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Frog and Toad. Kermit. Froggie da Gremlin. The protagonist of Frogger. The Bud! Weis! Er! trio. If green amphibians in pop culture have one thing in common, its that theyre generally pretty benevolent, and want to be your friend. But the past year or so might have put that to the test. Matt Furies Pepe the frog was intended to be just as benevolenta stoner frog with the catchphrase Feels good man, known primarily for putting his pants down around his ankles to urinate. But somewhere in Internet Message BoardLand, he became coopted. These many months later, Furie is Kickstarting an effort to bring Pepe back to the light side.

Its unclear exactly how and whyPepe became synonymous withsuchtoxicity. To web-savvy Republican voters, he became a symbol of Donald Trumps Make America Great Again campaign. To online trolls, he was used as a symbol of ironic bigotryto get a rise out of the supposed politically correct. In absolute worst cases, he was adopted by white supremacists and racists, inserted into memes that were deliberately hateful toward particular groups. The one thing all these uses had in common is that none of them represented the wishes or the spirit of Pepes creator.

Furies initial reaction was to try to ignore the misuse of his character; when that didnt work, he killed him off in a comic strip. But the memes continued regardless, so henow has decided to take back his creation, Kickstarting a new comic that will return the character to being a universal symbol for peace, love, and acceptance.

The campaign has already achieved its desiredfunding, but if youd like to get some official Pepe artwork, an enamel pin, signed drawings, or even a character in the book named after you, there are still 25 days left to do so as of this writing.

Can the fun-loving frog become a prince of a persona again? Croak out some comments below and tell us what you think.

Featured Image: Matt Furie

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Pepe the Frog's Creator is Working to Bring Him Back to the Side of Peace - Nerdist

Abby the search and rescue dog got a chance to show off her skills Thursday at a crime scene investigation summer camp being held on the University of Montana campus.

Abbys handler Dave Howe, assistant chief for Missoula County Search and Rescue, described for the class the process of training a rescue dog. The presentation was part of a three-day crime scene investigations summer camp put on by the spectrUM Discovery Area. About 15 kids between the ages of 8 and 11 were invited to learn about mapping crimes, examining forensic evidence and how to fingerprint a suspect, among other criminology topics.

Howe came to talk about Abbys specialty, which isnt bomb detection or drug identification. Abby is used to help find people in an emergency, Howe said. Her training is focused on finding and rescuing people buried after an avalanche.

Abby knows how to bark to alert other emergency responders, but she also knows how to help dig for a person buried under snow, Howe said.

One of the hardest things for Abby was teaching her how to dig, Howe said.

To help her, Howe would get down on the ground with Abby and start digging with her.

We made it a game. We were both digging and then I started digging harder, and she started digging harder, Howe said. If you dont make it fun, she wont do it.

Different dogs have their different specialties, Howe said. If a house collapsed after an earthquake, Abby could help. Her nose is what makes her such an asset, Howe said. To demonstrate this, Howe asked for a volunteer to hide from Abby.

Abby should find Abby, the kids called out.

Howe gave 8-year-old Abby Wright a towel to wipe on a special scent before she found a place to hide. As Howe let Abby lead him to Wright, the other students followed a few paces behind, watching as Abby kept her nose close to the ground. When Abby found Wright, Howe cheered the rescue dog, telling her several times what a good job shed done.

She went right past me, Wright said. And then she was like, 'Yay, I found her!'

Wright has her own dog at home, although despite Howe telling the kids how to use tuna and smelly socks to see if your dog could be a rescue dog, Wright doesnt believe her Jack Russell terrier would be interested in sniffing something out.

Olive would rather lay in bed, Wright said.

Bringing Abby out into the community helps to socialize her, Howe said.

Socialization with lots of little kids for a dog is wonderful and it gets me used to handling her around children, Howe said.

It also lets the community know Missoula County has a rescue dog, Howe said. Howe and his wife got Abby about a year ago. Howe has worked for Missoula County Search and Rescue for about five years and saw the need for a dog specialized in avalanche rescues.

This week's camp was being led by University of Montana student Annie Schmautz, who has worked for spectrUM for about six years. Schmautz is studying forensic chemistry and criminology and hoping one day to work for an agency like the FBI.

SpectrUM camps are a special place for students to learn, said Agatha Podrasky, spectrUMs camp and field trip coordinator. The camps dont just connect students with local speakers, but with parents, high school students, college students and college graduates from different educational backgrounds.

Kids can see the entire educational path, Podrasky said.

Allison Wiswell, 11, liked learning about how to correctly measure out droppers of liquid during the first half of the day Thursday. She isnt interested in being an investigator, she said, but she likes learning about math and animals.

I've done spectrUM camps before and its always fun. Were always doing something, Wiswell said.

See more here:
Abby finds Abby: Search dog shows skills at summer camp - The Missoulian

June 26 through June 29 Wayne Police hosted their 19th Junior Police Academy. Crime scene investigation was one of the courses offered to the junior cadets, who helped their senior officers solve a "burglary." Jessica Presinzano/NorthJersey.com

State Trooper Andrew Stephanic gives young cadets a tour of a police helicopter in Wayne.(Photo: Jessica Presinzano/NorthJersey.c)

WAYNE With a few days ofcrime-scene investigation, self-defense and police discipline lessons under their belts,Wayne's newest junior police made their first "arrest" last week.

The collar was a part of DetectiveJason Clemente's crime scene-investigation class with retired officers Detective Sgt. Matthew Dox and DetectiveJim Faber.

The annual Wayne Junior Police Academy, a weeklong event for township children ages 10 to 12, gives aglimpse into police work and police academy training with a slice of fun. This year, 79 children signed up to learn more about police work while bonding with local officers at Wayne Valley High School and Wayne PAL.

Eight squads of children witnessed a simulated break-in by Dox, who snuck into a "home,"rummaged through belongings and madehis exit with a utility bag.

The cadets were quick to build a description of their suspect and assisted with his arrest after officers "discovered" the suspectoutside.

The case doesn't close with a suspect's arrest, cadets learned, as detectives demonstrated how police gather evidence like shoe prints, fingerprints and interviews to build a case for a suspect's guilt.

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Dox didn't seem to mind as an eager young cadet placed him in handcuffs for being caught with the stolen property. It's his second time playing the bad guy.

"I just enjoy doing it," said Dox, a 34-year Wayne Police veteran, of volunteering in the junior academy.

For cadet Emmie Licamarca, 11, the best part of the academy was theself-defense class, she said.

"There was this guy in a red armor-like suit and we had to beat him up," said Emmie, who added it was her second year at the academy.

Her friend Alyssa Montero, also 11, said she signed up because of stories she heard from Licamarca.

"I wanted to do an extra activity this summer and [Emmie] said it was really fun," said Alyssa.

A junior cadet helps put "suspect" retired Det. Sgt. Matthew Dox in handcuffs at Wayne Police's 19th annual Junior Police Academy.(Photo: Jessica Presinzano/NorthJersey.c)

This is the 19th year Wayne Police have hosted the Junior Academy, with one of the largest enrollments, at 79 cadets, according to DetectiveMichael Zaccone, event organizer and Wayne Valley High School resource officer.

Zaccone said he is "so proud" of the showing of officer's from Wayne's own department, composed of 21 current and retired officers, eight student volunteers and officers from state and county agencies.

"I am really proud of all the guys from our department who have come to help with this," said Zaccone.

Sean Perrius,11, who will head to Schuyler Colfax Middle School in the fall, said his favorite part was meeting all the different squads.

Throughout the week, Wayne's newest cadets were visited by the Passaic County Sheriff's Department, including the bomb squad, hazmat, SWAT and mounted officers, as well as state police troopers, local fire companies and first aid personnel.

Det. Jason Clemente demonstrates how police can use a flashlight to find footprints at a crime scene at Wayne's Junior Police Academy.(Photo: Jessica Presinzano/NorthJersey.c)

Mohammad Asaad, 12, who was attending with his brother Baslan, said he enjoyed meeting the K-9 unit most of all.

In addition to the crash courses in crime scene investigation, self-defense and meet-and-greets with various law enforcement, cadets also did some team building.

Project Adventure, a belay activity all Wayne high schoolers take part in,was incorporated to build "trust" and encourage "cooperating and working together," said recently retired Wayne teacher, Lorene Bishop.

For the 10, 11 and 12-year-olds in the academy, their ascent on rock walls and rope ladders were assisted by eight experienced high school volunteers, who controlled their ropes to ensurea safe descent.

The cadets' navy blue uniforms were sponsored by Atlantic Stewardship Bank, which has two branches in town. It's their first year sponsoring the program, but Berdan Avenuebranch manager John Lindermulder said he hopes to increase the bank's involvement with the junior academy.

The week closed with a formal graduation ceremony held in WVHS' auditorium among family and friend. The hourlong ceremony includedthe Passaic County Pipes and Drums, remarks from police representatives and Mayor Chris Vergano and formal presentation of certificates to the graduates.

Email: presinzanoj@northjersey.com

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Wayne Junior Police Academy graduates 79 cadets - North Jersey - NorthJersey.com

The last time Rodney Roberson saw his daughter Bianca was on Sunday, June 25, when they went bowling together.

She would twirl the ball up in the air and she knocked down a couple of the pins, Roberson recalled in a phone interview with the Tribune Thursday. She couldnt really bowl but she beat me. We had fun that day, too. That Sunday we had a lot of fun.

Friday, he and his family will lay 18-year-old Bianca to rest, following funeral services at St. Pauls Baptist Church, 1 Hagerty Blvd., in West Chester, beginning at 11 a.m.

She was a spoiled brat, but that was my baby though, Roberson reflected. We were looking forward to her succeeding and doing the things she wanted to do as far as her career.

Bianca Nikol Roberson was shot in the head Wednesday, June 28 while driving her 2009 Green Chevrolet Malibu after a road rage incident involving a red pickup truck allegedly driven by suspect David Desper, according to the West Goshen Township Police Department. The incident took place on Route 100 in West Goshen in Chester County, approximately 35 miles outside of Philadelphia.

A 2017 graduate of West Chesters Baynard Rustin High School, Bianca was employed at the White Horse Village retirement community in Newtown Square, according to her obituary. She planned to attend Jacksonville University in Florida this fall to major in forensics.

Her father said she loved watching the television show, CSI, or Crime Scene Investigation about forensic investigators trained to solve criminal cases; and she loved pizza.

She was a very picky eater, Roberson said. If you had corn in the house, some broccoli and some pork chops and a full course meal, she would say, Dad could you order me some pizza please?

In and outside of school, Bianca was loved, her father said, adding that hes been overwhelmed by the stories hes heard from other students who said she was kind and helpful to them.

Bianca was a very caring student; she was connected to a wide range of kids, said Rustins Assistant Principal Joe DiAntonio by phone. She always had a smile on her face and took care of others. She really grew and flourished as a student.

DiAntonio recalled Bianca winning a character award her senior year, along with other scholarships.

I hope we can remember how Bianca treated others and how caring she was and how accepting she was of others, DiAntonio said. And two, that we could look at this situation and think about the patience we need. The relationships that you need when dealing with people and how important they are. Shes going to be missed.

West Chester Area School District Superintendent Jim Scanlon said in a statement posted on the districts website, Our thoughts and prayers are with the Roberson family and friends during this emotional time. We thank the West Goshen Police Department and Chester County District Attorneys Office for their diligence as well as the communitys outpouring of support.

The investigation of the incident remains underway while Desper is being held in jail without bail. A GoFundMe page set up on behalf of Biancas mother, Michelle Tiller Roberson, well exceeded its goal of $25,000. By Thursday the site had raised $42,763.

Biancas death has shocked many people in and around the region with many expressing disbelief and support.

The West Goshen Township Board of Supervisors extends its profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the family of Bianca Nikol Roberson, a statement from West Goshen Township read. This senseless and unconscionable act of violence is unacceptable in a civilized society.

This isnt the only tragedy the family has suffered as Biancas older brother, Mykel James Rowley, died in his early 20s from heart disease about four years ago, Roberson said.

[Bianca] always talked about her brother and how much she missed him, Roberson said. She wished he was there for her prom and her graduation.

Roberson yearned to see the type of woman she would become.

Im not saying this just because she is my daughter, but she brought a lot of special things to people, Roberson said. She thought she could save the world. She was a good girl.

Although he knows it wont bring Bianca back, Roberson is hoping for justice for his daughter, aka his twin.

I was looking forward to not only my baby succeeding, but her going to school, and I wanted to see her develop into a mature lady, he added. The person who did this should be brought to justice for taking my innocent daughters life.

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Father reminisces last he had heard from daughter - The Philadelphia Tribune

Gage SkidmoreWhat do professional provocateur Ann Coulter and an irreverent student publication called The Koala have in common? Both have seen their unpopular speech shut down by the supposedly "viewpoint neutral" actions of public universities in California.

In a series of legal maneuvers, the University of California, Berkeley and the University of California, San Diego are attempting to blur the lines between viewpoint-neutral and viewpoint-discriminatory in ways that, if allowed to stand, will give colleges and universities much greater leeway to suppress speech they don't like.

Berkeley's College Republicans filed a lawsuit in April following the cancellation of Ann Coulter's planned speech at the university. The organization accused Berkeley of using an unwritten "high-profile speakers" policy as pretext for discriminating against conservative speakers by limiting them to times of day and locations where they were unlikely to be heard.

According to the College Republicans, Berkeley has applied its vague, disputed high-profile speaker policywhich seems to have been hatched in March at a meeting of school administrators, police officers, and city officials, but never actually written down"in a discriminatory fashion, resulting in the marginalization of the expression of conservative viewpoints on campus by any notable conservative speaker."

In a motion to dismiss filed last week, Berkeley argues its actions with regard to Ann Coulter's planned appearance were viewpoint neutral. University officials claim, unbelievably, that they were concerned only about "clashes between opposition groups of protesters...any suggestion that the University was motivated by a particular protester's message or view is demonstrably false."

But those "opposition groups" materialized (at an event billed as a "free speech" rally) after Berkeley utterly failed to prevent left-wing demonstrators from shutting down a speech by conservative provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos. So in effect, Berkeley is arguing that if you let angry protesters from one side run so rampant that it draws angry protests from the other side, you now have a "viewpoint neutral" right to suppress controversial speech in the name of public safety. If the court were to accept this argument, it would hand California universities a giant club with which to hammer unpopular speech.

The KoalaIn fact, the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is already trying to wield a similar club to bludgeon unpopular speech on its campus. Earlier this year, a court upheld a "Media Act" passed by the school's student government that eliminated student activity funding for all print media on campus.

The student government passed the act just two days after the publication of a controversial article in The Koala, a student humor publication that bills itself as "The Worst in Collegiate Journalism Since 1982!"

On November 16, 2015, The Koala publishedwithout a trigger warning!an article that satirized the concept of "safe spaces" and made use of numerous stereotypes and epithets in the process.

Two days later, on November 18, UCSD issued an official denouncement of The Koala, calling it "profoundly repugnant, repulsive, attacking and cruel." On the same day, student government representatives explicitly denounced the article before pulling funding for print media on campus.

The Koala has long drawn the ire of the campus' more politically correct elements for its provocative and intentionally offensive humor. As a result, over the past 15 years, the UCSD student government has attempted on at least three separate occasions to cut The Koala's student activity funds (money collected from students by the university and given to the student government to distribute, on a viewpoint-neutral basis, to student organizations).

This time The Koala sued the university for First Amendment violations. Despite what clearly appeared to be the targeting of their publication, a judge ruled the student government action was viewpoint neutral because it applied to all print media, not just The Koala.

The Koala is currently appealing the decision.

In both cases, if the courts ultimately side with the schools, California universitiesand other emboldened schools around the countryare nearly certain to continue pushing the envelope, restricting an ever-increasing sphere of speech by disfavored speakers and student groups.

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California Colleges to Ann Coulter and Student Satirists: Shut Up - Reason