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What's New in the Enhanced Edition:
Professional mod tool - REDkit beta: The REDkit is the best way to craft vast, living worlds – shape environments using intuitive tools and adapt them to your needs! Create your own RPG adventures and do it CD Projekt RED style!
Additional hours of gameplay: New major adventures set in previously unseen locations, expanding the story and introducing new characters, mysteries and monsters.
New Game Introduction and Cinematics: All new animations and cut scenes, including a new, three and a half minute pre-rendered cinematic depicting the assassination of King Demavend of Aedirn. BAFTA Award winner and Academy Award nominee Tomasz Baginski brings this key historical event to life, setting the stage for the story told in The Witcher 2.
The Witcher 2, in its most definitive Enhanced Edition, is available through automatic update for free, for all existing and new users.
The second installment in the RPG saga about the Witcher, Geralt of Rivia. A new, modern game engine, responsible both for beautiful visuals and sophisticated game mechanics puts players in the most lively and believable world ever created in an RPG game. A captivating story, dynamic combat system, beautiful graphics, and everything else that made the original Witcher such a great game are now executed in a much more advanced and sophisticated way.
The Witcher 2 was acclaimed one of the best RPGs by the biggest worldwide media outlets:
- "Redefines expectations for an entire genre" – New York Times
- "One of the best role-playing games in years" – IGN – 9/10
- "You can't afford to miss it" – Gametrailers – 9.4/10
- "One of the most memorable and best written fantasy video games you'll ever play" – 1up
Age requirements: ESRB Rating: MATURE with Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs PEGI Rating: 18 with Violence, Bad Language USK Rating: 16+ BBFC Rating: 18 Contains very strong language, strong sex and bloody violence. OFLC: R16 Contains violence, offensive language and sex scenes.
Age requirements: ESRB Rating: MATURE with Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs. PEGI Rating: 18+ with Bad Language, Violence.
Minimum system requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7, processor: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2 GHz or similar AMD 1 GB RAM for Windows XP, 2 GB RAM for Windows Vista and 7, Nvidia GF 8800 512 VR or ATI Radeon HD 3850 512 MB, 23 GB HDD space
Recommended system requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7, processor: Quad Core Intel or similar AMD, 3 GB RAM for Windows XP, 4 GB RAM for Windows Vista and 7, Nvidia GF 260 1GB or ATI HD4850 1GB, 23 GB HDD space
Minimum system requirements (Mac): OS: OS X 10.7.5 or higher. OS X 10.8.0 or higher Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo Memory: 4 GB RAM Graphics: GeForce GT 650M 512MB (on 1440x900, low), Radeon HD 5770 1GB (on 1440x900, low) Hard Drive: 25 GB HD space, Please note: Nvidia is constantly perfecting the graphics drivers for Mac Book Pro with the Nvidia 650M Graphics Card. Until they provide an update the performance in the game on Macs with 600 Series nVidias may not measure up to usual levels.
Recommended system requirements (Mac): OS: OS X 10.7.5 or higher. OS X 10.8.0 or higher Processor: Quad Core Intel Memory: 8 GB RAM Graphics: GeForce GT 650M 1GB (on 1440x900, low), Radeon HD 6970M 1 GB (on 1920x1080, medium) Hard Drive: 25 GB HD space, Please note: Nvidia is constantly perfecting the graphics drivers for Mac Book Pro with the Nvidia 650M Graphics Card. Until they provide an update the performance in the game on Macs with 600 Series nVidias may not measure up to usual levels.
Posted on 2011-05-19 23:16:54 byTigerLord:
The Witcher 2 provides immersive RPG gameplay, an authentic and gritty atmosphere as well as some unforgettable moments, but certain questionable design choices make you wonder: "what were they thinking?"
Let me preface this by saying I adored the first Witcher. I first bought it in retail in 2008, then again on Steam (this time the Enhanced Edition) in 2009, and again,read more recently on GOG.com, CDProjekt's sister company. Why three times? Simply put, I wanted to support an independent studio that catered to their players' needs in an era where publishers dictate terms to please investors instead. I completed The Witcher four times in its entirety. I was seduced by its engrossing storytelling qualities, the mature feel of the game and its unusual take on combat mechanics and gameplay (such as the role of alchemy). The Witcher was an imperfect game at release, but in my opinion, very near perfection in its EE state. It lacked the polish of certain AAA titles, but because it remained so close to old style RPG roots, any superficial dents could not deter my appreciation of this great game. Suffice to say, I pre-ordered The Witcher 2 in November 2010, and it became one of my most anticipated game release of all time.
After completing the Witcher 2 once on "normal" mode, I must admit my experience has been both enthralling and unforgettable, but questionable design changes compared to the first game, a lack of interface polish and the clear signs of consolitis symptoms have made dents into what could have been a perfect (10/10) game.
The Witcher 2's storyline picks up a month after the shocking finale of the first game. I wish to keep this review spoiler-free (for those who haven't played either games), so I will simply say the storytelling is as polished as it was in TW1. The influence of prominent and talented writer Andrzej Sapkowski is clearly felt, and is what sets the Witcher series apart from other RPG. Characters are fully fleshed out, each have their interesting backstory, and thanks to improved voice acting, TW2 could not feel more authentic. As Michael Yavish said in his excellent review on Gameradar, the mature elements used in the game do not feel gimmicky or immature simply because they are entrenched in the general atmosphere and level design. The Witcher 2 doesn't try to look or feel mature by adding senseless gore or nudity, it simply IS. From the visuals to the sharp dialogs, it all comes together to create an authentic mature setting that you can totally believe. It does so unapologetically, without restraint or shame, and I am thankful for it.
Graphically, the game is simply astonishing. Again, it lacks certain features that AAA titles might have (no doubt due to the sub 10M budget), such as proper optimization for SLI or Crossfire configurations and the lack of 16:10 aspect ratio support. There are numerous advanced settings users can tweak to get the best appearance/performance ratio. From antialiasing (specifically MLAA), SSAO, motion blur, depth of fields, bloom (no HDR), shadows and textures quality, light shafts, Ubersampling (a proprietary function of the RED engine, designed in house by CPR, that enhances graphics but at a very steep performance price), vignetting, decals to texture memory size, it's all there. It looks gorgeous, textures feel organic and from lush forests to burning battlefields, your eyes will be feasting on the sceneries. I rate the graphics with a solid 10/10.
On the audio front, I was once again seduced by the soundtrack. Wonderfully composed, it suits the atmosphere perfectly. I must admit disappointment in a voice actress change for Triss, which now sounds a bit younger and softer, whereas the Triss in the original game sounded somewhat more mature. Generally, and I mean 99% of the time, the voice overs are exceptional, both in English and Polish. TW1 suffered from blend voice overs at times, but a lot more care was put in this installment. Character will scream, cry, laugh or call for help in terror, and you'll believe it each time. It helps a great deal with immersion, and the quality of the voice and music work ascends CPR to the same playfield as Bioware and Bethesda. It's too bad their audio engine suffers from several, but minor bugs. If it weren't for these, this category would also deserve a perfect score. Alas, a 9/10 it is.
Several changes in gameplay mechanics makes TW2 not only very different, but for fans of the first, said changes feel like a hit or miss. Starting with combat mechanics, gone are the quick, strong and group stances. The first two were replaced by something that could be called equivalent, but I for one greatly missed the group stance. Whereas a left click would activate your sword and a right click cast a sign in TW1, the LMB now unleashes a quick/light sword slash, and the RMB is used to deliver a stronger blow, better suited for armored opponents. You now cast signs using the Q button. Those changes are easy to adapt to, and even feel more intuitive. However, the dynamics of combat have greatly changed. Whereas in TW1 you could approach a group of drowners with near mockery, any cavalier attitude will probably mean the death of you in TW2. Opponents deal significantly more damage, your vitality (HP points) is much more easily depleted and vigor points have replaced the endurance bar. Simply put, each sign you cast costs a point. You can now block opponents using the E key, but each block uses a vigor point as well. You are therefore faced with choosing either signs, blocks or both, but since the first are usually much more useful and powerful, I very rarely used block, especially since rolling away doesn't cost you anything and is just as effective defense-wise. It is an odd mechanic and design choice, and would be curious to hear what rationale the devs had in mind when they decided this system was appropriate. Oils, bombs and potions are back, but with a twist. You can now only drink potions while meditating (which in TW2, can be done anywhere that isn't hostile. Finished are the constant searches for fireplaces or beds! Yay!). The toxicity system remained intact, which is both logical and needed, as it forces players to make a choice. I am however puzzled at the drinking mechanic. Objectively speaking, it is impossible to know ahead of time which foes or enemies you might encounter in the specific dungeon or part of the world you are preparing to enter. When you are in combat, it is already too late. You cannot meditate unless you run away and lose your opponents. Therefore, you are forced to approach potion drinking as a guessing game. You might drink the right ones, you might not. Most of the time, you won't even know if you're about to meet creatures or foes, so you might either waste your potions, drink the wrong ones (or at least, not the most appropriate ones) or due to their short timers, lose their effect at a critical moment. This change has been discussed ad-nauseum in many forum threads, and most have stipulated that the devs wanted to make alchemy a more inclusive plot device that would further the immersive quality of the game. In my opinion, their attempt has failed completely. The appeal of RPG games is the power of choice given to the player. TW2 was marketed as a game that will force you to make impactful decisions throughout the game that will affect your experience. Guessing work is not choice, and is neither satisfying nor fulfilling. I can see from a storytelling point of view how it might seem like a good idea, but practically, it isn't. Coupled with the long drinking animation that isn't skippable, potion drinking is much more of a hassle than an immersive aspect of the game. I did everything I could to avoid it, and leveled a character that could be as powerful as it can WITHOUT potions (which now has its own leveling tree), whereas in TW1, I welcomed potions and was thankful for them. There is something to be said about the quests, which are varied and interesting. Gone are the fedex missions, which I'm sure will be welcomed by many. Sidequests are fun and do not feel like useless material meant to artificially boost the length of a game. It's unfortunate that the game's climax is underwhelming, especially if compared to the first game's ending, but that is of minor concern compared to the epic storytelling the game subjects you to for over forty hours.
The most notable change in general game mechanics concerns boss fights, whose designs were clearly influenced by the God of War series. They are now epic in nature, require a fair bit of planning, and it is that planning and stratagem elaboration that makes these fights feel so fulfilling. To the dismay of many, myself included, TW2 makes heavy use of Quick Time Events (QTE), not only for boss fights, but mini games as well (such as fist fighting). In my humble opinion, QTEs are console gimmicks that have no place in PC games, and I was appalled to find them used so often. It doesn't deter from the sheer fun of fighting those bosses, and I have never felt cheated by cheap boss mechanics. I simply wish CDProjekt had forgone the inclusion of these QTEs, and their presence in the game only helps to promote the idea that CPR developed TW2 with a potential expansion into the console market in mind, which brings me to my next point: the interface.
The interface feels unpolished, clunky and frankly, a huge step backward compared to TW1. The first game made use of the traditional grid-like inventory system that most RPG players are used to. It was intuitive and everything was easily accounted for at a quick glance. The auto-sorting feature sorted all the items by type automatically, the Enhanced Edition provided a separate alchemy bag for the ingredients, and it overall felt very RPG-like. Rather than criticize the aspects that bug me in an incomprehensible wall of text, I have devised a list of features that I think would merit further elaboration.
1. Lack of storage
TW1 provided storage options. One simply needed to visit an Inn to access it. I do not know of ANY RPG game out there that doesn't offer some kind of storage in one form or another. The inclusion of a crafting system in TW2 means you will encounter a LOT of material that take a lot of space. The inventory system is now nearly identical to Fallout 3: you are no longer limited by SPACE like in TW1, but by WEIGHT. I don't care which limiting factor you impose on a player (space or weight), but not offering any storage option is a serious design oversight to me. If Triss is able to conjure up some raw steaks at a party for a princess, there should be a way to bring storage in TW2 in a way that satisfies the immersive quality required for the storytelling.
2. Drinking potions in meditation
This was brought up in my review in more detailed, but simply put, the current mechanic seems to favor plot device over gameplay quality. There is simply no way, other than guessing or dying and reloading, to plan ahead. This is another serious oversight that seems contradictory with Geralt's abilities. Some fans have hypothesized that the devs wanted to make the game feel more like the introductory cinematic of the first game, when we see Geralt preparing for the Striga encounter. In this context, Geralt knew which foe he would be facing in advance, so it made sense to picture his potion drinking habits as a stratagem rather than an on-the-fly resource. In reality, and practically speaking, it's a poor implementation.
3. Lack of highlighting key
This is, by far, my biggest gripe. In TW1 and indeed, in almost every RPG I can think of,
I used a highlighting key to make the names of containers or NPC "pop up". It was useful to take my bearings and make sure I didn't miss on loot. It was an optional button that wasn't forced on you for those who preferred a most authentic gaming experience. In TW2, we now have a medallion that can be activated with a Z key. It unleashes a wave of orange light at a very limited range, and serves to "highlight" loot containers/bodies by applying a distinct red glow to them. Unfortunately, the glow is insufficient in swampy areas, and it doesn't highly NPC names. Furthermore, the medallion is on a timer, which is even more annoying.
A better system would have been to keep the medallion system to highlight loot, but remove the timer and STILL make a highlight button available to identity buildings and NPC. That way, players who wish to stick to more limited highlighting abilities to favor immersion can only use the medallion, and the rest of us could make use of an alternate button that would identify buildings and NPC as in the first game.
The situation as it is leaves the game lacking. The mini-map is unbelievably uninformative and unhelpful, and this lack of feature of greatly missed.
4. Inability to see ingredient types at a quick glance
In TW2, you need to select each ingredient in your list one by one to see their type, whereas in the first game, a color system was used. A colored dot appeared in the bottom right corner of the ingredient's icon, which made it easy to glance at the inventory and see what was worth harvesting and what you had plenty of already. This, I believe, is a symptom of consolitis. I am NOT advocating the game is a console port, but it's clear they wanted to keep the menus console-friendly for potential future expansion in the console scene.
5. Inability to see what diagrams we already have
TW1 provided a clear method to know which book or formula you already possessed. "You've already read this" would appear in the prompt that popped-up when you moused over an item in your inventory. There is no such system in TW2, which forces you to go through your list one by one. It is a huge waste of time, and becomes frustrating very quickly.
6. The inventory in general
It is very, very clunky. You cannot sort your items in any fashion and the interface is not streamlined at all. This is another clue that brings me to believe that the world "console" dictated certain design decisions. I believe CPR 100% when they claimed PC would always be their priority, but the deviation from the more RPG-like inventory of the first game suggests CPR had a console version in mind when they did this. A sorting feature is URGENTLY needed to alleviate the bloated feel of the interface design.
7. Complete absence of control remapping
Not sure what else to say except "what were they thinking?"
None of these problems are game breaking, but they seriously make a dent in the overall quality and polish of the game. I can live with the combat just fine, I even find it interesting and revivifying. But these seven issues could have EASILY been avoided with Q&A and thorough playtesting. I feel they all represent a step backward, and I cannot imagine how any gamers out there, especially TW1 fans, would feel they are an improvement as far as gameplay mechanics are concerned.
Overall, The Witcher 2 is a great and satisfying game. Unfortunately, there are too many controversial mechanics to make it a contender for GOTY in its current state. But just like TW1, which was far from perfect at release, one can hope for an Enhanced Edition, or at the very least, fan-made modifications that might rectify these. Though I cannot give The Witcher 2 the perfect score the fanboy in me so deeply wanted the game to have, there is no doubt TW2 is an engrossing RPG that any fans of the genre will enjoy in spite of its minor imperfections.
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Posted on 2011-05-15 09:22:56 byDaceIre:
Even if the game is awful, I would still buy two copies. This is how games should be made! NO DRM, made with love, and offering a better product for less money.
EA, Ubisoft, take notes, this is how to run a business who loves their customers.
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Posted on 2011-05-12 23:38:52 byjulianomg:
Even in Brazil where piracy is much the vast, majority are buying the game, and this to show that all the effort that was deposited in the game bring to artists the reward deserved.Thank you very much CD Projekt RED ,for believing in the pc players.
The Witcher 2 are GoTY.
Ps:Sry for my English.! :)
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Plano >Food & Dining >
Bakeries >Cakes Amor
151 W Spring Creek Pkwy Ste 511, Plano, TX | Directions 7502333.057950 -96.695765
Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm ; Sat 10am-4:30pm ; Sun Closed ; Appointments Available
DONT DO BUSINESS HERE – DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM THIS PLACE!!!!! The GM that i was dealing with was the best guy in the business he can make masterpieces out of cake and have for years! I went in on Saturday to pick up my cake and found out that he no longer worked there the Mexican lady who brought out my cake was rude i did not like the cake at all and was told too bad you have paid for it so take it. Needless to say i hated the cake and yet had no choice but to take it to the party anyways, but OMG we cut it and it tasted as if it came out of a box but worse of all i found a baked in cockroach. NEVER AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cakes Amore.....These cakes are amazing.We ordered a Baby Shower cake there. We were so thrilled with this cake. I had heard through a relative how fabulous they were...but I was just blown away at how great it was. I will definately use them again.
Don't get a cake here – Don't get me wrong the decorators are great, but the cake is nasty. If you enjoy box cake with pudding in it purchase from this store. If you prefer to not have to pay a $45.00 cake made from a box mix go somewhere else and be sure that you question on the baking procedures. Be informed about what you are paying for.
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Skydiving simulation with Perl
Computer game programmers apply physical formulas and special tricks to create realistic animations. Simple DirectMedia Layer (SDL), which is available as a Perl wrapper, provides a powerful framework for creating simple 2D worlds with just a couple of lines of code.
After ripping an old VHS cassette of my tandem skydive, posting it on YouTube, and mailing the link [2]to a couple of guys at work, a debate about the physical laws that apply during a parachute jump ensued.
In a simplified model that ignores crosswinds, the jumper starts with a vertical speed of vy = 0 and immediately starts to accelerate because of gravity. Drag, which grows proportionally with the skydiver's downward speed, counteracts gravity. Depending on the skydiver's weight and proportions, a balance of forces occurs at around 180 km/ h, and the downward speed becomes constant. At this point, skydivers feel like they are floating in space, and this state continues until the chute opens, which feels like they are being pulled upward with a rope.
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KDE Announces Software Compilation 4.13
New release comes with better semantic search and improvements to Kontact.
Coverity: Open Source Code has Fewer Defects
Annual code quality report shows FOSS is more secure at all project size levels.
An Even Smaller Raspberry Pi
The Raspberry Pi Foundation has announced an even smaller version of the tiny computer that will fit into a DIMM slot.
Freaky Privilege Escalation Attack
A new class of problems lets a malicious app pre-configure an invisible privilege update.
Facebook Rolls Out New PHP-like Programming Language
New Hack language adds static typing and other conveniences.
Fedora Announces Innovative Crytography Policy System
New crypto policy system will offer easier configuration and more uniform security.
Shuttleworth Calls for Declarative Firmware
Ubuntu founder denounces insecurity in proprietary, close-source software blobs.
New TLS Attack Takes the S out of HTTPS
Vulnerability affects many Linux web servers
Munich Adopts Kolab
The Bavarian capital shuns Microsoft, Google, and other alternatives to implement an open source groupware solution.
Canonical Announces Ubuntu Smartphones
Phone vendor partnerships bring Mark Shuttleworth's dream of Ubuntu on a phone a step closer to reality.


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Ariel Exterior Wall Spotlight
Ariel exterior wall spotlight features two lights with frost glass and a white finish. Spotlights are fully adjustable. Two 75 watt, 120 volt, halogen JCD Type G9 halogen lamps included. Directional light distribution. CUL listed for wet locations. 10.5 inch width x 5.75 inch height x 6.4 inch depth.
|Dimensions: 5.75"H x 10.5"W x 6.4"D
|Lamp Source: Halogen
|Bulb: 2 x JCD/G9/75W/120V Halogen
Bulb included
|Dimmer: Incandescent
UL, Wet location
About Access
Great lighting is a great solution. A great lighting company provides great solutions for every lighting situation. A great lighting solution is smart, practical and beautiful... and affordable. These few simple but powerful fundamentals drive the success of Access Lighting. Whether you are a savvy lighting industry veteran or working on a new project, Access Lighting can deliver all that you need to create amazing lighting designs. They have a variety of exclusive designs in contemporary and transitional lighting styles for indoor and outdoor lighting projects.


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November 21, 2007
Limiting the amount of money you borrow is a basic principle of good money management. College students who are able to finance their education through federal student loans, are fortunate to have access to low interest rate educational funding that puts earning a degree within their reach.
However, just because money is available to borrow does not necessarily mean that you should borrow it. If you are eligible for more student loan money than you really need, you may want to limit the amount you borrow. After all, even though the interest on a federal student loan tends to be lower than on other types of debt, it is still debt.
Additionally, you shouldn't stop looking for scholarship resources just because you are able to access student loans. If you can get a scholarship to cover some of your expenses, you can reduce the amount of money you need to borrow and will ultimately have to repay. Many scholarship programs are available only to upper division students, so you should definitely keep your eyes open for funding opportunities even after you enroll in college.
March 26, 2010
It would seem there are a substantial number of students in California that are relying on local community colleges to provide them with the education they need. Fortunately for them, nearly all of California's community colleges are willing to dip into their reserves to enroll these unfunded students. Still, though, many of these schools have waiting lists in the thousands as the price of higher education rises and there just aren't enough paid-for chairs to go around.
Of course, this also raises the issue of whether the number of students being added to the classrooms will have a detrimental impact on the quality of education students can expect to receive at one of these colleges. For example, College of the Sequoias has increased their average class size by about 20% (from 26 to 31 students per class) in addition to using almost $2 million from its reserves to accommodate some students who would probably have had to wait until next year (perhaps longer) to enter college otherwise and whose prospects of employment would not have been very good, either.
With unemployment as high as 18% in the surrounding region, College of the Sequoias' president Bill Scroggins feels it is his duty to do all he can to make sure as many of these folks as possible have the opportunity to receive a post-secondary education. In Mt. San Jacinto College's immediate surroundings the unemployment rate is at 15% and, consequently, more than 25% of its students are unfunded. While these schools have not yet furloughed faculty or cut their pay, many other budgetary cuts have been made, such as eliminating travel and conference budgets. Clearly these are short-term solutions and a more permanent solution will need to be found, but at least some of the unfunded students are being taken-in and given an opportunity to get the education they will need in order to work toward their desired career.
Apparently, while California's economy is running at a high deficit, there are these small bastions of efficient colleges who managed to put away some of their assets for a few years' worth of rainy days. Hopefully the economy that surrounds them will turn around before their reserves are depleted and the would-be students in the surrounding communities find themselves entirely dependent upon state and federal funding.
May 28, 2008
Weighed down by an economic downturn and a cut in federal subsidies, student lenders have been lining up at the FFEL exit sign for months. But if the past two days are a sign of what's to come, many are reconsidering their departure. On Wednesday, Margaret Spellings sent a letter to numerous student lenders pledging the Department of the Treasury's support in helping them get back on their feet.
According to The Chronicle of Higher Education, the Department of Education's plan to purchase loans student lenders have trouble selling had three student lenders declaring their plans to return within two days. Though the funds are meant to be a temporary, one-year solution to the student loan crunch, the decision was enough to convince NorthStar, the Brazos Group and Graduate Leverage to return to the FFEL program.
"Many details still need to be worked out, and we will share those as they become available. But the good news is we're back in the federal student loan business, and students and families will have more loan options for the upcoming year," stated NorthStar's Chief Executive Taige Thornton on the company website.
The security now provided by the federal government may be enough to lure more FFEL student lenders back into the business. It may also prove incentive enough for student lenders to relax the increasingly tight criteria used to judge potential borrowers. While the credit crunch is certainly not over, the current federal aid contributions may prove sufficient in convincing some, if not most, lenders to return to the workforce.
August 25, 2009
Agnes Jasinski
A new study offers surprising news in an uncertain economy: families are actually borrowing less money to cover college costs.
The study, titled "How America Pays for College," shows that about 58 percent of families did not borrow money for college for the 2008-2009 school year. Despite rising tuition prices of up to 5 percent over the last year, according to the College Board, high unemployment rates and deep budget cuts at schools across the country, it seems more families are relying on their own savings, scholarships and grant funding. While parents paid for about 36 percent of college costs, about 25 percent of students' costs in the year surveyed were covered by grants and scholarhips, and more than half of the respondents received some form of free aid, according to the study. The reliance on grants and scholarships increased by 15 percent over the last year, which could show more of an awareness by students to money available outside of lending in a struggling economy.
The same survey last year showed that about 53 percent of families chose not to take out loans for college. According to the New York Times, the numbers do not suggest that students would rather skip college than take out loans. In fact, fewer students than last year said taking out loans would stop them from pursuing an undergraduate degree, according to the article.
Other highlights of the study showed that:
Of those who did borrow for the last school year, 25 percent took out federal student loans and 12 percent borrowed private education loans. Those who did borrow also spent about 30 percent more on their educations than those who did not, suggesting a higher cost of education for those who took out federal and private loans.
The study was conducted by Gallup for Sallie Mae last spring with more than 1,600 college-going students and parents of undergraduates responding.
September 28, 2009
As the Senate prepares to begin looking at similar measures recently passed by the House to stop or further regulate bank-based lending, student-loan companies have been looking for ways to lobby for their own cause, spending millions in the process, according to an analysis of federal records done by The Chronicle for Higher Education.
Earlier this month, the House of Representatives voted to approve the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009, legislation that would stop lending from the bank-based Federal Family Education Loan Program in favor of the Department of Education-run Federal Direct Loans Program by July 2010. Student-loan companies have understandably been feeling threatened, and have spent nearly $14 million over the last year and a half lobbying the government to abandon attempts to stop bank-based lending. The country's largest lender Sallie Mae, which handed out about a quarter of the nation's federal student loans last year, spent $2.5 million this year alone, according to the Chronicle. The Senate's version of the legislation could come onto the floor as early as this week.
While the legislation has strong support from the Obama administration, some Democrats in Congress have voiced concerns about the potential for job losses in states that headquarter private loan agencies. Sallie Mae has reported it would need to lay off about a quarter of its workforce if Congress voted to end bank-based lending. Republican lawmakers have argued more broadly that the student loan industry, while it could use some tweaks, has served college students well and should not go under the control of the federal government.
So does the bill stand a chance? The Obama administration would like it to be a sure thing, as legislation to limit bank-based lending was a campaign promise during election season. The Congressional Budget Office claims it would save taxpayers around $87 billion, but that's a figure disputed by Republican lawmakers. Colleges and admissions officials seem to be on the fence, worried mainly about any delays in financial aid funding for their neediest students and potential costs to schools' already tight budgets. The bill's proponents argue that savings from the legislation would either go toward overhauling the financial aid system or higher education programs. While the Obama administration has urged lawmakers to avoid interactions with special interest groups, the upcoming arguments on the Senate floor will determine whether those lobbying dollars swayed any opinions.
March 31, 2010
Whether it's about a little cross-promotion or getting students' hands on the latest technologies out there, Seton Hill University will join a handful of other colleges across the country in offering students the iPad, Apple's newest tablet computer.
The school will begin distributing the iPad to its 2,100 students this fall; every full-time student is eligible to receive one. (Often, similar offerings are limited to incoming freshmen.) According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, the effort is part of the school's Griffin Technology Advantage program, which will expand hybrid and fully online course offerings at the college. The program does come at a cost. Students will see an additional $500 fee tacked on to their tuition and fee bills to cover a wireless campus. The school will absorb the costs of the iPads themselves.
Many schools currently offer their students laptops and computers to supplement course curricula or level the playing field for those who come onto their campuses unable to afford new technology. At Seton Hill, incoming freshmen also receive 13-inch MacBooks, with the option to request an opt-in to the program for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. George Fox University is getting on the iPad bandwagon as well, offering incoming freshmen the choice between the tablet and a MacBook. That school has been offering students computers - as part of their tuition - for the last 20 years. Duke University offered incoming students iPods between 2004 and 2006; Oklahoma Christian University has been offering students Apple laptop computers and iPhones or an iPod Touch since 2008; Abilene Christian University has been offering students iPhones since 2008 as well.
Technology on college campuses is here to stay, despite a persistent technology gap - or the perception of a technology gap - on some college campuses. Social networking in particular has become more common in college coursework. Students in a journalism course at Depaul University, for example, have been using Twitter as a research tool and learning how to use the site to supplement their reporting techniques. At Harper College, a one-time course there showed students how to use Facebook and Twitter from a business perspective.
What kinds of technology tools are being used at your college? Does your school offer laptops, desktops, or other technologies as part of your college experience?
April 2, 2010
The country's top college sports programs haven't been faring as well as you'd think when it comes to bringing revenue in to their respective schools. With the close of March Madness upon us, USA Today decided to release a data analysis looking at the finances behind some of the most high-profile college athletic programs. And it seems that the schools are keeping their sports programs afloat by tapping into student fees and other general funds.
According to USA Today, more than half of the athletic departments at public schools in the Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly known as Division I-A) were subsidized by at least 26 percent last year. Those figures are up from 20 percent in 2005, or an additional $198 million if you account for inflation. That means athletic programs are getting subsidized by student fees and whatever general funds schools have set up to cover budget shortfalls. The analysis also shows that spending on athletics has increased, despite more of a reliance on outside funding to cover the costs of sports funding in the past year compared to the previous four years.
Why the increase in athletic expenses? Inflation could be one culprit. Drops in ticket sales, declining endowments and state appropriations overall, and general overspending all contribute to rising costs. Many of the big programs also embarked on expensive capital campaigns over the last few years, and those costs are catching up to them. According to USA Today, the number of schools that have sports programs that pay for themselves - via ticket sales and general marketing revenue, for example - fell from 25 to 14 schools over the last year.
Another story published in USA Today as part of their look at sports programs' finances looks at rising coaches' salaries as another factor. Although sports program budgets have shrunk over the last year, coaches' salaries have not shrunk alongside those figures. The country's top coaches, who had been making upwards of $2 million annually just two years ago, now make around $4 million. (Mike Krzyzewski at Duke University and Rick Pitino at the University of Louisville both made more than $4 million this season.) Coaches' compensation has grown so much that it has become the number one expense for college sports programs, replacing athletic scholarships. Last year, Division I schools spent more than $1 billion on coaches' salaries.
May 14, 2010
July 1 marks the official date that colleges, if they haven't already, must transition to the recently approved Federal Direct Loans Program. Schools will no longer offer students the option of having private banks or credit unions handle their federal loans; federal loans will now be coming directly from the U.S. Department of Education. Advocates of the student loan bill have said this will make the process more seamless and fair, with the government taking responsibility for keeping interest rates manageable. And private loans will still be available via the traditional channels, although those loans are typically offered at higher interest rates.
The student loan debate has been a constant in the world of higher education, as legislators and administrators look for ways to reduce the debt of graduates. This week, The Christian Science Monitor considered student loans in a different way. Is it ethical to send students out into the world with all this debt, especially when they may not be making enough in their chosen careers to pay back those loans in a timely fashion? Are student loans moral?
The Christian Science Monitor piece looks at the history of the student loan industry, questioning whether it was ever right for Congress to increase borrowing amounts to current levels, or to offer students described as "in need" much easier access to federal loans through the re-authorization of the Higher Education Act in the 1990s. According to the Project on Student Debt, student loan totals only continue to rise. The average national debt for graduating seniors with loans rose from about $18,650 in 2004 to $23,200 in 2008. Meanwhile, employment prospects have not increased at comparable levels; by 2009, the unemployment rate among new graduates hovered near 11 percent, the highest on record.
It isn't just a case of telling college students not to borrow so much. Student loans are often a necessary evil, and while debt can be minimized some through scholarships and grants, most students will end up taking on some amount of debt. The Monitor questions whether there should be more strict limits on borrowers that exist in other scenarios where credit checks and expectations that borrowers will be able to pay back what they borrow are enforced. There is no guarantee of a job after college, after all, so why shouldn't the fact that a student is unable to pay off more than the minimum on their credit cards be taken into account more when they take out loans? (On that note, the U.S. Senate has approved an amendment that would lower "swipe fees" that banks charge college bookstores when students use their credit cards for purchases.)
Student loans are a hot topic, and will continue to be. What do you think? What else can be done to reduce graduates' debt, especially among those graduates who are not entering high-paying fields?
June 1, 2010
Internet auction site eBay has removed a recent listing from a Purdue alum, citing a terms of use violation in his attempt to sell his bachelor's degree in psychology.
Nick Enlow, a 2008 graduate from Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis, set the starting bid for his diploma at $36,000, plus $3.50 for shipping. His justification for the listing was that the student loan debt he accrued to complete his bachelor's wasn't worth the degree. While he wasn't confident that he'd get any bids—he thought perhaps a wealthy eccentric might take pity on him and his student loan burden—he was fairly confident that the move would strike up a dialogue on the value of a liberal arts degree. The listing was removed by eBay last week "due to the sensitivity and nature of the item," according to a recent article in the Journal and Courier.
In that article, Enlow said he felt universities should be held more accountable, as they are "handing out too many degrees that have zero real-world application." A main complaint was that he felt unprepared to face the $470 monthly payments to his loan provider Sallie Mae; the only job he's been able to find is one substitute teaching, work that barely allows him to make ends meet. Enlow admits that he was somewhat naïve as a college student at Purdue, assuming that his degree would land him automatic employment in an area he loved. His college's response has been sympathetic, but realistic. Irwin Weiser, interim dean of Purdue's College of Liberal Arts said in the Journal and Courier that a liberal arts degree "is not an automatic ticket to a job, but then again, no degree is."
This isn't the first time a recent graduate has been unhappy about job prospects post-graduation. Last August, Monroe College graduate Trina Thompson tried suing her alma mater to recoup the $70,000 she spent on a degree that she says left her jobless and with few options for employment. In response to students' worries that they would complete school only to be met with student loan debts and increased competition in the job market, Lansing Community College introduced a plan earlier this year where students would be guaranteed jobs if they completed training in high-demand fields.
If you find yourself struggling to cover student loan payments as a recent graduate, know your options. If you can't find a job, you may defer your loans until you're on better financial footing. And if you're just starting your undergraduate degree, remember that the fewer student loans you take out, the better. Check out our tips for borrowing responsibly and making the most of your financial aid package.
June 16, 2010
It's rare for a college to tell a prospective student that their school may not be affordable enough for them to attend come fall. For a year, New York University did just that, calling admitted students and their parents and families to talk about the debt they could get themselves into if they chose to attend the pricey college. Citing little effect on enrollment rates, however, the school will not be pursuing a similar effort this summer, according to a recent article in The Chronicle of Higher Education.
The purpose of the calls was to make sure students and parents were aware how much an education at the school cost long-term. NYU doesn't offer as much "free money" in scholarships and grants as many other schools, leaving students no choice but to take out student loans to cover the more than $50,000 annual tuition, fees, and room and board bill. According to previous articles on the school's efforts in The Chronicle, the 58 percent of students who carry debt loads once graduating from NYU do so with an average of more than $33,000 in student loans. (The national average hovers around $20,000.)
NYU won't be abandoning all efforts to inform students and parents about the costs of attending the college. Administrators say they're now looking for ways to make sure those admitted know of ways to finance the "significant investment" that is NYU, according to The Chronicle, and that these efforts need to start sooner rather than later when students are still deciding where to enroll. The college also plans to give students a more "general financial education" rather than giving them advice based on their specific circumstances. However, Randall C. Deike, NYU's vice president for enrollment management, said in the Chronicle article that he has already told some students it may be better for them to start out at a less expensive college and then transfer to NYU later on.
NYU has gotten quite a bit of criticism lately from students graduating with mountains of debt, degrees in the humanities, and limited job prospects. One article last month in The New York Times took a look at Cortney Munna, a 26-year-old graduate of NYU with nearly $100,000 in student loan debt. Munna is saying she wasn't counseled properly about the true cost of college and what it would be like to repay a loan that high once she was done at NYU. According to The New York Times article, it was NYU that suggested she take out an additional $40,000 private loan when she and her mother found that the lower-interest student loans didn't cover all of the costs of attendance. The college has since said it would have been inappropriate for them to counsel Munna out of NYU, or to counsel her out of taking on more debt to remain at the school. Who is to blame here? Were Munna and her mother naïve in assuming they could handle the loan? Should private lenders consider students' existing loan totals when doling out funds? Should the college have been more forthright?
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El pie en garra es una deformidad del pie en el cual los pies están hacia abajo y el arco es alto, haciendo que el pie parezca una garra. El pie en garra puede ser una condición congénita o se manifiesta como consecuencia de otros trastornos.
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Sets up easily in just seconds! Assures you of comfortable ambient sleep! An easy-to-handle 44" x 9 1/2" x 9 1/2" package that weighs only 31 lbs. Zippered polyester and mesh entry gives you easy access to the fully enclosed 84" x 32" sleeping area with plenty of headroom. Two overhead zippered windows provide comfortable airflow on warm nights. Tent top portion zips on and off the base and can be used separately on the ground as a standard tent. Bottom base cot can be used separately independently as a standard sleeping cot. It's a real 3-in-1 boon to campers like you!
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The perfect light of a fleeting sunset is a special moment for every wildlife lover. And Trevor Tennant's attention to detail and ability to capture the "glow" of that light is winning him national and international acclaim.He paints primarily in acrylic, creating the impression of depth, distance and texture by using layer upon layer of thin acrylic paint. Trevor has lived most of his life in the Kawartha Lakes region of Ontario, Canada, an area known for its beautiful woodlands, farmer's fields, meadows and other natural settings.It's not hard to imagine where Trevor got his lifelong love of the great outdoors- the inspiration for most of his paintings.
A true masterpiece of wildlife art at an affordable price! Order ONLINE Today!
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Serenade By Trevor TennantOpen-Edition Print
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User Tip: If you're unsure of your vehicle type, you may skip the machine type selection box.
Please select make, model and yearSkid Plates/Guards
Skid plates that provide great protection at a reasonable price.
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seems tough but the way you bolt these guards on is sketchy, they are kind of like hooks that have a curve and fit on to the a arms that are secured to the plate, plus it is difficult to get the clamps to stay when installing, but no problems yet ...we will seeRead All Reviews
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Great skid plate Ordered another one for my new RZR 570.Read All Reviews
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I didn't plan on flipping my ATV into a creek, but accidents happen. Once I got up, I realized that my A-arms were in-tact after hitting a few rocks on the way in due to these guards.Read All Reviews
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Have this on my 08 Raptor 700R, can't say enough good things about this plate. It has a perfect fit, very thick, and the aluminum seems to be a perfect balance between hard and soft so it doesn't crack or bend to easy. Something that I really like about this plate was that that the chain guard is long and the wear strip is just as long, not a shorty like some of the others where something could catch the front of the guard easier. This being said, one thing I would have like to have seen was the square corners cut at a 45 degree angle on the front. I can easily do it myself. The squareness seems like it would be prone to catch though.Read All Reviews


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You may have thought that 2012, the UK's 'Year of Shakespeare', offered enough celebration of the life and career of the world's greatest playwright…
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Investment Adviser jobs in Greater London
Found 12 jobs for £60,000 - £69,999 matching your criteria
Order by: Newest first Salary
HNW / UHNW Wealth Adviser
- London, North West & Scotland
- Basic salary 60k plus travel expenses - OTE 150k - 200k
We are seeking a HNW/UHNW wealth adviser who is an exceptional communicator that can close. Basic salary 60k plus travel expenses 150 - 200k
Private Client Sales Specialist – Discretionary, UK HNW
- UK Wide
- Excellent package + very high OTE
*Exciting opportunity for an experienced Sales Manager to join a fast growing and very successful discretionary investment management firm*
Independent Financial Planner – to take on a Client Base
- London
- Basic salary: £50 - £80K + revenue share + equity potential
Our client is a leading City based boutique with a reputation for excellence. They advise City individuals and entrepreneurs on the entire range of their fin...
Financial Advisers and Wealth Managers
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Is your business positioned in the correct model? Are you re-considering your options?
Senior Financial Adviser
- London
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*A boutique London based Chartered Financial Planning Practice, is seeking to add to its Financial Services Division by appointing a Senior Financial Adviser*
Wealth Advisers / Financial Advisers
- City of London
- Basic of £45000 to £60000 + Bonuses
My client is a fee-based investment advisory firm specialising in ethical wealth management. They are looking to recruit Wealth Advisers / Financial Advisers...
Portfolio Manager /Investment manager
- London
- Basic £50K
This fast growing boutique investment management company manages private client money on a discretionary basis. They are looking for an individual who has ex...
Private Banker to Sales OTE £150-£250K
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Are you looking for a role with exceptional earning potential? Our client is an established privately owned wealth management company with a good product and...
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Have you looked after your clients for years? Want to continue looking after them AND earn a living as before? Do you have clients that have been disowned ...
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An excellent opportunity for a Financial Adviser or Investment Manager to join the world of intermediary sales. Working from a leading financial services fir...
Senior Financial Planners
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*One of the UK's leading Wealth and Investment management firms is looking to recruit Senior Financial Planners*


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Merry Little ChristmasHoliday Collection. Select different.
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Accordion Mini Photo Books by Mpix: Merry Little Christmas
Our Merry Little Christmas Accordion Mini Photo Book features your photos displayed on a light aqua blue background with twinkling starts and a holiday message. This festive Accordion Mini is perfect for sharing your favorite photos with friends and family for the holidays.
Choose the color of your cover (black, brown, cream, red, green, blue or pink) and whether you want your Accordion Mini printed on our Signature or 100% Recycled paper.
Mpix Accordion Minis are perfect for celebrating any occasion - we have newborn Accordion Minis, wedding Accordion Minis, holiday Accordion Minis or an accordion mini for the day you finally get everybody in the same room (and smiling!) for a few family photos. We have tons of unique Accordion Mini designs to make your own. Pick your occasion, choose your layout and drop in your photos.
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Twitch attracts 28 million unique viewers in February
Video service sees record view count last month from more than 600,000 unique broadcasters; average user watches 1.5 hours per day.
IPL 5 ShootMania $100,000 Tournament
Get ready for an intense ShootMania tournament at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas on 11/29-12/2 hosted by the IGN Pro League.
Free Play Friday: Beta Codes, Shooters, A Story About My Uncle!
Stuck for something to play this weekend? Justin Calvert offers up more free gaming suggestions and beta codes.
ShootMania Storm: Jump, Shoot, and Vaporize
Following the success of the TrackMania series, developer Nadeo has its sights set on a nonstop, chaotic first-person shooter for the pro gaming scene.
ShootMania E3 Tournament Live
Watch a special ShootMania tournament to find out who will win a chance to compete on the show floor of E3.
Ubisoft details ShootMania Storm
TrackMania developer Nadeo crafting online PC multiplayer first-person shooter with "extensive" map editor; open beta due in coming months.
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Credit unions that are concerned about the impact of the CFPB rules have a chance to be heard. At the MCUL & Affiliates' Hike the Hill event on May 6-7, MCUL staff and credit union representatives will meet with representatives from the CFPB to discuss the direct impact of the bureau's regulations on Michigan credit unions. Click here to read the full story.
The 2014 CU Link campaign officially launches April 21. In total, more 164 credit unions contributed nearly $1.11 million to this year's campaign—surpassing 2013's total. Twenty credit unions that did not make a contribution in 2013 made contributions in 2014. Click here to read the full story.


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Southampton Solent Business School is a dynamic, professional and inclusive business school that supports learners to become graduates with impact. Real world experiences, consultancy projects, work placements, business games and simulations, and live briefs are embedded within our professionally accredited courses. Staff and students engage with employers and the local, national and international community through our business networks, volunteering opportunities, research projects and social enterprises. These rich experiences effectively fuse academic theory with practice, and enable our students to make a positive impact in the workplace, before and after they graduate.
We offer a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and professional learning opportunities in areas such as business, law, accountancy and finance, marketing, and human resource management. Courses such as the BA (Hons) Business Management, the LLB (Hons), the BA (Hons) Marketing Management, the BA (Hons) Accountancy and Finance, the MBA and the MA HRM, are accredited by a host of professional bodies such as the CIPD|, ACCA|, CIM|, SRA| , CILEx| and CIMA|.
This educational expertise has allowed us to develop flexible learning opportunities, including the FDA in Business|, which combines face to face weekend delivery with online learning. We also offer a suite of professional development units such as Budgeting Basics, Fundamentals of Marketing, Mentoring and Leadership and Management.
Southampton Solent Business School courses are delivered by enterprising academics, many of whom have industry experience and professional qualifications. Staff undertake applied research and continuing professional development, which feeds directly into the curriculum. If you have the passion to succeed and the determination to make an impact, we'd love to hear from you!
Georgina Andrews, Director of Southampton Solent Business School
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1 Ward, AR Driveway and Paving Professional
Your driveway is part of the first impression that guests get of your Ward, AR home. And if it's worn, cracked or stained ... well, that doesn't exactly start things off on the right foot. Hire a driveway and paving contractor to remedy the problem, to repair or even create new walkways, paths, patios and other hardscaping. More
List your business here for free - Learn More
What Does a Driveway and Paving Contractor Do?
Before work begins on a new or replacement driveway or other paved element, your Arkansas driveway and paving contractors should work up plans based on your desires in addition to property grade, soil and other Arkansas landscape factors. They prepare the site, operate the heavy machinery needed to handle the paving installation and perform follow-up care if needed. Driveway and paving contractors also can fix cracks, chips, holes and other flaws in previously laid drives. You can find more driveways & paving in Little Rock, Jacksonville, Cabot, Searcy and Beebe.
Although most driveway and paving contractors work largely with asphalt, they also are experts in materials such as gravel.
A driveway and paving contractor may work closely with a Ward, AR builder, landscape professional or various manufacturers and suppliers.
Here are some related professionals and vendors to complement the work of driveways & paving: Stone, Pavers & Concrete, General Contractors, Landscape Contractors, Siding & Exterior Contractors.
Questions to ask a prospective driveway and paving contractor:
- How long have you been in the business?
- In what type of paving do you specialize?
- How many projects like mine have you completed?
- May I see examples of previous projects?
- Who will be working on the project? Are the workers employees or subcontractors?
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- How do you charge, and what does that include?
- Can you give me a written estimate?
- Do you offer a warranty?
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- What happens when the cost exceeds the budget? What about changes to materials or labor pricing?
- What will I need to provide?
- Are there any important considerations or concerns you foresee with this project?
Find a driveway and paving contractor on Houzz. Narrow your search in the Professionals section of the website to Ward, AR driveways and paving. You may also look through Ward, AR photos to find examples of driveways and paving that you like, then contact the paving professional or contractor who worked on them.
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STILLEN Knockoffs, Copycats and Counterfeits
April 1, 2014
While some may say that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, in the automotive manufacturing world it is not. In fact, terms like knockoff, copycat and more are all just a nice way of saying counterfeit, which is illegal an illegal activity that costs the US economy billions of dollars every year. Read below to learn more about counterfeiting, why it is a problem, how to spot a counterfeit STILLEN product and what you can do to help.
What Is Counterfeiting?
Counterfeiting is creating and selling an imitation of a brand-name product. The counterfeit product is typically made of low quality materials and do not have the quality and attention to detail that STILLEN has built its reputation on
Why Is Counterfeiting a Problem?
Counterfeiting hurts everyone involved, but most especially the customers that purchase the knockoff STILLEN product. It is not uncommon for us to read negative reviews on third party websites about counterfeit items. As one customer said of the counterfeit urethane part they purchased from a counterfeiter, "Poor quality. I just wasted my money." Unfortunately, this happens all too often and once you have purchased, there is very little we can do to help you get your money back.
How to Spot a Counterfeit?
Knowing a product is counterfeit can be difficult. This is especially true when shopping online where counterfeiters can make a few subtle changes to their listing to make it look as though you are purchasing genuine parts. Would you know that the listing below is a listing for a fake STILLEN product?
Because of their low barriers to entry, most counterfeit sellers peddle their products on popular marketplace sites like Amazon, eBay, Craigslist and more. Now, just because you find a STILLEN product listed on one of these sites, DOES NOT mean that the product is automatically a fake. STILLEN actually sells on Amazon and eBay and has several other authorized retailers that do the same. Keep reading below for more information on how to identify counterfeit STILLEN parts.
Because of the high quality materials and detailed manufacturing process, genuine STILLEN products are priced at a certain level that all reputable manufacturers will be following. If you find a reseller that is priced significantly lower than everyone else, this seller is likely selling counterfeit goods.
Now you might be wondering how counterfeiters are able to manufacture such in expensive products. The answer is simple – they copy the STILLEN design and use lesser quality materials. As an example, counterfeiters that sell urethane body parts cheaply are able to do so because they use urethane chemicals with a high amount of filler (typically calcium or silica). In contrast, STILLEN only uses pure urethane polyols made in the USA. The filler in the counterfeit body components will make the part brittle with little flexibility, causing it to crack easily. This is why STILLEN is able to offer limited lifetime warranty against defects on our urethane parts. Whereas the counterfeiter does not or they will tell you go to STILLEN for your warranty – which we cannot honor because it is not our product.
Each authentic STILLEN part will have the STILLEN logo in the photo – either in one of the corners of the image or on the part itself. If it does not, there is a good chance that the part you are viewing is not an authentic STILLEN part.
Name of the Part
Most often, counterfeiters will use names that imply the part is a STILLEN product. Here are a few popular aliases used by counterfeiters in their product titles:
- STL Style
- STILLEN Style
Be wary of these products. These are NOT STILLEN products and are made by counterfeiters who are trying to trick unsuspecting purchasers into believing these are genuine products.
STILLEN Packing and Stamp
Each STILLEN part that leaves our facility will do so in a STILLEN box with STILLEN tape. Additionally, each part that we manufacture will have the STILLEN logo and part number stamped into the part.
What You Can Do to Help
Don't Purchase Counterfeit Products
The best action you can do when you run across a counterfeit item is do not purchase. By not purchasing, you are not financially supporting the counterfeiter and are removing their monetary incentive. If enough people do this, they will be forced to shut down their operation.
However, that being said, we know that the price is a main factor in deciding whether or not to purchase a knockoff or the real thing. When you are faced with this issue, be sure to keep in mind that despite how tempting the price may be, you are not getting an authentic STILLEN part. This means that the part is not made of our high quality materials by expert craftsmen, does not come with the customer support we pride ourselves on and does not come with the manufacturer's limited lifetime warranty that all STILLEN parts come with. If you have problems with your knockoff part, unfortunately, we cannot assist you.
Let Us Know
The next best action you can take is to let us know that you have come across a counterfeit part by calling us at (866) 250-5542 or email us at firstname.lastname@example.com. When you contact us, please include as much of the information listed below as possible:
- Name and contact information of the seller
- Type of location (swap meet, online, retail store, etc.)
- Location (physical location or URL)
- Do the items say STILLEN, have a STILLEN logo on it or a variation of the STILLEN name or logo?
Please note that all information you provide us with will be considered anonymous. We thank you for your help in the fight against counterfeiters of STILLEN performance parts!
2013-2014 Ford Fusion T-Rex Upper Class Mesh Grilles
March 31, 2014
STILLEN is proud to announce the addition of six (6) all new T-REX Upper Class mesh grilles for the 2013-14 Ford Fusion model lineup. These new additions to the T-REX Grilles Upper Class Series line were specifically crafted to satisfy the diehard customizer looking for a fresh look to the newest Ford Fusion model.
Move Your Ford Fusion Into….The Upper Class
The Upper Class Grille Series features embedded fine woven formed mesh set in precision laser cut frames. These new T-REX Grilles were designed in house to compliment the recently redesigned 2013-14 Ford Fusion and are manufactured to exacting specifications in the U.S. for a perfect fit and finish every time. T-REX Grilles makes transforming the look of the 2013-14 Ford Fusion simple!
All 2013-14 Ford Fusion T-REX Grilles are available in polished or black finish and are backed by an industry leading Limited Lifetime Structural Warranty and 3 Year Limited Finish Warranty.
Polished Stainless Steel T-Rex Upper Class Mesh Grilles
T-Rex 54531 – Upper Class 3 Window Main Grille – Replacement
- Polished Stainless Steel
- 3 Window Mesh Grille
T-Rex 54532 – Upper Class Main Grille with Full Opening – Replacement
- Polished Stainless Steel
- Full Opening Mesh Grille
T-Rex 55531 – Upper Class Bumper Grille – Replacement
- Polished Stainless Steel
- Matches Upper Grille Selection
Black Powdercoated T-Rex Upper Class Mesh Grilles
T-Rex 51531 – Upper Class 3 Window Main Grille – Replacement
- Black Powdercoated Mild Steel
- 3 Window Mesh Grille
T-Rex 51532 – Upper Class Main Grille Full Opening – Replacement
- Black Powdercoated Mild Steel
- Full Opening Mesh Grille
T-Rex 52531 – Upper Class Grille Bumper – Replacement
- Black Powdercoated Mild Steel
- Matches Upper Grille Selection
Contact Us
If you have questions about the Trex Upper Class grilles or any of the Trex grilles we carry, please contact one of our experts at 866-250-5542 and we will be happy to help you. We also carry a wide variety of Ford Fusion parts and offer a full service performance shop in Costa Mesa, CA. We specialize in dyno tuning, exhaust installation, air intake installation and more. Just call to make an appointment!
Upgraded Infiniti G37x – Supercharged, Enhanced Suspension & More!
March 31, 2014
Every so often we get a car come through the performance shop that is BIG news here at STILLEN and that happened just a few weeks ago with an Infiniti G37x. It all started a few months ago when one of our performance specialists took a call from a potential customer about a supercharger for a G37x. Over the course of a few months, the performance specialist worked with the customer making suggestions and answering questions until the customer was completely confident in his purchase. By this time, this car had transformed from a very nice G37x into many employees' dream car.
The Infiniti G37x Wish List
This customer is a professional mountain bike racer, who also manufactures mountain bike and motorcycle performance parts. He wanted to make sure that he could modify a G37x to handle and perform as close to a GT-R as possible. To achieve his dream, he was looking to combine GT-R performance with the luxury and practicality of a sedan. Therefore, speed, handling and braking were of utmost importance to him. This car needed to be able to perform and handle the way everyone dreams a sports car will handle, but also be reliable so that the customer could drive on a variety of services with confidence. That meant that he was looking to upgrade the car's power, suspension, braking and also had to make sure he had all of the other performance upgrades necessary to ensure the other aspects of the car were ready for the modifications that were being made.
Performance Upgrades
Parts: STILLEN 407730 Supercharger System, STILLEN 400338 STD Crank Pulley
Since additional horsepower was what had originally drawn the customer to STILLEN, we wanted to make sure we got him set up with the perfect blower for his car. We recommended the STILLEN Supercharger for Infiniti G37, which comes in a polished or satin finish. This customer elected for the satin finish. While we haven't dyno tested this customer's car, this blower has previously been tested during development to output over 500 horsepower.
Cooling Kits
Parts: STILLEN 400740 Transmission Cooler, STILLEN 400632 Gold Oil Cooler
While power is important, so is longevity. Since this was also one of the customer's concerns, we recommended he add a STILLEN transmission cooler and STILLEN oil cooler to the car. The transmission cooler will help preserve the car and help with power during hill climbs. The oil cooler will help keep the oil at the right temperature to make the supercharger last.
Coilover Shocks
Part: BC Racing BCRV-08U BR Serues Coilover Shocks*
Since this customer's vehicle is all wheel drive (AWD), our shock selection was admittedly slim. That being said, we found a solid option in the BC Racing coilover shocks. With their swift spring upgrade, it allowed the customer to get a higher quality shock with a more consistent spring rate. These coilover shocks also feature less coils per spring rate, which allow for a larger spoke and better travel.
*Note: These coilover shocks are not available online. Please call 866-250-5542 for more information.
Sway Bar
Part: STILLEN 304375 Adjustable Sway Bar Kit
Being an experienced driver that wants to enjoy a thrill when he drives, this customer was looking for a bit more oversteer than the stock sway bar could provide. With that in mind, we recommended that the stock sway bar be replaced with a STILLEN adjustable sway bar for G37X. This sway bar is made from high strength aircraft grade steel and is specially designed to reduce body roll and improve cornering.
Grounding Kit
Part: STILLEN 606358R Grounding Kit
With all of the upgrades being made to the car, we wanted to make sure that the electrical components were as optimized as possible and the customer agreed. To do this the sales representative recommended a grounding kit be added to the vehicle. By adding this feature, it will allow the electrical system to work better, allowing the customer to enjoy all the performance benefits of the upgrades he had made.
Cat-Back Exhaust
Part: STILLEN 504377 Cat-Back Exhaust
The STILLEN cat-back exhaust was added for performance gains and sound improvement. Like our other STILLEN exhausts, it features a mandrel bent 304 stainless steel construction and boasts the trademark STILLEN sound that is mild while cruising, but becomes more aggressive as you accelerate.
Big Brake Kit
Parts: AP AP5700R-X Front Brake System, AP AP3752R-X Rear Brake System
When your car packs as much power as this Infiniti G37, it's important to make sure that it has the necessary stopping power to safely slow the car down. In this case, stock brakes just weren't going to cut it. That's why we recommended the cross drilled and slotted AP Racing Brake Kit, which are known for being the top big brake kit manufacturer in the industry.
Parts: TSW 1985NUR455114S76 Nurburgring Wheel, TSW 1995NUR415114S76 Nurburgring Wheel*
To complete the makeover, we suggested the customer go with a set of TSW wheels. This was because the customer's existing wheels would not fit the big break kit that was installed and because he wanted a sportier look with better functionality. Additionally, these wheels have a rotary forged design, which maintains strength and durability, while being light weight.
*Note: These wheels are not available online. Please call 866-250-5542 for more information.
The Results
After the dust settled from all the upgrades were made, the customer was extremely happy with the power and performance he's now getting from the car. As you can imagine, his car has plenty of power and torque to meet his goal of turning his G37 into a four-door GT-R. He's also loved the suspension adjustments that were made with the sway bar and coilover shocks – it's handling wonderfully for him. Plus, he gets to enjoy the stealth factor when street driving. Other drivers have no idea how fast his car can go until he chooses to leave them in the dust!
Check out the slide show below to see the full transformation this car made!
Next Steps
If you have any questions about the Infiniti G37 parts above or want to explore upgrading your car, please contact one of our performance specialists at 866-250-5542. We will be happy to answer any questions you have about our parts, make suggestions of upgrades to make to get the most out of your vehicle, or schedule an installation appointment for you.
All STILLEN Superchargers CARB Approved Through 2014!
March 25, 2014
STILLEN is proud to announce that all current production STILLEN superchargers have achieved CARB exemption through 2014! For many years, STILLEN has been recognized as the leader in NISSAN/INFINITI performance products and we continue our commitment by continuing to invest in tuning these fine vehicles. Our dedication to the NISSAN/INFINITI vehicles and the pride we have for the parts we manufacture for them shines through with this latest accomplishment. The new CARB exemption order numbers (EO # D-426-19 and EO# D-436-20) cover all single and dual throttle body supercharger systems for the VQ35, VQ35HR, VQ37, VQ40 and VK56 engines.
Not only is STILLEN the only company to offer CARB exempt performance parts for these vehicles, but STILLEN is the only company in the world to achieve CARB legality when tuning through the factory ECU with larger fuel injectors. In the past, the only way to achieve CARB approval was with a piggyback ECU.
With the latest extension of CARB Exemption Order numbers, STILLEN is also excited to announce the extension of the powertrain warranty programs already in place for these supercharger systems. When you purchase your supercharger kit you have the option of adding a 3 year/36,000 mile powertrain warranty. STILLEN is the only NISSAN/INFINITI tuner in the world to offer this with their supercharger systems.
Note: CARB (California Air Resources Board), a division of the California state government, is widely recognized as the strictest emissions control in the US and is recognized in all 50 states as an emissions standard for all performance parts. If a performance part achieves CARB legality, it is recognized as 50-state legal.
STILLEN CARB Approved Superchargers:
Single Throttle Body Superchargers (EO# D-436-19)
- 2003 Nissan 350Z CARB approved supercharger
- 2004 Nissan 350Z CARB approved supercharger
- 2005-2006 Nissan 350Z 50-state legal supercharger
- 2003 Infiniti G35 CARB approved supercharger
- 2004 Infiniti G35 50-state legal supercharger
- 2005-2008 Infiniti G35 50-state legal supercharger
- 2003 Infiniti G35 Sedan CARB approved supercharger
- 2004 Infiniti G35 Sedan 50-state legal supercharger
- 2005-2008 Infiniti G35 Sedan 50-state legal supercharger
- 2003-2004 Infiniti FX35 50-state legal supercharger
- 2005-2007 Infiniti FX35 CARB approved supercharger
- 2004-2010 Nissan Titan, Nissan Armada, Infiniti Q56 CARB approved supercharger
- 2008-2014 Nissan Titan, Nissan Armada, Infiniti Q56 50-state legal supercharger
- 2005-2014 Nissan Frontier, Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan Xterra CARB approved supercharger
Dual Throttle Body Superchargers (EO# D-436-20)
- 2007-2009 Nissan 350Z 50-state legal supercharger or polished supercharger
- 2009-2014 Nissan 370Z CARB approved supercharger or polished supercharger
- 2008-2013 Infiniti G37 CARB approved supercharger or polished supercharger
- 2014 Infiniti Q60 50-state legal supercharger or polished supercharger
Want to see more photos of the of the STILLEN dual throttle body superchargers? Check out the slide show below!
Next Steps
For more information about STILLEN's 50 state legal superchargers, please call us at (866) 250-5542 and we will be happy to help you. We also feature wide variety of other performance parts and a full service performance shop that specializes in dyno tuning, laser alignment, supercharger installations, and more!
STILLEN Cold Air Intakes CARB Approved Through 2014
March 25, 2014
Just announced… STILLEN cold air intakes for Nissan and Infiniti vehicles have been CARB approved through 2014! For nearly 20 years, STILLEN has worked with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to develop products that are compliant with OE standards of total vehicle integration and performance. With this long history in mind, STILLEN is proud to announce the cold air intakes for the Infiniti Q50 and Q60 have been CARB approved. We are equally proud to announce year range extensions for the 2014 370Z , Maxima and more. For a full list of vehicle applications, please see below.
STILLEN was the first company to prove that a cold air intake on the VQ37 engine could actually make power and is still recognized as the leading cold air intake with the highly sought after Generation 3 long tube cold air intakes for the 370Z, G37 and Q60. It took 6 months of in-house R&D and testing and 56 different variations of prototype intake systems but it was all worth it and the end result was the leading cold air intake for the VQ37 equipped vehicles.
When it came time to manufacturing air intake systems for vehicles like the Altima, Maxima, Titan, Frontier, etc. STILLEN leaned on its vast experience in manufacturing high performance parts for NISSAN/INFINITI vehicles. On the Nissan Altima and Maxima applications STILLEN is the only manufacturer of high performance intakes that incorporates a poly-urethane ducted air intake path leading fresh air from behind the factory grille directly into the air intake filter. Included in many of these kits is STILLEN's unique velocity ring which increases the velocity of the air as it is drawn into the engine thus producing more power!
Note: The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is a division of the California state government and is widely recognized for having the most stringent emissions control regulations in the United States. Therefore, each of the 50 states recognizes its standards as the emissions standard for all performance parts. Each performance part that achieves CARB legality is considered 50-state legal.
STILLEN CARB Approved Cold Air Intakes (EO# D-436-21)
- 2007-2013 Nissan Altima Sedan CARB approved intake kit
- 2008-2012 Nissan Altima Coupe 50-state legal cold air intakes
- 2007-2008 Nissan 350Z CARB approved cold air intakes
- 2007-2008 Infiniti G35 CARB approved cold air intake kit
- 2008 Nissan EX35 CARB approved cold air intake
- 2008-2013 Infiniti G37 Coupe 50-state legal intake kit
- 2014 Infiniti Q60 CARB approved cold air intakes
- 2009-2013 Infiniti G37 Sedan 50-state legal cold air intake
- 2008-2009 Infiniti G35 Sedan CARB approved cold air intake kit
- 2009-2014 Nissan 370Z CARB approved intake kit
- 2009-2014 Nissan 370Z 50-state legal cold air intake kit
- 2007-2008 Nissan 350Z CARB approved intake kit
- 2002-2003 Nissan Maxima 50-state legal cold air intakes
- 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima CARB approved cold air intake
- 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima 50-state legal cold air intakes
- 2002-2009 Nissan Altima Sedan CARB approved intake kit
- 2008-2009 Nissan Altima Coupe CARB approved cold air intake
- 2014 Infiniti Q50 CARB approved cold air intake
Contact Us
For more information about the STILLEN cold air intakes, please browse our website or call (866) 250-5542 to speak with one of our experts. We will be happy to answer any questions you have. If you life in the Orange County, CA area and need your air intake installed, we will also be happy to schedule an appointment for you in our performance shop.


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Holier than thou
English art rockers Foals to perform in Ventura
By Matthew Singer 12/05/2013
Yannis Philippakis lives in constant fear of repeating himself. That's what's made him a favorite quote machine of the British music press; and his band, Foals, one of the fastest-evolving young rock acts in England. No surprise, then, that going into the recording of the group's third album, Philippakis was determined to take Foals in a different direction; his exact words were that he was done writing "songs for indie clubs." Usually that's code for, "We're entering our U2 phase." But Philippakis, 26, insists his only goal, as ever, was to satisfy his "voracious appetite" for self-improvement.
"I just want to write music that's better than what's come before," the singer-guitarist said in his heavy Oxford accent during a recent phone conversation.
"That's basically what it is. I think most people write like that, unless they're writing in a determinedly careerist sort of way. I just want to write something that quiets the demons for a bit, and I want to make something that's beautiful. I don't really care where it takes me in terms of a trajectory."
Whether it was the intended purpose or not, Holy Fire, released in February, has shot Foals to another level — or at least up a line on festival posters. The group had already cultivated an enthusiastic following with the danceable art rock of its first two albums, 2008's jittery Antidotes and the atmospheric follow-up, 2010's Total Life Forever. In comparison, Holy Fire is the aurora borealis, a great, spectacular dance of colors. "Bombastic" is the key adjective. Songs spark, fizzle and burst bigger and brighter than before. But "bigger" can also mean more expansive, and the band uses its wider canvas to develop deeper, worldlier grooves, achieving a sound that's less U2 and more like Talking Heads weaned on '90s alt-rock. Philippakis says the album is the sextet's attempt at getting back to a more primal, instinctive kind of songwriting. If this is where their instincts led them, then the truth about Foals is that they never belonged in those "indie clubs" to begin with.
But Philippakis adds that Holy Fire could just as easily have been a small, claustrophobic affair. The bombast comes from producers Flood and Alan Moulder, the studio craftsmen behind two of the most sprawling, ambitious albums of the '90s: Nine Inch Nails' The Downward Spiral and the Smashing Pumpkins' Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. The members of Foals grew up on those records, and working with them might as well have meant going into the studio with Trent Reznor or Billy Corgan. Instead of turning into a rock 'n' roll fantasy camp, with the band ceding control to two of its heroes, the sessions ended up being Foals' first true collaboration with the guys behind the boards.
"If anything, we're usually too territorial and too protective," Philippakis says. "We usually shut down ideas too quickly. That was more of the danger than becoming fan-boys. As much as we're fans of their records, we're probably quite difficult to work with. Because we trusted their ears and admired what they made in the past, it helped the whole process, because we were less paranoid."
For all its sonic grandiloquence, however, Holy Fire is simultaneously the most emotionally raw Foals record yet. Halfway through recording, Philippakis — who has a reputation for being more bluntly honest in the press than in his music — detached from London life and retreated to Karpathos in rural Greece, the town where he was born, to finish writing the lyrics. "I wanted to make this record more direct and not employ as much verbal masks or tricks as I felt I had done before," he says. "I wanted it to be vulnerable." The relative isolation allowed him to delve deeper within himself, and pained confessions ("I'm a bad habit/One you cannot shake/And I hope that I change") are tucked into even the album's most explosive moments.
Because of that mix of intimacy and grandiosity, Holy Fire has been praised by many sources, including Pitchfork and the NME, as Foals' finest work yet. Where does that leave the albums that came before, though? When a band is so dedicated to making giant leaps forward each time out, how does one maintain any sort of link to its past? For Phillippakis, the point is moot.
"I don't think it's important whether I feel connected to them or not," he says of his older songs, a handful of which Foals still plays live. "I basically feel dissatisfied, essentially, when I'm not writing music. I feel restless and sort of caged. For me, making music is an addiction of the moment. I have to do it constantly. It doesn't matter what I've made in the past.
"To try and tether ourselves to someone else's idea of what music we should be making or our own idea of the past, it wouldn't be very healthy," he continues. "We have to be honest to the moment we're in, whatever that may be. As long as it's not power metal, I'm OK with it."
Foals will perform at the Ventura Theater on Friday, Dec. 6. Tickets are $25. Visit www.venturatheater.net.
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text:
With so many requirements and needs, there's no such thing as the perfect resume. But experts say it's worth the effort to figure out which details should go on the page and suggest always keeping an updated resume on hand. "At any stage in the game -- if you don't have a great resume -- that's a hindrance," says Safani.
-- Alina Dizik
Email Alina about this article here. Please make sure to include the title of the article in the email subject line.
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