Thursday, August 14, 2008 - 2:59 PM CDT
Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal - by John Vomhof Staff Writer
PreVu Inc., formerly known as Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc., announced Thursday that it is going out of business.
Brooklyn Park-based PreVu “has been unable to obtain the capital or other financing necessary to pursue the mall accessories store concept and continue its operations on a long-term basis,” the specialty retailer said in a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing.
The company plans to fully liquidate its 100 mall stores by the end of October.
In July, Wilsons sold its name, online operations and 116 outlet stores to New York-based sportswear maker G-III Apparel Group for $22.3 million. Wilsons changed its name to PreVu as part of the deal.
In recent years, Wilsons had started shifting its focus away from jackets and other high-end leather goods toward purses and other accessories, but the updated concept never gained traction.
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Can't say I'm surprised, it was only a matter of time, but I am actually a little sad for them. They could have had a great business if they didn't have such crappy leaders.
Showing posts with label In the News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label In the News. Show all posts
Friday, August 15, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
John Edwards is a Slimball
I knew it. I just knew it. There was something about that man that made me feel all creepy and icky inside. I remember telling a few people how I thought he was a creep, and it was probably only a matter of time before some sex scandal broke about him.
Well, once again my instincts are right. Even with people that I don't know! I have to admit, I felt sort of bad for judging him a slimball as early as I did, but now I am glad that I did! What is it with senators and just men in DC that can't keep their dick in their pants? Seriously. It really isn't that hard. If you take an oath of marriage, then you should take it seriously. Otherwise, don't frickin' get married and you can boink whoever the hell you want. What a bastard. Wife has cancer, and all he can say is that he stuck his cock in someone else while his wife was in "remission". As if that makes him look like less of a slimball because "at least he didn't cheat when she was going through all the therapy." Whatever. He's a nasty bastard and I'm glad I never supported him.
Seriously, it seems to be an acceptable trend to allow the people who "run our country" do whatever nasty thing they want with whoever they want and they stay in the positions we put them in. Come on, it's not hard to go home and spank it when you need to if your wife won't put out. Besides, there are plenty of toys you can enlist to help you along as well.
I'm more irritated by how, yet another lying bastard in Washington can't even keep his own immoral shit hidden while he travels the country talking about morality. Maybe, if you're dip stick has just come out of someone's fuel tank that isn't your wife, just maybe, you should cut out that part of your speech that talks about family togetherness, and bringing back the honesty to Washington.
Well, once again my instincts are right. Even with people that I don't know! I have to admit, I felt sort of bad for judging him a slimball as early as I did, but now I am glad that I did! What is it with senators and just men in DC that can't keep their dick in their pants? Seriously. It really isn't that hard. If you take an oath of marriage, then you should take it seriously. Otherwise, don't frickin' get married and you can boink whoever the hell you want. What a bastard. Wife has cancer, and all he can say is that he stuck his cock in someone else while his wife was in "remission". As if that makes him look like less of a slimball because "at least he didn't cheat when she was going through all the therapy." Whatever. He's a nasty bastard and I'm glad I never supported him.
Seriously, it seems to be an acceptable trend to allow the people who "run our country" do whatever nasty thing they want with whoever they want and they stay in the positions we put them in. Come on, it's not hard to go home and spank it when you need to if your wife won't put out. Besides, there are plenty of toys you can enlist to help you along as well.
I'm more irritated by how, yet another lying bastard in Washington can't even keep his own immoral shit hidden while he travels the country talking about morality. Maybe, if you're dip stick has just come out of someone's fuel tank that isn't your wife, just maybe, you should cut out that part of your speech that talks about family togetherness, and bringing back the honesty to Washington.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
YULK
Girl's twin is found inside her stomach
Doctors in Greece removed embryonic growth from 9-year-old
The Associated Press
updated 7:45 a.m. CT, Thurs., May. 15, 2008
ATHENS, Greece - A 9-year-old girl who went to the hospital in central Greece suffering from stomach pains was found to be carrying her embryonic twin, doctors said Thursday.
Doctors at Larissa General Hospital examined the girl and surgically removed a growth they later discovered was an embryo about six centimeters (more than two inches) long.
"They could see on the right side that her belly was swollen, but they couldn't suspect that this tumor would hide an embryo," hospital director Iakovos Brouskelis said.
The girl has made a full recovery, he said.
Andreas Markou, head of the hospital's pediatric department, said the embryo was a formed fetus with a head, hair and eyes, but no brain or umbilical cord.
Markou said cases where one of a set of twins absorbs the other in the womb occurs in one of 500,000 live births.
The girl's family did not want to be identified, hospital officials said.
Doctors in Greece removed embryonic growth from 9-year-old
The Associated Press
updated 7:45 a.m. CT, Thurs., May. 15, 2008
ATHENS, Greece - A 9-year-old girl who went to the hospital in central Greece suffering from stomach pains was found to be carrying her embryonic twin, doctors said Thursday.
Doctors at Larissa General Hospital examined the girl and surgically removed a growth they later discovered was an embryo about six centimeters (more than two inches) long.
"They could see on the right side that her belly was swollen, but they couldn't suspect that this tumor would hide an embryo," hospital director Iakovos Brouskelis said.
The girl has made a full recovery, he said.
Andreas Markou, head of the hospital's pediatric department, said the embryo was a formed fetus with a head, hair and eyes, but no brain or umbilical cord.
Markou said cases where one of a set of twins absorbs the other in the womb occurs in one of 500,000 live births.
The girl's family did not want to be identified, hospital officials said.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Pier 1 to Sell Headquarters Facility
03/31/08 FORT WORTH, Texas–Pier 1 Imports will sell its corporate headquarters facility located here to a subsidiary of Chesapeake Energy Corp.
“We have spent the past year evaluating options concerning our headquarters,” Alex Smith, president and chief executive officer, said in a statement. “We had three goals in mind: recouping our investment, minimizing ongoing costs and finding a quality business partner for a leasing relationship. The deal that we have structured with Chesapeake accomplishes all three goals.”
The retailer plans to continue to occupy roughly 250,000 square feet in the headquarters building and to enter into a seven-year lease agreement at closing.
The transaction is expected to close no later than June 30.
Based on the terms outlined in the agreement with Chesapeake, the transaction will be accretive to Pier 1’s earnings per share.
“We have spent the past year evaluating options concerning our headquarters,” Alex Smith, president and chief executive officer, said in a statement. “We had three goals in mind: recouping our investment, minimizing ongoing costs and finding a quality business partner for a leasing relationship. The deal that we have structured with Chesapeake accomplishes all three goals.”
The retailer plans to continue to occupy roughly 250,000 square feet in the headquarters building and to enter into a seven-year lease agreement at closing.
The transaction is expected to close no later than June 30.
Based on the terms outlined in the agreement with Chesapeake, the transaction will be accretive to Pier 1’s earnings per share.
Wilsons Leather CEO to Resign
MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 28, 2008--Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. (Nasdaq: WLSN) today announced that Michael Searles will leave his position as Chief Executive Officer on or about April 3, 2008 and will resign as a director of the Company at the same time. Searles will continue to be available to provide consulting services to the Company for six months from the date of his resignation. A search to replace Searles as Chief Executive Officer will be commenced and the Company expects to make an announcement regarding his successor within the next few months.
Searles, 58, who has been CEO of the Company since December 2004, said that for both personal and professional reasons the timing is now right for a leadership transition.
Michael Sweeney, Chairman of the Board, commented "The board of directors of Wilsons Leather thanks Mike Searles for his dedicated service to the Company during these difficult times."
About
Wilsons Leather is the leading specialty retailer of leather outerwear, accessories and apparel in the
Background on Michael Searles
From 1998 to 2002, Searles was Chairman and CEO of Factory 2-U Stores, Inc., where he led an aggressive restructuring, changing the corporate name, closing unprofitable stores and adding familiar brand names such as Nike, Oshkosh, Levi's, Lee and Adidas to the product mix.
Searles was President of Merchandising and Marketing at Montgomery Ward from 1996 to 1997. In that role, he was responsible for all marketing and merchandising operations for the $6 billion retail group that included 340 department stores, 36 Lechmere stores, 18 Electronic Avenue and More stores and seven Home Image stores. The company filed for bankruptcy protection in 1997.
From 1993 to 1995, Searles was President of Women's Specialty Retail Group, a $1.4 billion division of U.S. Shoe Corporation, where he was responsible for the specialty retail chain with 1,400 stores operated under the Casual Corner, Petite Sophisticate, August Max, Capezio, Pappagalo, and Karen Charles names and their respective outlet stores.
For nine years beginning in 1984, Searles served as President of Kids "R" Us, a division of Toys "R" Us, and led the division's expansion from four stores to more than 200 with approximately $800 million in annual sales. No longer operating independently.
From 1972 to 1984, Searles served in several positions at Howland Steinbach Hochschild Kohn, a northeast-based department store chain. In 1983, he was named President and Chief Operating Officer .
Friday, March 28, 2008
NWA adds $25 fee for 2nd checked bag
Northwest today became the latest big U.S. carrier to add a $25 fee for fliers to check a second bag. Similar to policies already put in place by Delta, United and US Airways, Northwest's fee will apply only to coach-class customers and will not apply to elite-level frequent fliers. NWA says customers booked in "full fare classes (Y or B)" will also be exempt. The change applies to tickets purchased from March 29 for travel May 5 and after. "Other changes include an increase from $80 to $100 for three or more checked bags, and an increase from $25 to $50 for overweight bags greater than 50 pounds," the airline says in a press release announcing the change. NWA's new policy come amid reports that American may be laying the groundwork for a checked baggage fee of its own (see below).
My question is, what about those bastards that say they have two carry on, but really have three? OR, those bastards that have one or two that are the size of their seat. When are they going to charge them an extra fee?
Friday, February 08, 2008
Macy's to close Minneapolis headquarters, lay off 950
| Macy's to close Minneapolis headquarters, lay off 950 CHRIS SERRES, JACKIE CROSBY, H.J. CUMMINS, Star Tribune |
| As Macy's was being hailed at the Minneapolis Hilton Wednesday by downtown boosters for its many contributions to the city, blocks away the company was telling a stunned staff that it would close its Minneapolis division headquarters, laying off 950 employees. The Cincinnati-based retailer, hurt by slowing sales in recent months, Wednesday announced a $150 million consolidation that would eliminate 2,300 jobs nationwide, including folding the Minneapolis-based Macy's North headquarters on Nicollet Mall into New York-based Macy's East. Although no stores are expected to close, the cuts are some of the biggest to hit the region in recent years, comparable to closing of the Ford plant in St. Paul. The jobs are disappearing at a time the state has had the worst six-month stretch of job loss since the recession of 2001. And the longer-term effect of losing the department store division, which has roots in downtown Minneapolis stretching back more than 100 years, remains to be seen. Macy's and its predecessor companies were some of the city's biggest boosters and civic supporters. In an interview Wednesday, Macy's CEO Terry Lundgren said he would leave to new regional managers decisions about whether to maintain traditions. Such traditions include the spring flower show and sponsoring of the Holidazzle parade, as Macy's did last year. Beginning in spring, Macy's plans to hire about 40 district and regional positions locally, part of about 250 such jobs around the country that are designed to better tailor its products to specific regions. "They'll be in the best position to tell us what are the best places to donate, because these are the places where our customers and employees are attached to," Lundgren said. "We think community events are extremely important; we think that donating and giving back to community is extremely important. All of that will continue." But many retail observers were skeptical. Without a regional division in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities market will have less significance to Macy's senior management, some analysts said. And the downtown Minneapolis store would be seen as little different from the rest, some argued. Some civic boosters were dismayed by news that Macy's North Chairman Frank Guzzetta would retire in the spring. Guzzetta, 62, has aggressively promoted the downtown Macy's store, and was widely credited with persuading Macy's management to undertake a $15 million renovation of the store two years ago. Guzzetta also has a close relationship with Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak, and the two worked together to recruit other retailers downtown. On Wednesday, Rybak said he had a 30-minute conversation with Guzzetta, in which the Macy's executive assured him that the downtown store was "very strong" and would continue its special events. The annual holiday auditorium display at the Nicollet Mall store is said to cost more than $1 million and attracts a half-million visitors between Thanksgiving Day and New Year's Eve. Guzzetta did not return calls Wednesday from the Star Tribune. "This community has been very loyal to Macy's, but the jury is out on whether Macy's can keep that loyalty," Rybak said. "That loyalty will depend on how loyal Macy's is to the community." Gwen Pappas, spokeswoman for the Minnesota Orchestra, which holds a Macy's Day of Music each summer that attracts some 20,000 people, said Macy's called Wednesday "to assure us that we would have continued support from Macy's in 2008." Some downtown businesses also were worried about the loss of Guzzetta. Said Scott Kuhlman, owner of the Kuhlman Co. clothing stores: "I don't know who'll step into his shoes. As leader of that massive space downtown, he had a lot of clout." Although rumors that Macy's might close its Minneapolis division had surfaced before, Wednesday's announcement seemed to take nearly everyone by surprise. Employees got about an hour's notice to gather in the eighth-floor auditorium at the Macy's store on Nicollet Mall, home of the annual winter holiday and spring flower shows. Macy's vice chairman Tom Cole got right to the point. "We have news. It's not good for Macy's North," employees recalled him saying. He then read a company press release. He took no questions. Meanwhile, a very different scene was unfolding several blocks away at the Minneapolis Hilton, where the Minneapolis Downtown Council, which promotes downtown businesses, was holding its annual meeting, and apparently no one was aware of Macy's announcement. A small cheer erupted in the ballroom when images of the Macy's Holidazzle parade flashed on the big screens behind the stage. "Macy's was a one-company entertainment bonanza last year," declared Sam Grabarski, president and CEO of the council. Yet at the center of the ballroom, a table reserved for Macy's executives was conspicuously empty. Plates of bib lettuce salad and chocolate raspberry cake lay untouched next to a "Macy's North" sign. Grabarski said later he was "optimistic" that many of the displaced workers would find new jobs downtown. He noted that the 15 largest employers downtown hired 1,800 more people last year, an increase of 4 percent over the previous year. State economist Tom Stinson was more pessimistic. Economically, the closing will take a toll at least as big as the initial round of layoffs at the Ford plant, he said. "This is really sad news for the Minnesota economy, but it's even worse for the people who are affected," he said. "There's never a good time to lose your job, but this is a weakening economy and these people are being laid off in a very difficult time." Tyler Rosengren, 26, an advertising account executive from Minneapolis who frequently buys lunches at the downtown Macy's, said the loss of the headquarters represented "the final stage of a downward spiral away from the Dayton's days." "It's been a long time since this store felt special," he said. |
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Seriously.
Why didn't they ever do something like this when I lived there? It's totally up my alley. My friend FWMama sent me an email with this info on it. Totally something I could win, or at least come in at the top. I used to make Barbie clothes all the time with my moms quilt squares and stuff. I also used to steel her crochet thread and crochet Barbie clothes. I even made a couple outfits out of electrical tape and scotch tape when I couldn't find anything else to make stuff out of. My Barbies were always very on trend and fashion forward. :o)
And don't worry. All that is saved in a box to share with any little girl who may be interested. Even though the other night I was thinking, I may not be able to bring myself to share them with her. I wouldn't want them to get messed up. She might have to have her own collection. I got a new Barbie almost every year for Christmas. Until my mom thought I was too old. But I still want them. I look through the collector's dolls and tell DJ he has to buy me certain ones, but he never does.
Yes, you say? Then we invite you to take the Star-Telegram's own Project Runway-inspired challenge. Our twist? You'll design for a Barbie (or any 14-inch doll) using a packet of materials that we'll provide.
Finalists will need to set aside March 1 for photos with their dolls and more challenges. The winner gets a $100 gift card to a crafts store. So make it work!
And don't worry. All that is saved in a box to share with any little girl who may be interested. Even though the other night I was thinking, I may not be able to bring myself to share them with her. I wouldn't want them to get messed up. She might have to have her own collection. I got a new Barbie almost every year for Christmas. Until my mom thought I was too old. But I still want them. I look through the collector's dolls and tell DJ he has to buy me certain ones, but he never does.
Are you one of those people who watches Bravo's Project Runway and thinks, "Seriously, Ricky. I could definitely do better than that"?
Yes, you say? Then we invite you to take the Star-Telegram's own Project Runway-inspired challenge. Our twist? You'll design for a Barbie (or any 14-inch doll) using a packet of materials that we'll provide.
Send your name and address to ewhite@star-telegram.com with "Runway Challenge" in the subject line by noon Feb. 7. We'll mail out the packets, and you'll have until 6 p.m. Feb. 22 to get a photo of your doll in her complete outfit to us. E-mail your photo to ewhite@star-telegram.com or send it to Runway Challenge, Features Department, Star-Telegram, Box 1870, Fort Worth, TX 76101.
Finalists will need to set aside March 1 for photos with their dolls and more challenges. The winner gets a $100 gift card to a crafts store. So make it work!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Today's News Events
Is anyone else freakin' shocked at the Heath Ledger news? Not like I knew him or anything, but I guess I didn't peg him for a toked up druggie. It's just terrible that his two-year old daughter is likely to not remember her father because she's so young.
In personal news.... Well, I don't really have anything interesting. I am still blowing up like a balloon. Don't ask us about names, because we have none yet. Don't ask us about supplies, because we have none yet. Don't ask us about where we're living, because we don't know. It's all so stable right now isn't it? It's a'it though. We've got it under control. Have you ever known me to not have my shit together? Nah... Panic, maybe, but I've usually got it together when I need it to be.
In work news.... Although life is stressful at the office right now, I think I'm making a positive dent. Did I tell you that our CEO isn't happy that our sales are down. Don't bother reasoning that the entire economy is down, and that we're not that bad off. He canceled our big conference trip. This year it was in Palm Springs. I was really looking forward to going somewhere warm, and I was going to make DJ come with. The conference is held in a really nice resort. I was there last year too. I'm totally bummed. Not to mention, this conference was really great last year, and we were looking forward to going and delving into a lot of the topics. The only ray of light is that I was going to have to buy a prego swimsuit, and a few prego summer clothes. So now I've saved myself some money. Even though I would totally have been OK with spending it for this type of trip.
In personal news.... Well, I don't really have anything interesting. I am still blowing up like a balloon. Don't ask us about names, because we have none yet. Don't ask us about supplies, because we have none yet. Don't ask us about where we're living, because we don't know. It's all so stable right now isn't it? It's a'it though. We've got it under control. Have you ever known me to not have my shit together? Nah... Panic, maybe, but I've usually got it together when I need it to be.
In work news.... Although life is stressful at the office right now, I think I'm making a positive dent. Did I tell you that our CEO isn't happy that our sales are down. Don't bother reasoning that the entire economy is down, and that we're not that bad off. He canceled our big conference trip. This year it was in Palm Springs. I was really looking forward to going somewhere warm, and I was going to make DJ come with. The conference is held in a really nice resort. I was there last year too. I'm totally bummed. Not to mention, this conference was really great last year, and we were looking forward to going and delving into a lot of the topics. The only ray of light is that I was going to have to buy a prego swimsuit, and a few prego summer clothes. So now I've saved myself some money. Even though I would totally have been OK with spending it for this type of trip.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Gay Hollywood: Out of Sight?
I never did buy this movie so I could freeze frame it when Jake jumps off that cliff naked. Maybe I should do that this weekend...
from EW.com
By Adam B. Vary
Almost two years after ''Brokeback Mountain'' raked in $178 million worldwide, no major studio has greenlit a single gay film. What is keeping movies in the closet -- and what should Hollywood be learning from TV?
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal's cowboy romance commanded the cultural conversation for months. Will it change nothing?
In the weeks before the 78th annual Academy Awards, Brokeback Mountain producer Diana Ossana already suspected what few outside Hollywood could imagine: Her film was going to lose the Best Picture race. ''Several people told me they knew a lot of Academy voters who just refused to see the film,'' says Ossana, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Larry McMurtry. This tragic love story between two men had dominated the critics' awards and banked $178 million worldwide. It even captivated sellout crowds in states like Oklahoma and Ohio — just not, apparently, in Academy screening rooms. ''What are they afraid of?'' McMurtry asked Ossana. ''It's just a movie.''
But Brokeback was more than a movie. It was a phenomenon that commanded the cultural conversation for months, from Jay Leno to YouTube to the cover of The New Yorker. More important, it proved that straight audiences would snap up tickets to a same-sex romance. Since then, a few gay-themed films have been released (e.g., Notes on a Scandal). But seemingly no studio — nor any studio art-house division — has greenlit a film with a gay lead character. ''I don't think any studio responded by saying, 'Quick, dust off whatever gay dramas we have!''' says one former studio head. As surprising as it seemed that Brokeback could lose the Oscar to Crash, the real shock is just now setting in: Brokeback may have changed nothing.
When audiences complain that Hollywood is out of touch with the rest of the country, it's invariably because a movie is deemed too liberal. When it comes to gay characters, however, it's out of touch for the exact opposite reason. In the past decade, America's attitudes toward homosexuality have shifted, particularly among young people.
A recent national poll of college freshman found that 61 percent approved of gay marriage, up 10 percent from a decade ago. Kids in high school grew up watching Will & Grace and can't recall a time when Ellen wasn't gay. These days, you might catch the gay romance on As the World Turns or get sucked into a bitchy same-sex speed date on MTV's Next. You could be captivated by Dr. Liz Cruz on Nip/Tuck or arrested by Det. Shakima Greggs on The Wire. And, of course, you can watch anything on the gay network, Logo, or the de facto gay network, Bravo. This is not to say that TV is perfect. A recent study by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation calculated that the number of gay regular characters on scripted network prime-time television had actually declined, to just 1.1 percent. That study didn't look at cable or reality TV, nor the total audience watching those shows. Regardless of whether the number of gay characters is up or down this year, the letters LGBT have become a part of television's alphabet soup, and audiences consume it, in their living rooms, by the millions.
While television has been fostering greater acceptance for gay people, movies remain stuck in the 20th century. Almost two years after Brokeback, the best Hollywood can do with gay content is the ''I'm not gay!'' punchlines of Wild Hogs or the homoerotic homophobia of 300. Even the ''gayest'' studio movie of the year, I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry, climaxed with stars Adam Sandler and Kevin James horrified by the idea of a same-sex kiss. Here's the weird thing: Walt Disney, the company behind Wild Hogs, is the corporate sibling of ABC, which, with Ugly Betty, Brothers & Sisters, and Desperate Housewives, is the most queer-inclusive broadcast network around. So what gives? How can TV shows be so progressive while movies seem so...old?
from EW.com
By Adam B. Vary
Almost two years after ''Brokeback Mountain'' raked in $178 million worldwide, no major studio has greenlit a single gay film. What is keeping movies in the closet -- and what should Hollywood be learning from TV?
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal's cowboy romance commanded the cultural conversation for months. Will it change nothing?
In the weeks before the 78th annual Academy Awards, Brokeback Mountain producer Diana Ossana already suspected what few outside Hollywood could imagine: Her film was going to lose the Best Picture race. ''Several people told me they knew a lot of Academy voters who just refused to see the film,'' says Ossana, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Larry McMurtry. This tragic love story between two men had dominated the critics' awards and banked $178 million worldwide. It even captivated sellout crowds in states like Oklahoma and Ohio — just not, apparently, in Academy screening rooms. ''What are they afraid of?'' McMurtry asked Ossana. ''It's just a movie.''
But Brokeback was more than a movie. It was a phenomenon that commanded the cultural conversation for months, from Jay Leno to YouTube to the cover of The New Yorker. More important, it proved that straight audiences would snap up tickets to a same-sex romance. Since then, a few gay-themed films have been released (e.g., Notes on a Scandal). But seemingly no studio — nor any studio art-house division — has greenlit a film with a gay lead character. ''I don't think any studio responded by saying, 'Quick, dust off whatever gay dramas we have!''' says one former studio head. As surprising as it seemed that Brokeback could lose the Oscar to Crash, the real shock is just now setting in: Brokeback may have changed nothing.
When audiences complain that Hollywood is out of touch with the rest of the country, it's invariably because a movie is deemed too liberal. When it comes to gay characters, however, it's out of touch for the exact opposite reason. In the past decade, America's attitudes toward homosexuality have shifted, particularly among young people.
A recent national poll of college freshman found that 61 percent approved of gay marriage, up 10 percent from a decade ago. Kids in high school grew up watching Will & Grace and can't recall a time when Ellen wasn't gay. These days, you might catch the gay romance on As the World Turns or get sucked into a bitchy same-sex speed date on MTV's Next. You could be captivated by Dr. Liz Cruz on Nip/Tuck or arrested by Det. Shakima Greggs on The Wire. And, of course, you can watch anything on the gay network, Logo, or the de facto gay network, Bravo. This is not to say that TV is perfect. A recent study by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation calculated that the number of gay regular characters on scripted network prime-time television had actually declined, to just 1.1 percent. That study didn't look at cable or reality TV, nor the total audience watching those shows. Regardless of whether the number of gay characters is up or down this year, the letters LGBT have become a part of television's alphabet soup, and audiences consume it, in their living rooms, by the millions.
While television has been fostering greater acceptance for gay people, movies remain stuck in the 20th century. Almost two years after Brokeback, the best Hollywood can do with gay content is the ''I'm not gay!'' punchlines of Wild Hogs or the homoerotic homophobia of 300. Even the ''gayest'' studio movie of the year, I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry, climaxed with stars Adam Sandler and Kevin James horrified by the idea of a same-sex kiss. Here's the weird thing: Walt Disney, the company behind Wild Hogs, is the corporate sibling of ABC, which, with Ugly Betty, Brothers & Sisters, and Desperate Housewives, is the most queer-inclusive broadcast network around. So what gives? How can TV shows be so progressive while movies seem so...old?
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
News?
So...Has anyone heard any good news lately? Hardy har har. I AM so funny. :o)
Well, as most of my Blog Readers already know, I am pregnant. (Note my weight loss ticker has changed to a baby ticker.) Sadly, I didn't make my 30 pound goal. But I was totally happy when I discovered the reason for my 4 week plateau. I wasn't failing at weight loss, I was pregnant!
My friend blac17 told me to spill the details. My response to her was, there really aren't any details. Then she sent me this list of questions. BTW, this is probably the last time you'll hear me blog about these details.
The details I will need are-
How far along are you? 11 weeks
What is your due date? April 19
How did the families react? My dad is probably the most excited. My mom, I think she’s coming around. DJ's parents… Well, they don’t really "excite", so I think they are, but who knows.
How did YOU react? Freaked out. I wasn't expecting it to happen so soon. Apparently we are fertile people.
How did DJ react? He hugged me and we cried (happy), then he told me he suspected because of some new habits I had picked up in the past week or two.
How do you feel about all this? I guess you planned it...since you had to get off your BC... Yes, it was planned. We have been working on going off the BC for a while, but we postponed a couple times. So in April we decided we were really doing it. By July, I was pregnant.
Do you want to know what the sex of the baby is? No, we can’t tell that until Week 20. But we’re definitely going to find out. How can I, a planner, not know the sex of the baby? Pe-shaw!
So there you have it. The answers to all your prying questions.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Kohl's Activates Rooftop Solar Rollout
Monday, August 20, 2007
Bears Eat Man at Beer Festival
BELGRADE, Serbia (Reuters) -- A 23-year old Serb was found dead and half-eaten in the bear cage of Belgrade Zoo at the weekend during the annual beer festival.
The man was found naked, with his clothes lying intact inside the cage. Two adult bears, Masha and Misha, had dragged the body to their feeding corner and reacted angrily when keepers tried to recover it.
"There's a good chance he was drunk or drugged. Only an idiot would jump into the bear cage," zoo director Vuk Bojovic told Reuters.
Local media reported that police found several mobile phones inside the cage, as well as bricks, stones and beer cans.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Minneapolis Bridge Collapses During Rush Hour
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20079534/?GT1=10252
So far, I've accounted for most of my loved ones that could have been in the area. Which could pretty much be anyone.
So far, I've accounted for most of my loved ones that could have been in the area. Which could pretty much be anyone.
Monday, July 30, 2007
News from Moorehead MN
lol! This made my whole department laugh out loud. These people have a lot of class. Marriage, Sex, Kilts and police. What a great combination.
Cops nab pair for sex act in public
The Forum - 07/28/2007
A Moorhead man scheduled to be married today was arrested early Friday morning for having sex in a public place while wearing a kilt, and with a woman other than his fiancée.
Nathan Ross Blair, 24, and Chandra Schaefer, 20, were arrested after police received two reports within 90 seconds about 3:15 a.m. that a man in a black kilt was exposing himself and then seen having sex with a woman on a car in the 1000 block of North University Drive, according to police dispatch logs.
According to Cass County District Court documents:
Police found Blair and Schaefer intertwined near a pine tree after a friend pointed them out to police officers responding to the complaints. All three were walking home when Blair and Schaefer told their friend to keep walking. She turned around to see them having sex on the hood of a car, she told police.
When police shined a flashlight on the pair, Blair turned around and looked at the officer but continued having sex with Schaefer until the officer ordered him to stop.
Schaefer was then instructed to put her pants on.
When questioned by police, Blair denied exposing himself to passing cars or having sex with Schaefer on the car.
Blair, 630 Birch Lane S., was still wearing a kilt and a "FOR SALE" T-shirt when he appeared in Cass County District Court by closed circuit television Friday morning.
He pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of fornicating in a public place and indecent exposure, convictions that could require him to register as a convicted sex offender.
Formal charges had not been filed as of Friday against Schaefer, 3407 46th Ave. S., Fargo, who was released after posting $300 bail.
She was wearing a shirt with Blair's first name and the logo of Blair's Disc Rolling, the Moorhead business he owns and operates, when she was booked at the jail.
Police noted that both appeared intoxicated when they were arrested and cited Schaefer for being a minor in consumption.
After posting $300 bail and being released from jail, Blair initially told a Forum reporter that the allegations against him were untrue and said he wanted to explain what really happened, but did not elaborate.
When called a second time and read a copy of the police report, he said he did not wish to comment on whether what it said was untrue.
"I'm sorry I even said that before I talked with my lawyer, and I shouldn't have even said anything," he said.
When asked if he was still getting married today, Blair said "goodbye" and hung up the phone.
When reached Friday, Schaefer said what she was accused of was not true, but she did not care, before saying she had no comment and hanging up.
Attempts to reach the fiancée were unsuccessful.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Married, Successful and Happy to Be Child-Free
A friend sent me This article and I have to say, I pretty much agree!
I have a very fullfilled life, and I have expected or tried to make another person responsible for making me happy. I'm happy on my own, and being married to my man is just frosting on my cupcake. (Chocolate chocolate chip cupcake. Mmmmm cupcakes.)
I have a very fullfilled life, and I have expected or tried to make another person responsible for making me happy. I'm happy on my own, and being married to my man is just frosting on my cupcake. (Chocolate chocolate chip cupcake. Mmmmm cupcakes.)
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Pier 1 CEO to Cut Catalog, Pier 1 Kids FORT WORTH, Texas
Holy Crap!
I can't believe this!!!!! I'd be out of a job if I were still there!
I'm totally shocked. Why would anyone shut down their ecommerce site? The most anoying thing in the world is visiting a site for a store and finding that is just informational and you can't buy anything.
Pier 1 CEO to Cut Catalog, Pier 1 Kids FORT WORTH, Texas (June 21) -- In a series of radical moves, Pier 1 Imports Chief Executive Officer Alex Smith outlined plans to exit a spate of businesses: the catalog arm, the e-commerce business, Pier 1 Kids and its outlet stores, during a conference call to review first-quarter results.
These businesses, which Smith called “an albatross,” generate about $60 million in annual revenues, but “don’t have as good a return on investment as Pier 1,” Smith said.
As a result, the retailer will close a total of 100 stores this year, up from earlier estimates of 60 units.
It’s all part of Smith’s plan to focus on Pier 1’s core 1,020 stores, without “any distractions or excuses,” he said. Pier 1 will also discontinue television advertising, as well as catalog advertising and reduce couponing. In turn, the monthly mailers will be “the backbone” of the retailer’s advertising, he said.
The retailer will exit the e-commerce and catalog businesses by Aug. 31; shutter the 33 Pier 1 Kids stores by Oct. 31; and close the 24 clearance stores by July 31.
Pier1.com will only serve as a marketing vehicle. Smith said the moves should generate cost savings of about $150 million.
I can't believe this!!!!! I'd be out of a job if I were still there!
I'm totally shocked. Why would anyone shut down their ecommerce site? The most anoying thing in the world is visiting a site for a store and finding that is just informational and you can't buy anything.
Pier 1 CEO to Cut Catalog, Pier 1 Kids FORT WORTH, Texas (June 21) -- In a series of radical moves, Pier 1 Imports Chief Executive Officer Alex Smith outlined plans to exit a spate of businesses: the catalog arm, the e-commerce business, Pier 1 Kids and its outlet stores, during a conference call to review first-quarter results.
These businesses, which Smith called “an albatross,” generate about $60 million in annual revenues, but “don’t have as good a return on investment as Pier 1,” Smith said.
As a result, the retailer will close a total of 100 stores this year, up from earlier estimates of 60 units.
It’s all part of Smith’s plan to focus on Pier 1’s core 1,020 stores, without “any distractions or excuses,” he said. Pier 1 will also discontinue television advertising, as well as catalog advertising and reduce couponing. In turn, the monthly mailers will be “the backbone” of the retailer’s advertising, he said.
The retailer will exit the e-commerce and catalog businesses by Aug. 31; shutter the 33 Pier 1 Kids stores by Oct. 31; and close the 24 clearance stores by July 31.
Pier1.com will only serve as a marketing vehicle. Smith said the moves should generate cost savings of about $150 million.
Monday, April 23, 2007
This Day in History - 1985
New Coke Introduced
New Coke was the sweeter drink introduced in 1985 by The Coca-Cola Company to replace its flagship soda, Coca-Cola. The move was intended to cater to a seeming public preference for a sweeter soft drink and to combat Pepsi's growing popularity. Public reaction was devastating, and the new cola quickly entered the pantheon of major marketing flops.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
In The News
Anyone happen to checkout the home page of MSN today?
Yep. We're so popular, they're writing national articles on us. ;o)
Here's the article:
15 Great Cities for Job SeekersBy Meg Donohue, CareerBuilder.com writer The harsh truth of job-hunting is that in some cities, no matter how hard you look, there just aren't enough jobs to go around. Since a low unemployment rate is an indication of a city with a proportionate number of jobs for its population, it stands to reason that cities with minimal unemployment rates represent promising economic environments for job seekers. The 15 cities in this list have unemployment rates well below the national average (4.5 percent in December 2006, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics). To create a comprehensive portrait of the employment conditions of each area, we've also included the mean annual wage as well as the most prevalent local industries and occupations. Local chamber of commerce and tourism Web sites are additional resources for job seekers interested in learning more about a specific location.
1. Fargo, N.D.Unemployment rate: 1.7 percent *Mean annual wage: $32,580*Industry with largest percentage of workforce: Educational, health and social services (22.8 percent)**Predominant occupation: 33.4 percent of workers are employed in management, professional and related occupations**
2. Logan, UtahUnemployment rate: 2.0 percent Mean annual wage: $29,520Industry with largest percentage of workforce: Educational, health and social services (29.1 percent)Predominant occupation: 32.7 percent of workers are employed in management, professional and related occupations
3. Billings, Mont.Unemployment rate: 2.1 percent Mean annual wage: $31,290Industry with largest percentage of workforce: Educational, health and social services (21.4 percent)Predominant occupation: 31.9 percent of workers are employed in sales and office occupations
4. Charlottesville, Va.Unemployment rate: 2.1 percent Mean annual wage: $38,490Industry with largest percentage of workforce: Educational, health and social services (39.3 percent)Predominant occupation: 44 percent of workers are employed in management, professional and related occupations
5. St. George, UtahUnemployment rate: 2.2 percent Mean annual wage: $29,770Industry with largest percentage of workforce: Educational, health and social services (18.1 percent)Predominant occupation: 29.2 percent of workers are employed in sales and office occupations
6. Provo-Orem, UtahUnemployment rate: 2.2 percent Mean annual wage: $38,490Industry with largest percentage of workforce (Provo): Educational, health and social services (32.7 percent)Predominant occupation (Provo): 38.3 percent of workers are employed in management, professional and related occupations
7. Bismarck, N.D.Unemployment rate: 2.3 percent Mean annual wage: $31,580Industry with largest percentage of workforce: Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining (32.7 percent)Predominant occupation: 38.2 percent of workers are employed in management, professional and related occupations
8. Ames, IowaUnemployment rate: 2.3 percent Mean annual wage: $36,050Industry with largest percentage of workforce: Educational, health and social services (39.1 percent)Predominant occupation: 47.3 percent of workers are employed in management, professional and related occupations
9. Iowa City, IowaUnemployment rate: 2.3 percent Mean annual wage: $32,530Industry with largest percentage of workforce: Educational, health and social services (44.3 percent)Predominant occupation: 43.6 percent of workers are employed in management, professional and related occupations
10. Huntsville, Ala.Unemployment rate: 2.3 percent Mean annual wage: $39,540Industry with largest percentage of workforce: Educational, health and social services (19.7 percent)Predominant occupation: 44.3 percent of workers are employed in management, professional and related occupations
11. Idaho Falls, IdahoUnemployment rate: 2.4 percent Mean annual wage: $32,970Industry with largest percentage of workforce: Professional, scientific, management, administrative and waste management services (19 percent)Predominant occupation: 37.9 percent of workers are employed in management, professional and related occupations
12. Sioux Falls, S.D.Unemployment rate: 2.5 percent Mean annual wage: $31,340Industry with largest percentage of workforce: Educational, health and social services (19.8 percent)Predominant occupation: 33.2 percent of workers are employed in sales and office occupations
13. Fort Walton Beach-Crestview-Destin, Fla.Unemployment rate: 2.5 percent Mean annual wage: $32,430Industry with largest percentage of workforce (Fort Walton Beach): Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services (15.7 percent)Predominant occupation (Fort Walton Beach): 30.3 percent of workers are employed in management, professional and related occupations
14. Lincoln, Neb.Unemployment rate: 2.5 percent Mean annual wage: $34,020Industry with largest percentage of workforce: Educational, health and social services (24 percent)Predominant occupation: 36 percent of workers are employed in management, professional and related occupations
15. Boise City-Nampa, IdahoUnemployment rate: 2.8 percent Mean annual wage: $35,330Industry with largest percentage of workforce (Boise City): Educational, health and social services (17.8 percent)Predominant occupation (Boise City): 38.8 percent of workers are employed in management, professional and related occupations* Unemployment rates and annual wages obtained from BLS in January 2007.
** Industry percentages and predominant occupations obtained from 2000 census.Meg Donohue is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.
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