Fun With Insomnia Blog

• by AJ Glasser
• September 09, 2010 08:00 AM PT

In the April 2010 issue of GamePro, The Princeton Review shared their top 50 picks for game design schools in North America. We follow up with five of their picks, plus one of our own.

It’s that time of year for high school students when the SATs are looming and everyone’s asking “Where are you applying for college?” If you’re thinking of a degree that gets you into the games industry you’re in luck-there are more programs out there now at accredited colleges and universities than ever before. Narrowing your choices down can be tough, though, so read on for six undergraduate picks from The Princeton Review and GamePro with the info you need to know before applying.

Location: Fairfield, Connecticut, U.S.A.
Degrees offered: B.S. in Computer Science (Gaming Track)
Number of students enrolled in the program: 50
Student/Faculty ratio: 11:1
Annual tuition: $31,000

Why Them: Sacred Heart University is the smallest program in size (depending on Full Sail’s rolling numbers) and it’s also one of the newest – the computer science gaming track was made official just last year. The small size, however, lends itself to team-building skills and means a professor will never not have time for a student. The administration is in on that team spirit, too; department head Professor Dominick Pinto makes it a point to know his graduates and he’s committed to expanding the young gaming program.

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Degrees offered: Game Art & Design (GAD); Visual & Game Programming (VGP)
Number of students enrolled in the program(s): Visual & Game Programming: 35; Game Art & Design: 100
Student/Faculty ratio: 14:1
Annual tuition: GAD Domestic: $41,625; GAD International: $45,465 VGP Domestic: $35,550; VGP International: $38,970

Why Them: The Art Institute of Vancouver lets students from both video game-related degree tracks form their own groups to produce class projects. Over the six- or seven-quarter programs, these groups evolve and change, adding or subtracting members to meet the needs of the students in various classes. The only real bummer here is that students spend most of their class time in labs with super-expensive equipment-ergo, no snacks in the classroom no matter how many hours you clock in there.

Location: Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.
Degrees offered: B.S. in Computational Media (interdisciplinary degree between the College of Computing and the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts)
Number of students enrolled in the program: 286
Student/Faculty ratio: 12:1
Annual tuition: $7,070 in-state, $25,280 out-of-state/international

Why Them: Georgia Tech has a rich faculty for anyone interested in video games. Associate Professor Ian Bogost is a prime example – he’s a mover and a shaker in the video games industry, so his students have not only the benefit of his extensive experience but also of his connections in the developer community. Even if the classes are hardcore technical, this is a program that will make you think outside the box when it comes to game design.

Location: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
Degrees offered: B.A. in Game Design, Concentrations in Game Art, Game Development, Programming, or Sound Design
Number of students enrolled in the program: 195
Student/Faculty ratio: 37:1
Annual tuition: $18,490

Why Them: Columbia College Chicago manages to be a big and small school at the same time-it’s one of the largest private arts and media colleges in the United States, but it is still a private college and the classes are comparatively small for an undergraduate degree. A major plus for all you non-math-or-art heads out there is that their game design degree program features an emphasis on the theory and culture of video games, rather than forcing students to zero in on art or programming.

Location: Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Degrees offered: B.S. in Interactive Media and Game Development (IMGD)
Number of students enrolled in the program: 170
Student/Faculty ratio: 14:1 Annual tuition: $36,890

Why Them: Despite having a small campus (you can walk from one end to the other in about 20 minutes), WPI is in a prime location for game design-just 40 miles outside of Boston. The school recruits industry vets from local game development studios for their speaker series and there’s a special non-credit master’s seminar where a developer will actually teach a class for a term. Baseball-star-turned-game-developer Curt Schilling once delivered WPI’s commencement speech.

Location: Winter Park, Florida, U.S.A.
Degrees offered: Campus Degrees-B.S. in Game Art, B.S. in Game Development. Online Degrees-B.S. in Game Art, B.S. in Game Design
Number of students enrolled in the program(s): (Campus) Game Development: 395; Game Art: 357; (Online) Game Design: 450; Game Art: 116
Student/Faculty ratio: 12:1
Annual tuition: Between $28,000 and $72,000 to complete a single degree

Why Them: Full Sail is a non-traditional university with rolling admissions, year-round classes, and no concrete number of terms a student “needs” to complete in order to earn their degree, which is why that annual tuition fee varies so greatly. People (i.e. parents paying for your education) might scoff at Full Sail for being non-traditional, but as Program Director of Game Development Rob Catto puts it to us, “Take a look at our graduate pool. When High Moon released [The Bourne Conspiracy], we had 10 graduates on that game. When Midway launched [Blacksite Area 51], we had 11 on that. We’ve got two graduates at id Software right now with the possibility of two joining them. I let our graduates speak for the institution.” So, yeah. Back off, haters.

Want to go overseas for college? Here are several institutions GamePro found outside of North America with great reputations for studies in video games from design and art to theory and development:

Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden
The program here is very well respected, but there’s a catch: all undergrad courses are taught in Swedish. Higher level degrees are taught in English, however, and all undergrads are expected to speak English as a second language, so if you were planning on picking up Swedish anyway, you can make this stick. Or just wait for grad school. Check them out here.

University of Technology Sydney, Australia
The process for getting your B.S. in Game Development is a bit complicated, but both international and local students are allowed to take the two-year gateway B.S. in Information Technology. Once you finish that, you can get into the two-year B.S. program for Game Development and walk away with four solid years of education under your belt. Check them out here.

IT University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Like Chalmers, the undergraduate courses are taught in a foreign language (Danish), so you’ll have to be willing to learn a second language to get into their game design program at the undergraduate level. IT Copenhagen offers a strong student exchange program, however, so you can sneak into the English-language grad courses while taking a semester abroad in Denmark. Check them out here.

Brunel University, Uxbridge & Middlesex, England
Though their gaming program mostly kicks in at the graduate level, undergrads can take a B.S. in Computer Science under an Artificial Intelligence track that gets them on the game design path. Check them out here.

University of Tampere, Finland
The Game Research Laboratory is both a highly respected facility and a crucial component in the multidisciplinary degree offered through Tampere’s Department of Information Studies and Interactive Media.Check them out here.

Faced

Fly on the Wall would like to have been a fly on the wall when witnesses described this suspect for police artists: “He was a 20-something African-American male with heavy eyelids, a wispy mustache, Medusa hair, and a forehead like the space alien from Area 51.”

Curb Your
EnthusiasmIn spite of what you may have heard around the water cooler (or shouted in traffic), Memphis isn’t home to the worst drivers in America. A list compiled by Allstate Insurance puts Memphians as America’s 48th best drivers, sandwiched between Tempe, Arizona, and Omaha, Nebraska. Memphis does boast the worst drivers of any major city in Tennessee, however. Chattanoogans are the second best drivers in the country. Knoxvillians are the fifth, best while Nashville is ranked 21st.

Ballot Boxing

When asked about an anonymous whistleblower who claimed that the Shelby County Election Commission knew in advance about bad early-voting data, Shelby County Election chairman Bill Giannini said: “We don’t have the luxury that other groups have of making unabated suppositions and throwing claims out there.” Except, of course, for the claim that 6,000 Memphians had already voted even though they hadn’t.

Nutbush City Limits

Nutbush resident James Britt was sentenced to life in prison after claiming that he fell face-first into his pistol, sustaining facial injuries and causing the gun to go off, killing his new bride. He told police that they kept pistols under their pillows and that his wife especially liked to shoot at the walls since the house had no functioning utilities and was already condemned.

By Chris Davis. E-mail him at davis@memphisflyer.com.

The Northern Colorado Chapter of the Mutual UFO Network will host a meeting Thursday at the Cattlemen’s Steak House & Saloon, 2600 11th St. Road, in Greeley.

Dinner will be optional at 6 p.m., with the meeting beginning at 7 p.m.

Guest speaker will be Doug Wilson, Colorado MUFON chief investigator who has crossed into the infamous Area 51 in Nevada three times. He has also worked with the U.S. Department of the Interior on archeological digs and will talk about those digs and show photos from them.

Cost is $3 per person, $5 per couple. For more information, call Cheryl Gantz, (970) 339-2427.

In case New Mexicans thought they had moved on from their alien past, Norio Hayakawa reminds Rio Ranchoans that UFOs still exist — at least in our conscious.

Hayakawa will present a lecture on Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. at the Meadowlark Senior Center on the impact of “beliefs in UFOs” on American pop culture.

“It’s not about UFOs but belief in UFOs and there are millions of people in America who indiscriminately believe everything they hear. The belief in UFOs is definitely a significant part of American subculture,” Hayakawa said.

Hayakawa formerly participated in the Civilian Intelligence Network where he worked with intelligence gatherers to collect information on Area 51. Hayakawa will explain why a segment of the population insists on maintaining their beliefs in UFOs.

Hayakawa doesn’t deny aliens exist, he just wants people to base their beliefs in aliens on facts rather than faith.

“I’m not saying the whole phenomenon is imagination, but there are still some things we have to take into consideration,” Hayakawa said. “But the main point is that there are so many millions of people that are duped into believing things that are not factual or physical.”

Hayakawa is a long-time UFO researcher who has, for many years, investigated Area 51 in Nevada as well as some widespread claims about the existence of Dulce underground base in New Mexico, and has spoken in many conferences nationwide, especially in the early 1990s.

Lecture on UFOs on Sept. 14

In case New Mexicans thought they had moved on from their alien past, Norio Hayakawa reminds Rio Ranchoans that UFOs still exist — at least in our conscious.

Hayakawa will present a lecture on Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. at the Meadowlark Senior Center on the impact of “beliefs in UFOs” on American pop culture.

“It’s not about UFOs but belief in UFOs and there are millions of people in America who indiscriminately believe everything they hear. The belief in UFOs is definitely a significant part of American subculture,” Hayakawa said.

Hayakawa formerly participated in the Civilian Intelligence Network where he worked with intelligence gatherers to collect information on Area 51. Hayakawa will explain why a segment of the population insists on maintaining their beliefs in UFOs.

Hayakawa doesn’t deny aliens exist, he just wants people to base their beliefs in aliens on facts rather than faith.

“I’m not saying the whole phenomenon is imagination, but there are still some things we have to take into consideration,” Hayakawa said. “But the main point is that there are so many millions of people that are duped into believing things that are not factual or physical.”

Hayakawa is a long-time UFO researcher who has, for many years, investigated Area 51 in Nevada as well as some widespread claims about the existence of Dulce underground base in New Mexico, and has spoken in many conferences nationwide, especially in the early 1990s.

Lecture on UFOs on Sept. 14

​Chevron is facing serious criticism of its alleged efforts to evade state environmental laws and push through a proposed rebuilding of its oil refinery in Richmond. Faced with the opposition of environmental activists and some state legislators, is it a surprise that the company would choose to mount a potentially meaningless public-relations stunt?

In a word, no. The Richmond Chevron refinery is making much of its upcoming “community tour day” on Sept. 18. Are public tours of the facility, which ranks as one of the top polluters in Northern California, the norm? Not at all, according to Richmond City Councilman Tom Butt, who says the last tour of the refinery he can recall was held sometime in the 1980s.

“This is the first time they’ve done something like this in years,” Butt said. “Chevron has been engaged in a battle with the city of Richmond and the larger environmental community for years. … They’re trying to figure out a way to curry goodwill in the community.”

Seems like a good time to make that effort. Just yesterday the San Jose Mercury News reported that Chevron, chastised by the courts for inadequately evaluating the environmental impact of its development proposals in Richmond, is trying to persuade legislators to enable an end run around the environmental regulations it failed to meet.

Chevron lobbyists are asking state lawmakers — to whom they have given more than $4 million in campaign contributions since last year — to grant the company an exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which requires environmental review of large building projects, the Merc reported.

We left messages with Chevron spokesman Brent Tippen. No word back yet.

Who knows just how much goodwill the tour will curry — Butt tells us that he has heard complaints from several Richmond residents who have had trouble signing up for the event. It’s also worth noting that as “tours” go, this one will resemble a trip inside Area 51. As Chevron’s website notes,

Tours will be conducted entirely from a bus. There will be no food served, nor will there be any live demonstrations or walking tours within the plants. All adult participants will be asked to show a government issued photo ID. All bags, backpacks and purses need to be left in your cars. No still, video cameras or camera phones will be allowed.

There are legitimate security concerns at a large oil refinery, which could be a potential target for a terrorist attack. Then again, details about the facility are already laid out in the company’s environmental impact report on its development plans.

UPDATE, 4:08 P.M.: We talked to Tippen. He says the community tour “has nothing to do” with the controversy over proposed rebuilding at the Richmond refinery, and that none of the complaints Butt mentioned from people who want to take the tour have reached Chevron officials. Tippen says the tour has been in the works since last year, and was announced on the company’s website about a month ago.

“This tour has been being planned for quite some time as an effort to communicate with the surrounding community,” Tippen says, adding that Chevron hopes it will help “clarify some of the misunderstandings of what happens within this facility.” As for the limitations on the extent of the tour, Tippen says they are intended for visiting neighbors’ safety, as well as the security of the refinery.

Photo   |   Shayan

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TBO.com

Published: September 7, 2010

Hillsborough County occupational licenses filed or applied for from August 30 through September 3, 2010.

Apollo Beach
Go4it Racing LLC, 637 Flamingo Drive, Retail Sales, Internet Sales

Balm
James Nettles Auto Parts, 14801 Patsy Marie Lane, Junk Dealer

Brandon
Area 51 Tattoo Tobacco & Majik LLC, 1231 W. Brandon Blvd., Retail Store

Sunstate Medical Centers, 601 W. Robertson St., Office

Dover
Saunders, Lori, 15104 County Road 574, Assisted Living Facility

Savary, William, 12937 Country View Road, Tree Removal

Treconn Services LLC, 2208 Martin Road, Lawn Mowing, Trimming

Vida Sana LLC, 14418 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Schools, Training Centers, Colleges

Hillsborough County
Berry, Fred Jr., Street Vendor, Peddler

Carribean Flooring Inc., Wood Flooring Repair, Installation, Carpet, Linoleum

Carson, Keith O. II, Disc Jockey, Retail Sales

Cummings, Charles E., Lawn Mowing, Trimming

Effordable Property Maintenance LLC, Performs Services For Construction Contractors, Non-Structural Work Under $1000 No Electrical Or Plumbing

Forte, Shantel, Escort Service

Grblair Inc., Performs Services For Construction Contractors

Halls, Kurt A., Ice Cream Trucks

Lara Donato, Retail Sales

Manatee Asphalt Inc., Asphalt Paving

Mansilla, Alma, Janitorial Service

Marla Barbara Cordoba Janitorial Service, Janitorial Service

Nemecek, Jerry I., Performs Services For Construction Contractors

Perez Lawncare Service Inc., Lawn Mowing, Trimming

Robinson, George Allen, Peddler, Retail Sales

Sosa-Gonzalez, Regla, Peddler

Thomas, Alonzo, Landscaping Service

Williams, Samuel T., Merchandise Peddler

Willliams, Martin Eric, Performs Services For Construction Contractors

Lithia
Daisy Girl Dolls LLC, 5819 Parkset Drive, Retail Sales

Marlon & Sons Flooring LLC, 16114 Loneoak View Drive, Vinyl, Carpet, Floor Installation

National Institute Of Consumer Advocacy LLC, 15228 Merlinglen Place, Legal Research, Consultant Service

Roman, Lisa M., 5454 Lithia Pine Crest Road, Physician-Surgeon-MD

Shannon M. Houk P A, 15228 Merlinglen Place, Attorney

Shannon M. Houk P A, 15228 Merlinglen Place, Professional Office

Lutz
Acting Studio Enrichment Academy LLC The, 122 Flagship Drive, Schools, Training Centers, Colleges

Dubay, Jennifer R., 4211 Van Dyke Road, Physician-Surgeon-MD

GPM Associates Inc., 18801 Wimbledon Circle, Management Consultant

Pro Rep Solutions Inc., 18629 Avenue Capri, Technical Consultant, Referral Service

Sunny Home Health Agency LLC, 104 Whitaker Road, Home Health Care Service

Unthink LLC, 18529 Bittern Ave., Internet Sales

Plant City
Foot Health Care Center, 210 N. Alexander St., Office Professional

Girling, Martin Thomas, 210 N. Alexander St., Podiatrist

Golden Rule Child Care Center, 104 Golden Rule Lane, Child Care Center

Homer Dale Jackson Used Furniture, 4475 U.S. 92, Retail Store

Munoz, Oralia, 1808 Ivy Glen Way, Renting Moonwalks

Small Business Aides LLC, 7612 W. Four Pines Road, Business Consultant, Web Design, Bookkeeping, Tax Return

Riverview
A 1 Clean Team, 11304 Andy Drive, Residential, Commercial Cleaning Service

Alltech Computer & IT Services Inc., 10452 Crestfield Drive, Computer, Network Service, Repair, Installation

Ambiance Design Boutique LLC, 6120 Winthrop Town Center, Interior Decorating Service

BP Lawn Care LLC, 11701 Lynmoor Drive, Lawn Mowing, Trimming

Cooper, Andrew D., 13146 U.S. 301 S., Dentist

FC Remodeling And Cleaning Service Corp., 12131 Wildbrook Drive, Office, House Cleaning Service

Konsults Business Solutions LLC dba, 4420 Barnstead Drive, Retail Sales

La Petite Academy Inc. #7405, 10025 Christina Drive, Child Care Center

Lopez, Dianna Kathryn, 10203 Pink Palmata Court, Dietician

Molinas Contracting Corp., 6701 Jessica Drive, Performs Services For Construction Contractors

Pope Solutions, 11515 River Country Drive, Computer Consultant

Service Promotions Company By, 9922 Wiltshire Manor Drive, Advertising

Ruskin
Smeaton, Sheldon, 1606 SW 7th St., Trucking Service

Tichy, Alan Matthew, 303 SE 4th Ave., Electrical Contractor

Seffner
Brown, Alvin, 6908 William Road, Freight Handling Service

Dependable Construction Services, 718 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Building Contractor

Nailz By Tonyua, 11733 W. Pruett Road, Beauty Salon, Artificial Nails

Wasabi Tampa LLC, 11780 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Restaurant

Tampa
3841 Rotisserie LLC, 3841 Kennedy Blvd., Restaurant

Aaron’s Sales And Lease Ownership #c1420, 7539 W. Waters Ave., Retail Sales, Lease Furniture And Electronics

Aarons Sales And Lease Ownership #c1292, 3935 W. Hillsborough Ave., Retail Sales, Lease Furniture And Electronics

Abat Jour Design LLC, 218 E. Bearss Ave., Interior Decorating Service

Adriana Delpilar Rouselle, 550 N. Reo St., Attorney

Adriana Guzman-Rouselle Immigration, 550 N. Reo St., Office

Amain Family Homecare Services Inc., 6702 E. Broadway Ave., Companion, Sitters, Errands, Homemaker

Ambush Lawn Service, 1721 Darlington Drive, Lawn Mowing, Tree Trimming, Removal

Amys Fresh Delivery, 345 Bayshore Blvd., Produce Delivery

Anderson, April L., 11307 Carrollwood Estates Drive, Home Health Care

Angies Kleen Sweep, 8209 Hardee Place, Janitorial Service

Araujo, Raquel C., 6202 Sheldon Road, Title Clerk

Armando Fernandez, 7601 Abbey Lane, Courier Services

Assemblypro USA, 5109 W. Lemon St., Labor, Assembly

Baitys Morning Coffee, 8875 Hidden River Parkway, Retail Sales

Bajo Cuva P A, 100 N. Tampa St., Office

Bajo, Pedro F. Jr., 100 N. Tampa St., Attorney

Bender, William Edward, 4109 Norma Ave., Charter Service

Bennett, James W., 3903 Northdale Blvd., Chiropractic Physician

Betancourt, Freddy Jose, 1715 N. Westshore Blvd., Engineer

BJL Fla. Corporation, 8850 N. Florida Ave., Retail Store

Bodanza, Barry C., 205 W. Busch Blvd., Chiropractic Physician

Borojevic, Marina, 4221 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Attorney

Bush, James F., 4905 W. Laurel St., Attorney

Busy Bee Dry Cleaners, 4708 E. Busch Blvd., Dry Cleaning Plants, Drop Off/pick Up

Castillos Tampa Bay Auto Repair, 118 W. Palm Ave., Auto Repair

CDBS Of Tampa Inc., 5104 E. Fowler Ave., Coin Operated Service, Vending Machines, Video Games

Centeno, Jonathan David, 6141 Bayside Key Drive, Web Site Design

Champagne, Melissa Nicole, 9119 Corporate Lake Drive, Attorney

Chiro Injury And Wellness LLC, 205 W. Busch Blvd., Office

Christian T’s, 250 Westshore Plaza, Retail Store

Clean X Services Inc., 7708 Rock Palm Ave., Janitorial Service

Clutter Free Bug, 11616 Greensleeve Ave., Home, Office Organizing Service

Connell, Alexis M., 4905 W. Laurel St., Attorney

Cuva, Anthony John, 100 N. Tampa St., Attorney

Degnis Ferrer-Guilart, 3601 W. Kennedy Blvd., Massage Therapist

Denises Island Of Beauty, 4815 E. Busch Blvd., Beauty Salon

Dill-Moore, Barbara A., 7651 W. Waters Ave., Optician

Dixon, Ilet Naomi, 17943 Tropical Cove Drive, Adult Day Care

Domenico, Theresa A., 4905 W. Laurel St., Attorney

Drew, Mary Ann, 2125 Secord Ave., Cleaning Service

DSTD Inc., 4130 W. Waters Ave., Dealership, Auto Sales

Dusek, Olga A., 14808 Dartmoor Lane, Cleaning Service

Esquia, Juan Enrique, 7510 Carolton Circle, Retail Sales

Florida Energy Marketing LLC, 1915 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Marketing

Frank O. Rosa, 10010 Oslin St., Performs Services For Construction Contractors

Freeman, Bonita Antoinette, 4221 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Insurance Adjuster

Garcia, Juan Carlos, 4905 W. Laurel St., Attorney

Garding, Timothy Charles, 101 E. Kennedy Blvd., Attorney

Garland, Robert Hyde, 1715 N. Westshore Blvd., Engineer

Gilmore, Patrick Joseph, 4221 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Insurance Adjuster

Go Baby Inc., 12918 Dupont Circle, Internet, Retail Sales

Greeley And Hansen LLC, 1715 N. Westshore Blvd., Office

Grenier, Danielle, 4221 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Insurance Adjuster

Guan, John Zhong, 16351 Ashington Park Drive, Medical Consultant

Gunther, James Phillip, 1715 N. Westshore Blvd., Engineer

Hagan, David C., 1715 N. Westshore Blvd., Engineer

Hamilton, Darrell L., 7930 Bay Pointe Drive, Lawn Mowing, Trimming

Hanley, Richard Thomas, 14705 Penguin Place, Air Conditioning Contractor

Headley, James Emroe, 4108 N. Westshore Blvd., Insurance Adjuster

Houmis, Nicholas James, 1715 N. Westshore Blvd., Engineer

Hughes-All Pro Exterminators, 5325 Kelly Road, Pest Control

Hyatt Auto Body Repair Center The, 1209 Old Hopewell Road, Auto Repair

Hybrid Construction LLC, 1212 Bay Club Circle, General Contractor

Ibarra, Beth A., 10401 Highland Manor Drive, Insurance Adjuster

Inspirations Jewelry Designs Inc., 6022 Hanley Road, Jewelry Manufacturer, Retail Store, Jewelry Repair

Inspired Christian Gifts LLC, 4017 Henderson Blvd., Retail Store

Integrated Equipment Systems, 9420 Lazy Lane, Wholesale Merchant, Retail Sales

Jacobs, Aaron, 777 S. Harbour Island Blvd., Attorney

Jacobs, Jeremy J., 4905 W. Laurel St., Attorney

Jane Sobotta P A, 2929 W. Burke St., Office

Java Sea Traders Inc., 2112 E. 3rd Ave., Retail Store, Furniture

JL Architecture P A, 309 E. Paris St., Architect, Interior Designing Service

Knowles, Michael Sean, 1715 N. Westshore Blvd., Engineer

Koford, Nichole M., 4905 W. Laurel St., Attorney

La Especial Cafeteria, 2743 W. Columbus Drive, Restaurant

Lakay Market Plus, 7706 N. Florida Ave., Grocery Store

Laptops Surplus, 12506 Crescent Oaks Place, Retail Sales

Law, J. W., 5683 Del Prado Ave., Performs Services For Construction Contractors

Leader, Michael A., 4712 Serena Drive, Window Film, Auto Alarm, Stereo Installation

Learning Connection The, 3307 S. Westshore Blvd., Tutoring

Lentz, Scott F., 4728 N. Habana Ave., Physician-Surgeon-MD

Lossius, Ryan A., 4905 W. Laurel St., Attorney

Lott, Sett Michael, 4602 N. Nebraska Ave., Chiropractic Physician

Lucas Air Systems Inc., 3715 N. 12th St., Performs Services For Construction Contractors

Luis Montejo, 16518 Foothill Drive, Courier Services

Mack, Lindsey A., 4905 W. Laurel St., Attorney

Mail Safe Inc., 2437 S. 86th St., Retail Sales

Marchetti, Vincent Angelo, 625 E. Twiggs St., Attorney

Martin, Andrea Edward, 9119 Corporate Lake Drive, Attorney

Martinez, Vilma, 4905 W. Laurel St., Attorney

Maxid Corp., 1701 E. 5th Ave., Research Company

Mcvay, John Allen Gerald, 13336 Pulitzer Ave., Lawn Mowing, Trimming

Med-Life Institute, 4001 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Training Institute

Medina, Maria G., 8415 N. Armenia Ave., Janitorial Service

Nayee, Anand, 3003 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Physician-Surgeon-MD

Nguyen, Henry, 4447 Hidden Shadow Drive, Cabinet Repairs, Refinishing, Installation

Nilsen, David W., 4905 W. Laurel St., Attorney

O. G. Tile & Granite LLC, 6402 Windwood Court, Tile, Ceramic, Installation

Ortega, Pedro A., 7219 N. Hale, Auto Detailing, Washing, Polishing, Pinstriping

Outtagas Racing Inc., 9513 N. Trasks St., Retail Store, Auto Detailing

Palermo, Brad Andrew, 10420 N. Mckinley Drive, Psychologist

Pasqualone, Joshua David, 9119 Corporate Lake Drive, Attorney

Pavement Design Inc., 4532 W. Kennedy Blvd., Performs Services For Construction Contractors, Pavement Design

Paw, Christian A., 4905 W. Laurel St., Attorney

Pawn Max, 1430 E. Fowler Ave., Pawn Broker, Retail Store

Pediatric Health Choice, 4144 N. Armenia Ave., Therapy, Counseling

Pekkala, Charles M., 1715 N. Westshore Blvd., Engineer

Pharmacycle LLC, 13007 W. Linebaugh Ave., Internet Advertising

Pie Logistics, 2107 W. Sewaha St., Package Wrapping, Shipping

Pneumoni Records LLC, 6161 Memorial Highway, Studio Engineer Services

Podrasky, Bridgett B., 1408 N. Westshore Blvd., Insurance Adjuster

Pose Hair Studio Inc., 2401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Cosmetology Salon

Premier Psychological Services, 10420 N. Mckinley Drive, Office

Prezas, Shayla N., 3550 W. Waters Ave., Massage Therapist

Quality Wellness Rehab LLC, 215 E. Sligh Ave., Office

Resch, Karly, 8307 N. Newport Ave., Internet Sales

Rihel, Thomas J., 1408 N. Westshore Blvd., Insurance Adjuster

Ritt, Stephanie W., 4905 W. Laurel St., Attorney

Roberts, James Brian, 6914 Clearview Ave., Lawn Mowing, Trimming

Robles, Crystal Marie, 5918 N. Rome Ave., Interior Decorating Service, Event Planner

Rodriguez Interpreting Group Inc., 7507 Twelve Oaks Blvd., Translations

Rodriguez, Joana Deolina, 4221 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Insurance Adjuster

S & O Grocers, Inc., 7733 W. Hillsborough Ave., Photo Finish, Carpet Cleaner, Rental, Retail Store, Restaurant

S. Carlson Construction Inc., 9760 Magnolia Blossom Drive, Fence Erector

Sabin, Michelle E., 4905 W. Laurel St., Attorney

Sandefer, Kimberly, 777 S. Harbour Island Blvd., Attorney

Satish, Samantha A., 4905 W. Laurel St., Attorney

Schneider Electric USA Inc., 9015 Brittany Way, Inspection Service

Sentinel CFO Sources LLC, 3750 Gunn Highway, Bookkeeping Service

Shaw, David, 8632 Fish Lake Road, Private Instructor

Smayda, Todd M., 4905 W. Laurel St., Attorney

SN Bem Brasil Inc., 4040 W. Waters Ave., Grocery Store, Delicatessen

Sobotta, Jane E., 2929 W. Burke St., Attorney

Soccer International Academy Corp., 3740 W. Lambright St., Recreation Facility

Spears, Brandi, 4221 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Insurance Adjuster

Sudsy Clean, 8010 Thames Place, Janitorial Service

Sunset Renovations LLC, 8419 Stillbrook Ave., Fence Erector

Supa D Tropical Bar & Grill, 810 E. Skagway Ave., Restaurant

Tampa Yogurt LLC, 2223 N. Westshore Blvd., Restaurant

Tart Yogurt LLC, 12211 W. Linebaugh Ave., Ice Cream Parlor

The Halls Group, Inc., 13523 White Elk Loop, Employment Agency

Urban Twiggs LLC, 3662 S. West Shore Blvd., Retail Store

Valverde, Matthew, 1717 E. Busch Blvd., Pressure Washing, Landscaping, Trim

Watch It, 2155 K University Square Mall, Retail Sales

Westchase Ophthalmology Inc., 10319 Green Links Drive, Office

Westchase Ophthalmology Inc., 10950 Sheldon Road, Office

Wheeler, Lise A., 1408 N. Westshore Blvd., Insurance Adjuster

Whitehead, Latasha, 2230 Chelsea St., Child Care Center

Wilson, Jaimee Suzanne, 201 E. Kennedy Blvd., Attorney

Wilson, Thomas Young, 1715 N. Westshore Blvd., Engineer

Y & J Cleaning Of Tampa Corp., 4713 E. Osborne Ave., Cleaning Service

Y. Ramos Fences Inc., 3602 Landings Way Drive, Fence Erector

Zilergy Inc., 3006 W. Swann Ave., Retail, Wholesale, Internet Sales

Zinn, David N., 4221 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Insurance Adjuster

Wimauma
John Varrati LLC, 1720 Surrey Trail, Demolition

The Northern Colorado Chapter of the Mutual UFO Network will host a meeting Thursday at the Cattlemen’s Steak House & Saloon, 2600 11th St. Road, in Greeley.

Dinner will be optional at 6 p.m., with the meeting beginning at 7 p.m.

Guest speaker will be Doug Wilson, Colorado MUFON chief investigator who has crossed into the infamous Area 51 in Nevada three times. He has also worked with the U.S. Department of the Interior on archeological digs and will talk about those digs and show photos from them.

Cost is $3 per person, $5 per couple. For more information, call Cheryl Gantz, (970) 339-2427.

RACINE, W.Va. — Under sunny skies, the United Mine Workers of America held its 72nd annual Labor Day Celebration in Racine at the John Slack Park Memorial Park.

Several hundred visitors were treated to lunch featuring pork barbecue and cole slaw, as well as a variety of country, bluegrass and gospel singers, including Elaine Purkey, Weekend Grass and Area 51.

Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin, who will become governor if Gov. Joe Manchin wins his race for the U.S. Senate, said, “People sometimes forget how important our coal miners have been to our country.”

“The coal they mine helps make steel to build our skyscrapers, to build our ships and planes and to help our military,” said the Logan County Democrat.

Manchin told those at the rally that one of his main concerns is mine safety, especially in the wake of the Sago, Aracoma and Upper Big Branch disaster.

“I say to any miners who face unsafe conditions, ‘If anyone intimidates you, you call me. You won’t lose your job.’”

Manchin also put in a plug for his Senate candidacy: “What they need in Washington is a good dose of West Virginia.”

UMW President Cecil Roberts spoke about the 29 miners killed in the April 5 explosion at Massey Energy’s Upper Big Branch mine in Raleigh County.

Family members of some miners who died told Roberts their sons did not yet have official miners’ certificates, but knew the mine was unsafe.

“If a miner who doesn’t have a miner’s certificate knows his mine was unsafe, then Massey Energy and [Massey CEO] Don Blankenship had to know. We should hold them accountable for this.”

RACINE, W.Va. — Under sunny skies, the United Mine Workers of America held its 72nd annual Labor Day Celebration in Racine at the John Slack Park Memorial Park.

Several hundred visitors were treated to lunch featuring pork barbecue and cole slaw, as well as a variety of country, bluegrass and gospel singers, including Elaine Purkey, Weekend Grass and Area 51.

Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin, who will become governor if Gov. Joe Manchin wins his race for the U.S. Senate, said, “People sometimes forget how important our coal miners have been to our country.”

“The coal they mine helps make steel to build our skyscrapers, to build our ships and planes and to help our military,” said the Logan County Democrat.

Manchin told those at the rally that one of his main concerns is mine safety, especially in the wake of the Sago, Aracoma and Upper Big Branch disaster.

“I say to any miners who face unsafe conditions, ‘If anyone intimidates you, you call me. You won’t lose your job.’”

Manchin also put in a plug for his Senate candidacy: “What they need in Washington is a good dose of West Virginia.”

UMW President Cecil Roberts spoke about the 29 miners killed in the April 5 explosion at Massey Energy’s Upper Big Branch mine in Raleigh County.

Family members of some miners who died told Roberts their sons did not yet have official miners’ certificates, but knew the mine was unsafe.

“If a miner who doesn’t have a miner’s certificate knows his mine was unsafe, then Massey Energy and [Massey CEO] Don Blankenship had to know. We should hold them accountable for this.”

Roberts urged people to vote for Manchin and U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, both Democrats, in the November elections. He noted that the UMW’s contract with the Bituminous Coal Operators Association expires in 15 months.

“Your health care is on the line. Your pensions are on the line. And your wages are on the line,” Roberts said.

Rahall, chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, reminded those at the rally that Congress previously shored up miners’ pension funds with interest from the federal Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation Fund, which taxes each ton of coal produced to reclaim abandoned coal mines.

“We are going to do that again, tap that interest to shore up your pension funds,” he said.

Rahall mentioned the television ads “saying I am anti-coal” being aired by his Republican opponent, former state Supreme Court Justice Elliott “Spike” Maynard.

“I have been in Washington for more than 30 years fighting for your health, your safety and your black lung benefits,” Rahall said. “Can my opponent ever get the seniority I have in Congress?”

He said he doesn’t always agree with President Obama or House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, but said Maynard “is going to charge me with guilt by association.”

“But who does he associate with on the French Riviera, clinking champagne glasses?” Rahall asked — a reference to photos of Maynard and Blankenship on vacation together. The photos were taken shortly before the state Supreme Court heard a major case involving Massey.

Other political leaders who spoke Monday included State Treasurer John Perdue; Sen. Brooks McCabe, D-Kanawha; and House Speaker Rick Thompson, D-Wayne. All are potential candidates in the next election for governor.

Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., did not attend but sent a letter to the event stating, “No one represents the American work force better than the miners in the United Mine Workers.”

Reach Paul J. Nyden at pjny…@wvgazette.com or 304-348-5164.

In case New Mexicans thought they had moved on from their alien past, Norio Hayakawa reminds Rio Ranchoans that UFOs still exist — at least in our conscious.

Hayakawa will present a lecture on Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. at the Meadowlark Senior Center on the impact of “beliefs in UFOs” on American pop culture.

“It’s not about UFOs but belief in UFOs and there are millions of people in America who indiscriminately believe everything they hear. The belief in UFOs is definitely a significant part of American subculture,” Hayakawa said.

Hayakawa formerly participated in the Civilian Intelligence Network where he worked with intelligence gatherers to collect information on Area 51. Hayakawa will explain why a segment of the population insists on maintaining their beliefs in UFOs.

Hayakawa doesn’t deny aliens exist, he just wants people to base their beliefs in aliens on facts rather than faith.

“I’m not saying the whole phenomenon is imagination, but there are still some things we have to take into consideration,” Hayakawa said. “But the main point is that there are so many millions of people that are duped into believing things that are not factual or physical.”

Hayakawa is a long-time UFO researcher who has, for many years, investigated Area 51 in Nevada as well as some widespread claims about the existence of Dulce underground base in New Mexico, and has spoken in many conferences nationwide, especially in the early 1990s.

Lecture on UFOs on Sept. 14