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This post is to address two things: 1) SGT issues. 2) Balance point issues in general.
I'm going to talk about the second point first. It's clear to me that we cannot go on like this with balance points. It's become way too polarized and too many feelings are being hurt. When we're talking about people who are doing stuff for fun, that's bad. That's really bad. At this point, I really think it would be better if the author just set the balance point and that was it. Their opinion could be changed through a reasonable argument, but they'd be the ones who have to change the point itself. That's not great, but I think it's better than authors getting pissed off. Which is, quite honestly, the last thing I want. The wiki survives at all through a flow of new contributions, and if authors get pissed off then that flow of new contributions dries up. So whatever we do, authors not getting pissed off needs to be the #1 point.
I think we're small enough and have reasonable enough people that this can work. If in the future it becomes clear that it doesn't, policy can be changed.
Now let me talk about #1. It's become clear over the past year (this is approaching our one year anniversary) that the SGT is a bit too generic when it comes to items. For this matter I propose the following item rule additions to the SGT:
- You get the Big Six, plus two sets of three spell potions each (as in, if you choose a spell you get three such potions).
- You can give up some element of the Big Six for an equivalent-cost item (lesser than or equal to).
This should deal with a lot of nagging item issues in the SGT.
So, there is my proposal. I'd like comments on this. Surgo 19:32, August 6, 2010 (UTC)
- Leziad pointed out to me that a lot of different endless money loops exist, and not all of them require being a wizard. With this fact in mind, I think any such loop should be avoided in discussing the balance of anything. Surgo 19:35, August 6, 2010 (UTC)
- I for one, think we should take a more flexible approach of balance points. One thing to remember is that all classes are made with a different game design philosophy, and we have no stated balanced game template or anything the author can relate to when balancing his class but the SGT. As Surgo pointed the SGT got a few issues, I will address this later in my post. I strongly believe each authors should still have to answer to a "higher authority" because reason is not a gift given to all, but instead of forcing a balance level upon a class we could simply add another parameter in the author template like "Balance level Questioned: yes/no" but that would be a little invasive imo.
- The thing I want to avoid is drowning new authors in page of advanced debate, I don't think I would be here if I had such welcome at the beginning of my homebrewer career (and god know my old stuff suck). When it come to game design, we have seen many times taht some people cannot agreed together and the discussion quickly stretch on for pages. Maybe we could add game philosophy or similar on the author template,such as "Tome Games", "Grimoire Games". Right now that idea is terrible and I should feel terrible (I do not), however maybe the community can make something of it?
- As for the SGT, I agree with Surgo rules change. I can explain why later if I need. --Leziad 20:07, August 6, 2010 (UTC)
- Regarding SGT changes, they look basically fine though I'd like clarification on what the "big six" are. I'd like to suggest that classes with UMD on their class list be able to simply treat one challenge in an SGT10+ as a sure win and otherwise ignore it (it's not big enough at level 5 to work reliably, but we could maybe allow them to treat one challenge as a toss-up and otherwise ignore it). UMD adds lots of flexibility to lots of challenges and will boost results in play, but since it's a horribly gear dependent thing it's really hard to model. This just ignores those issues and raises the classes average by a set amount. Ghostwheel's made the point that anyone can have UMD with some items and cross class ranks, but I think that's so unlikely in an actual game that we can reasonably ignore it and this works as a fair approximation. Simply ignoring or hiding it under the gear restrictions proposed won't do us any favors in gauging class power though, it needs to be in here somewhere.
- On balance levels, I'm not in agreement with you on the "author sets the balance point and that's it" thing. I really don't like making people change them, but if balance levels are going to mean anything they need to be somewhat consistent. That's somewhat hard to do with the broad balance levels that we want, but if the community calls something balanced wrong in sufficient numbers (which is one of the reasons I wanted to stack the vote against the guy calling for it) then we need to go with it. The rule as it stands is done in such a way that it's the community requesting the change, even though one guy has to get annoyed with discussion enough to push it that far. I know it can lead to hurt feelings, but I think I'd rather have some hurt feelings and balanced material than happy fun time and not in line stuff. Besides, we already have one of the strictest image policies of any wiki I've seen and an incomplete template that frustrates people, arguments over balance and getting it forcibly changed seem down the line in things that annoy new contributors.
- If we get the SGT thing better sorted out I'd be happy to move balance levels into a more solidly SGT related way and use that as a force for change. But I think removing any force for change dilutes the balance levels sufficiently that we might as well just be rid of them. - TarkisFlux 20:39, August 6, 2010 (UTC)
- I support Leziads Philosophy-compatibility idea, but I think it solves a completely different problem than the one we're dealing with here. There are more than a few new mechanics in any complete fix, so things built on them will reference the new mechanics. For instance, my Elemental Brute (3.5e Class) has a major ability that doesn't do anything unless you're playing with the advanced combat rules in Races of War (3.5e Sourcebook). Having something as "This is built for Tome games" "This is built for Grimiore games" or even "This is built for Pathfinder games" if people write anything for that and so on will clarify what set of new mechanics it's supposed to plug into, and, for the former two, what balance point it's supposed to try to hit. The only issue with that is that we'd need to keep a manually-updated Design Types page, but since it only needs to be updated with philosophy statements for new major projects (and kept up-to-date when the philosophy changes), that's not much work at all. Going through and updating everything with their design philosophy might be, but for the Tomes at least we've been using categories for that.
- I like the fixed-items idea. The Big Six are Weapon, Armor, Offhand (Weapon/Shield), Cloak of Resistance, Stat Increaser, and Other AC Booster (Protection, Natty armor, whatever), correct? All of them are pure bonus items unless you're trading out plusses? What bonus do your items have at the various SGT levels?
- What TarkisFlux said also makes sense. Use Magic Device can easily be a wildcard win (pick one challenge and auto-win it). Cross-classing UMD can be ignored safely, since any real build will acquire enough minor tricks as they play to perform better than an artificial SGT build; cross-class ranks in UMD can be stuck in that list of minor tricks. Also, like he said, if we have a way to empirically determine balance points, we should empirically determine balance points rather than rely on guesswork and persuasion. Possibly even put in a guideline that if you're new and don't have much of an eye for balance points, leave it blank, slap an assistance request on it, and someone will eventually come by to give you a balance point, rather than even asking people to guess.
- Also, are we ever going to do anything regarding completing the balance point system for 4e? As it is, it's a stub with the name of one tier and no way to do any empirical balance? At that point, you might as well get rid of it. Is the name of the tier even up-to-date? Is Righteous Brand still any good, or did it get nerfed? --IGTN 01:40, August 7, 2010 (UTC)
- Correct--basically the things apart from some of the standardized ability boosts on this table. Magic weapon, armor, resistance, natural armor, deflection, and ability boost. That said, I think the whole SGT needs to be redone with each challenge being able to be beaten around 50% of the time with one's own power for some of the rogue-level classes.
- Let's actually discuss one of the rogue-level classes--namely the rogue. In "real" games, the rogue rarely pops for either Perfect TWF at level 10 or the ring of blink (I've actually never seen either of them taken by a rogue for the purposes discussed on the board). In... well, almost a decade now, I've never seen it happen. That's not saying it doesn't, but I don't think it should be the standard for "what rogues can do". In fact, I've also rarely seen rogues actually use UMD apart from out-of-battle healing with the party's wand of lesser vigor. However, what the rogue *does* do often is have flanking buddies and ways to move around quickly, kinda like the mobile blender does. Now, let's looks at a rogue that's actually built for the SGT, one who's meant to win on his own in 1v1 fights and do so decently.
- In fact, it won't even be a straight rogue. (NOTE: If mechanical tech-talk bores, skip to the next break-paragraph.) Rogue 8 / Swordsage 2 works, picking up Shadow Blade, Cloak of Deception, Burning Blade, and Flashing Sun along with Shadow Jaunt to GTFO of grapples. Assuming the table above (I know it's not canon, but just for example), we have two +1 Shocking short swords, 28 Dexterity after ability bosts and racial (we're a halfling), and our armor will be something like 10 (base) + 1 (small) + 6 (dex) + 7 (mithral chain shirt) + 2 (deflection) + 2 (natural armor) + 6 (wisdom) = 37 AC, which isn't bad for a squishy level 10 character. Attack is going to look like 9 (Dex) + 7 (BAB) + 1 (Magic) - 2 (TWF) + 1 (Size) = +16/+16/+11/+11, which is enough to hit fairly reliably most of the monsters. Base damage is 1d4+1 (sword) + 9 (Shadow Blade) + 6d6 (SA + Assassin's Stance) for 1d4+6d6+9 per attack.
- But what about our actual attacks? Let's assume for a moment that we win init, get a surprise round to get close to our enemy, and screw them over in melee while they're still denied dex to AC. Flashing Sun + Burning Blade gives us +14/+14/+14/+9/+9 each dealing 1d4+6d6+9+1d6+6 or 42 damage on average with every attack. When weighted against the bebilith's AC, this does exactly 105 damage on average--not bad for a solo rogue, eh? Next round finish them off with a distracting ember or cloak of deception and a full attack. (EDIT: Forgot weapon focus and shocking enhancement in there, damage will be slightly higher.) However, we might hit a lot more and finish it in one round. Or he might spot us and then we have a slightly harder fight on our hands. Or he might grapple us and we could try to Shadow Jaunt out of reach (and we have a decent chance of being missed with our high AC). In short, the fight comes out almost perfect to a 50/50 chance of winning depending on specific circumstances and rolls.
- My point with all this tech-talk is that the straight rogue isn't really worthy of the SGT. Even with a with an autowin, without the ring of blink/eversmoking bottle+blindfold of true darkness/other third-party additions it's not going to pass the SGT. But that's because it's not meant to. It's meant to be a team player who full attacks in melee while flanking. However, it can be turned into a solo-er with a little help, and we're still keeping the build 80% rogue. But we don't need to resort to things like UMD to do so when the basic tools are there for us without having to delve into abilities that are completely up to DM fiat rather than what comes part and parcel with the class. Along with that, we should revise the challenges. Take a look at the dragon, for instance; most rogue-level classes don't have an innate ability at level 10 to fly. By being cheesy as hell, the dragon could make strafing attacks out of range until the character dies without being hit. Rather than making the ability to fly be a gimmick that one must have to pass the dragon (you must be this high to beat this encounter...), we should remove that encounter. The fact that most rogue-level classes don't have the innate ability to fly *gives us an indication that the dragon might not be a good challenge for the SGT*. On the other hand, the troll encounter is for the most part laughable. Any rogue-level character worth his salt will either deal enough damage to knock a few trolls out every round, or not be hit at all. It's there just to be another "you must be this high" where monk- and fighter-level characters fail. Rather than having both these encounters and one being an autowin and one being an autolose for most rogue-level characters without non-class-abilities help ("balancing" each other out in a bad way when it comes to the final tally), we should replace both with encounters that a number of rogue-level characters fail ~50% of the time.
- By taking away stupid auto-win/lose encounters and designing a rogue that's actually created to be able to challenge the SGT instead of resorting to third-party, DM-fiat, seldom-seen-in-games tricks, I think we could have a much more balanced SGT that will fulfill its role in a far more cogent fashion.
- Oh, and I don't think rogue-level classes can in general go into infinite money loops without wizard-level help in the form of scrolls or items. I don't see a rogue, warblade, crusader, swordsage, psychic warrior, or duskblade getting infinite money just on their own class abilities even at level 20 without third-party/extraneous help. Rather than contributions from items, I think the SGT should focus on class levels--and rogue-level classes usually have more than enough tricks to fare well against equal-level challenges. (I could show you the same above with most of the classes mentioned above, I think, without the need for any items beyond the Big Six.) --Ghostwheel 10:53, August 7, 2010 (UTC)
- Addendum: Cid mentioned on the channel that if the dragon's wings were simply clipped it would solve a lot of the issues, and I think I agree. The fight would still be a hard one for the above rogue, but I think it might come fairly close to 50/50 with the right tactics. Could "fix" that encounter simply by assuming that the encounter takes place in a low cave or that the dragon is unable to fly. --Ghostwheel 14:18, August 7, 2010 (UTC)
- On that same note, perhaps the SGT has to account for situational factors to even the odds of a combat (for example, whether the encounter takes place outside or in a dungeon. This can work both ways, since a dragon is a good example of where it aids the PC's and a fire giant would be where it aids the monster. Even if the giant has rocks, a pretty good AC and a ranged blast is all you need to lay it low. Having the encouter inside, where the movements of the PC's are more restricted as well, could balance the SGT as well. I'm not sure if that's an issue or not since I doubt amny people would want to intentionally limit the abilities of the PC's, but it's still a potential influence that I think needs to be recognized. - TG Cid 14:27, August 7, 2010 (UTC)
- The issue as it stands is simple. The system itself is theoretically sound. It's just that the people are the problem. They keep pushing until things don't make sense anymore. (1) Something should never be cast into 7 pages of debate just for a fucking nitpick. (2) If someone can provide sane reasoning for anything, they should be listened to. (3) A persons intelligence should never be insulted due to a disagreement. Yet all three of these basic premises of decency and civility, have been violated dozens of times on this wiki. It's the people. But, the idea of 'just ignore them' is not the answer. The answer is that a policy of conduct needs to be put into place. If a person provides sound, logical reasoning for their creation being of balance point X instead of Y or Z, they should be listened to, and unless a massive flaw can be found in their arguments, this should be the base point for judging the class. On the other end of the spectrum, people ignoring these reasonings, not addressing them, and instead just saying things like 'know it's difficult, but you should try to think', should at least earn themselves a warning. Perhaps after 3 warnings, a ban would be in order, but that would be up to people of a more prestigious vantage point to decide. → Rith (talk) 16:58, August 7, 2010 (UTC)
- (PS. The Same Game Test, as was originally set forward by Frank Trollman, is solid, and revisions merely dilute the concept. Change the test itself, and you change the game. Make enough revisions to the system, after a while, and you have an entirely different object. Things need to be defined, yes, otherwise, you wind up with the system falling apart, but don't rewrite the baseline. Change things in the same way that Ghostwheel suggested above, and it stops being the SGT, and starts being 'the Ghostwheel test'. Course, it's true, the Rogue is actually pretty fragile.)
- Putting the challenges in specific terrains is fine, and part of what I'm already doing. It stops people from running the challenge in a boring and trivial way and the arguments that ensue from "doing it wrong". And the SGT10 probably needs more challenges added to it, either that or we need to cut more from the SGT5 and SGT15. The tests should line up better, and be easier to run, and any changes made towards those goals are probably going to be fine. Whether that's a dilution or not depends on how what the changes and challenges are.
- The Dragon flying I think is read in exactly the wrong way by Ghost. Plenty of classes don't have the ability to fly at level 10. Plenty of monsters do. Are we working the monsters to the classes here, and thus the monsters who can fly should be higher CR or removed? Or are we working the classes to the monsters, and thus character who can't fly should be given a way to do so (like through WBL and gear, even if WBL is rather brokened)? Either answer is fine, but they do different things. You can pick a set of monsters for each CR or CR group (they can be representational of the game as a whole or just of the monster progression you want) and test classes against them to see what keeps up. Or you can pick a set of classes (again, they can be representational of the game as a whole or just of the class progression you want) and test monsters against them to see which monsters keep up. Either of these is fine in principle, and using your results to limit the allowed classes / monsters will lead you to a game with fewer balance surprises.
- Doing both, as Ghost seems to want to do to when he says that the SGT should have monsters picked for it that some special subset of classes can beat, is worth more examination though. Taking that pool of monsters and testing other classes against it is just an extra layer of obfuscation making it difficult to determine if the class is out of line or if the monster was really out of line and you just didn't see it because of the classes you picked to set the monster up. It's not anything that I'd support this late in the game's lifecycle, though it's probably exactly what you'd want to do if you were writing classes and monsters and a game from scratch and wanted to tune them up.
- Since we're tagging classes with balance levels and not monsters though, we need to use a pool of monsters to test the classes and options. The SGT as written tries to get a set of challenges that are representational of those that could be faced and then see how the different classes do against them on average, looking for those classes that perform better or worse than average. If you wanted to remove or re-level challenges that you didn't think fit for whatever reason you can do that, but you're not testing classes against the game anymore (though yes, we make a special exception for the [Awesome] subtype). Removing challenges or substantially altering CRs also changes the pace that the game changes tactically. That's not anything I'm in favor of since I like the pace of change and don't want to be playing the same game for 20 levels, I want it to grow and change tactically like the monsters currently do. If I didn't want those things, I'd be playing 4e (with spot fixes for sumo) because it does an admirable job of being the same game with bigger numbers as you level up.
- Regarding the rogue failing the SGT, that depends on whether wands are allowed or not as one of your replacement items and if you can purchase them with reduced charges as if you were a new character starting at a level above 1 (then take greater invis and UMD it, unless someone is going). I get that Ghost hates UMD with the passion of a thousand burning suns or whatever, but the fact remains that it is a skill on their list that they get to use to access any level of effects that are allowed in the game. It is somewhat subject to DM fiat by being a gear dependent ability, but I've never played in a game where it wasn't used to boost the rogue's effectiveness and I've never played a game where the rogue was primarily a "team player" flanking machine. Failing that, you can do a lot of damage with some potions of invis and just getting people before they can get you, starting the fight with an advantage. It's not as bad as Ghost claims at soloing unless the rogue is trying to make it a fair fight, which is silly. - TarkisFlux 18:51, August 7, 2010 (UTC)
- As far as flight is concerned, I think there are a number of parts to address; first, it might be fair to include a potion of flight in each character's napsack (since we discussed above about allowing a limited number of potions, and I think that those might be low-costing and universal enough that any character might carry them at that level). Second, you mentioned that in "actual games" characters often meet flying creatures--which might be true, but I think that what we're going after is the base power of classes rather than what items add on, what the DM gives out, etc. It's shown that a single item can bypass one of the encounters as-is, and with enough UMD'd items you can beat all the encounters. This indicates that items are just an add-on that skew what an actual character can do, since a commoner with level 10 CWBL can UMD almost as well as a rogue by investing in skill-boosting items--and I don't think anyone thinks the commoner's wizard-level. (As a side note, I think flight can be abused on the player side as well--anyone remember this class? I still think it's fighter-level.)
- You talked about removing creatures that have the [awesome] subtype--I don't think we're disagreeing on this point. The necromancer, the dragon, the mind flayers, and the horde of shadows all potentially have the [awesome] subtype. (Want specific reasons, or accepting last statement as-is? I think that's the crux of my argument, that the monsters that do have the [awesome] subtype should be removed from the SGT. That said, as long as it's not using incredibly cheap tactics, I think most of those could be in the SGT--barring the shadows. I have no clue why they put those in there...) Aside: That said, a thought came to mind. If the character readied a move action whenever the dragon flew by to dodge the breath line, would the dragon be forced to come down and fight it in melee? If that was the case, and used by most characters, I would have far less of a problem with the dragon. It's mostly the use of a cheap auto-win tactic that poses no danger (like what the Griffon Rider does) that bothers me.
- Specifically as far as the rogue goes, UMD is just so fiddly and DM-dependent that I don't see using it as a good measure of the *rogue's* base power (see above about commoner comment)--especially if you're buying wands at reduced charges. It's testing something that is far from universally accepted. I just don't see it absolutely part of the rogue's power with the amount of variability in there to accept that most rogues are taking it and thus it should be calculated as part of the "core power" of the build which is tested. (Compare to, say, TWF, which virtually all rogues get universally.) --Ghostwheel 23:17, August 7, 2010 (UTC)
- No, he mentioned re-leveling creatures with the [Awesome] subtype, as is already the case with the dragon (which is 4 CR lower than the place on the test that it appears). To ignore these creatures is to pretend that the game is something it isn't. The SGT is a measure of how a character actually does in the game of D&D 3.5e, and those four encounters were put on it for a reason, due to the fact that those are real challenges in their respective fields, within the boundaries of the game of D&D 3.5e. → Rith (talk) 23:38, August 7, 2010 (UTC)
- There's no way shadows or necromancers would ever get removed. Those are classic challenges for Dungeons & Dragons. Surgo 02:00, August 8, 2010 (UTC)
- Also I mentioned multiple times that "you must be this tall" challenges like the blue dragon absolutely have a place. Sometimes you really do just need to be that tall. Surgo 02:03, August 8, 2010 (UTC)
- Contemplation- Would it not be best to assume a "common suit" of items if it is such a problem? Admittedly this varies by class (a monk has a greater need for a potion of Fly than a wizard) so it may be difficult, but as far as general use items, that can be figured out. After all, Test X or Test Y my be bypassed by the casting of Secret Page or something, but how many people keep such a spell or wand on hand? Meanwhile the far more likely challenges would require things like flight, buffs, etc.
- I am always of the opinion thought that general cost of things should be mentioned as a measure of balance, both actual gold cost and the concept of cost in general. Is there any way to integrate this? Obviously taken to the illogical extreme you'd get imbalanced things (you can destroy the world by sacrificing X Y and Z, all huge things... but you just blew up the world), but speaking in general if you have attack X which is free and attack Y which is the same with some sort of cost, I'd think Y would be considered less powerful for whatever restrictions that were placed upon it.
- Can't mention on the rest sadly, not enough knowledge to make an intelligent arguement on the matter yet. -- Eiji Hyrule 02:58, August 8, 2010 (UTC)
- We also lack a coherent framework for determining balance points for non-class components - i.e., feats. See the Fiendish Brute discussion for one of the problems, but another problem is that we just don't have a formal, coherent way to determine just what balance point a feat should be at. I tend to go with the "if it turns a build using items from the previous balance level into the next balance point's range" on my own time. --Quantumboost 03:06, August 8, 2010 (UTC)
- I wasn't suggesting removal of those challenges. The dragon in it is CR 6 even though it's supposed to be a CR 10 SGT, that's what I meant by adjusting for the [Awesome] subtype (I think that's somewhat low actually and would rather have a juvenile at CR 8, but whatever). I'm willing to drop the necromancer to level 9 and leave him his army buildup, because his chassis somewhat exceeds the SGT when tested on it's own and we're giving him an army. And I actually want to state that the shadows don't attack you from inside walls because I want them somewhat susceptible to AoEs. The Mind Flayers are just fine IMO, but I'm actually interested in replacing them with SRD creatures anyway so that we can link to everything in the test. But I don't think there's anything wrong with these challenges in general, certainly nothing so bad as to want to remove them.
- I think that 6 bonus boosting items, with substitutions if you really want them, plus 2 sets of 3-of-the-same potions is pretty close to gear sets Eiji. The potions give you a few options for specifics (which reminds me, Blink fits in potions, so the rogue can drop a weapon for flasks and get blink potions and still access his level appropriate damage, I don't even need the wand actually). Past that though, I'm not sure that integrating cost works or is even a good idea.
- And I think QB is right on the feats call. It probably works for spells/powers/whatever as well. But it's a lot more fuzzy. - TarkisFlux 06:31, August 8, 2010 (UTC)
- I have little to add at this moment in time, except for my belief that the Fiendish Brute SGT is flawed due to fact that it's not a test of the Fiendish Brute itself. The SGT for a base class should measure the power of the single class. This is especially relevant, as the Fiendish Brute would not have been able to qualify for Wings of Evil if it was a single class. For when Some Classes Are Short, it's a measure of the SGTs it can complete. --TK 11:05, August 8, 2010 (UTC)
- Well, I agree with Rith that if feelings are being hurt, it is the fault of the people making the arguments. I've not used the Same-game test before, actually, but from how I understand it, we should be using the challenges to gauge the classes, not vice-verca, as this is how the CR system is designed. Now, I'm aware that many people here disagree with how the CR system works, but, well... I've nothing I can really say about that, unfortunately. I still think that the SGT, if the challenges are of the appropriate CR, should be kept as is. I like the idea of the Big 6 to keep gear for it standardized. 'S All I have to say.Quilliard 21:12, August 8, 2010 (UTC)
→Reverted indentation to one colon
- I'm just going to throw something out here that might be a very stupid idea, but is at least worth considering. Why not just abandon the SGT entirely and judge classes based on inclusions of particular capabilities, rather than trying to come up with a quantitative comparison using the SGT to determine how strong a class is. Basically, the idea is to fully embrace the concept of "you must be this tall to ride on the wizard-mobile". Instead of saying "rogue level = approx a 50% score on the SGT", which has shown many issues because the SGT really is not a accurate measurement, let's try to explicitly define how tall you have to be to be monk/fighter/rogue/wizard level. Just off the top of my head for wizard level as an example:
- You are capable of removing one or several opponents from combat with a single action
- You are capable of dealing with flying opponents from level 5 onwards
- You can bypass many difficult skill checks using your class abilities
- Well, there are a few ideas. They could probably be more specific and even include SGT stuff like "you can destroy a necromancer and his army at level 10". The goal wouldn't be for classes to be able to do all of the things on the list. Instead, they would want to have a best fit. If they have capabilities found on higher lists, that can be a red flag that they might not be a good fit for their existing balance level. The author could totally keep it that way if they wanted to, we'd just put some sort of indication that it *may* not conform well to our balance standards.
- The thing here that I see is that people seem to taking this business a bit too seriously. I think it is fine if an author's work doesn't fit into the categories we laid out for balance as long as we indicate that. As it is right now, I'm thinking that the SGT is just a terrible way for us to try to categorize stuff. I think that having a definition of what things makes a class fit into a particular balance level would act as a better guide.
- And one final thing (mainly a note to Ghostwheel). As much as I like Grimoire rules and use them myself, it really is its own school of thought that not everyone shares. It shouldn't be the ruler used for rogue level just as Tome shouldn't be the ruler used for wizard level (even though it is used that way now). Our categories should be a bit more broad and not require a specific way of thinking. If you want to say that it is compatible with Tome, there should be a category called "Tome Compatible" (or something that sounds better than that), which you tag the article with. Right now I see users getting upset when something is tagged "rogue level" or "wizard level" and it doesn't fit into their school of thought. I think that doesn't facilitate a good homebrewing environment.
- I also understand why users want things to conform to their school of thought. The whole point of tagging things at a certain balance rating is so that it can be freely used in games at that balanced rating. The problem is, I don't think all rogue level games are the same thing as Grimoire games. Grimoire is a subset of rogue level that creates a system where the RNG is set to always fall around the same range of success/failure (give or take a few points). And yet, I think a rogue using wraithstrike against a dragon to automatically hit (low touch AC) is still a rogue level game (even though it is definitely not the way a Grimoire game would run). And I'm not just talking about Ghostwheel and Grimoire here -- other people have the same sort of ideas with wizard level and Tome material.
- Anyways, no offence is intended by this post. I'm just saying it as I see it and trying to brainstorm a solution to our SGT problems. And, if you didn't guess it, I don't like the way the SGT is used (even if we did have a common set of items). I feel that we try to brand it as a quantitative measurement, but it really boils down to a lot of hypothetical guesswork without a clear direction of what a class is supposed to achieve at a particular balance level. --Andrew Arnott (talk, email) 17:18, August 9, 2010 (UTC)


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While Chris Pine is currently shooting Jack Ryan in downtown Manhattan (you can see images of him and Kevin Costner here), he recently spoke out about the tone of Star Trek 2. Specifically, Pine was quick to mention that the J.J. Abrams sequel doesn't follow the rules set down by Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, which says a follow-up film should be "like the original, only darker." As the first Star Trek had its lighter moments (Pine's Kirk having an allergic reaction and being repeatedly injected by Bones), the sequel appears to keep the comedic element amidst a greater threat to Starfleet.
Also starring Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Anton Yelchin, Zoe Saldana, John Cho, Simon Pegg, Alice Eve and Benedict Cumberbatch, Star Trek 2 opens May 17th, 2013. Hit the jump to read what Pine had to say.
TotalFilm recently spoke to Pine about the upcoming Star Trek sequel and he was quick to establish the tone of the film by saying:
"We're not making Batman. That's not our deal."
Pine also commented on the inclusion of comedy in the film, against the backdrop of an imminent threat:
"There's comedy, which I think J.J. does a great job of, but, like the first one, there's some serious issues being dealt with. And I'd say the threat is even greater in this one."
It looks like the whole crew of the USS Enterprise will get to experience a bit more development this time around since Star Trek served to reintroduce the characters to the audience. As Pine says:
"The force [the Enterprise crew] are met with is much more frightening. It's relentlessly action-packed and in terms of character development it goes places you'd never expect. The arc is huge for all the characters. It's a really big story – I can't hype it enough!"
Be sure to catch up on all of our previous and continuing coverage on Star Trek 2.

subset: commoncrawl


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Check out reviews left by other students or leave your own review. You could win a free scholarship.Add your Review
Tatiana B. from Chicago, IL
Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 1 of 1
Categories Comments Campus Safety
The new location at Wicker Park neighborhood is pretty safe.
Food and Dining
Having the university located in a hospital, they do have a cafeteria. Other than the cafeteria, they also have tons of amazing food places in the Wicker Park neighborhood.
Dorm Life
They do not have a dorm or housing. Students must find housings on their own. They are located on a safe neighborhood.
Academic Rigor
It will be a fast-paced program since it is an accelerated school. The school focuses on the students to pass the NCLEX exam and preparing them for health care careers. It won't be easy but they have plenty of help available such as tutors or any of the other staffs. They are all willing to help.
Tips for prospective students
Check you e-mails regularly! It is their main communication here.
In three sentences
In this University, only four consecutive semesters to get a BSN. This University is very organized. They have very friendly staffs that makes admissions to this school very easy.
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Items where Division is "Poverty, Exclusion and Access"
Group by: Date | Creators/Editors | Item Type | No Grouping
Jump to: Report
Number of items at this level: 1.
Garforth, C., (2011) Education, training and extension for food producers. Global Food and Farming Futures Project, State of Science Reviews. SR16B. Report. The Government Office for Science, London, UK. pp14.


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#MyStoryMatters – I Share it Now!
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Masterstories was born out of pure appreciation for the great masters and teachers of our time – the well-known and the not-so-well known masters and storietellers, healers, writers and light workers. The stories they share are often very insightful with a long lasting effect, and their own masterstories, the stories of their own life, often even more powerful. Through the sharing of their individual stories they not only provide guidance, but also healing and inspiration.
Everyone has mastered challenges and overcame obstacles. Everyone has a story to tell. We invite you to share yours.
It might be the one someone needs to hear today. Someone in need of courage, hope, comfort, guidance or light. Let your story be heard, and let it be the inspiration for others.
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This site is dedicated to everyone who has a story to tell or an insight to share. To everyone who went through a tough time, faced adversity, and had the courage to walk on. To everyone who encouraged and inspired someone else. To everyone with compassion and a story. And to everyone looking for answers, guidance, insights, willing to learn and to accept change. The intention is to create a global community of self help and support, where one can learn from the other, and gives guideance to the next.
There are two ways to become active in the Global Support Community of Masterstories.com.
By commenting on other posts and stories.
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After approval your masterstory will be posted online (and you can post a link to you story as a comment to other people's story, inviting them to listen to your story.)
There are different types of stories to share.
You might have a story offering guidance or a story about overcoming adversity. You might find answers; you might inspire others or encourage them to share their story. Either way, your story is needed.
"While we teach, we learn" – Seneca
The best way to learn is by teaching. When you share your story, your own perspective changes. You are able to view your story from a position of healing and letting go. Truth will set us free. As someone posted:
"It's been on my spiritual To Do list for a while, but I have been procrastinating holding on to anger. Time to let it go and embrace forgiveness. The writing process is incredibly cathartic."
The act of thinking about the healing, writing a message of inspiration or posting a comment on someone else's post makes your lessons tangible and transformative.
Learn from people who have been where you are, and are now where you'd like to be
. You cannot learn much from an American property tycoon who grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth when you are facing financial problems or even poverty. You can however learn from someone who has pulled themselves up from nothing. If you have cancer, for example, then someone who has had cancer knows what you are going through and someone who has been healed from that cancer can give you hope.
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Gwyneth Paltrow's Kid Celebrates His Birthday With a Bunch of Her A-List Friends
Remember your 7th birthday? With the Dairy Queen ice cream cake and the plastic cups? Yeah, Gwyneth Paltrow and her carb-deprived kids don't get those parties.
On Saturday, April 6, Gwynnie and rock star hubby Chris Martin threw a bash in L.A. that was ostensibly to celebrate son Moses turning seven. On the guest list? Tobey Maguire, Maria Shriver, Cameron Diaz, Gwen Stefani and director Jon Favreau, among others.
Because nothing says "Happy Birthday" to a kid like a party with an ex-Spiderman, one-third of Charlie's Angels and the Terminator's wife.
Photos show a table full of white flowers (little boys love those), and a table full of
bland healthy refreshments that attendees could scoop out of $200 bowls onto plates made of fairy dust-infused crystal.
Don't worry, Moses. Being 7 years old and having a mom with the physique of an exotic dancer might be tough, but it gets better. Maybe.


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LCHS FFA and FFA Alumni enjoy a very successful
Album 2
on photos below to enlarge.]
[February 18, 2013]
Send a link to a friend
Sunday morning the newly
re-formed FFA Alumni Association had members on hand to offer
support to the kids in their fundraising effort. The LCHS FFA
has had an alumni association in the past. Recently a group of
former FFA alumni decided to try to bring a group together again.
The breakfast Sunday was a
debut of the association at work. Dave Opperman, treasurer, said there was a secondary reason for the
event, and that is to raise awareness of the alumni association in
hopes that former FFA members will come back and join fellow alums
to grow the group.
Marc Short, president of the group, also said, "We want to
reinvigorate the alumni association."
Pictures and Text by Curt Fox
On hand promoting the newly re-formed FFA
Alumni chapter were Dave Opperman, treasurer, on the right, with alumni member Gary Atteberry.
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Film fans can already mark their calendars for the Academy Awards in 2014 and 2015.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Monday that next year's Oscar ceremony will be held on March 2. The 2015 trophies will be handed out Feb. 22.
Awards shows, including the Oscars, are juggling their calendars to avoid overlap with the 2014 Winter Olympics, which will be held Feb. 7 to 23 in Sochi, Russia.
U.S. & World
Nominations for the 86th annual Academy Awards will be announced Jan. 16, 2014.
Both the 2014 and 2015 Oscar ceremonies will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and broadcast live on ABC.
Copyright AP - Associated Press


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MLB.com surveyed a handful of White Sox players over the past few days, looking for one sentence to describe Ventura's managerial start. Most players went deeper than the required basic statement, but through the first quarter of Spring Training, there seems to be nothing but strong support for Ventura's debut camp.
"I mean, it's almost, I don't want to sound corny, but he's almost like it's too good to be true," said White Sox designated hitter Adam Dunn. "He's unbelievable. I'm not just saying that. I feel like he's still a player but yet he'll get on you, he'll jump on you.
"He's got that fine line down really well early. He has a lot of respect coming toward him and I think he realizes it, too. He's in a tough position, but I respect him from, I still remember him as a player, how good of a player he was playing against him. He has all my respect."
Other White Sox links:
- James looks at the Sox catchers. A.J. Pierzynski needed another post after Max Marchi's 'Runs prevented by a catcher' post.
- Chris Kamka looks at the utter lack of left-handed power in Chicago. The Sox had just 2 seasons of a left-hander with 30 home runs and 100 RBI. Ever!
- Jeff Manto likes what he sees.
- Addison Reed is ranked 14th in Baseball America's 'Preseason Top 20 Rookies' list.


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Top Stories
Featured Columns
Super Bowl XLVI Most Viewed Television Program In History
INDIANAPOLIS, IN. (Missouri Sports Magazine Contributor Network) – So how many of you watched the Super Bowl last night? I bet most, if not all of you watched as the New York Giants triumphantly defeated the New England Patriots in comeback fashion. For all of the hype surrounding the game and the ...
Manning wins MVP, turns down keys to Corvette (Video)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN. (Missouri Sports Magazine Contributor Network) – Eli Manning and the New York Giants have done it again, ...
Angelo Dundee, Boxing's most Famous Trainer, passes away
TAMPA, FL. (Missouri Sports Magazine Contributor Network) – Angelo Dundee, who was arguably the most famous boxing trainer in ...
- Hero's Welcome Monday Greets New York Giants Quarterback Eli Manning, MVP of Super Bowl XLVI, at Walt Disney World Resort
- Pay Attention To NCAA Rules And Regulations Or Suffer The Consequences
- Brady's Better Half Takes Shot At Receivers
- Ochocinco Hopes To Remain With Patriots
- Records From Sunday's Super Bowl in Indianapolis
- Super Bowl XLVI Ad Vote: Missouri Sports Magazine Readers Vote For Their Top 5 Favorite Ads
- Los Angeles Dodgers File Motion to Disallow Stow Bankruptcy Court Claim
- How A Coach Leaving For Another Job Can Blow Up A College Football Recruiting Class
- Giants Defeat Patriots 21-17, Wrap Up Super Bowl XVLI
- Patriots lead Giants 10-9 after 1st half
Missouri Pro & Semi Pro Teams
Rams Waive WR John Chiles
ST. LOUIS, MO. (Shane Patton, Missouri Sports Magazine) – The St. Louis Rams have waived wide receiver John Chiles. ...
St. Louis Blues: Kids' Jersey Packs Info
ST. LOUIS, MO. (Missouri Sports Magazine) – Get four tickets to a Sunday home game at Scottrade Center and ...
Former Chiefs Head Coach Lands in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH, PA. (Shane Patton, Missouri Sports Magazine) – According to Chris Mortensen (ESPN), former Kansas City Chiefs head coach lands in Pittsburgh and then flight to Brisbane for his house ...
- Chiefs Make it Official, Sign Brian Daboll As Team's Offensive Coordinator
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- Former Chiefs OT Willie Roaf Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame
- Kyle Orton on Redskins Radar
- Mavs Sweep Sundogs 6-2
- Blues Struggle in Nashville, Fall to Predators 3-1
- Blues Halak Racks Up Fourth Shutout in Last Seven Starts
- Command Girls Ready to Build Squad
College And University Athletics - Men
Lusk and Bears Head to Carbondale Wednesday to Battle Salukis
CARBONDALE, IL. (Missouri Sports Magazine) – The Missouri State Bears wrap a two-game conference road swing on Wednesday when ...
Saints Tally Season-High 84 Points to Soar Past Oakland City
ST. LOUIS, MO. (Missouri Sports Magazine) – Maryville used explosive runs to open each half and set a season ...
Denmon helps Missouri edge Oklahoma
NORMAN, OK (Sports Network) – Marcus Denmon made four three-pointers en route to 25 points, as the fourth-ranked Missouri ...
- Truman Wrestling Competes In Missouri Valley Open
- No. 23 Lions avenge earlier loss with 85-69 win over Missouri Western
- Jewell Men Hold Lead, Can't Finish Division-Leading UMSL
- Bears Snap Emory's 17-Game Home Win Streak With 92-83 Victory
- No. 4 Tigers Face Sooners at 6 pm on ESPNU
- Mules pull away for 78-58 win over Lincoln, run winning streak to nine
- Panthers Hold Off Quincy For Key 78-71 GLVC West Victory
- Cougars complete the sweep
- Mizzou Wins Border Showdown, Defeats KU 74-71
- Mules earn six provisional marks in second day of UCM Mule Relays
College And University Athletics - Women
Columbia College Soccer adds Natausha Sanchez to 2012 roster
Columbia, Mo. (Missouri Sports Magazine – Columbia College Athletics) – Columbia College head women's soccer coach John Klein officially ...
Missouri Western Women Fall to 13th Ranked Arkansas Tech
Russellville, Ark. (Trevor Berneking, Director of Athletic Media Relations, Missouri Western State University) – The Missouri Western women's road ...
MSU Buer Named MVC Women's Basketball Player of the Week
St. Louis (Ben Adamson, Asst. Dir. Athletics Communications, Missouri State University) — Missouri State sophomore guard Karly Buer is ...
- Missouri Women Fall to Lady Raiders in Lubbock
- SLU Mueller's Last Second Jumper Propels Billikens
- WUSTL Women's Basketball Suffers First Road Loss of Season at Emory
- Evangel Women's Basketball Steals 84-77 Win over Baker
- SEMO Gymnasts Land Two Top Three Finishes at Michigan State
- S&T uses fast start to down Illinois Springfield 89-70
- Southern Lions Women Win Fifth Straight against Western
- MSU Lady Bears Run Winning Streak to Five with 63-55 Triumph at Creighton
- UMKC Can't Complete Comeback in 60-54 Loss at South Dakota
- SEMO Lady Redhawks Shutdown Tigers, 50-39
Missouri Sports Magazine Contributor Network
United Ready To Splurge Big Money On Big Serbian
(Missouri Sports Magazine Contributor Network) – English champions Manchester United are poised to make a summer bid for Borussia ...
With Time Warner Acquiring Insight Cable NFL Expands NFL Network Coverage
NEW YORK, NY. (Missouri Sports Magazine Contributor Network) – If you have Insight Cable, most likely you enjoy flipping ...
Kevin Love: Dirty Play but not a Dirty Player
Minneapolis, MN. (Missouri Sports Magazine Contributor Network) – Basketball is a competitive sport and the NBA is a competitive ...
- Angelo Dundee, Boxing's most Famous Trainer, passes away
- Pay Attention To NCAA Rules And Regulations Or Suffer The Consequences
- Brady's Better Half Takes Shot At Receivers
- Giants Coughlin To Return in 2012
- Detroit QB Stafford named Comeback Player of the Year
- Horse Racing News Headlines For February 04, 2012
- Bet on Brady and Belichick Exacting Revenge on Super Sunday
- Professional Debut for Three MMA Fighters at Midtown Throwdown III
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- Peyton Manning and His 2012 Suitors
Sports Business
World Champions the New York Giants Toast Super Bowl Trophy with Armand De Brignac, Rated the World's #1 Champagne
REIMS, France (Daniel Johnson, Missouri Sports Magazine) – Following in the footsteps of current NBA and NHL champions the ...
More NFL Lawsuits Filed and Players Begin to Take a Stance
PHILADELPHIA, PA. (Daniel Johnson, Missouri Sports Magazine) – Two new concussion lawsuits have been filed against the NFL. The ...
Football Legends to Quarterback NFL-Themed Crystal Cruise
LOS ANGELES, CA. (Daniel Johnson, Missouri Sports Magazine) – For those for whom football fever lingers well after the ...
- Giants Quarterback Eli Manning 'Going to Disney World' to Celebrate Super Bowl XLVI Victory
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- Joe Francis vs. Madonna in Super Bowl Showdown
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- Super Bowl 2012 Streams Live Through Facebook Via FreeCast.com
- Glamour & Fitness Game Changer Jennifer Nicole Lee Confirms Hosting Worlds 1st Fitness Model Factory LA Event with West Coast Super Model Winner & Mom Marina Aleksintser
- Jennifer Nicole Lee, Inc Hits Its 8 Year Milestone in Business, CEO Jennifer Nicole Lee Shares Her Successful Business Tips in Latest Online Interview
- MLB Network Hires Mark Loomis as SVP of Production


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James Archambeault
For more than 20 years, James Archambeault has worked as an independent photographer specializing in nature and the landscape.
Archambeault has photographed four large format "coffee table" books: KENTUCKY, 1982; KENTUCKY II, 1989; and KENTUCKY III, 1999; all by Graphic Arts Center Publishing Company. Also THE GIFT OF PLEASANT HILL, A SHAKER COMMUNITY IN KENTUCKY, 1991; by the Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg, Kentucky Archambeault also photographs and produces two annual wall calendars. KENTUCKY, a photographic journey through the Bluegrass State and PAWLEYS ISLAND, a visit to the historic barrier island off the coast of South Carolina. In addition to his books and calendars, Archambeault also publishes and distributes a series of fine quality note cards and limited edition posters. Note card subjects include Kentucky - its natural and scenic beauty; Celebrating the Horse - horses in their natural setting; and By The Sea - views of coastal areas in the U.S. and elsewhere.
Archambeault's work has appeared in many national publications including Architectural Digest, National Geographic, Time-Life Books and Smithsonian Guide to Natural America, to name a few. His photographs have been exhibited in most of the premier art shows including the Ann Arbor, Michigan Fairs, The Atlanta Arts Festival, The Plaza in Kansas City and Winter Park, Florida. Archambeault is a former Peace Corps Volunteer to the Philippines and holds a B.A. in Communications from Duquesne University in Pennsylvania.
Please enjoy your visit to the website.
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If Karyn Szeszko had one word to describe the Manhattan Plaza Health Club (MPHC), it would be "relaxed." With close to 4,000 members who live and work in the hustle and bustle of mid-town Manhattan, the club markets itself as a retreat from the outside world.
"It's probably the design, décor and the people [that give the club a relaxing feel]," Szeszko, director of membership services at MPHC, says of the atmosphere. "It's not one of those clubs that you walk in and there's pumping music. I think it's all the elements put together that make it that way."
That's why when the club first started experimenting with different types of entertainment options for its cardio equipment, some members were excited while others were taken aback.
When the club first installed new treadmills that had individual television screens built into the consoles, members "freaked out," Szeszko says. "They were saying, 'This is our oasis. This is our home away from home.' And we were like, 'It's the 21st century.'"
MPHC's battle to find the right mix of technology while still maintaining its atmosphere of a quiet sanctuary isn't uncommon. As technology progresses, more and more entertainment options have become available from blending videogames and exercise (see "Play and Workout?" on p. 47) to Web access on ellipticals to advanced on-screen fitness training regimens and programs. With an increasing list of options available, how much is really helpful, necessary and maybe most importantly, wanted? Are clubs offering more than members even know how to use?
"When we were selling machines, we thought it was more interesting to sell to gym owners because they want to get their money's worth, so we gave them bells and whistles, but that's not what the consumers are looking for," says Jay Blahnik, IDEA health and fitness instructor of the year (1996) and a consultant for manufacturers. "Extra buttons don't increase value. What increases the value is, do people use it?"
Many members spend their workdays hunched in front of a computer, typing and e-mailing away. Some come to the club to get away from technology, while others enjoy the interactive, engaging nature of the technology. Who to please is sometimes a toss-up.
Szeszko says her members who use the technology love it (and actually requested it prior to installation), but to please the tech-weary crowd, the club chose to leave the cardio equipment on the mezzanine overlooking the pool entertainment-free, except for the scenery that is — the 75-foot pool is enclosed by glass and surrounded by tropical plants year round.
"There are some people who are surrounded and inundated with technology. The last thing they want to do is be around technology," says Dr. Cedric X. Bryant, chief exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise. "This is their time to get away from technology. You really have to look at the individual user."
On the other hand, Bryant says that for some the entertainment can be motivating and encourage longer, more productive and enjoyable workouts.
"It does appear that many of the users do desire having these bells and whistles because they can serve as positive distracters to pass the time," he says. "More and more individuals are trying to exercise for longer durations to lose body weight and fat or are trying to adhere to recent reports as to how much exercise is enough. These kinds of devices can be beneficial."
To find the right entertainment technology for your cardio equipment, if any at all, you not only have to factor in how technologically advanced your members are and what they want from their workout, but also their ages. Your middle-aged and senior members might be more intimidated by brand-new technology on their trusty recumbent bike than a 20-year-old would be, Bryant says.
However, for any age, one of the most important aspects for any kind of technological device is its user-friendliness. So, before you buy, hop on and test it out. Is it easy to use?
"You want something that's pretty straight forward and intuitive for people to take advantage of technologically," he says.
Other Whozits and Gadgets Galore
Besides the built-in television screens, advanced programming and Internet capabilities, it's almost standard now for cardio equipment to have some kind of heart rate monitor built in. Once again, the same questions apply — do your members want this? And really, how much does it help them?
"It's measuring how fast your heart is beating, but it's not exactly how hard you're working," Blahnik explains. "It's really based upon algorithms that are outdated."
He does say though that it is a good way to measure improvement, and most heart rate monitors on the machines are fairly accurate depending on the activity. Contact grips are accurate under 4 mph when walking on a treadmill, but anything faster than that loses its effectiveness due to vibration, he says. Monitors with a chest strap are usually highly accurate while those with ear clips are not very accurate, and the more the upper body is used, the less accurate the monitor becomes, Bryant says.
Bryant says users could get more out of heart rate monitors with just a little more explanation from the fitness facility's staff to help members understand monitors' strengths and limitations or to teach members the basics of a simple perceived exertion test.
"For most individuals they can rely on something as simple as the talk test. You really want to find a level of intensity where you can hold a basic level of conversation," Bryant says. "While it's nice to have heart rate technology, are they really required? In most cases not."
Instead, Blahnik explains that knowing calories, time, distance and speed is usually more of a must for users, especially new users, to measure their progress — once again, as long as it's in an easy-to-understand way.
"We tend to set funny goals for ourselves in our head," he says. "If there's a way to know that, then it's compelling to stay on another five minutes. Once you ask them to do a lot of stuff, then it's the opposite of what they want to be doing."
Future Possibilities
So, what does the future hold for cardio entertainment technology? Plenty, says Blahnik, but it's all going back to being "brilliantly simple."
"It's not really about the high tech stuff out there. Look at the iPod. You don't need it to be fancy; you just need it to work and look good," he says. "It's about entertainment and motivation, and motivation is not as complicated as you think."
He points out that less than 10 percent of the people on treadmills and ellipticals even use the speed and incline buttons to vary their workout.
"It's really about making the more complicated stuff invisible and the more important stuff visible," he says. "Someone who is more sophisticated doesn't mind digging for it."
He expects the treadmills and ellipticals of the future to allow their users to quickly buy and download music online for members' digital music players, and for the equipment members use to be able to compare their workout today with their workout from last week.
"It's the easy things that motivate people," Blahnik says. "We think it's tons of information, but it's really how far I've gone and how many calories I burned, and I can compare that with yesterday and the week before. It's not having a ton of information."
Whether you decide to outfit your club with top-of-the-line technology or use a bare-bones approach by getting back to the basics, you already know as a fitness and health facility leader the industry rule: no matter what changes that you make to your equipment, programming and facility, you can't please everyone. So talk to your members to find out what they want, strike a balance and sit back and watch your members enjoy their workout to whatever tune they whistle.
Play and Workout?
Perhaps the newest trend in cardio technology is the blending of a workout with the ultimate in interactive technology — video gaming.
"It's purposeful exercise," Jay Blahnik, IDEA health and fitness instructor of the year (1996) and a consultant for manufacturers, says of the trend that is commonly called "exertainment" or "exergaming." "I think the reason it's compelling is that younger people don't have a reason to exercise. It's always a little easier to get hooked."
Although started for kids with high hopes to help decrease the childhood obesity epidemic, the trend is gaining steam with adults, too.
"I think adults have really lost that element of play and having fun," says Dr. Cedric X. Bryant, chief exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise. "I think what you'll find is that most adults will find it enjoyable. We've forgotten how much fun it is to play."
Some Manufacturers to Check Out:
Makoto USA: A game that combines physical training with sensory integration therapy to improve performance. www.makoto-usa.com
CycleScore: A project funded by a grant from the MIT iCampus program, a recumbent bicycle is hooked up to a motivational game that uses interactive feedback. www.cyclescore.com
Konami: A company known for its computer, video and arcade games, Konami also offers Dance Dance Revolution and other interactive cardio games and equipment. www.konami.com
Powergrid Fitness: Specializes in interactive, isometric strength training devices that hook up to common video-gaming systems. www.powergridfitness.com
Broadcast Vision Entertainment: www.broadcastvision.com
Cybex: The Trazer is a virtual reality game that combines reaction time, acceleration, speed, power and balance. www.cybextrazer.com
Expresso Fitness Corp.: The Spark bike pairs cycling with interactive training software as it simulates dozens of courses. www.expressofitness.com
RacerMate Inc.: Offers electronic bicycle ergometers and trainers along with software including programs on coaching and multi-rider racing. www.racermateinc.com
Sportswall: Products such as SportsPC, ScoobieBall and SmartBall use games, lights and sounds to get children and adults moving. www.sportwall.com


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Matthew Pettit dreamed about Diezel long before the 67 pounds of jet black fur came into his life.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Matthew Pettit dreamed about Diezel long before the 67 pounds of jet black fur came into his life, back when he was a third-grader at Prescott Elementary and first heard the term guide dog.
"I wanted it so bad I used to pretend like I had one," said Pettit, now a 20-year-old senior at Southwest High School who has been blind and deaf since birth.
He had to wait until he was older, though, until he'd gotten through Irving Middle School and spent seven years at Southwest High School, until he'd become an accomplished braillist who saw graduation on the horizon and dreams of college in his future.
He applied for a guide dog about a year ago, and his application was approved in February. The 18-month-old black Lab made his entrance July 14 at 1:30 p.m., when Pettit waited inside his home with a handful of treats.
"It was almost like I won the lottery," he told the Lincoln Journal Star (http://bit.ly/1gDLa7X).
The process takes a while because trainers look for a good match — and Petitt was pretty sure right off the bat they had done a good job of that.
They're both energetic, both curious, one a talker, the other a good listener. And the energy part was obvious immediately.
"When he first came in the house, he was energetic," Pettit said. "I like energetic dogs because I'm energetic, too."
In fact, Diezel helps Petitt slow down in the crowded school hallways.
"I used to go 100 mph in the hallway," he said. "I will admit that."
Before Diezel, Pettit used a cane to get around the school plus assistance from a lot of others. He has an interpreter who helps him in class, and he also works with Jill Bohlen, a teacher for the visually impaired and a mobility specialist; a speech and language pathologist; and teachers for the hearing impaired and assistive technology.
Now he has exchanged the cane for Diezel.
Lincoln Public Schools has had therapy dogs for several years, but this is the first guide dog in at least 15 years, Pettit said.
When they knew Pettit would be bringing Diezel this year, LPS administrators talked to teachers and made sure his classmates didn't have allergies. And they have educated other students about Diezel's purpose: He's there to work, not to play, said Bohlen, who has worked with Pettit since he was young.
Diezel is a great source of conversation with his fellow classmates, Pettit said.
But they've had to learn that despite the friendly, dark eyes and wagging tail, they can't pet the dog, because it will interfere with his work — and his relationship with Pettit.
That's still developing.
"It will be six months to a year before we are a seasoned team," he said.
But they're figuring each other out.
"I have someone to talk to when there's something that can't stay in my brain any longer," he said.
Diezel sleeps next to Pettit's bed and eats his Purina Dog Chow while Pettit finishes his Cheerios. They ride to school together, and Diezel curls up near Pettit's desk during class and relaxes under the table while Pettit eats lunch.
After graduation, Pettit hopes to go to college and plans to attend the Helen Keller National Center in New York, where he'll learn independent living skills.
He's not worried about flying. He's already done that on his own.
And this time he won't really be alone. Because by then, he and Diezel will be seasoned partners.
And he already knows this much about his partner: Diezel loves airports.
Information from: Lincoln Journal Star, http://www.journalstar.com


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First, a personal use grab bag! This is jam packed with yummy goodness! You do NOT want to miss this one. At only $3, it's a steal!
My whole store is on sale for 30% off from October 1-8! Be sure to stop in and clean out your wish list! While you're there, check out my newest design "Millcreek Canyon." I have it on sale for 50% off, so be sure to pick it up!
"More?" you ask. Why yes! How about a treasure hunt! Tomorrow I'll be posting clues to the big treasure hunt at Digitals so be sure to check in!
And yes, what is a party without free gifts?! Stop by my blog every day from October 1-8 and get a new border cluster! Be sure to stop by the other Digitals designer's blogs too and grab their goodies!
My border cluster today is made with my new kit "Millcreek Canyon."
Sorry, this link has expired.
This link will only be good for 24 hours, so grab it now!
Be sure to stop by these blogs for more goodies!
Alessandra: http://www.alessandradesigns.blogspot.com/
Amanda: http://flamingo-amanda.blogspot.com/
Beth: http://www.bethscreativechaos.blogspot.com/
Cristina: http://scrap4brains.blogspot.com/
Dea: http://deaspina.blogspot.com/
DeDe: http://designsbydede.blogspot.com/
Diana: http://www.dbdesigns.digitalscrapbookpages.com/
Georgia: http://dreamsinkdesigns.blogspot.com/
Glenda: http://scrapville.blogspot.com/
Jen: http://jenscroppingcreations.blogspot.com/
Juliana: http://www.thejulianablog.com/
Karla: http://karlas-digi-scrappin.blogspot.com/
Kathryn: http://kathrynsdigitaldesigns.blogspot.com/
Katie: http://katiemann.blogspot.com/
Lynne: http://digidigs.blogspot.com/
Sarah: http://sarahbscraps.blogspot.com/
Sharon: http://ninisnews.blogspot.com/
Shawn: http://csuramsrule.blogspot.com/
Silvia: http://www.silviaromeo.blogspot.com/
Spellweaver: http://dizzyb13.blogspot.com/
Tink: www.andikadesigns.blogspot.com


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The Poetry Box
Aug 15 2018
Another Read Through Bookstore in Portland OR
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Cow Print Placemat, 8 count, 13 x 19 inch
Forget generic cards. There is no better way to say thank you than with a Cow Print Custom Thank You Card that matches your theme! Add your own personal message to our wonderfully made thank you cards! Thank you notes are a simple and thoughtful expression of your appreciation.


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Watercolor Get Well Card
Designer Tip: Watercolor pencils are similar to colored pencils, but formulated to turn into watercolor paint when water is added. There are several ways to use them. One is to simply color an image or background with the pencils then brush water over the colored area, letting the colors blend together. Or you can brush a wet paintbrush over the pencil point to pick up "paint," then transfer it to your paper with the brush. You can also wet the paper, then color on the wet surface. Each technique will produce a different result. For this card, I colored the background in streaks to resemble a sunset, then brushed water over the paper to blend the colors. Coloring lightly will produce a pastel background, while pressing more firmly adds more pigment, resulting in darker shades. Don't work the pigment too much with water or the colors will blend into a murky mess; brush the water across the paper a couple times to blend any edges, then move on.
Supplies: (Find these supplies and more at www.paperwishes.com)


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College isn't just a next step, it's a chance to explore the world and make it a better place.
Liberal arts colleges provide students with the tools to think deeply and critically and to lead lives of purpose and consequence informed by that thinking.
As a top liberal arts college in the South, Agnes Scott will help you acquire the skills and capabilities to navigate new and unfamiliar territory. We want you to be able to think and rethink—indeed to continually rethink—the world and your role within it.
You'll be able to explore a wealth of subjects and interests throughout college and have greater flexibility with your career options later in life. At its core, a liberal education is intended to help you grow as an individual, gain a deeper understanding of our world and enjoy a lifetime of learning.
Do you agree with any of these statements? If so, attending a liberal arts college may be right for you.
- I like so many different subjects, I want to study all of them.
- I want flexibility in my career path.
- I like learning for its own sake.
- I like to analyze—and solve—complex problems.
- I want to be successful at many things in life; not just my professional life.
- I want to make a difference in the world.


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Red Alert
An NYPD Red Mystery
The NYPD's most elite task force must protect the city from a shadowy killer with a vendetta in this New York Times bestselling mystery.
The richest of New York's rich gather at The Pierre's Cotillion Room to raise money for those less fortunate. A fatal blast rocks the room, stirring up horrifying memories of 9/11. Is the explosion an act of terrorism . . . or a homicide?
A big-name female filmmaker is the next to die, in a desolate corner of New York City. Detectives Zach Jordan and Kylie MacDonald investigate. But the crimes keep escalating as a shadowy killer masterfully plays out his vendetta — and threatens to take down NYPD Red in the bargain.
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Is there a way to show the day of the week for a card's due date? For example, "Mon Jan 14" instead of just Jan 14?
Not currently, it always to the US format (month, day).
While @SteB is right (you can't view due dates in the requested format), I'll just add that if this is a feature request you'd like to make, you can email the developers at email@example.com.
Describe the current as-is state and how you'd like it to behave in the future.


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pens#1 wrote:There's a lot of doom and gloom in regards to Neal which I get but with that said a lot of players come back within 7-10 days. I'm hing Neal is the same, I would guess he wouldn't be tweeting if it was really serious. Also remember last year when he was out for 6 weeks with a broken foot and then was back the next day.
Sure, it does not seem that serious. It just would be nice to once in a while be able to enjoy a game without having to worry about some player going to the locker room and not returning.


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his white paper provides a framework for organizations looking for help stepping up to 5-Axis technology. It includes background information, software solution requirements, implementation considerations, and a case study example.
5-Axis: A Weapon to Battle the Competition
5-axis technology is used in a variety of applications, including the production of impellers and turbine blades, cutting tools, ports and inlets, as well as the machining of aerospace structural parts, rubber molds, patterns and models, medical implants, and deep cavity molds.
Although 5-axis technology has been in use since the 1980's, several market trends are driving an increasing number of manufacturers to step up and adopt the technology these days.
The demand for 5-axis technology is fueled by increasing global competition in virtually all sectors of manufacturing, competition that forces manufacturers to seek new ways to improve product quality, cut costs, and reduce delivery times.
5-axis technology enables manufacturers to gain a competitive advantage on all of these fronts. At the same time, 5-axis technology has matured to the point where it is better understood, easier to use, more reliable, and more affordable to manufacturers of all sizes.
With 5-axis machining, the part can be rotated and positioned around the tool (or multiple tools), instead of multiple tool setups required to access the part in conventional 2-axis and 3-axis operations. As a result, it helps deliver high quality products by providing better positional accuracies, especially for multi-sided operations. It also enables the use of smarter and shorter tools that improve accuracy and surface quality, therefore eliminating the need for polishing and minimizing the need for electrode burning while at the same time increasing tool lifetime.
5-axis enables the production of complex parts as a single process, reducing the time and cost of production by minimizing tool changes and setup requirements. With a single machine setup, manufacturers are able to increase the use of automated and unattended production runs, increasing machine utilization and reducing labor cost.
5-Axis Software Solution Requirements
While adopting a 5-axis technology can translate into extensive business opportunities and operational advantages, stepping up to 5-axis carries its own set of challenges. Your designers, programmers and operators may have limited experience with this technology, and will be facing a learning curve while getting up to speed on the different machining strategies required for different parts.
The key to successful transitioning to 5-axis is to have the right combination of machines, tools, software, process, and training. To help you get started, following are the requirements you should look for in a software solution to support your 5-axis operations.
1. Multi-axis machining with no limits to geometry and part type. Your 5-axis investment will be considerable. To recoup this investment, it is important to have the utmost flexibility with software that enables the machining of a variety of parts rather than limit you to a particular application. Look for software that supports multi-axis machining with no limit to geometry and party type, including 3-axis, 4/5-axis continuous, and 3X+2 positioning, as well as the ability to handle a variety of cutter types and shapes (e.g. T-slot, lollypop).
2. Powerful toolpath generation. To take advantage of the efficiencies and automation offered by 5-axis machining, your software must be able to generate a 5-axis toolpath that can be absolutely trusted, especially if you plan on running product unattended. To ensure that your toolpath is efficient and safe, your software should support multi-level gouge control, material removal, and machine simulation.
3. Wide range of post processors. The post processor offered by your vendor is critical to your ability to run a smooth 5-axis production. It is also an important indication of how knowledgeable your vendor is in 5-axis and how well they can support you in this transition. Ensure you have investigated this aspect with the vendor prior to purchasing a 5-axis software solution.
4. Automation without sacrificing user control. The software should be easy to use and offer a high degree of automation to streamline programming and help users get up to speed in minimum time. At the same time, as users get more comfortable with the software, they should have the freedom to manually control every option. To address complex machining conditions, it is important that the user has complete control over tool orientation. To enable this level of control, make sure that your 5-axis software has powerful solid and surface modeling capabilities.
5. Facilitate the entire process. You don't want to force your users to keep jumping back and forth between applications. Your 5-axis software should enable users to perform a complete process from A to Z, with CAD/CAM integration to help streamline the process and eliminate data transfer associated with toolpath regeneration.
6. Expert support. Last but not least, you want to ensure that your software is supported by industry experts who understand 5-axis technology. The vendor should have the flexibility to train your users either on-site or remotely. Prior to the training, it is recommended that your post processor is installed and ready to work. Another area to investigate is to be sure your supplier provides remote support capabilities and user access to a knowledge base.
Implementation Considerations
Once you have selected the right 5-axis software, you need an implementation plan to ensure the software is well integrated into your production processes and that all users are on-board and capable of using the new technology.
The following is a recommended best practices implementation checklist based on real-life experience.
Goals and Processes
- Define the business goals
- Define engineering and shop floor processes
Shop Floor Preparation
- Post processor(s) implemented
- Run machine simulation
- Cut calibration party
- Relevant modules (expect: CAD, Surfacing & NC)
- Friendly tutorials, on-line help
- Case study library
- Advanced training
- Make your first production project part of the training
- Experts available on-line
- Remote support capabilities
Case Study: Regal Prototype
Regal Prototype, Inc. is located in Sterling Heights, Michigan and owned by the Schaller Group. The company has been a tooling supplier for over six decades, specializing in sheet metal stampings, production tool & die, and assembly/welding.
The sheet metal manufacturing plant serves the big three automotive manufacturers, as well as a number of aerospace and marine customers. Regal provides these customers with solutions ranging from prototypes through production tool tryouts and short-run production.
In order to deliver the highest quality product, Regal never hesitates to invest in the latest technology. As Steve Hamrick, Tooling Manager at Regal's sheet metal facility notes, "The Company is always ready to step up and invest in the technology we need to get the job done. This is one of the reasons I have been working here for over ten years. I know that the best machines and software are going to be made available to do the best job."
Challenge: Developing a New Product for a New Market
Given the recent challenges faced by the local automotive industry, Regal was looking to diversify its business and enter new markets. Since the Schaller family has been involved in boat racing for over 40 years, they recognized an opportunity to step into a new market in producing racing boat propellers.
At the beginning of 2006, they decided to initiate this new venture. To build the propellers effectively and to the standards Regal is accustomed to delivering, they realized they would have to utilize 5-axis production and quickly acquire the technology and the knowledge to master this process, as Hamrick explains: "To get a true concentric blade, we needed to move to 5-axis which requires just a single setup, compared to multiple setups of 3-axis."
Solution: CimatronE NC 5-Axis
To build racing propellers, Regal needed 5-axis capabilities that enable accurate production of complex propeller shapes with high efficiency and short delivery times.
Regal went on to evaluate a number of software solutions to support the transition to 5-axis. "We asked the vendors to demonstrate their capabilities using our part (a propeller) which we gave them at the time of the demo. Cimatron met the challenge very effectively by creating the required toolpath from our data during the demo. The other vendors failed to complete this task. It was clear to us that Cimatron could create efficient toolpaths in real time."
Once the Cimatron 5-Axis software was installed, Hamrick began the learning process which was vital to moving forward with the project. He notes, "With one setup machine such as 5-Axis, the difficulty is making sure that you are setup right, your origins are there, and your safety clings are at the right spot. In never had a problem seeing 3D, so walking around this propeller was not an issue for me, but working from that one single (model) origin was a new thing I had to learn. It took me about 2 weeks to get used to it. After I got the process down and understood the way the post and software works, I was ready to move forward.
The next level included learning a new style of cutting. Hamrick says, "I couldn't go in with my usual style of cutting, but had to learn what the software was going to do first and then convert based on what the software required. CimatronE NC 5-Axis offered a whole new gamut of options, enabling me to ultimately choose the best style for my work. The Cimatron software facilitated a manageable learning process that helped me meet my timeline."
"Another aspect of the transition to 5-axis was getting the post processor to work properly right from the get go. We heard from other toolmakers about the difficulties of developing 5-axis post processors. With Cimatron, the post processor has worked right from the first time we used the software and was very easy to learn."
Hamrick immediately began to see the benefits of working with the Cimatron 5-Axis software. For example, the simulation option has helped with collision avoidance. As Hamrick points out, "We run the program through the Cimatron Verifier and we can see if the holder or the spindle will get hit. Working with tight tolerances, there are times when the holder looks like it is going to hit, but using the Verifier confirms it is not going to. The Verifier double checks everything before I send a program out."
Regal is making good use of the library of machining strategies offered with the Cimatron 5-Axis package. Hamrick says, "Our machine holds 32 tools and they all have been programmed into the library."
Results: New Prototype, New Market, High Demand
The Cimatron solution enabled Regal to get up-to-speed quickly on 5-axis production. In addition, Cimatron has provided a high level of customer support to get Regal up and running. Hamrick says, "Cimatron has been very helpful, holding our hands and offering some procedures for us to follow. I have been able to use their examples and apply them to my application."
The decision to follow a family passion and embark on a new market has proven more than satisfactory for Regal. There is a high demand for the racing boat propeller, and in just three months the NC experts are ready to go with 5-Axis. Using CimatronE NC 5-Axis has helped Regal launch into a new market with a new product both cost-effectively and quickly. Hamrick says, "Things are going so well that we are looking at bringing another 5-Axis machine on board to fill the demand for the propellers. Other people at Regal are watching and learning the Cimatron package to see how it works. Most likely within a year there will be two more people running with this software and we will be producing even more prototypes."


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Brewers beat Braves
Aoki's hit paces Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE — Norichika Aoki had a two-run double to key a four-run seventh inning, and the Milwaukee Brewers rallied to beat the Atlanta Braves 4-1 Monday night.
The Brewers sent 10 batters to the plate in the seventh, but did all the damage on two hits and a sacrifice fly.
Their 16th win in 21 games has brought them back to the fringe of the NL wild-card race.
Jose Veras (4-4) pitched seventh and worked out of a bases-loaded jam to earn the victory.
John Axford worked the ninth for his 28th save, including his last 10.


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I'm trying to set alarm times for a single object with two views; one for quick presets, another with any number of custom times. The two buttons at the top (Presets | Custom) switch between these two methods for setting the alarm.
On the first view (Preset, shown above) you select how often the alarm sounds, and one time. Changing the time in the bottom picker immediately adjusts the times displayed on the top table.
When you go to the custom view (Above), it's empty. The plus sign on the top right adds the currently shown time in the bottom picker to the list of alarms.
Once you press back on the navigation controller, the alarm times currently displayed are saved, and you see the summary screen for the alarm (Above).
The main problem I am having is I feel like there is a disconnection between the two views. I like that you can easily switch between Presets and Custom with one press, but there are scenarios that I feel will create user frustration.
For example, if you start on the Preset and choose once per day, then switch to Custom (which starts blank), then hit Back you will have saved no times (since the active screen when you hit Back is blank). This does not seem friendly to the user. Similarly, if you are on the Custom view and spend time adding several times, then go to Preset before hitting back, again the user's work is lost.
One partial solution to the above is to have the Presets screen populate the Custom screen. So if you choose 4x a day then go to Custom, the four times from the preset would populate the Custom screen. Unfortunately this method does not work in reverse, as there is currently no way to represent arbitrary times on the preset screen. In addition, if I set some Custom times, go to Presets, change my mind and return to Custom, the work I did in Custom has now been replaced by my selected presets. So sometimes it seems like it would be better to keep the views disjoint.
These are the scenarios I'm going through. Does anyone have suggestions on how I can get these two views to work well together, or other suggestions on improving this interface?


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Insanity and the Diehard Baseball Fan
Insanity and baseball fans, two concepts that have nothing at all to do with one another…or do they? Remember, "fan" does come from the term fanatic and fanatic comes from the Latin fanaticus, which means a sort of mad, overzealous enthusiasm pertaining to a temple or other sacred place, temple being fanum in Latin. And you know what? I can still see it. Granted, I am more used to hearing ballparks described as America's cathedrals, but I think temples is an equally apt description. It is, however, a bit cumbersome for a modern definition. The literal definition of lunatic is someone who becomes crazed by and howls at the moon. I tend to think of a fanatic as one who howls at the television set.
My point is simply this. We baseball fans may be mild mannered, well adjusted people in every other aspect of our lives (or we may not), but when it comes to the team we love, we're all just a little bit cracked…okay, more than a little bit. Check my logic here…
Moving briefly back to the television set, how would describe your relationship with your TV when your team is playing. Personally, I would characterize mine as loud…and so, no doubt, would my neighbors. Now, do you think this whole yelling at inanimate objects thing is rational behavior? Oh, but of course we aren't really yelling at the inanimate television set itself, now are we? That's right, we're yelling at the tiny images of baseball players on the screen…tiny images of baseball players who can't hear us…because they're just images, not actual people. You're right. That does sound so much more rational. 😉
What about believing in the magical power of random objects to affect to affect the outcome of events? Generally, I think most of us would agree this is not a rational thought. When it comes to baseball however, we have lucky shirts, lucky socks, rally caps, the list goes on. And even though on some level we understand that these objects have nothing whatsoever to do with the outcome of the game, who among us hasn't left the stadium after a painful loss thinking, amidst all of our 'players/managers/umpires coulda, shoulda, woulda thoughts,' something along the lines of 'Next time I'm wearing my lucky hat' or 'I knew I shouldn't have worn this jacket. It's blue.'?
And do I even need to bring up the rituals? Yeah, why not. We baseball fans often have "lucky" rituals that rival even those held dear by some of the players. Watching the game from a particular bar, or a special seat at the stadium. Partaking in a specific meal or eating only at specific times during the game. I've heard it all and I'm sure we all have stories we could share. Myself, I have a special love for punk music that's heavy on the bagpipes with a dash of fiddle and I've been enjoying it immensely today…because this is the first time I've listened to it in weeks. See, from about a week before the Angels start playing the Red Sox until they finish playing them for the year, I cannot bring myself to listen to the Dropkick Murphys or anything that sounds even remotely like them. When someone who wouldn't understand, read a non-baseball fan, asks, I say it's because it feels disloyal to listen to such Red Sox loving and beloved band. However, the honest answer is that it would feel like I was thumbing my nose at the baseball gods which, much like spitting into the wind and tugging on Superman's cape is one of those things you just don't do. Now, when I'm being rational, I know that my musical taste has no impact whatsoever on unrelated events, but once we start talking about baseball… Oh, and yes, of course the baseball gods exist and are a completely rational concept. Why do you ask? 😉
Oh, and there are plenty of other ways in which baseball fans are not, strictly speaking, sane in their love of team. In fact, I'm sure you've thought of a few yourself while reading this. So I'm going to leave it that, point proven, mischief managed…except for one more thing:
So, my Angels. Yes, they're 8.5 games out of first. Yes, even after sweeping the Red Sox for the season series – and oh how sweet that was! – they're 4 games out of Wild Card contention. Yes, it's the last day of August and the Angels only have 30 games left to play in the regular season. And, no, I have not given up on the Angels making the post season at all. Is that more than a little irrational bordering on crazy? Perhaps. But, hello? Baseball fan! Did you not just read my post? Crazy and irrational is at the very core of our being.


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How fares Canada in the Fraser Institute's global mining survey?
by Greg Klein | February 25, 2015
Saskatchewan's number two worldwide, Quebec's back in the top 10 and Manitoba climbed 17 notches. But Alberta, Ontario and British Columbia took a beating in the latest Fraser Institute survey of mining jurisdictions. Released February 24, the study rates 122 jurisdictions (including provinces and states in Canada, the United States, Australia and Argentina) based on 485 returned questionnaires. Drawing on their 2014 experience, mining and exploration companies provided numerical ratings for a number of factors, which the institute tracked on separate indexes.
Most important is the Investment Attractiveness Index, which combines two other indexes—Best Practices Mineral Potential (geology) and Policy Perception (government attitudes). The institute weighs the IAI 60% for geology and 40% for public policy, roughly the same consideration companies reported for their investment decisions.
Here's the top 10 IAI globally, with 2013 rankings in brackets:
1 Finland (4)
2 Saskatchewan (7)
3 Nevada (2)
4 Manitoba (13)
5 Western Australia (1)
6 Quebec (18)
7 Wyoming (11)
8 Newfoundland and Labrador (3)
9 Yukon (8)
10 Alaska (5)
Here are the Canadian runner-ups:
15 Northwest Territories (25)
21 New Brunswick (23)
22 Alberta (10)
23 Ontario (14)
28 British Columbia (16)
29 Nunavut (27)
42 Nova Scotia (47)
Prince Edward Island wasn't included.
As for the bottom 10:
113 Sudan
114 Nigeria
115 Bulgaria
116 Guatemala
117 Egypt
118 Solomon Islands
119 Honduras
120 Kenya
121 Hungary
122 Malaysia
The 122 jurisdictions totalled 10 more than in 2013. For inclusion, the institute requires a minimum of 10 responses per jurisdiction.
The anonymous replies also included comments which, for Canadian provinces and territories, note serious but unsurprising concerns.
But for some people, the rankings rankled. B.C.'s 10th-place finish out of 12 Canadian jurisdictions doesn't jibe with the province's second-place status for mining investment, according to the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia. Citing data from Natural Resources Canada, AME BC credited Ontario as Canada's favourite for attracting investment. Fraser Institute respondents stuck that province with ninth place in Canada.
"Furthermore, one of the best indicators of success in exploration is seeing discoveries move through to mine development," said AME BC president/CEO Gavin Dirom. "In recent years, we have seen a number of new major metal mines constructed in our province, including Copper Mountain in 2011, New Afton in 2012 and Mount Milligan in 2013. Also, Red Chris is being readied for commercial operations, and the KSM and Kitsault mine development projects have received environmental assessment certificates."
The NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines noted the Northwest Territories' considerable improvement and its breakaway territory's slight slump. The organization vowed to continue working with federal and territorial governments "to improve the investment climate for exploration and mining in the two territories."
Download the Fraser Institute Survey of Mining Companies 2014.


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Joshua Ippel:
Beneath our feet and above our heads, sidewalks, lawns, plazas, blocks, gardens, buildings, streets, and curbs surround and bound the spaces in which we move and live. Much more than a lifeless negative space, these elements of the built environment provide us with symbols through which we construct our understanding of the world, deriving stories about our past, present and future.
At the same time, architects, planners, and designers, acting under the influence of political, social, and economic forces, tear down, alter, construct, and preserve these physical forms in an attempt to shape the environment along socio-political and aesthetic lines. The tension between these "intended
Originally posted on Rhizome.org Raw by Joshua Ippel