercoasters planned for 2012 and 2015 consecutively. The Swarm of course, was the park's 2012 coaster, yet towards the end of 2013 with still no mention of the next coaster, fears about a potential delay of the 2015 rollercoaster began to develop - especially after Angry Birds Land was announced for 2014. An enclosed or "dark" attraction was never included on these plans.
It's fair to say that, just like the announcement of Angry Birds Land - Thorpe Park's last new addition to the park, this brand new "indoor" 2016 attraction feels a little out of the blue - considering the next major rollercoaster was scheduled for 2015. Its long been felt by fans that the attraction missing from Thorpe Park's line-up is a dark ride, and it is the only big theme park in the UK to not have any sort of dark ride experience (excluding 'X', the indoor rollercoaster). It would make sense that Thorpe Park hasn't felt a dark ride would have been a necessary addition to the park, given that in recent years, all its marketing has been aimed at the teenage/thrill-seeker demographic.
Dark rides are often considered to be more family-oriented attractions (although they don't necessarily have to be), and take place inside a show building, enabling engineers and creatives to control and theme every part of the ride environment; allowing for a completely immersive experience. In particular, the dark rides over at Disney and Universal such as the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, are world renowned.
Whilst dark rides remain a vastly popular attraction in theme parks all over the world, they aren't always capable of pulling off the same white-knuckle, raw thrills as larger steel coasters. However, with a recent change in target audience to families, a dark ride at Thorpe Park would be a well-thought and welcome addition to the park's already world-class attraction line-up.
Based on the proposed plans (and the design of the attraction's front and side elevations), guests can expect a decrepit warehouse-style ride building, with an outside (partially covered) queue line and chain link fences. Wrought iron gates form the entrance to the queue, which boasts both Fastrack and Single Rider queue options, in addition to the main queue itself. A pre-show section and retail area are also included in the plans.
It's worth mentioning that these plans aren't set in stone, and themes or features can change towards the opening date. Thorpe Park may even find an "IP", an intellectual property, for the ride at a later date, just like with SAW: The Ride, and we cannot expect the theme or design of the building to not change.
A plaza area and large theming feature will be at the front of the attraction. But, the footprint of a large and centrally-located new ride does not come without consequence. As this new attraction is so large, it will result in the removal of the Arena and Chief Ranger's Carousel - one of their longest standing attractions, situated at the heart of Thorpe Park since 1994.
Long term visitors of Thorpe Park will be sad to see the Chief Ranger's Carousel go - a tad ironic as families are their new target audience, but removal must be necessary due to the footprint of the proposed attraction. Chief Ranger's Carousel is a huge piece of Thorpe Park history, boasting tributes to 1990s Thorpe Park attractions.
The removal of Chief Ranger's Carousel would mean that Mr Monkey's Banana Ride is the last standing attraction of Ranger County, an iconic part of '90s Thorpe Park, featuring rides from well-loved Ranger County characters - Mr Rabbit, Miss Hippo, Mr Monkey, and of course, the Chief Ranger himself. Possibly why the Chief Ranger's Carousel is most nostalgic is because it features not only carousel horses but seats based on Thorpe's extinct attractions. Guests can still sit on a boat from Mr Rabbit's Tropical Travels, or the old Flying Fish rollercoaster train, and even ride in an old Wicked Witches Haunt vehicle, Thorpe Park's last dark ride, in a small but wonderfully preserved nod to the Thorpe Park of yesteryear.
It would be nice to see a piece of Chief Ranger's Carousel kept somewhere in the park, the same way Thorpe Park added an old ride car from Miss Hippo's Fungle Safari to the Nemesis Inferno Gift Shop this year, in a tribute to the extinct attraction that was once next door.
Whilst all we have to go by at this stage is an enclosed building, a roller coaster does not look likely. Unless it is on the scale of a family coaster, it's not unreasonable to assume Thorpe's next roller coaster will be a large one, like The Swarm or Stealth, adding to the park's impressive skyline of twisted steel.
Even if this does turn out to be an indoor rollercoaster, it won't be in either of the two proposed locations for Thorpe Park's next coaster outlined in the Mid Term Development Plan - the site where the Shark Hotel now sits, or the most likely location, the island next to Swarm Island.
Interestingly, a Single Rider queue is visible on the plans, which is something that Thorpe Park only just finished phasing out a few years ago, the last being Stealth's. Stealth's Single Rider queue is actually still there, as this was not removed but turned into a Disabled Access entrance.
Merlin's other major British theme park, Alton Towers, features multiple Single Rider queues all over the park, with one available for each major roller coaster. In response to the criticism of their Single Rider queue removal, Thorpe Park have stood by the fact that the Single Rider queues were not understood by guests (i.e., guests were using them and still wanting to ride together) and subsequently were not efficient in filling seats and saving guests using the Single Rider queue valuable park time.
Nothing is set in stone, but considering the above, it is certainly interesting to see the potential return of a Single Rider queue at Thorpe Park, after they appeared to be quite against them in recent years.
Chessington World of Adventures
"Britain's Wildest Adventure" hosted their own Halloween events during October. Dubbed Howl'o'ween, Chessington's Halloween celebrations remained much more family friendly than the likes of its sister parks, Thorpe Park and Alton Towers.
Chessington's very popular Zoo Days will be returning this November, after the main theme park has closed for the season. Zoo Days will be available for animal lovers everywhere this winter season every weekend and school holiday until the 8th of March 2015.
Chessington isteasing an upcoming exciting addition to the park for 2015. On the park's website, visitors are advised that "something exciting is coming in 2015". They can then enter their email address and details to be the first to know. There is a live countdown to their new surprise which is ticking down to the 18th of March 2015, the day Chessington re-opens for their 2015 season. What exactly is their new surprise for 2015? A new animal exhibit, a new land, or even a new attraction to look forward to? Only time will tell, but we will certainly be keeping our eyes peeled.
Despite seemingly toning down their Halloween events this year and focusing more on a balanced experience for families and younger guests, Alton Towers vamped up the scares this Scarefest by introducing the Ultimate Sleepover. This offered budding guests the chance to spend the night inside the iconic Towers, in dorms made up with camp-beds in different parts of the building. With "scares" promised to un-nerve guests between 8pm and 3am set in what is widely regarded to be one of the most haunted places in the UK, this night was not for the faint of heart.
Both Thorpe Park and Alton Towers have taken the step this year in introducing overnight on-site sleepovers, boasting immersive environments and intense, frightening experiences, where guests won't know what is coming next - taking it one step further for those looking for a more full-on, terrifying, and custom experience than the famous Fright Nights and Scarefest mazes.
Alton Towers' was open for Scarefest each day from 10am until 9pm, and attractions for Scarefest 2014 included 2 live-action mazes - The Sanctuary and Terror of the Towers, and 2 walk-through scare zones for younger guests - Zombies! Scare Zone, and Scary Tales Scare Zone. Both live-action mazes were available for an additional fee.
Finally, the Towers will be preparing for its most famous event of the year, the Fireworks, which will be taking place from the November 7-9. Last year, guests were treated to a full tribute of Alton Tower's major coasters, and a celebration through lasers, water effects and fireworks of the character and individuality of each ride. It will certainly be interesting to see the display in store for Fireworks visitors this year, who will also undoubtedly be making the most of having one last chance to ride Nemesis, Air, Oblivion and The Smiler in the dark in 2014.
Alton Towers will close for the year on November 9.
So, the 2014 season may be ending on a wonderfully high note with rides in the dark, frightful Halloween events, and spectacular fireworks shows, but with the parks closing, the winter is never easy. However, it already looks like we have 2 new theme park developments to look forward to over the winter, and to keep our closed season spirits high.
5 Weird Things That Become Dangerous at Walt Disney World
Friday, June 8, 2018 - 06:46
Meet Disney's Next Big Competition in the Theme Park Industry
Monday, August 8, 2016 - 03:44
UK Theme Park Round-Up: April Review and May 2015 Preview
8 New Attractions Coming to UK Theme Parks in 2015
Thursday, April 9, 2015 - 10:20
Would You Tackle This One-of-a-Kind Aqua-Drop Tower? Here's The Prototype Version in Action...
Saturday, January 9, 2021 - 00:53


Did you ever think about what a computer really is? Take the ATARI for example. With 48K bytes of memory it can store about the same amount of text as a 15 page document. An ATARI diskette can store about 40 more pages. You can think of your display screen as a "window" through which you can seen this information, about one quarter page at a time.
What's the point? Well, the time is here when, for the price of a cheap suit, you can expand your computer's access to millions of pages of memory, instead of just 40 or so.
We are talking about the MODEM. Let's de-mystify the modem, explore what it is, what it does, and then look at a few modems available for the ATARI.
MODEM--The word derives from "modulate-demodulate." A modem is a hardware device that translates an incoming sound signal (frequency) into a binary code that your computer will understand. (Computers do not understand sounds). The modem also works the other way around. It will translate an outgoing, computer-generated binary code into frequencies that can be transmitted over circuits used by the telephone company.
BAUD--This term describes the rate at which data is transmitted. The telephone company has established 300 baud as a standard rate of data transmission for phone lines.
This equals 30 characters per second or approximately 350 words per minute. This is about as fast as most people can read. There is also a 1200 baud standard rate available on the phone system, at a premium price. Watch for this price to fall over the next few years.
ACOUSTIC-COUPLED--This describes the type of modem that transmits and receives directly through the standard telephone receiver. This kind of modem has two foam "cups" into which the earpiece and the mouthpiece of the receiver are placed. The cups channel the sound, audible as a high-pitched whine, to and from the phone system, and muffle extraneous noise.
DIRECT-CONNECT--This is the newer breed of modem. It can connect directly to your telephone wall jack or plug into your telephone with a "Y" adapter. Outside sound interference and clumsy manipulation of the receiver are eliminated.
ANSWER-ORIGINATE--These terms describe which modem is calling and which modem is answering. There must be a modem on each end, but they do not have to be the same brand. Either modem can do either job, but not at the same time.
By now, you may be interested in buying a modem, and wondering what features are important. Here are some things you should be aware of.
Acoustically-coupled modems, the "ear-muff" type, were the first on the market, and are still the cheapest. They have definite drawbacks. Stray sounds in the vicinity of the modem can and do leak past the muffs and can affect data transmission. Also, using the acoustical modem is awkward, since the correct end of the phone receiver must be inserted in the correct end of the modem. This sounds minor, but the error is easily and frequently made.
Still, acoustic modems do work, are inexpensive, and may meet your needs. Prices for direct-connect modems seem to be dropping, and the higher degree of reliabiltiy for them makes it difficult to recommend anything else. If you think you would be even a semi-serious "on-liner," you should think in terms of a direct-connect, plug-in modem. Your data will be cleaner, and the benefits of uploading and downloading data over networks, with the new information utilities (see separate article, this issue), or with other individuals, will repay the extra investment.
Some modems have "status indicators." When the modem is in use it is often important to know what the status of your connection is. Is the modem "ready?" With a direct-connect modem, is the simulated "receiver" on the hook or off the hook? Has there been an accidental disconnect? Is the other end answering? The more information provided by the modem's status indicators, the better.
Some modems have "autodial/autoanswer." You can dial a phone number from your ATARI keyboard! Admittedly, this is a luxury, but if you use a modem a lot, it is a nice feature to have. Autodial allows you to store telephone numbers in your software program, and have the modem do your dialing for you. This eliminates the need for a telephone near the computer, as long as you have a phone cable long enough to reach your telephone jack.
A word about cables is in order. Modems must be connected to your other equipment, and to the telephone line. You would think that an expensive item like a modem would come with the appropriate cables. Not always so, and the price difference between a more expensive unit with cables and a less expensive one without, may be misleading (some cables cost $50!). Also, some modems are designed to hook up more simply, eliminating some cable requirements. Before you buy, determine your complete system requirement, and compare the price for all pieces. You will want to include software costs, too, (see separate article, this issue).
All modems, once the proper connections have been made, will perform their primary function of data communications, so the bottom line in any decision should be--quality, price, and extra features. You will probably find your use of a modem will be greater than you now expect, so be open to the more capable units.
Any modem can work with the ATARI, if properly connected, but some have been built specifically with the ATARI in mind. We will discuss the principal ones here.
The ATARI Modem, sold by ATARI, is a "Novation 'CAT'" modem in ATARI dress. It is a standard acoustically coupled modem with only very basic features. It is fine for a beginning user, or someone with limited needs. Since it is marketed as an ATARI product, it comes with all required cables. It also needs the ATARI 850 Interface, which some modems do not, so if you don't have the Interface you should seriously consider the Microconnection modem (see below), or others that bypass the Interface.
The ATARI 830 is a plug-in-and-go product with good documentation. You will need software with this, as with all modems, and might well consider ATARI's TELELINK cartridge ($30) for a nice, modular system. Caution! TELELINK is a very limited program, and will not allow copying to disk. It will drive the ATARI printer, but printing "on-line" is expensive. The major drawbacks with the ATARI 830 are that it is acoustic, and has limited features.
An alternative buy would be the "Novation 'CAT'" if you can find cables. Two other "Novation" modems are compatible with the ATARI. One is the D-CAT, a basic direct-connect model, and the AUTO-CAT, that has the autodial feature mentioned earlier. Although not considered in depth here, they are both good products that should be considered as in the running.
This direct-connect modem is made by the Microperipheral Corp. and comes in four versions all designed for the ATARI. This selection is very attractive to the prospective buyer.
For example, there is a buss-decoding version ($249) that allows connection without using the ATARI 850 Interface. This modem can be used with as small a system as the ATARI 400 and the 410 cassette recorder. This model has a DB-25 socket that allows connection of the ATARI printer, again without Interface. This makes the Microconnection a good candidate for a small basic system. For $79 more this model comes with autodial.
There is a plain version ($199) that does require the Interface, and for an additional $79 you can get the autodial and autoanswer features.
Caution! Microconnection's autodial uses pulse dialing (not touch tone) which cannot be used with the MCI or SPRINT long distance phone services, but you can manually dial SPRINT or MCI with this modem. If you are a heavy user of these long distance services this could be an important limitation.
Microperipheral has done a commendable job of supporting the ATARI, and their own software enhances the capability of their modem dramatically. The top of the line software, called TSMART ($79.95) incorporates autodial as well as message preparation and storage features that reduce expensive "on-line" connection time. You will appreciate this after you see your first phone bill after buying a modem.
The Microconnection is relatively simple to connect and use. It comes with extensive, if dense, documentation which includes a listing of free bulletin board services, by area code (a nice touch!). Microperipheral Corp. maintains a user service accessible through Compuserve, over which you can get updates of their software. Now that's service!
This is a direct-connect modem by Hayes Microcomputer, Inc. Although it does not come as a model specifically for the ATARI, you can purchase a cable to connect it to the ATARI 850 Interface (required). The fact that this modem does not come with a cable is a serious drawback in a product that costs so much. This is not a criticism of Hayes alone, as you will discover when you buy your first non-ATARI printer, or other peripheral device.
Assuming you buy the "Hayes Stack," as it is also known, and are able to get or make a cable, you will have the most flexible modem in the price range. This is truly a "smart" modem. The heart of the device is a 28 microprocessor with a 2K byte control program built in. The only switch is an ON/OFF toggle! Everything else is program controlled, or preset by you, utilizing the configuration panel under the front cover.
programmable in any computer language and compatible with most data communication software.
The list goes on, but the point is made. The Hayes SMARTMODEM is very versatile, but suffers due to a lack of direct applicability to the ATARI. With the appropriate cable (I made my own) and almost any good terminal software, this modem is the most flexible.
There are other usable modems around, though not specifically for the ATARI. They will work fine with the proper cable, and some of the good software. If you are not in the market for a modem now, l guarantee that you will be some day. It might be a good idea to wait, if you have no immediate urge to link up with the rest of the tribe. Prices keep coming down, and good gear gains reputation as satisfied users swap notes.
Keep your eyes open for new, low cost entrants to this field. For example, l noticed (but have not used) the SIGNALMAN MK-1 from "Anchor Automation" at an unbelievable price of $99, including RS-232 connector cable. This direct connect modem could be the forerunner of a price revolution.
Meanwhile, the modems we have discussed are definitely state-of-the-art products and can be expected to provide good service for a long while.


Something I have been fairly open about on here is my trial with infertility. For me it is known as secondary infertility since my husband and I have one biological son. 1 in 8 couples experience difficulty in conceiving or sustaining a pregnancy according to a recent study from the National Survey of Family Growth*. It isn't talked about so these couples grieve in silence. Something that caught my attention a few months ago was that this problem is not something dealt with just in the United States. I wrote a piece on secondary infertility and it was the most widely read post, reaching to places like the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and South Africa. The frustration and isolation is felt worldwide.
This is why we need each other. You and I are not alone in this. Our valley of infertility may not look the same, but the giants that threaten to slay us there sure seem similar: doubt, fear, anger, and self-pity. Sometimes it is hard to know who is going through this invisible pain. I catch myself wondering why the woman with a seven year old doesn't have any more children. It is certainly none of my business, but could it be that instead of rushing to a conclusion (or judgment) I could have compassion instead? What if she would love nothing more than to have the pitter-patter of little feet all around her? What if she doesn't? In any case, my response could make all the difference to her heart. In my own struggle with infertility I am trying to remember to give grace to other women with similar heartache.
That is why I am proud to partner with the Scarlet & Gold Shop in their 'Give Grace' campaign. It is a way for women struggling with infertility to come together and show grace to one another in the burdens they carry. Those battle scars can't ever heal by keeping them buried. After awhile the Band-Aids become stale and just hang there serving no purpose but to hide a wound.
I think men and women process their infertile reality in different ways, but perhaps women feel it more deeply. In 1 Samuel, even Hannah's husband, Elkanah, didn't quite understand her sadness because she couldn't have children. Wasn't he enough, he asked? Yes and no. The desire for children is God given and there is no shame in that. Elkanah's other wife, Peninnah, knew how much Hannah suffered because of infertility. Instead of deciding to be a friend and comfort her, Peninnah heaped onto Hannah's heartache by provoking her barren womb.
One of the names of God that gives me great comfort is 'Immanuel', which means, "God with us". As a Christian His very Presence is always with me. That means that I am not left to myself to fight the giants. He holds out His Hand to lead through all the twists and turns. As God becomes my strength He gives me eyes to see others around me in the valley. We begin to form a grace chain holding hands with each other as we hold onto Immanuel.
Giving grace to another might look like sharing your story first. Help someone to know they are not alone. If you are not part of this "Club" that no one wants to be in, maybe pray for us? Some may be more sensitive than others when it comes to your words, baby announcements, and baby showers, but it doesn't mean we don't need you to encourage us. And even when we have a hard time of it, we still love that you have children and that you are pregnant again, because we love you – and life is beautiful, always.
It is a funny thing learning to be content in the present circumstances while still longing for a baby. There can be streams of joy down in the valley when you realize that you aren't alone. You do not have to walk this journey alone.
You and I have Immanuel, God with us, and we never have to fear what the future holds when He holds the future.
GIVEAWAY!!!: Aren't the gold tattoos so pretty? I loved mine! If you would like to have one of the Give Grace tattoos for yourself here is your opportunity.
If you or a loved one has experienced infertility please write in 2-3 sentences what 'Give Grace' means to you. Email me at littlelitterateur@gmail.com to enter to win. Include your name and mailing address as well.
Two winners will be chosen and you will receive 2 gold temporary tattoos, one for you and one for a friend who needs encouragement.
The giveaway will start Tuesday, February 2nd and end Tuesday, February 9th at midnight.
I would also like to invite you to checkout the 'Give Grace' collection from the Scarlet & Gold Shop online at www.scarletandgoldshop.com.


- With powerful setting, I keep my hair styled for a long time. Baobab tree seed oil conditioning hair to keep it soft.
- It contains seven herbal extracts that protect hair health including drumstick seed extract, salvia leaf extract, camellia flower extract, tea tree leaf extract, vitamin tree extract, European cherry tree extract, and time leaf extract.
Remove the appropriate amount of the product from the palm of your hand, then style it on the hair.


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The Fifteen Best Comics Characters of All-Time (Part 1, 15-11)
15. Hans von Hammer "The Hammer of Hell"
"The sky is the killer of us all."
A haunted, troubled yet duty-bound man surrounded by war and murder, much of it his own making, Hans von Hammer was a World War I flying ace based on the Red Baron called to kill and kill again, after which new nighmares of death joined the previous ones during his sleeping hours. He once befriended a wolf in the Black Forest, because the both of them are both killers, and that wolf was his only real friend.
In that sense, von Hammer was a tragic and somewhat pitiful person, an example of the very broken people that war creates on the one hand, an honorable man with a strong sense of duty on the other. Hans von Hammer had noble and chivalrous instincts: he saluted enemies even after he killed them, and refused to shoot and kill even an unarmed foe.
Enemy Ace's strip was extraordinary for many reasons, not the least of which was the tragic, morally conflicted character of von Hammer himself. It was an American strip featuring a German Ace. It was the first true strip of the Vietnam era: it showed the exhaustion and disgust with war, and none of them had happy endings. It was a dark, evocative strip with art by Gil Kane and featured antagonists like the hideously disfigured French Ace, the Hangman.
BEST COMICS: STAR-SPANGLED WAR STORIES #148 features the death of a dog, but that's not the only reason to like it. Von Hammer befriends a dog, Schatzi, who dies when he falls out of von Hammer's biplane. In revenge, von Hammer coldly and methodically massacres a platoon of British soldiers. Honor, senseless blood-killing that is shown to the reader not as fun but with disgust, and glimmers of humanity on the part of a lonely and tragic man. All in all, good reading. There was also a wonderful and sentimental Batman and Enemy Ace "meeting" set long after World War I done by Neil Adams in DETECTIVE COMICS #442.
14. Foolkiller
"All the days of their lives have led to this moment. They will be given their chance at salvation...to succeed or fail! It was ordained long ago in Heaven that this day they would meet...the Foolkiller!"
A religious fanatic with a demented sense of his own great purpose and mission, the Foolkiller was first introduced as seeking to kill the Man-Thing, who he correctly determined was formerly scientist Ted Sallis. "Only I cared enough to investigate his disappearance fully!" His great weapon is the Purification Ray, a nearly unstoppable blaster beam of white light only able to be wielded by the righteous. Naturally, only the Foolkiller himself is worthy of wielding it! The Foolkiller periodically returns to his tractor trailer to converse with his boss, Mike, a grisly corpse of a priest in formaldehyde that the Foolkiller himself murdered.
The Foolkiller murders at the drop of a hat for crimes like scoffing at his mission and denying God. He is a relentless pursuer that never forgets the slightest insult. The Foolkiller is nearly unstoppable and relentless: like the villains in slasher movies, he never stops, and as a fanatic he is truly threatening, ramming a truck through a diner to kill a disk jockey that insulted him.
BEST STORY: His sole appearance was in THE MAN THING #3-4, by Steve Gerber.
WORST STORY: None, as at least the original Foolkiller never appeared again.
13. Madame Hydra/Viper
"I said that we are not walking out of here into the jails of the police! The valiant outlaw called Cobra, the dedicated agent of the Serpent Crown...and the foolhardy agents of oppression...are going to end this story dramatically, as martyrs to the Serpent's Cause. That's all it is, you know, a story! A story to grow with time into a legend. A story not to be told as fact, but as inspiration! A story to breed more like me!"
Quite possibly the most terrifying, shockingly coldblooded female villain in the entire Marvel Universe, a study in the depths of human evil and fanatacism.
A fanatic nihilist, everything to Madame Hydra is meaninglessness instead of happenstance. She has no illusions about the importance of life, and holds her own with just as little value. She has the fanatic martyrdom of a suicide bomber, and like a suicide bomber, she realizes just how powerful martyrs become, as ideas that never die.
BEST STORY: Steve Englehart's CAPTAIN AMERICA AND THE FALCON #181-182. The story opes with Viper murdering the original Viper and donning his costume. Then, as she reveals the death of the original to his brother, who she intends to team up with, the Eel breaks down at the loss of the only family he ever had. All the while, Madame Hydra loudly proclaims the original Viper a martyr to their cause.
It that wasn't enough, in the very next issue, King Cobra, a guy just in it for the money, is trapped in a burning building where Viper intends for both of them to make their last stand. Cobra starts to go mad as he realizes the horror of being trapped with this madman, and the Viper's soul-chilling response is printed in its entirety at the quote section at the top above.
WORST STORY: As he did with other female characters, Chris Claremont formed a fascination with Madame Hydra, and from her chilling beginnings wasted her as just another femme fatale.
12. Magneto
If the Hulk was based on the blueprint of Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde, Magneto owes his inspiration to one of the most magnetic characters of the literature of the 19th century, Captain Nemo. Like Nemo, Magneto sufered a terrible loss that caused him to reject the idea of the goodness of the human race and turns his back on it in disgust. Motivated by a great inner nobility, Magneto looks angrily at how human vices usurp our capacity for good: how much more we spend on weapons than on feeding the hungry, for instance. At the same time, he's motivated by anger and grief that has poisoned his soul that makes his guilty of terrible crimes.
BEST STORY: UNCANNY X-MEN #150. The ultimate, definitive Magneto story. Magneto issues an ultimatum to the world: give total power to him, which he would use for enlightened purposes while they wasted their energy on greed, or face destruction. In the end, Magneto is confronted by the X-Men and he snaps, loses his temper, and kills a child (Kitty Pride, since you asked...no wonder I loved this comic!). Realizing the horror of what he did, and what he intended to do, Magneto surrenders and abandoned his scheme.
Also, read X-MEN #1-3. Everyone remembers it as a Jim Lee artpalooza that sold a trillion copies, but few people remember that it was actually a very well-made Magneto story, where Magneto was drawn from his self-imposed exile by "acolytes" that worship him.
WORST STORY: This one undoubtedly goes to that appalling dimwit Grant Morrison and his lengthy rampage on the X-Books, where he had Magneto smash half of New York and toss humans into ovens. It is every bit as unintentionally funny as it sounds. Another dishonorable mention (and boy, does it hurt to type this) would be Steve Englehart in an early Avengers issue, where he featured Magneto as a cackling Hanna-Barbara supervillain in the weakest story of his entire career, centered around that most riveting of mysteries, "Why is Magneto wearing the Angel's costume?"
And speaking of the Angel...
11. Candy Southern
Possibly one of the best-realized of all "hero girlfriends," Candy Southern was much, much more than just the "love interest" for a hero that pouted when he went on dangerous missions. There were occasions when we saw Candy Southern running Warren Industries, and she often joked that Southern International, her own company, would buy him out. She was someone that was able to actually lead a hero's team when her man was knocked out, a heroic story with a tragic ending. In one comic, Candy Southern actually accompanied the X-Men when her love, Warren Worthington was in danger!
Almost all hero's girlfriends are said to be independent and competent women, but Candy Southern actually was all those things the others were said to be, but never really were.
BEST STORY: In NEW DEFENDERS #138 Candy Southern had the chutzpah to (and I can't believe I'm typing this) take charge of the Defenders. In NEW DEFENDERS #145, when the others were considering leaving in the wake of the Angel's blindness and other events, Candy Southern convinced the Defenders to stay and not disband. And most incredibly of all, she remained in charge of the team for nearly the rest of the comic's run, proclaimed by the rest as Team Leader and Chief Executive Officer of the group, having final power over who was and wasn't in the group. She even built a new security system for the team's base and recruited new members, with total control over who came in and didn't.
Others might be upset by the inclusion of Candy Southern and would prefer another supporting cast member, like J. Jonah Jameson or Lois Lane. To them, I ask this: could you possibly imagine Lois Lane doing something similar for the Justice League? Did any other hero's love interest ever do anything that significant?
Another example of a good Candy Southern story would be her first posthumous appearance in UNCANNY X-MEN #306. She was merged with the same techno-organic being as Cameron Hodge and she tore apart her own form rather than let Hodge harm the X-Men. In her last, dying moments she confessed her love for Warren Worthington.
WORST STORY: NEW DEFENDERS #130, with Candy Southern taken hostage. She's not that kind of hero's girlfriend.
More to come! Stay tuned for 10-6!
Labels: Comics
A religious fanatic with a demented sense of his own great purpose and mission...
I like him already.
Although maybe he should be called "Heathen-killer" or something, because based on that goofy outfit, he should turn the gun on himself.
Wow, did Magneto really kill Kitty Pryde? I didn't last long after Byrne left, but I thought I was around for issue 150 and I don't remember this. Why did I think Kitty was still around ruining stories years later, maybe even today?
Wait, forgot it's a Marvel comic. Of course she must've been resurrected in about 6 months.
Enemy Ace rules. One serious correction, though; the art is of course by Joe Kubert, not Gil Kane. And for my money, it's the best work he's ever done.
Magneto did actually attack Kitty Pryde really savagely, to the point where it looked like she was dead. It was a very intense and very surprising moment.
Of course, Kitty Pryde woke up and was alright, which I thought was the ultimate cheat, for reasons other than the ones you probably think.
For one thing, if Magneto did really did accidentally kill a child in a fit of rage...Magneto would have gone on a totally different trajectory as a character. He would have been a lot more penitent, more self-reflective, and it would have been very interesting to see that from a supposed "villain." And it would have given a reason for the X-Men to never stop pursuing him. You don't just kill a kid and get to walk away.
As it was, Kitty "being okay" was a cheat that made a monkey out of the drama of that moment, and also led to one of the stupidest denouments to an X-Men story: Kitty Pryde claimed to be able to raise the blackbird with her "Force powers." Of course, it was really Colossus or something lifting it out of view. Har-Har!
This "all in a day's work" ending was especially out of place for a story as intense as #150. That's like ending a submarine drama with a fart gag and everyone laughing in unison.
...and need I say the obvious? Was Kitty really so wonderful alive? Really? Dead, she's a saint that's remembered fondly. Alive, she's Wesley friggin Crusher.
A dozen X-Men have died over the years, and the one that's still alive today is Kitty Pryde. (Granted, four of those were Jean Grey, but still.) No justice, I tell you. None! And Kitty was attacked by Magneto, no less, the most powerful mutant ever, who was shooting to kill! You don't walk away from something like that...
(Also, did I say Kane? I knew it was Kubert.)
Eduardo M. said...
As I've mentioned before Kitty pryde recently died during the Breakworld storyline in X-Men. However, her death was so unclear I wouldn't be surprised if someone was not a typewriter as we speak, writing her return. "Shadowcat" Reborn" anyone?
Magneto's insane moment at the end of Morrison's run was undone by a retcon stating the mutant Xorn that Mags was impersonating was in fact REALLY the mutant Xorn impersonating Magneto. I know, its headache inducing.
A great Candy Southern moment for me was a 90s X-Men story that laid the seeds for Phalanx Covenant and had her returning from her apparent death. Archangel was freaking out over the fact he thought she died peacefully when machines keeping her alive were wrecked by Cameron Hodge but in reality she woke up for a brief moment and saw Archangel battling Hodge. Hodge returned along with Candy but Warren's lady love sacrificed herself to help him defeat Hodge. As she lay dying again, she told Archangel she did not hate him for failing to rescue her and that she still loved him.
The Fifteen Best Comics Characters of All-Time (Pa...
What I love and hate about the Golden Age of Comic...
The coming of the Arockalypse
Star Trek aliens I'd like to see more of


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Sustainability Across POET's Footprint
By Erin Smith
Sustainability is not a new word for POET. In every aspect of what we do, POET strives to find a better, cleaner, more innovative way to produce our suite of plant-based, Earth-friendly bioproducts. POET encourages team members to bring ideas forward to help continuously improve our production processes, and our team has capacity to update our facilities as new ideas come forward. Here is a look at a few of the numerous ways POET strives to be a leader in sustainability.
Cytiva/TerraCycle
Recently, POET partnered with Cytiva, a global life sciences leader, to launch a sustainability program focused around recycling lab materials. Cytiva, working with TerraCycle to create this initiative, will recycle the plastic filters used by POET to prepare fermentation samples. Five POET plants are assisting in beta testing of this program.
The plastic filters insert into syringes (without needles) and are used in testing various bioethanol fermentation samples. One filter is used per sample and each POET bioprocessing facility conducts hundreds of samples each week. Prior to Cytiva's initiative, the plastic filters could not be recycled because of the nonhazardous biomass trapped inside. This program developed by Cytiva and Terracycle allows these filters to be recycled, reducing the amount of plastic waste created.
"Sustainability is an important business imperative for Cytiva, and we believe this program will inspire others in the life sciences industry to follow suite," said Dan McElroy, Product Manager at Cytiva.
POET Biorefining – Caro is one of five plants that participated in a trial run of the program. Nicholas Bauerschmidt, a Quality Manager at the Caro bioprocessing facility, oversaw the trial run of the program and gave feedback for its improvement.
Nicholas Bauerschmidt, a Quality Manager at the Caro bioprocessing facility, oversaw the trial run of the program
"Sustainable practices, like recycling, are really important at all of POET's facilities," said Bauerschmidt. "Because of the unique nature of our filters, we've been unable to recycle them in the past. We're grateful for Cytiva's program that allows us to further decrease our environmental footprint and repurpose a product that would have otherwise ended up in the landfill. It goes to the heart of our mission to be good stewards
of the environment."
POET strives to continually develop new ways to increase sustainability at all bioprocessing facilities. Team members, like Bauerschmidt, are encouraged to find new, innovative ways to make processes and projects streamlined and as efficient as possible.
Steam-Powered Turbines
In 2017, POET installed its first steam-powered turbine at POET Bioprocessing — Portland. Similar to many other POET ventures, the concept of steam-powered turbines stemmed from a team member and was designed and constructed by POET engineers. This particular endeavor was just one more step in POET's mission towards sustainability and becoming more self-sufficient.
For Ty Schoellerman, POET Process Engineer II, the rewards of the turbines are more than just short-term.
"The immediate benefits include the increased efficiency and electrical savings. But the longer we utilize this technology, the more benefits expound. Long-term use of the steam turbines reduces our facilities' dependence on electricity and improves plant efficiency which expands into bioethanol markets by reducing POET's carbon intensity score."
Ty Schoellerman, POET Process Engineer II, works on steam-powered turbines at POET Bioprocessing — Hudson
To date, 16 turbines have been installed in 15 of POET's bioprocessing facilities. The turbines are designed to capture excess steam and convert it into electricity to help power the plant. The steam then exits the turbines and is used in the creation process of bioethanol. The turbines reduce the electricity consumed by the plant, allow the plant to reuse its own energy more efficiently, reduce emissions and cut down POET's carbon footprint.
"The turbines help with overall plant efficiency by utilizing more of the steam energy for our facilities," said Schoellerman.
Each steam turbine powers a generator which produces an average of three megawatts of electricity per facility, totaling 50 megawatts per year, which is enough electricity to power around 2,000 homes.
Total Water Recovery
Another of POET's sustainability initiatives includes Total Water Recovery (TWR). This patented process continuously filters, treats and recycles water used in the bioethanol production process. This internal water recycling program essentially eliminates liquid discharge from POET's network of bioprocessing facilities with the TWR system; the only exceptions being steam and any water present in the bioproducts produced in the facility.
When Joseph Fuhr, POET Process Engineer I, talks about TWR, the benefits of the program are undeniable.
Joseph Fuhr, POET Process Engineer I, examines Total Water Recovery system at POET Biorefining — Hudson.
"Both the short-term and long-term benefits blend into one in my opinion. We are lowering our water consumption on a large scale across the fleet, as well as reducing the amount of discharge treatment required by community systems."
Twenty POET bioprocessing facilities have installed TWR since it was first implemented at POET Bioprocessing – Hudson in 2010. TWR reduces water use and waste water discharge used for the production of bioethanol and bioproducts within the plants.
"Total Water Recovery is another excellent example of how POET never stops innovating and using the most out of what we have available to us," said Fuhr. "By reducing our water consumption across the fleet, we are taking fewer renewable resources from the Earth.
As a result of the water recycling initiative, POET facilities have reduced their water consumption by approximately 33 percent.
An Example of Responsibility and Innovation
For over thirty years, POET has continuously researched and implemented creative, cost-effective sustainability initiatives. POET strives to utilize every bushel of corn to its fullest potential. From the starch used to produce bioethanol, to corn oil in asphalt rejuvenators, to protein and fiber in animal feeds, nothing goes to waste.
POET leads an already green-focused industry into the future of sustainability. Combating climate change is the mission of every person who calls our planet home, and POET is proud to set an example of responsibility and innovation, both in the bioproducts produced as well as the processes and facilities used to produce them.
Out of Left Field: The Three Trees
By Scott Johnson, A Thinker of Thoughts
SPRING 2021 ISSUE
POET Rolls Out Co-product for Renewable Diesel Feedstock
Mechanics Corner: Bioethanol: Try It for Yourself
Russ Evans, Under the Hood Radio Show Host and Mechanic


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On The Rise Video of the Week
Kendrick Lamar talks past Def Jam deal
Dr. Dre is doing much better, since aneurysm, and is already back in the studio, with his friend sharing a photo of the crew back in the lab [PHOTO]
Jeffree Star Denies Sleeping With Kanye West But Says There Are a Wild Amount of Rappers Shooting Their Shot in His DMs
Kanye West is trending on Twitter, after someone creates rumors of him cheating with Jeffree Star as the reason he and Kim Kardashian are reportedly filing for divorce
Dr. Dre reportedly suffered from brain aneurysm and is allegedly in ICU at Cedar's Sinai Medical Center
HHV Editor
By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Throughout his career, Kendrick Lamar has been signed to Top Dawg Entertainment. However, the young rapper has been on the radar of major labels for years. Before his current joint venture deal with Aftermath/Interscope, which landed his own Top Dawg label with Interscope, Kendrick Lamar was signed to Def Jam.
Def Jam went through a growth in the mid-2000s, as Jay-Z was running the label. During this period of time, Ne-Yo, Rihanna, Janet Jackson, Rick Ross, Kanye West, and many others were added to the roster of the label. Jermaine Dupri also took an executive role with the label. Kendrick Lamar was also among the artists on the label at this time, though he was unknown.
MTV's "Hip Hop POV" recently caught up with Kendrick Lamar and he spoke on Jay-Z, who has helped him in his career. Obviously, the discussion of Jay-Z led to Kendrick Lamar reflecting on his time being signed to Def Jam. Early in Jay-Z's presidency of Def Jam, there were rumors of him launching a branch of Def Jam for the West Coast.
Watch the entire interview below:
Get More: MTV's Hip Hop POV, Full Episodes
Related Topics:aftermath entertainment, def jam, hip hop pov, interscope records, janet jackson, jay-z, jermaine dupri, kanye west, kendrick lamar, mtv, ne-yo, rick ross, rihanna, top dawg entertainment
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Nike, Yahoo, Subway, Starbucks and Pepsi. What do these companies all have in common? They were once known by different names.
Consumers get comfortable with businesses they shop at and brands they're loyal to. So, when one decides to change its name, it's a big deal, and it's important to be thorough so consumers don't get confused. You want to be sure current customers still feel comfortable doing business with you, while at the same time attracting new customers.
There are many reasons why a business or brand might go through a name change. Perhaps the name is holding the business back from expanding or maybe it has evolved to be more than originally intended.
The cable channel ABC Family recently changed its name to Freeform in an effort to seek more viewers. They felt the "Family" part of their name didn't really fit their programming anymore because of their popular young adult dramas such as Pretty Little Liars. The channel felt that in order to appeal to more viewers and speak to its target audience, they had to change their name.
Work ahead. The name change process can be long, do as much as possible ahead of time, so when it's time for the big reveal, everyone involved will be ready.
Keep your core customers in the loop. You don't want to upset your main customers, so make sure they're aware of the coming changes.
Communicate the change. Both internal and external communication is important. Keep employees informed. When communicating to customers, make sure you cover all channels—including digital and social media—especially because this is where young people get their information.


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Movie Abyss Freelancers
Synopsis: The son of a slain NYPD officer joins the force, where he falls in with his father's former partner and a team of rogue cops. His new boss, Sarcone, will see if he has what it takes to be rogue through many trials and tribulations of loyalty, trust and respect. When the truth about his father's death is revealed revenge takes him over and he won't stop until justice has been truly served.
Tagline: To Serve, Protect... and Steal.
Production Companies: Cheetah Vision Grindstone Entertainment Group Lions Gate Emmett/Furla Films Paradox Entertainment
Movie Character
Jeff Chase
Eve's Bayou
Keys to Tulsa
The Devil's Rock
Nuit Noire
The Juror
The Wicker Tree


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Home » History and Culture • Movie Review
The Critically Uncritical Remaking of Churchill
June 26, 2018 June 26, 2018 1 Comment on The Critically Uncritical Remaking of Churchill
Erin Isaac
Filmmakers make bad historians. While it is well understood that historically-based movies should not be taken for fact, film continues to play a major role in forming public perceptions of the past. Historians, realizing this phenomenon, often get caught up in the details of where film goes wrong, without fully understanding why these flaws matter. The mistakes made in movies are especially significant in films about politicians, like 2017's Darkest Hour and Churchill, because they suggest that "Big Men" make history while the rest of the world watches and supports them. This fictional structure influences dangerously how we engage with today's political leaders.
According to Winston Churchill's critics, Britain's 61st Prime Minister was "aristocratic, high-handed, self-centred, energetic, impatient, inconsistent, prone to rhetoric… [and] most stubborn."[1] Alternatively, Churchill's champions have called him "a true case of genius" with "shattering" personality. [2] To this day, Winston Churchill remains one of the most written about historical figures of the twentieth century. In addition, the Prime Minister has appeared in over eighty films in the past eighty years. Two new films, Darkest Hour and Churchill, hit the big screen in 2017 and focused on Churchill's actions during the Second World War. In the wake of a year that saw the rise of the far right in countries including France, Australia, and the United States, it is unsurprising that audiences would respond to films about one of history's most famous antifascists. However, Churchill's re-creation on film misrepresents his actions and popularity, and diminishes the public's place in the narrative—putting power solely in the hands of an old, rich, white, stubborn man. Sound familiar?
While historically-based films set their scenes within the pages of history—dressing their characters in historic fashions, maintaining the pomp and decor of past eras—they often create or reinterpret the intentions or values of their historical characters so that they align with those of a modern viewership. Both Churchill and Darkest Hour fail to represent Churchill as a man of his time. Rather, they seek to recast the Prime Minister as a man of our time. For example, Churchill emphasizes the famous Prime Minister's struggle with depression, or "the black dog," as he called it. Churchill's mental health, while not absent from the historical record, would not have carried the same meaning in the mid 20th-century as it does for a modern audience.
Still from Darkest Hour
Still from Churchill
In contrast, Darkest Hour casts Churchill as a lofty, spontaneous politician who must overcome his own unpopularity to secure Britain's sovereignty. The most problematic scene in Darkest Hour follows Churchill's escape to the London Underground where he consults Tube patrons on the matter of making peace with Germany in 1940. This fictitious event creates the impression that Winston Churchill was a man of the people, or at least shared our modern understanding of democracy, without placing any real importance on what "the public" thought of Churchill. It might shock Darkest Hour's viewers, after this scene of public regard for the leader, to learn that Churchill went on to lose the first election he called as Prime Minister in July 1945.
The danger of films like Darkest Hour and Churchill is that they encourage complacency and hero-worship in their audiences and fail to acknowledge the importance of political participation. They are uncritical of Churchill's actions and do not regard the weight of public opinion. These films choose to narrowly examine aspects of Churchill's political career in order to present the Prime Minister in one light—as a hero in Darkest Hour or as a man past his prime in Churchill. Neither film encourages its audience to think critically about Churchill's actions nor attempt to describe how Churchill was perceived in his own time.
When historical films are done well, they remind us that history is not destiny. By placing modern audiences in the heart of the drama at the British House of Commons, films can demonstrate that things may have occurred much differently had the cards not fallen into place just so. This is an important message at a time when the far right is on the rise across the western world. However, celebratory films about past politicians create the impression that the "average man" has no place in these historical decisions. Rather, the public must trust their elected officials to enact the change they want to see in the world. This is inherently problematic if the elected officials do not represent the interests of the "average person."
Films that present Churchill as relatable, a great leader, and appeal to a modern audience's values do history a disservice. Churchill, by all means, was an extraordinary orator whose leadership helped turn the tide of the Second World War in Britain, but this was not the whole story. Churchill had complicated views on democracy, wavering support for female suffrage, remained committed to retaining the British Empire by force during the 1940s and 1950s, and strongly opposed socialism. Films that present historical actors uncritically fail their audiences. They create the impression that the public's most valuable purpose is to encourage our leaders on in their valiant pursuits, rather than place any real importance on the public's role in shaping history. The film industry needs to find more balance by celebrating past politicians' successes while also critically engaging with their flaws as leaders. The next film about Churchill should contrast his success as Prime Minister during the war with the British public's decision to vote Labour in the summer of 1945, just weeks after the triumph over Nazi Germany.
Erin Isaac is a recent graduate from the University of Saskatchewan and will be pursuing an MA in History at the University of New Brunswick in September.
[1] Nigel Knight, Churchill: The Greatest Briton Unmasked (Cincinnati: David and Charles Books, 2009), 6.
[2] Phyllis Moir, I Was Winston Churchill's Private Secretary (New York: Wilfred Funk, Inc., 1941): 5.
History and Culture, Movie Review	Churchill, culture, great men, history on film, War, Whig history
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One thought on "The Critically Uncritical Remaking of Churchill"
Sue Burvill-Shaw (@SueBurvillShaw) June 27, 2018 at 4:25 am
Thanks for the review. I'd like to republish in our teacher's journal if possible. Is Active History Open Data Creative Commons? Will attribute-of course!


There may be no truth in the Bible more deeply loved and greatly cherished than the subject of the new birth. Here is the grace-centered message of a new beginning for those whose lives have been ruined by sin. Here is the life-changing truth that sinful men can be made new. When the new birth is caused by God, old things pass away—old practices, old cravings, old habits, old addictions, and old associations. Behold, new things come—new desires, new pursuits, and new passions. An entirely new life begins. Nothing could be more positive than this. It is no wonder that the truth of the new birth is so beloved.
Yet despite its great appeal, the new birth may be the most misunderstood doctrine in Scripture. Most people naively imagine that there is something they can do to cause themselves to be born again. They hear a well-meaning person say, "Believe and be born again," and suppose that they can. So they try to effect their own regeneration. But this they cannot do. In attempting it, they are like someone who imagines he caused himself to be born physically. Did he meet with his parents and ask to be born? Did he initiate his own birth? Of course not. The truth is, the initiative in birth lies outside of the one being born. He is merely part of a process that started long before he came into being. His parents acted, then God acted. And as a result, that individual was brought into the world. He did not cause his own birth to happen.
The same is true regarding spiritual birth. If you have experienced the new birth, it is not because you initiated it. Rather, it was an event that God brought about in you. More specifically, you were not born again because you exercised faith. In truth, the new birth preceded your faith and produced it. Saving faith is the fruit of regeneration, not the root of it. The biblically correct order of salvation—known in theological language as the ordo salutis—is not "Believe and be born again," but the very opposite: "Be born again and believe." The living God must act upon the spiritually dead soul and cause it to be born again. The new birth is by divine choice and sovereign initiative. God's will affects the human will, not vice versa. Scripture intentionally uses the imagery of birth to underscore this essential truth of the sovereignty of God in regeneration.
Murray goes on to write, "Regeneration is the act of God and of God alone." In other words, regeneration is monergistic, meaning that "the grace of God is the only efficient cause in beginning and effecting conversion." The key word here is only. God is the only cause behind the new birth. The opposite of monergism is synergism. This latter word is derived from the Greek word synergos, meaning "working together." According to the theory of synergistic regeneration, both the divine and human wills are active, and each must cooperate with the other. But what does the Scripture teach? According to James 1:18, "Of his own will he brought us forth"—an unmistakably monergistic statement. John 1:12–13 reads, "All who did receive him, who believed in his name … were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." This view of the new birth could not be more monergistic. John 3:8 says, "'The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.'" Man does not effect the movement of the Spirit—God does. First Peter 1:3 says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." Clearly, regeneration is monergistic, the activity of only one will—namely, the divine will.
In the latter epistles of the New Testament, this truth of regeneration appears with intentional regularity (James 1:18; 1 John 2:29; 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 4, 18). This is a fundamental teaching within the doctrines of grace. It reveals that God must implant new life within your soul. God must effect a spiritual conception within you. God must impregnate your heart. In short, God must cause you to be born again.


The UCW Radio Host Louis Velazquez had the opportunity to have the Author of the novel "Nine Lives" , Frank Say, on the show.
Say admits that this wasn't his first choice, as a child he had pie in the sky dreams of becoming a fireman or a doctor, the typical dreams that any child has, even he was surprised of his journey to date, a journey that has put his name in book stores around the world.
Having not been a top tier student during his school days, especially in literary classes, he went on to creating a great novel that has all the signs of being set for a good screenwriter to turn into a feature film.
Still having the Mead type of spiral subject books tied together with wire depicting each chapter of "Nine Lives," this is the original handwritten book that is sure to be looked at in the years to come as collectors item.
Say touches on the overabundance of new novels being issued each month, he equates it to three "Hines Field", yes the Pittsburgh Steelers have to slide into this authors overview, packed to the the rafters with each person holding up a novel, he calls it the "Wild Wild West" in publishing.
With all of the odds stacked against him, getting moral support from his family while others outside of his inner circle smirking at the fact that Say would even attempt to write a novel are now believers because as Frank Say is on the UCW Radio Show as a guest he is working on his second novel, which is being lined up as a series.
In our opinion he has all the makings of becoming one of the great mystery/thriller/supernatural novel writers of our time and we look forward to seeing him reach those great heights.
We urge avid book readers that have not picked up "Nine Lives" to do so, if you have the opportunity to meet Frank Say in person at a book signing then do so, and if you do not know much about this great author then do so, its worth your time.


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Dayton senior 'grateful' for opportunity with FC Cincinnati
Dayton's Jonas Fjeldberg led the Atlantic 10 in goals (11), game-winning goals (5) and points (31) last season on his way to offensive player of the year honors. Dayton Athletics PHOTO
By Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer
Flyers' Fjeldberg drafted in second round of MLS SuperDraft
Dayton Flyers senior striker Jonas Fjeldberg was sitting in his room participating in an online class when FC Cincinnati selected him in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft on Thursday.
He heard his roommate cheering in the other room and figured maybe he had been drafted but waited the five remaining minutes in class to find out what had happened.
FCC took him 54th overall to conclude the second round of the three-round event, and he was the team's third of four picks Thursday.
"I was super happy," Fjeldberg said Friday. "I know it's kind of like a new team, and I've heard a lot of great things about them and how they run the franchise, so I'm really grateful to get this chance."
»ARCHDEACON: Soccer star remains in Dayton during shutdown
Fjeldberg, a native of Norway, had come to Dayton hoping to re-ignite his love of the game after his career seemed to have stalled out with his club team, Ullensaker/Kisa. He had 17 caps for Norway's youth national team at the U-16, U-17, U-18 and U-19 levels, but had come to a point where he needed to decide whether he was going to stay on a path to pro soccer or continue schooling.
When a Dayton assistant randomly reached out on Facebook after stumbling upon video of him, Fjeldberg realized a path existed in the U.S. where he could do both.
"I was feeling a little stuck in Norway, like my career was not going anywhere, so I felt a change of scenery and pace and what college soccer is about would spark my love of soccer again and it did," Fjeldberg said. "I knew the draft would be a possibility. My first priority was work hard and get my love back, but that was always the end goal."
The 22-year-old said he is grateful to UD for offering him that chance, noting the atmosphere created by The Red Scare fans, his teammates and coaches, "super-nice facilities and resources around the team – there is nothing like it."
Dayton found Fjeldberg to be a good fit, too. He made the Atlantic 10′s All-Rookie Team as a freshman in 2017, and he led the Flyers in scoring with 11 goals and nine assists as a junior in 2019 when he was the A-10 Offensive Player of the Year. He posted 17 goals and 17 assists in three seasons with his senior campaign pushed into this spring because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He's listed as a midfielder/defender but plays the center forward spot for the Flyers.
"I'm good on the ball, I'm not very fast but I'm calm and creative and create a lot of chances, score a lot of great goals," Fjeldberg said when asked how he would describe himself as a player. "I have a lot to work on the defensive end, I'm a creator, like to sit in the middle and create for other people. I think I would complement the play of some of the players there (with FC Cincinnati). I think it's a good match."
The 5-foot-10 senior went into the draft feeling cautiously optimistic he could get picked but warned his parents not to get their hopes up. His dad, Harald, had been his coach up until age 14 when he made his club's senior team and had a great impact on him as a player.
When the draft started at 2 p.m., Fjeldberg watched the first round through MLSSoccer.com's live-streamed show, while his parents followed along on Twitter from Norway, but the final two rounds were only done through a draft tracker and by the time the second round began after 4:30 p.m., Fjeldberg had class and his parents went to bed. There is a six-hour time difference.
"I FaceTimed my mom and they were in bed," Fjeldberg said. "I don't know if I woke them up, but they were excited for me."
A short time later, FC Cincinnati Director of Scouting and Player Recruitment Hunter Freeman called Fjeldberg. It was the first time he had spoken to anyone from the club, though Dayton coach Dennis Currier had been contacted about him prior to the draft, according to Fjeldberg.
Fjeldberg said he already knew a lot about FC Cincinnati but did more research after the draft.
"(Head coach) Jaap Stam is a legend in Europe," Fjeldberg said. "I grew up admiring him, I love his playing style and I bet he's a great coach too. I'm just very humbled and honored to be part of what he's doing."
His time with FCC won't start right away, though. Fjeldberg will get a chance to play with the Flyers this spring, thanks to a unique rule MLS added this season to allow teams two off-roster spots so some players can finish out their college careers.
Fjeldberg, who would occupy a precious international slot on the roster, will be meeting with club staff next week but said the plan is for him to join FCC in May. He hasn't played a competitive game since last summer with the Dayton Dutch Lions, aside from an intra-squad game UD played in the fall.
Dayton had its first practice Friday and the season begins Feb. 20. Meanwhile, MLS hasn't yet announced a start date for the season, as the league tries to assess when fans might be able to return to the stands.
"I get a season under my belt playing games so I get to be super fit when I go," Fjeldberg said. "So, it's really nice I get to finish with my team. We have a really talented team, great coaching staff, and we have a good thing going on with our competitiveness. Our goal is to win a championship, and I think we have a great chance of doing that."
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