text:
Manny Ramirez, the pinata that keeps on giving, returns to Boston
Gary A. Vasquez/US Presswire
Manny Ramirez has a .430 on-base percentage and .585 slugging percentage as a Dodger. His OPS with the team is higher than it was with the Red Sox.
Think back to what the expectations were that summer day in 2008 when the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Manny Ramirez. Think back to the fears.
That's the standard Ramirez had to meet to be a success. And by that standard, that's exactly what Ramirez has been.
As Ramirez was leaving the Boston Red Sox, the shout could be heard from coast to coast: "GOOD RIDDANCE!" He was 36 years old, objectively past his athletic prime and subjectively a cancer. For a Dodgers team saddled with its own nightmare in Andruw Jones (without the benefit of that nightmare having led the team to any World Series titles just a few years before), for a Dodgers team spinning its wheels with a 54-54 record, Ramirez was a calculated risk, potentially a waste of time and potentially a disaster. But instead of relying on the sub-.700 OPS Juan Pierre and Delwyn Young to fill out their outfield, the Dodgers gave up their third baseman of the future, Andy LaRoche, and first-round draft choice Bryan Morris, in the hopes that Ramirez would provide a jolt and not an electrocution.
That trade, in and of itself, can only be seen right now as a complete success. A spectacular one. Ramirez put together one of the most pyrotechnic hitting performances in Dodger history – an on-base percentage of .489 and slugging percentage of .743, 17 homers in 53 games – to lead the Dodgers to the National League Championship Series for the first time in 20 years. LaRoche, endorsed in this space repeatedly as the real deal, has fallen into a utility role with the struggling Pittsburgh Pirates at age 26, while the 23-year-old Morris is in the minors trying to come back from arm trouble. Both are young enough to change the scorecard, but I'm not sure anyone's expecting the scales of that trade ever to be balanced.
If Ramirez's accomplishments then seem tainted by his 2009 suspension now, the stain would only be darker on the Red Sox's titles.
Then came the 2008-09 offseason, with the Dodgers talking Ramirez agent Scott Boras down from his histrionic expectation of a six-year megadeal – a request blindly endorsed by many in the media – to a two-year contract (including Ramirez's option for the second year). Through May 6, 2009, the performance remained stratospheric: Ramirez on-based .492 and slugged .641. Then came his 50-game suspension.
That Ramirez broke the rules was distasteful. That he missed 50-plus games in his age-37 season is simply something anyone could see was possible. It was part of the risk; it was part of the reason that Ramirez and Boras got a contract that was only a third as long as they wanted. The May suspension and then a July hand injury accelerated Ramirez's decline. The out-of-this-world player from late 2008 had left this world in 2009. By Ramirez standards, he was down.
Ramirez has a .622 slugging percentage in June.
Funny thing, though. By Dodger standards, he was still nothing less than great. For the year, Ramirez had a .418 on-base percentage and .531 slugging percentage in 104 games. His adjusted OPS of 155 was the highest by a Dodger (minimum 100 games) since Adrian Beltre in 2004.
Because Juan Pierre played above his own head for the month of May and pieces of April and August, Ramirez was considered a flop. Countless wanted him benched, claiming Pierre was the team's MVP. Yet Ramirez was, quite simply, the better player. (His Wins Above Replacement figure of 2.6, according to Fangraphs, was nearly 50 percent higher than Pierre's 1.8.) Ramirez did more to boost the Dodgers to their second consecutive NLCS appearance. Of course, Pierre gets more respect for his character, but tellingly, you don't hear Pierre's name mentioned in Los Angeles anymore, not with his OPS down to .588 this season in Chicago. No one's busting Frank McCourt's chops for failing to sign Gandhi and Mother Teresa to multiyear contracts.
This season, Ramirez has been inconsistent. He's looked feeble in the outfield. He's also been withdrawn from the media – a fact that seems to matter greatly to the media and not at all to anyone else. And yet, as he heads to Boston for the first time since his acrimonious departure, look where his numbers are: .386 on-base percentage, .517 slugging. Of late he has heated up, with an OPS of nearly 1.000 in June. The Manny Ramirez who will be cascaded with boos this weekend is a Manny Ramirez who is still one of the bigger offensive cogs in baseball.
Amid all the concerns swirling around Dodger ownership today, it's quaint now to look at Ramirez's $45 million price tag and debate whether the McCourts were overspending. You can look at the list of 2008-09 free agents and find a better way to spend $45 million – if you look long and hard enough. Mostly, what you'll find is a host of players who, with a lot less grief, have done noticeably worse than the war-torn Ramirez.
If you compare Ramirez to the player he was in September 2008, if you hold him to a standard so unreasonable only he could have set it, then he's a disappointment. But if you compare him to the player he was in July 2008, the player many people reasonably feared he might become in 2009 and 2010 – in other words, if you make a sane comparison – he still looks rather remarkable. Ramirez has few to blame but himself for becoming a fan and media pinata, but those smashing might pause for a moment to note all the candy that has been pouring out of it.
Lakers Game 7 chat
Ron Artest, Rasheed Wallace, Andrew Bynum
The Dodgers have never played a World Series Game 7 in my lifetime, but Game 7 of the 1984 NBA Finals between the Lakers and Celtics came during my heyday as a Laker fan. And I have no memory of it. It's bizarre. I remember so much of what led up to that seventh game, but the game itself jogs nothing in my brain. Basically, when I think of the 1984 Finals, I think of Gerald Henderson's steal. For all that went on, that tells the story.
So maybe tonight's won't be a game for the ages, for me, anyway. When I think of the 2010 NBA playoffs, maybe I'll be more likely to think of Ron Artest's put-back against Phoenix than anything else.
The push and pull of this series has revved me up. I went to Game 2 of the NBA finals and left in defeat but with relative piece of mind, believing that the Lakers would have no trouble regaining home-court advantage by winning one of three games in Boston. And so they did, in their next opportunity.
But by the time Game 5 came, I was dying as Boston made shot after shot. With Game 6, the turnaround by the Lakers brought back the passion of my days as a no-holds-barred Laker fan — not so long ago, really.
I'm not as hardcore as I once was. Almost nothing in the NBA regular season affects me anymore, and if the Lakers had bowed out in earlier playoff rounds this year, I would have been disappointed but similarly composed.
But tonight, I'm back. It's not a matter of being a fair-weather fan, because the Lakers' nearly bottomless pit of fair weather this year has mostly anesthetized me. It's this all-stakes, live-or-die night that's done it. I want this. I really want this. I hope it's one worth remembering.
Report: Manny Ramirez sought drug exemption in '09, Dodgers deny involvement
The New York Times has a story today, anonymously sourced, stating that representatives for Manny Ramirez in 2009 explored seeking an exemption to baseball's drug policy (link via L.A. Observed).
Around the time Major League Baseball suspended Manny Ramirez for violating its drug program last season, his representatives told officials in the commissioner's office that they planned to file for permission to use a banned drug that would boost his testosterone levels.
Ramirez's representatives, including his agent, Scott Boras, decided not to file for the exemption then, but the idea of seeking one was resurrected in September, two months after Ramirez returned to the field, though he ultimately never received one.
The second time the idea came up, the Dodgers were in a close race in the National League West and Ramirez was struggling at the plate. In that instance, high-ranking Dodgers personnel, including General Manager Ned Colletti, discussed how they could help Ramirez and whether he had enough of a medical problem to obtain an exemption for a testosterone-boosting drug.
Baseball's independent drug-testing administrator granted 115 exemptions last season to players who proved a medical need to use a banned substance. All but seven of the players received a diagnosis of attention deficit disorder. Two players received exemptions for drugs to boost their testosterone levels.
The accounts of the discussions about Ramirez's obtaining an exemption were based on interviews with three people in baseball who spoke on condition of anonymity because they did not want to be identified discussing medical and drug testing matters.
A spokesman for the Dodgers, Josh Rawitch, said team officials did not look into getting Ramirez an exemption. He declined further comment. …
Ely's struggles are a middle, not an end
Al Behrman/AP
John Ely's ERA rose today to 4.15 — a number the Dodgers would have been glad to have when he was first called up.
After six consecutive good starts, John Ely has had three consecutive poor ones — the latest, seven runs allowed in 4 2/3 innings, including a three-run homer by opposing pitcher Bronson Arroyo — in the Dodgers' 7-1 loss at Cincinnati.
That wasn't an earthquake you just felt in Southern California, that was the thud of Dodger fans leaping off Ely's bandwagon. But Southern Californians tend to overreact to the slightest rumble in their sports universe. (Get your psyches retrofitted for tonight's Lakers game, just in case.)
Back when things were going well for Ely, all of two weeks ago, we all knew he eventually would have some subpar performances, so I don't know why there should be any surprise that it has happened. A quick look around the comments sections of various sites and Twitter already shows some fans not only disappointed, but giving up on Ely as quickly as they fell in love with him. If it weren't for Chad Billingsley's injury, it appears that some of them would expect Ely be sent back to Albuquerque tonight.
It almost never fails to stun me that even the most experienced baseball fans expect players to deliver the same level of performance every time out. A pitcher whose ERA is around 4.00 isn't going to allow four runs each and every nine innings. Ups and downs are a fundamental part of this game. Yet somehow, a good player is always supposed to be good — if he's not good, he must be bad.
What I think happens is this: There's an insatiable rush to judgment. So many fans are determined to know, to draw conclusions. "Wait and see" is not a comfortable place for people to be. It's easier for a lot of people to give up on a player, or at the very least drop their expectations down to nothing, than to simply ride out his struggles.
As excited as I was about John Ely during his hot streak, his future remained a mystery. No big deal: I watch the games like I turned the pages of Agatha Christie novels as a kid — to see what happens next. A guess at the future doesn't change the text on the next page. Now that Ely is slumping, I can say, "That's too bad." But there's a difference between saying "That's too bad" and "He's a fraud."
My point is, we learned very little about John Ely today. He gave up three home runs in a place where home runs are frequently given up. We always knew that was possible — there's no news there. Much more relevant will be what John Ely might have learned about John Ely today. It might well be that this is the beginning of the end of Ely's young career, that he has fooled all the people he can fool, but much more likely is that it is one of many twists in a windy road. For all we might think we see at the horizon, we don't know yet what's going to be coming around each and every turn. We just know the turns will be there.
Rafael Furcal placed on bereavement list
No details yet, but the Dodgers announced in a 7:30 a.m. e-mail that Rafael Furcal had been placed on Major League Baseball's bereveament list. Chin-Lung Hu has been called up to take his roster spot, though he will not arrive in Cincinnati in time for the start of today's early game.
Placement on the bereavement list means that Furcal will miss from three to seven games.
All my sincerest condolences to Furcal.
Update: Furcal went to the Dominican Republic to see an ailing family member, reports Tony Jackson of ESPNLosAngeles.com.
* * *
- Nick Green opted out of his minor-league contract and became a free agent, reports Christopher Jackson of Albuquerque Baseball Examiner.
- Claudio Vargas returned to the Dodger organization, signing a minor-league contract with the Isotopes, whose pitching has been trashed by injuries, absences, promotions and demotions.
- Russ Mitchell homered twice and singled for Albuquerque on Wednesday, while Michael Restovich doubled, tripled and homered, and Xavier Paul and Ivan De Jesus, Jr. also each had three hits.
- Kyle Russell hit his first AA home run for Chattanooga, while Trayvon Robinson had three hits.
- Fred Claire has a nice story at MLB.com about Monte Irvin, who at age 91 will have his number retired by the Giants. Among other tidbits was this revelation:
… Irvin revealed that when he got out of the service in 1945 he signed a contract with the Dodgers.
"I had been selected by Branch Rickey to break the color barrier," said Irvin. "I had the talent and I was easy to get along with."
Irvin said that even though he had signed the contract with the Dodgers, he asked to return to play in the Negro Leagues "because I didn't want to go to the Major Leagues until I had my game back after three years in the service."
Irvin said a dispute developed over the contract between his Negro League team and the Dodgers, and he didn't get his opportunity in the Major Leagues until a deal was worked out with the Giants in 1949.
"Things have a way of working out and I'm just happy that I had the chance to play the game that I loved," he said.
- Matt Kemp's struggles get an analysis from Chad Moriyama of Memories of Kevin Malone.
- Second-round draft choice Ralston Cash is close to signing with the Dodgers, reports Bill Murphy of the Gainesville Times.
- Ernest Reyes of Blue Heaven passes along a neat find: a 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers ticket order form. Get your box seats for $3 …
- Here's a fun historical site: CalTrafficSigns.com (via Franklin Avenue).
Dodgers win a close rout, 6-2
Al Behrman/AP
Dude – nice work.
Clayton Kershaw didn't walk anyone in the first inning. Or the second, the third, the fourth or the fifth.
In the bottom of the sixth, the first moment he pitched when the game wasn't close, he walked the leadoff batter.
Pitching is such a mystery, isn't it? And so is baseball, for that matter.
For a game the Dodgers just about ran away with and eventually won, 6-2, there were more than a few tense moments. The Dodgers would get up, but never too far up. They'd be in peril, then escape like Bugs Bunny.
They'd break a 0-0 tie with two runs in the fifth inning on yet another James Loney double, but strand runners on second and third with one out. They'd give up a fourth-inning single with a runner on second, only for Manny Ramirez to throw the guy out at home. They'd enter that bottom of the sixth with a 5-0 lead, but would escape the none-out, bases-loaded inning only thanks to a controversial, two-ejection strikeout.
The bottom of the eighth might have been most vexing of all. With a 5-1 lead, Joe Torre had Clayton Kershaw bat for himself in the top of the inning despite being past the 100-pitch mark, then removed him from the game following a one-out error by Blake DeWitt. Two relievers and two baserunners later (including a Hong-Chih Kuo walk to load the bases), the Dodgers used a line-drive double play, Rafael Furcal unassisted, to amscray.
In the ninth, with the Dodgers up 6-1, Kuo gave up his first run since April 22 on the first homer he allowed since Game 5 of the 2009 National League Championship Series, before getting the final out on a lunging catch by Matt Kemp, but that was a pocket full of posies compared to what had preceded. And so on a night that Andre Ethier singled twice and hit a three-run homer, that Loney had two more hits to raise his OPS to .810, that Manny Ramirez homered for the third time in seven games, that Kershaw lowered his ERA to 2.96 with 7 1/3 innings of seven-hit, seven-strikeout, one-run and yes, one-mystery-walk pitching, the Dodgers ran away with the victory … and hid. So close to disappointment, instead it's two straight victories over the NL Central leaders and, once again, the best record in the National League. They'll take it.
* * *
Happiness is a married bullpen catcher: A love story involving former Dodger Jason Phillips, culminating in a bullpen wedding ceremony, told by Jerry Brewer of the Seattle Times (via Baseball Think Factory).
Kershaw LXV: Kershawnee, Indiana
With 21 doubles in 64 Dodger games this season, James Loney is on pace to tie the franchise record of 52 in a season and break the Los Angeles record of 49.
If that doesn't suit you, there's always this: Will Loney become the first Los Angeles Dodger to finish a year with single-digit homers and triple-digit RBI?
Dodgers call up Travis Schlichting
Travis Schlichting, the hero of the 14-inning 1-0 victory over Arizona on June 2, was called up to take Chad Billingsley's spot on the Dodger roster, the team announced today.
In the two weeks since throwing four shutout innings that day, Schlichting has made three appearances for AAA Albuquerque, totaling 4 1/3 innings. He has allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks, striking out two.
Dodgers a-splishin' and a-splashin', 12-0
Al Berhman/AP
The Reds couldn't stop Rafael Furcal – they could only hope to tag him out trying to steal in the sixth inning.
In the middle of tonight's game, the Dodgers worried that their three-run first-inning outburst might be washed away by rain. Turns out the team was just getting started.
On a night that Rafael Furcal had five hits, the Dodgers scored nine runs after the tarp was removed at soaked and nearly empty Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati, finishing off a 12-0 romp at 12:52 a.m. on the East Coast.
With Hiroki Kuroda leading the pitching before and after the rain delay, the Dodgers stayed within a half-game of San Diego for the best record in the National League. Yet for the season, the Dodgers had only outscored their opponents by two runs, 292-290, before tonight.
Furcal, who grounded out in the ninth while bidding to tie the Dodger team record of six hits, had four singles and a double, and also dazzled defensively. James Loney (now the team's RBI leader) added three doubles and a single, giving him seven hits in his past nine at-bats. Left field also had four hits for the Dodgers, with Manny Ramirez homering and singling twice in his second consecutive three-hit game, and Reed Johnson adding a single. The Dodgers had 25 baserunners in all – Ramon Troncoso even had a bases-loaded walk.
According to the Dodger TV broadcast, the last time two Dodgers had at least four hits in a game was when Jeff Kent and Marlon Anderson did it in the 4+1 game on September 18, 2006.
Rain on the parade: Did Kuroda make a risky return?
Al Behrman/AP
It was a long night, but Hiroki Kuroda struck out eight in five shutout innings with no walks.
After a rain delay of more than two hours, Hiroki Kuroda came back out to pitch the fifth inning for the Dodgers tonight in Cincinnati.
I have no expertise to be able to discuss if this was a risk or not. All I know is that in my roughly 35 years of following baseball, this kind of thing is almost never done because of the fear it will bring injury to the pitcher. But on the day they announced Chad Billingsley was going on the disabled list, the Dodgers did it.
Here's what the Dodgers stood to gain:
1) The 23rd win in the United States for Kuroda, who had thrown four one-hit shutout innings while striking out seven.
2) Possibly a better chance of winning tonight's game, because Kuroda is better than the Dodgers' middle relievers.
3) A little more rest for the bullpen, which figures to be taxed between now and Sunday.
4) Status as pioneers in the You Can Bring Back Starting Pitchers After Rain Delays Movement.
Here's what the Dodgers stood to lose:
1) The game, if Kuroda couldn't regain his effectiveness after the break. He loaded the bases in the bottom of the fifth before getting the final out.
2) The sanity of Dodger fans.
3) Shine off Torre's reputation.
4) Kuroda.
The Dodgers might have made the right decision. I don't know. I do know that most people would say it was a bad bet, and I'm curious why they made it.
Chad Billingsley to the disabled list
Jeff Gross/Getty Images
Chad Billingsley
Well, now that changes everything.
The Dodgers announced this afternoon that Chad Billingsley would go on the 15-day disabled list with a groin strain. Tony Jackson of ESPNLosAngeles.com has details. I'll update this post with the news of who is being added to the roster as soon as I hear.
Billingsley was scheduled to start for the Dodgers on Thursday. John Ely could make that start on four days' rest, with Vicente Padilla then being activated to pitch Friday in Boston. Charlie Haeger, by the way, is scheduled to pitch for Albuquerque tonight.
Kinda amusing to think of what would happen if Padilla and Haeger aren't ready to go by Saturday. With James McDonald and Scott Elbert out, do we start talking about guys like Seth Etherton? Alberto Bastardo? Or do the Dodgers call up another reliever and give Jeff Weaver a spot start?
The road just got a little rougher.
* * *
In other malady news, another celebration yielded a big injury. UCLA's No. 3 hitter, Tyler Rahmatulla, broke his wrist in the dogpile celebrating the Bruins' advance to the College World Series.
* * *
Update: Joe Torre told reporters that Padilla is ready to go and will be activated. Ely starts Thursday, Carlos Monasterios on Friday, Padilla on Saturday and then back to Hiroki Kuroda on Sunday before Monday's off day. Torre said Padilla is ready to throw 100 pitches.
Billingsley strained his right groin in the last inning of his last start, the Dodgers said. An MRI showed no structural damage. The team wasn't expecting him to miss any time, but he felt tightness during his latest bullpen workout at the very end on his pushoff leg, and the Dodgers didn't want that to mess up his mechanics.
A hint of weather
From the Dodger press notes:
RAINY DAY TUESDAY – The National Weather Center is now predicting a strong chance of severe weather (with the potential for tornadic activity) late this afternoon and early evening. If the nasty weather becomes a reality, all credentialed press will be sheltered in the left field level media interview room as the press box and broadcast booths will need to be evacuated.
The Weather Channel paints a rosier, if plenty muggy, picture.
Dodgers in the thick of a real pennant race
As this day breaks, the Dodgers find themselves one of three National League West teams within a half-game of the best record in the NL, all of them on pace to win at least 92 games. And Colorado, potentially the best of them all, lurks only three games behind the Dodgers.
That's quite a pennant race to look forward to. Arguably, the best team in the NL might not be as good on paper as the third- or even fourth-best team in the American League East. But with the fourth-best team in the NBA Eastern Conference putting the hopes of our favored hometown Lakers squad in jeopardy, this seems the wrong week to be dismissive.
Okay, so is this a fair trade?
Getty Images/AP
The agony and the ecstasy …
Bruce Ellingsen, Carlos Santana and Jonathan Meloan for Pedro Guerrero and Casey Blake.


text:
Skylight presents intimate take on 'Porgy & Bess'
In the summer of 1926, George Gershwin returned home from rehearsals for a new musical. Wired and needing to clear his head, he picked up a recent bestselling novel as bedtime reading. He didn't put it down until he had finished it the following morning. The novel was DuBose Heyward's "Porgy."
In "The Life and Times of Porgy and Bess: The Story of an American Classic," Hollis Alpert describes what happened next: Gershwin was so excited "by the story and its author's apparent musical sensitivity" that he immediately wrote Heyward and suggested they collaborate on an opera. Nine years later, it made a now-legendary Broadway debut as "Porgy and Bess." »Read Full Article(1)
Robert Schellin's Christmas tree
Ralph Spano, a retired Milwaukee police detective, used to walk the beat near the corner of what was 3rd and Center streets. That was early in his career.
He thinks about those days each year after Thanksgiving, when he pulls a painting out of storage and hangs it in a place of honor above an 18th-century chest of drawers in the living room of his Washington Park home. »Read Full Article(15)
'Walter Mitty' has more product hype than heart
The only thing worse than the commercialization of the holidays is trying to tell the difference between commercials and certain holiday movies.
Because even if you spent Christmas Eve at Best Buy, you can sleep soundly with sugar plums dancing in your head, knowing Santa's got your back. »Read Full Article
Top 10 Christmas Day movie box-office hits
With six movies opening on Christmas Day, there should be plenty of competition for your Dec. 25 movie dollar.
But do "The Wolf of Wall Street," "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" and the rest have what it takes to grab the Christmas box-office prize? TheWrap.com posted a list Tuesday of the biggest Christmas Day movie box-office takes. How many did you go to after the presents were all unwrapped? »Read Full Article
Where else to get down on New Year's
If '70s soul and funk isn't your scene, consider dancing at one of these six New Year's events.
Bluegrass: Trampled by Turtles (with special guest Phox): 8 p.m., Riverside Theater, 116 W. Wisconsin Ave. $40. »Read Full Article
4 finalists selected for public art at Milwaukee's East Branch library
The Milwaukee Public Library announced that it has selected four artists as finalists for a public art commission for the new East Branch, which will open next year. The four finalists have been asked to present their design ideas for activating a triangular space on N. Cramer St. near the library's entrance.
The finalists are multimedia artist Ray Chi, sculptor Susan Falkman, glass artist Catherine Lottes and conceptual artist Colin Matthes. The artists, selected from a field of 22 submissions, will present their ideas at a public meeting on Jan. 21. The budget for the work of art is $25,000. »Read Full Article

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Valve and GameStop Sensibly Team Up to Offer Steam Codes In-Store
The two may be competitors in some ways, but this partnership makes sense.
Starting today you can purchase Steam Wallet codes at GameStop stores. These codes, which are available in $20 and $50 denominations, can be added to a Steam account and used to purchase content through Valve's immensely popular digital distribution service. This move may come as a surprise to some as GameStop last year purchased Steam competitor Impulse, yet it actually is a very sensible move for both sides.
For GameStop, this is another way for it to insert itself into the sale of digital content. It already offers things like downloadable content and points for the console manufacturers' respective platforms, as well as (more recently) digital PC games through Impulse. Getting a cut of money spent on Steam is an obvious benefit, but there is more to it than that.
The ability to take old games and trade them in for Steam credit may have the same effect that the availability of Impulse games could have: Gamers who ordinarily don't visit GameStop or sell their games may now be inclined to do so. The used games business is incredibly lucrative for GameStop, and while it would probably be more beneficial to its bottom line for people to spend their store credit on used games, this may still generate business that it did not see before. And who knows, some of those people wandering in to get Steam credit in exchange for their old games might end up buying something in-store they would not have otherwise. Speaking for myself, I rarely visit GameStop anymore, but knowing some of my old games I never play anymore can be turned into money that can be spent on Steam gives me a reason to change that.
And it's not as if offering Steam Wallet codes prevents GameStop from still putting Impulse front and center. These are essentially gift cards for Steam being sold, not games; GameStop sells individual digital games from Impulse in-store, which might be more appealing to consumers who want a digital game and don't have any preference for where the game is downloaded. GameStop is also still free to bundle different versions of a PC game together for an added cost (like a physical and digital version, or a physical and streaming version) as I originally theorized it might when it acquired Impulse and streaming tech company Spawn Labs last year.
It was the company's ownership of Spawn Labs which caused a controversy last year that might make this Steam deal come as somewhat of a shock. PC copies of Deus Ex: Human Revolution were packaged with a code for a free OnLive version of the game. GameStop was unaware of this when it began stocking the game, and when it was discovered it instructed employees to open the game, remove the code, and then sell the game as new without informing customers. As customers cried foul, GameStop pulled copies of the game until they could be replaced with ones that did not contain the codes, claiming it does not promote competing services "without a formal partnership." (An internal memo noted Spawn Labs is developing a streaming service, which is what makes OnLive a competitor.) GameStop ultimately apologized to customers and offered a $50 gift card to those who were affected.
From Valve's perspective, this deal opens up Steam to a new demographic. Those who are averse to buying things online now have a way of becoming Steam customers without their credit card numbers ever having to be entered into a computer. By extension, this allows for those without credit cards or PayPal to spend money on Steam. Offering the codes at GameStop also opens the door for gamers to make purchases on Steam without having any money to spend, only physical games they're willing to part ways with.
But more important is the impact this has on the relationship between retail and publishers. The reality of digital distribution is it has the potential to cut out retail altogether. At some point in the future that may not worry publishers, but at this point in time retail is still of critical importance to them, and they are therefore hesitant to put more strain on that relationship than they have to.
The important role retail plays is precisely what Electronic Arts COO Peter Moore preached recently. "We love what retail does for us. We love its ability to create massive launches and create excitement," he said last week, Gamasutra reports. "GameStop probably sees three million hardcore gamers walk through their doors every day, and that's a marketing opportunity for us." He also pointed out how many consumers don't have credit cards, and that some of those who do are scared to use them following the PlayStation Network hack last year (not to mention the rarely-mentioned Steam breach).
"A lot of our consumers prefer to go into retail buy those Xbox Live or PlayStation Network cards, and retail gets a very strong margin on that," Moore continued. "For retail, if they can evolve to be not just a physical media purveyor, but a digital media purveyor, it'll play a very strong role in our business going forward."
Publishers don't want to risk angering retail with their forays into digital distribution while they remain key partners capable of bringing in a significant amount of revenue and helping to market new games. It's an understandable position, albeit one Valve is helping to mitigate with this partnership.
Valve teaming up with GameStop should help to downplay concerns about retail being left behind. Doing so also establishes a presence at retail that did not exist previously. In other words, Valve is helping publishers to alleviate retail partners' worries and expanding the market for their products to be sold to while also increasing the size of Steam's userbase. And with gamers only getting more options for how they can buy games on Steam -- and increasing pressure on its competitors to do something to compete -- there really is no downside for anyone involved.
See Also
Comments (9)
WOWPosted: May 15, 2012 12:00AM PST by totalgamer316
it is a good move. origin did not check it yet. but i'll try.
.......Posted: May 14, 2012 12:00AM PST by San_Andreas
...It is always a plus when online retailers offer pre-paid cards.
Excellent NewsPosted: May 14, 2012 12:00AM PST by Ichigo2862
Now sell them worldwide! I need them Steam cards, mmhmm.
FinallyPosted: May 14, 2012 12:00AM PST by luminaire28
this is the one thing i've been waiting for especially after the breach of Steam accounts. I do wish other retailers carried them since i don't really like giving money to Gamestop unless i have to.
I will be interested to see how this pans outPosted: May 14, 2012 12:00AM PST by SDC
All the people I know who use Steam use credit cards to conduct transactions and rarely (if ever) trade games in. When they do it is on Amazon rather than Gamestop. I just don't see this being that big an issue in Gamestop stores.


text:
Catalogue entry
Robyn Denny b. 1930
T00740 Life Line I 1963
Not inscribed.
Canvas, 84 x 72 (213.5 x 183).
Purchased from the artist through Kasmin Ltd. (Grant-in-Aid) 1965.
Exh: Kasmin Gallery, March 1964 (unnumbered but repr. in colour on invitation card); Britische Malerei der Gegenwart, Kunsthalle, Düsseldorf, May–June 1964 (27, wrongly titled 'Life Line 2'), and tour to Munich, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Berlin and Bremen.
Repr: Art International, VIII, April 1964, p. 76 in colour.
One of a series of symmetrical compositions of interlocking shapes defined by rectilinear bands executed by Denny from about 1961.
Published in The Tate Gallery Report 1965–1966, London 1967.


text:
valmont industries
(VMI:New York Consolidated)
BOARD MEMBERS AFFILIATED WITH Stephen R. Lewis Jr.*
The information and data displayed in this profile are created and managed by Capital IQ, a Standard & Poor's company. Bloomberg.com does not create or control the content. For inquiries, please contact Capital IQ directly by clicking here.
MOST CONNECTED PEOPLE TO Stephen R. Lewis Jr.
|Alison Taunton-Rigby
|0 Relationships
|Anne P. Jones
|0 Relationships
|Anthony M. Santomero
|0 Relationships
|Arne H. Carlson
|0 Relationships
|Arthur R. Schulze
|0 Relationships
Sponsored Financial Commentaries
Sponsored Links
Only a company representative may request an update for the company profile. Documentation will be required.
To contact VALMONT INDUSTRIES, please visit . Company data is provided by Capital IQ. Please use this form to report any data issues.
Our data partners will research the update request and update the information on this page if necessary. Research and follow-up could take several weeks. If you have questions, you can contact them at email@example.com.


text:
More adventures in greening around here. In my head, I am trying to institute changes slowly, but I sometimes think Misha comes home from work with a sigh already prepared in response to some new adjustment in his life. It's hard. We're a habit-driven family.
But still. New this week is a wholehearted attempt to stop our junk mail. It's all well and good to recycle, but it would be so much better for this stuff not to even be printed and flown around and the driven around in the first place. I signed up at the Direct Marketing Association's website - they promise to get about 75% of junk mail out of your mailbox, but I'm not really holding my breath. Basically I've just decided to call whomever ends up sending us crap (and there's a lot of it, especially lots and lots of medical catalogs. I can't believe Misha's hospital sells doctors' names - but it's either them or the AMA, and either way, how horrible!) and telling them to take off their list and not to sell our address. They are required by law to comply.
Also - much less hot water use. We've already been doing our laundry in cold water for the last couple of years, but now I'm turning only cold water every time I use the sink. I have to admit thought, that's all well and good in the summer and I wonder what will happen to my tolerance for cold water when the seasons change.
Finally - no more paper towels. I cut some of Lara's old swaddling blankets into cute little rags (color-coded by room, since I'm pretty grossed out at the idea of using the same ones in the kitchen and in the bathroom). They are flannel, so they don't fray very much at all, and work really well. Lara helped cut them up by looking at the spread-out blankets, yelling "BET!" and plopping down on them to "sleep." Here she is contemplating the new terrain:


text:
Pick a flick. Throw down some cushions. Pop some corn and enjoy. Ah, Friday night at the movies.
For some families, film evenings are a textured entertainment, combining parent and child time with discussions on philosophy, art and culture.
Vondel Stevens and her son Timothy Stevens, 18, spent many happy hours in front of the television with a video.
"We try to watch movies and talk about them. Go a little deeper - the way the movie's done, written and directed," Vondel Stevens said.
They don't have a particularly organized way of going about their movie nights, just a mother/child thing that has Timothy thinking about film school and directing as a career.
"I've always loved movies. I took a movie class when I was in college as part of my photography degree. I always wanted to introduce Timothy to things I enjoyed," Vondel Stevens said.
They like funny movies; they like the classics.
"I'm a major Bogie (Humphrey Bogart) fan, so we've watched a lot of Bogart films," she said.
Mother and son like film noir, so that means they like Bogart as detective and Bogart with Lauren Bacall. Timothy Stevens likes the horror flicks, too.
"We have a pretty good video and DVD collection," Vondel Stevens said.
Timothy Stevens is a senior at Canyon High School; he aspires to study filmmaking.
"I've grown up watching good movies, and I'm sure that had some affect me," he said.
In the seventh grade, he got a home movie camera passed down from his parents. "That's probably more or less what inspired me," Timothy Stevens said.
His top movie choices are "What Dreams May Come," "The Exorcism of Emily Rose," anything by M. Night Shymalan and anything by Tim Burton.
"There's value in something sheerly entertainment, but to me a really impactful movie is one that causes discussion," Timothy Stevens said.
A good film need not be high budget, he said. In fact, some of his own creations are no-budget films.
"It's more about creativity and heart you can put into a movie," he said.
Where to get a flickp>
Of course movies can be purchased or rented from a variety of places like Hastings or Blockbuster, but all branches of Amarillo Public Library also have free movies for library card holders.
"We have a total of about 15,000 films throughout our library system," said Donna Littlejohn, director of library services.
Top choices of library patrons are "Cars," "Monster House," "Matilda," "Fly Away Home," "Eight Below," "The Emperor's New Groove," "Elf," "March of the Penguins" and any age appropriate Disney film.
Grab the popcorn
Light Yummy Yogurt Popcorn
2 1/2 quarts air-popped popcorn
1 cup plain non-fat yogurt
6 ounces light pancake syrup
2 teaspoons maple or caramel extract
Put popped popcorn in a large bowl and keep warm. In a 2 quart saucepan, combine yogurt and light pancake syrup. Bring to 225 degrees on a candy thermometer and remove immediately from heat. Add maple or caramel extract. Pour over popped popcorn, stirring to coat.
Cajun Corn
2 1/2 quarts popped popcorn
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
Pour butter over warm popcorn. Combine seasonings and sprinkle over popcorn; toss to mix. Bake in 300-degree oven for crispy popcorn.
Source: Popcorn Board
© 2016. All Rights Reserved. | Contact Us


text:
Simplify the recycling process to ensure success.
Creating less waste is our passion. Creating recycling programs that work is our purpose. From equipment to education, we can provide a unique, innovative solution that's able to change with your needs. What's more, it could even improve your bottom line.
Watch how easy it is to adapt our Transition® products to any recycling need.
Join us at the 2016 AASHE Conference & Expo as we explore sustainability "Beyond the Campus" in Baltimore, Maryland from Oct. 9 – 12!


text:
Skip to comments.Obama Is Losing A Stunning Amount Of African-American Support In North Carolina
Posted on 06/12/2012 7:57:12 PM PDT by SMGFan
President Barack Obama is rapidly losing support among African-American voters in North Carolina, a new poll out today from the Democratic-leaning Public Policy Polling shows.
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/barack-obama-african-american-vote-black-north-carolina-2012-6#ixzz1xddxBN6Z
(Excerpt) Read more at businessinsider.com ...
I think a lot of them have figured out that Barry isn't "black" as they know it. Barry is a big Marxist first. "Black" is further down his list.
Does that mean that these black voters are racist, if they are not going to vote for Obama???? I thought liberals have told us that it is racist if you don't support Obama.
It'll be a cold day in hell before they vote Republican. The black voters will stay home and sit it out if they're unhappy, rather than voting against their messiah.
Actually, this sounds like a double-whammy against zer0.
Romney gets 20% and undecided gets the other 4%, so a significant number go 'R'.
And, the double whammy? Not only do 20% go 'R', but many WILL stay home, depressing total % vote, thus lessening the effect of the apparent 76%.
And many of these citizens are devout Church going respectable citizens. Perhaps they question his devotion? So many liberals leave Church in its place on Sunday.
Whites voting in 08 were suggested vote for Obama proved they were not racists. Can we suggest African Americans prove they are not racists or bigots and vote for Romney?
A hero is only a hero until he becomes an embarrassment, then he is no longer a hero. Many blacks are beginning to realize that Obama is costing them more than he is worth.
I'm seeing a bumper sticker in your post.
I proved I'm not racist and voted for Obama in 08
Now I'll prove I'm not stupid and vote Romney in 12
His margin of victory was tiny in NC last time so it is hard to see how he can win the state this time.
I was amazed he took NC in 2008 when Kerry couldn't carry it even with Edwards as his running mate. Wasn't even close in 2004.
I'm seeing a bumper sticker in your post.
I proved I'm not racist and voted for Obama in 08
Now I'll prove I'm not stupid and vote Romney in 12
I grew up in a place that was 35% black. You are 100% correct.
Not to mention we're losing Purdue.
We can thank Obama for setting God fearing blacks--that once supported Obama--hearts straight with God here.
Secondarily we are finally seeing the chink in the chain of color support and so are the blacks that probably for sometime have been wanting out. Yet weren't so comfortable saying so. Now there is permission and they can always blame it on the fact that Obama is supporting gay marriage. Which is also true in addition that the blacks are suffering financially too.
A lot of blacks don't trust the guy either.
And Obama's "coming out" in favor of same-sex marriage did not set well with many in the Black Community. There was a post on here last week with the picture of a Black lady on a street corner in VA, with a Bible in one hand, and a sign saying: "Don't Vote for Obama".
He will get the same percentage of the Black vote that he got in '08. But, he won't get the same number. Blacks might not vote Republican, but they will sure as hell stay home.
"Does that mean that these black voters are racist, if they are not going to vote for Obama???? "
My money is on them to still come out and vote for the owner of their plantation. He be the man who's writin' them checks to them now.
WhatfreakingEVER. I pray they sit it out.
Had a black Vietnam vet in the other day. He voted for Reagan, not sure about Obama. Said he will listen to each person during their debates and then make up his mind. That is probably not the norm for very many people.
But it says that Obama won't get the blind support he got 4 years ago.
They woke up and discovered that the dream is over. Obama dosen't have any pixie dust that sets us free.
They do know that today, there is to much more week left at the end of the money than it was 4 years ago.
Not Racist! Obama '08!
Not Stupid! Romney '12!
Imagine if Jackie Robinson had been a .100 hitter.
Don't believe it. Never happen.
Yep, he is losing A-A votes. Probably from 99% to around 97.5%.
Never forget "Black Pride" trumps good sense every time. Barry losing black votes is nothing more than a wet dream to the Republican Hierarchy,
I think (as I'm sure we all do) that Daily Kos is scared to death of repeating these results. Mustn't mention the elephant in the living room, you know. Just like black on white crime.
Larry Elder is going to have to increase his '10 Things You Can't Say In America' list.
Thanks SMGFan. Imagine the additional losses from voter ID.
(insert audio of huge audience gasping all at once)
Sorry, Obama. The 'down low' agreement just don't fly.
(insert audio of huge audience gasping all at once)
Yep. My siblings are all married professional people with homes, kids, good jobs, college educations, 401Ks, investments, etcetera, and they ALL voted for Obama.
Last time I was home to visit in 2010, they'd all lost the Hope because of the Change. I have a strong suspicion that most of them will be busy cutting the grass or some such on election day.
Good points, and GOP moderates better get a clue, too. Social matters still...matter. A clear majority of Americans have not bought into sodomite marriage. We all know President Obama was ALWAYS in favor of homosexuality, but he went too far. Outside of the media and some small areas of the country, Americans are willing to tolerate homosexuality, but we don't applaud, encourage, or consider it normal. Most normal people would not be happy or even neutral if their son or daughter came out.
Oh, yes he will. The only difference is this year a few of them might sit it out.
What I still just can't get over is simply imagine what it would be called if there was a White candidate that received 90% of the White vote..... (cough...racism ...cough....cough)
Let's not forget that Obama ran as a moderate. We FReepers were better informed, but most voters only saw the media's propoganda. For example, I bet most FReepers know President Obama was always in favor of homosexual rights. He was deceptive during the election. He had to be, because as California's gay marriage vote proved, a good number of blacks do not buy into Hollyweird's anything goes culture.
If you voted for him because he was half black in '08, vote his half white out in '12!
True, but he allowed his loose lipped VP to box him into a corner, and 'evolved' his position on gay 'marriage' over night.
Now, some are of the opinion that this was all orchestrated to give Obama an excuse to publicly come out in favor of homo nuptials, but he and his handlers would have to be nuts to think that his black supporters would buy into that, under any pretense. He's supposed to be the boss, remember? How is it that his goofball VP can force him to adopt a position which he knows is going to sour the mood of the black community?
I'm sorry, but even the numbskulls in the White House have better instincts than that. Especially when it comes to his core constituency. No - in this case, I think it played out exactly as it appeared. Obama caved because 'Stand Up' Joe knocked him into that corner. He would never have gone there in an election year, otherwise.
I don't know if we will ever know what caused Obama to come out, but as a political strategy, deceptive though it was, his "evolving" stance was a good one. It gave socially conservative blacks enough wiggle room to support him. Now any black who professes to be a Christian has no excuse. A vote for Obama is a vote for sodomite rights and religious oppression.
I started composing my reply as soon as I read the article. Before I posted I read the thread.
A little different interpretation of what you posted:
What I was going to say: "2008, voted for him because he is half black. 2012, voting against him because he is half white."
Race over everything.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
Joseph Robinette "Joe" Biden, Jr. born November 20, 1942) is the 47th and current Vice President of the United States, serving under President Barack Obama.
It proves how out of touch Obama really is. He had no clue how supporting gay marriage would effect Blacks, much less church-going. Obama is getting creamed in Sunday sermons.
It proves how out of touch Obama really is. He had no clue how supporting gay marriage would affect Blacks, much less church-going. Obama is getting creamed in Sunday sermons.
He always understood that he couldn't afford to cross that line with blacks. There was nothing for him to gain in coming out in support of gay 'marriage', and with so many other things working against him in this election year, he had everything to lose by offending his most dedicated voting block.
This was an error of monumental proportions on his part, and proves to me that Obama is just as ignorant and incompetent as we've often thought he is.
Then again, you sort of have to ask yourself; if Obama knew he'd lose black voters if he sided with the radical gay agenda, why did he do this? Is he deliberately trying to throw the race to Romney?
Why did Obama come out for sodomite marriage? That's an excellent question. You could chalk it up to something as simple as political incompetence. Personally, I think it was just as foolish to force the contraception mandate. Why not wait until after the election? It's also possible lead Democrats are as out of touch with their base as ours are with us.
Sometimes I hear people like Jeb Bush and wonder how they could be so wrong about the Tea Party and conservatives in general. Maybe they only associate with like minded politicians? How many times do we have to tell them to cut some programs, reduce regulation, don't give illegals an amnesty, stop with the unilateral truce on social issues, quit trying to act as Team USA World Police, etc? I wonder if the moderates agree with us on ANY of these issues. It's not like we have to accomplish everything at once. Just start moving the ball down the field to the right!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.


text:
30 fact-based movies, and their detractors, over 30 years
"Zero Dark Thirty" comes to theaters Friday with lots of anticipation - and lots of baggage.
The drama by Oscar winners Kathryn Bigelow and Mark Boal, about the hunt for and the killing of Osama bin Laden, is based on a true story. But it's also a movie, and, in these fractured times, it's also the focus of controversy - both because it shows U.S. interrogators using torture to get information, and because, some legislators charged last week, the CIA may have misled filmmakers by suggesting that torture was used at all. »Read Full Article(1)
Madison-formed Garbage to play first Milwaukee show since 2005
Garbage, the Madison-born band behind such '90s alt-rock hits "Push It," "Stupid Girl" and "Only Happy When It Rains," is playing the Rave April 6, its first Milwaukee show since 2005.
Beyonce lives up to hype with fierce Super Bowl halftime set
Has there ever been a 12-minute set as hyped as Beyoncé's Super Bowl halftime show Sunday? The widely publicized press conference, the Destiny's Child reunion rumors, the bold promise of live singing after that lip-synching scandal at Barack Obama's inauguration. Was there any possibility whatsoever it could live up to expectations—especially since the vast majority of Super Bowl halftime shows are bloated, ultimately forgettable diversions?
Danceworks program explores delights of 'Serendipity'
"Serendipity" is high on the list of great words we don't seem to use often enough.
Exploring the word's dictionary definition of "happy accident" or "pleasant surprise" with modern dance, the Danceworks Performance Company and a handful of guest artists built a delightful evening of dance around the word. "Serendipity" opened this weekend in the company's studio theater. »Read Full Article
Next Act's 'Clockmaker' has strong acting, too many gears
We can't turn back the clock. But can we mend what's broken, reconstructing the past's shattered pieces so that we might keep on ticking into the future?
That's the question - or one of them - in Stephen Massicotte's "The Clockmaker," the 100-minute play that Next Act Theatre unveiled over the weekend, under Mary MacDonald Kerr's direction. »Read Full Article


text:
RiverLights, a 1,400-acre planned community in historic Wilmington, North Carolina, was not named haphazardly. Here is how the name RiverLights came about.
Wilmington, North Carolina, provides beautiful, coastal scenery and great fun throughout the year. The city and its surrounding beaches truly shine during the summer.
Would you like to help us create a great community where you can live? Give us your thoughts, or if you have already and want to make changes, please @@MPPLink@@.
Homefinder Explore Directions Contact Us @@CallMe@@
Newland Communities is the largest private developer of planned mixed-use communities in the United States. With our partner, North America Sekisui House, LLC, we believe it is our responsibility to create communities for people to live life in ways that matter most to them. www.newlandcommunities.com | www.nashcommunities.com
This is an advertisement EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Legal Notices
3410 River Road, Suite 103 Wilmington, NC 28412 Email Us riverlightsliving.com @@Unsubscribe@@


text:
Hello guys, sorry for bothering you again, but this is a site for headphones. For this third thread I will restart from the beginning so everyone know what I am looking for.
I am currently in High School (15) and I m looking for new headphones. The ones I am using now are the Sony MDR-ZX600. I've had these for I think 6 months now (since October 30th). I know they're not the best but loved the clarity of these headphones. The reason I want to change them is because the bass is not punchy enough for me, it's there but just not enough.
Now for the new headphones ( on/over-ear or IEMs, preferably on/over-ear), here are what you might need to know. I mostly listen to rap/hip hop and r&b, and from time to time listen to Jazz. S yes I like bass heavy headphones but I do not want to sacrifice sound quality for bass. I do not listen to rock. My budget for these headphones is $100 maximum, and I can maybe go up to $130. I would like for the headphones to be:
-Decent in looks
-Decent in build quality (I will be bringing them to school everyday)
-Not to bad for sports, as I like to listen to music when I go out for a run.
-Closed Back
- My mom hates big headphones so please try to avoid huge headphones
-I will be using them on an Ipod Nano and a Samsung Galaxy s3
So far I've had my eyes on these headphones:
-The CAL!
-JVC HA-S400 or S500
-Audio Technica ATH-WS55/WS55x
Do not base your opinions only on these three headphones because any other suggestion is supported and recommended for this thread.
Have a nice day guys.
GUYS MAJOR UPDATE, yet again
I have received a total of $150 on Sunday due to my Confirmation, so now I have a total of $310. However, I wish to not spend all of the money, so the minimum budget is $200, lower would still be good. If needed, I will go up to $300 for new headphones because my MDR-ZX600s broke (one earcup broke off the headband).
Edited by Erwan - 5/16/14 at 2:56pm


text:
Visit my blog http://www.zhinst.com/blogs/schwizer/ to get more information on the usage of plot2svg. There you find some tutorials how you can create stylish plots or get your figures ready for scientific publications.
Professional Interests: Functional verification, hardware design analysis, high-speed ATE, signal processing, hardware and software development, CMOS design, data visualization, microsensors, concurrent programming.
192 downloads
4 years ago
Vector graphics export of 2D MATLAB plots to Framemaker MIF-files.
0 downloads
11 years ago


text:
Upcoming Activities
Permission slip for Ransburg Summer Camp (June 19-25) .
Welcome to Troop 258!
Troop 258 is a boy scout troop based in Montgomery, Ohio. Meetings are on Thursday nights at 7pm at Montgomery Presbyterian Church. Campouts take place once a month, with the troop also spending a week-long camp in June.


text:
UI is Communication
1st Edition
How to Design Intuitive, User Centered Interfaces by Focusing on Effective Communication
- eBook ISBN 9780123972873
- Print ISBN 9780123969804
Print book
How to Design Intuitive, User Centered Interfaces by Focusing on Effective Communication
Print book
User interface design is a challenging, multi-disciplinary activity that requires understanding a wide range of concepts and techniques that are often subjective and even conflicting. Imagine how much it would help if there were a single perspective that you could use to simplify these complex issues down to a small set of objective principles.
In UI is Communication, Everett McKay explains how to design intuitive user interfaces by focusing on effective human communication. A user interface is ultimately a conversation between users and technology. Well-designed user interfaces use the language of UI to communicate to users efficiently and naturally. They also recognize that there is an emotional human being at the other end of the interaction, so good user interfaces strive to make an emotional connection.
Applying what you learn from UI is Communication will remove much of the mystic, subjectiveness, and complexity from user interface design, and help you make better design decisions with confidence. It's the perfect introduction to user interface design.
Primary: non-designer software professionals, especially software developers, managers, and business analysts.
Secondary: Designers interested in usability, as well as college students taking courses on UX design.
Chapter 1: Communication Design Principles
Chapter 2: Interaction Design
Chapter 3: Visual Design
Chapter 4: Communicating to People
"Here [McKay] offers a guide to designing user interfaces by drawing on principles and common-sense insight about communication. There are no prerequisites, he says, no assumptions about the reader's field or level of experience."--Reference & Research Book News, October 2013
"The best teammate a designer can have is a communication specialist to look over your shoulder. Having Everett's book is the next best thing to having him on your team."--Bert Keely, Architect of Windows Pen and Touch
"McKay practices what he preaches – UI is Communication is relevant, readable, entertaining, and chock full of useful examples."--Carolyn Snyder, Snyder Consulting


text:
ANGEL NUMBERS - A Guide to Repeating Number Sequences and their Messages and Meanings. You are most welcome to share these Angel Number messages with others, although I do request that you include this website address, credit your source/page links and author. All postings by Joanne Walmsley - Sacred Scribes may be used for personal, not-for-profit purposes only. firstname.lastname@example.com Joanne Walmsley Sacred Scribes Australia
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Number 1211 is comprised of the vibrations of number 1 (appearing three times, tripling its influences) and the energies of number 2. Number 1 resonates with creativity and creation, manifestation and attainment, new beginnings, motivation and progress, self-reliance, striving forward and pursuing goals, achievement and inspiration. It also relates to creating our own realities by our thoughts, beliefs and actions and encourages us to step out of our comfort zones. Number 2 lends it energies of balance, healing, devotion and grace. It carries the vibrations of duality, diplomacy and adaptability, partnership and relationships, sensitivity and selflessness. Number 2 also resonates with faith and trust and serving your Divine life purpose and soul mission.
Angel Number 1211 is a message to pay attention to your recurring thoughts about yourself and your life. Your thoughts and beliefs are manifesting at a rapid rate; therefore, ensure that you focus on your desired outcomes only. When you hold positive thoughts, an optimistic outlook and high expectations, you receive wonderful opportunities and experiences in your life.
Angel Number 1211 is a message from your angels not to be hindered by old habits that need to be changed. It tells you to look to new experiences with optimism as they will bring about favourable and positive effects and opportunities. This helps with achieving goals and aspirations, and allows for the 'old' to be replaced with the 'new'. Angel Number 1211 encourages you to be true to yourself.
When the Angel Number 1211 appears your angels may be telling you to look to different ways to enhance your home, garden and surrounds. This includes matters within the house and family arena. Use the art of Feng Shui to usher more positive energies into your life and your environment. The angels encourage you to surround yourself with love and gaiety.
Number 1211 relates to number 5 (1+2+1+1=5) and Angel Number 5.
Also see:
Repeating 1's and 2's (12, 112, 121, 122 etc)
Angel Number 12
Angel Number 121
Sacred Scribes
NUMEROLOGY - The Vibration and Energy of Numbers
BODY and SOUL – MIND and SPIRIT
ANGEL, PSYCHIC & TAROT READINGS Online with Joanne
8 comments:
It is your date of re-birth except it is too complicated for you to understand��a form of unionReplyDelete
My birthday is 1211 (month/day). Does that mean anything different?ReplyDeleteReplies
You are an 11 Day Number person Amber.Delete
i keep seeing a lot of these number most ones are 0000,1511,1211,1212,2222,1111, 1611, 1818, i can see all these in just one day. and at times i see this when thinking about something to do with what i want for the feature. i keep getting positive feeling and chills through my skin when i visual my dreams and feature , witch is aimed towards being a leader, i feel like i have been called to help change a cretin stage of life, and all my feeling seem to be aimed towards helping people change and at the same time the feeling of leadership in an unknown place. im starting to believe leadership could be my soul mission. how can i conform this is the right path, cause i really do feel i am more than i am at this moment of life.Replies
May I ask what population of people or age or gender or whatever it is the ones you are compelled to leadDelete
I see these numbers all the time around the clock, almost every hour, I was thinking I was losing it. It all started with 11:11 and 1:11 for a couple of months and now it is every hour...ReplyDelete
I am seeing these numbers around the clock as well, I was starting to think my mind was playing tricks on me. It all started with 11:11 and 1:11 for about 3 months and now it is on the hour almost every hour... should I be doing anything with all of this or just be in the moment when I see it?ReplyDelete
I noticed this number a lot of 11:11 when I look at the clockReplyDelete


text:
rock1234rock1234 wrote:can't reach the server
Matija261 wrote:i cant join
Minecraft Map Coming Soon! Find out more! (1)
Started 09/24/2016/
The_Growl said 09/26/2016/
Horror map in Minecraft. What will the scares be based on?...
Myra_ vs. Oddity: PBL S18 W2 (10)
Started 09/22/2016/
Oddity said 09/26/2016/
Minecraft Newspaper [#0001] (5)
Started 09/20/2016/
xVxz said 09/26/2016/
awesome news paper!...
Graphics/Channel work (0)
Started 09/26/2016/
Hopsxn said 09/26/2016/
Hello guys! Anyone here wanting a channel banner or logo making for FREE? Well if your a new youtube...
What can I post and not post safely. (10)
Started 09/23/2016/
ranger2051 said 09/26/2016/
Good Luck with posting your designs link me when you're done....
Ask a quick question, get a quick answer (1333)
Started 11/14/2012/
xunbch96 said 09/26/2016/
Cool I just got a free Minecraft gift code at (Ad link removed)...
How to get 1.7.10 forge?? (0)
Started 09/26/2016/
L1f3l1ne said 09/26/2016/
So, I already have my 1.7.10 .jar 1.7.10 file but how do I convert it to an actual file for mods... ...
Plugin Maker [Advanced] (1)
Started 09/26/2016/
dhtdht020 said 09/26/2016/
Make a plugin called SMP-Essentials - An essentials plugin for SMP Servers....
Hullo! (2)
Started 09/26/2016/
Cid_of_Lufenia said 09/26/2016/
Hello if you need any help with anything feel free to ask someone I bet they will be will to help yo...
Making a fighting game. Need character suggestions. (20)
Started 09/24/2016/
Cid_of_Lufenia said 09/26/2016/
Marie Curie maybe as she was the first ever woman to win a Nobel prize and created the theory of rad...
At ICE - Your Online Lives (4)
Started 09/21/2016/
rosedragon said 09/26/2016/
I don't use social media except for work, but I have to say, you are making something nice . Good l...
What Should I Do For a 32 Subscriber Special? (9)
Started 09/25/2016/
CHorse said 09/26/2016/
by changing the options you reset all the votes :I Crap. Well then....
fOR_mEAL_oR_nOT_tO_dINNOER_tUESday (6)
Started 09/25/2016/
Karrthus said 09/26/2016/
IcarianPrince vs. IckySkyMaze [pbl s18 w2] (3)
Started 09/25/2016/
Melancholism said 09/26/2016/
I'm going to have to go with IcarianPrince <33 good luck to you both!...
Started 09/26/2016/
BRICKBOYLTD said 09/26/2016/
Hi Guys I'm tired of looking on social media, going shopping and shopping online to see the same c...
How do I make my enjin skin thing my profile pic on pmc (1)
Started 09/26/2016/
Havingfun_ISKEY said 09/26/2016/
Well, if it's akin, you're probably going to have to take a screenshot of it in-game, and then uploa...
What should be added into Minecraft PE? (539)
Started 06/12/2013/
Hexen16 said 09/26/2016/
Those slide bars the Windows 8 Minecraft has that lets you deice how much of the various biomes, how...
Need a new Headset for the price [20-50$ U.S.D] (24)
Started 07/29/2016/
mchaotic2016 said 09/26/2016/
https://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audi ... +Audio+355 These are ones that I use, and they are perf...
CrazyPigglet -vs- -Lunatique [PBL s18 w2] (4)
Started 09/25/2016/
Brain Juice said 09/26/2016/
Going for Puggs simply because I have no idea of what Lunatique's skin is...
Your Biggest Pet Peeve? (133)
Started 07/14/2013/
AnimeFanFTW said 09/25/2016/
Considering this thread was dead for 3 years until today, I'll go ahead and lock this thread for nec...
-=?=-=FarscapeMCnetwork=-=?=- 1.10 survival/Acidisland (0)
Started 09/26/2016/
ST4V1980 said 09/26/2016/
FarscapeMCnetwork Hello everyone, I am the Owner of FarscapeMCnetwork and I invite you to come and p...
RPG in Development - Easy to get in - Recruits all ranks - ! (73)
Started 07/26/2016/
WitherWolf21 said 09/26/2016/
1. What are you applying for? I am apply for Composer 2. Name? Joel also known as Perkaholics (Ign)...
VoxelMC! Manager needed! [BETA] Join now play.voxelmc.net (229)
Started 07/04/2016/
FrostJam_Owner said 09/26/2016/
Developer Application * Note: Still looking for head developer! means that the question is recquired...
NEW POST COMING THIS ONE IS OLD -=-=-=- RoR (12)
Started 09/25/2016/
WitherWolf21 said 09/26/2016/
Age: 15 IGN: JakeBenH Skype: JakeBenH Experience: I've been staff many times I know all commands Mot...
Luminous Network | Needs Professional Staff Members (14)
Started 08/29/2016/
SkillsPlays said 09/26/2016/
Cancel my application, I am more dedicated to another server, sorry....
? ? Mianite Interactive ? Official Recruitment Post ? ? (5)
Started 09/25/2016/
MianiteInteractive said 09/26/2016/
Hello travelers! Today we have a few updates on development. I have added Essentials and configured ...
DC Comics Roleplay server Staff Recruitment (1)
Started 09/26/2016/
Damian Wayne said 09/26/2016/
My Skype name is Kaleb8883, add me there...
[Elacus] Seeking Admins w/ Quest / Heros Experience (5)
Started 09/24/2016/
Humbled said 09/26/2016/
What Position Are You Interested In: Admin/Manager What Qualifies You For This Job: My area of expe...
Server Recruitment (1)
Started 09/26/2016/
Ginger2016 said 09/26/2016/
Do you need any mods?...
PrestigiousMC - Custom mobs, Jobs, McMMO, Towny, EPIC SPAWN! (1)
Started 07/29/2016/
owenftw said 09/26/2016/
Double XP and Fly weekend coming soon! 23rd - 26th September. Everybody will have access to /fly an...
Started 09/26/2016/
lian2236 said 09/26/2016/
What web host do you use? Net Virtue...
Mods/Helpers/YouTubers Wanted: IronFactions Network (4)
Started 09/25/2016/
Mr_MooseMan said 09/26/2016/
1. Name (First and last). Mikey Mousaw 2. Age (must be over 12). 13 3. Position applying for (helper...
Started 09/22/2016/
ChitterChatter_ said 09/26/2016/
We had a great time on Saturday! Please feel free to join us again this coming Saturday! If you lik...
Elmegaar's Survival Server (0)
Started 09/26/2016/
vntqmm said 09/26/2016/
http://static.planetminecraft.com/files/banner/751071_0.png Welcome to our very new ...
MMORPG Server Team looking for Builders and Plugin Developer (0)
Started 09/26/2016/
mar1711 said 09/26/2016/
Hello, i'm the Owner/Leader of a MMORPG server project. It is (We don't have a name yet). The progre...
-+=PrisonCraft Launch!=+- (0)
Started 09/26/2016/
MikeTheHunterr said 09/26/2016/
PrisonCraft is not your average Prison based server. We have a Drugs system , Guards and other Priso...
-+=PrisonCraft Launch!=+- (0)
Started 09/26/2016/
MikeTheHunterr said 09/26/2016/
PrisonCraft is not your average Prison based server. We have a Drugs system , Guards and other Priso...
New Server/Realm Come Join!!! Plus might be looking for staf (7)
Started 09/25/2016/
XTheOddSoulX said 09/26/2016/
Hey inv me plz! IGN : macsorj Steam name if possibly???...
Hiring PVP map builder from TwoDice server! (0)
Started 09/26/2016/
jilchu said 09/26/2016/
We are currently making a PVP server. Players will use 4 skills to fight other players. Since we ne...
Started 09/25/2016/
MysticNetworkServer said 09/26/2016/
Hi DanTeaDM. I have seen your post and what you're wanting but is there anyway to contact you to sp...
|People Online
|Total Members
|Minecraft Submissions
|Total Submission Views
Needing a Youtuber Partner! Atleast 11-17YrsOld (1)
Started 09/26/2016/
Yoshiro_Kunx said 09/26/2016/
anyone pls!...
Searching For partners in youtube. 12-14 Years old (4)
Started 09/22/2016/
Yoshiro_Kunx said 09/26/2016/
Skype: mordecai2102 Age: 13 Gender: Male Mic: Good! ...
Ytber Recruitment & Program For Smaller Ytbers. (14)
Started 09/22/2016/
Josh9722 said 09/26/2016/
Could somebody make me a light-weight plugin? (3)
Started 08/25/2016/
MysticNetworkServer said 09/26/2016/
Although you provided the documents, I need some extra information before I can attempt anything. W...
looking for plugin developer (1)
Started 09/25/2016/
MysticNetworkServer said 09/26/2016/
Pm'ed you about your post....
Ranking System (7)
Started 08/29/2016/
MysticNetworkServer said 09/26/2016/
Outsider, Member, Knight, Officer, King....
*help* please tell me what you like to see in my first video (1)
Started 09/25/2016/
vortex_vernon said 09/26/2016/
YouTubers needed! (3)
Started 09/23/2016/
-Sckaletz- said 09/26/2016/
The server actually has 2000 unique players every day and about 60.000 each month....
Luddi's FREE Graphics Shop (10)
Started 08/24/2016/
MysticNetworkServer said 09/26/2016/
Hey, thanks for your work here. I appreciate it. Type(Banners,Headers etc.): Server Banner. Colours:...
Started 09/25/2016/
EpicGamer10 said 09/25/2016/
try and make the coolest knight skin of all time....
Started 09/25/2016/
EpicGamer10 said 09/25/2016/
please give me more map ideas. I love making maps with my best friend, SwitchMaster09. Please, pleas...
Limitless Factions is recruiting! (1)
Started 09/25/2016/
TraumaPlays said 09/25/2016/
Palette Battle League [PBLS18] Week 2 has begun! (3536)
Started 12/07/2013/
IckySkyMaze said 09/25/2016/
http://www.planetminecraft.com/forums/icarianprince-ickyskymaze-t569824.html Poll...
[Recording Group] Looking for Channels Big and Small! (33)
Started 08/22/2016/
loveman2 said 09/25/2016/
Porkchopslayer (Luis for short if you want) Luis #8561 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfeM4b...
Started 09/25/2016/
scalesthelizard said 09/25/2016/
AffordableServerHosting is an American/Australia owned company that was founded in 2016 to deliver t...


text:
In the circuit shown, the switchhas been in position 'a' for a long time. At t = 0, it movesinstantaneusly from 'a' to 'b'. If R1 = 19 Ohms,R2 = 2 Ohms, R3 = 2 Ohms, L1 = 16mH, L2 = 5 mH and Iin = 1.6 A,calculate the total energy delivered to resistor R3. Note:Give your answer in milli Joules. the final answer to theproblem is 3.992.
Completely Clueless with this situation. need helpplease!!


text:
The Immunohistochemistry Antibody Company
|LSBio (Direct)
|100% Guaranteed
|Human PRKCD / PKC-Delta
|Human, Mouse, Rat (tested or 100% immunogen sequence identity)
|IgG Polyclonal
|Affinity purified
|IHC - Paraffin (1:50 - 1:100), Western blot (1:500 - 1:1000)
|PRKCD / PKC-Delta antibody was raised against synthetic phosphopeptide corresponding to human PKCo around the phosphorylation site of serine 645 (R-L-SP-Y-S).
|Human PKCd, phosphorylated at Ser645. Species Crossreactivity: mouse and rat.
|PBS (without Mg2+, Ca2+), pH 7.4, 150 mM sodium chloride, 0.02% sodium azide, 50% glycerol
|May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for at 12 months.
|For research use only.
PRKCD Antibody, MAY1 Antibody, NPKC-delta Antibody, PKCD Antibody, Protein kinase C delta type Antibody, Protein kinase C delta VIII Antibody, Protein kinase C, delta Antibody, Pkcdelta Antibody, PKC delta Antibody, Protein kinase c delta Antibody, Tyrosine-protein kinase PRKCD AntibodyCalcium-independent, phospholipid- and diacylglycerol (DAG)-dependent serine/threonine-protein kinase that plays contrasting roles in cell death and cell survival by functioning as a pro-apoptotic protein during DNA damage-induced apoptosis, but acting as an anti-apoptotic protein during cytokine receptor-initiated cell death, is involved in tumor suppression as well as survival of several cancers, is required for oxygen radical production by NADPH oxidase and acts as positive or negative...


text:
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
The Goose Creek High School basketball teams concluded their non-region slates with a pair of victories over Summerville High School on Friday.
The recently selected top-ranked Gators knocked off the Green Wave 54-47 to win for the 15th time in 16 games while the Lady Gators coasted to a 60-45 victory.
The Lady Gators, 14-2 and ranked fourth in Class AAAA, had strong starts to each half, outscoring Summerville 18-11 in the first quarter and 20-8 in the third quarter.
Freshman guard Mariah Linney led the way with 20 points and five steals, while senior center Semoine Frasier and senior forward Shakeia Joy added 14 and 12 points respectively and combined for 17 rebounds.
Freshman Ericka Broughton had seven points and a team-high 15 rebounds.
Goose Creek's boys team (15-1) also raced out to a solid lead after one period, leading 19-11 following the first eight minutes.
Senior guard Dantez Bennamon led all Gators with 17 points, while junior guard Kameron Robinson added 13 points. Senior guard Chris Singleton chipped in eight points.
Goose Creek also recorded sweeps over Fort Dorchester and Timberland last week.
The boys beat Fort Dorchester 55-43 and Timberland 46-39. The Lady Gators defeated Fort Dorchester 64-46 and Timberland 75-36.
Goose Creek was slated to host city rival Stratford on Tuesday after press time (see our web site for info on that game). GCHS then travels to West Ashley on Jan. 17 and Wando on Jan. 21 before hosting Cane Bay on Jan. 24.
© 2016 The Gazette an Evening Post Industries company. All Rights Reserved.
Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Parental Consent Form.


text:
Clarins Toning Lotion- Dry/Normal Skin Jumbo Size 400ml
Item No.1231049262
Item No.1231049262
This luxury size product offers you great customer saving and even more product. Alpine Herbs, Linden, Camomille, a soothing and refreshing toner that promotes well-being for the skin. This alcohol free lotion gently removes all traces of Cleansing Milk and stimulates and refreshes the skin while respecting its natural pH and moisture level. The skin is perfectly clean and ready for skin care products to be applied.
£6.13 per 100ml
Sunday to Friday - order by 9pm
Saturday - order by 6pm
Monday to Sunday - order by midnight
Orders over £20 - FREE
Orders under £20 - £2
Show full delivery details
Subject to exceptions, Debenhams is happy to exchange or refund your purchase within 28 days of delivery. Please check here for more details on our returns policy and exceptions.
Open a Debenhams Credit Card today and receive:
Please note: if the amount you pay on your card is less than £500 after the 10% discount is applied, the offer will not be available.
Credit available from NewDay Ltd to over 18's only. *Terms &Conditions applyFind out more & apply now


text:
Internet Explorer
by Kallie George
|October 6, 2015
Ships within 1-2 weeks
Available in stores
An enchanting new illustrated chapter book series from acclaimed author Kallie George Young Clover seems to have the worst luck-until she happens upon a help-wanted ad from an animal adoption agency. She soon discovers that it is a place like no other. Instead of…
|August 2, 2016
Will Clover crack the mystery of the enchanted egg? A mysterious giant egg has arrived at the Magical Animal Adoption Agency--to Clover's delight and bewilderment. Neither she nor Mr. Jams, the owner of the agency, can tell what sort of creature will hatch…
What is happening to the animals at the Magical Animal Adoption Agency? A new volunteer has joined the Magical Animal Adoption Agency, and Clover's not too happy about it! Oliver Von Hoof is supposed to be an expert on magical animals, but he's barely…
|February 9, 2016
$19.74 online
save 10%
In stock online
Three eggs in a nest begin to wiggle and wobble, until CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! It's a duck . . . duck . . . DINOSAUR! Meet Feather, Flap, and Spike. They're three unlikely siblings who each want to stand out. But together, they make the biggest…
|November 30, 2013
$13.98 online
save 17%
Spark is a little dragon with a big problem. He can't control his fiery breath. Even practicing doesn't help. Will Spark ever be able to tame his flame? The first book in an early reader series about baby magic animals, Spark is a gentle reminder that…
|This title releases October 18, 2016
$23.98 online
Pre-order online
Not yet available in stores
In this charming Christmas-themed picture book that feels like a classic, four animals deliver a lost package for Santa. It's Christmas Eve, and Bird, Rabbit, Deer, and Squirrel are eagerly waiting for Santa to fly overhead. When he does, a gift…
|June 18, 2013
$2.00 online
Out of stock online
Not available in stores
This original fairytale of a two-tailed mermaid and the circus boy who befriends her is illustrated in sumptuous watercolors. Two unique characters and two worlds equals twice the adventure in this beautiful book. Praise for The Melancholic Mermaid: "Make room…
|February 19, 2016
$15.55 online
save 8%
Splash is a little sea serpent who makes big splashes. But sea serpents need to be quiet sometimes. Will Splash learn how to keep calm? The third book in the Tiny Tails series explores the notion of self-control in a playful way.
|August 1, 2014
$16.61 online
Flare is a tough little phoenix. He never cries. But everyone needs to cry sometimes. Will his guardians, Sun, Wind and Cloud, find a way to show him how? The second book in the Tiny Tails series provides comforting reassurance that it's okay to express our…
by Soizick Meister
|April 26, 2013
$22.08 online
An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place or circumstances. The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break." - early Chinese belief This art book of beautiful images by celebrated artist Soizick…
|This title releases May 16, 2017
|This title releases February 7, 2017
$19.57 online
save 11%
Feather, Flap, and Spike are spending their first night in their very own nest. They tell stories and snuggle up to get a good night's sleep, until . . . GRRORE ! What's that scary-sounding noise? Young readers will find both humor and…
Gift List
Wish List
Sign In
Find This Item in Store
Searching current location


text:
National Drug & Safety League
Rating: 0 stars 0 0 review 211
PO Box 1192 Jackson MI 49204 USA
To distribute drug and alcohol abuse educational materials for adults and children in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies and to make contributions to other 501(c)(3) organizations that share the same purpose or mission. To raise funds for distribution to charitable organizations engaged in improving child safety and health.
Filter Reviews by Role
Promote This Nonprofit
GreatNonprofits badges allow you to raise awareness of your favorite nonprofits on your own web sites!
Reviews for National Drug & Safety League
Get discovered. Invite people to share their experiences about this nonprofit!
Recovery Homes
fretlessuncle wrote:
Alano Recovery Homes was the only organization willing to give me a chance coming from an out-of-state treatment center. They... more »
- Location:
- Jackson, MI


text:
Click on a thumbnail to go to Google Books.
The Family Fang
by Kevin Wilson
No current Talk conversations about this book.
I LOVED this book! Quirky, original, darkly humorous- the trifecta of elements that make me so happy to be a reader. Brilliant dialogue, plotting and character development. Simply great!
Caleb and Camille Fang are performance artists creating live instances of chaos and confusion with the coerced participation of their children, Annie and Buster, otherwise known as child A and child B. Annie and Buster are now adults whose lives have not gone especially well. Though they live far away from their parents, by choice, events will bring the entire family back together. As the plot works towards this point, the main storyline is interspersed with shorter chapters detailing some of the extreme artistic happenings that the family participated in together when child A and B were young. Once they are all back together it seems inevitable that their parents will attempt yet another event and force Annie and Buster to become participants whether they want to or not.
This novel has a quirky premise and a promising structure that lends itself well to a setup with pace and verve. And it's funny. That it loses its way in the always challenging middle section is regrettable. I found myself wondering why this happened. Did the author simply lose his nerve? Was he unwilling to go where the premise and setup was taking him? Had he failed to fully think through the real possibilities? Was there an editorial hand at work here looking for something that would be more saleable? The truth is, we'll never know. And so the entire second half of the novel just meanders until it finally comes to an end through lack of will as much as anything else. Maybe that wouldn't have been so disappointing if I hadn't been so enthused by the promise of the first half of the novel.
Even if I won't be recommending this novel, I do want to keep an eye on the author. There is every likelihood that one of his future productions will fulfil the hopes that some of his writing here encourages.
Was quite disappointed with this book - the story got tedious and I really disliked the parents particularly how the story ended. Meh.
The Fangs are a family of artists, creating pandemonium in public and filming the confusion. Kind of like a four person flash mob, before there were flash mobs. Annie and Buster participate with their parents as children, but as they grow up, they grow tired of a life of hoaxes. Both children move on, but when they're down on their luck, they come home. Their parents ask them to participate in one final artwork, but can the kids give up all they've worked for towards getting away from this life? Very amusing, deep, and interesting. Wilson is a must-read.
Camille and Caleb Fang are performance artists, specializing in disruptive acts in suburban shopping malls, who have incorporated their children Annie and Buster (know as Child A and Child B) into their art. The couple's surreal view of life, not surprisingly, has taken its toll on the children's psyches. As they grow older, both try to escape, but often find themselves inexorably drawn back into their parent's dramas.
When Camille & Caleb are said to have died in a car accident, Annie and Buster wonder if they really have died, or if they are just realizing the ultimate performance piece. Their search for the truth gives Annie and Buster some surprising insights into themselves and ultimately lets them grow into their own personalities.
Somewhere between those happy families that Tolstoy felt were all alike and the unhappy families he claimed were unhappy in their own ways lie the quirky families we all love....With their eccentric relatives always up to crazy shenanigans, this vast fictional genealogy reflects our conflicted embarrassment and affection for the people who raised us....It's a delightfully odd story about the adult children of a pair of avant-garde performance artists. Since leaving home, Annie and Buster Fang have done everything they can to avoid their parents' outlandish behavior, but self-destructive wackiness seems to run in their genes. ..the poignant truth Wilson captures beneath the humor of this peculiar family: Our crazy parents' offenses sometimes loom so large that we don't realize just what they did for us until it's too late. Here, in the pages of this droll novel, is a chance to come home and make up.
But Mr. Wilson, though he writes wittily about various outré Fang performance pieces, resists putting too much emphasis on the family gimmick. These events have names (the kids'-singing-angers-heckler bit is loftily called "The Sound and the Fury") and dates and artistic goals. But they also have consequences. That's what makes this novel so much more than a joke.
Mr. Wilson explores the damage inflicted on children raised in an atmosphere that is intentionally confusing. ...Although Mr. Wilson sometimes hints too neatly at where his book is headed, he manages to make the final stages genuinely shocking. This last part of "The Family Fang" packs a wallop because the rest of the book has been so quirky and seemingly light. But the stakes in the Fang war of wills get higher as the book proceeds, and they move from the specific to the universal.
A Delightful Portrait Of The Screwball 'Family Fang...That's why it's such a minty fresh delight to open up Kevin Wilson's debut novel, The Family Fang, and feel the revitalizing blast of original thought, robust invention, screwball giddiness....a family story that's out-of-the-box, and funny, and, also, genuinely moving. Wilson's inventive genius never stops for a rest break. ..Wilson might as well have been writing a review for his own strange and wonderful novel, for The Family Fang indeed reads as a work of "choreographed spontaneity" that will linger in your mind long after the mall has closed and the mess in the restaurant has been cleaned up.
References to this work on external resources.
Wikipedia in English (1)
No descriptions found.
Performance artists Caleb and Camille Fang dedicated themselves to making great art. But when an artist's work lies in subverting normality, it can be difficult to raise well-adjusted children. Just ask Buster and Annie Fang. For as long as they can remember, they starred (unwillingly) in their parents' madcap pieces. But now that they are grown up, the chaos of their childhood has made it difficult to cope with life outside the fishbowl of their parents' strange world. When the lives they've built come crashing down, brother and sister have nowhere to go but home, where they discover that Caleb and Camille are planning one last performance-- their magnum opus-- whether the kids agree to participate or not. Soon, ambition breeds conflict, bringing the Fangs to face the difficult decision about what's ultimately more important: their family or their art. The novel displays a keen sense of the complex performances that unfold in the relationships of people who love one another.… (more)
Amazon Kindle (5 editions)
Audible (2 editions)
CD Audiobook (1 edition)
Project Gutenberg (0 editions)
Google Books — Loading...
Popular covers
2 editions of this book were published by Audible.com.
Is this you?
Become a LibraryThing Author.


text:
Medical Marijuana Group Hiring Petition Collectors For Florida's 2014 Ballot
The United For Care Campaign, a group run by People United for Medical Marijuana, is looking to get legalized medical marijuana on the ballot in Florida in November of 2014 as a Constitutional Amendment.
And they are looking to hire a few hard working folks to help them do it.
The group, which needs one million signatures on petitions from registered Florida voters before January 31st, has placed an ad on Craigslist, recruiting self-motivated people to make that happen, and offering them pay to do so.
The hours are flexible, and you can choose where and when to work. It's a part time gig, of course, and the group is looking for people who are as serious about having the state legalize pot for medical purposes as they are.
Upcoming Events
- Miami Dolphins vs. Tennessee Titans
Miami Heat vs. Brooklyn Nets
TicketsTue., Oct. 11, 7:30pm
Florida Panthers v New Jersey Devils
TicketsThu., Oct. 13, 7:30pm
Florida Panthers v Detroit Red Wings
TicketsSat., Oct. 15, 7:00pm
People interested in the gig can expect to work for about four to six months. Of course, the job isn't permanent, and offers no benefits.
But this is all about the greater good.
And, making some extra cash while working for the greater good.
You can work full or part time, choose your own locations to work, and work right here close to home or anywhere in the state of Florida and anyone who is a Florida registered voter can sign these petitions. In order to work on this very important effort you must be a minimum of 18 years of age and be able to motivate yourself to get out there in front of the public collecting the signatures of Florida voters. While people with sales experience already have an edge in this type of work, we are willing to allow anyone who meets the requirements to give it a try. We need all types of people collecting these signatures. It only takes about 45 minutes of your time and there's no cost to you. We recognize that most everyone surfing for employment is looking for full time, permanent, with benefits. This is not that job. But at a running time of 4 to 6 months, we believe we can help fill the void in your pockets quite nicely. Why not try something new! Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. WE NEED YOUR HELP!
The group also has a copy of the petition on their website, if one wants to sign it (or make copies for others to sign it).
Follow Chris Joseph on Twitter
Get the This Week's Top Stories Newsletter
Every week we collect the latest news, music and arts stories — along with film and food reviews and the best things to do this week — so that you'll never miss New Times Broward-Palm Beach's biggest stories.
In Case You Missed It
Upcoming Events
NPC-Ifbb Fort Lauderdale Cup
TicketsSat., Oct. 1, 10:00am
Florida Panthers v Tampa Bay Lightning
TicketsThu., Oct. 6, 7:30pm
- LUXURY SEATING: Miami Dolphins v Tennessee Titans
- UberTAILGATE: Hard Rock Stadium Dolphins vs. Titans
Popular Stories
Sponsor Content


text:
Hitman: Absolution
ok,HOW THE HELL do I unlock weapons so that I can use it in Contracts Mode?
- Topic Archived
- Boards
- Hitman: Absolution
- ok,HOW THE HELL do I unlock weapons so that I can use it in Contracts Mode?
doraemonllh1989 4 years ago#1
I pick up KAZO sniper,finish the mission,leave the mission,why it still doesn't get unlock in Contracts mode?and why some weapons just unlock randomly?Did I do something wrong?Do I need to buy this weapon specifically or what?
my grammar sucks and i dont care
disappointing game of the year = re6 (6.5/10)
Weapons you pick up in the main game are unlocked in Contracts mode, but there are a few that you HAVE to buy I guess, like some named character's personal weapons.
The Agency sniper must either be bought or (I think) unlocked with Sniper Challenge preorder bonus. I don't have the Sniper Challenge so I can't be 100% sure about this part though.
doraemonllh1989 (Topic Creator)4 years ago#3
Damn....well thanks for the reply,at least Im not confuse right now,I think thats how unlock works
my grammar sucks and i dont care
disappointing game of the year = re6 (6.5/10)
Yeah I've unlocked a few weapons in the main story and used them in the Contract mode. I also used the dlc weapons in Contract mode. The locked weapons that you have to buy in Contract mode are expensive....lol
Property of Boyz 12
doraemonllh1989 (Topic Creator)4 years ago#5
Well i just **** it and bought the kazo,luckily i dont care much about other weapons :S
i just main silver baller and sniper
my grammar sucks and i dont care
disappointing game of the year = re6 (6.5/10)
Sin Jackal 4 years ago#6
I got the KAZO because I pre-ordered and did the Sniper Challenge stuff. Tbh, it takes less time to just do a bunch of contracts and buy the Kazo/rest of the stuff, than it did to do the Sniper Missions as many times as you have to to unlock everything.
Of course, the Sniper Challenge mission is extremely fun. Sucks for everyone that didn't pre order, because tbh, it's more fun than a lot of the levels in the actual game. I'm sure it'll be a DLC at some point though for like 2-3 dollars.
As for the other stuff. . .you can find some of those weapons in story mode and keep them. For example, when you start The Library area, after coming off the pillar, there's a small side alcove before you go down to the ground floor on the first ledge that has the police shotgun sitting up against the wall. Just complete the mission with it and it's yours. I haven't found any listed weapons that I -couldn't- keep just yet.
So... I still don't get it. I've only completed 2 missions and the tutorial, but I made sure that I pick up all the firearms as I go. The picture of the firearm appears when I select the UNLOCKS menu. For example, I picked up the shotty from the terminus hotel, it appears in the UNLOCKS menu as "last weapon unlocked", but it is not on the list, when i scroll through, even when playing CONTRACTS. None of the guns appear on the list, it only has the agency weapons, some unique weapons like layla's and dexter's and the zenith pistol... Confused... Any ideas?
Just finished Fight For Your Life, collected the Aries pistol, didn't unlock either...
I googled around and it seems to me that there is a lot of confusion surrounding the unlocking of new weapons. Has anybody actually collected a weapon from story mode and picked it for use in contracts from the weapons list?
- Boards
- Hitman: Absolution
- ok,HOW THE HELL do I unlock weapons so that I can use it in Contracts Mode?
Report Message
Terms of Use Violations:
Etiquette Issues:
Add user to Ignore List after reporting
Topic Sticky
- Topic Archived


text:
Popular Lyrics
Billboard Hot 100
Upcoming Lyrics
Recently Added
Top Lyrics of 2011
Top Lyrics of 2010
Top Lyrics of 2009
More »
Popular Artists
Artists A-Z
Popular Albums
Upcoming Albums
Katy Perry
Lady Gaga
Lil Wayne
Hip Hop/Rap
All Genres »
All News
Daily Roundup
Album Reviews
Song Reviews
Sign InRegister
Artist: The Smashing Pumpkins
Album: Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music
Genre: Rock
The slowest night, the slowest day
You sway across the room
As in a dream, an empty house
With empty rooms
I loved you so and now you're going
Go and leave if you must know and go
I never wanted you to know, go
You ran away or so we thought
Now I know, you were told to go
To know love, to show love and go
To give love, to feel loved and go
I fell asleep, washed up on the shore
I kiss my soul and priest deformed
You move to speak, no words can reach me
At one, once knew
Go, love and learn by your desire
And know love, you're the only reason
Why I'm terrified to go
To know love, to show love
Go, to give love, to feel loved
Go, to know love, to show love
I'm begging you to go
Lyrics powered by www.musixmatch.com
Get the embed code
The Smashing Pumpkins Lyrics provided by SongLyrics.com
Note: When you embed the widget in your site, it will match your site's styles (CSS). This is just a preview!
Preview the embedded widget
Cannot annotate a non-flat selection. Make sure your selection
starts and ends within the same node.
An annotation cannot contain another annotation.