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Lizzo Calls Controversial Bananenbar Show ‘Wild’ Yet ‘Consensual

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The recent performance by Lizzo at ⁢the Bananenbar has⁣ ignited ⁤a firestorm⁤ of discussions around the boundaries of artistic​ expression. the‍ show, characterized by its bold choreography and an array of provocative themes, has captivated⁤ audiences while drawing criticism for its provocative‌ nature. Supporters of‌ Lizzo⁤ argue that‌ the performance is a festivity of body positivity and self-empowerment, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming ‌narratives around⁤ nudity and sexuality.They point to aspects such⁤ as:

  • Empowerment: Lizzo’s unapologetic celebration of her body encourages fans to embrace thier own forms.
  • Artistic Freedom: The boundaries of art are meant to be tested, and⁣ Lizzo’s ‌performance pushes​ those limits.
  • Community Response: ⁣ Many ⁢attendees describe the experience⁤ as liberating, fostering a deep⁢ sense of connection among diverse audiences.

Conversely, critics argue that the performance blurs the ‌lines of consent and comfort, especially when⁢ it comes to ⁢audience‍ participation. Despite Lizzo’s insistence that anyone ​involved⁣ in the performance ⁢did ​so willingly, ⁣detractors raise concerns ‌about the obligation artists have regarding the environments they​ create. Key points of contention include:

  • Consent Issues: questions arise about whether true consent can be given in the charged atmosphere ​of ⁢a live performance.
  • Art vs. ⁢Appropriateness: Some argue that the explicit nature of the show​ detracts from its artistic merit.
  • Cultural Standards: ⁤ The performance has prompted debates about⁣ societal norms and expectations surrounding public displays of sexuality.

Lizzo’s characterization of the event as “wild” yet “consensual” ⁣encapsulates the​ controversy, highlighting​ the⁤ dichotomy between artistic expression ⁤and personal boundaries. ‌With ​discussions continuing to evolve, the bananenbar ⁢show remains a pivotal moment, likely to influence future dialogues about the​ intersection of art, performance, and societal ⁤norms.

Lizzo’s work continually navigates the delicate balance⁤ between ⁢artistic expression and⁤ the nuanced realm of consent,particularly illuminated during her⁤ recent performance⁣ at the provocative Bananenbar show. Audiences witnessed a⁣ spectacle that blended incisive commentary with multifaceted interactions, raising essential⁣ questions about⁢ the limits of performance art. This intersection evoked a spectrum of reactions, showcasing how⁣ artistic‌ freedom ⁢can challenge and redefine ‍the ‍boundaries of ⁢personal autonomy. Lizzo’s own⁣ characterization of the event as both “wild” and⁢ “consensual” invites ⁤deeper⁤ exploration into how‌ artists can engage their‌ audiences ⁤in ways that ​are both⁢ exhilarating and respectful says to Boys in the Band on Broadway.

In this‍ context,‍ the ⁤interplay of consent within ​performance art is critical. ⁤Key considerations include: ⁣

  • Engagement: How⁢ performers and audiences can co-create​ the experience responsibly.
  • Understanding Boundaries: The⁢ necessity⁤ for clear communication prior to, ⁢during, and​ after performances.
  • Empowerment: Opportunities for performers to reclaim ​narratives while ‌fostering a safe space⁣ for expression.

⁢ Each of these ​dimensions transformed Lizzo’s show into not just entertainment, but a⁣ dialogue ​on morality and artistry. This conversation is essential ‌in contemporary performance art, where the ⁤exhilarating nature of live engagement must coexist with ​the vital need for mutual respect and awareness.

Audience Reactions: Navigating the ⁢Fine Line Between Entertainment and‌ Controversy

As audiences across the globe tune into Lizzo’s ​much-discussed Bananenbar show, reactions ⁤have been as​ diverse as they are⁣ fervent.⁣ Many fans have embraced the entertainment as​ a bold reimagining of performance art,⁢ applauding its daring approach and Lizzo’s unapologetic demeanor. Social media platforms are buzzing with comments ranging ⁣from enthusiastic praises for the‌ show’s​ creativity to candid criticisms ‌about its provocative themes. Highlights⁣ from audience reactions include:

  • empowerment through expression: Viewers commend Lizzo for pushing boundaries and promoting⁤ body positivity, seeing her choice to engage in controversial topics as an ⁢act of empowerment.
  • concerns over potential exploitation: ‌Some critics argue that the line ⁣between entertainment and exploitation​ is dangerously thin,‌ emphasizing the‌ need for responsibility in content creation.
  • Mixed emotions: ⁣Many‍ fans report feeling ⁣conflicted, torn between enjoyment of the artistic elements ‍and ⁣discomfort with ⁣certain explicit aspects of the performance.

Lizzo’s ‍statement that ‌the show is “wild yet consensual” resonates​ with​ a segment of⁢ the audience that⁢ values consent and mutual ⁢enjoyment in performance art. This perception ⁤highlights an ongoing cultural dialogue about⁣ the nature of entertainment⁤ in today’s society, especially ‌for artists navigating sensitive issues within their work. It raises crucial questions about ‌the responsibilities of performers ⁢and producers in shaping​ audience experiences, pushing ⁣many to reconsider how far ⁤is too far when ⁢it comes to⁢ captivating but contentious entertainment.

Recommendations for Future ‍Performances: Balancing Boldness with Audience Sensitivity

As Lizzo’s recent performance highlights the ⁤complex interplay between artistic⁣ expression ⁢and⁤ audience reception, future⁤ shows ‍would benefit from⁣ a comprehensive approach that prioritizes both boldness and sensitivity. One promising strategy​ is to establish clear communication channels prior to the performance, ​allowing audiences to understand the ⁢intended themes and boundaries of the show.⁣ This can⁣ be‍ achieved through:⁣

  • Pre-show interviews: Engaging with media outlets to ‍discuss the performance’s themes and intentions.
  • Social media campaigns: leveraging platforms to offer‍ insights into the‌ creative process and⁢ what attendees can expect.
  • Audience guidelines: Providing comprehensive guides‍ that⁣ detail content warnings ‌and the interactive ⁤nature of the ‍show, promoting informed participation.

Moreover, ⁢striking a balance between risk-taking and audience comfort can enhance the overall ​experience without​ compromising artistic integrity. Incorporating⁤ feedback loops⁢ through audience surveys and post-show discussions can foster ⁣a more connected surroundings. Encouraging ​diverse perspectives within the creative team, and also considering the ⁢cultural backgrounds of ‍the audience, is essential. Possible⁤ actions include:

  • Workshops for performers: ​ Training in audience engagement techniques that honor boundaries⁤ while still pushing creative boundaries.
  • Collaborative decision-making: Involving audience‍ representatives ⁤in discussions ‌about performance content.
  • Flexible programming: ⁣ Allowing for adaptability in performances based on real-time ⁢audience reactions.

China’s AI Models Outperform U.S. Rivals in Global Race

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In recent years, China has rapidly advanced its position in the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape,‌ showcasing a plethora⁢ of innovations that have positioned its models ahead of ​their⁤ U.S.‍ counterparts. A ⁣combination of government support,significant investment from ⁣tech giants,and a vast pool of data has enabled Chinese‌ companies to unleash⁢ cutting-edge technologies in various ⁣fields. Key innovations such as enhanced ⁢natural ⁣language processing, computer vision advancements, and efficient machine learning algorithms have propelled Chinese AI models to outperform established American ⁤technologies in both ‌accuracy‍ and application. This competitive edge is not merely a ‍product of technical⁢ prowess; it is also fueled by a strategic approach​ that integrates AI into‌ vital sectors⁢ such as healthcare,⁤ transportation, and finance, creating an environment‍ ripe for⁤ breakthroughs.

Furthermore, the⁣ collaboration ‍between academia and ⁤industry in China plays a‍ pivotal role in driving AI innovation.Partnerships between universities ​and tech companies encourage ‌the rapid⁢ commercialization of ​research findings, facilitating the transition from⁣ theory​ to practical applications.​ The Chinese ​government’s commitment to fostering an AI-amiable ecosystem is ‌evident in⁤ its 13th ​Five-Year ​Plan, which emphasizes‍ AI ⁢as a ⁣cornerstone of economic⁢ development. Consequently, innovation hubs are flourishing across major cities, spearheaded by ‍initiatives such as Zhongguancun in Beijing ⁣and‍ Shenzhen’s tech parks. These environments⁣ not ⁣only attract domestic⁢ talent but ⁤also draw international​ experts, further bolstering China’s status as a global⁣ leader in AI technology.

Lessons from China’s Approach to ⁣AI Development:⁣ Strategies ‌for Global Competitiveness

The rapid advancement​ of‌ artificial intelligence in China has provided crucial ⁣insights‍ into‌ strategies that can enhance global ​competitiveness. One ‍significant lesson is the integration of government and ‍industry. Through ‍significant⁢ investment in AI research⁣ and development, ⁤the Chinese government has fostered an environment where private companies can flourish. This collaboration has lead to accelerated innovation ⁢cycles, enabling firms to translate research into actionable⁤ products quickly. Public-private partnerships leverage⁤ national resources​ to not ⁢only⁣ stimulate economic growth but also position China as a leader in ‌the global ⁣AI landscape. Other⁢ nations looking⁢ to replicate ‍this success may benefit⁤ from ​exploring‍ similar synergies, especially⁤ in fostering innovation says to Discover Turkey Forum.

Moreover,the focus on data accessibility ‍cannot ‌be understated. China’s vast⁢ population and relatively⁤ fewer ⁢restrictions on⁣ data usage provide a treasure⁣ trove of ⁣details that can be harnessed to⁤ train advanced AI models. In contrast, countries like ⁤the ​United ‍States face stricter ​privacy regulations that can hinder data ‌availability, limiting‌ the potential for⁢ breakthroughs in machine ⁢learning.To ⁢cultivate a competitive​ edge,global players ⁣might consider establishing⁢ frameworks that encourage responsible data sharing while balancing the imperative of user privacy.‍ Adopting ‍a more flexible approach to data usage could ⁢unlock⁤ immense potential for innovation and‌ drive advancements in AI capabilities across various sectors.

The Impact of​ Government Support on AI Advancements in China

The rapid⁢ advancements​ in artificial⁢ intelligence in ‌China​ can largely be attributed to ‌robust ⁤government ⁤support,⁣ which has significantly influenced both research and industrial growth in the sector. Over⁣ the ​past decade, china’s government ‌has ⁣strategically invested in‌ AI-related initiatives, focusing on creating a conducive‌ environment for⁣ innovation. this support ​manifests in ⁤various ⁤forms, including:

  • Substantial⁣ Funding: ⁣ The Chinese‌ government has ‌allocated billions‍ of⁣ dollars to AI research⁤ and ⁢development,‍ facilitating⁣ groundbreaking projects across multiple sectors.
  • Policy Frameworks: ⁢ Through clear national strategies,such as the “Next ‍Generation Artificial⁣ Intelligence Development ‌Plan,”⁤ China has articulated a long-term vision for AI,promoting collaboration between academia ‍and⁢ industry.
  • Talent Development: Government scholarships and AI-specific training ⁤programs are designed to cultivate a ⁣skilled workforce‍ capable ⁢of pushing the boundaries ⁤of technology.

This⁢ commitment by the⁣ Chinese authorities has led to the⁢ emergence of a vibrant ecosystem for⁢ AI startups and ‍established companies alike. The favorable regulatory landscape encourages rapid ​experimentation and deployment of ⁢AI models, allowing Chinese firms to refine their technologies faster than their U.S. counterparts. Moreover, the⁤ emphasis on‍ integrating⁢ AI into⁢ critical ​sectors—such as healthcare, finance, and surveillance—ensures that these models ⁣not only ⁣advance in capability‌ but ⁤also‌ address domestic challenges effectively. As China ⁤positions itself at the ​forefront of the ⁤global ⁢AI⁤ race, ⁣the ⁣role of government ​support becomes increasingly undeniable, charting​ the course for future innovations.

recommendations for U.S. Policy⁣ Makers: Bridging the AI​ Innovation Gap

To effectively address the⁢ widening gap in artificial intelligence‌ innovation between⁤ the U.S.and its global competitors, particularly China, U.S. policymakers must adopt a multi-faceted strategy that emphasizes ‍collaboration, investment, and ⁢ethical⁤ guidelines. Key recommendations include:

  • Increased Funding for⁢ Research and Development: The U.S. government ‌should significantly⁢ boost funding for‌ AI⁣ research initiatives, ​particularly into⁣ foundational technology and ‍applications that can lead to breakthrough innovations. This⁢ includes⁢ fostering ‍academic research and⁤ partnerships‍ between universities and industry players.
  • Collaboration with Private⁢ Sector: ⁢Leveraging⁤ the ‌expertise and agility of private companies​ will ⁢be vital. By ‌establishing public-private⁣ partnerships, the government can definitely help accelerate AI ⁣developments that align with national interests.
  • Focus⁣ on Workforce‍ Development: Investing in education ​and ⁤training programs‌ tailored to AI skills is essential. Policymakers⁤ must⁤ ensure that the American⁢ workforce is equipped with⁣ the necessary skills ⁢to thrive in⁣ an AI-driven ⁣economy, reducing the risk of​ a talent drain to countries with more ⁢advanced systems.
  • Establishing Ethical Standards: Ethical considerations must⁣ remain at the ‍forefront of⁤ AI advancements. Formulating‌ regulatory frameworks that prioritize clarity,‍ accountability,⁤ and ​fairness in AI systems will help build public trust ‌and avoid potential pitfalls ‍in innovation.

Moreover, fostering an inclusive ‌environment that promotes diverse voices in AI development will ⁢catalyze creativity and improve​ the quality of ⁣solutions ​produced. Considerations should include:

  • Encouraging ‍Diversity ‍in Tech: By incentivizing companies to recruit ⁢from underrepresented communities, the ‍U.S. ‍can‍ leverage a⁤ broader range of perspectives​ and‍ ideas, ⁢which can ⁤lead to more innovative AI‍ solutions.
  • Global Alliances: Forming strategic​ alliances with other nations focused ​on AI ethics and ​innovation can ‍help the U.S. maintain its leadership role while navigating ‍global challenges collaboratively.
  • Regulatory Adaptability: To stay competitive, ⁢regulatory bodies must adapt quickly to technological advancements, ensuring that ‌policies do⁢ not‍ stifle ⁤innovation while still ‌protecting ⁢consumer rights and national‍ security.

Farlight 84 Ladies Every Player Should Know

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Sunil: The Tactical Genius

Sunil is a powerhouse in Farlight 84, known for her precision and strategic gameplay. Her abilities are centered around creating advantages for her team through clever positioning and high-damage output. Her signature skill, Photon Barrage, releases a series of high-impact projectiles, devastating opponents in tight spaces. Her well-rounded nature makes her an ideal choice for players seeking a balance of offense and support. Sunil exemplifies the strength of Farlight 84 female characters, blending tactical expertise with raw power.

Maggie: The Shield Bearer

Maggie brings a unique defensive playstyle to Farlight 84. As a support hero, she excels at protecting her teammates with her Kinetic Barrier ability, which absorbs enemy fire and creates opportunities for counterattacks. Maggie is perfect for players who want to anchor their team’s defense while contributing to tactical engagements. Her skill set encourages teamwork, making her a valuable asset in squad-based battles. Maggie’s role highlights the strategic diversity among Farlight 84 female characters.

Yuki: The Stealth Specialist

Yuki is a favorite among players who value speed and agility. Her stealth-oriented abilities make her a master at surprising opponents and escaping tricky situations. Her standout skill, Shadow Leap, allows her to teleport short distances, confusing enemies and enabling quick repositioning. Yuki’s playstyle suits those who enjoy hit-and-run tactics and creating chaos on the battlefield. Yuki’s versatility cements her as a top contender among Farlight 84 female characters.

Vera: The Explosive Expert

For those who enjoy dealing heavy damage, Vera is a standout choice. Her expertise lies in explosive weapons and area-of-effect damage. Her ability, Blast Radius Boost, amplifies the impact of her grenades and launchers, making her deadly in crowded areas. Vera’s explosive arsenal can turn the tide of battle, making her indispensable in team fights and base assaults. As one of the more aggressive Farlight 84 female characters, Vera stands out for her raw destructive potential.

Fiona: The Healing Beacon

Fiona is a cornerstone for teams looking to sustain their momentum in long battles. Her healing ability, Rejuvenation Field, creates an area where teammates can recover health quickly. Fiona’s supportive nature makes her crucial for squads aiming to maintain an aggressive playstyle without risking their survival. Players who prefer a healing role will find Fiona’s abilities both effective and rewarding. She is an essential part of the roster of Farlight 84 female characters, especially for support-oriented players.

Rita: The Agile Sniper

Rita’s precision and agility make her a top-tier choice for players who enjoy long-range combat. Equipped with enhanced mobility and the Eagle Eye skill, Rita can deal pinpoint damage while remaining elusive. Her playstyle emphasizes accuracy and quick thinking, making her a threat to opponents who underestimate her sniping prowess. She’s an excellent choice for those who prefer tactical, long-range engagements. Rita exemplifies the skill and finesse that define Farlight 84 female characters.

Zara: The Crowd Controller

Zara’s unique abilities focus on crowd control and area denial, making her a tactical nightmare for opponents. Her Gravity Well ability creates zones that slow enemies and disrupt their movement, giving her team a strategic advantage. Zara’s role is vital for players who want to dominate choke points and force opponents into unfavorable positions. Her presence on the battlefield ensures that enemies are always on edge. Zara’s contributions to Farlight 84 female characters showcase her tactical brilliance.

Lila: The Tech Savvy Engineer

Lila’s technical expertise shines in Farlight 84. She can deploy turrets and drones that provide both offensive and defensive support. Her skill, Mech Deployment, brings versatility to the battlefield by creating automated defenses that harass enemies and protect key areas. Lila is perfect for players who want to combine strategy with direct combat. As one of the tech-savvy Farlight 84 female characters, Lila’s ingenuity offers unique advantages in combat.

Aisha: The Elemental Force

Aisha brings elemental fury to the game with her ability to manipulate fire and ice. Her dual powers allow her to switch between offensive and defensive strategies. The Flame Wave ability deals massive damage over time, while Ice Shield provides temporary protection for her and her team. Aisha’s versatility makes her a dynamic choice for players who enjoy adapting to various combat scenarios. Her elemental prowess adds depth to the lineup of Farlight 84 female characters.

Nyx: The Fearless Brawler

Nyx thrives in close-quarters combat, delivering devastating melee attacks with unmatched ferocity. Her ability, Rage Boost, increases her attack speed and damage, making her a nightmare in one-on-one encounters. Nyx’s aggressive style suits players who prefer to take the fight directly to their enemies, breaking through defenses and causing chaos in the ranks. Nyx’s bold approach exemplifies the fierce nature of Farlight 84 female characters.

Building Your Farlight 84 Team with Female Characters

Incorporating these Farlight 84 female characters into your lineup can dramatically enhance your gameplay experience. Each hero brings a unique set of abilities that cater to different playstyles, from defensive support to aggressive offense. By understanding their strengths and roles, players can create well-rounded teams that dominate the battlefield. Focus on synergy and adaptability to unlock their full potential, ensuring that your squad is always ready for the challenges ahead.

Installing uploadprogress with Zend Server CE on Mac OS X

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If you’re using Zend Server on a Mac and have tried to install the uploadprogress PECL extension, you might have noticed it didn’t work.  The reason for this is that the Zend Server extensions are 32 bit and by default it’ll build the extension with the wrong architecture for Zend Server.  Here are the steps you need to take to compile it correctly to make it work.  Thanks to Rob Allen for having an awesome site on which Keith Pope posted an awesome comment!  These instructions were tested on Snow Leopard (10.6).  If you’re using 10.5, you’ll probably need to change the deployment target to 10.5 in the configure command.

% wget http://pecl.php.net/get/uploadprogress-1.0.1.tgz
% tar zxvf uploadprogress-1.0.1.tgz
% cd uploadprogress-1.0.1
% sudo -s
% phpize
% ./configure MACOSX_DEPLOYMENT_TARGET=10.6 CFLAGS="-arch i386 -g -Os -pipe -no-cpp-precomp" CCFLAGS="-arch i386 -g -Os -pipe" CXXFLAGS="-arch i386 -g -Os -pipe" LDFLAGS="-arch i386 -bind_at_load"
% make
% make install

Restart your server and you should be good to go!

We Need To Talk: Communicating with PHP and jQuery

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Here are the slides and a link to the examples from my presentation last night at the Triangle PHP User’s Group meetup.  Thanks to everyone who came out to hear!

Code: http://github.com/gplocke/TriPUG-PHP-JS-Example

We Need To Talk: Communicating with PHP and jQuery

View more presentations from Garrison Locke.

tekX: A Conference and Me or Not A FurryCon

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Update: Keith Casey (@caseysoftware) decided to invalidate my title with this picture…

Foreword: If you arrived here because you were looking for info about FurryCons or Furries in general, then you’re about to be sorely disappointed.

I almost decided not to write anything about my tekx experience so far – this being only the first official day of the conference and the second if one includes tutorial day – because I don’t know that I can recall a time when I’ve ever read anyone’s “BobCon Wrap Up: Day 1″ or “AwesomeCON 2K5!” posts or even really had an interest to.  I figure most people are like me in that respect, but maybe I’m wrong on that assumption.  But then I changed my mind, and now you’re reading the result of that change.  So prepare to take a journey through this atypical conference post.

Let me illustrate my point of view for a moment.  Let’s pretend you’re super interested in attending FurryCon 2011…it’s super awesome, and all your friends are going, but you’re not sure where it’s going to be, how much it costs, and whether or not dry cleaning service will be offered, so you hit up Google for some info.  You come across SquirrelMan44′s blog post from last year’s FurryCon on how great the “Choosing the right costume” talk was and said to yourself, “Well, I wasn’t there, so I probably don’t care that it was a good talk.  I’d rather hear that talk for myself or see the slides.”  What you probably want to know is more about the FurryCon experience as a whole.  A session by session break down isn’t really super useful.

But I digress.  I think my point is that you can usually summarize 99% of these session by session things with short little phrases like “great information that I should look into,” “knew his stuff, but it didn’t really apply to me,” “awesome talk and the presentation changed my life,” etc.  And further thinking about this led me to realize that this really only serves a few potential purposes: 1) It’s a reminder for the poster about how much they did or didn’t like something, 2) It’s a vague way to provide feedback on a talk for a particular speaker, and 3) It might fulfill some requirement for work that you document your experiences at the conference so you can prove you were there and cognizant. :-)

As a side note, if your work sends you to a FurryCon, then I’d be interested in knowing your line of work as I can’t conceive of such a position.

At this point I assume you’re wondering why I’m writing this at all if that’s my opinion on the typical session-by-session conference post?  Don’t bounce just yet, I’ve got an answer!  And since a personal blog is just that, personal, I’ll share the personal value I have gotten out of this conference thus far.

This is the first time I’ve been to tekX and only the fourth PHP conference I’ve attended, but I’ve found a lot of value in this conference beyond the various sessions I’ve been to so far – which have been excellent, don’t get me wrong.  I can’t really decide if it’s the nature of this particular conference or if it’s because I’m more comfortable since I’ve been to a few, but I’ve been a lot more social than I’m usually comfortable with.

Being a very introverted person, I have a really hard time just introducing myself to random people and being the person who approaches and sticks out their hand and says, “Hey, I’m [insert your first name here],” and then starts up a conversation.  But I’ve been able to overcome this social fear several times so far in the last few days and I believe that’s a big accomplishment for me.  I attribute much of my ability to overcome my fear to the people at this conference.

Everyone has been super friendly, very knowledgeable, and willing to share information about their experiences and various areas of expertise and I’ve actually gotten to know some of them.  I think it also helps when you’re confident with your level of knowledge and aren’t afraid that you might come off as a n00b and somehow offend them by even considering thinking of asking them a question.  But I haven’t encountered anyone like that here, and I think that says great things about the PHP community at large.

It’s also a good feeling when you introduce yourself to someone and they recognize you from Twitter or an IRC channel or something and you’ve instantly made a connection on a whole different level.  The IRL experience is often incredibly rare when the fundamental nature of your industry is based upon a bunch of intangible electronic information.  It’s like seeing a Leprechaun riding a rainbow striped unicorn handing out pots o’ gold on St. Patrick’s Day.  It doesn’t happen that often, but when it does…you gotta make sure you get in on that.

So my “tekX Day 1 Wrap Up” thought is this: My experience so far at tekX has instilled me with a lot more confidence in my level of expertise and in my ability to talk to people I don’t know than I had before I came here.  Thanks tekX!  I really appreciate it!  I look forward to meeting more people and becoming an even more social PHP’er in the next few days.

If you are a FurryCon fanatic and you didn’t understand that this wasn’t really relevant to your interests, maybe you can still find value.  You should try taking off your raccoon mask or bunny mask, or whatever your furry animal mask of choice may be and get to know some of your fellow Furry brethren.  You’ll be better for it and maybe just gain the confidence you need to strike up some great friendships and make some invaluable connections.

Lastly, if you TLDR’ed me, get an attention span!  And if you didn’t, thanks for reading!

Our Built-In Bookshelves Project (With Pics)!

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A little over a month ago we started building built-in bookshelves for our living room.  We have a fairly large library of books and DVD’s and needed a place to store them all that was convenient and attractive.

We decided we would cover our empty living room wall with wall-to-wall shelving that we would build ourselves.  It certainly was no small task, but we’ve basically completed it.  It took us right at a month to build.  We also had to move the fan control switch to the other side of the wall so we didn’t cover it up, which required running new electrical wires.  We also added a second outlet along the shelf wall so we could plug stuff in.  There are just a few little details left to make it 100% complete, but it’s done as far as the functionality is concerned.

We’re planning on putting up crown molding along the top, and we’ll connect the two units across the doorway so they appear as one.  The carpet needs to be re-tacked and the baseboards need to be put back on, but that’s about it.  We also might run another outlet above so we can add some indirect lighting to the top of the bookshelves for a nice ambient effect.

It was a crap-load of work, but it was definitely worth it.  We got much needed shelves all while increasing the value of our house.

Below are some pictures of the process along with the complete product with all our books alphabetized on them.