text:
Many people in the Heartland say they've experienced problems trying to apply online with the Affordable Care Act.
Several people say they logged on to healthcare.gov to try and go ahead and get signing up out of the way and couldn't even get past step one.
Phillip Jordan went to the Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging for help enrolling. He doesn't have a computer and figured he'd need extra help with the application process anyway. In his case, Jordan says he's certain he is qualified for a certain program, yet due to the glitch, the computer told him otherwise.
"It's not telling me what I want to hear because it doesn't know either," said Jordan. "They are trying their best to help me."
Jackie Dover was the worker attempting to find a way around the issue.
"People just need to have some patience right now," said Dover, a service referral specialist. "We are happy to help them but it's probably best to wait until the site is cleaned up. You can still do it over the phone or file the old school paper way."
Dover says she tried everything for Jordan and others like him. She made some phone calls and did some digging and still couldn't get around the glitch.
"We feel it's probably best to wait to try online until November 1st," said Dover. "We haven't heard anything as to when they expect it to be totally fixed."
Jordan says he's content to be patient. "I am just glad I'm not the one that has to figure this out," said Jordan. "It's going to be a headache."
You still have until December 15 to enroll.
Copyright 2013 KFVS. All rights reserved.
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text: First I cleaned up the oil pan with kerosene. Then put it in the elctro vat for a couple of days. Then I wire brushed it clean down to bare metal. The problem is that it is very pitted now. it even has a few pin holes all the way through mostly in the front slowp. Can I save it now? Will something like a gas tank sealer work on the inside? Or should I call JPs for another one?

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Monmouth County Office60 Neptune Blvd.Neptune, NJ 07753Telephone: 723-431-7810Fax: 732-776-7237Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
County Superintendent of Schools732-431-7810 x7816
The New Jersey School Directory is a comprehensive listing of schools and programs from the NJ Department of Education.
For a complete listing use the links on the top. Schools are listed by municipality alphabetically.
By subscribing to our newsletter you will stay up to date with the latest programs and services. Your email will not be shared.
Copyright © 2011 Monmouth County, NJ. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy and Disclaimer


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The Open Source Developers' Conference is a not-for-profit conference covering all aspects of Open Source Technology, from software and systems to open data. While OSDC was born in Melbourne 10 years ago, it has become an open source product in its own right, seeing it forked in countries including Malaysia, France and Taiwan.
The Australian OSDC 2014 will be hosted at the Griffith University Gold Coast campus, with the support of Griffith's School of ICT.
Schedule & Networking
The conference will have three main days (Tuesday 4th to Thursday 6th November 2014) followed by an open/tutorial/workshop day (Friday 7th November) which may also host miniconfs. We'll have a keynote or plenary session first thing in the morning and last thing in the afternoon, with up to 4 parallel tracks the rest of the time - we have both small and big rooms available. On Tuesday and Wednesday early evening we have slots for BoF sessions.
As is tradition with OSDC, morning and afternoon tea as well as lunch will be inclusive for all attendees, as well as the conference dinner on Thursday evening.
Seasoned delegates will tell you that who you meet at a conference is as important as what you learn, so don't forget the "hallway track"! OSDC provides you with an awesome opportunity to hang out with other bright and diverse minds!
Registrations will open soon, but be assured that we'll keep the registration fee low as always: approximately AUD 300. Workshops on the last day may attract a (low) additional fee to cover costs.
Conference Focus
While OSDC will be host to a wide range of presentation topics, from running an open source business or community, to more technical presentations, the overall conference theme for 2014 is
- Open - Open Source software, hardware, data and standards (protocols) enable higher quality, more secure products, and faster innovation.
- Inclusive - Openness enables and encourages exploration, the foundation of education. Making products accessible to for instance vision impaired people becomes easier. Affordable products are available to those with less money. Women, kids, and many other groups can get involved more easily. These are all opportunities, we must still work to make them happen!
- Connected - The last 18 months has seen a tremendous rise in the development of connected hardware, the connected home, wearables and sensor equipped devices. Devices such as the illusive connected Fridge and Washing Machine through to advanced medical applications and health services.


text:
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Mayor loses battle for commercial zoneMission City Council rejected a proposed zone change in the Melba Carter Subdivision on Monday that would...18 July 2014Read More...
Work on Bryan Rd to create detourConstruction Bryan will reroute traffic today through Monday, July 21. According to a news release,...18 July 2014Read More...
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Current Conditions:
Fair, 82 F
Tue - Scattered Thunderstorms. High: 91 Low: 77
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EDINBURG --The Edinburg Roadrunners of the North American League announced Wednesday that they have signed catcher Derek Marshall and have released infielder Jason Thomas.
Marshall, the Malone, New York native, played in 34 games for the McAllen Thunder and batted .223 with two home runs and 12 RBI and two doubles.
Thomas batted .250 in just 21 games for the Roadrunners. He hit one home run and had five RBI with one double and one triple.
The Roadrunners opened a four-game series with the Rio Grande Valley White Wings Wednesday night at the Edinburg Baseball Stadium located on the north side of the UTPA campus.
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The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.


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Sugar production is likely to be lower at 23.5-24.5 million tonnes than the industry's estimate of 25 million tonnes in 2012-13 marketing year starting October, sugar refiner Shree Renuka Sugars has said.
Taking into account the likely impact of poor rains on sugarcane yield, especially in Maharashtra and Karnataka, Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) had recently made an initial production estimate of 25 million tonnes for 2012-13, lower than 26 million tonnes for 2011-12.
"Sugar production is expected between 23.5 million tonnes and 24.5 million tonnes in 2012-13 marketing year," Shree Renuka Sugars said in its quarterly earning presentation.
Although area covered under sugarcane so far is slighly higher at 5.28 million hectare, against 5.05 million hectare in the same period last year, drought-like situation in Karnataka and Maharashtra is expected to hit sugarcane crop.
As per the Indian Meteorological Department, monsoon rain is deficient by 15 per cent so far in the country.
Renuka Sugars said that sugar production in the ongoing 2011-12 marketing year is estimated to be 26 million tonnes, as against 24.2 million tonnes in the previous year.
India has been a net exporter for the last two marketing years backed by robust sugarcane cultivation and favourable weather.
Stating that domestic sugar prices are higher than world white sugar prices, Renuka Sugars said, "The company will benefit from the increased prices in the coming quarters."
The company reported a standalone net profit of Rs 13.3 crore for the quarter ended June 30, 2012. Net sales grew by 23 per cent at Rs 1,483.9 crore in the same period.
Renuka Sugars operates 11 mills globally with a total crushing capacity of 20.7 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of which, seven sugar mills are in India with a total crushing capacity of 7.1 MTPA.


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Before the big hot show! by Satchel of Magma - about 2 years ago
"Band practice the day before our next gig! Perfecting our setlist before our show at the Longbranch Saloon in Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. The shirts turned out very metal, and we also customized the sleeves a bit."


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Monday, December 9th — the Thursday morning writers group reads their stuff
Wednesday, 4 December 2013 | Access Hour
|This group of writers has no formal name but has been meeting regularly to review and edit each other's work for years. They've taken to calling themselves the Thursday Morning Writers Group for the Access Hour radio events they schedule once a year. Everyone in the writers group definitely likes to read their material on the air at WORT. The chance to read on the program is always one of the highlights of their year.


text:
Dec 24, 2009
Brazilian issuers have this week wrapped up debenture issues tight to initial pricing expectations. Toll-road operator Ecorodovias has priced a 3-tranche BRL600m deal. A BRL460m 2013 pays DI+1.5%, versus a maximum targeted spread of 2.0% over. The other 2 pieces were both BRL70m 2015s paying...
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Sep 11 - 12, 2014 | Westin Beijing Chaoyang, Beijing, China
LA-CIF is the leading event connecting Latin America and China. Through an invitation-only,...
Sep 11 - 12, 2014 | 朝阳威斯汀酒店, 北京, 中國
Sep 16, 2014 | Westin Chosun, Seoul, South Korea
LA-KIS will examine the rapidly evolving LatAm-Korea investment relationship, the pace & direction...
Sep 17 - 18, 2014 | Hotel Intercontinental, Medellín, Colombia
The only event bringing together the Andean region's most innovative corporate issuers, the growth...
Sep 25 - 26, 2014 | Velas Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Estado de Jalisco, Mexico
The only annual gathering of senior public-sector officials, financiers, sponsors and investors...
La reunion líder de oficiales del sector público, financieros, patrocinadores e inversionistas de...
Are populist governments like Venezuela & Argentina turning pragmatic?
In some ways
The most pressing issue is related to guaranteeing this growth of the system, the savings. We have to guarantee that this growth is followed by better asset managers on the side of the Afores.
Carlos Ramírez, Mexico's pension regulator, Consar
All material is subject to strictly enforced copyright terms & conditions and cannot be repurposed or reproduced. © 2014 Latin American Financial Publications Inc.


text:
Written by Brad Newberg, our special SB Nation correspondent who is in Vegas for the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight.
Is there such a thing as too much poker? I ask because I literally hit a poker wall yesterday. It was almost three hours into the Friday Venetian tournament. I was chip leader as far as I knew. But the cards had gone cold, and it had been over an hour since I played a single hand, so I did what one can never do as a "good" poker player. I got bored. And much more than that, I was tired. Really tired. All the poker from the day before just hit me. So, I made an absolute bonehead move against the guy in second place a couple of hands before the break and lost a good three-quarters of my chips. Then I spent the whole break thinking, "I could crawl back, but unless I'm going to finish in the top 5, I don't really want to play for the next seven hours (the Friday tournament goes later than the Thursday one if you make the final table) and miss dinner to end up not getting paid or to barely make back my entry fee." Plus, the basketball games were about to start. Three minutes after we came back from the break, I was (almost) happily out. I may play some poker today, but I doubt I will go for more tournaments.
Regarding the basketball games, I was completely shut out yesterday on my two bets. I went with a parlay on Ohio State and the over in the first bet and took Purdue to win straight up in the second. I desperately needed overtime in the Ohio State game. The over was covered with a bunch of time left—it was really never in doubt as I only needed about 50 total second half points after a blazing first session. However, it is really hard to cover a point spread when you give up two dozen layups and slam dunks. I mean, seriously Ohio State? Play some freakin' defense. I cannot imagine that Tennessee was the most powerful interior game you have faced this season. It was literally like watching the old NBA all-star games where no defense was played at all intentionally to give the fans a show.
Getting back to my point yesterday about rooting for the strangest things when you bet on a basketball game, have you ever given the cashier $11.22 on a $6.22 bill, so you can get back a five and have her look at you like you are from Mars? And then when you explain that you did it so you could get a five back, she looks at you like you are some math savant for figuring out what is essentially a second-grade problem? That was me in the sports book yesterday at the end of the Ohio State-Tennessee game. Tennessee is up by one with only seconds remaining and Ohio State misses the shot and has to foul. So I cheer (just a little: I still thought I was going to lose). And the Ohio State fans (fans to cover) with whom I had been cheering in the sports book give me that same look. To which I responded, "That was a good thing. You can't go into overtime on a last second shot if you are down by one. You can if you are down by two or three." Blank stares. Slow realization. Massive cheering for Tennessee to hit at least one free throw. Small grin by me (and maybe somewhere, by my second-grade teacher). The funniest part was seeing the people cheering for Tennessee wonder why the Ohio State supporters were hoping for the free throws to hit, coming to the same realization, and then rooting for misses. Yeah, there's really no such thing as loyalty in a sports book.
The second game was ugly. I never got the sense that Purdue was in control in any way, but it was a little shocking how easily Duke blew them out at the end, making the final score look like it wasn't close for more than a half. At the end, I would have gotten much better returns by investing in Perdue than in Purdue. This makes me one for nine in my basketball bets and between buying dinner for everyone on Thursday, the basketball, and other assorted losses, I've wiped out my tournament winnings from Thursday. The good news is that I'm fairly even on my gambling, and if you can walk away from Vegas even (I've still got 24 hours left), that's a pretty good result.
Tapas were very good last night, although we all thought the ambiance could have been a little nicer. If you do go to Julian Serrano's, the tuna-raspberry skewers were my pick as the best of the twenty different dishes we tried. The brava potatoes, the cheese plate, and the ahi tuna tempura were quite tasty as well. For me, the rest of the night was fairly tame as I called it an evening not much after midnight, so I could gear up for today. I will say that the one guy who finally joined us this year after we had been trying to get him to come the last eight trips just walked into my room an hour ago after being up all night, and had by far the closest story to the Hangover any of us have had on these trips. Unfortunately, I have been sworn to secrecy. I will say that he personally did nothing illegal or immoral, but for the rest of the story, I suppose I'll just say . . . what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.
Tonight is Fleur de Lys where we attempt to catch lightning in a bottle for a second time. Last year, we went all out and did the tasting menu with wine pairings at the Captain's Table: there is a glass-encased wine cellar overlooking the restaurant, and in it, there is a single table. We had it last year, and I reserved it again. With candles and pumped in music and your own staff, it would probably be quite romantic if our group wasn't five guys. Last year, we all agreed that it ranked in the top meals of our lives, if not at the very top. We also all agreed that we were completely sauced by the end, as unlike some restaurants where a wine pairing is a couple of ounces, at Fleur de Lys, each one was a full glass, and the four guys drinking last year, including me, polished off more than six bottles of wine. I barely remember asking to speak to the chef to thank him and being surprised when they escorted us to the kitchen instead of him coming up to us. More surprised was the whole kitchen staff, who stared at us with fear as we, um, I think applauded. I'm sure they were thinking something along the lines of: "I can't believe we are letting these guys this close to fire and knives."
Anyway, we are all quite aware that we may be setting our expectations to such a point that we are disappointed, but we can hope. I'm going to grab some breakfast, doom Kentucky by placing a bet on them to cover (and maybe throw a little action on the over in Kansas State against Butler game), and then do some gambling and relaxing. I'll let you all know how that goes tomorrow.


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Ok, im well experienced with j2me and have done alot of complex programming with it over the years.
i have an app that uses the camera to take a snapshot (jsr-135)
the app works on S40 6th edition FP1 and S60 handsets i got a failed QA in Ovi for it on S40 6th edition & below.
i dont have an S40 6th edition or below device so i decided to check the s40 6th edition emulator which according to the documentation should be able to capture an image (the app also work on s40 6th edition FP1 emulator).
the vc.getSnapShot(null) call fails with illegal state exception on the S40 6th edition emulator and please note my first line that i wrote (im 100% percent sure that my code is correct also note that it runs on FP1 emulator and device)
BUT to play the devils advocate i decided to use an official sample from the wiki for capture an image with j2me
i checked this exact code on the s40 6th edition emulator (i changed the locator string to capture://image as wisely stated in the wiki as it should be from my knowledge as well) and it fails with the same exception as my app on the exact same line.....
so i ask WTF????
can someone with a s40 6th edition or below please help me by checking the code in the wiki if it works on their phone?
Thanks to the helpers


text:
By coincidence, I was checking my e-mail at the exact moment (7:31 p.m. EST, Dec. 27, 2005) when a new Microsoft Windows zero-day exploit (the WMF buffer overflow exploit) was announced in an anonymous e-mail to Bugtraq. Here's the e-mail with the URL modified to prevent unknowledgeable readers from accidentally launching the malware:
From: email@example.com
To: firstname.lastname@example.com
Subject: Is this a new exploit?
Warning the following URL successfully exploited a fully patched windows xp system with a freshly updated norton anti virus.
The url runs a .wmf and executes the virus, f-secure will pick up the virus norton will not.
If the e-mail was true, it would be a rare Windows zero-day exploit, and dangerous because no patches or anti-virus software were available to protect against it. Malware writers could, and would, utilize it to spread malicious programs.
My first duty was to confirm the poster's attestations. On my two test systems, I first ran the link in Mozilla Firefox to see whether the URL link included downloadable content. Sure enough, it did.
I downloaded the file, which Firefox did not automatically execute, to my malware testing directory. I confirmed the WMF file and its format and then explored the malicious Web site a bit, looking in vain for clues.
I then used both Internet Explorer 6 and 7 to load the same link on fully patched test systems. Both systems immediately downloaded the file, became victims to the exploit, and installed a separate Trojan file called apidm.exe into the %Windir% folder.
I uploaded the original malicious file to several Web sites that specialize in scanning suspected malware simultaneously with multiple anti-virus scanners to reveal whether the malware program was recognized by one or more anti-virus vendors. The sites I used were virusscan.jotti.org and virustotal.com.
Of the 30-plus anti-virus scanners used, none recognized the initial exploit, and only two recognized the secondary dropped Trojan. Within 40 minutes (8:10 p.m.) of the exploit being released into the wild, I had confirmed that this was indeed a new Windows zero-day exploit. I needed to notify as many security people and entities as possible.
But how do you do this, especially on a night during the holiday season?


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You're mopping the floor with your Swiffer Wet Jet and your pet happens to walk across the floor, it licks its paws and next thing you know it dies of liver failure and has to be put down.
That's the synopsis of this email and we're about to tell you why it's proven to be completely unfounded.
The confusion starts when the bogus email goes on to say the dog's owner called the company to find out what the contents of the cleaning agent are and found out antifreeze is one of the ingredients.
ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center got wind of the email as well and conducted a product safety assessment.
"Proctor and Gamble has worked with us as far as providing us with detailed ingredient information so that we can make an appropriate assessment," says Dana Farbman.
Swiffer's contents include propylene glycol n-propyl ether or propylene glycol n-butyl ether safe to use around pets when following label directions.
Anti-freeze is known as ethylene glycol it sounds similar to the ingredients in Swiffer, but UT Health Center's Dr. Torey Nalbone, a former toxicologist, says they're not the same!
"It is not antifreeze. It's not only structurally different, it's chemically different and since it's chemically different the body reacts differently too," says Dr. Nalbone.
Still not convinced?? Maybe you will be, knowing what makes up a majority of Swiffer's contents.
"Almost 90% of the Swiffer product is water," Dr. Nalbone confirms.
So while this email convinced some the Swiffer Wet Jet poisoned a person's pet, the only real casualty here is the fact this rumor has been debunked.
Christine Nelson reporting. firstname.lastname@example.com
358 TV Road,
Pollok TX 75969
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Jeffrey Bean, Sharon Lockwood and More Star in Alley Theatre's 'VANYA AND SONIA', Beg. Tonight
by BWW News Desk - May 23, 2014
Tony Award-winning comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike will feature Resident Actor Jeffrey Bean as Vanya, Sharon Lockwood returning to the Alley as Sonia, Alley Artist Josie de Guzman returning as Masha, and Resident Actor Jay Sullivan as Spike. Rounding out the cast and making their Alley debuts are Rachael Holmes as Cassandra and Sarah Nealis as Nina. Jonathan Moscone, Artistic Director of California Shakespeare Theater, helms the production and returns after having directed the Alley's 2011 production of Amadeus. (more...)
Marsha Mason Joins the Cast of DEATHTRAP at Bucks County Playhouse, Running 6/19-7/13
by BWW News Desk - May 22, 2014
Bucks County Playhouse has announced Marsha Mason has joined the cast of its new production of Ira Levin's Deathtrap, directed by Evan Cabnet. Mason, who is currently directing the Playhouse production of Neil Simon's Chapter Two that begins performances tonight, will play the role of the mysterious Helga Ten Dorp. The full cast and creative team will be announced shortly for the comedy thriller that begins performances Thursday, June 19. (more...)
Photo Flash: First Look at Teddy Bergman, Mikaela Feely-Lehmann and More in Slant Theatre Project's THE CLOUD
by BWW News Desk - May 21, 2014
Building on Slant Theatre Project's success with last season's The Steadfast, the company presents The Cloud, a world premiere mistaken-identity comedy written by playwright/comedian Matt Moses. Wes Grantom (Eager to Lose, The Steadfast) directs a cast of four including Teddy Bergman* (B'way: Peter and the Starcatcher, Off-B'way: Sex Lives of Our Parents), Mikaela Feely-Lehmann* (B'way: Cyrano de Bergerac), Ryan King* (Now Or Later at Huntington Theatre, The Intelligent Design Of Jenny Chow at the Atlantic Theater Company), and Polly Lee* (Marie Antoinette at Yale Rep, Wasps at Studio 42). Scroll down for a first look at the cast in action! (more...)
Brent Carver Replaces Andrew Rannells in IF I LOVED YOU at Luminato Festival
by BWW News Desk - Jun 9, 2014
Luminato Festival has confirmed that Andrew Rannells has withdrawn from the world premiere presentation of IF I LOVED YOU - GENTLEMEN PREFER BROADWAY- An Evening of Love Duets, due to a scheduling conflict with a new film project. (more...)
BWW TV: GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE's Darko Tresnjak Reveals Where He's Keeping His Tony!
by BroadwayWorld TV - Jun 9, 2014
Darko Tresnjak won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER. BroadwayWorld's own Richard Ridge was in the press room to catch up with the winner on what the award means to him - hear what Tresnjak had to say below! (more...)
GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE's Darko Tresnjak Wins Tony for Best Direction of a Musical
by BWW Special Coverage - Jun 8, 2014
Darko Tresnjak won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER. This is Darko Tresnjak's first Tony nomination and his Broadway debut. He is the artistic director of Connecticut's Hartford Stage. He has directed at Theatre for a New Audience, The Public Theater, Old Globe, Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Royal Shakespeare Company Complete Works Festival, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Huntington Theatre Company, Goodspeed Musicals, Long Wharf Theatre, Westport Country Playhouse, Vineyard Theater, and Los Angeles Opera. (more...)
Noah Parets, Armand Schultz & Anastasia Barzee to Lead Ogunquit Playhouse's BILLY ELLIOT
by BWW News Desk - Jun 6, 2014
The Ogunquit Playhouse, America's Foremost Summer Theatre, will be one of the first regional theatres in the U.S. to produce the Tony Award winning Billy Elliot the Musical on stage June 25 to July 26. Billy Elliot tells the story of a young boy who discovers his true passion lies in ballet class and not in the boxing ring, and then finds the strength to defy the convention of his small UK mining town to make his dream come true. The Ogunquit production features a cast of Broadway veterans, including Anastasia Barzee, Armond Shultz and Tony Award nominee Joel Blum. (more...)
SDC Welcomes Marsha Mason as 2,000th Active Full Member
by BWW News Desk - Jun 6, 2014
In May, Marsha Mason became the 2,000th active Full Member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC), a national labor union representing stage directors and choreographers working throughout the United States. (more...)
HAPPY DAYS, CALVIN BERGER & EATING RAOUL Set for Minneapolis Musical Theatre's 2014-15 Season
by BWW News Desk - Jun 4, 2014
Minneapolis Musical Theatre's (MMT) new 2014-15 season will feature the area premieres of Eating Raoul, Calvin Berger and Happy Days-A New Musical at Hennepin Theatre Trust's New Century Theatre. Eating Raoul, based on the 1982 cult classic, black comedy film about a twisted take on the American dream, runs October 3-26, 2014. Calvin Berger, inspired by the classic French play Cyrano de Bergerac, runs January 23-February 15, 2015. TV's favorite family, the Cunninghams join The Fonz to save their favorite malt shop from demolition in Happy Days-A New Musical, running April 24-May 17, 2015. Three-show season subscription packages are just $66 and go on sale Friday, June 6 at 11 a.m. by calling 612.455.9501 or in person at the New Century Theatre Box Office (street level of City Center in downtown Minneapolis). Please visit HennepinTheatreTrust.org/mmt for complete ordering information. Individual tickets will go on sale at a later date. (more...)
BWW Flashback: CASA VALENTINA Ends Broadway Run Today
by BWW Special Coverage - Jun 29, 2014
Casa Valentina, the new play by four-time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein, directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello, closes today, June 29, 2014, after having played 79 performances. Below, BroadwayWorld takes you back through Casa Valentina's beginnings on Broadway! (more...)
Photo Flash: More Photos from Bay Street Theater's TRAVESTIES Released, Now Through 7/20
by BWW News Desk - Jun 29, 2014
Bay Street Theater is pleased to announce that the Tony award-winning comedy TRAVESTIES, by Tom Stoppard, is now on stage through July 20. The production is directed by Gregory Boyd. Tickets can be purchased online now at www.baystreet.org or by calling the Box Office at 631-725-9500, 11 am to Showtime. For more information about Bay Street Theater log on to www.baystreet.org. (more...)
JEEVES AND WOOSTER IN PERFECT NONSENSE Extends at Duke of York's Theatre, Thru Jan 17
by BWW News Desk - Jun 26, 2014
'What ho! Turns out, Jeeves and I belong on stage. I'm having a splendid time at the Duke of York's Theatre with Jeeves and we shall continue recounting the complex case of that ghastly girl Gussie Fink-Nottle, my Aunt Dahlia and that dastardly cow-creamer until 17 January 2015. Of course Jeeves will be in touch in due course to update everyone with any information you might require to enjoy a topping night at the theatre' - Bertie Wooster (more...)
GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE's Darko Tresnjak, Robert Freedman & Steven Lutvak Working on CAMPAIGN OF THE CENTURY Musical
by BWW News Desk - Jun 23, 2014
In a recent interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune, Tony-winning director Darko Tresnjak revealed that he is already hard at work with his A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder collaborators on a new musical. Tresnjak has reunited with Robert Freedman and Steven Lutvak for The Campaign of the Century- a musical based on Greg Mitchell's book about Upton Sinclair. (more...)
CASA VALENTINA Begins Final Week on Broadway; Extended Run Ends 6/29
by BWW News Desk - Jun 23, 2014
CASA VALENTINA, the critically acclaimed world premiere play by four-time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein, directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello, begins the final week of its extended run Tuesday, June 24 at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). The production is presented by Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer), by special arrangement with Colin Callender, Robert Cole, Frederick Zollo and The Shubert Organization. (more...)
One Week Left for CASA VALENTINA; Show to Close June 29
by BWW News Desk - Jun 22, 2014
Back in May, the Manhattan Theatre Club, by special arrangement with Colin Callender, Robert Cole, Frederick Zollo and The Shubert Organization, announced an extension for Casa Valentina, the world premiere play by four-time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein, directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello. An additional two weeks were added to the critically acclaimed limited engagement, through Sunday, June 29th and no more extensions are planned. (more...)
THE OPPONENT to Swing Into 59E59 Theaters from Chicago's A Red Orchid Theatre, 7/31-9/7
by BWW News Desk - Jun 19, 2014
59E59 Theaters will welcome Chicago's A Red Orchid Theatre, in association with Bisno Productions, with the NYC premiere of THE OPPONENT, written by Brett Neveu and directed by Karen Kessler. THE OPPONENT begins performances on Thursday, July 31 for a limited engagement through Sunday, September 7. Press opening is Wednesday, August 6 at 7:30 PM. (more...)
Photo Flash: Rehearsal Photos for RICHARD III Starring Martin Freeman, July 1 to Sept 27
by BWW News Desk - Jun 18, 2014
Gina McKee (Di & Viv & Rose, King Lear, Ivanov, Our Friends In The North, Notting Hill) will play Queen Elizabeth, alongside the previously announced Martin Freeman (Clybourne Park, The Hobbit, Sherlock, Fargo) as Richard III in Jamie Lloyd's first production of his second season at Trafalgar Transformed, Richard III, running from 1 July to 27 September, with press night on 8 July. (more...)
Bucks County Playhouse Announces Entire Cast for 2014 Summer Season
by BWW News Desk - Jun 16, 2014
Bucks County Playhouse Producers Alexander Fraser, Robyn Goodman, Stephen Kocis, and Josh Fiedler announce complete casting for the remaining 2014 75th anniversary summer seaso (more...)
PlayMakers' Summer Youth Conservatory to Perform HAIRSPRAY, 7/16-20
by BWW News Desk - Jun 11, 2014
A cast of young student actors will perform the Tony Award-winning musical 'Hairspray' July 16-20 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. High school actors and technicians will begin work on the production June 16. PlayMakers Repertory Company, the professional theater in residence in UNC's College of Arts and Sciences, will present the Broadway musical as the culmination of its popular Summer Youth Conservatory. (more...)
STAGE TUBE: First Look at Highlights of CST's SEUSSICAL
by Stage Tube - Jul 9, 2014
Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) brings the humor and magic of Dr. Seuss to life onstage this summer for young audiences and their families in the Broadway musical comedy Seussical. Playful, energetic and full of whimsy, Seussical engages the imagination with clever lyrics and melodies, unforgettable characters and the colorful world of Dr. Seuss. Seussical is written by the Tony Award®-winning team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, whose works include Ragtime, Once on This Island and the current Broadway production of Rocky, The Musical. Eric Idle of Monty Python and Spamalot fame co-conceived the musical. Directed by Scott Weinstein with musical direction by Michael Mahler, Seussical will be performed July 5 through August 17 in CST's Courtyard Theater. Every performance features special opportunities for audiences to interact with the actors for one-on-one conversations and photo opportunities. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, CST partners with the Chicago Children's Museum (CCM) to offer hands-on craft activities in CST's Lobby. Check out highlights below! (more...)
Photo Flash: First Look at CST's SEUSSICAL
by BWW News Desk - Jul 9, 2014
Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) brings the humor and magic of Dr. Seuss to life onstage this summer for young audiences and their families in the Broadway musical comedy Seussical. Playful, energetic and full of whimsy,Seussical engages the imagination with clever lyrics and melodies, unforgettable characters and the colorful world ofDr. Seuss. Seussical is written by the Tony Award®-winning team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, whose works include Ragtime, Once on This Island and the current Broadway production of Rocky, The Musical. Eric Idle ofMonty Python and Spamalot fame co-conceived the musical. Directed by Scott Weinstein with musical direction byMichael Mahler, Seussical will be performed July 5 through August 17 in CST's Courtyard Theater. Every performance features special opportunities for audiences to interact with the actors for one-on-one conversations and photo opportunities. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, CST partners with the Chicago Children's Museum (CCM) to offer hands-on craft activities in CST's Lobby. Check out a first look below! (more...)
City Theatre Company to Stage CYRANO DE BERGERAC, 7/18-8/10
by BWW News Desk - Jul 9, 2014
The City Theatre Company will continue its 2014 summer theatre season with Edmond Rostand's enduring masterwork Cyrano de Bergerac. A poignant and passionate portrait of panache in 1640 Paris set against the backdrop of corrupt magistrates, bawdy ladies, and dueling musketeers. The stage adaption is by Anthony Burgess and led by guest director Jeff Hinkle. Show dates are July 18 - August 10 at City Theatre. (more...)
Roger Forbes, Elizabeth Franz, Robert Foxworth and Jill Tanner to Lead QUARTET at The Old Globe, Running 7/25-8/24
by BWW News Desk - Jul 7, 2014
The Old Globe today announced the full cast and creative team for the third production of the 2014 Summer Season, Ronald Harwood's comedy Quartet, directed by Richard Seer (Other Desert Cities, God of Carnage, The Last Romance). Harwood received an Academy Award for his screenplay of The Pianist and was nominated for The Diving Bell and the Butterfly and The Dresser (also a hit on Broadway and the West End). Quartet will play in the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, part of the Globe's Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, July 25 - August 24, 2014. (more...)
Wasatch Theatrical Ventures to Present MOON OVER BUFFALO, 8/2-9/14
by BWW News Desk - Jul 7, 2014
Runs August 2 through Sept. 14. Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm; Sundays at 3pm. Tickets are $25. Buy tickets at www.plays411.com/moon or (323) 960-7721. Grove Theatre Center is located at 1111-B West Olive Avenue in George Izay Park, Burbank 91506. (more...)
WICKED's Marybeth Abel and Christy Ney to Hold Stage Management Workshop on 8/10
by BWW News Desk - Jul 7, 2014
Broadway Basics is recruiting undergraduates for their Stage Management Workshop- a one day intensive on Sunday, August 10, 2014 from 10am-3pm for an in-depth day with two Professional Broadway Stage Managers. Upon attending the workshop, students will learn first-hand about what it takes on put on a Broadway show from pre-production through strike, networking and resume writing, and more! The enrollment deadline is July 12, 2014. (more...)
Orlando Shakespeare Theater & Holocaust Center to Present THE BEST OF ENEMIES, 10/15-11/16
by BWW News Desk - Jul 31, 2014
Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF and the Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida are proud to present The Best of Enemies from October 15 - November 16, 2014 in the Goldman (more...)
Paige Davis & John Cariani to Lead Barrington Stage's DANCING LESSONS, Running 8/7-24
by BWW News Desk - Jul 31, 2014
Barrington Stage Company (BSC), the award-winning theatre in Downtown Pittsfield, MA, under the leadership of Artistic Director Julianne Boyd and Managing Director Tristan Wilson, presents the world premiere of Dancing Lessons, the new romantic comedy by playwright and BSC Associate Artist Mark St. Germain from August 7 - 24. Opening night is August 13 at 7pm. (more...)
Anjelica Huston, Mia Farrow, Carol Burnett, Alan Alda & More Will Rotate Through All-Star Broadway Revival of A.R. Gurney's LOVE LETTERS at the Nederlander
by BWW News Desk - Jul 31, 2014
A.R. Gurney's enduring romance about first loves and second chances, LOVE LETTERS, will have its first Broadway revival, beginning performances Saturday, September 13, 2014, at 8pm, at the Nederlander Theatre (208 West 41 Street). (more...)
BWW Review: Cyrano May Be Ready for the Stage, But CYRANO Is Not
by Jeff Davis - Jul 30, 2014
I wish I had Cyrano de Bergerac's way with words. If I did, maybe it would be easier to write what I'm about to say here. City Theatre's current production of the Edmond Rostand classic, Cyrano de Bergerac has several of the elements that a show needs to succeed. It has an incomparable lead actor, two amiable supporting leads, and a text beloved by many a theatergoer. Still, due to a lackluster ensemble and odd directing choices, the production fails to gel or leave a positive impression. (more...)
Amphibian Stage Productions Announces Opening of THE NOSEMAKER'S APPRENTICE, 7/10
by BWW News Desk - Jul 3, 2014
Amphibian Stage Productions opens its third main stage production of the 2014 season, The Nosemaker's Apprentice: Chronicles of a Medieval Plastic Surgeon by Nick Jones and Rachel Shukert, July 10, kicking off a five-week run of the play. Jay Duffer, John Forkner, Alexandra Lawrence, Brandon Murphy and Scott Zenreich star in this infectious comedy running Thursday, July 10 through Sunday, August 10 at the Berlene T. and Jarrell R. Milburn Theatre at Amphibian Stage Productions (more...)
SCENES FROM AN ADULTERY Rounds Out New Rep's 2014-15 Season
by BWW News Desk - Jul 28, 2014
New Repertory Theatre announces the final show of the 30th Anniversary Season, the Next Rep World Premiere: SCENES FROM AN ADULTERY by Ronan Noone, June 6 through June 21, 2015 at the Boston University Theatre, Lane-Comley Studio 210. SCENES FROM AN ADULTERY is co-presented with Boston Center for American Performance (BCAP). (more...)
Photo Flash: The City Theatre Presents CYRANO DE BERGERAC, Now Through 8/10
by BWW News Desk - Jul 26, 2014
Cyrano's a soldier, philosopher, and nobleman with a head for poetry and a nose for miles. All of Paris adores him except for his true love Roxanne, who can't see past his all-too-prominent facial feature. Instead, she falls for a handsome young cadet named Christian. But when Christian admits he's tongue-tied with Roxanne, Cyrano gives him the romantic words guaranteed to win her heart. With Christian's looks and Cyrano's language, it's a foolproof plan! Or is it? A beautiful and touching story of 1640 Paris, set against the backdrop of corrupt magistrates, bawdy ladies, and dueling musketeers. (more...)
Maverick Theater Extends ELVIS '68 Through 9/20
by BWW News Desk - Jul 24, 2014
The Maverick Theater extends the run of its original play, ELVIS '68. Due to the overwhelming response from the public, ELVIS '68's entire run sold out faster than any other production in the Maverick's 12-year history! To meet the demand, the Maverick Theater has extended the run by pushing back its August production of "Cyrano de Bergerac" into the 2015 season. ELVIS '68 reopens August 15th (the day before the anniversary of Elvis' passing) and close September 20th. (more...)
Aaron Tveit Lands Lead Role in Romantic Comedy STEREOTYPICALLY YOU
by TV News Desk - Jul 22, 2014
Broadway's Aaron Tveit has landed the lead role in the upcoming romantic comedy film STEREOTYPICALLY YOU, from writer-director Benjamin Cox. (more...)
Betty Buckley, Hallie Foote, Annalee Jefferies and Veanne Cox to Lead the Cast of THE OLD FRIENDS at Houston's Alley Theatre, 8/15-9/7
by BWW News Desk - Jul 16, 2014
The 'Alley Theatre @ UH' season begins with Betty Buckley, Hallie Foote, Annalee Jefferies and Veanne Cox in award-winning Texas playwright Horton Foote's The Old Friends, a Southwestern premiere. (more...)
Patti LuPone Set to Lead LA Opera's THE GHOSTS OF VERSAILLES; Darko Tresnjak to Direct
by BWW News Desk - Jul 14, 2014
LA Opera will soon present the first full-scale production in this century of John Corigliano's grand opera buffa, one of the most acclaimed operas of our time. Extravagantly scaled, gloriously tuneful, supremely touching and yet uproariously entertaining, The Ghosts of Versailles turns history on its head as love attempts to alter the course of destiny. Running February 7- March 1, 2015, the production will feature direction by Tony winner Darko Tresnjak. (more...)
THE PICTURE OF JOHN GRAY Comes to the Old Red Lion, Aug 5-30
by BWW News Desk - Jul 14, 2014
The Picture of John Gray will play the The Old Red Lion Theatre, 418 St John Street, London EC1V 4NJ, from Tuesday 5th - Saturday 30th August 2014, 7.30pm. Press Night: Friday 8th August 2014, 7.15pm. (more...)
Jenna Russell, Jonathan Slinger & Marc Elliott to Reprise Roles in West End Transfer of URINETOWN
by BWW News Desk - Jul 11, 2014
Olivier Award winning Jenna Russell, star of the RSC, Jonathan Slinger, and EastEnders' Marc Elliott, reprise their acclaimed roles, Penelope Pennywise, Officer Lockstock and Mr. McQueen respectively, in the West End transfer of Jamie Lloyd's ground breaking, splash hit production of Urinetown The Musical. (more...)
URINETOWN Transfers To Apollo Theatre From Sept 29, 2014!
by BWW News Desk - Jul 1, 2014
Director Jamie Lloyd's critically acclaimed, sell-out production of Urinetown The Musical, will transfer to the Apollo Theatre, running from 29 September 2014. (more...)
Original Casts to Record TRIBES, DIRTY BLONDE, I AM MY OWN WIFE and More for L.A. Theatre Works' 2014-15 Season
by BWW News Desk - Aug 6, 2014
L.A. Theatre Works celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2014-15 with a season of ten radio-theater productions, each recorded by a star-studded cast in front of a live audience for future radio broadcast, distribution on CD, digital download and online streaming. All performances take place at the 300-seat, acoustically vibrant James Bridges Theater located on the campus of UCLA in West Los Angeles. In addition, the company heads out on its 10th annual national tour. (more...)
A Red Orchid Theatre's THE OPPONENT Opens Tonight at 59E59 Theaters
by BWW News Desk - Aug 6, 2014
59E59 Theaters will welcome Chicago's A Red Orchid Theatre, in association with Bisno Productions, with the NYC premiere of THE OPPONENT, written by Brett Neveu and directed by Karen Kessler. THE OPPONENT begins performances on Thursday, July 31 for a limited engagement through Sunday, September 7. Press opening is Wednesday, August 6 at 7:30 PM. (more...)
Stephen Lee Anderson, Stephen Bogardus, Patti Cohenour and More to Lead Steve Martin's BRIGHT STAR at The Old Globe; Walter Bobbie Directs!
by BWW News Desk - Aug 6, 2014
The Old Globe today announced the full cast and creative team for the World Premiere of Bright Star, a new American musical featuring music by Edie Brickell and Steve Martin, lyrics by Brickell, and book by Martin, based on an original story by Martin and Brickell. Directed by Walter Bobbie, Bright Star will run September 13 - November 2, 2014 on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Globe's Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. Preview performances run September 13 - September 27. Opening night is Sunday, September 28 at 7:00 p.m. Single tickets go on sale on Friday, August 8 at noon. (more...)
San Francisco Opera to Open 2014 Season with Bellini's NORMA, 9/5-30
by BWW News Desk - Aug 5, 2014
San Francisco Opera's 2014-15 Season opens September 5, 2014 with a dramatic new production of Vincenzo Bellini's bel canto masterpiece Norma, starring American soprano Sondra Radvanovsky in one of opera's most dazzling and demanding roles. American mezzo-soprano Daveda Karanas is the young priestess Adalgisa; Italian tenor Marco Berti is Pollione; and American bass-baritone Christian Van Horn is Oroveso. Music Director Nicola Luisotti conducts the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and Chorus and Director Kevin Newbury and set designer David Korins return to San Francisco Opera to premiere this vivid, large-scale new co-production with Toronto's Canadian Opera Company, Barcelona's Gran Teatre del Liceu and Lyric Opera of Chicago. Norma runs for seven performances through September 30. (more...)
Two Muses Theatre To Open Season With AT THE BISTRO GARDEN, 9/26-10/19
by BWW News Desk - Aug 26, 2014
The Two Muses Theatre will be opening its fourth season with the new musical 'At the Bistro Garden.' (more...)
Patrick Page Returns to 54 Below for Encore Performance of 'Good to Be Bad', 8/27
by BWW News Desk - Aug 21, 2014
After a 54 Below debut in January, Patrick Page, recently of Casa Valentina, AND BROADWAY'S LEADING BAD GUY returns for an encore performance AT 54 BELOW! (more...)
Goodman Theatre and Drury Lane Productions Lead 2014 Jeff Awards Nominations; Full List!
by BWW News Desk - Aug 21, 2014
Chicago actress, TV and film star Jane Lynch did the honor today of announcing the nominees for the 2013-2014 Equity Jeff Awards. (more...)
BWW Exclusive: Broadway's Patrick Page Shares His Personal Struggle with Depression; Reflects on Death of Robin Williams
by BWW Special Coverage - Aug 18, 2014
Mr. Page generously and immediately responded to our request and composed the moving essay that follows, which also includes his personal reflections on last week's tragic death of Robin Williams. (more...)
Meet the Current Casts of Broadway's Long Running Hits- KINKY BOOTS!
by BWW Special Coverage - Aug 15, 2014
A great, big Broadway season is on its way, with fourteen productions already slated to open in the next few months. With several weeks until the craziness begins, there is still plenty of time to catch up on what's been going on at Broadway's already occupied theaters . BroadwayWorld will be profiling the hits of the Great White Way that continue to draw crowds after months, years, and (in some cases) decades. Meet the current cast of Broadway's KINKY BOOTS below! (more...)
Larry Yando to Star in KING LEAR at Chicago Shakespeare Theater This Fall
by BWW News Desk - Aug 11, 2014
Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces today the casting and creative team for William Shakespeare's towering epic King Lear, directed by CSTFounder and Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and featuring Chicago theater legend Larry Yando in the title role. A wrenching story of love, loss and reconciliation, the unraveling of an imperious king has fascinated audiences for more than 400 years. Gaines brings audiences aKing Lear for our times, especially relevant as today's generation wrestles with the harrowing effects of aging on loved ones. King Lear opens Chicago Shakespeare's 2014/15 season in the Courtyard Theater, September 9-November 9, 2014. (more...)
Wasatch Theatrical Ventures' MOON OVER BUFFALO to Open Today
by BWW News Desk - Aug 1, 2014
There will be swashbuckling when Wasatch Theatrical Ventures presents the Tony-nominated comedy MOON OVER BUFFALO, written by Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor), directed by Kiff Scholl, produced by Racquel Lehrman/Theatre Planners, opening August 2 at the Grove Center Theatre in Burbank, CA. (more...)
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Caramel Toffee Ice Cream Pie Recipe
"This delicious pie is easy to make and so pretty," writes Diane Lombardo of New Castle, Pennsylvania. It comes together in under 30 minutes and since you can make it in advance, it's ideal for entertaining.
- 1-1/2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs (about 8 whole crackers)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 egg white, beaten
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 cups fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt, softened, divided
- 2 English toffee candy bars (1.4 ounces each), coarsely chopped, divided
- 1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping, divided
- Preheat oven to 375°. In a small bowl, combine cracker crumbs and sugar; stir in egg white and butter. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of a 9-in. pie plate coated with cooking spray. Bake 6-8 minutes or until set. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Spread 2-2/3 cups of frozen yogurt into the crust. Sprinkle with half of the toffee bits; drizzle with half of caramel. Layer with remaining yogurt, toffee and caramel topping. Cover and freeze 8 hours or overnight. Remove from the freezer 15 minutes before serving. Yield: 8 servings.
Originally published as Caramel Toffee Ice Cream Pie in Healthy Cooking June/July 2008, p66
Reviews for Caramel Toffee Ice Cream Pie
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Reviewed Aug. 15, 2011
Don't call it an ice cream pie when it is really yogurt.
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2011
My teen-age son said this was definitely the best dessert I've ever made, and I make a lot of them.
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2009
I made this pie for dessert when we had friends over for dinner. It was beautiful and tasted yummy!!!
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2009
This looks yummy. I want to try making it. I will use a prepared chocolate crust, however.
Reviewed Jun. 25, 2009
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The big knock on [Bjugstad] before last season was his skating. Now at 6'4 with the hands and hockey IQ he possesses, nobody's expecting him to be Pavel Bure out there, but his skating needed to improve. And that's what he did last offseason. The result was an explosive first step and an ability to better gain separation and speed on his first couple of strides. That, with the combination of off-season conditioning and a year of maturity, led to the explosion we saw as a sophomore.Does he stay with Minnesota or go pro? Debating both sides of Panthers prospect Nick Bjugstad's near-term future via Jeffrick at Daily Gopher
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Nemetschek North America announced that new online and onsite training is now available to VectorWorks users. These new training options provide instructor-led training that can be customized to a user's specific needs.
VectorWorks onsite training provides courses for those companies who prefer the convenience of hosting employee training sessions in-house. VectorWorks certified trainers work with each company to analyze their needs and tailor a curriculum accordingly.
VectorWorks online training offers instructor-led training via the Internet. Powered by WebEx, these sessions can be scheduled at the user's convenience for a half an hour or longer. Each individual has the opportunity to work with a certified VectorWorks trainer through a WebEx interactive interface, so the user can see the instructor's screen and follow along. Online training provides the ultimate convenience for intermediate or advanced users who wish to increase their knowledge on a specific topic, tool or workflow within any of the VectorWorks products. One-on-one sessions are tailored to the user's individual needs.
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For more information, visit the VectorWorks Online Training web page and the Onsite Training web page.


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Preview and Discuss the Mathyssee-Dallas Fight/Card Here, This Saturday on Showtime.
Preview and Discuss the Mathyssee-Dallas Fight/Card Here, This Saturday on Showtime.
Jan 23 2013, 04:00 PM
Post #1
The Consultant
Group: Root Admin
Posts: 9,722
Joined: 2-December 02
Member No.: 14
What do you think?
If I read this right, Lucus is a 33-1 favorite! Read Fightnews here:
I don't think this is a Showtime caliber card, considering what they have provided in the past. But it is interesting because both fighters have had some controversial losses. I don't know, I see this as a stay busy fight that could have been on standard cable. Thoughts?
Jan 24 2013, 12:10 PM
Post #2
"The Meanest Nice Guy"
Group: Moderators
Posts: 13,348
Joined: 11-May 11
From: Wherever Greatness is Bred
Member No.: 12,050
I have no interest in Matthysse/Dallas...NOW, had it been Matthysse/Lundy, then I'd be a bit pumped. I've seen Dallas fight a few times on FNFs, but I truly don't remember his performances all that well. I THINK (I think, I think, I think) either Dallas or one of his opponents came into a fight waaaay over the weight limit, and the fight went on anyway. Mind you, I THINK that was a Dallas fight, but dont quote me.
I dont like the idea of this fight being at a 33-1 odds...shit usually goes ALL wrong with those kind of odds. Matthysse can very well lose, but I dont feel like it will be this weekend. Well...this 33-1 odds wont leave the back of my mind. Lol
Im more pumped for Soto-Karass/Aydin...those dudes are gonna go for broke. I love to see guys like Karass, with several losses and an extremely huge will to win...it always makes for a great fight!
I actually have Karass by TKO...I feel like he's gonna catch Aydin with something that he just doesn't see coming. Dont get me wrong, Aydin can take a punch and he packs one as well, but I think Karass will land something retarded, and change the pace of the fight. I see the tide of this fight changing several times.
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|Time is now: 21st August 2014 - 04:46 AM


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Factbook > Countries > Cuba > Demographics
Languages: Spanish (official)
Definition: This entry provides a rank ordering of languages starting with the largest and sometimes includes the percent of total population speaking that language.
Source: CIA World Factbook - Unless otherwise noted, information in this page is accurate as of December 6, 2013
© 2013 IndexMundi. All rights reserved.


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CATEGORIES Comedy, Drama, Music & Musicals, Thrillers, Trailer Trash, George Clooney, Trailers and Clips, CinematicalThe Game Plan has knocked me for a loop two weeks in a row. I honestly didn't expect it to hit number one when it opened and now it's held the top spot for two weeks running. Not bad for a film that looks like it could have premiered on The Disney Channel. My top pick from last week, The Heartbreak Kid, took second missing the lead position by $2.6 million. This being the Halloween season, the horror buff in me is glad to see that Resident Evil: Extinction, in its third week, is clinging tenaciously to the top five. Here are the final numbers:
The Game Plan: $16.6 million
The Heartbreak Kid: $14 million
The Kingdom: $9.7 million
Resident Evil: Extinction: $4.5 million
The Seeker: The Dark is Rising: $3.7 million
It's going to be a busy weekend with four new releases and two films that are already out expanding into additional theaters.
Elizabeth: The Golden Age
What's It All About: Cate Blanchett returns to the role that garnered her an Oscar nomination for 1998's Elizabeth, playing England's Queen Elizabeth I. Clive Owen and Geoffrey Rush also star.
Why It Might Do Well: The previous film broke even domestically on its $30 million budget but only played 600 or so theaters at a time. This wider release should serve the investors well. It also garnered an Oscar for Best Makeup as well as six nominations.
Why It Might Not Do Well: Period drama can be a tough sell.
Number of Theaters: 1,900
Prediction: $6.5 million
The Final Season
What's It All About: Former hobbit and offspring of Gomez Addams, Sean Astin stars as the coach of a high school baseball team in Iowa in this film based on true events. .
Why It Might Do Well: Even a heartless oaf like myself can be moved by an inspirational tale of underdogs making good.
Why It Might Not Do Well: Sports movies, especially high school sports movies, have their share of cliches, most of which are on display in the trailer.
Number of Theaters: 1,000
Prediction: $2.5 million
Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married
What's It All About: Based on Tyler Perry's stage play, the movie follows a group of eight married college friends on an annual ski holiday, and an act of infidelity causes them all to examine their own relationships.
Why It Might Do Well: Should attract those curious to see what became of Janet Jackson after Different Strokes.
Why It Might Not Do Well: Oh, don't be so negative.
Number of Theaters: 1,900
Prediction: $12 million
We Own the Night
What's It All About: Joaquin Phoenix and Mark Wahlberg play brothers who find themselves on opposite sides in a battle between the Russian mafia and New York City police in the 1980s. Robert Duvall also stars.
Why It Might Do Well: A top notch cast and audiences looking for another The Departed should sell some tickets.
Why It Might Not Do Well: I don't see a good reason for this one tanking. In fact, I think it will hit number one for the week.
Number of Theaters: 2,000
Prediction: $15 million
Across the Universe
What's It All About: A psychedelic musical set to Beatles music, telling of love in the turbulent 1960s.
Why It Might Do Well: It's The Beatles, dude. While huge box office is not in the stars, this will eventually find its audience on DVD.
Why It Might Not Do Well: The small number of theaters carrying this one will keep it out of the top 5.
Number of Theaters: 700
Prediction: $3 million
Michael Clayton
What's It All About: George Clooney is a former criminal prosecutor now working as a "fixer" at a New York law firm, which requires him to do some of the company's dirtiest business.
Why It Might Do Well: Clooney's got the screen presence and a knack for usually picking worthwhile scripts.
Why It Might Not Do Well: There are a lot of people out there with long memories who paid to see Batman and Robin.
Number of Theaters: 2,400
Prediction: $13 million
Once again I'm seeking alternate forms of divination (what have I got to lose?), so here's what the Magic 8 Ball and I came up with for the coming weekend:
1. We Own the Night
2. Michael Clayton
3. Tyler Perry's Why Did I get Married
4. The Game Plan
5. Elizabeth: The Golden Age
I wasn't the only one taken by surprise when The Game Plan held the number one spot for two weeks. None of our other competitors saw it coming either, which makes me feel marginally better (marginally, mind you) about my third place standing. Here's how everyone did:
1. Bubba8193: 7
1. Movie Matt: 7
1. Ray: 7
2. Carlos the Jackal: 6
2. Abird: 6
3. Matt: 5
3. Anna07: 5
3. Neil: 5
3. Chris: 5
3. Gregory Rubinstein: 5
3. Josh: 5
4. Nathan: 4
4. uforeader: 4
As always, thanks to everyone who took part in our little competition, and we're always looking for more folks to join in on the fun. Please post your prediction in the comments section below before 5:00PM on Saturday. One point for every top five movie correctly named, two points for every correct placement, and one extra point for the top movie. I promise to wave to the winner of next week's competition, and the fact that I will do so from the confines of my own home with the curtains drawn should in no way seem odd. Just provide me with your latitude and longitude so I know which way to face.


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Joe Rogan stop pitching Rubber Guard!
Joe Rogan stop pitching Rubber Guard! It has gotten progressivly worse. You are not acting like an expert commentator, you are acting like you are on the Home Shopping Network.Rubber Guard isn't the only thing that works in MMA or Grappling, get some perspective.
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Category Archives: Raids & Dungeons
The End Begins Now…
It's hard to believe that it's almost been a year since Cataclysm was first released. There's been a lot that has happened – good things, bad things, and things in between that people really aren't sure about. The expansion on a whole seems to be controversial in the fact that some believe it's been a big success, while others believe it's been a failure. I personally think that it's an experiment that was partially successful, but that's for another time.
As of November 29th, the beginning of the end of Cataclysm is upon is.
Blizzard has said that this will be the last full content patch for the expansion, and that this will basically be the end for updates before Mists of Pandaria comes out. This could be taken two ways: the optimistic way, thinking that we'll be seeing MoP sooner rather than later and won't have to do this content forever; or the pessimistic way, thinking that we'll be doing the exact same content for a year, as we did with Icecrown Citadel at the end of Wrath of the Lich King (Ruby Sanctum doesn't count).
Unfortunately I don't work for Blizzard, and I don't know when they hope to release MoP. Like everyone else, I'd rather see it sooner rather than later, but we know that it will be done when it's done. However, all that being said, I'd like to take the optimistic view.
The 4.3 content patch has a lot in it. Not only do we get the new raid on Deathwing, but there are three new 5-man dungeons, a revamped Darkmoon Faire, Transmogrification, Void Storage, the Raid Finder, a bunch of new items from the raids and other content, and a whole bunch of balance changes. It would take too long to go through each one, so I'll suggest you check out WoW Insider's guide to Patch 4.3 to get the details about many of the new features.
Briefly, I'm very happy with Transmogrification. The interface is incredibly easy to use, and I finally am rewarded for being such a packrat for all these years. I was able to have one of my favourite looks of the Tier 5 shoulders and Wildfury Greatstaff for my Druid, which really makes me happy and nostalgic.
Void Storage is nice, but unfortunately a bit too restrictive. I have a lot of stuff in my bank from the many holidays that have come around, and I was hoping to empty a bunch out to free up some room. The biggest thing is that items labelled "unique" or items not soulbound cannot be deposited to VS. Many tabards, as well as other holiday things are all unique, and some of the holiday items like the Brewfest and Winter Veil gear are not soulbound, but I wanted to keep them nonetheless. So I deposited what I could, and at least freed up some room.
The Raid Finder has been one of the things I've been looking forward to most. As I've mentioned before, my schedule is very weird for when I can raid, so now I can raid whenever I want – as long as there's enough other people queuing as well. I was able to get into a group, and successfully get the four bosses currently available with little drama. We only wiped twice, and there were people taking charge of the raid to get things done.
We also got Tyrael's Charger. It's pretty.
All in all, there's some great new content that everyone can enjoy no matter what you do. Raider, casual player, leveling player, there's something for everyone. As I experience more of the new content, I'll post my thoughts about some of them. In the meantime, happy exploring!
Firelands Nerfs and Me
Recently Blizzard announced that there was going to be a nerf in the difficulty of Firelands bosses, for both regular and heroic modes. For a lot of people this came as a surprise, as the Tier 11 content wasn't nerfed until Firelands was released, and heroic modes were kept on the same difficulty. The reaction has been mixed: some are very happy that this will let them see the content before the next raid patch comes out, and some are very upset that the content is a pushover now and their previous work is all for naught.
My thoughts are somewhat in the middle. Unfortunately, due to my real life scheduling situation and some very frustrating timing for being rotated out of a raid spot, I have yet to see an actual Firelands raid. I did a trash run during the first week as well as a few attempts on Rhyolith on another week. No kills or loot from the instance at all for me.
Because of my situation, I'm a bit excited about the nerfs. This means that when the time comes that I'm actually able to raid, there's more of a chance that we'll clear through the bosses and I'll be able to get more Valour Points and good loot. Rather than taking the rare chances that I actually have to raid (so far I've been available for three nights of raids since Firelands released) and beating my head against a wall because of stalled progression, I will have a good chance at stuff that most of my guild has had for months.
However, I see where the regular raiders are coming from in their frustration. They've been working on this content for a while, learning the fights week after week and making steady progression. Perhaps there's a guild who was on the verge of taking down a certain boss after many attempts, and all of a sudden the fight is easier by 15%. It's a little bit of a downer, as the pride in taking things down at full strength is a great feeling.
In the end, this means that more people will be able to see more content. We don't know any sort of estimated time of arrival for 4.3 and the new (hopefully) awesomeness that awaits there. In the meantime, people who have yet to see all of Firelands will be able to do so. More people will get better gear, meaning that when the next patch finally does arrive, they'll be better geared for the new content.
I know that our guild has been 6/7 for normal Firelands, so I'm sure that many of my guildies are feeling the frustration. Hopefully the frustration will pass when they realize that they're getting new goodies and will look forward to beating Deathwing to a bloody pulp.
4.3 Instances of Awesome (I hope)
Looking around the WoW news community this morning gave me quite a bit of happiness. 4.3 looks like it's going to be incredibly awesome – and even though the word is used entirely too much these days, the word we're looking for is epic.
On top of the other features of the patch (transmogrification, void storage, raid finder tool, Darkmoon Faire revamp, among other things) we get the best part: the Deathwing raid and 5-man dungeons. Interviews were given from Tom Chilton and Greg Street (aka Ghostcrawler) across a few websites, and a bunch of information was given.
Basically, there will be three 5-man dungeons giving the story leading up to the Deathwing raid, all involving the Caverns of Time:
- The first one ("End Time") will be a dystopian future where Deathwing won and the world has been destroyed and remade the way he likes – all in ruins. The idea behind this is convince Nozdormu that he needs to get involved and help, or else there won't be much of anything to watch over.
- The second one ("Well of Eternity") will be during the War of the Ancients, where Deathwing first betrayed the aspects and created the Dragon/Demon Soul. It looks like we join Thrall to get the Demon Soul to use as a weapon against Deathwing in the present. Basically using the power to overload the essence within him, causing the big black dragon to burst from within.
- The third one ("Hour of Twilight") will be a flight to Wyrmrest Temple to begin the fight against Deathwing, raid-style. Along the way there will be battles against many foes trying to steal back the Demon Soul and prevent you from attacking the big bad guy, likely lots of Twilight people.
The final battle against Deathwing ("Dragon Soul") is in an instanced version of Wyrmrest Temple in Dragonblight (hopefully including the changes that happened in the Thrall: Twilight of the Aspects novel), with fights around and in the temple itself. At one point we get to be on Deathwing's back, trying to pry off his armour plating to get to his fleshy bits underneath. Apparently there will be a "balance" mechanic, as Deathwing isn't just going to be flying in a straight line – the raid will be a bunch of fleas on his back that he wants to shake off (do a barrel roll!).
Eventually, Deathwing ends up at the Maelstrom where he becomes a bit of a conglomeration between himself and an Old God minion. The phrase used in the interview with Ghostcrawler says that they call him "Cthulhu-Deathwing", tentacles included. All in all, this raid looks like it will be living up to my expectations and more.
Also included with this will be a new legendary, a set of two daggers for rogues specifically. This quest line will involve the uncorrupted black dragon egg that was the subject of a really good questline in the Badlands. At the end of it, there's nothing said about the future or fate of the new whelp, but it looks like we'll find out shortly.
For more reading, check out interviews at Joystiq, MMO-Champion, and Tankspot. The official World of Warcraft community site also has a bunch of information.
Memories of Azeroth: Naxxramas
Lately I've had difficulty having inspiration for a new post, and have been thinking about what to post about. Patch 4.2 has just recently dropped, but sites such as WoW Insider have much more comprehensive coverage of things in there than I could ever give. However, one thing that I can give is where I've come from through my time in WoW. Let's take a trip with the way-back machine to Wrath of the Lich King and look back at Naxxramas.
Naxx was one of the entry raids of WotLK, the other being Malygos in the Eye of Eternity. It was originally a 40-man raid at the end of Vanilla, but the difficulty level and attunement process was quite high at the time. Very few people were able to experience it, even through Burning Crusade. Thus Blizzard decided to bring it back in Wrath, along with updated items and tier armours.
This tier of raiding was the first time people got to experience having the choice between 10 and 25-man groups of the same instance. They were on separate lockouts, so if someone had enough time they could do both versions of the raid to get gear faster. Personally I felt it was better suited for 25-man raiding, as it is such a very large instance, and it feels even larger when there aren't as many people. The size of the instance and rooms were not changed from the original 40-man raid, so that probably has a bit to do with it.
There were four wings, each with a boss at the end that needed to be defeated before moving on to Sapphiron and Kel'Thuzad (originally – later through Wrath it was possible to skip the wings and go directly to them). The four quarters were: Military (or Death Knight), Plague, Spider, and Construct. Each wing was themed with similar trash mobs and bosses, with each having their own little special thing.
Back in Vanilla, Patchwerk was the DPS check for the instance. If the raid DPS was high enough to kill Patchwerk before he enrages, the group is probably ready to do the rest of the instance. Fortunately with Naxx being the first raid of the expansion, it was a little more forgiving.
I never had the chance to do it in Vanilla, but I have heard that the entire instance retains much of the original feel. Fights like Loatheb are still very difficult due to the very big mechanic of not being able to heal except for a few brief seconds every minute. Heigan still requires the entire raid to dance between the flames. Kel'Thuzad is still a royal pain if you're melee-heavy with the ice blocks.
Altogether it wasn't a bad instance, and I certainly enjoyed the time we had through it. There were certainly things that could have been improved, however. Standing out to me was the Instructor Razuvious fight in 25-man mode. It was a requirement for there to be two priests in the raid, as there are two adds that need to be mind controlled for the fight to tank the boss. In 10-man mode, there were crystals that were used for this reason so anyone could do it. Even though there are 25 people in a raid, there were a few times our guild couldn't do that quarter because we didn't have enough priests.
There were a LOT of bosses. 16 altogether (I'm counting the Four Horsemen as one boss), and while that allowed a lot of loot to be given out, it also made for a lot of time in one zone looking at the same stuff over and over again. I'm all for a lot of content, but sometimes there's a bit too much.
Class tier item sets dropped were re-skinned Tier 3, updated for Wrath. Some of my favourite tier sets are in tiers 3 and 7, so I was quite happy when I got my sets. Along with it were some very interesting looking weapons, including Journey's End and Origin of Nightmares (guess what spec I was during that time). Unfortunately, as much as feral Druids loved these two items we suffered the usual pains of not being able to see them while in combat.
This instance was a very good raid to start off the expansion with. It was perfect for Wrath's lore, and had a variety of fights that people had to adapt to very quickly. Thaddius and the positive/negative gimmick was always a lot of fun and very frustrating at the same time.
If you ask me, that's what raiding is supposed to be like – have fun while ripping your hair out. Good times.
Out of the Frying Pan (Patch 4.2)
It's not just any Tuesday today. Maestro, please begin the ominous music.
Today is when patch 4.2 hits North American/Oceanic realms for World of Warcraft. It's been just over six months since Cataclysm was released, and our first major content patch with new and exciting things to do. We technically have had a content patch already, but redoing two existing instances takes a lot less work than a whole new raid and daily quest hub.
To say that there are a lot of changes is quite the understatement. I will be referencing links from WoW Insider throughout, and the best place to get a run down of the major changes is their guide to patch 4.2.
The major points of the patch are the inclusion of the Firelands raid and the Molten Front daily quest hub. Ultimately defeating Ragnaros once and for all, the raid also includes the chance to get a new DPS caster legendary staff. Similar to the Isle of Quel'Danas, the Molten Front area is a daily quest area that advances along with personal progression (I touched on this on a previous article).
For the first time with a patch, we actually have explanations for the class balance changes that came along with it. Ghostcrawler took every single change and said why they made them in point form. Rather than just saying "here you go, deal with it", we at least have an idea of the philosophy the developers use when making their decisions. There are a great number of changes, best to take a look at which ones apply to your own class(es).
Another great change is the Dungeon Journal, which includes a version of AtlasLoot. Once again we see Blizzard taking addons that they like and feel should be part of the default UI and incorporating them. The Journal has information all the fights of Cataclysm content (will be expanded for the rest of the game eventually, I'm sure), along with abilities that the bosses use and gear that can drop. Currently there is the gear information on the Battle.net website, but this is a great way so people don't have to use a third-party addon or alt-tab to find out what drops from a certain boss.
Lastly, one of my favourite things about 4.2 is the inclusion of a great cosmetic change. Since I'm back to being feral DPS, I can be a flaming kitty! I believe that it only requires the person to have the staff that drops from Fandral, and whenever you're in cat form you become a cat… on fire. Dragonwrath turns the caster into a dragon with a proc, but it looks like this is a passive cosmetic change.
I hope that this opens the door for more cosmetic changes down the road, as we really need them – especially for druids. We have great gear, but in combat we're in the shapeshift forms and are unable to see the great looks. The community has been asking for changes such as this for years, so hopefully we'll see more down the road.
New content is awesome. I know I've been getting impatient, as this six month period since Cataclysm released seems to have gone by very slowly. Hopefully I'll be able to raid the new place, for the main reason of becoming a flaming kitty. Otherwise, at least I'll have the new daily quest area to keep me busy for a while.
Inclusion vs Progression
A little while ago, something happened that caused me quite a bit of frustration. In essence: I love to raid, but I was denied the chance to raid. I was mad at first, but after having the chance to reflect upon it I have some thoughts to share.
Being in a guild comes with rules attached. This is even more important for guilds who raid, as there are the intricacies of determining who gets loot, discipline for people being jerkfaces, attendance issues, among other things. What is the rule for who gets to raid?
Some back story to begin with, as my situation is a bit weird. I've mentioned before that I can't raid as much as I used to, due to real life circumstances. I am married to a wonderful woman and have a great son. Unfortunately I don't make enough money to support us all by myself, so my wife has to work part-time on weekends and some evenings. As it happens one of the nights she usually works is a raid night, and the other raid night is one where I work late every second week. Therefore, due to our work schedules there have been many times where I have been unable to raid because of having to look after our son or because I've been working.
Prior to The Spawn arriving, I was a regular raider. From Vanilla all the way through Wrath, I was there for a majority of our guild's raids, so I have good experience. I've been in the guild since it was formed, so I have tenure. Plus, I enjoy raiding as it's my version of a "guy's night out" or poker night.
It happened that this certain Friday, I wasn't working late and had been given the all clear to sign up for the raid. We're doing 10-man raiding right now and eleven people had signed up – since I'm a DPS class, my role is always one that's fought over. This was my first time being able to sign up for a raid in over a month, but I had experienced most of the content in the expansion thus far. The night's agenda was to go to Throne of the Four Winds and work on Al'Akir, as he's the last boss we need for the Guild Glory of the Raider achievement.
I logged on, asking if I was going to be able to raid that night. The decision was made to have myself and another DPS do a /roll with the low roller sitting the night. Ultimately, mine was the low roll and I was out. To say I was mad was an understatement.
The arguments came to my mind very easily: I've been a member of the guild for years! If it wasn't for my situation, I would have been there for every raid! I deserve equal chances to participate in the raid! Other people go to every raid, but I have the rare chance! Why do they go but I get shut out?
Almost a week later, I've looked back and realized that the decision was made properly. I wish that it was made ahead of time so I would have known, but that's beside the point. It was a progression raid, and the people who have worked at the content for weeks deserve the chance to get a guild-first downing of a new boss.
There needs to be a balance for inclusion of all members who want to raid. I'm not suggesting that just because you're a warm body means that you should go, but given a chance. If the raid agenda was to do content that was being farmed, my anger would have been justified. Since it was a progression night, it was not my place to take the spot of someone who has been there all the time.
Who gets to raid?
This is the core of the problem. When I was an officer back in Burning Crusade, we were getting together people for a Gruul's Lair run, and we were short one DPS. We had a player log on, one who wasn't around very often, but was raid ready. They joined the raid, and after killing Gruul we had the Dragonspine Trophy drop – for the first (and eventually only) time of the expansion for us. At the time, our loot policy was to /roll and high roll wins. This player ended up getting the highest roll… and quit the game a week later. (Loot rules are a whole different ball of wax)
Because of the above reason, there is definitely a reason to put the proper people in a raid. Whereas I may be someone who knows what to do, I truthfully didn't deserve to take the spot on that night.
Obviously there are times when it's not possible to be picky. If there's only 10 people on who can raid, you have your raid. Depending on the skill and gear levels of the people involved, that will determine what will happen that night. Progression may not be possible, but it will likely be possible to bring up other people to the point of being able to progress later.
If there's 15 people who want to raid, there are going to be five people who will have to do something else. Should the plan be to progress through raid content, the obvious choice is the people who are ready for the content.
However, there must be a chance given to people who want to raid. It's just the timing that needs to be decided on. Firm communication between guild leadership and the members is key. If the plan is to do progression, make sure people know that preference will be given to those who are geared and ready for the fight. For farm nights, some preference should be given to people who need to gear up.
All of this must be done within reason. A whole raid full of people who need to gear up won't go very far in a raid. I'm not saying that those who can't make every raid must be given a spot on farm nights, but to take their situation into account.
I love to raid, as it's something that I enjoy doing with the friends that I have made through World of Warcraft. My schedule limits the times that I can raid, because of the schedule my guild has established.
I was wrong to have been upset at being sat out for a progression night. Hopefully things will work out and I'll be able to raid again soon. I'm looking at you, people who set my wife's schedule. /glare
In the meantime there are PuG raids that I could join, there are Zandalari heroics, and upcoming single player content in 4.2 that could make me pass the time. Lots of things to do, and hopefully raiding with my guild will be one of those things again in the future.
There are times when I wish I wasn't as accommodating. Yet, I only have myself to blame for it. I try to do things with the best intentions, but sometimes things just don't work out.
In this case, it all has to do with my DPS specs. A while back now, I decided to change from feral cat DPS to a boomkin because the guild needed more ranged people. I volunteered, because I always wanted to try the spec out and see what it's like. One of the biggest problems is that I barely make it to the raids due to real life schedules, so in the end I didn't really do much to help the guild out with getting a ranged class.
Finding that I was missing being feral DPS, I decided to change my second spec (feral tanking, which I had not used once since I got the spec set up and reforged all the gear) back to a kitty and tried it out in a heroic to see how I would do. For comparison, as a boomkin I would average around 8-10k DPS – which is not very good at all – by any comparison for my gear level.
My first thought was: "Why in the world did I ever switch?"
After doing a heroic Zul'Aman, my average DPS for the entire instance was around 13.6k, and my highest was around 18k for Nalorakk. At first I thought it was just that instance, but after thinking more I realized that it's just something I'm so used to doing that it flows easier.
One thing I was really bad about as a boomkin was my DoT uptime. There were some fights where I was below 30%, because I just forgot to reapply it with being so focused on my regular rotations. Fortunately as a kitty, the DoTs that I use aer some of the most important parts of my rotation and come naturally. That in itself is a great way to make sure I don't slack.
Plus, I found I was getting bored with being a boomkin. There were definitely fun parts about it, but altogether I was finding that I was just there and not being very excited to instance or raid at all. Perhaps that's how I got my priest to 85 so quickly, because I just wasn't feeling it.
Whatever the case, I'm definitely back to being a feral DPS spec. I had so much fun with it through my first instance, I don't care how many rogues and other ferals I have to beat up to get my gear. As well, if I needed any other reason, the staff that Fandral will drop from Firelands in 4.2 turns cat form into a fire cat form. 'Nuff said. I'm back to a melee state of mind.
Moving On Up
I have mentioned before that I was working on a goblin priest for an alt, something I've wanted to do for a while. That priest is finally level 85, and heroic ready… but the process was a little bit different from the expected.
Originally, my thought was to try to level through the dungeon finder to work on healing skills as I had never healed on a priest before. It worked out well for quite a while until level 41, when I got too frustrated at other people and then decided to just take the plunge and quest with a shadow spec. This ended up being a good plan, as I now have the basics of both specs down.
The thing that was scaring me was the idea of healing Cataclysm instances. On my druid, I have done all of them multiple times (excepting the new Zandalari ones), so it wasn't that I didn't know the fights. I had the simple fear of failing at something that I set out to accomplish. Many times I've been in a group where there's been one member that was doing a very bad job at their role and I was afraid that one day I'd turn into them.
Once my item level was high enough – unfortunately heirlooms make this a bit difficult, as they're an item level 1 – I decided to give it a try. From when I first made my priest, I decided to use discipline as my healing spec since it looked like fun, and so far it has been. Having the multiple methods of damage prevention and utilities make it so I have more tricks up my sleeve, and hopefully will make the run go smoother.
All in all the regular instances went fairly well. It didn't stop me from being nervous through all of the runs, but at least we were able to make it through them. The hurdle now is the transition into healing heroics.
I've done a number of heroic runs with my shadow spec, getting drops and justice points to improve my gear before I try to heal them. As of last night, I am at the point where I think my gear is ready to go into a heroic. There are a few fights that I'm worried about that have high levels of damage, and whether I'd be able to cope with the stress.
Unfortunately, I have a bad habit of forgetting to use cooldowns at times. The biggest problems are two of the best cooldowns a discipline priest has: power infusion and pain suppression. Huge increase in healing throughput and huge damage reduction, and I forget to use them? I have to set up some power auras to help me remember, the same I did for my boomkin stuff.
My priest has yet to heal a heroic, but I think I'm ready for it. If not, that's why there's the option for a dual spec.
What is "Premium"?
This post is part of a Shared Topic on Blog Azeroth. Be sure to check out posts from other great blog authors!
After my last post was linked on WoW Insider, I saw a couple of comments on the page that made me think. Firstly, I realized I didn't do that great of a job explaining my position on the Premium Dungeon Finder. Secondly, I realized that there's a lot more to this "premium" thing that should be discussed. Through the ensuing blog posts as well as Twitter conversations, I thought I'd expand my thoughts.
To begin with, it was a new and controversial move when MMOs first started charging a monthly subscription for games. Up until then, you paid your money for the game, and played as much as you want for the initial cost. Games that had vast multiplayer services like other Blizzard games (Warcraft III, StarCraft) or first-person shooter games (Counter-strike, Quake) operated on the one-time payment and provided the rest free of charge. I don't know the economics behind this all, but I'm pretty sure that these games would have to sell a lot to be able to provide free multiplayer services.
Even to register a domain name for a website, there's a fee. Heck, in many major cities in Canada and the US, it's hard to find free parking at times. Behind everything, there is some sort of cost – whether it's seen or not is the big thing.
Warcraft II: BNE & Warcraft III, Diablo and Diablo II, StarCraft and StarCraft II all offer free multiplayer through Blizzard's Battle.net service. At any given time there are millions of people playing games on their servers, using the bandwidth they have to pay for, and ultimately costing the company. Someone has to maintain the servers to make sure they are at peak performance. Someone has to administer the people working on said servers, and the data centres that house them. Even though people playing those games only pay up front, there are real costs that Blizzard has to deal with on an ongoing basis.
Thus we have the reasoning for a monthly subscription fee for MMOs, as they are a whole new ball of wax. Rather than being separate instances of a game, they are a persistent world that also has instances within them. They must allow thousands of people to log on to a server and play the game as the company has designed and have fun doing it. If the servers crash repeatedly, nobody is having fun. The monthly fee goes to offset the likely astronomical costs of being able to maintain the server networks.
We already pay a monthly fee, why do we need to pay more for extra services?
I forget who exactly, but someone on Twitter gave this example: "I already pay for my cable, why should I pay more for the HD package?" Similarly, it's the same as going to a Starbucks and asking for a coffee with an extra shot of espresso but not wanting to be charged for it. Both examples are extra services or products that are offered, but not essential.
Currently, the WoW remote package is the only Premium offering that is available. This gives people the ability to do things outside of the game which can enhance their WoW experience, namely being able to use the Auction Houses and chat with guild members who are in-game. Both of these services require an extra charge, likely because a lot of work went into them, and I know for a fact that it wasn't free to create. Blizzard employees put their time and effort into these things that are not even required – not even remotely! (Yes, the pun was intended)
The Premium Dungeon Finder is something that will require Blizzard to change their network infrastructure. The servers right now are physically located at various points around the world in clusters. The Battlegroups are set up as such, and the people who group together in the Random Dungeon Finder (LFD) or battlegrounds are pulled from these server groups. Blizzard is working on making it so eventually it will be region-wide, with no extra cost for the player. By changing the LFD system to be able to pull people from your Real ID friends list specifically from servers around the region, it is a major change that was likely not planned for when things were first set up.
Finally, even though the game has been out for six and a half years, the subscription rates have not changed once. Inflation has brought many prices higher across many different industries, but we pay the exact same to log on to WoW as we did when the game first started. I'm pretty sure that there is a lot of money lost by keeping these rates the same.
In the end, I highly doubt that Blizzard will introduce something that is so game changing that it is a requirement to pay for it. If they did, they would most definitely lose a lot of subscribers, and likely myself included. I believe in getting a fair deal, and I think Blizzard has given us a good one so far.
If you want these extra features, you can pay for them. They are not necessary, but they're helpful and useful. I personally will not be getting the WoW remote subscription or the Premium Dungeon Finder when it comes out, as both of them are not worth it for me. Everyone can choose for themselves to see if they think it's worth the extra money for the services received.
Premium Dungeon Finder
Today there was some news released about something Blizzard is working on that will be quite game changing. No, it's not the dance studio. A "premium" service which will allow someone to use the Random Dungeon Finder (LFD) tool to group with friends on Real ID.
At first glance, I think this is an excellent idea. With WoW being so big across so many servers, there are people who want to group together but don't want to take the time or money to level an alt on another realm or transfer a character over. By being able to bypass the tedius or expensive effort that these entail, it will allow friends to do dungeons together and have fun much easier.
The biggest thing that will cause most people to call foul is the fact that it's a premium service, which is an extra fee on top of the monthly fee we already pay. To be honest, that was the first thing that caught my attention as well, but I'm going to wait for all the information. We don't know any pricing or how exactly it is going to work, apart from the fact that only one person needs to have the service – that being the person initiating the group.
If this feature will be included in the current premium package which allows remote auction house and remote guild chat and keeping the price the same, I can see a fair amout of people using this. I could even see myself possibly signing up for this feature.
One big question I know a lot of people will have is whether this will support cross-faction groups along with cross-realm. Many of my friends are not only scattered across different servers, but between the Horde and Alliance. As much as the Alliance are scum (as far as my characters think), I'd like to group up with the people behind them. To me, I think this will be the selling point: if I'm able to do cross-faction groups, I'll pretty much be sold.
Since this is still very early in the cycle of the feature, we'll definitely be given more information later on. I'll be very curious to see what the final version of this product will be.