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Jason Squirrel grows tired of fetching heavy bags of nuts for food each day, and devises a plan to form a nut-collecting company that will provide more leisure time. While Jason thinks his idea is quite genius, his friends kid the squirrel for his naivety; Jason is soon denied a loan from Stan the Banking Turtle to start the business.

Jason persists with his dream and educates himself on the aspects of running a business, from finance to marketing to staffing. When he finds an investor in Grandpa Crow, the squirrel begins to overcome the obstacles that block him from achieving personal success with his nut-collecting startup.

"When I was young, I never even had the idea that I could start my own business," Steimle said. "It wasn't until I was older and in college that I realized it would be possible. Since then, I thought there should be more books for younger children that talk about building your own company."

The 30-page illustrated children's book details how Jason's business endeavor becomes successful, so much so that he hires a group of raccoons to help with his workload.

Steimle's story of Jason and his nut-collecting company shows young children that they are capable of doing anything through hard work, determination and perseverance.

Sonic Generations will star both the classic blue hedgehog you remember from your childhood and the tallish smirking blue hedgehog of the modern day.

How’s that all going to work, exactly? We tried the game’s E3 2011 demo at a sneak preview event last month. Put simply, although the entire game features 3-D graphics, there are two types of levels: Ones on a 2-D plane that star Old Sonic and are in the style of the classic Genesis games, and 3-D levels starring New Sonic where the camera is hovering over his shoulders. The E3 demo features two different takes on Green Hill Zone, that leafy checkered field where all Sonic games begin.
In this Wired.com video, a Sega spokesperson walks us through the basics. Sega hasn’t said whether New Sonic and Old Sonic will meet up during the game and play any sort of hybrid levels, or whether their gameplay will remain as separated as is shown in this demo.

Sonic Generations will be available on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 this November. A separate version will be released for Nintendo 3DS.

The waiting area outside Courtroom 4 at the Bucks County Courthouse in Doylestown last week was no place for a child.
Standing in small groups, lawyers and clients engaged in hushed arguments. A woman left the courtroom in tears and marched angrily down the hall. A prisoner's handcuffs clinked as he shifted in his chair, head bowed so low with grief it almost touched his knees.
The 12-year-old girl waiting her turn to see the judge was oblivious to the chaos. Maggie, a tiny black poodle with doleful eyes, demanded her full attention.
"She's so soft," the girl whispered shyly as she petted the dog.
Maggie, and several of her four-legged friends from Roxy Reading, a Doylestown-based therapy dog group, made a guest appearance at the courthouse last week as part of a pilot program launched by county Judge Robert Mellon.
The judge, who oversees court cases involving children who've been removed from their parents due to abuse, neglect, mental health issues and other reasons, said the dogs provide a much-needed distraction for traumatized kids.
"I recognized early on how stressful court is for children," Mellon said. "Some children are so nervous they can't even speak."
Helping kids cope with the rigors of court is going to become a bigger issue soon, due to new rules handed down recently by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Starting in July, dependent children will be required to attend a hearing at least once every six months.
While steps are taken to shield vulnerable kids, they must sometimes share courtroom space with angry or distraught parents. Although this can be upsetting, the high court's reasoning behind increased court appearances is sound, Mellon said.
"We're obviously here to make sure the child is safe, and that their educational, medical and emotional needs are being met. The only way to do that is to see the child," the judge added.
Most of the dogs stayed outside the courtroom, but at least one accompanied a child onto the witness stand.
"We were a little nervous about how that would work out, but the dog did fine. And the girl who was in front of me, who usually says only a few words, she was so relaxed with the dog next to her that we had a full conversation," Mellon said.
Roxy Reading is a volunteer-driven nonprofit. There's no cost to the taxpayers to bring the program into the courthouse, Mellon noted.
Linda McCrillis, a board member and Roxy reading volunteer, said the therapy dogs love the attention.
"This is what they're trained for," she said, as Maggie leaned against her leg, tail wagging furiously.
Scientists know that man's best friend can be a real comfort. A recent study by the State University of New York in Buffalo concluded that pet owners generally have lower blood pressure levels while under stress than their pet-less peers.
Local child advocates are thrilled with the program.
"This week, I have seen the dogs light up the faces of children, their parents, the attorneys," and others who work at the courthouse, said Stacy Leffler. She's the foster care supervisor at the Bucks County Children and Youth Agency, the county social service agency that oversees the care of dependent children.
"Our court process can sometimes be overwhelming and stressful for all parties. I know that I felt the tension in the courthouse a little less this week," Leffler added.
Children and youth caseworker Stephanie Schwartz agreed.
"I witnessed both children and adult clients interacting with these dogs and the comfort it gave them, as well as the smiles it put on the people's faces," she said.
Schwartz praised the Roxy Reading volunteers, saying, "It takes special people to be willing to devote their time and efforts to such a cause."
Mellon said he hopes to make the therapy dog program a monthly feature at the courthouse.
Bailiff Mary Ellen Roche, who coordinates scheduling and is tasked with calling reluctant children into the courtroom, said she hopes it continues.
"There was such a difference in the mood out here this week," she said. "You could actually feel the tension diffuse."

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Author: Louiefurrywolfy
I’ve been buying “Mate” lately, an international gay male culture magazine produced in Berlin and the Netherlands. I was surprised that under their hip international summer party list, they included Anthrocon.

Reactions:

1.) Oh boy, here comes the “We’re not gay and we’re not a fetish” thing.

2.) Anthrocon? Internationally hip?

3.) What if a bunch of skeezy circuit queens read this in the magazine and just show up at Anthrocon thinking it’s like the White Party or something? Free X for the furries! *shudder*

4.) Figures if Anthrocon was brought to international attention as a “fetish event” the Germans and the Dutch would be the ones to sniff it out.

Find the full article here: furryne.ws | Published News

Syndicated content from furryne.ws

Author: Doug
Hub TV is hoping to capitalize on a cultural trend no one saw coming: the kids’ show My Little Pony is the new, hip thing among the geekerati. Now the company is reaching out past the brand’s traditional little-girl demographic to this new fan base with an oh-so-slightly ironic music video. It’s a careful approach. Too careful.

Read the rest: My Little Pony: the Hip New Trend Among the Geekerati

Vote for this article here: furryne.ws | Published News

Author: Istanbul

What?! Two episodes in two weeks? That’s right, and we have three e-mails this time! We handle horrific writing, advise people on how to handle the stalker-tastic, and we discuss something that we can’t read about self-confidence. Don’t forget, if you’re under 18 *and you tell us so*, we can’t read your e-mail on the air!

This is just a little reminder: Istanbul will be at Anthrocon, so there won’t be a recording that week. However, we still plan to record on the 9th and 16th (and the 30th, when Istanbul will have a con report), so don’t forget to tune in!

Per usual, e-mails go to E-Mail Hidden, our FA account is fuzzylogicpodcast, and our Twitter account is fuzzylogiccast – give us a listen, and write in!

Episode 6 – Shazam

Find the full article here: Fuzzy Logic Pod Cast

Beyond Productions, the company behind Mythbusters and the reality show Taboo shown on the National Geographic Channel, has been busy over the past few days filming in the Waterloo area of Ontario, Ca.  From our understanding, Courtney ‘Nuka” Plante, the researcher behind this year’s international furry survey has been enlisted for the production.

A fursuiter going by the moniker “Samuri Smurfette” has been on Reddit, recounting her experience with the production crew.

You can read the Reddit thread here: I am a Fursuiter being filmed for Taboo

Having seen some episodes of Taboo, they strive for more of a documentary style, rather than going for pure shock factor, however, producers are known to give the impression that they are filming you in an honest way, so you can present your story, and then editing it in post to spin a completely different story, often making you look like some sort of fetish deviant, or basement dwelling loser.  How this will be edited and presented remains to be seen.

In the comment thread, “Samuri Smurfette” indicates that the film crew may be trying to get permission to film at Anthrocon later this month, however, she also stated “They’re trying to get permission, but if they can’t, they’re going to set up a few blocks away and see what they get.”  and “I think the concern was mostly that they might be too late to apply for a press pass. They hadn’t heard of Anthrocon until yesterday.”

That begs the question, if you’ve done any research at all on furries, how have you not found out about Anthrocon?

You can read the Reddit thread here: I am a Fursuiter being filmed for Taboo

Read more about Taboo on NatGeo: Taboo

submitted by 123not-it
[link] [1 comment]

It looks like a radio station (KROQ) happened to be at the same hotel at Califur and mass chaos ensued! By chaos, I mean a member of the crew interviewed various furs and asked them about the community and the definition of "yiffing". I don't think this is the first time they've run across furs as their weenie roast seems to be an annual event. Enjoy!

http://www.furrynewsnetwork.com/2011/06/kroqs-dj-omars-interviews-califur/
http://kroq.radio.com/2011/06/06/dj-omar-khan-hangs-out-with-the-furries/#ixzz1OXBToDDm

Last evening, I had the privilege of interviewing Eric Risher, fellow filmmaker and furry documentarian.  Eric’s upcoming work “Through Fox’s Eyes” (teaser video below) aims to shed light upon the “human element” of being furry, and establish the means by which furries build an identity, both on a personal and community level.  Below is the transcript of the interview.

Curt Pehrson: I’m here with Eric Risher, Ohio-based furry and fellow furry documentarian.  Eric is currently working on a project entitled “Through Fox’s Eyes”.  Good evening, Eric.  First of all, tell me a bit about yourself and how you became acquainted with the fandom.
Eric Risher: Good evening. As you said, I’m a filmmaker working in Ohio. I grew up with my family in Canton, but I moved to Dayton when I began to pursue filmmaking. It was also around that time that I first discovered furry. I find it difficult to pinpoint an exact day or event that drew my attention to it. I like to think of it as a process of understanding and awareness. Friendships I developed in video game and art-related chatrooms contributed to my knowledge of the furry community. I was also fortunate to find myself in a city that was relatively well-populated with furries, so the friends I made in real life helped convince me that this was something I really wanted to be a part of.
Curt Pehrson: So you’d say you came upon the fandom through existing interest in art and video games and the friends you made along the way?  That seems to be a common theme within the fandom.  Any particular games or communities that were the biggest influences upon you?
Eric Risher: Hahah, well at the risk of sounding cliché, I was (and still am) a huge fan of the Star Fox video games. I was also reading a few webcomics at the time that featured anthropomorphic characters, and it was perhaps through those communities that I first heard the term “furry” mentioned.
Curt Pehrson: I think you’ll find a lot of furs who share your interest there!  Sonic The Hedgehog fandom seems to be another common vector to furry, as well.  Speaking of such findings, as a documentarian you have set out to learn more about the fandom and its diverse membership.  Before we get too deep in to that, give me the quick version — what is “Through Fox’s Eyes” all about?
Eric Risher: “Through Fox’s Eyes” is an exploration of the many facets of the furry community. Far too often, the media sensationalizes its portrayal of furries. And as entertaining and interesting as a fursuit may be, costuming is only one part of the whole. To focus on what’s on the outside will only give you a limited view of what we might call “furry culture.” I’m interested in taking a deeper look to explore how it relates to personal identity, how furries comes together as a community, and how furry intersects with mainstream society.
Curt Pehrson: Some very good goals there.  As someone who documents the fandom myself, I appreciate anyone who shares the desire to put the fandom in perspective.  It really is an under-researched community compared to more mainstream fandoms and interests.  Without becoming too inquisitive and spilling the beans on your pending production, are there any particularly fascinating tidbits or notable findings you have come upon so far that you are willing to share?
Eric Risher: For me, a topic of constant fascination has always been the level of diversity that comes out in this community. This includes age, class, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, race, and so forth… but also in terms of how we see the world around us. Something I’ve discovered is that “being furry” means so many different things to so many different people, that in some regards it defies definition. I feel like I discover something new with each interview, and it really goes to show how complex this community really is.
Curt Pehrson: Recently you posted a public solicitation for funds on a furry community site in order to help cover costs of production of your documentary.  Sometimes these kinds of gestures are met with sour feelings.  Have you met with any backlash as a result?  Or has the response been generally positive?
Eric Risher: I’ve received both, but I think that’s to be expected… especially when you ask for donations. But generally I’d say the response has been quite positive, and I know that I have a lot of people supporting me both in and outside of the furry community. And to me, that says a lot. Especially when a non-furry can look at the project and tell me that they want to know more. Comments like that go a long way to show that people are eager to learn, and I’ll gladly support the pursuit of knowledge any day.
Curt Pehrson: That’s good to hear.  Especially that you are even getting support from outside the fandom.  I, like many more, really look forward to seeing your work.  Is there anything else you’d like to say to the readers of FNN before we wrap up?
Eric Risher: I would like to mention that anyone who is interested in learning more about my project can do so by visiting my website (http://www.furryfilm.com/). We have a teaser trailer posted on our media page, and anyone who is interested in making a contribution to the film can do so by following the “donate” link. Beyond that, I would like to encourage all readers to keep doing what they’re doing; don’t be ashamed to be who you are, and continue to find new and constructive ways to express yourself. Films like this couldn’t be made without wonderful people like you.
Curt Pehrson: Well put.  Thanks again for setting some time aside to interview.  On behalf of FNN, I wish you luck with your documentary!  Have a great evening.
Eric Risher: Thank you! It was my pleasure. Have a great evening too!

If you would like more information on Eric’s project, you can visit his website.  Below is the teaser video for his upcoming work.

 

From KROQ’s Blog

For the second year in a row, the KROQ crew stayed in the same hotel for Weenie Roast as everyone in town for the Califur Convention – the gathering of grown-ass men (and a few women) that dress up, head to toe, as furry cartoon animals.

Our very own DJ Omar Khan took the KROQ mic around the hotel to get to the bottom of this strange fetish.

[FNN's Edit: Some of this is flattering to the fandom, some is not. I'd say it's about 50/50. ]
Read more: DJ Omar Khan Hangs Out With The Furries

In the past months, I’ve read on many web comic forums and a couple of art communities about artists who are upset because they are being called a furry, based on what art they draw.

This morning I came across an entry on ComicVine by Crazy Pan that really got me thinking:

I get kind of tired of people laughing at some of my characters because they think that they’re “furries” in the bad sense of the word. I’d like to start by saying that these characters were characters BEFORE I gave them their powers. I didn’t say “Okay I want a tiger chick…what is her story?” I said “Okay here’s this girl with this story, I should figure out what super powers she has.” to which I decided on super strength, agility, etc. But I wanted to go further then that by making her appearance something that would constantly be a haunting thing per say. Mutated enough that it causes her stress. I didn’t do it because I have a fetish for furries. I didn’t do it because I just like tigers. I did it for the character’s sake.

If I’m considered a furry then I guess Batman is too. Sam is stuck with her appearance. Batman just plain CHOOSES to put on a bat themed costume and run around Gotham! To inspire fear? Surrrreee right right…Admit it Bruce! You just have a fetish! What’s that? Fans disagree? Then STOP CALLING ME A FURRY DAMN IT!

Now, to be fair, she draws comic book style art, and most of the example art she has posted on ComicVine doesn’t look furry – though there is a male character that seems to be almost dragon like.  The majority of the art she posts is more comic book super hero versus anthropomorphic animal.

Now, there are other comic artists who draw what could be seen as furry characters, like Bittersweet Candy Bowl.  All of the characters are anthropomorphic.  The comic is very popular among furries, but according to the artist, she is not a furry and does not market to furries.  I had several email exchanges with her back in early March where we covered the topic.  She doesn’t shun her furry fans – I expect a large portion of revenue received from that webcomic is generated by her furry followers.

So the question comes down to this – what makes a character furry?  With a growing furry fan base, should artists continue to distance themselves from the term furry, or embrace it?  It is clear in the case of Crazy Pan that she sees “Furry” as a fetish.  Remember, for a large portion of the fandom, furry is not a fetish, but the fetish does exist.

In my opinion, if you begin to draw in a growing furry fan base, don’t bite the hand (or in this case, paw) that feeds.  Embrace the furry fandom.  You will find very quickly that furries are very loyal to comic artists.  If that artist is willing to do commissions, it can be a very lucrative income addition as well.

Comic artists, get to know the furry fandom – you might find it’s exactly what you were looking for in the first place.

Sound off below – what is your opinion?  What makes a character furry, and when should an artist embrace the fandom?

A film team from Beyond Productions c/o National Geographic is in my town doing a segment on furries/fursuiters. We'll be airing in an episode next season alongside "real world superheroes". Our segment is driven around Nuka who is a Social Psychology doctorate student and the purveyor of this furry survey. I am going out for a few hours, but will be coming home around 3, and going out to another shoot after that. I may be able to get in some questions in between, but more than likely, it will be tonight, after we are done filming. (Today is the second of 2 days of filming)

submitted by SamuraiSmurfette
[link] [67 comments]

IDW Publishing have recently announced that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles make their return to regular comic books this coming August, with one of the original Turtles creators on board. According to their announcement, Kevin Eastman is creating the new ongoing full-color series, along with writer Tom Waltz and artist Dan Duncan. All four of the original turtles are back — Donatello, Leonardo, Raphael, and Michaelangelo — along with their human friends April and Casey, and their mentor — the rat known as Splinter. They pit their ninja skills against a new villain, a mutant alley cat known as Old Hob. The first issue of the new series — which is set to premier this August — will feature one of four available covers, each with a different turtle, created by Sam Keith (The Maxx). There will also be a limited edition variant cover by Kevin Eastman available, as well as a super-rare “Kevin Eastman hand-sketched variant cover”. Then in September, IDW adds to the line by bringing us Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Collection, Volume 1. This new hardcover book collects the original Mirage Studios black & white TMNT comics issues  #1 – #7, as well as the Raphael one-shot, created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird.

06/06/2011
Submitted By: kittenpants

On June 3-5, 2011, furries from all over congregated at the Irvine Marriott for CaliFur 2011. Guest of honor? Touch My Badger. Click here for OCWeekly’s coverage of Califur. All images by Christopher Victorio.

Link to OCWeekly’s Slide Show

 

How would you train your crack zoo staff to subdue a tiger on the loose? Hunt a fursuiter! Watch footage from both a Japaneese and Chinese zoo.

Contributed by @Zack_McCloud

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

What?! Two episodes in two weeks? That’s right, and we have three e-mails this time! We handle horrific writing, advise people on how to handle the stalker-tastic, and we discuss something that we can’t read about self-confidence. Don’t forget, if you’re under 18 *and you tell us so*, we can’t read your e-mail on the air!

This is just a little reminder: Istanbul will be at Anthrocon, so there won’t be a recording that week. However, we still plan to record on the 9th and 16th (and the 30th, when Istanbul will have a con report), so don’t forget to tune in!

Per usual, e-mails go to fuzzy.logic.podcast@gmail.com, our FA account is fuzzylogicpodcast, and our Twitter account is fuzzylogiccast – give us a listen, and write in!

Episode 6 – Shazam

Episode 6 – Shazam! - What?! Two episodes in two weeks? That’s right, and we have three e-mails this time! We handle horrific writing, advise people on how to handle the stalker-tastic, and we discuss something that we can’t read about[...]

Author: E-Mail Hidden
This week on KnotCast, Savrin, Shiva, and Fuzz discuss respect within the furry community and online in general. We also learn that Savrin likes him some rasslin.

This weeks music is “SeeK” by Lastair, Snappleman, and Norg of OCRemix
http://ocremix.org/remix/OCR02241/

Use our coupon code ‘knot’ at Adam & Eve for a great deal.
www.adameve.com

A-Kon is June 10-12 in Dallas, TX. It’s huuuuuge.
FurPlanet pre-orders: helfer.furplanet.com and piggymoto.furplanet.com

Episode 143 – How Not To Be A Douchebag (AAC; 30.2 MB)
Episode 143 – How Not To Be A Douchebag (MP3; 54.3 MB)

Find the full article here: KnotCast News

The contents of this Podcast may have adult language and adult themes. The content is not produced by Furry News Network, but is posted for your convenience.

Heading off to Army BCT on 11/21/2011 and I would like other Military Furries to talk to prior. I have Twitter: PrivateBrutard and AIM/YIM: BrutusDBernard. Looking for some legit people, retards need not apply :P

submitted by DangerMouseUS
[link] [40 comments]

This week on KnotCast, Savrin, Shiva, and Fuzz discuss respect within the furry community and online in general. We also learn that Savrin likes him some rasslin. This weeks music is "SeeK" by Lastair, Snappleman, and Norg of OCRemix http://ocremix.org/remix/OCR02241/ Use our coupon code 'knot' at Adam & Eve for a great deal. www.adameve.com A-Kon is June 10-12 in Dallas, TX. It's huuuuuge. FurPlanet pre-orders: helfer.furplanet.com and piggymoto.furplanet.com Episode 143 - How Not To Be A Douchebag