Forum held on CSULB professor’s controversial published works

From the Daily 49er online

Colleen Donnelly Editor in Chief

Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Marching on campus in 1940s era German military uniforms, wearing yellow armbands with the Star of David and a massive letter writing campaign were a few of the suggestions brought up last week at the Anti-Defamation League sponsored forum.

The forum, held at the Alpert Jewish Community Center, was an opportunity for people to learn about the controversial works of Cal State Long Beach psychology professor Kevin MacDonald this past spring.

MacDonald’s work has been called anti-Semitic by several departments, professors and students, as well as the Southern Poverty Law Center, a non-profit civil rights law firm. The departments, including anthropology, history and psychology, have sent out statements disassociating themselves from MacDonald and his work.

The ADL emphasized the importance of the First Amendment and academic freedom and asked attendees to not call for MacDonald to be fired but rather that the university to disassociate from him. The ADL explained that because of the First Amendment, the university couldn’t punish him for his writings or the messages he conveys.

CSULB President F. King Alexander stated in an April 11 e-mail that, “Universities should be firmly committed, even at times when it is against popular opinion, to freedom of thought …” He also said that he personally disagreed with MacDonald’s writings.

In a more recent statement about MacDonald, Alexander said on June 20 that, “His views and opinions in no way represent the views of this University in any aspect whatsoever.”

An ADL member, Matthew Ackerman, presented information on MacDonald’s writing. Ackerman put together a report outlining reasons why the ADL believes MacDonald is an anti-Semite. The report included the ADL’s view of MacDonald’s ideology, his affiliations and his work, supported by quotes pulled from MacDonald’s work that could be viewed as anti-Semitic.

In the preface of “The Culture of Critique,” written in 2001, MacDonald writes, “My perception is that the Jewish community in the U.S. is moving aggressively ahead, ignoring the huge disruptions Jewish organizations have caused in the West (now mainly via successful advocacy of massive non-European immigration) and in the Islamic world (via the treatment of Palestinians by Israel).”

The ADL report claimed that MacDonald’s writings and his own personal blog are often linked on racist websites. It listed the Vangaurd News Netwok, David Duke’s personal website and Vdare as examples. MacDonald disagreed with the ADL’s labeling of these sites as racist.

“I think that the entire concept of racism as a term to describe some of these websites is a misnomer,” MacDonald said. “The fact is that organizations like the ADL and the SPLC regard as racist any manifestation of ethnic identity or ethnic interests by people of European descent.”

Don Schwartz, a history professor at CSULB, said that students are getting more involved now than ever before, such as the implementation of a student petition.

When asked if students could be mobilized to not sign up for MacDonald’s classes, Schwartz and Jeffery Blutinger, a Jewish studies professor, said that would only reward MacDonald because he would still get paid without having to teach, which would give him more time to write. Also, some of MacDonald’s classes are required in certain programs.

Several attendees supported the idea of protesting on campus in an effort to convince the administration to deny any connection to MacDonald.

About 150 people attended the forum. Among attendees were CSULB faculty, alumni and local community members.

Marianne discusses why it costs more to hire a professional photographer to come to you versus going to one of the chain studios. Here is some of her wonderful article, which I couldn't agree to more:

"Even though you pay $1.99 for a print at your local drugstore and paying for film is pretty much a thing of the past (although you still pay for memory) you may be wondering why you may pay upwards of $40, $50, $70, $90 for a custom photography print. Some photographers hear this statement every once in awhile: 'How in the world does a photographer charge $X for an 8×10 when they cost just under $2 at the drug store?'

The answer is multifaceted and has a lot to do with the time, equipment costs, artistic vision and reputation of the photographer, expertise and the usual costs of running a legitimate business.

TIME of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:

Approaching it from a time standpoint, for instance let’s imagine, if you will, that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love and is traveling an hour to your on-location session. Time breakdown:

• Session prep time (30 mins - 1 hour, includes equipment and back-up equipment checks + vehicle checks)
• One hour travel time TO session
• 15-30 minutes prep time at client’s home
• 90 minutes-2 hours with client photographing subject
• One hour travel time FROM session
• 30-45 minutes uploading time from digital cards from camera to computer
• 30-45 minutes time spent backing up the original images
• 2-5 hours editing time to present you with a diverse gallery of edited images
• 1 hour prep time getting ready for ordering
• 1 hour sorting through and checking order
• 30 minutes-1 hour prepping order for shipping and getting order shipped
• Any additional phone time or time needed for add on ordering, shipment issues, quality issues

As you can see, average client time for a session ranges from just under 13 hours to 19 hours dependent on the photographer’s level of service. This is time dedicated only to your session. When photographers charge $50-$300 for the photo shoot you are not just paying for the two hours of session time, you are paying the photographer for 12-19 hours complete time for your session.

COSTS of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:

Regarding equipment costs, a good quality professional camera with a selection of good optical quality lenses and digital storage mediums and computer set up can run from $10,000-$30,000 costs dependent on the photographer.

Even though you can purchase a really good quality digital SLR for about $2,100, there are still other costs related to photography. A good lens for portrait photography can run up $900 to $2,500. A dependable computer system with software loaded for business and creative usage can run $2,500 to $8,000, dependent on the photographer.

Then come lab costs for specialty products. A good photographer knows the lab is integral to their success. Photography labs dedicated to the professional photographer often cost more and offer a range of products that allows the custom photographer to continually offer new, innovative products for you - the discerning client.

Discussing other costs of running a photography business could take awhile so we’ll skip the intricate details. There is of course much more: including costs of running the business, taxes, studio rental/mortgage if the photographer has ownership of a dedicated studio, vehicular costs, costs of advertising/marketing, costs of sample pieces that the photographer will likely bring to your session, etc.

APPLES to ORANGES:

Often times clients will mention to their photographer that X studio in the mall/department store only charges $X for an 8×10 or they may mention other things related to discount photography chains. The fact is those discount chains make their money on volume, not on customized one-on-one service.

Did you know that in February 2007 a rather well known discount department store that started in Arkansas closed down 500 of their portrait studios across the nation? The reason is simple, you cannot make money on $.99 'professional' prints if you do not sell enough of them. Interestingly enough those same studios that offer the loss leader packages often charge much much more for their a la carte pricing (as high as $40-50 for an 8×10). The reason the big department stores began offering portrait studios in the first place is to get you in their door so that you could spend more money with them in their other departments, the true 'loss leader.'

Going to a chain studio, as a consumer, you don’t have the benefit of one-on-one attention for two hours at your home (or a photograph's studio) where your child is allowed to explore, play and be comfortable in their environment, nor do you get the experience that many custom photographers are known for or the lovely captures of natural expressions. You simply get a bare bones, 'SAY CHEESE' experience. Keep this in mind when selecting a photographer."

Is that reason enough? I hope so!

I hope this (lengthy) article helps shed some light on WHY a custom photographer is a better choice for your family’s memories. The photographs that are produced as a result of the professionalism and dedication that your photographer has will be cherished for a lifetime (or more) and great thought and consideration should be placed into hiring who is right for your family’s most precious investment.

well, i was bored at work today - although back episodes of pottercast were keeping me pretty much entertained - and i found this in my papers at work, and did a little MS Paint work with it. love it.

Click the pics for the descriptions and brief stories. :P

Here is my smoking update:

From and including: Saturday, June 28, 2008 at 11:55:00 PM
To, but not including : Saturday, July 19, 2008 at 10:13:51 PM

The duration is 20 days, 22 hours, 18 minutes and 51 seconds

Or 20 days, 22 hours, 18 minutes, 51 seconds

Note: This calculator does not take time zones, daylight saving time or leap seconds into account.
Alternative time units
20 days, 22 hours, 18 minutes and 51 seconds can be converted to one of these units:

* 1,808,331 seconds
* 30,138 minutes (rounded down)
* 502 hours (rounded down)
* 2 weeks (rounded down)

Not only can we showcase a high school seniors FULL photography session, but I've come up with variations for maternity/newborns, children, even for wedding guest books! It's an all-around versatile way to show off your pics!

Here are a few samples to get you started:

You can really see the texture of the linen paper in this photo - isn't it great :)

Right now I'm offering these little babies in two different sizes for both hard cover and soft cover —10x10 and 8.5x11 for hard and 8.5x8.5 and 7.75x10 for soft — each come with no less than 20 pages and your choice of paper - linen, stock or pearl.

The best part is - they're totally affordable! Give me a ring, send an email or jot me a comment below if you have any questions. I'd be happy to answer them :)

All of them, done in 20 minutes. The remaining six minutes were used to run from my house to the nearest bus stop. Dig that!

I worked only for 4 hours today. We have too much medical assistants @ Coastal Norwalk and I have volunteered to go home.

On my way home, I made a "quick" stop somewhere. I also passed by the Stamford Target and bought myself Gatorade, Water and Cranberry juice. I also bought chicken soup and pizza. Hours later, I got home and saw the blinking line of the answering machine.

It was the McDonald Area Supervisor. And his message was ... "he will dedicate his Saturday morning into resolving the issue I have raised!"

But since, I am ranting topic topic and because my eyes are nearly close already, let me post my progress note now:

From and including: Saturday, June 28, 2008 at 11:55:00 PM
To, but not including : Friday, July 18, 2008 at 5:39:58 PM

The duration is 19 days, 17 hours, 44 minutes and 58 seconds

Or 19 days, 17 hours, 44 minutes, 58 seconds

Alternative time units
19 days, 17 hours, 44 minutes and 58 seconds can be converted to one of these units:

* 1,705,498 seconds
* 28,424 minutes (rounded down)
* 473 hours (rounded down)
* 2 weeks (rounded down)

Will post later. Pagkagising ko at pagkapanood ko ng Swingtown!

Any openings: This cracked me up!! I love this kid!! This is an actual job application a 17 year old boy submitted at a McDonald's fast-food establishment in Florida........and they hired him because he was so honest and funny!

NAME: Greg Bulmash

SEX: Not yet. Still waiting for the right person.

DESIRED POSITION: Company's President or Vice President. But seriously, whatever's available. If I was in a position to be picky, I wouldn't be applying here in the first place.

DESIRED SALARY: $185,000 a year plus stock options and a Michael Ovitz style severance package. If that's not possible, make an offer and we can haggle.

EDUCATION: Yes.

LAST POSITION HELD: Target for middle management hostility.

SALARY: Less than I'm worth.

MOST NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT: My incredible collection of stolen pens and post-it notes

REASON FOR LEAVING: It sucked.

HOURS AVAILABLE TO WORK: Any.

PREFERRED HOURS: 1:30-3:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL SKILLS?: Yes, but they're better suited to a more intimate environment.

MAY WE CONTACT YOUR CURRENT EMPLOYER?: If I had one, would I be here?

DO YOU HAVE ANY PHYSICAL CONDITIONS THAT WOULD PROHIBIT YOU FROM LIFTING UP TO 50 LBS?: Of what?

DO YOU HAVE A CAR?: I think the more appropriate question here would be "Do you have a car that runs?"

HAVE YOU RECEIVED ANY SPECIAL AWARDS OR RECOGNITION?: I may already be a winner of the Publishers Clearing house Sweepstakes.

DO YOU SMOKE?: On the job no, on my breaks yes.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE DOING IN FIVE YEARS?: Living in the Bahamas with a fabulously wealthy dumb sexy blonde super model who thinks I'm the greatest thing since sliced bread. Actually, I'd like to be doing that now.

DO YOU CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE IS TRUE AND COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE?: Yes. Absolutely.

SIGN HERE: Aries.

since every color is almost sold out, we will have this online only version up in 1-2 days...

proses pertama x dapat ditunjukkan, sbb aku blum bgn tido... proses pertama ketuk jerk biskut tuh ngan lesung batu. setelah aku bangun dari tidur, proses kedua di jalankan..

mengayak

biskut butang hancur

bungkus

setelah selesai proses di atas, kami pown memulakan perjalanan dalam keadaan mendung ingin hujan... sampai jer mc'd jj, sangat ramai org....

masuk la jj dulu, sbb aku mmg nak beli barang pown... abes beli barang sume aku pown ke kaunter aiskrim....

"kak, mcflurry oreo satu" akak tu pown buat cam biase... si ganjil order chocotop.... masa tgh siapkan chocotop tuh, aku masukkan la biskut butang dlm tuh....

"kak, pusing sekali lagi" akak tu nengok dlm mcflurry, eh.... aper nie... hahahha.... terkejut dea... tp dea still putar la bende alah tuh....

maka, dapatlah hasilnyer.... mcflurry oreo butang.....

hasilnyer

texturenyer

separuh abes....

actually masa memula masukkan biskut butang tuh, aku x masuk abes... bila tgh mkn tuh masuk lagi... dan biskut itu sangat rangup ok... sedap jerk mkn... cume bahagian manis tuh aku x leh tahan la.... manis sangat.... x tahan aku...

tp nak ader warna warni... adoi2.... lepas nie kene perfecto lagi mcflurry nie... hehehhehe.... pakai biskut marie ok kowt, x pown biskut kering....

ahhahahah... nengok la mcm mane... klau hati kering aku berkate2, aku buat jerk nnt.... next time, sambung agi.... esok x taw la sempat post ker idak, cerita banyak, tp x der masa.... tunggu jer la

-nakiwa-

Well it's only been three short months since she was born and I can't believe how much she has grown! Her mommy brought her over to play on Friday and I was so lucky! She is such a sweet baby and so happy!

I just love her expression in this one - it's like "Huh?" :)

We even went outside to take a few shots as the sun was going down - she loves this brown, fuzzy blanket I have - she even has newborn pictures taken with it. I seriously thought she was going to fall asleep she looked so comfy!

She's probably going to kill me when she gets older for this one - but I couldn't resist posting it - Isn't this SO adorable? I know, I'm bad....

It was so much fun to relax, eat some pizza and, of course, take some pictures! Here's a sneak peek for you guys! I promise I'll have your gallery ready soon :)

Mom even brought along the bubble machine!

This one was just too cute not to post - as Kristyne would say, it's the "artsy-fartsy" coming out in me :)

I love baby eyelashes!

Here's one of this little guy being so patriotic - it was the cutest thing! He looked so proud to wave the flag - his daddy is in the Army, so it's very fitting! :)

Then a cute one of the "kissin' cousins" :)

Thanks guys for asking me to come out and take your family photos - I had a blast and appreciate your kindness! :)

I wonder if the same trend is true at McDo ...

6:09 a.m.

We attended the rodeo like we've done so many times in the past Wednesday, July 9. It was a perfect evening - sunny, with just a few clouds and a slight breeze.

Here's one I had fun with, taken during the National Anthem:

Then the action began with mens' bull riding! One thing's for sure, these cowboys sure know how to fall. They also know how to stay on! Many of them were up there on the bull's back for the full 8 second allotment! I was impressed!

Now here's a place I would NEVER want to be:

Then it was on to the girls' barrel racing! Basically these cowgirls travel a cloverleaf pattern, with three barrels set in the arena. The event is timed, where hundredths of seconds count! The goal is to turn as tightly as possible around the barrels and make the best time; but any one barrel knocked over adds a five second penalty onto your time.

This little girl was great! She was taking on the older ladies and their horses with a vengeance!

These horses were FLYING!

I really liked all the dust and her expression in this one - so determined!

If you want to still go, the fair will be held at the 4-H Fair Grounds until Sunday, July 13th! Each day has a different theme with different specials. For more information, head over to www.oakfair.org.

¡Tremendo, que cerca puede estar la amenaza del archi-enemigo y nosotros sin saberlo! Pero ahi no acaba la historia, de acuerdo a lo expresado por el diplomático se autorizó además a las firmas americanas involucradas en tales servicios y tecnologías para que dieran todas las facilidades y servicios necesarios a Cuba para realizar el entronque. Y para concluir manifestó la medida era una especie de "ajuste" a las reglas del embargo, luego de sopesar lo dicho por el gobierno de la Isla de que la culpa de la ausencia de acceso de los cubanos a internet la tienen los americanos y el embargo.

¡Ahh, ya sabía yo! Que malos son estos americanos; como se han demorado tanto poco para invadirnos (el Comando Sur tiene mejores cosas en que entretenerse) pues ahora van a ofrecernos el acceso a Internet. Sí, claro... pero ya los Compañeros saben todo es otra jugada sucia del Imperio para inundarnos con su bazofia consumista: anuncios de Coca-Cola, noticias del Washington Post, hamburguesas de McDonald, noticias de CNN o NBC, las chicas de Play Boy, las imágenes del capitalismo en Times Square y quizás hasta noticias de la Mafia Cubana de Miami. Para morirse de miedo. Pero tranquilos pues yo estoy seguro y confiado que a esta hora los compañeros del grupo ideológico de la máxima instancia del Partido ya deben estar pensando en alguna manera efectiva de proteger a todo el pueblo cubano de toda esa nefasta influencia. Seamos sinceros, esas influencias sólo son para los ojos entrenados de los compañeros de las máximas instancias de la dirección del partido y el gobierno quienes (los pobres) se sacrificarán deleitándose con la libertad de expresión que rige el Internet para así protegernos a los cubanos de a pie de las tentaciones y los cantos de sirena del vecino imperial.

Nada; sólo noticias las cuales, si nos ajustamos a las estadísticas históricas, no cambian en nada o casi nada el panorama de la realidad. Esperemos a ver como viene la pelea en el próximo round. Por el momento yo me pregunto cuando los contendientes en ambas esquinas del ring se aplicarán a mejorar la comunicación telefónica entre ambos lados del Estrecho; las cuales en lugar de dar tono de marcar lo que dan es verguenza. Y me pregunto también, si se puede conectar a un cable para acceder a internet, ¿no podrán conectar otro cablecito para los teléfonos? ¿O acaso será los teléfonos dan sonido de ocupado para protegernos de malas influencias al otro lado de la línea?

Here is one of Mark and his guys getting ready outside the church - well, I guess they were already ready and we took them out to the field! Still I thought it turned out nice.

One from Alana and her girls to compliment the guys:

The church was one of the prettiest I've ever seen. The natural light was just amazing.

Gotta love bubbles! :)

Then it was off to the park for some outside photos:

Seems a lot of brides have been wearing this expression lately during the garter "retrieval!" Too funny!

And, of course, the rings:

I chased this guy around as he hopped from stalk to stalk - it was pretty cool.

Then I came upon him - it looks like he's smiling at me! :)

My favorite are always the butterflies and moths. I think the light really made this guy extra gorgeous.

Some chickens awaiting their new coop:

Their French bulldog, Suzie - isn't she a cutie?

Their little granddaughter, who is just full of energy - if only we could bottle it :)

We even found baby toads! They were so teeny-tiny!

Then we finished up with some fireworks -

I hope everyone had fun, safe, and relaxing weekend!

Clark Polley: Spelled on various documents as both Polly and Polley, Clark was a Methodist minister born in 1812 in Connecticut; he died in New Berlin (Jacksonville), Florida in 1890. Several references to Clark have been found, including:

- "In 1846, some members of the Greene Street Church formed a new congregation. Their first pastor was Clark Polley, who preached here during the years 1846-47." (From the History of the City of Trenton, New Jersey, pub. 1871)

- "The first town school superintendents were appointed in the county in 1851," including, for Cape Island, "Rev. Clark Polly." (From The History of Cape May County, New Jersey)

- "First United Methodist Church, Mays Landing, New Jersey, has a rich historical heritage spanning the last two centuries. Rev. Clark S. Polley was assigned in 1852 as the first minister of Bethel Methodist Church."

Clark and his family appear on census records throughout the eastern U.S., including Roxbury, Litchfield, CT (1840); Cape May, NJ (1850); Kentucky (1860); Bedford, TN (1870); and New Berlin (1880).

Clark also was an inventor. In 1852, he received a patent from the U.S. Patent Office for "Improvement in Buckets for Endless Chain Pumps", and in 1854, for an "Improved Method of Operating Hydraulic Rams". Another patent was received for some type of animal trap.

Florida Land Records of 1884 (from the Gainesville office, which served much of North Florida) show Clark owned 40.3 acres of land.

Eunice Jane Polly: Clark's daughter was born April 9, 1853, in Cape May, New Jersey. Her mother died just 11 days later, so it seems reasonable to assume that her mother (Eunice Melissa Couch, 1812-1853) died from complications from the birth. Records from the Westcott Burying Ground, May's Landing, Atlantic County, NJ, show that "Eunice Melissa Polley, wife of Rev. Clark, died April 21, 1853, aged 40 years."

Eunice Jane Polly had a college education before she met and married John E. McDonald on August 1, 1877 in Jacksonville. Duval County Marriage Records show they were married by "C. Pollerg (sic), Minister of the Gospel." She was the first organist and Sunday school superintendent of what is now known as the Main Street United Methodist Church in Jacksonville. She and John had eight children. When John died in 1899, Eunice was left with six children at home ranging in age from 4 to 16 years, and she opened a boarding house to help provide for her family. 

Her obituary from the Florida Times-Union, April 14, 1924: "Mrs. Eunice J. McDonald, aged 73, widow of the late John McDonald, died Saturday night in Mishawaka, Indiana. The deceased had been a resident of Jacksonville for the past 50 years. Surviving her are five sons and three daughters, B.D. McDonald of Jacksonville; F.B. McDonald of West Palm Beach; E.A., John and Henry R. McDonald of Mishawaka; Mrs. Frank (?), Mrs. Eunice Suder of this city; and Mrs. C.A. (?) of Washington D.C. Also two sisters, Mrs. Thomas Gray of New Berlin and a sister who resides in West Virginia. The body will be brought to this city for interment."

The two sisters mentioned in the obituary are half-sisters. Eunice's father, Clark, remarried just nine months after Eunice's mother died. He married Ruhanna Estell, with whom he had two daughters.

Eunice Jane Polly was buried at Evergreen Cemetery, Jacksonville.

Her portfolio is already amazing, so I was more than honored when they asked me to take more photographs. We originally set up the time to do a "trash the dress" session, but the weather wasn't exactly cooperating. But we went about our business in another way - doing an old fashion 1950s-themed shoot. We even headed out to an ice cream shop in Holly!

However, I am happy to say, we did get a little bit of our "trash the dress" in. It was purely impromptu as we passed a field. What troopers Britt and her mom were! It was well worth the trouble for the photos I think, which turned out great!

We set up yet another time in September to get together and really trash the dress we set out in May to get dirty! Hopefully this time we'll succeed! :) Thanks guys for showing me such a great time!

In July 2007 Mc Donald launched, with Vodafone, the 'SMS Lounge' service in Germany to establish a long-term dialogue with customers and increase restaurant sales.
McDonald as an innovative brand tried to build awareness through the exchange of real value for customers. McDonald's invited customers to save money with their mobile phone just registering to the service with a simple text message. With this action people actually opted-in to the service allowing incoming promotional voucher from Mconald. The plainly of the service was manteined in the next steps: the voucher in fact could be reedemed just by scanning of the SMS at the restaurant. Statistics are clear: since its launch more than 10,000 customers have used McDonald's service, with nearly 30% of response rate. A pilot project on couponing that has shown its effectiveness and that will lead future applications.

There is a sort of provocative, if not especially deep, post over on AdAge about the state of storytelling on the internet.

The author believes the web has failed as a storytelling platform, although he doesn't do much to back it up. He does, however have some thoughts on the future:

"So where are we now? We're at a fascinating point in history where a bold group of content creators, advertisers and digital artists are seeking the Holy Grail of online content: the ability to fund and create large-scale stories that attract and engage large audiences.

Alternate Reality Games: Otherwise known as ARGs, these have become very popular within the past few years. An ARG is a story that draws the audience in through mystery and intrigue and invites them to participate in unearthing clues to solve the puzzle. These ARGs have been sponsored by brands ranging from Audi to McDonald's, along with major movie studios and TV networks. The results have been impressive, but to date the genre has struggled to reach true mainstream appeal because much of the viewing experience requires investing dozens of hours of time.

Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games: Often abbreviated as MMORPGs, these include games like "World of Warcraft." Like ARGs, these games tell stories in a user-driven, first-person manner and are incredibly compelling.

Transmedia Content: This is perhaps the most exciting of all. Transmedia storytelling refers to stories that are told across a broad array of media. A great example is the hit TV show "Heroes," which in addition to its TV broadcast has created as many as 200 websites, most of which allow heavy fan participation and collectively reveal and advance storylines that may not appear in broadcast. The results have been staggering. The web experiences have delivered viewership figures rivaling or in some cases exceeding those on television."

That's a good summary of the some of the ways that creative people are using the unique nature of the web to tell a more involved kind of story.  I think there will be room for these and more traditional episodic stories on the web.

While these interactive concepts are enticing and shiny they will only be attractive to that portion of the population looking for more involved experiences. A lot of times we just want to sit and watch - as long as the story is a good one, there's nothing wrong with that.

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-Id like the apple pie please...

-Im sorry sair we ran out of pies today

-Id like a mcflurry

-Im sorry sir, the soft serve machine is not working

-What the f... (his voice began to adopt that treble that only selfrighteous "ballers" have). What desserts CAN you serve?

- None sir, none for at least 15 minutes (Smile on her face. Her eyes gave her away as her hand slipped under the cash register potentially feeling around for the emergency button

-Bullshit!

As the preteen thug turned around I looked down a little concern for my own aesthetic face and soft brown eyes. He started walking away but just as he hit the ketchup stand, reached down his crotch in the most manly of fashions and pulled out a glock (note to the reader: i dont know anything about guns so a glock is a gun not a glock) and started shooting up the place. As my chest hit the ground and everybody scram he finished his clip. Ran out. And my heart rate raced and raced as everybody dusted themselves and kept milling around like nothing was happening.

-M. Homais