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Arrive in Guayaquil and admire the waterfront
Stroll Guayaquil's Malecon
Investigate coral heads well inland, the result of volcanic uplifting
Whales (here, an orca) are often found around the western islands
Participate in tradition at Post Office Bay
See abundant Sally lightfoot crabs
Bid farewell to Ecuador
See graceful flamingos in super-salty lagoons


text: They Say: "The third version of the ultimate long-distance enduro for globetrottersand adventurers."We Say: "The best all-around motorcycle in the world just got a little better." They Say: "The third version of the ultimate long-distance enduro for globetrottersand ad Don't try this at home. But after hammering a 504-pound motorcycle over basketball-sized rocks at 50 mph all afternoon, we can say that it looks like the CAD/CAM types back in Munich did their homework once again. After you stop thinking about normal human-survival instincts and various laws of physics, BMW's '08 R1200GS is perfectly happy on surfaces that would snap most bikes its size in half. It's a bit happier on any sort of surface than last year's model, despite the fact that only diligent students of the breed can pick out the differences. Brushed-aluminum fuel tank accents and gold-anodized fork legs tell any astute GS spotter he's just been passed by the latest version. A fistful of subtle styling changes sharpen up the silhouette, but the big-deal differences-an alleged 5 extra horses, more sophisticated electronics and friendlier ergos-are hard to spot. BMW already owns the adventure-tourer market, where the GS is a runaway best-seller. What do you do for an encore after every Long Way Round viewer on the planet has a GS in his garage? Go after everybody else. A quick scan of the cockpit reveals more electronic accoutrements than before. The Info button on the left-hand switch pod toggles the LCD dash display through average speed, mpg, ambient temperature, etc. ABS is familiar, and cancelable for off-road duty. But Automatic Stability Control and Electronic Suspension Adjustment are new, the latter offering nine options for the pavement and six for the dirt. Both the GS and its bigger paramilitary brother, the Adventure, are considerably easier to get along with, so long as you respect their limits. Both bikes are tall enough to hide a GSX-R behind. The Adventure cockpit should come with a boarding ramp and supplemental oxygen. Remember that they each weigh twice as much as a real enduro bike, and with a little practice they'll do a lot more than you'd think in the dirt. More suitable suspension and knobby-esqe Continental Twinduro rubber add up to an edge for the Adventure, but with a full 8.7 gallons of super-unleaded on board, it's 60 pounds heavier and a genuine handful on technical terrain unless you take your time. The revamped six-speed is excellent, but there's more slack in the Paralever driveline than we'd like. A whiff of throttle erases that and keeps the Telelever tracking. Closing it relaxes the front suspension enough to make scary/painful/expensive changes to your cornering trajectory. But fear not: With the ESA toggled to its stiffest settings, the maximum GS will claw its way over, around or through the sort of terrain that would stuff the average 4x4's oil pan into its air filter. A new tapered-aluminum handlebar helps the off-road cause on both bikes, and its new reversible mount makes standing up on the Adventure's broad, saw-tooth pegs much easier. Though presumably useful for traversing black ice, the default ASC-traction control to you-makes the engine feel like it's gagging on guacamole whenever the rear wheel spins appreciably faster than the front. Cue up Sport mode and it's a lot less intrusive, letting you pull the trigger without snapping sideways near the 5750-rpm torque peak. Both ASC and ESA are more convenient than essential, but dialing up maximum preload at both ends without getting off the bike is nice. And though an overabundance of high-speed compression damping translates to a harsh ride over pavement seams and pockmarks, the suspension on both bikes does a better job of keeping the wheels in line on any surface. The lower, lighter GS feels a whole lot more composed through the twisty bits on its more pavement-oriented Bridgestones, but either version can embarrass allegedly sportier bikes. Brakes are excellent, ABS is unobtrusive and steering is light. Cornering clearance is effectively unlimited. And though the extra power isn't immediately apparent, there's enough thrust on tap between 6000 and 8000 rpm to maintain an astonishing pace. 1 | 2 | » | View Full Article By Tim Carrithers Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!

subset: commoncrawl


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Cheap hotels in 20th: Père Lachaise / Ménilmontant / Belleville, Paris
Neighborhood Description
Main attractions: Most tourists don't know much about this northeastern Paris neighborhood, except those who pass through on their way to Jim Morrison or Oscar Wilde's grave in the famous Père-Lachaise cemetery.
Neighborhood atmosphere: This scruffy, animated corner of the city has an unpretentious feel and is full of funky café-theaters, nightclubs and indie music hotspots where you can grab a drink and soak up some culture (not to mention join the hipsters for brunch on the roof of the Philippe Starck-designed Mama Shelter hotel).
Affordability: One of the more affordable corners of the city.
Stay Here If: You want to get a feel for an authentic Parisian neighborhood on the edge town.
Stay Elsewhere If: You want the proven charms of a more tourist-friendly, conventionally pretty and conveniently central neighborhood.
1Hôtel Les Chansonniersstar
Address 113 Boulevard De Ménilmontant (20th: Père Lachaise / Ménilmontant / Belleville)
Les Chansonniers is a unique, cheap, and slightly far-flung pick situated on the shared border of the 11th and 20th Arrondissements.
2Mama Shelter Parisstar
Address 109, Rue De Bagnolet (20th: Père Lachaise / Ménilmontant / Belleville)
Hipsters, anyone? The Mama Shelter, located way out in the 20th arrondissement, offers 172 rooms with ultra-trendy design. It's equal parts hotel, nightclub, and fashionista den.
Check Rates for Checking Rates for No availabilityx
Note: This hotel does not offer online booking through our reservation partners. To see all available hotels in , please search below.


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CORRECTION: Five groups have already begun assembling teams to propose bids, not four as initially reported. All five teams are listed at the bottom of the story.
Initial story: Hundreds of people representing contractors and subcontractors hoping to be part of the winning bid to construct the second phase of the Metro's Silver Line to Dulles Airport and Ashburn attended a conference Thursday to learn more about the process and meet construction teams planning to bid on the project.
At least five groups have already begun assembling teams to bid on the $1.4 billiion to $1.5 billion "Package A" of the construction project, which includes everything except the rail yard and the five parking garages that may never go to bid. If all goes as planned, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, the entity in charge of the project, hope to have select up to five bidders by Oct. 15 to move forward.
MWAA anticipates selecting the winning bid by May 2013 and estimated construction will take five years the time the winning contractor is given permission to proceed.
The information submitted by the bidders will not be available for public review, according to Eric Carey, a contracts manager with MWAA.
"We consider that to be confidential," he said. "We do not share that."
He also urged anyone with questions about the process to contact him directly or submit questions through MWAA's website. The winning bidder will have to obtain insurance for their work and place bonds on the project until MWAA approves the work.
Quite simply, once qualified bidders are selected, Carey said MWAA would be looking for the best deal.
"We're looking for the lowest price … the lowest responsive, responsible price," he said.
The work on Package A includes 11.4 miles of track and six stations, including the rail and supporting infrastructure, aerial structures through the airport and to the rail yard, and all rail systems, including power, train control and communications.
At some point in the future Package B, which includes the rail yard and maintenance facility, will go to bid.
It's uncertain whether Package C, including five parking garages will ever go to bid. That's because a cost-cutting agreement between those paying for the project—MWAA and Loudoun and Fairfax counties—put the responsibility for those decks on Loudoun and Fairfax with the hope of finding developers to build them, most likely in exchange for beneficial rezonings.
While Fairfax plans to cover the cost of the Route 28 as part of the cost-cutting agreement, the station remains part of the bid, according to representatives for MWAA, because it must comply with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Metro standards and requirements. Whereas developers are permitted to construct parking garages customized to their development, the stations themselves must meet certain standards that MWAA will oversee.
Fairfax must still try to find a way to pay for the project, likely through proffers from redevelopment proposals. If it does not, like the five garages, the costs go back into the project and are shared by the MWAA, Fairfax and Loudoun.
It was not clear when the bidding process would begin for Package B, the rail yard, while the garages in Package C may never go to bid if localities are successful in having developers fund them. If Package C goes to bid, it will likely not occur 12 months or so.
"It's way off in the future," said Pat Nowakowski, the project engineer. "At least a year, I'd say."
As planned, construction should begin just trains are rolling on phase one in 2013.
Here are the names of four groups planning bid, and their partners:
- The Walsh Group
- Walsh Construction
- Archer Western
- Clark Construction Group
- Parsons Transportation Group
- Kiewit Infrastructure Group
- Dewberry
Silver Line Constructors
- Skanska
- Granite Construction
- Wagman
- Facchina
- Trumbull
- Gannett Fleming
- JMT (Johnson, Mirmiran &Thompson)
Learn more about the project at the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project website or on Patch.


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Lawmakers consider $55 billion 'fallback' to avert sequestration
- By Staff
- National Journal
- October 23, 2012
- Leave a comment
In an effort to undo the mandated across-the-board spending cuts slated to take effect on Jan. 2, some in Congress are eyeing the possibility of replacing the $109 billion in automatic cuts with a $55 billion replacement package, Reuters reports.
This would only be possible as part of a larger deficit deal involving revenue increases (or the closing of loopholes) and spending cuts.
The replacement package would carry Congress through June, giving it time to come to find a more substantial agreement. This would still leave unanswered the question of extending the Bush-era tax cuts.
Reuters reports:
"It is a fallback with a decent chance of happening," a Senate Democratic aide said of a six-month, $55-billion plan. The aide emphasized that this was being batted around on the staff level and has not been publicly embraced by members of Congress.
By using this service you agree not to post material that is obscene, harassing, defamatory, or otherwise objectionable. Although GovExec.com does not monitor comments posted to this site (and has no obligation to), it reserves the right to delete, edit, or move any material that it deems to be in violation of this rule.


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Live Oak — Weather:
- Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Northeast wind 5 to 8 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
- Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Southwest wind around 7 mph.
For more weather visit: http://weather.cnhionline.com/fw.php?usr=suwanneedemocrat
US 90 and 129 in Live Oak The roads are temporarily closed Monday from 9-11 a.m. between Pinewood Drive and Houston Avenue for the Martin Luther King Jr. parade. Live Oak Police will detour traffic.
US 129 Daytime lane closures Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for northbound traffic at Interstate 10 for routine bridge maintenance.
Interstate 75 Nighttime lane closures for southbound traffic Sunday and northbound traffic Tuesday through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. between State Road 6 (Exit 460) and the Georgia line to resurface the inside and center lanes which requires two lanes to close. The speed limit is reduced to 60 mph during lane closures. No lanes are closed from 6 a.m. Friday until 8 p.m. Sunday.
US 41 Possible daytime lane closures after 8:30 a.m. between the Columbia County line (Suwannee River Bridge) and US 129 just south of Jasper to upgrade signals, work on the roadway shoulders and install guardrail at various locations.
US 129 Daytime lane closures after 8:30 a.m. between the western city limits of Jasper and the Georgia line to place the final layer of asphalt and work on the shoulders.
County Road 354 Possible daytime lane closures between US 27 and State Road 51 (Hal Adams Bridge) to continue building a bike trail on the north and east side of the road.
State Road 51 Possible daytime lane closures between County Road 354 and the Hal Adams Bridge to continue building a bike trail on the east side of the road.


text: Eustace is as sedate and stuffy as the monocled Eustace Tilly character on The New Yorker magazine covers. It belonged to St. Eustace--born a Norman nobleman--who was popular in the Middle Ages andit can be found in medieval legend as well. Eustace's greatest claim to fame is giving birth to the diminutive Stacy, which would morph into a popular name for girls.


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Nick D'Anton, of Toms River, rented an apartment in the Holiday on the Bay complex for his family of 4. Now, they are facing the horrible aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Their home, now saturated with bay water, is un-livable.
For their story, click the video, above.
For the latest Hurricane Sandy coverage from Toms River Patch visit our topic page here.
Stay informed of the latest Toms River area news by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter.


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Angelo Young
- Outsourcing Firms Dominate Guest Worker Visa Program
April 16 2014 12:25 PM
IT outsourcing firms with Indian ties are flooding the U.S. guest worker application system to obtain the greatest share of guest worker visas.
- These 50 US Cities Are Desperately Seeking Employees
April 16 2014 11:11 AM
One trend: via energy and spinoff jobs, the oil and gas boom is tightening local labor markets in Texas, Louisiana, Utah and North Dakota.
- McDonald's Canada: A Guest Worker Program Under Scrutiny
April 14 2014 5:10 PM
Canadian franchise operators for the world's largest quick-service restaurant chain face accusations of preferring foreign temps over locals.
- Why Amazon Is Offering As Much As $5,000 To Workers Who Quit
April 14 2014 12:51 PM
Amazon bought Zappos in 2009, and four years after the acquisition the company has adopted one of its unconventional human resource strategies.
- US Companies Submitted 173,000 Requests For Skilled Guest Workers In FY2015
April 10 2014 6:12 PM
The country's immigration authority said Thursday it received almost 88,000 more visas than are available before closing the door for 2015.
- Murdered Labor Activists In Colombia Undermine Free Trade Promises
April 10 2014 12:36 PM
Colombia continues to be one of the most dangerous countries for union activism despite years of free trade.
- Why US Women Lose Fewer Jobs Than Men During Economic Downturns
April 08 2014 10:49 AM
Women now have a greater share of the U.S. jobs market than before the Great Recession, but for the wrong reason.
- March US Jobs Report: Ho-Hum, With A Side Of Optimism
April 04 2014 11:17 AM
There are still 3.7 million long-term unemployed, and youth rates remain in double digits.
- Here's How Bad The Job Market Is For Younger Female Veterans
April 03 2014 1:13 PM
Looking for federal contracts? Then you have new affirmative action quotas to contend with regarding veterans and the disabled.
- Australia Cuts Funds To Fight Sweatshops
April 02 2014 2:40 PM
The center-right Abbot administration is cutting a program that has boosted ethical sourcing in the country's garment industry.
- March US Sales Put Spring In Automakers' Step
April 01 2014 4:52 PM
Most industry watchers expected the end to a harsh winter to boost sales last month. But not by this much.
- Here Comes A 'Good Kind Of Trouble': Nissan Sales Soar With Rogue SUV
April 01 2014 8:46 AM
Small crossovers like the Rogue have been the fastest-growing segment, recently reaching an 18 percent market share.
- After Tennessee Failure, Auto Unions Bid For Canada
March 31 2014 8:30 PM
Canadian workers could turn three Toyota factories in union workshops, which could embolden the UAW in the U.S.
- Will March Be The Comeback Month For US Auto Sales?
March 31 2014 9:24 AM
New-vehicle deliveries were hit by harsh winter weather. Here's what analysts expect for the arrival of spring.
- Tesla Model S Fires Are Not A Safety Concern: Feds
March 28 2014 11:01 AM
Tesla Motors has been vindicated; the U.S. government has closed an investigation into Model S fire safety.
- Northwestern's Football Labor Ruling Has A Long Road To Fruition
March 28 2014 7:02 AM
It will be months before players have their day in court, even if the left-leaning NLRB upholds Wednesday's decision.
- US Personal Incomes Up In 2013, Except In Civilian Gov't
March 25 2014 12:36 PM
U.S. personal income growth slowed last year thanks to late 2012 sequestration scrambling, and the expiration of the payroll tax holiday.
- Here's What Walmart's Annual Report Says About Food Stamps
March 24 2014 11:11 AM
For the first time in its annual report, Walmart recognizes reductions to public assistance as a bottom-line risk.
- Is 'New GM' Fully Protected From The Sins Of 'Old GM'?
March 21 2014 2:48 PM
GM's 2009 reorganization exempts it from earlier legal liabilities linked to its defective ignition switch. Unless it doesn't.
- Here's Arizona's Pitch For Tesla
March 20 2014 10:37 AM
A state senate committee is working on a bill that would help electric car automakers. Will traditional dealerships protest?


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Angel aid
Program brightens holiday for local families in need.
Program brightens holiday for local families in need.
Halloween barely was in the rear-view mirror when signs of Christmas started to appear.
As the holiday season draws closer, look for shoppers to move with purpose in snatching up the hot toys of the year for their children.
The annual spending spree ends up with many youngsters waking up on Christmas morning to find the toys of their dreams. For some less fortunate, however, the day comes and goes with little or nothing in the way of gifts.
Locally, the Salvation Army's annual Angel Tree program has worked to fill the void each year by collecting donated toys to be distributed to needy families on their list.
The Salvation Army recently started accepting applications for this year's Angel Tree recipients in Finney County.
Salvation Army officials know families that meet the stringent income requirements don't have dollars to spare for gifts. A rise in the percentage of people in poverty has made the situation worse.
The Salvation Army does its best to make sure everyone who applies has toys and clothes to wrap up and place under their Christmas trees. At times, though, it's been difficult to meet the demand. The local Angel Tree program has served some 900 children each year, and often has a waiting list.
No one should be comfortable enjoying their own holiday bounty knowing children in the community don't have a gift to unwrap on Christmas.
"Angels" who make the program possible range from companies and corporations to private individuals who purchase Angel Tree gift items. All involved hope to make Christmas brighter for needy families in our midst.
It's also heartwarming to know many past recipients of Angel Tree gift donations end up contributing to the program when their own financial situations improve.
When Christmas rolls around each year, it helps to keep the emphasis on the meaning of the holiday.
Those among us who have something extra to give have an opportunity to show the true spirit of the season by purchasing a reasonably priced Angel Tree gift that wouldn't burden most budgets, but could help brighten a child's holiday.


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August 2, 2014
(Madison) Gov. Doyle continues to gather support after releasing his budget. This time, he went to a classroom where the students aren't even old enough to vote.
Riding on the tails of his budget address, Doyle is rallying support at Lincoln Elementary School. The students in this classroom are part of SAGE, a state funded program to reduce classroom size.
The governor says not investing in education is not a reasonable option.
"We are going to spend $4.4 billion on transportation. Given that we are going to do that, it doesn't seem to me to be too difficult a choice to say well let's take $250 million and put it into schools where we can provide great education for our kids."
Doyle is also proposing $3 million to help school districts set up four-year kindergartens.


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Officials are on the lookout for thieves who are targeting expensive stop signs in the Waterloo area.
The stop signs and advance warning signs are equipped with light-emitting diode bulbs and powered with small solar panels.
They cost about $1,500 each. They were put a year ago to make them more visible to drivers.
One of the signs at a dangerous intersection near the John Deere Tractor Works was stolen last week. It was found three days later
in a ditch. The sign was put back up.
Thieves then stole that sign and two others either between late Sunday or early Monday.
Regular stop signs are been installed while officials search for the missing ones.


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Uncle Goose Chinese Character Blocks
Bringing up a bilingual baby will be as easy as uno, dos, tres with these beautifully made alphabet blocks in both Spanish and Mandarin. Each block is embossed to give it a classic look inspired by traditional blocks. They are handcrafted in Michigan of Basswood grown in the Great Lakes area and printed with non-toxic inks. The blocks feature beveled edges for a more comfortable hold. Spanish:... More at UncommonGoods.
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Two months ago, we asked readers for their nutrition questions. We received too many to answer in one issue, so this month we're back with two more responses from Beth Mansfield, a Registered Dietitian, Sport Nutrition & Exercise Specialist with Peak Performance. Beth educates Canadian athletes of all levels, from recreational athletes to Canadian Olympians.
Interested in learning more about getting to the line fueled for your best performance? Check out one of Beth's PowerFuel Sport Nutrition Workshops, which she offers on a regular basis. Click here for a link to Beth's workshops.
Now onto the Q&A.
Q: I am a type 1 diabetic and 2013 will be my third half marathon. I've managed to run the first two with keeping my blood sugar under control but I am crediting that simply to chance. I was wondering if you might have any suggestions on what types of food I should be eating the few days pre-race so I can be well nourished for the race?
A: For endurance training of a moderate to vigorous nature, carbohydrates are your body's major source of energy – whether you are diabetic or not. Yes, we also use fats for fuel but it is the rather limited storage of carbohydrate that becomes the issue when we start to push our bodies to go farther and faster. Your muscles and liver store carbohydrate – only a limited amount – and this needs to be continually replaced or you are not going to be able to continue to exert yourself. To maintain your supply of muscle energy for as long as possible for endurance sports such as skiing, running and cycling, follow an eating plan that includes plenty of carbohydrate rich foods. Use a sports drink during training sessions to keep blood sugar levels topped up and eat a carbohydrate rich snack after each training session when your muscles are most receptive to refueling their depleted carbohydrate stores. You will have to make sure that your insulin is adjusted appropriately.
I cover these fueling basics in a blog post on the Power of Carbohydrates. Check out that post for two handy tables that will help you calculate your daily carbohydrate needs and then figure out what foods will help you powerfuel your plate.
Q: Hi Beth, I am a female long distance runner and triathlete and sometimes suffer from lower iron levels. I am not interested in iron supplements. What kinds of foods do you recommend from a nutrition perspective to help keep my iron levels up, particularly in peak training periods? Thank you.
A: A common nutritional issue (particularly for women) is low iron stores leading to iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. This may make you feel weak, too tired to train, and irritable. The good news is that iron deficiency is totally preventable. The bottom line is to eat iron rich foods to maintain and/or attain optimal iron stores in your body.
Dietary Iron – Absorption is Key
To maximize your absorption of iron choose foods with higher iron content more often (the clue here is to choose the more colorful foods, such as dark green veggies, ruby red meats, brown whole grains). Eat iron containing plant foods with meat, poultry or fish and/or with Vitamin C rich foods to enhance iron's absorption. Examples include tomato meat/bean sauce for spaghetti, a bowl of iron-enriched cereal with strawberries or beef sirloin strips and spinach with orange slices. If you are taking an iron supplement do not take it at the same time as a calcium supplement as the iron will not be readily absorbed.
Beth Mansfield is a Registered Dietitian, Sport Nutrition & Exercise Specialist with Peak Performance
We talk a lot about pre- and post-race meals, but what should you eat during your run? Long runs require a fuelling strategy. Fortunately, there are plenty of options out there to help you replenish power so that you can keep on keeping on when the going gets tough – from energy balls to bars and gels. Heck, as Beth Mansfield pointed out last month, even small boiled potatoes will do the trick. Which goes to show that you can create effective fueling options from a variety of ingredients that you may already have lying around – and others (e.g., chia seeds) that you may want to start stocking.
Got a can of pumpkin puree you've been wondering what to do with? Whip up some pumpkin no bake energy bites. Honey and molasses in the pantry? You're on your way to a simple (if messy) recipe for homemade power goop.
Or why not go all out and try this month's feature recipe for chia seed energy balls? As author Kate Percy writes, chia is often called "running food" and has been credited with helping the runners of Tarahumara tribe of Mexico run 100s of miles at a time. Hello Sunday morning long run! Packing protein, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals these delicious morsels will keep your legs pumping.
This month's recipe sourced from http://www.gofasterfood.com/recipes/chia-seed-energy-balls/.
Ingredients (Makes 20 balls)
Cals: 44
Carbs: 6.2 G
Fiber: 8 G
Protein: 1.2 G
Fat: 2.1 G
Race News
Ottawa Marathon Torch Relay
The iRun Countdown
Wanted: Gently Used Running Shoes
Running Talk with Emily Kroshus
Turn Up the (Positive) Volume
Recommended Reading
Recommended Reading: Sweat Science
Health and Nutrition
Q&A with Beth Mansfield: Part Two
Recipe of the Month
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We always like to hear from you about what's working, and what you'd like to see covered in future editions of the newsletter. And we're also interested in hearing your inspiring stories of athleticism and endurance. So don't be shy!
Send your impressions, ideas and stories to [email protected].


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By Evamarie Socha
The Daily Item
— More free money for those Valley residents pursuing higher education. Applications are now available for Central Susquehanna Community Foundation scholarship awards for the 2013-14 academic year.
The group is making area-specific awards to certain school districts, but welcomes high school seniors, undergraduate students and non-traditional students residing those areas to apply; submission deadline is April 10, 10 p.m., and all applications will be done online.
Berwick Health and Wellness Fund - Health Profession Scholarships: This $1,000 award is open to students residing in the service area or attending Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech who will take part in a two- or four-year program for a health profession or one- or two-year certification program. Such careers range from vocational nursing and dental assistant, to health education, to dentistry and medicine.
Walter and Florence Vorbleski Award: This award provides one-year awards of $500 to $1,000 to students residing in the Berwick Health and Wellness Fund area, who will major in pre-med, nursing, physician assistant, nurse practitioner or surgical technician.
William S. and Virginia L. Hartman Family Scholarship: Warrior Run High School seniors attending the Pennsylvania State University are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Special consideration will go to students who study agriculture or education, have a high degree of academic achievement and community involvement, and are the first in their immediate family to attend a bachelor's program. One year scholarship award is $2,100.
Sunbury Area Community Foundation - Sunbury Area Health Fund, Nursing and Allied Health Scholarships: This scholarship is for students who reside in the Shikellamy, Selinsgrove or Line Mountain school districts and will major in a health profession in an undergraduate, graduate or certification program. Students at any phase in their post-secondary education can apply. Scholarship amounts will be determined on an individual basis.
Selinsgrove Area Community Foundation - John A. Bolig Seals Alumni Scholarship: Available to high school seniors or alumni of the Selinsgrove School District enrolled in a post-secondary program at an institution of higher education or technical school. Special consideration for students pursuing a technical career, including heating and plumbing. Scholarship is for one year at approximately $1,400.
Steven and Judith Bottiger Scholarship Fund: This scholarship is for second, third and fourth year undergraduate students; first preference to students studying at a college or university within Pennsylvania, and also to graduates of the Selinsgrove of Lewisburg area school districts.
Simon B. and Kathryn J. Rhoads Family Scholarship Fund: This scholarship is for seniors and alumni of the Selinsgrove Area School District. Preference will go to students pursuing higher education related to agriculture in a two or four year program.
Interested applicants are encouraged to read the eligibility requirements and instructions which can be found on the CSCF web site at www.csgiving.org and click on "Looking for a Scholarship." If you have any questions, email Kara Seesholtz at email@example.com.


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Local columnist
---- — Recently, my beloved friend, Jeff Nash, died.
Jeff, 74, a person with quadriplegia since age 19, had several surgeries at Munson in February 2012. He was on a ventilator 24/7, feeding tube and kidney dialysis. After stints at two other hospitals, he remained at a Grand Rapids hospital until his death. Communicating with him required reading his expressions and lips.
And, he was fully present. Spending time with him meant being in the presence of his sweet, loving, and independent spirit.
As I grieve Jeff's death, I've been thinking about the value of kindness. Currently, international websites, articles and books abound on the subject.
Most definitions of kindness include the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate. Kind people exhibit compassion, empathy and understanding in their thoughts, words and deeds. They express kindness towards themselves and others in common and unexpected ways. They know that being kind tends to breed more kindness.
Because Jeff was physically vulnerable, the kindness he received was crucial. By kindness, I don't mean the hospital staff and visitors were medically competent or nice.
Instead, I mean he was seen — comfortably positioned in his bed, towels and blankets exactly where he wanted them. He could look out the window seeing the non-hospital world, he was shaven, given time to try and speak and that people really listened. I'm referring to deep listening — being heard as a human being in the most profound, sincere way.
Jeff was one of the kindest people you'd ever want to meet. He instinctively knew what someone needed — a kind word, joke, one of his specialty greeting cards, a hug or a long leisurely chat.
Celebrated author, George Saunders, in his 2013 convocation address at Syracuse University, told the graduates that what he regrets most in his life are his failures of kindness.
"Those moments when another human being was there in front of me, suffering and I responded … sensibly. Reservedly. Mildly."
Later in his speech he adds, "Or to look at it from the other end of the telescope: Who, in your life, do you remember most fondly, with the most undeniable feelings of warmth?
"Those who were kindest to you, I bet. It's a little facile, maybe, and certainly hard to implement, but I'd say, as a goal in life, you could do worse. Try to be kinder."
Saunders says we aren't kinder because we deem that we're the center of the universe, we think we're separate from the universe and we believe that we're permanent, that we won't die. We foolishly think we don't need kindness to survive and thrive. But we're wrong.
For me, kindness is the glue that connects me to the rest of the world. When I'm struggling to feel part of the human family, a simple, yet powerful act of kindness can get me back on track.
Jeff freely gave and received kindness. I hope we can all follow his legacy.
Susan Odgers, a resident of Traverse City for the past 26 years, has used a wheelchair for 37 years. She is a faculty member at Northwestern Michigan College and Grand Valley State University. She can be reached via the Record-Eagle.


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A San Ramon police officer has been arrested on five felony counts in connection with a scandal involving several law-enforcement officers in Contra Costa County.
Police arrested patrol officer Louis "Lou" Lombardi, 38, when he came in to work Wednesday morning, according to San Ramon Police Chief Scott Holder.
Lombardi was booked at the county jail in Martinez on suspicion of conspiracy, grand theft of weapons and drugs, possession of stolen property and keeping an illegal assault rifle. He is being held in lieu of $760,000 bail.
"This is a dark day for not only the San Ramon Police Department but for all of law enforcement," Holder told a roomful of reporters Wednesday evening. "The action of one is not a reflection of the integrity of the outstanding men and women who serve our city. We are all saddened by the actions of our officer, yet we remain focused on continuing to be the professional organization we have been and will continue to be."
Lombardi's arrest comes after those of former CNET commander
The three men used to work for the Antioch Police Department. All were named in a 34-count criminal complaint.
Wielsch and Butler, both 49, pleaded not guilty in March to charges of conspiracy; selling methamphetamine, marijuana and steroids; and possessing methamphetamine, marijuana and steroids for sale.
Butler is suspected of organizing drug sales, using what Wielsch allegedly nabbed from evidence lockers.
Court records also accuse Tanabe of helping to sell steroids.
Butler and Tanabe also are implicated in what's being called a "dirty DUI" scheme, in which Butler hired attractive women to convince men to drink at bars and follow the women home. Investigators say Butler would then call Tanabe, who would pull the men over and arrest them on suspicion of driving under the influence.
The alleged DUI scheme also involved arrests by other law enforcement officers of men Butler targeted at bars in Concord and Clayton, but in those cases, the officers were apparently unaware of the trap.
When Butler and Wielsch were arrested, there was no indication that other officers were involved, said Holder, who's chairman of CNET.
On March 15, police got information that Lombardi, who used to work under Wielsch as a CNET narcotics agent, may have played a part in the scandal, Holder said.
San Ramon police and the district attorney's office then started looking into Lombardi's possible involvement.
Authorities served a search warrant at Lombardi's Discovery Bay home after arresting him when he showed up to work at 9 a.m. Wednesday. Holder would not release details about the case because it's an active investigation.
Lombardi has been placed on administrative leave. He was hired by the San Ramon department in 2007, when the city founded its police force. Before that, he had worked as a Contra Costa County sheriff's deputy since 1998.
"I've known him for many years, and it's a sad day for us, but we're going to get through this and in the end, our department will survive," Holder said.
– Bay City News contributed to this report


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Sprint: Unable to use phone number for FaceTime or iMessage when using Google Voice
If your Sprint account is integrated with Google Voice, you may be unable to use your phone number to receive FaceTime calls or iMessages.
Integrating your Sprint account with Google Voice may prevent your mobile phone number from being registered for use with FaceTime video calls and iMessage text messages.
This occurs only when your Sprint phone number and Google Voice number are not the same. It should not affect your ability to send or receive SMS or MMS messages, or to receive or place FaceTime calls or iMessages using an email address instead of your phone number.
Important: Information about products not manufactured by Apple is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute Apple's recommendation or endorsement. Please contact the vendor for additional information.
Last Modified: Sep 2, 2013
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All Courtyard by Marriott Hotels in the USA and Canada have a smoke-free policy that applies to guest rooms, restaurants, lounges, meeting rooms, public space and associate work areas . To accommodate the needs of smoking guests, Hotels will have designated smoking areas outside of the property .
|Check-in Policy
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Courtyard Downtown Marriott
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Conveniently located next to Fort Wayne's finest attractions, the Embassy Theatre, Botanical Conservatory, Children's Museum and Children's Zoo, the hotel's ...
$89 Per Night
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Fort Wayne, Indiana Hotels & Resorts
The Fairfield Inn and Suites is proud to call North Fort Wayne, along the popular Lima Road corridor, their home. The property is just 15 minutes from ...
$89 Per Night
Worthington Mansion B And B
Fort Wayne, Indiana Hotels & Resorts
The Worthington Mansion Bed and Breakfast is a newly restored Queen Anne Mansion in the Heart of the downtown Fort Wayne West Central Historic District. ...
$99 Per Night
Americas Best Value Inn
Fort Wayne, Indiana Hotels & Resorts
Americas Best Value Inn Fort Wayne is conveniently located off of I-69 for easy on and off highway access. ...
$43 Per Night
Best Western Luxbury Inn Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, Indiana Hotels & Resorts
The Best Western Luxbury Inn is strategically located within walking distance to 10 restaurants, Scott's foods, Lutheran hospital, a movie theater and ...
$76 Per Night
Knights Inn Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, Indiana Hotels & Resorts
The Knights Inn Fort Wayne is located off of I-69 Exit 109A, next to Liberty Diner Restaurant, and close to area attractions, shopping, and restaurants. ...
$47 Per Night
Residence Inn By Marriott Fort Wayne Southwest
Fort Wayne, Indiana Hotels & Resorts
FREE high-speed Internet access at this Residence Inn Located on the Southwest side of Fort Wayne, this newly designed Residence Inn offers interior corridors ...
$99 Per Night
Country Hearth Inn Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, Indiana Hotels & Resorts
$50 Per Night
Days Inn Ft Wayne In
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The Days Inn Ft Wayne is located approximately 14 miles from the Fort Wayne Airport. Local attractions include Concordia Seminary, Crude Auction, Regal ...
$42 Per Night
Guesthouse Inn Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, Indiana Hotels & Resorts
The GuestHouse International Inn Fort Wayne has become known for comfort, low rates and the friendly attention of a welcoming staff that cares. ...
$58 Per Night
Midwest Balloon Rides
Fishers, Indiana Ballooning
The Experience of a lifetime!We fly more than any other company in Indiana and fly from downtown Indianapolis and surrounding areas. All pricing and a calendar of openings is on our website. Come fly with us!...
Affordable Rates from $200 Per Person
Amishland and Lakes
Amish Country, Indiana Bike Tours
Amishland and Lakes, based in Howe, Indiana is a three day bike tour of Amish countryside and Michigan lakes. There are wide open spaces, clean country air and friendly people. Amishland and Lakes is famous for great SAG food (watermelons, peaches, b...
From $30 Per Person
Sport Horses Of Rohan Riding Clinics
Lake Michigan, Indiana Horseback Riding
Quality rider and trainer conducting wonderful hunter / jumping clinics for outside horse riders. Horses also for sale on property. Call for more info....
$300 Per Event
Riverboat Inn
Central, Indiana Hotels & Resorts
riverfront hotel downtown madison. American owned only 26 units ,wifi,remodeled, cozy, cable tv, wII game, outdoor pool, boat parking , full bar/lolunge...
Great Deals & Specials Now! $55 Per Night
Super 8 Chesterton
.Indiana, Indiana Hotels & Resorts
This Quality Inn® hotel in Chesterton, Indiana offers easy access to Indiana Dunes State Park, which offers great fishing opportunities. ...
$41 Per Night
Holiday Inn Express Suites Crawfordsville
.Indiana, Indiana Hotels & Resorts
Situated off I-74 at exit 34, the Hotel Holiday Inn Express Suites Crawfordsville, Indiana location gives the guest easy access to downtown, as well as ...
$100 Per Night
Best Western Atrea Airport Inn And Suites
Plainfield, Indiana Hotels & Resorts
Stay at this brand new Plainfield, Indiana hotel located close to the Capital Sports Center, Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indianapolis International Airport. ...
$72 Per Night
Quality Inn And Suites Lafayette
.Indiana, Indiana Hotels & Resorts
Quality Inn & Suites is located just minutes from many local attractions and points of interest, including the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette, Purdue ...
$65 Per Night
Super 8 Merrillville Gary Area
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Super 8 Merrillville Gary Area is located approximately 15 miles from Gary and 40 miles from O'Hare International Airport. ...
$49 Per Night
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.Indiana, Indiana Hotels & Resorts
The Hampton Inn® Auburn is conveniently located just off I-69 and minutes from the ACD Automobile Museum. ...
$98 Per Night
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ORLANDO, FL. Airlines serving Orlando International Airport increased service by 188 flights in November. About 20% of that growth can be directly traced to traffic to New Orleans and the Gulf region. The additional flights helped boost passenger traffic at Orlando International by over 6% (6.19) compared to November 2004. For the month, 2.8 million passengers (2,813,659) used Orlando International as their gateway to Florida and the world.
In addition to the increased flights offered to the Gulf region by Delta Connection and Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways added service to New York City and Spirit Airlines increased its service to New York and Detroit giving passengers at Orlando International new travel options to popular cities in the country.
Total aircraft operations at Orlando Executive Airport increased 9.5% for the month of November compared to 2004.
For the 2004 calendar year, passenger traffic at Orlando International has climbed nearly 8.7% to 31.2 million (31,259,191) bypassing last years traveler total of 31.1 million which positioned Orlando International as the busiest airport in Florida.
For more information contact Carolyn Fennell at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority at (407) 825-2055.
Copyright Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. All rights reserved.


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The Evolutions & Constants of Final Fantasy
GameSpot Asia's Jonathan Toyad talks about the many tropes and themes of the classic JRPG series, from its story themes to its overall game design philosophy.
Truthfully, ever since Square became Square Enix, ALL of the games have taken a distinct down slide. Up until FF10, I was a die-hard FF fan, now with sub par RPGs I can take them or leave them. I kind of enjoyed FFXIII, but it's not a Final Fantasy game of the same quality. Final Fantasy was the undisputed king of RPG's!! Now? Let's just say, if the names of these games were changed no one would even associate them with what was once such a proud legacy! And I would be all for the classics being re-released with better graphics. Fighting Kefka or Sephiroth, or watching the Bahamut Summons we all know and love in 1080i would be awesome. Package them in bundles - one bundle per original system (NES/Famicom, SNES/Super Fam, PS1&2)
I think it would be silly for Final Fantasy to go the W-RPG route of having a near infinite amount of sidequests and dungeons and continuing with the main story whenever you get around to it...but there's a balance that existed in the past that's been lost. FFXII was really close to that mark, the story was just overly political and the characters had little personality. I like the traditional turn based RPG, even though through game mechanics you can make it seem that it's not.
I'd have SE do what Namco-Bandai has done for the Tales series since the beginning. A healthy amount of side quests, usually with a time limit on them depending where you are in the story. Really unique, colorful characters full of humor that's still unimpeded by a dramatic storyline. Granted, Tales of series has skits to show the maturing relationships and friendships, but you can do the same through sidequests in FF too. It's how you saw extra bits from characters or understood their past a bit more. Sidequests can be rewarding not just for character development, but differing quests to take and the rewards from succeeding. Plus, at any given time, you only had a few to do every so often, then you go with the story again. It's why I adore almost every Tales game I've played, it's balanced in sidequest to story, character development, humor and serious issues all in one. Phenominal bang for your buck. Final Fantasy used to do this too, it's why VI - IX are my favorites.
13 just sucks go back to the old games
As someone who has never really played any FF game, I just picked up FF XIII and I have to say that I am enjoying it quite a bit.
The linear aspect of the game that annoyed most people actually works for me. It allows me to focus more on the fantastic fighting system and the game's enjoyable story.
Just about the only gripe I have with the game is the stupid character names, which I've been told are a recurring theme in some FF games.
I mean seriously... all the random letters and words you could come up with and they name the main character Lightning and then there are the fal'Cie and l'Cie. I can get by the main character having a silly name, but the latter names are just ridiculous every time you hear them said...
What game is at 2:39? Never seen it before..though one of the characters looks a bit like Kain from FFIV
Jonathan, you're really fun to listen to and the subject is pretty interesting too! On the content though: When FF13 was released, I wished the final fantasy games would have their current visuals and stories combined with the non-linearity of yesteryear. Not too long afterwards my wishes were heard and FF13-2 was born. I absolutely love that game. The lack of party members, since there's only two, gives us too little exciting dialogue though. Back in the ff10 days, kimahri telling tidus he should back off was pretty funny and tidus staring at lulu through his binoculars.. Those were better days!
You can't compare 7 to 13 (well you can but it's not entirly fair due to technology advancements). So lets compare 10 to 13. With every FF proir to 13 there was an Airship. There was no airship in 13. That alone seemed to make the whole world of 13 smaller and more linear. The sidequests in 10 are pretty intriguing, I especially like the monster hunting. You then fought a more powerful one after certain conditions were met. I still have yet to beat Nemesis in it. However in 13 Long Gui was the most powerful creature. With the proper equipment it wasn't as much of a challenge. I could continue but I digress to answer his question I like my characters having a certain class something that another charater doesn't have. 13 they all seem to be the same to some extent. I liked the old ways. You don't have to voice over every little thing. Not all of 10's sidequests were completely voiced. That didn't bother me at all. I had varity and a somewhat open world. 13 was lacking in both of them.
FF 7 was the first console game I ever played. It really got me into RPGs and other JRPGs. At first I was never interested in this style of gameplay. That being said when I first played it I got lost as soon as I left Midgar. I somehow missed that first town and lost to the Midgar Zolom. You couldn't get past the Midgar Zolom unless you got a Chocobo from that farm. But before that you couldn't get the chocobo unless you listened to Cloud's backstory. Other FF's are like this they are linear to a point. That point to when thigs really opened up is when you got your airship.
where can I get that guy's shirt?
For me, the past few FFs have just been too linear. Rightly or wrongly, the ability to branch off from the main storyline whenever you wanted and do nothing but side quests or exploring for a bit, was my favourite aspect to the game.
Older defiantly, anything after 12 doesn't even feel like a FF, and 12 took a while to like as well. 9 with Zidane and Garnet, and 10 with Tidus and Yuna, the love romance and story is so rich, and is what I miss in a final fantasy.
no pc :(
Dear Jonathan Toyad,
I have almost completed ff13-2, just had no reason to rush out and buy it at release, instead waited till December 2012 and got it for 9$.
You know, it really is not a matter of linearity or open sand box style of play, team size, or whether the hero is male or female. Like it has been said so many times before it is all about the story. Take FF12, I really can not remember who was the main protagonist or bad guy or even why they were questing to begin with. Shame to ff12 had the best combat system, to me anyways.
In ff13 I loved the characters, the art style, and voice acting alot- but the convoluted plot, the lack of a threatening enemy left the game forgettable, and hard to keep playing.
Do you remember a game called Suikoden 2 and Wild Arms also. Now that was some story telling. The main hero could have easily been a guy created by the story which you followed or a person you put your own self in and played. The bad guy was loved, hated, feared, sympathetic, and cool all at the same time in Sui 2.
Square Enix still puts out the production values better then any other Japan based studio, but like you mentioned they are starting to use it as a crutch. Linear story telling has to be done more because you cannot have thousand of hours of voice work trying to predict all the actions of a gamer. Set pieces and production costs so much they can only add in what the player has to play, not some remote village that has no part of the story in it.
Skies of Arcadia allowed tons of exploration but you could only go so far before needing to advance the story.
ALL, I mean ALL rpg games need to give you that feeling of awe and wonder through a child's eyes of seeing a world not of their own for the first time. Take GRANDIA - while the adventure and environments were nothing new to old school rpg gamers - it was all new and wondrous to the characters - and that is what made it.
I played a weak combat/production game called Alundra but still remember the story and the characters reaction to the story.
It is impossible to make everyone happy since so many more people who play JRPG's are those who have played them so many times before. But there is one thing that all of us will agree - as long as the story is strong and engaging - everything else can be debated as what can be done better- not what made the game go wrong.
A constant? Well, it's been an awesome series sine 1987. I 'd called that pretty constant.
First, Squall For The Winner!
Second, Jonathan you're funny!! But fix the wires in your tee-shirt! You're such a mess! :D
i have played and finished XII,X,X-2,VII,XIII,VI.VI and VIII(maybe XII too) were the best
Final Fantasy X showed that so called linearity isn't a bad thing - but that was because they had fantastic story, a magnificent sidegame, great music, a wonderful battle system, deep and likeable characters, graphics that caught your eye and didn't let go, and a setting which was both relatable and fresh,
Final Fantasy XIII wasn't horrific because it was linear, but rather because it didn't have a story, sidegame, its music was mediocre, its battle system was down right atrocious, its characters barely registered, and when they did they tended to be irritating, the graphics were detailed but soulless, and I can't remember anything of consequence about the setting. The best that can be said for it is it was all flash and no substance.
The main thing is the story and gameplay, though. All the FF greats (for me the best three were 6, 7, and 10) had an engrossing story, and stellar gameplay. That's what FF has to return to: 12 wasn't bad, but it was let down by the battle mechanics and a story which felt like a bit more could have been made from it.
13 should simply be held up as a shining example of what not to do.
Really enjoying these videos, but with that last comment he might as well have said:
"So what about it guys? Do you wish for a return to quality storytelling, complex characters and nonlinear gameplay?"
Since Square-Enix seems genuinely not to know the answer to this I will say yes. Yes, I do indeed, sir.
Started playing the FF series with FFIX. It still remains my favorite. But FFX comes in a close second. My brothers all say FFIII was the best of the them all but I have yet to try it. As for my experience with the later games I was very dissapointed in FFXII on account of the poor story. It started out well enough and it had some great characters. But it felt lacking in the end, no mind blowing twist. I felt the game was only half ended when I actually finished it. FFXIII had the same issue even worse. Along with a story that felt unfinished was a linear plot, lvling system, and world that beame monotonous and took away one of FF's major strengths in world exploration. FFXIII did have good characters more or less, I liked Lightning, Snow, and Fang a lot. But it needed a character like Auron (mysterious mentor and leader) in it to balance it out better.
As for gameplay, I loved FFX the most with the idea of switching the characters in and out as needed. You were never thinking 'I wish I would have put this guy in' or 'Dang, I need to lvl this persons abilities more.' I was fine the the experimentation in FFXII and FFXIII with the idea of real time battles instead of turn based. But FFXII kinda just turned into a confusing mess of blue, red, and green lines that took away from the battle itself. FFXIII was much better but camera angles got very confusing at times.
After FFXIII I was getting a bit worried SquareEnix had lost it's touch with what made Final Fantasy games so special. Deep story, engaging battle system that made you think tactics, versatile characters and relationships between them that delved deep into the story itself, and a villain you loved to hate. But with the release of FFXIII-2 my hope was kindled again. I loved the story, extremely engaging. The battle system was much much better and felt like it still had a bit of the FFVII and FFIX touch to it while still keeping the innovation of FFXIII. I enjoyed how both Sarah and Noel played so well into the story and were central to what happened in the world. The time travelling element, though inconsistent at times, brought back the feel of open world exploration that was missing in FFXIII. And I especially loved Caius as the anatogonist.
Now I'm not saying FFXIII-2 was a return to glory, it wasn't, but it surely seemed to point in that direction. I am definitely hoping for a FFXIII-3 that brings everything full circle.
Last note is the fact that the one area where all the FF's have never failed are the amazing graphics and wonderous cutscenes.
I miss the sandbox like style of the previous Final Fantasy games. Bring that back please. FFVI for the snes was my first FF game and that game will always be the best in my eyes. When FFVII came out I loved the hell out of it but I felt it took alot from FFVI, like for instance instead of espers it was the cetra(Ancients), and so on and so on. FFIX makes honorable mentions. FFVIII had a great interesting world to explore, and especially liked the side story of Laguna. Wish they would write a novel based on Lagunas Travels. Anyways, bring back the sandbox style of the previous FF games.
FF13, the only final fantasy game that I didn't finish. Got too boring and stopped playing it half way. What's happening to the series.
FFVII to FFX are the best in my opinion..well except now thou..
After FF10, every final fantasy has been crap. I miss the turn based fighting system, the open world exploration, the amazing graphics and storyline. Ever since squaresoft became square enix, the franchise has never been the same.
To respond to the question 'should the changes be welcomed, or the old ways reborn?' (or something to that effect).. I think there needs to be a change in the Final Fantasy name with these newer games. It no longer looks or feels anything like a FF from before VII. I've been around since FF1 was first brought to the NES everything has changed so drastically that I almost feel like I may have given the newer games a fighting chance if they had gone under a different name. I say that because FF has already been etched in my mind in a specific and profound way. The newer games take away from those great experiences and memories rather than enhance them.
There used to be a time where Limit Breaks really brings ease to defeating UBER-HP Bosses..
I don't agree with everything you say but have watched a couple of your vids and have really enjoyed them. Great stuff Jonathan.
Oh where did FF had gone
Ugh FFX theme song gave me goosebumps... so many good memory's
can anyone tell me why youtube and videos not working in firefox ???
Final Fantasy is just a brand. Everyone of importance who worked on the classics left Square during or shortly after the merger. What I would love is for Mistwalker or Monolith Studios to put out another expansive 16-bit jrpg with all the same attention to design, story, and music that the old Squaresoft teams are capable of.
FF1-10 best games all this new crap is garbage nuff said
his accent's freakin difficult to understand.
I have only played from FFX onwards and still feel that FFX is the best. Not only in story-telling and character development (as well as having awesome characters like Kimahri), but also the combat system and other meta-games such as Blitzball.
FFX-2's fighting system (the semi-real-time battles), excluding the silly dress-spheres is probably the best system I have seen. I couldn't get into FFXII, and FFXIII's fighting engine was a simplified and dumbed-down version of FFX-2.
I think a nice blend between FFX and FFX-2 would be the best kind of fighting system. And I think there needs to be more asian themes (like in FFX) in future FF games - most seem to be based on Euro.
I love the FF series! Well,all but the recent two,I think they should be more like the older games;however, you can't fault them for trying something new. That said, I saw a playthrough demo on YouTube of ff Versus, and thought, ''this does'nt look like a FF game!'',but it's still in the making so mabe they'll fix the combat,mabe I'm the one who cares about that,as oppose to the more flashy,here today,gone tomorrow games,that this ff Versus looks like it's headed;hopefully we see it in this century!
The games were best before they became 3D in my opinion. IV is my favorite, but I do think that V and III are very under appreciated. Every game after VI was okay, but not as good as the classics on the NES/SNES. I've always been under the opinion that the 16 bit era was also the golden age for RPG's.
I think Square Enix did well to release FF Dimensions recently so gamers can re-live the "traditional" style Final Fantasy. For a series that spans 14 iterations (excluding spin-offs) I think it is nice to have some variety, for better or worse. Can't wait to see what they will do in Lightning Returns.
im in love with Final Fantasy ^.^
@Miannucci Let's just hope XV is all its hyped up to be. From the trailers, it looks like it has that feel, but I could be wrong. I agree with you about them becoming Enix and taking a down slope, though I did like 12 (ALOT!!! For the battle system though :) ) And I think for 13, they had the right idea with Lightning, but screwed it up royally. Hopefully Lightning Returns will be good :/
@Darri That's Final Fantasy II for iOS.
@jenovaschilld agree with you in so many ways
You seriously need to play FF VII. It's cheap on psn and can be bought on the pc as well. The game is all kinds of awesome as far as story and music go. In fact, I can't stress enough how incredible the music in that game is. There's a reason One Winged Angel is so popular. It's not Sephiroth's main theme, or it didn't start out as that, but that song evolved into his theme over time because people associate it with Sephiroth because of how awesome it is. One person beat his first form and said, "I beat him! YAY!!!" (cue One Winged Angel) "Huh, wha, what tha???"
@Cybermoja 13 had an addictive combat & leveling system but the mechanic of driving the story forward was an entire character-focus fest.
& the problem with that, was that even for a Final Fantasy game the characters were over-anime'd up in behaviour: Over-angst, over-insecure, over-weepy, over....VANILLE, it just got so WTF I had to ditch it
@Metallicwolf29 Real Time bla.....
@Metallicwolf29 Dude, 10 had the magnificent turn-based system.
Still waiting to hear that they have finished the remastered edition that I can get for my ps3
or failing that, hoping sony finally pulled their heads out of their asses & added the ps2 emulator in this new slim ps3
@BSEE10 Aside from the strange use of English, that's a good question!
@Scorpion1813 FF10 was great but the best will always be 7
@Scorpion1813 Then you need to go back and play the previous FF; you've missed some of the best games in the franchise. Play from FF6 all the way through 9.
@Scorpion1813 agree on that system it def has the FF feel to it, also bringing back the open world, sidequest and secrets would be nice to see along with some amazing fantasy scenery, after all it's called FINAL fantasy not random fantasy
@majinjet I actually think the decline happened after FF10. FF9 and FF10 were great games and kept a lot of the original FF formula intact.
@koentjethebest I don't mind them being linear instead of open-world. To be honest the story in FFX was that amazing that I barely noticed , and didn't mind at all, that the game was so linear.
But there are other games where I will really put down a game just for this one thing. I think it has to do with feeling like you are actually in another world. FF games do that well.Most other series usually fall short and the linear paths are unnatural and quite predictable.


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The Westwood Wolverines host the Holliston Panthers in the teams' annual Thanksgiving Day game. Return here during and after the game to share your photos. (Just click the "upload photos and videos" button to share away!)
WHEN: 10 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 22
WHERE: Flahive Field at Westwood High School, 200 Nahatan St.
HOW MUCH: Tickets will be sold at the gate on game day for $10 general admission for adults and $7 for students.
TEAM RECORDS: Holliston comes into the game with a 7-3 record, while Westwood is 7-3. Both teams are 3-0 in their division of the the Tri Valley League, making this game more than just a traditional Thanksgiving Day football game, as the winner will receive a playoff berth.
HISTORY OF RIVALRY: This is the 40th year of this Thanksgiving rivalry. While Holliston has won the past couple of years, Westwood holds the all-time lead, 24-14-1.


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Communications studies students choose tracks in public relations, radio and television, or speech.
Cal U has a staff of professionals ready to help identify career options and land your dream job.
Cal U students can earn a degree in fine arts, art education or graphic design.
Vulcan Village offers apartment-style living with private rooms, study areas and a swimming pool.


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Date: 6/19/2000
Title: Convention opens celebration on high note
Music, prayer and camaraderie filled Warner Auditorium Friday night as the 114th International Convention of the Church of God began. More than 6,000 conventioners braved rain and thunder to join with Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University, Robert Pearson, general director of Church of God Ministries and several musical friends in an opening service that organizers titled "A Celebration of Servanthood."
The living church is a serving church," Anderson University President Dr. James Edwards wrote in the program for the event.
Carrie Cripe, 16, of Anderson attends North Anderson Church of God and is a student at Highland High School. She performed in the service as a member of the choir.
"It is wonderful to be a part of something where everyone is focused on the same thing -- Jesus Christ!" she said moments before the service started.
After the crowd was led in singing hymns, Edwards gave the invocation.
Then Robert Pearson, general director of the Church of God Ministries, rose to speak.
The theme for this year's convention is "Picture the Possibilities." Pearson explained that this week church leaders hope to use the parables of Christ to provide attendees glimpses on how the church can grow.
"Each parable is a picture," he said. "And with each we hope to picture the possibilities."
He also outlined the events that are scheduled for the week saying that those attending will be treated to a smorgasbord of religious presentations and activities.
For the rest of the service, the audience was treated to music from a 250-person choir, the group Image, Marc Clarke, Kim Tabor and other Christian vocalists.
Paul Baylor is a reporter for the Anderson Herald-Bulletin.


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Lot 36427
New Zealand, (1932 – 2004)
Indian ink on paper
19 x 29 cm
NZD $1,407(incl. BP & GST if applicable)
Tue. May. 29 2012 at 8:00pm (NZST)
Pat Hanly was born at Palmerston North, New Zealand in 1932. He was central to a group of artists who revitalised art in New Zealand in the second half of the 20th century. His work ranged from the personal to social and political issues.
An amateur artist grandfather encouraged the boy's interest in drawing however in 1946 Hanly began a four-year hairdressing apprenticeship, also attending evening classes under Allan Leary at Palmerston North High School. With Leary's encouragement Hanly in 1952 began a three-year Diploma of Fine Arts course at Canterbury University School of Fine Arts, where the artist and lecturer Bill Sutton proved a mentor and friend. Hanly proved a brilliant student, the centre of a group which included such future notable artists as Bill Culbert.
In 1957 Hanly travelled to London, where he attended night classes at Chelsea School of Art. The five years spent in Europe were important to Hanly. He gained several scholarships and grants, from the British Council and Italian and Dutch governments. In London he exhibited at Gallery One, with the London Group, Royal Society of British Artists and Young Contemporaries, the Edinburgh Festival and the John Moores Liverpool Exhibition. He also had a first solo show at the Comedy Gallery in 1961.
The Hanly's returned to New Zealand in 1962 and in 1963, he began work as a part-time lecturer in drawing at the University of Auckland School of Architecture, but this did not stop him being a prolific exhibitor in New Zealand and Europe.
Through his career, Hanly completed many public commissions, including St George's Church, Takapuna (1962); large murals for Auckland Airport (1978) and the Christchurch Town Hall; the University of Auckland School of Architecture (1982); and the Aotea Centre's Convention Centre, Auckland (1990). Long associated with the anti-nuclear movement, Hanly was a foundation member of the Auckland Peace Squadron and keen anti-apartheid protestor.
Hanly's luminous, life-affirming works from early in his career had series titles such as Pacific Ikons, Figures in Light and New Order. In the late 1960s he "discovered" physics, prompting his Molecular series paintings, exploring the premise that matter was not exactly solid. The vibrant, lush Garden series drew inspiration from the surroundings of his home in Mount Eden, where his small backyard studio was situated. Family life and his wife and muse Gil, were also important themes in Hanly's work. Hanly died in Auckland in 2004.
This artwork is available to be viewed in person at our gallery in Auckland. The gallery is located at:
Level One
25 Sale Street
Freemans Bay
New Zealand
Opening Hours
Monday - Friday : 10am - 6pm
Saturday : By appointment
+64 9 3033 126
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Artwork Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Artwork Dimensions (including frame, if applicable): 44.5 x 51 x 1.5 cm
Artwork Weight: TBC
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text:
Alyssa Grimley
In an unassuming warehouse in south Oklahoma City, the Starship Ajax, destroyer class, is docked and awaiting orders.
If you think Starship Troopers should've been called Starsh!t Poopers, you'll want to see the RiffTrax Live gang mercilessly mock that sci-fi turd. Watch the 1997 film get ripped a new one, 7 p.m. Thursday at AMC Quail Springs 24, 2501 W. Memorial; Cinemark Tinseltown USA, 6001 N. Martin Luther King; and Norman's Regal Spotlight 14, 1100 N. Interstate Drive. Visit fathomevents.com.


text:
We at Custom House believe that every couple should have that unique wedding day that they look fondly on for years to come.
We believe that no two couples are the same and neither should their wedding day.
From small intimate ceremonies to rather more grand occasions, we'll tailor our service to you to deliver your totally unique Wedding Day.
Our dedicated wedding co-ordinator and events team will be with you every step of the way, from your initial consultation, to securing your wedding date & finalising all the details of your wedding up to your first dance together.
We believe the heart of any Wedding Reception is the food. We offer an excellent variety of menu choices which can be tailored and personalised to meet your individual requirements and tastes.
At Custom House we are fully licenced for both Civil Ceremonies & Civil Partnerships and we will look after you both from the moment you say I do.
Our Weddding package includes the following complimentary services:
- Pre wedding consultations with your Wedding Coordinator
- Traditional red carpet welcome
- Champagne reception for the Bride and Groom on arrival
- Complimentary function room hire
- Personalised menus
- White linen table cloths and napkins on all tables
- Assistance and advice on speeches
- Use of Wedding stand
- Chair covers and bows.
- One wedding a day policy


text:
Shabby chic ROSES digital collage sheets for scrapbook and cards Journal Spot DC96
I'm offering this digital collage sheet for your cards and scrapbooks.
I'll send you an email with the collage sheet attached...you print it out yourself. OR you could save it to a thumb drive and take it to Office max, Kinko's or any other copy place.
I have spent a lot of time altering and cleaning up my images, so I ask that you don't share the digital download. Instead, I would truely appreciate any referrals to my shop.
The image I send to you will not have the watermark....I'm sure you already know that...but just wanted to make sure. I'll be listing other digi's as I get time. If you see a particular image that I've used that you like, just let me know and I'll try to get that made up for you. Thanks! Misty
*** Collage sheets can only be printed as shown and can not be altered***
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text:
See Dru Hill, along with many more artists Sunday July 20th at Celebrity Theatre!
After eight years, R&B multi-platinum group Dru Hill reunites and signed a new recording contract with Kedar Entertainment. Sisqo, Nokio, Jazz and new member Tao (pronounced Tay-oh) are back and will release their fourth CD offering, InDRUpendence Day in stores 2010.
The new single, "Love M.D." is a sexy mid-tempo ballad. The new album is a soulful blend of R&B, rock, hip-hop and romance-in true trademark Dru Hill form. There are several key local and national radio promotions, performances and interviews scheduled for the release of the album. Kedar Massenburg, President and CEO of Kedar Entertainment, is very excited to work on their reunion project. "I've always been a fan of Dru Hill and I'm happy to be in partnership with them," says Kedar. "We look forward to further developing the Dru Hill brand and exploring the numerous marketing and promotional opportunities available to them. Including solo releases from Sisqo, and Nokio's rock group (Black Angel Down) .
In 2001, the group disbanded so that members could pursue solo careers. Dru Hill group member, Sisqo went on to achieve international success with the acclaim debut album release, Unleash the Dragon, which included the mega hit, "Thong Song." The album sold over eight million units worldwide, while former group member Woody went on to pursue a career in Gospel


text:
---- — TRAVERSE CITY — Another Grand Traverse County politician has joined the race to become a state lawmaker.
Former county Commissioner Rob Hentschel will face Larry Inman, a current county commissioner, in the 2014 Republican primary contest to represent the 104th District in the state House of Representatives.
Hentschel, who co-owns Roy's General Store in East Bay Township with his father and two uncles, said he will focus on encouraging small business growth if elected to the House of Representatives.
"We have a family business. We've been here for 55 years," Hentschel said. "There's just too much red tape to running a small business."
Hentschel said he will also oppose new taxes.
Hentschel won election to the county commission in 2010. He completed one two-year term before running for county treasurer in 2012. Heidi Scheppe defeated Hentschel in that Republican primary contest by about 200 votes.
As a commissioner, he chaired the county's finance committee and served on the board of Northern Lakes Community Mental Health.
Hentschel also served as secretary of the Traverse City Rotary Club Board of Directors for the last three years.
The 104th District currently is represented by state Rep. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City. Schmidt will be term-limited out of that office at the end of 2014.
The 2014 primary election is scheduled for Aug. 5.


text:
Google's Gotcha
15 ways Google monitors you.
Robert Epstein is Senior Research Psychologist at the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology (http://AIBRT.org) and the former editor-in-chief of Psychology Today magazine. A Ph.D. of Harvard University, Dr. Epstein has published 15 books and more than 200 articles on artificial intelligence and other topics. The views expressed here are entirely his own.
An editor at a major news magazine (not U.S. News) told me recently that Google can monitor people only when they sign in to a Google platform – Gmail or Google+, for example. Not so, I replied. Google can and does monitor people – perhaps upwards of 90 percent of Internet users worldwide – whether they use a Google product or not, and most people have no idea they're being monitored.
To make my point, I pursued a hunch. I expanded the header of the last email the editor had sent me. The header you normally see contains just four fields: From, To, Date, and Subject. But most email systems allow you to see much more. When you expand a header, you see many lines of technical information, including the names of the various computer servers through which the email passed on its way to you.
Sure enough, the editor's email had been routed through a Google server. How and why this routing was put in place, I don't know, but it appears that all outgoing emails from the magazine's staff run through Google, a company that has been known to scan email content. If you've ever received targeted ads that seem related to recent emails you've sent, you were probably scanned. The company can hardly deny that it scans; Buzz, the failed social network Google launched in 2010, was built entirely around information in Gmail messages that revealed who was friends with whom.
[See a collection of political cartoons on the economy.]
Just how extensive are Google's tracking activities? When I started cataloging them, I was amazed. Here is a partial list of tracking methods Google is known to use. I'd wager that the list of tracking methods we don't know about is much longer.
The search engine. Every search you conduct using Google's ubiquitous search engine – for medical or mental health information, an update on your favorite mayoral candidate, the schedule of your church's potluck dinner, how to handle kids' tantrums, the cure for halitosis or the latest sex toys – allows the company to track your interests and, over time, build a detailed dossier that describes virtually every aspect of your character, food preferences, religious beliefs, medical problems, sexual inclinations, parenting challenges, political leanings and so on. In other words, when you use Google's search engine, Google's gotcha.
Even if the company doesn't know your name, it can still track your searches by reading codes, such as your IP address, that are unique to your computer or current location. Through cross-referencing, the company can eventually find your name, address, and telephone number, too. When you use the search engine or most any other Google product, Google also installs an identifier cookie on your computer that makes you easier to track. And get this: Google reads and stores every letter you type into its search bar as you are typing (think: m-a-r-i-j-u-a), so even if your good judgment suddenly kicks in and you don't hit "enter," the company still records what it thinks you were looking for.
Google uses your search history to send you personalized ads. That's how it survives, after all. About 97 percent of the company's revenues are from advertising. Google justifies this business model, which could be viewed as fundamentally deceptive, by insisting that it's providing a unique and valuable service: sending vendors your way who precisely fit your current needs and interests.
Email. When you use Gmail, Google's email service, the company scans the content of your emails and the email addresses of your correspondents. Google's Gmail system also scans your incoming emails, even the ones coming from Yahoo and Hotmail. If you feel safe because you've deleted emails you regretted sending, think again. Google never erases its own copies, even copies of the drafts you decided not to send – even copies of incomplete messages you didn't save as drafts. And then there are those Google servers, which route the emails of thousands of companies that apparently don't mind running the risk that their emails will be scanned. So whether you use Gmail itself, write to someone who uses Gmail, or, in many cases, simply email, Google's gotcha.


text:
DANBURY, Conn., September 27, 2005 - Springfield College senior back Courtney Goetz (Flemington, N.J.) scored her first goal of the season in the seventh minute of action to give the Pride an early 1-0 advantage, but it was Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) that went on to score two unanswered goals, one of which came in overtime, as the Colonials defeated the Pride on Tuesday evening at the Westside Athletic Complex.
Just six minutes and 34 seconds into the match, Goetz lofted a shot from 45 yards out over the head of Western keeper Ashley Griffin for the score. SC held onto the 1-0 lead until the 54th minute of play when Western's Jessica Gomes netted her first of two scores off a feed from Kim Crayco.
In the end it was the Crayco to Gomes combination that lifted Western (7-1-1) over SC, 2-1, in the fifth minute of overtime (94:16). In the Pride's nine matches this season, in which it has gone 3-4-2, SC has already gone to overtime in four of those contests.
Pride sophomore keeper Amanda Petri (East Granby, Conn.) played well in goal for SC, saving 13 Colonial shots during the match.
The Pride will next travel to Wellesley College for its second New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) contest this Saturday, October 1, in a 1:00 p.m. start.