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|Okay - 29 reviews
Located in Mason (North Cincinnati), Kings Island Resort and Conference Center is minutes from Beach Waterpark and Kings Island. This family-friendly hotel is within close proximity of Lindner Family Tennis Center and The Golf Center. Make yourself at home in one of the 284 individually furnished guestrooms. Cable television is provided for your entertainmen...
Overall Rating - Okay - 29 reviews
Okay 6.0
Was far better than most of the reviews. It was a place to sleep. All we were looking for in a hotel.
Excellent 10.0
The location was great and everything was so convenient that we needed.
The drunk loud mouths that stayed underneath us.Everything was great i would definately stay here again.
|Excellent - 20 reviews
The Extras Aren't Extra at Drury Hotels! Our guests can enjoy free hot breakfast, free hot food and cold beverages at the 5:30 Kickback®, free wireless Internet access in all rooms and throughout the hotel, free long distance calls and free popcorn and soda in the lobby daily. An indoor/outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool are available for guest use, along w...
Overall Rating - Excellent - 20 reviews
Good 8.0
All of the included amenities. Rooms were very quiet. Staff was very pleasant.
Nothing we didn't like!
Excellent 10.0
I loved the location; irectly off the interstate and surrounded my stores and restaurants. Also, all the 'perks' that the hotel offered - free drinks, free GOOD food, hot tub, and heated pool. I cannot wait to stay with this chain again!This was a great place to stay. There were 4 adults and we stayed in a double deluxe room which didn't offer any space for anything other than sleeping but it was perfect because that's all we neeed it for! The refridgerator and microwave is hidden in the furniture (great idea) and the entire room was spotless! The hotel staff was great as well; super friendly and welcomed our questions about surrounding area events. I highly recommend this location for future stays! I can't wait to go back!
|Good - 1057 reviews
The Super 8 Mason is located off of Interstate 71, Exit 25, next to Paramounts Kings Island Amusement Park. The Super 8 Mason is conveniently located just minutes from Kings Island Amusement Park, The Beach Water Park, The Golf Center at Kings Island, and ATP Tennis Stadium. The Super 8 Mason is also just a short drive to downtown Cincinnati, OH featuring...
Overall Rating - Good - 1057 reviews
Good 7.0
Clean, good air conditioning in the room & great location
minor problems with the key cards working properlynot bad in any way...I will stay here again
Good 7.0
Close to the park shuttle to the park and price was good
Front door to the room we had , had a crack on the top of it so we could here everything outside and people don't know how to be quite after 11 pm so trying to sleep early was not an option
|Excellent - 12 reviews
where history takes flight.. welcome to the Hampton Inn & Suites Dayton/Springboro Being centrally located between Dayton and Cincinnati, our Hampton Inn & Suites® hotel in Dayton/Springboro is just a short trip from all the action of both cities. But why leave our town? So much is waiting near our hotel in Springboro: a romantic dinner downtown; quaint shop...
Overall Rating - Excellent - 12 reviews
Excellent 10.0
Everything I wanted. No issues. Clean, new room and great selection for breakfast!
Excellent 10.0
Although the breakfast room and food and coffee were good, there is a Bob Evans right across the street for full service. The staff were organized and gave us the right pricing on our room, after a quick phone call. I'd stay there again!
|Excellent - 82 reviews
It is our pleasure to welcome and serve you at your home away from home. Our valued guests are surrounded by comfort in our spacious guestrooms. The complementary Daybreak Breakfast and USA Today newspaper await you each morning. Days Inn Middletown is centrally located off I-75 between Cincinnati and Dayton, boasting awesome regional attractions ranging...
Overall Rating - Excellent - 82 reviews
Excellent 9.0
Hotel was very clean, room was spacious and comfortable. Good proximity to everything!
The nonstop banging from the room next door that began very early in the morning and lasted nearly two hours.
Excellent 10.0
The location was great for r out of town guests for our wedding.
|Excellent - 263 reviews
At King's Island Amusement Park. Tennis Center and Golf Center adjacent to property. Easy access to downtown Cincinnati and all nearby attractions. Hotel offers a complementary hot breakfast, indoor pool, computer with internet access and guest laundry room. All Suites have a refrigerator, microwave, free wireless access, coffee maker, hair dryer and iron. S...
Overall Rating - Excellent - 263 reviews
Excellent 10.0
It was very close to what we wanted,had a wonderbreakfastbuffet and was easy to find.
It was pretty noisy after 10:00 pm
Good 8.0
AC made the room either too cold or left it too humid at times.
|no reviews
Located in Lebanon, Silver High Manor Bed & Breakfast is in the historical district and within the vicinity of Shaker Run Golf Club and Beach Waterpark. This bed & breakfast is within the region of Fort Ancient and Traders World. Make yourself at home in one of the 2 guestrooms. Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as tour/ticket as...
|Good - 29 reviews
Enjoy the hometown hospitality at this Baymont Inn and Suites Mason, just off Interstate 71 and convenient to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport, the Newport Aquarium, Kings Island Amusement and Waterpark and the Beach Waterpark. Smoking is not allowed at this hotel, which offers complimentary wireless Internet and complimentary continental breakfast as we...
Overall Rating - Good - 29 reviews
Mediocre 4.0
It seemed clean
Our room 311 had an ice machine on the outside of the wall our bed was up against. So all night long we were woke up to it making ice. Very unpleasant, no sleep for us.Breakfast was a joke .Check out time was 11 but when we started to carry our bags out at 10 we were met by a maid chasing us asking what room we just left. I guess so she could clean it. That was a little pushy , esp since we couldn t check in till 4.
Excellent 10.0
It's minutes away from kings island.
N/AStaff was excellent
|Good - 88 reviews
The Hilton Garden Inn Cincinnati Northeast hotel is located in the historic Loveland suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio. The Loveland, Ohio hotel is immediately off Ohio Interstate I-275, is only two minutes from Ohio Interstate I-71 and 10 minutes from I-75, offering easy access to all Cincinnati area businesses and attractions * We offer complimentary on-site park...
Overall Rating - Good - 88 reviews
Good 8.0
Good location near main interstate,easy to get around,nice area.
Breakfast not included,coffee maker in room not working.Overall nice hotel in a clean and neat neighborhood.
Okay 5.0
Staff was very friendly and very helful.
Its a distance from any major night life. Saturday night was so noisy I could not sleep. Drunk people coming through the halls all hours of the night screaming. Children running around the halls screaming all hours of the night.Wonderful staff that makes you feel right at home. Noisest hotel I have ever stayed at. Drunk people screaming in the halls all night long!
|Good - 427 reviews
With a stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites Cincinnati Northeast in Mason (North Cincinnati), you'll be close to Loveland Castle. This hotel is within the vicinity of Pioneer Park and Wall to Wall Soccer. Make yourself at home in one of the 104 air-conditioned guestrooms. Cable programming and video-game consoles are provided for your entertainment, while complime...
Overall Rating - Good - 427 reviews
Mediocre 4.0
The staff
That there are smoking rooms & we we're put in a smoking room at first but the amazing staff found us a nonsmoking room after we already checked in
Good 7.0
Really enjoyed the recliner to rest my legs and kick back and relax.
The turn from the street into the hotel is a little awkward.The breakfast was average but adequate and there was good fruit and juice available. The coffee was a little disappointing.
|Excellent - 107 reviews
Enjoy our Franklin Hotel's Top-Notch Amenities Welcome to the beautiful Holiday Inn Express® hotel in Franklin, Ohio. With a convenient location off I-75, just 16 miles from Dayton, we are the ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers staying in Franklin. Our hotel's location provides easy access to many popular attractions. We are not far from sh...
Overall Rating - Excellent - 107 reviews
Excellent 10.0
Cleanliness & great breakfast
Didn't have a hot tub or a room with a whirlpool bath available
Excellent 10.0
The room was immaculate. The bed was the most comfy ever! The breakfast was wonderful... The ladies were on spot keeping all filled and tidy!
|Excellent - 153 reviews
Overall Rating - Excellent - 153 reviews
Excellent 10.0
Staff was pleasant and accessible when needed for assistance. Room was very clean and comfortable.
Nope!Only about 20-30 minutes from downtown Cincinnati. Not bad considering the condition and pricing of other hotels we've stayed at downtown that had far less quality of staff and rooms. Though somewhat farther away, the stay was extremely more enjoyable.
Okay 6.0
The hotel was clean and had a great location.
The staff at the registration desk was less then desirable. Both when we checked in and when we checked out there was little to no eye contact and they made it very clear that we did not book directly through them and basically snubbed their noses at me.The pool area was unkept and no towels left for us to use. Due to the nature of the attitude that we encountered, we will not be going back to a Courtyard Marriott.
|Excellent - 130 reviews
Overall Rating - Excellent - 130 reviews
Excellent 10.0
The staff was helpful and courteous. Every interaction we had was superb.
Poor 2.0
Shampoo, lotion
Hotel booking system totally messed up. I made reservation for two nights from 5/24-26. The system showed my reservation is from 5/23-25.The service is just ok. However, the manager was really good at taking care of system issue.
|Excellent - 19 reviews
With a stay at Great Wolf Lodge Cincinnati/Mason in Mason (North Cincinnati), you'll be convenient to Kings Island and Beach Waterpark. This family-friendly lodge is within close proximity of Lindner Family Tennis Center and The Golf Center. Make yourself at home in one of the 401 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Complimentary wi...
Overall Rating - Excellent - 19 reviews
Good 8.0
Our family had a great time and the boys really enjoyed the MagicQuest game. My only complaint was that the men's locker changing room is tiny. With so many people swimming before checking and after checkout, many times we found a line waiting to change in the one and only changing stall in the men's changing room. Everything else was well thought out. Overall we enjoyed it, but its was expensive.
Good 8.0
This hotel overall was pretty nice. The check in process was too long. With the explanation of the wrist bands and how they work, it takes a little long and they could really use more help at the front desk. The water park was very nice but geared toward younger kids My boys, ages 13 and 11 wanted more slides. The play area for younger kids was really nice. Our room was ok, pretty close to the entrance to the water park but with a view of the loading dock! We ate at the hotel restaurant and had a really good burger and fries!
|Excellent - 26 reviews
Holiday Inn Express & Suites-Mason , is 100% non-smoking and boasts a name travelers can trust paired with genuine service unrivaled by area hotels. Our Mason facility attracts guests of varying agendas. We are pleased to offer an ideal location for business and leisure travelers alike. Leisure travelers to Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Mason enjoy being c...
Overall Rating - Excellent - 26 reviews
Good 8.0
Great hot breakfast
NoNice only about 10 minutes from kings island and great wolf lodge plenty of dining near by
Excellent 10.0
Close to Kings Island Park Close to resturants Pleasant staff
NoNear a good ice cream shop.


text:
Thread: I give up
I give up"ted nugent called. he wants his shirt back."-george clooney, ocean s eleven
08-17-2003, 01:04 PM #2Rookie
- Join Date
- Dec 1969
- Posts
- 56
I give up
I give up"ted nugent called. he wants his shirt back."-george clooney, ocean s eleven
08-17-2003, 01:55 PM #4Ring of Fame
- Join Date
- Dec 1969
- Posts
- 3,955
I give up
08-17-2003, 01:55 PM #5Guest
I give up
Ok, thats it, i give up. you guys win. i don't want to admit it but the vikings ARE better then the packers. heres why
1.Culpepper is an up and coming star, favre is on the decline
2.once michael bennet is healthy he will run over any defense in the NFL
3.and of course, theres guys like hovan on the vikes who represent what the NFL should stand for.
its all gonna start on september 7th when the vikings dominate the packers. i give up, purplepride.org wins and so do the vikings. so i am gonna shut my mouth and let you guys enjoy this victory and all the ones that are gonna come when you face the packers and win the NFC north this year. i officially renounce my faith in the packers and i am gonna do what every fudgepacker fan should and root for the vikes come september 7th. oh yeah and i am changing my name and profile to TheGreatNumber11. as the old saying goes, if you can't beat them, join them.
Packers suck Vikings rule[Edited by TheGreatNumber11 on 08/17/03 03:09 AM]
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
DeKalb County police have a arrested a man in the fatal stabbing of two people in a Stone Mountain area home.
Investigators told CBS Atlanta News a third victim suffered lacerations which are not believed to be life-threatening.
The suspect, a man in his 30s, is accused of stabbing a man and a woman to death at the home on Mannbrook Way just before 11 p.m. Thursday night.
Police said the victims were not married, but did not disclose their relationship. All of the victims and the suspect knew each other, according to police.
Officers are looking into whether or not the incident was domestic in nature.
No other information on the victims or the suspect has been released.
Copyright 2013 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
The following are mugshots of individuals arrested in May by local authorities in Northeast Tennessee.


text:
Microsoft Office 2013 Assistance
Microsoft Office 2013 was deployed to campus over the summer. There are quite a few changes from the 2010 version so if you are having any difficulties adjusting, please let us know.
We are here to help. We have had many face-to-face trainings throughout the month of August and will continue them as long as attendance permits. Additional intro and intermediate classes will be coming this month. We also have our online technology tutorials for Office 2013 available to you for self-service. Should you have any questions, please e-mail us or give us a call (4-HELP).
We also have online technology tutorials for Office 2013 available. Please check these regularly as we are updating them with the most pertinent campus tutorials.


text:
... a computer.
According to Jeff Sagarin's rating system, Portland is the 9th best team in the NBA, and every team we have played is a "top 16" team. According to basketball reference's SRS rating (basically opponent adjusted point differential), Portland is the 6th best team.
In both cases, a surprisingly strong strength of schedule is the reason for the slack.
The sky isn't falling. It's just a good team going through a tough stretch.


text:
The Methuen Fun Hockey League "Skate & Read" program begins with a party for Methuen boys and girls ages 4-16 at the Nevins Memorial Library on Jan. 7 from 6-7:30 p.m.
Registered players and interested families can meet the coaches and librarians, peruse this year's reading lists for all three age groups, get a free pack of hockey cards, enter the free raffle for door prizes, and try the hockey-themed "Skate & Read" cake.
The league combines aspects of a hockey camp, skating clinic, and cross-ice games. It introduces new players to the sport and will help more experienced players sharpen their skills. Players are invited to read at least 3 age-appropriate books from the "Skate & Read" list during the season, which begins in February.
Tuition is $99, which includes a team jersey, 16 hours of instruction, games, and several special events.
For more information, contact head coach Jay Atkinson at firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
"@claytonESPN The Packers got a break when Plaxico signed with the jets, taking away an option for WR James Jones. Jones agreed to 3-year deal with GB."
So looks like we either take Malcom Floyd, Braylon Edwards or Randy Moss, I for one hope we take Edwards.
I sure hope that we at least restructure Btwices contract or drop him to make room for a new WR.
Your thoughts?
If you answer the poll leave a comment on why we should take that person.


text:
As if Times Square wasn't crowded enough already, Toys "R" Us opened a new 110,000-sq.-ft. flagship store on the corner of 44th and Broadway last November, adding another major retail venue to this hot urban entertainment destination. As much a mini-theme park as a retail store, the newest Toys "R" Us combines the talents of many different companies, from designers to scene shops. As such, it would be impossible to interview all of them within the confines of this article, which offers a brief overview of the store and its basic design elements.
Designed by Gensler, a New York City-based architecture firm, with design vision and scenic coordination by Joanne Newbold of J. Newbold Associates in New York City, the new Toys "R" Us venue combines two former theatres, creating a voluminous, column-free space. Slicing through the three-story structure is a 60'-tall Ferris wheel that serves as a kinetic icon for the store. It looks out over themed areas that range from a walk-in Barbie® dollhouse to a life-sized version of the Candy Land board game, to a mini-Jurassic Park, and a World's Fair exhibit area used to launch new toys.
Construction of the store was handled by F.J. Sciame of New York City, with Marc Heiman serving as project manager. Big Show Construction Management was hired by Sciame and Toys "R" Us to manage the installation of the themed areas in the store. "Most of the themed areas were supplied by the toy vendors, such as Mattel and Hasbro, or companies that have a line of toys to sell, including Universal Studios," explains Rod Hickey, the Manhattan-based project manager for Big Show.
"All in all, I think we ended up with 26 design firms, 22 scene shops, and five installation contractors [see credits box, page 22], as well as five different electrical contractors and over 250 electricians. The exhibits ranged from small 'drop in place' kiosks to the T-Rex, which required that we leave part of the side of the building off to load in and additional steel structure for support," Hickey says.
The animatronic T-Rex, who stands guard on an inclined ramp at the entrance to Jurassic Park, was built by Advanced Animations in Vermont. "He stands 18' to 20' over the floor, depending on what his head is doing," explains Mark Miller of Advanced Animations. T-Rex has multiple motion options, from the head moving up and down, right and left, and rocking back and forth to the jaws opening and closing, the eyes moving in their sockets, elbows and wrists moving up and down, and the tail moving back and forth. "There are also a couple of moves to lower the head, with a pivot behind the head and one lower in the neck," adds Miller.
T-Rex also roars (to the delight of many shoppers), with JBL subwoofer and full-range G2 series loudspeakers in the base and a horn and amp as a point source for the head. The dinosaur's skin is made of molded silicone. Advanced Animations also built the animatronic ET figure and his hanging spaceship, which has fluorescent landing lights with diffusers for a soft, cool look. As Miller puts it, "We went for a low-heat, long-lamp-life solution that is easy on maintenance."
The work of all the various designers, shops, and installers of the scenery, as well as the media systems for the store, was coordinated by Big Show. The firm began work in July, with just a four-month install before the opening day on November 17, but many of the scenic shops had a head start on the work.
Exterior photo: Paul Warchol
"We were also coordinating the delivery and installation dates of all the areas with the contractors so the base building was as close to complete as possible before the themed areas arrived," notes Hickey. "This was one of the biggest challenges, especially with the September 11 disaster tossed into the equation. Because the structure of Toys 'R' Us deals with manufacturers, there were also many areas where the exhibit was supplied by multiple shops, and there were also pieces of the exhibit built by the building contractors onsite."
The entire store has been cleverly designed as a marketing canvas for toy manufacturers, with some unusual advertising media available to them. First are a series of oversized Pro-Motion scrollers manufactured by Diazit® Company, known for its blueprint machines. The giant scrollers are placed on the inside of the glass panels that create the facade of the building on both Broadway and 44th Street.
The Pro-Motion scroller is actually a 6' × 5' light box (with fluorescent backlighting) that can display as many as 25 individual images, or scrolling frames, in a single sign. The frames are printed on a polyester scroll that can be advanced consecutively in either scroll direction, or they can be displayed consecutively and rewound to the beginning and displayed again. In the case of Toys "R" Us, there are a total of 165 frames that create a giant billboard.
"The architects asked if we could use an LED display or video monitors that moved out of the way to reveal the interior of the store," notes Paul Gregory of Focus Lighting in Manhattan, principal lighting designer for the project. The Diazit system provides a good solution to this design challenge, as the frames can be reprinted and replaced as often as desired.
Another marketing support is the 9'-high × 48'-wide curved interactive LED display by SmartVision of Ossining, NY, that juts out over the sidewalk on Broadway between 44th and 45th Streets and faces both uptown and downtown. The display can be used to tie into the images on the scrollers, announce special activities, or even show movie trailers for films that have merchandising tie-ins.The Ferris Wheel
Not only a great attraction for kids of all ages, the Toys "R" Us Ferris wheel is also a branding opportunity for toy companies. The 14 themed cars on the Ferris wheel were built by Entech Creative Industries in Orlando, FL, and sponsored by various manufacturers. The colorful cars capture the essence of popular characters and toys, including: Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head; Buzz Lightyear; Woody, Jessie, and an alien from Toy Story 2; Barbie®; Mega®Bloks Taxi; Cabbage Patch Kids Camp Bus; Tonka® Trucks; Geoffrey and ET; Lil' Snoopy™; Matchbox® Fire Truck; Mr. Monopoly®; Nickelodeon Zany Zapper; Pokémon; M&Ms; and Cozy Coupe® Car.
"The Ferris wheel creates a new tradition for kids in New York City. It's safe and it's fun," says Anne Herzog, president of Entech, who points out that the idea was that of Joanne Newbold, who wanted to create a large, recognizable icon. Proceeds from the ticket price to ride the Ferris wheel go to the not-for-profit Toys "R" Us Children's Fund. "The view from the Ferris wheel is great and you can see how amazing the store really is," says Herzog. The Cabbage Patch gondola meets ADA requirements and guests in wheelchairs can roll right into the car.
Ferris wheel photo: courtesy Focus Lighting
The steel armature for the Ferris wheel came from the Italia Company in Italy. Entech custom-designed the gondolas, using steel and aluminum frames with the toy characters first carved in foam, then covered with a shell of fiberglass that is sanded, smoothed, and given a hard coat of paint. "There are 47 different paint colors on the Toy Story car," says Herzog.In-Store Lighting
The lighting for the Ferris wheel was designed by Diane Ades of Focus Lighting, and includes 200 neon chevrons made by Entech, 420' of LED strips by Tokistar Lighting, and 14 customized DMX-controlled star strobes by Diversitronics to create extra sparkle. Sepp Spenlinhauer, also of Focus Lighting, worked out the complicated sequencing of the neon, using a special opto-isolated gate switch to avoid the extra weight of magnetic transformers and remote dimmers. An Entertainment Technology Horizon playback controller that spins along with the wheel itself controls the lighting for the Ferris wheel. This is one of four Horizon PBC units and eight universes of DMX used to control all the lighting in the store.
In addition to the ambient architectural lighting, there is a second layer of highly theatrical lighting that adds visual interest to the merchandise areas on the upper level. Tucked under bright blue and amber vaulted ceilings are catwalks that allow access to the theatrical fixtures. They also serve as lighting positions for a rig that includes 143 Altman Shakespeare 575 ellipsoidals, 25 Altman Star-Pars, 21 Wybron CXI color mixers, and 33 Wybron Forerunner color changers. These fixtures are used to light the themed scenic elements throughout the store.
In keeping with the fast and furious pace of the whole Toys "R" Us project, Altman Lighting was given little time to perform on this job. "We had a deadline of three weeks to deliver 59 custom pieces of power distribution for the theatrical lighting," says Robert Kliegl, national sales manager for Altman Lighting. "Each piece was very different, with different wiring and circuit layout; essentially, each piece was custom." Focus Lighting designed the distribution in four lengths of 8', 16, 24', and 36' and each had different circuiting and connector layout depending where in the store they were required. "We ended up rebuilding about eight strips due to site conditions that arose during the installation process," says Kliegl. "When Focus got onsite, they found areas where ducts or beams would not allow the distribution to mount correctly, so we rebuilt those pieces." Altman was providing partial shipments as the connector strips came out of manufacturing, so the electrical contractor could keep working along. "The whole project was fast with all of the around-the-clock work," Kliegl concludes. "We shipped our entire fixture package within two days of Focus Lighting's approval."
The automated segment of the rig includes five Martin Professional MAC 250 profile spot fixtures and five MAC 300 wash fixtures, used to add patterns and movement to such scenic elements as the Barbie house, and soft-edged projection screens in the World's Fair area. The color palette throughout echoes the Toys "R" Us signature colors of red, yellow, blue, green, pink, and orange that show up in different shades from zone to zone.
"The theatrical lighting is reserved for the themed elements, like T-Rex and the facade of the Barbie house," explains Ades. "Each of these areas has its own requirements and the theatrical fixtures gave us more flexibility."
Barbie™ Ferris wheel car photo courtesy Entech
Audio-Visual Systems
In addition to the sophisticated lighting system in the store, there is a complex set of audio-visual systems in place. These systems were designed and are operated by the New York City-based Show & Tell Productions, and were specified, supplied, installed, and integrated by Scharff Weisberg, also based in Manhattan. "Toys 'R' Us wanted as much of a Wow! factor as possible," says Philip Lenger, lead producer for Show & Tell. "They knew that video is a hot trend in theme parks and retail venues today."
The storewide video system is designed to be as flexible as possible, with a variety of plasma screens and monitors, from Panasonic 27" Pro CTR monitors, Sony 8", 13", and 20" monitors, and Fujitsu 42" plasma screens, that do not overshadow the merchandise. Everything in the store, including lighting, audio, video, the Diazit scrollers, and even T-Rex's roar, are driven by Show & Tell's custom SQL server. There are three control engines: one for the window scrolls, one for the LED sign on the exterior and one for master playback.
"The master playback engine is like show control for a theme park attraction," explains Lenger. "It sends MIDI or DMX or RS232, or whatever protocol is needed, to the various devices. Our systems speak all of these languages." The video systems alone can have up to 60 simultaneous video streams to the more than 100 screens throughout the store. Show & Tell can also feed live video from outside the store onto the screens, or feed live video from inside the store onto the SmartVision LED screen outside, as the store is designed as a live broadcast facility with capacity for state-of-the-art digital cameras.
Once the video systems were designed, the equipment was specified, integrated, and installed by Scharff Weisberg. Principal Josh Weisberg confirms that "the infrastructure was built to be flexible. The wiring is in place so that we can move the screens and monitors as new toys are brought into different areas." Plasma screens were given priority over conventional video monitors as "you can't beat the footprint," explains Weisberg.
One of the most interesting features of the video system is the addition of an individual hard drive, the Adtec digital edje MPEG player, on the back of every plasma screen and video monitor in the store. Each edje unit can store up to several hours of video that is sent from the central control room, as all of the hard drives are on one large network. There are no videotapes and no DVDs used for image playback.
The in-store audio system includes 177 Bose® 32SE surface-mount loudspeakers, 32 Bose 32 flush-mount loudspeakers, six Bose FreeSpace® 3 bass modules, 27 Bose 302A loudspeakers, two Bose 802-II loudspeakers, and four Bose AM-5 Satellite speakers. Fourteen Bose M-2150 power amplifiers and seven Bose 1800-VI power amplifiers that are stored in two Lowell L60-61 equipment racks drive the loudspeakers. Charles Crane, senior field engineer for Bose Professional Systems Division, designed the speaker system, while Scott Reilly served as the Bose project manager for equipment installation.
"Our responsibility was the playback portion of the system, while Scharff Weisberg handled the source, mixing, and routing aspects of the system," Crane says. "The project was split based on expertise and available resources." Playback is via five Roland eight-track digital audio recorders, with a Peavey MediaMatrix system to route the audio.
Toys "R" Us is more than your typical retail toy box. It's also a mini-theme park, a television broadcast facility, and a true combination of design and technology adding a strong entertainment element to a retail venue.
Architect: Gensler, Design & Planning Worldwide
Concept designer: J. Newbold Associates
Lighting Designer: Focus Lighting
Audio/Visual Technology Design: Show & Tell Productions
Audio/Visual Installation: Scharff Weisberg
Window Scroll System: Diazit
Themed Scenic Supervision: Big Show
Construction: F.J. Sciame
Ferris Wheel and Specialty Design:
(exterior & interior)
Client: Toys "R" Us
Design: Joanne Newbold Associates
Build: Entech
Installation: Entech/Enterprise 23
Client: Hasbro
Design: Falcon Perspectives
Build: Folio
Installation: Falcon Perspectives
Client: American Greetings
Design: American Greetings
Build: American Greetings
Installation: Enterprise 23
Client: Toys "R" Us
Design: Joanne Newbold Associates
Build: Entech
Installation: Enterprise 23
Client: Pepsi
Design: FRHS
Build: Exhibit Groups and Project Eye
Installation: Exhibit Groups
Client: Toys "R" Us
Design: Joanne Newbold Associates
Build: Advanced Animations
Installation: Enterprise 23
Client: Universal Studios
Design: Gensler Santa Monica
Build: Advanced Animations
Installation: Enterprise 23
Client: Universal Studios
Design: Gensler Santa Monica
Build: Adirondack Scenic
Installation: Enterprise 23
Client: Universal Studios
Design: Joanne Newbold Associates
Build: Advanced Animations
Installation: Enterprise 23
Client: Mattel
Design: Structural Display
Build: Structural Display
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Client: Hasbro
Design: BLI
Build: Enterprise 23
Installation: Enterprise 23
Client: Hoberman Associates
Design: Hoberman Associates
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Design: Scenery West (with elements by Technifex)
Build: Scenery West
Installation: Enterprise 23
Client: K-Nex
Design: Design ETC
Build: Constructive Display
Installation: Durant Construction
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Design: Design ETC
Build: Constructive Display
Installation: Durant Construction
Client: Leap Frog Enterprises
Design: Hood Exhibits
Build: Hood Exhibits
Installation: Enterprise 23
Client: Lego
Design: Monastero & Associates
Build: MC2
Installation: MC2
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Design: Big Show
Build: Big Show
Installation: Enterprise 23
Client: Mega Bloks Montreal
Design: Les Creation B&M
Build: Les Creation B&M
Installation: Enterprise 23
Client: Nickelodeon
Design: C2 Creative
Build: MC2
Installation: MC2
Client: Sony
Design: Pinnacle Design
Build: Shout Creative
Installation: Enterprise 23
Client: Microsoft
Design: DCI
Build: Derse Exhibits
Installation: Imagicorps
Client: Nintendo North America
Design: Imagicorps
Build: Imagicorps
Installation: Imagicorps
Client: Toys "R" Us
Design: Exhibits International
Build: Exhibits International
Installation: Enterprise 23
Client: Toys "R" Us
Design: Focus Lighting
Build: Big Show
Installation: Enterprise 23
Client: Interact Accessories
Design: Folio
Build: Folio
Installation: Enterprise 23
Client: Intel
Design: RTC
Build: RTC
Installation: Enterprise 23
Client: Racing Champions
Design: Racing Champions
Build: Racing Champions
Installation: Enterprise 23
Client: Lego
Design: Monastero & Associates
Build: MC2
Installation: MC2
Client: Adex International
Design: Adex International
Build: Adex International
Installation: Enterprise 23
Client: Casio
Design: Loran Associates
Build: Loran Associates
Installation: Loran Associates


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Time for what's trending at 5:30.
Although Thanksgiving is still more than a week away.... some shoppers in Akron, Ohio are already camping out to be first in line for the deals at a Best Buy.
According to Best Buy's website, the chapel hill location in akron "Black Friday" will begin at 6 p-m on "Brown Thursday."
A Thanksgiving food drive has employees at an Ohio Walmart up in arms ad making headlines.
All because employees are donating food....not to the company, but to co-workers in need.
The shift manager says this is the second year for the holiday food drive, and it shows the store is a family that cares.
The union group claims the food drive proves Walmart isn't paying workers enough...and some shoppers agree.
The store isn't planning to discontinue the food drive, even if it has served up controversy.
They'll provide 12 to 15 turkeys to employees in need as part of the food drive....and will do another drive around christmas.
If you're younger than 21, it's illegal for you to buy tobacco....in New York.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed a law making it illegal, the bill also covers electronic cigarettes.
Bloomberg says raising the legal purchase age from 18 to 21 "will help prevent another generation from the ill health and shorter life expectancy that comes with smoking."
The new law takes effect in six months.
Overweight pilots and air traffic controllers will have to see the doctor before they're certified.
Doctors with the FAA say sleep apnea is almost universal in obese people, and they don't want their most crucial workers getting sleepy on the job.
Controllers who have a body mass index over 40 and a neck circumference of 17 inches or more will be evaluated by a sleep specialist.
1336 Augusta West Parkway
Telephone: 706.722.6664
Can't find something?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2014 Media General Communications Holdings, LLC. A Media General Company.


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What to see in Frankfurt
Frankfurt Attractions
Frankfurt has some beautiful attractions, both historic and
cultural and there is also a lot to see for the trendy traveller
hungry for fashion and contemporary thrills. Sightseeing in
Frankfurt is best done in the summer months, when the weather is
warmer and the days longer but as the city boasts some truly
wonderful museums and galleries Frankfurt is essentially a
year-round destination.
For history buffs, some of the best Frankfurt attractions include the Well of Justice fountain in Romerberg Square, dating to 1541, and the Eschenheimer Turm, a medieval tower from the 15th century, as well as the Historical Museum which exhibits pieces a range of impressive artefacts from the Middle Ages. The Goethe-Haus is where the author of Dr Faustus, poet Johan Wolfgang von Goethe, was born in 1749.
Cultural Frankfurt attractions include the Städel Gallery, which houses works by Renoir, while the Museum of Sculpture has beautiful pieces from ancient Greece and Rome. Visit the German Film Museum (Deutsches Filmmuseum) to watch one of the classics from its enormous collection, or perhaps stroll the vast plant kingdom found in Frankfurt's Botanical Gardens.
If you are travelling with kids in Frankfurt there are also a lot of attractions for them, including the wonderful Frankfurt Zoo and the Natural History Museum.
Eschenheimer Turm
The Eschenheimer Turm is one of the few remaining towers of the medieval fortifications that encircled the city of Frankfurt.…
Frankfurt Botanical Gardens
The well-ordered and interesting Botanical Garden in Frankfurt is administered by the university and is really a beautiful…
Frankfurt Zoo
The Frankfurt Zoo, located in Ostend, was nearly totally destroyed in World War II, with only 20 animals surviving. It…
The house where Johan Wolfgang von Goethe, Germany's world-famous poet and writer, was born in 1749 is now a shrine to…
Historical Museum (Historisches Museum)
The Historical Museum (Historisches Museum) has many permanent exhibitions on display featuring objects and works of…
Situated on the south bank of the river Main, the Liebieghaus was built in 1896 for Czech Baron Heinrich Liebieg, but…
Senckenberg Museum of Natural History
One of the biggest natural history museums in Germany and housed in a building which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site,…
St Bartholomew Cathedral
The St Bartholomews Cathedral, or Dom Sankt Bartholomäus, dominates the Frankfurt skyline with its imposing 311-foot…
Städel Gallery
Frankfurt's most important art gallery is the Städel Gallery which contains a fantastic collection of most European…
Become our Frankfurt Travel Expert
We are looking for contributors for our Frankfurt travel guide. If you are a local, a regular traveller to Frankfurt or a travel professional with time to contribute and answer occasional forum questions, please contact us.


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The competition on Celebrity Apprentice 2012 got fierce on May 13th when Donald Trump revealed the name of the second person he decided to fire last week. John Rich and Marlee Matlin helped the Donald make his decision about who to keep and which star needed to hit the elevator. Rich won last season when Matlin took second. How much did their interviews of the potential job candidates influence the boss? Apparently a lot.
Celebrity Apprentice 2012 had a host of personalities that ranged from wild to mild, but no elimination round was quite as dramatic as the one that began on May 6th but did not end until May 13th. Last week, Donald Trump fired Lisa Lampanelli after last year's winner John Rich and runner-up Marlee Matlin told him to give her the kibosh. Announcing he would fire a second person, he kept viewers waiting to hear which person was the next to go. Everyone watching was totally worried about which two stars would stay and who would be the one to go.
Clay Aiken (the former American Idol competitor) plays for the National Inclusion Project. He'd been very diplomatic for the most part throughout. He was scrutinized for being less of a leader and more of the follower.
Donald Trump was hard on Arsenio Hall for having sworn in the past at and about co-star Aubrey O'Day. He stood by why he was angry but apologized for using language that was inappropriate. Hall said if he got the Donald Trump stamp of approval, he would make it his goal to make the benefactor proud for the rest of his life.
Aubrey O'Day was criticized for being beautiful and intelligent but not worldly or mature. Complimenting her and saying she had a big career in front of her, she did not see it coming when Trump said she was transparent and that she was fired. When she left, she whined and complained. The inside scoop about why the celebrity was fired was pretty easy to figure out. Her huge ego played the reality TV star out.
The two finalists for Celebrity Apprentice 2012 were named as such. Clay Aiken (who played the game for his special education foundation) and Arsenio Hall (who played the game for the Magic Johnson Foundation, an A.I.D.S. charity) moved forward to compete at Lincoln Center for the final competition round.
Which star celeb do you think should win Celebrity Apprentice? Let other readers know your thoughts in the comments section below.


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Cincinnati Bengals
Bernard Scott - #28 - RB
|5' 10"/ 198 lbs.
|Wichita Falls, TX
|Abilene Christian
|Years played
|2009, 6th round, 36th pick by Bengals
Bengals back in familiar role at Senior Bowl
The Bengals, who rely heavily on their coaches in the draft evaluation process, will again coach at the Senior Bowl.
Focus turns to Bengals' coaching staff, roster
With head coach Marvin Lewis coming back for a franchise-record ninth season, what will be different about the Bengals? That remains to be seen.
Bengals', Bills' staffs to coach Senior Bowl
The Bills' and Bengals' coaching staffs have been selected to coach this year's Under Armour Senior Bowl, officials announced Saturday.
Bengals: Lewis back as head coach
The Bengals announced Tuesday that head coach Marvin Lewis has re-signed with the club.
Marvin Lewis expected to remain with Bengals
Marvin Lewis is expected to return to the Bengals for his ninth season as head coach in 2011, Pro Football Weekly has learned.
Bengals: No announcement on Lewis Monday
The Bengals will not have an official announcement on head coach Marvin Lewis' future with the club on Monday, team spokesman Jack Brennan said Monday afternoon.
Bengals sign five to offseason roster
The Bengals signed FB James Develin, OT Andrew Gardner, S Cary Harris, G Otis Hudson and DE James Ruffin to their offseason roster.
First 20 picks in NFL draft order established
The 20 teams that did not make the playoffs can not look forward to where they will select in April's draft.
Ravens survive Bengals behind two Reed picks
Ed Reed had two interceptions and Ray Lewis recovered two fumbles, part of an opportunistic defensive effort that carried the Ravens over the Bengals 13-7 Sunday.
Whitworth quietly has fine season for Bengals
If there was one Bengal who might have been considered a Pro Bowl snub, the way we hear it, it was OLT Andrew Whitworth.
Ochocinco will miss season finale
Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco will not travel with the team to Baltimore and will miss the season finale against the Ravens because of an ankle injury.
Bengals stun Chargers, keep them out of playoffs
Carson Palmer threw four touchdown passes during a near-perfect performance in the swirling snow, and the Bengals beat San Diego 34-20 on Sunday, ending the Chargers' run of four straight playoff appearances.
Chargers rule ILB Cooper out for Sunday
Chargers ILB Stephen Cooper has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bengals.
Bengals WRs Caldwell, Simpson vie for bigger roles
With Chad Ochocinco's future in Cincinnati uncertain, the Bengals' plans at wide receiver are an offseason story line to watch.
Three Week 16 games blacked out
Games in Tampa, Oakland and Cincinnati will not be shown on local TV this Sunday.
The Bengals have re-signed reserve running back Bernard Scott, who missed all but two games last season because of injuries.||||||| The sixth-round draft pick from 2009 has started three games during his four seasons in Cincinnati. Last year, he suffered a hand injury during preseason, then an ankle injury that resulted in him going on the injured reserve list on Oct. 8. He carried eight times for 35 yards in his two games.
Scott will miss the rest of the season with an injured left knee suffered Sunday.||||||| Scott got hurt during a 17-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins when the leg bent awkwardly as he was tackled. He later rode a stationary bicycle on the sideline, hoping to go back into the game. The Bengals filled his spot by activating linebacker Dontay Moch, who was suspended the first four games for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
Defensive end Carlos Dunlap (sprained right knee) and Scott are active for the first time this season.||||||| Scott missed the first two games with a broke right hand.
Scott has waited two years to get this chance. The shifty running back will be a focus of the Cincinnati Bengals' offense Sunday in Seattle, taking over for suspended starter Cedric Benson. It'll be his first featured appearance since he started two games as a rookie in 2009.||||||| The question is how much the Bengals (4-2) will change their running game on Sunday in Seattle (2-4), where the crowd is loud and rookie quarterback Andy Dalton will rely on Scott instead of Benson to control the ball. Benson is serving a one-game suspension for violating the NFL's conduct policy. He spent five days in a Texas prison settling two misdemeanor assault cases before the season started. The Bengals expect him back next week for a game at Tennessee.
Scott started Sunday against Cleveland in place of Cedric Benson, who is inactive for the game.||||||| Scott made his first NFL start last Sunday in Oakland and ran for 119 yards in a 20-17 loss to the Raiders.


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talent and music galore
Visit also Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart.
An occasional bit of wit 'n' wisdom as gleaned from the wise and learned. Family fun and times to share.
May you have:
A world of wishes at your command.
God and his angels close to hand.
Friends and family their love impart,
and Irish blessings in your heart!
~~Irish Blessing~~
oh to be young again! Actually I'm quite happy where I am but nostalgia is great!ReplyDelete
Grease is such a fun movie!! Thanks for the reminder!~ReplyDelete
so true!
so true!!!
Who has grown up..how does passing of years matter.. ha, ha, thanks I am still pretty young..ReplyDelete
Grease was my daughter's favorite as a teen.ReplyDelete
The enthusiasm of youth is wonderful, you have captured it here.ReplyDelete
My toes are tapping just reading this lilting haiku about youthful positive energy! Oh, Grease! So wonderful! Then Saturday Night Fever, even Fame on tv. My favorite heart-lifter was dancing to the Hustle--do you remember that one? High school plays and musicals are a magical experience--it's great that schools, performers, and audiences never tire of them. Thank you!ReplyDelete
How nice to enjoy a high school musical .... It sounds like you enjoyed the trip down memory lane :)ReplyDelete
High School Musicals are so much fun!
My daughters were in a couple.
Yes, spring has that effect on us all, I'm going to get my tap dancing shoes on!!!
Sue x
Hey, kids, let's put on a show! Words to lift our hearts!ReplyDelete


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participating restaurants
1014 Howard St, Omaha, NE 68102
(402) 932-9600
= $20
visit website
executive chef
Adbellah Meghzaze
The Twisted Fork is an ecclectic grill and bar in Omaha's Historic Old Market that serves American Food with a cowboy twist. It blends southern hospitality with cowboy bravado featuring comfort food. The Twisted Fork also boasts a top notch signature drink menu and martini list designed by world class mixologist Martin Janica of Argentina and was voted as Omaha's Best New Restaurant when it opened in 2008.
course options
first course (choose one):
second course (choose one):


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RAINELLE, W. Va (WVVA)-- Police ask for your help identifying the suspect in the above photo.
They say the suspect, caught on surveillance video stealing $200 from an ATM, was wearing an oversized sweatshirt and safety glasses during the crime. According to police, the suspect also tried to get another $53 from the ATM, but the transaction was declined.
Police describe the thief as female, between 29 and 32 years old, and likely a resident of Rainelle.
If you have any information you are asked to call the Rainelle Police Department at (304) 438-7772 or the Greenbrier County Sheriff's Office.


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A Catholic Priest Stands Tall Against Bill Donohue
By John Amato April 4, 2007 4:52 pm - Comments
Jeff Gatlain, a Catholic priest in KY, goes public in his criticisms of Bill Donohue on C&L. I asked for someone in the Catholic community to spea
We welcome relevant, respectful comments. Please refer to our Terms of Service for information on our posting policy.
Jackie Mason On Schmucks
DNC Refuses To Sanction Fox News Debates


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Updated Mar 7, 2013 - 6:41 pm
MLB.com columnist: 'Grittiness is real' for D-backs, expectations should be high
Originally published: Mar 7, 2013 - 5:36 pm
In the Valley, however, this spring has a little different feel to it when it comes to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Few teams went through as big a facelift in the off-season as the D-backs and with drastic change comes plenty of question marks for Kirk Gibson and Co.
Fresh off a subpar third place finish (81-81) in the National League West a season ago, the D-backs enter 2013 trying to compete with the heavy pockets of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the championship pedigree of the San Francisco Giants. It's a tough task for any team, but an even tougher task for a squad with plenty of new faces (Cody Ross, Didi Gregorius, Eric Chavez, Eric Hinske, Heath Bell and Martin Prado) on the roster.
But not everyone is skeptical of the D-backs' chances of competing in the division this season.
"When Kevin Towers sat down with Kirk Gibson towards the end of last season, they all came up with a plan of what they wanted," MLB.com columnist Richard Justice told Arizona Sports 620's Doug & Wolf Thursday. "They wanted a team that did things the way Kirk Gibson did them, and I think they have it."
It might only be March, but Justice said he has a hunch that the D-backs might be playing into October.
"This whole off-season blueprint, this idea of grittiness that has been somewhat poked fun of around the country, it's real," said Justice. "Those of us on the outside can never really know what goes on but just being around that team with Martin Prado, Cody Ross and those guys, I just have a great feeling about the Diamondbacks.
"The expectations should be to go to the postseason, because they're good enough. They were not designed with a long-term goal in mind."
Justice, who makes his home in Houston, said he'd love to watch the D-backs play on a daily basis and believes any qualms fans might have regarding the team's winter transactions will dissipate once Opening Day rolls around.
"I think you're going to see a team that's fundamentally sound," said Justice. "I think you're going to see a team that people appreciate. I think it's going to be a team that competes, and ultimately I think it's going to be a team that's in contention for a playoff berth."
Dave Dulberg, Web Content Editor - ArizonaSports.com
- MLB debutant delivers for Padres in win over D-backs
- Cahill, D-backs' offense struggle in loss to Padres: By The Numbers
- Arizona Diamondbacks reinstate Daniel Hudson, Cody Ross from the disabled list
- Dose of Venom: Anderson dominates, Diamondbacks finish home stand with win over Rockies
- Anderson, Hill, big 7th inning lift Diamondbacks over Rockies: By The Numbers
- Augie Ojeda, former Arizona Diamondback - Friday August 29Doug and Wolf chat with former Diamondback Augie Ojeda.
- Travis Lee, former D-backs first baseman - Thursday August 28Travis Lee shares some stories and memories from playing with the D-backs.
- Derrick Hall, D-backs President and CEO - Thursday August 28Derrick Hall discusses the home plate rule in the new instant replay system.
- Tim Kurkjian, ESPN MLB insider - Wednesday August 27ESPN baseball analyst Tim Kurkjian believes Matt Williams is good for the Nationals.
- Kirk Gibson, D-backs manager - Tuesday August 26D-backs manager Kirk Gibson discusses possible changes to a six-man rotation.
- Reggie Sanders - former Diamondbacks outfielder - Tuesday August 26Reggie Sanders discusses the Diamondbacks' alumni game coming up this Saturday.
- Derrick Hall, D-backs President & CEO - Thursday August 21Derrick Hall gives his thoughts on the new MLB commissioner.


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|Ryan Marshall
Honestly, I blame the developers more than GameStop. I've only bought a handful of used games from there in the last year, but they always made sure to tell me that I might have to pay more for an online pass if the included code had already been used (which it generally hadn't).
This sort of thing is right up there with content ratings; it should be clear to anyone who actually reads the box, but I guess it could potentially be construed as confusing (misleading would be a stretch) to someone who didn't know much about games (say, a relative seeking to purchase a gift, though such cases rarely involve used purchases anyway).
|Zach Grant
Or the publisher/developer could stop pissing off their customer with anti-consumer policies and confusing access gates to content and drop online passes/1st purchase DLC.
Remember when you could buy a game and know you where getting the full story and content. Those were the days before the nickel and dime crap this industry has turned into.
|james sadler
Really? The consumer didn't read the packaging, or understand they were buying a USED game so its Gamestop's fault?
|Jason Hu
It is the gamer's responsibility to carefully read the content on the used game which may or may not be redeemed. Exclusive unlocks usually come on the purchase receipt if offered by Gamestop. In which case a customer who buys it used won't know about the DLC when considering a purchase. In other cases where it is not exclusively offered content by Gamestop, it will be printed on the cover of the box. If the game is used, the buyer should assume it is likely the code has been redeemed by the previous owner and it will not work if redeemed a second time by another user.
One game comes to mind from my personal experience: Mafia 2 offered console exclusive content that was printed on the case of the game.
Conversely the game: Mass Effect 3 which had the N7 Warfare gear (Gamestop exclusive) which is stated nowhere on the case, but the unlock code printed on my receipt of purchase.
Although I have to say Gamestop should have seen this coming and prepared to make that clear to customers buying used games. And could have even offered to re-print a new exclusive unlock code for the used game at a reasonable price.
|Julian Pritchard
It is excellent to see this happen. Gamespot needs to be held responsible for all the misleads of the second hand sales.
With regards to activation codes that come with the purchase of the game: it is completely correct for the publisher to advertise to their customers that this content is free with the purchase of the game. The publishers customers are the people who buy games first hand. People who buy games second hand are customers of gamestop, and no one else. The developers who worked extremely hard to make that game do not see a cent from the sales of second hand games. The exception is aforementioned activation codes.
|Frank Gilson
DLC and other kinds of follow-on content are in part the result of used game sales and policies which don't directly compensate publishers or developers. Don't ever think that they're the villain in this.


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I know, it's crazy, how could I possibly say that a guy who hasn't even defended his title once, is poised to be the greatest heavyweight in the promotion's history? Well, if you sit down for a moment and enjoy some of the delicious lemonade I have made for you, I will explain.
Currently, Junior has wins over 3 of the other top 10 fighters in the division. Baring any injury or other delay, he will face the number 3 ranked Alistair Overeem by early summer. Lets say, hypothetically, that JDS makes it passed Overeem, that will give him victories over 4 top 10 heavyweights. This is where things get a little more interesting. I see two very likely match ups for junior by this time. The most likely will be a fight with the winner of the SF grand prix, who will probably be ranked at number 7(in the wake of Brock Lesnar departure from the UFC). The other likely potential fight, would be a match up against the winner of a number 1 contenders match between Frank Mir and Cain Velasquez.
Lets say that Cormier wins the grand prix and gets his immediate title shot with Junior by mid fall. In the meanwhile, Frank Mir manages to come up with another brutal submission victory over Cain Velasquez. The stars have now aligned for Junior. First he is victorious over Cormier, and then in late 2012, he defeats Frank Mir in spectacular fashion. At this point, he will have defended the title more than anyone else, and amassed victories over the majority of the other men within the top 10. I ask, would that be enough to consider him the greatest heavyweight in UFC history?


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The Consumer Electronics Show wrapped up in Las Vegas after announcing plenty of new tech gadgets for 2014.Derek Kevra got the chance to chat with Andrew Felix from Tech Launch Pad about some of the items you probably didn't hear about from this year's show.Andrew takes us through 10 brand new items that range from a 3D golf/baseball swing analyzer (which sends a digital copy of your swing to an iPad) to a camping hotplate that will charge your smart phone."Get more Tech News on myFOXDetroit.com.
25 FOX DriveDedham, MA 02026
Phone (781) 467-2525


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Miltons Pimp My Look
This kid has a soul patch. A goddamn soul patch. Not even sure Miltons can help someone with such a misguided sense of style.
Time to reload the Miltons machine. Send all sob stories to email@example.com or email@example.com and help us help you. And you need to send pictures! If you sent an email without a picture resend with one to be considered.
Today's Contestant
Reader Email


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NBA's "Best Lineups"
I thought this was a pretty telling article. I've always felt that a lot of GSOM readers hold the +/- stat way too high. Don't get me wrong, there is some value in +/- statistics... but adjusted plus-minus can only show so much to the makings of a great team. That's why I disagree when people say (especially this year) that Monta is overrated or not playing out of his mind. Anyways, interesting to see who the NBA's "Best Lineups" are anyway, right?


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Cinco de Mayo is coming up, and it's one of Santa Cruz's favorite days to party and celebrate with our neighbors south of the border. Our town is full of some fabulous Mexican restaurants and other places that will make sure your celebration is a memorable one. Here are five picks to enjoy beer, great food, dancing and maybe a shot or two of tequila!
The Crow's Nest upstairs bar will be celebrating with a night of food specials and dancing. Happy Hour starts at 3:30 p.m. The bar menu is delicious—classy bar food at great prices. And on Cinco de Mayo after 6 p.m., there will be a $6.95 special with your choice of a Tuscan Chicken Sandwich, Aloha Burger or Fish Tacos accompanied by the famous salad bar. Then at 8:30 p.m., the party really gets going with the Caribbean dance music of Broken English.
This popular restaurant and cantina has a fun day planned with a visit by the Hornitos Girls, who will raffle off gifts from Hornitos Tequila. There will also be a "shot bar" where you can get your favorite tequila. Radio station KDON "Morning Madhouse" DJs Showbiz and Sam Diggedy will entertain the crowd, and a Mariachi band should liven things up even more. And don't forget the fresh and tasty food that El Palomar is known for, including the Especiales del Mar, combo plates and unique dishes such as seared ahi tuna salad.
Each year, Acapulco packs them in for a fun Cinco de Mayo celebration, and this one won't be any different—except maybe even better! Acapulco server Marlaina Ward said, "This is a great party, and a lot of people bring the whole family. People come in dancing, and they dance on the way to their table. It's really a fun time." The restaurant will have lunch and dinner specials that day, as well as $3 Corona and Pacific beers. At night, the "Corona Girls" and "Shot Girls" will make the rounds with gifts and tequila. And from 7-10 p.m., the Vinny Johnson Band will perform.
Be sure to stop in at Tampico on Cinco de Mayo and enjoy the fun atmosphere and delicious Mexican food. Tampico will serve from its regular menu that includes Mexican specialties made with prawns, rock shrimp, sizzling fajitas and chile relleno. It also offers a late-night menu that will keep you partying 'til the wee hours: jalapeno poppers, shrimp quesadilla and even a hamburger and fries.
This taqueria is always a favorite with Santa Cruzans, and for Cinco de Mayo, you can enjoy a menu that includes delicious meat, fish and vegetarian choices. You'll find all your Mexican favorites—tacos, burritos, enchiladas, tostadas and a kids menu as well. Eat in the restaurant or, if you're partying at home, get your order to go!


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Nine years ago, Francie Tanner was working at a technology consulting company in Dallas when she received an email that began, "Dear Sir or Madam, I manage a bank in the country of Anguilla..."
She hit "delete."
[ Get expert networking how-to advice from InfoWorld's Networking Deep Dive PDF special report. | For the latest practical data center info and news, check out Paul Venezia's Deep End blog and InfoWorld's Data Center newsletter. ]
"I knew there was no such country as Anguilla," she says.
Eventually, the mix-up was straightened out, and Tanner was on a plane to Anguilla which turns out to be a British territory in the Caribbean to spend 10 days in a "concrete bunker" helping the bank set up a small hosting center.
"There was no beach time, nothing," she says. Well, there was one thing. When she arrived at the island, she had an overwhelming sensation of belonging, she says.
[ALSO: Would you take a pay cut to telecommute?]
"Which made no sense," she adds. "I had lived in Texas for 14 years by that time, with a house, four kids, and a job in Dallas." And she was originally from Switzerland. There was nothing in her background to indicate an affinity for tropical islands.
"So I did what any sane human being would do," she says. "Which is nothing. And I went back home."
Four months later, she was sent back to Anguilla to help the bank set up a Blackberry server. And the feeling was still there.
Two months later, she sold her house, her car, packed up all her belongings, her kids and their stay-at-home dad, and moved to Anguilla.
Why the rush?
"If you actually think these things through, and look at the details, objectively, you're going to talk yourself out of it," she says. "There's no way you're going to do it."
And there were a lot of details. She hadn't seen the house where she was going to live. Didn't know if there was a school for her kids. Didn't know that there was no water system, half the roads weren't paved, electricity was unreliable, and medical care was dicey. "But if human beings are put in a situation where they don't have a choice, amazing things can happen," she says.
Luckily, when it came to the Internet, Anguilla was a late adopter, so the infrastructure was new and very good. Tanner got 4Mbps download speed when she first moved to Anguilla, and the connectivity has continued to improve since then.
"If that wasn't the case, I wouldn't have been able to do this," she says.
Her boss was supportive and, for the first nine months, she continued to telecommute to her old job. Then there was a change of management, and she became an independent consultant until she was hired by Panagenda four years ago. Austria-based Panagenda offers enterprise software that provides monitoring, upgrade and management capabilities for IBM Connections, Lotus Notes and Sametime.
[ALSO:Rating the paradise destinations]
SLIDESHOW:Telecommuting from paradise]
Today, Tanner travels about once a month to speak at IBM conferences and the rest of the time works remotely.


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C&G Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector - PTLLS Level 3
We are no longer receiving applications for this opportunity, but there are plenty more open so please continue searching.
- Level 3
- Teaching
- Coventry remove
What Will I do? The City and Guilds Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) syllabus at Level 3. The qualification is designed as a stepping stone into the current set of teacher training qualifications. It provides an introduction into the principles of teaching and learning. The course is aimed at those who are involved or want to become involved in the delivery of learning and are seeking to improve/formalise their skills.
What qualifications will I get? City and Guilds Level 3 teaching certificate.
How will I be assessed? A variety of assessment methods are used but most work is through assignments. Assignments are both theoretical and practical and include a 30 minute assessed micro teaching session.
What else do I need to know? The course you will undertake is very student centred and utilises a variety of teaching approaches and methods which will appeal to all learner styles. You will be supported with regular tutorials.
What can I do after this course? You could go on to complete the City and Guilds Certificate or Diploma in the Lifelong Learning Sector. The PTLLS certificate will credit you with the first mandatory module of both of these additional qualifications.
What modules are covered? Working in a team
What is the entry process? Application and successful interview.
What are the entry requirements? Reasonable literacy skills i.e. to be able to read and interpret written tasks, and write answers in a legible form. Candidates will also need to be able to organise written information clearly and coherently.
Course Code: B15
Course Fees: £230.00 (includes C&G registration)
Start Date: October or March
Duration: 14 weeks
Hours/Week: 3 hours per week (includes tutorial time)
Time/Days: Thursday 1.30-4.30 pm


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A inmate's death at the Snohomish County Jail in Everett is currently under investigation.
According to the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, a 22-year old male inmate approached a custody deputy at about 7:20 a.m. on Tuesday and requested medical attention.
Shortly thereafter, the inmate collapsed to the floor. Corrections staff performed CPR and called 911. He was taken to Providence Medical Center, where he died at about 7:40 a.m.
The inmate had been booked into the county jail by the Lynnwood Police Department on Monday at about 11:45 a.m. on an outstanding warrant for marijuana possession.
The inmate's name has not been released, and the cause of death will be determined by Snohomish County Medical Examiner's Office.


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Summer holiday sale: £10 discount on flights from UK
From 20 January till 24 January 2012 it's summer holiday sale. Thomas Cook offers £10 discount on one-way flights to/from the United Kingdom. As 1+1 is still 2, that means you'll get £20 discount on return flights. Grab your discount on flights from the UK and book you summer holiday now! Departure date: 18th July… Read More »


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By Steve Keenan
Sports Editor
Davon Marion is ending up his time as a Mountain Lion with a flourish.
Marion, a 5-foot-11, 212-pound senior defensive back at Concord University, is making major contributions to the Concord defense in the Lions' first year in the Mountain East Conference.
The former Mount Hope High standout registered an interception in Concord's 49-21 homecoming win over West Virginia Wesleyan last Saturday. It was his fourth pick of the season and second is as many games.
Shaw's Darnell Evans has eight interceptions, best in the NCAA Division II ranks. Marion joins a host of other players tied for fifth in the interception totals.
In his three-year career at Concord (he did not play in 2011), Marion has compiled 184 total tackles (117 solo, 67 assists), in addition to registering 11 tackles for loss and nine interceptions.
"He makes the plays all good players make; every person can see that on Saturday," Concord coach Garin Justice says of Marion.
Perhaps more importantly, Justice says Marion provides solid leadership for the Mountain Lions.
"When he speaks, everyone listens," said Justice. "They see how he (has responded to highs and lows in his life)."
Soldiering on through various adversities, such as injuries and dealing with off-field issues, has gained Marion "a lot of respect in the locker room," Justice stressed. Being a player with such "good character" makes it easy for his teammates to follow and look up to Marion, said the coach.
After his stellar career at Mount Hope, Marion spent a redshirt year at WVU as a member of the Mountaineer football team. "I practiced, I lifted, I did everything but travel," he said. He departed Morgantown, Marion said, because of "a bunch of little factors."
"I'm glad I transferred and I chose Concord," he continued. The coaching staff "welcomed me in with open arms," and "I met a few guys I'll be friends with for life."
The move also helped him academically, he said, and he's happy to be achieving success on the field.
Other Fayette County players on the Concord roster this fall include Marion's younger brother, Deon, a freshman wide receiver. Also in the Mountain Lion program are Meadow Bridge's Jennings Berry, Oak Hill's Marcus Walker and Mount Hope's Sean Bunting.
"In high school (Mount Hope) I played with my older brother Desmond Newsom. That was a real good experience," said Marion. Seeing Deon at Concord has been a great experience, too, Davon said.
"He's learning, growing, becoming more mature," he said of Deon. "It's real good having him down here.
"He's loving it. If he's happy, I'm happy."
Growing up in the Oak Hill Midget League, Marion said, he harbored dreams of playing professionally. That hasn't changed, as he'd still like to explore post-collegiate playing options.
But, he and his teammates now have their attention focused on finishing the regular season strong.
"Every team comes into the fall thinking championship, that's just football," says Marion, 22, who expects to graduate in May with a sports management degree.
"We have to prepare the right way every week ... and not overlook anyone," said Justice. Above all, Justice says, the Lions "have to play with a grit, a certain level of tenacity." Many teams these days don't seem to want to do that, he said.
Concord (5-2 overall, 4-1 MEC) continues its quest with a key league game at the University of Charleston at 1 p.m. this Saturday.
The Golden Eagles (4-3, 4-1) defeated West Virginia State 31-9 last Saturday.
After its battle with UC, Concord closes the regular season with MEC contests against UVA-Wise (home, Nov. 2), Notre Dame (Ohio) College (away, Nov. 9) and league-leading Shepherd (home, Nov. 16).
— E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Fire broke out inside a home on Valley Dr. in Bettendorf Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. While know one was hurt, the damage is pretty extensive.
The call came in at 9:37 for a structure fire in the 24-thousand block of Valley Drive. Fire crews put the fire out quickly, but it is evident from the soot on the home that the fire was pretty intense. Bettendorf Fire Chief Gerry Volliger was on the scene and explained what they know so far.
"A passerby reported that flames were coming out of the 2nd story window. We arrived moments later and found just that. The fire was quickly knocked down, under control and now we're just doing overhaul, looking for hidden fires," said Volliger.
There is a lot of damage from the fire on the 2nd floor of the 2-story home. Water damaged the first floor.
The chief says no one was in the house at the time of the fire and the pets got out okay. Officials don't know yet how the fire started.
805 Brady Street, Davenport, IA 52803
Telephone: 563.383.7000
Fax: 563.383.7131
Email: email@example.com


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Benefits cap 'encouraging work' (From Salisbury Journal)
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Benefits cap 'encouraging work'
4:09am Monday 16th July 2012 in National News © Press Association 2014
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith said new figures show the benefit cap is 'already a success'
The impending introduction of the Government's cap on benefits is already driving claimants to find jobs, Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has said.
Eight months before the limit on the amount households can claim comes into force, Mr Duncan Smith said that what was described as "operational data" showed 1,700 people who "might" have been affected had now found work.
Another 5,000 were said to have indicated they would like to receive support to get back into employment.
"These figures show the benefit cap is already a success and is actively encouraging people back to work," Mr Duncan Smith said in a statement.
"They also show that Labour's criticism of the cap was nothing but needless scaremongering and opposition for opposition's sake.
"It's sheer madness that people on benefits can be getting as much as a higher rate taxpayer earns.
"We need a welfare state that acts as a safety net and encourages people back to work, not traps them in out-of-work dependency."
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Comments (6)
Please log in to enable comment sorting
6:05am Mon 16 Jul 12
jenkinsroy says...
Iain Duncan Smith there
are no jobs no money
all you have do is make us all poor ill haeth and turn to crime to live and
your d.w.p. is in totel
meltdown the infore you
get is lies i know im on phone to them every day saw you better get them some help now and stop takeing
and get your finger out now
before it all crashes down
at your feet now do someing now not next week now now now and stop printing this crap
6:22am Mon 16 Jul 12
jenkinsroy says...
MR Iain Duncan Smith
before you sort out the D.W.P you can sort my benifies out and pay me what
the lawer say i need to live off you are under paying me now so sort it out
then. i do not need to be on phone all day with jobcenterplus. about it
give me a ring o.k. your D.W.P have my numer before i go to courts off humen right in bruseles where you and this goverment can exsplain what is going on with the benifit money
for me and all the other on
state benifits time to answer is now all off you
benifits offices if they can cope if they say yes there lieing to you send someone in to see now now ?????????????
6:45am Mon 16 Jul 12
lucewindscreen says...
9:01am Mon 16 Jul 12
zebedeemm says...
10:35am Mon 16 Jul 12
Cleopatra says...
Your posts demonstrate why employers consider so many out of work people to be unemployable.
10:51am Mon 16 Jul 12
shy talk says...


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Who Are You?
87 visitors in the past 24 hours, and I don't know many of you… So please, come out, come out whoever you are….I'd like to meet y'all.
look at that. already using y'all. i think i've used that word so much lately. it was *so* meant to be for us to be in nashville. (6 more days!)
So, anyway, I don't have anything witty to post. So in true format, I'm stealing what everyone is doing on the blogs these days….
So all you lurkers and new visitors, ask me a question, any question. I may not have some profounding answer (is profounding a word?) but, I'll answer anyway.
Can you tell I don't have much to do in my second to last day at work? Heehee.
Okay you already know I come on here…I've posted before. Hmm not creative in my thinking of questions tonight….what do you do in your spare time aside from scrapbooking/designing?
Waving!!!! Hi…. I am a frequent stopper-by!
Question: How do you think your doggie is going to like that long drive? We he need doggie Dramamine! haha.
Question: What colors/theme/accents do you plan to do you scrappin nook in?
I'll play.
Do you have a new j-o-b lined up in TN or will you give Citrus Blossoms a big ol' go?
And Merry Christmas to you if we don't cross paths for the next couple days…busy busy!
Hey – I'm a frequent stopper byer -love your work!
My question: I've been thinking about taking up digital scrapbooking (been doing paper forever), how do you print your pages, or do you and if so how do they look? I like having something tangible and seeing all the 3d work.
I think I linked to you through one of the many blogs I read. I lurk. I also think that you could've just said "profound" and it would have been correct.
Really dig your digi scrapbooking, I'm actually getting into it and I'm debating if I should start digi scrapping, any hints or suggestions?
Hi Amber! *waving*
So if you were to have a Christmas tree would it have been real or fake?
Have a very merry christmas girl!
Amber, you know I love your blog. My question is how did you meet your boyfriend, how long have you been dating.. and any marriage plans?
Also what college did you go to and describe your career now and maybe your dream career too.
Hi Amber,
I am latina chick who lives in San Pedro CA. I started reading your blog a couple of months ago, and it may sound funny, but I am actually hooked on it, at least twice a week I gotta see what you are up to. I just like the way you express yourself about life and everything around it. BTW, your house in TN is beautiful!!'
Take Care
Gabby ("pedro chick" ;)
memememe I'm just so nosy lol so I read blogs all over the place its fun to take a peek at other peoples lives :)
Oh I'm a "regular"…and even have your page linked to my blog to make it easy and come back as often as time permits. I love your blog! I guess I can ask you a question I've been thinking about myself today (because of the Christmas Art Journal prompt for today is making me to)…WHY DO YOU LOVE CHRISTMAS? By the way MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
If I comment on yours you must comment on mine. So how can I tell how many people log on? I don't think blogspot has that feature, and I would LOVE it if you made a banner for me. Something with…"Changing the world one snip at a time" and with hair and scissors in the background???? If that is too corny, shoot me right now. I can't wait for you to get in to the new place – I must say I am jealous of all the customizations. We can't afford the upgrades right now so you are living our dream, be-atch! So I have to ask, is the market really good there, or is Brandon doing that well? Whatever the scenario, congratulations and you both totally deserve it. Bitch.
PS. Start checking on flights to NC so you two can take a coastal Carolina vacay and we can catch up on old times. Miss you.
My question is (and maybe i missed the answer in a previous blog) Why are you moving? I love the house by the way.
wow am i late to *this* party LOL! that's what i get for neglecting my Bloglines updates for a while huh? i lurk. not sure how i got here even. following the never ending trail of blog linkage i suspect!
my question: what's your favorite part about blogging?
Me, Me, Me :) lol I have been a reader of your blog for sometime now. I Found you from one of the girls who use to design layouts on your DT. I was looking through her gallery and saw some awesome patterns, so I followed the link she listed and I came upon your site. Girl you have got some mad talent! I have done a couple things with digital, but MAN OH MAN do I wish you would make some of those patterns into REAL paper lol. I would be all over that stuff! Have you ever thought about that? I promise to come out of lurkdom to comment here and there on your blog so you know I am one of the ones here and reading ;)


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By Ben Travers | Indiewire July 19, 2013 at 10:17AM
It may only be July. The Oscars may still be seven months away, and the heat of the race won't really hit until November. It may seem too early to be thinking about the Dolby Theater, black tuxedos, and brilliant ball gowns — but someone has to. Right now, that someone is Harvey Weinstein. The perennial Oscar hopeful always stacks his fall release slate with enough awards contenders to keep his name in almost every race, and this year is no different. Well, almost. He's got at least eight serious contenders -- like usual -- but more than a few are already under fire.
READ MORE: Indiewire's 2014 Oscar Predictions
The latest issue comes from an unexpected challenger at an unexpected time in an unexpected area. Warner Bros. stepped in at the eleventh hour demanding the title of TWC's upcoming film, "The Butler," be changed. They won their appeal with the MPAA's Title Registration Bureau on July 2, and the contentious ruling has yet to be overturned. On top of that, the Sundance winner "Fruitvale Station" has to deal with the touchy Trayvon Martin situation. And James Gray's ambitious period drama "The Immigrant" received mixed responses at Cannes. With "Fruitvale Station's" expanding today -- here's a list of The Weinstein Company's Oscar hopefuls and expectations for each film.
"August: Osage County"
John Wells' adaptation of Tracy Letts' Pulitzer Prize-winning play is easily TWC's best shot at Best Picture in 2014. Starring the dream duo of Oscar winners Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts, "August: Osage County" has incredible appeal for Oscar voters. First and foremost is Streep, who's only two years removed from her last gold statue for "The Iron Lady." It took everything in Harvey Weinstein's bag of tricks to get Streep to the podium after her film was met with less than favorable reviews. Don't expect the same for "August." In addition to its two leading ladies, the Southern drama features Ewan McGregor, Benedict Cumberbatch, Sam Shepard, Abigail Breslin, Juliette Lewis, Dermot Mulroney, and Chris Cooper. Any one -- or four -- of these well-respected thespians could bust into the acting races along with Roberts and Streep.
The only issue facing "August" early on is its director. Letts himself adapted the screenplay from his own novel, leaving Wells as the only somewhat inexperienced creative entity on set. He has a wealth of production work in his background (dating back to the 1988 TV show "China Beach"), but has only directed one other feature, 2010's under-appreciated workplace drama, "The Company Men." That must have been enough evidence for Streep & Co. to sign. So far the only footage screened has been the trailer, which looked promising enough. Nevertheless, "August" is in prime Oscar position with expectant buzz and a coveted Christmas Day release date.
"The Butler"
Didn't this article start by purporting bad news for TWC? Oh yeah. "The Butler." Though it showcases just as much Academy appeal on its surface as "August: Osage County," but Lee Daniels' historical drama is hiding many flaws under its star-heavy visage. First off, it's never a good sign when the director is making excuses for his film almost a year before its release. Then comes the whole title fiasco and everyone on "The Butler" is busy talking about problems instead of talking up their picture.
It was a brilliant move by Warner Bros., though. After taking home the Best Picture prize at last year's Academy Awards with their political thriller "Argo," Time Warner's entertainment arm made an early play for Oscar by ambushing a competitor early on in the 2013 race. When Warner Bros. filed a grievance with the MPAA Title Registration Bureau calling for a name change to The Weinstein Company's awards hopeful, "The Butler," it was done with the intention to harm the film financially, thus damaging its path to the Dolby. If the film loses out on box office dollars due to confused theatergoers -- which it absolutely could given a last minute name change -- it's dead in the water. Summer releases need to make a splash on their release to remain relevant for winter awards races. "The Hurt Locker" may be the exception that proves the rule, but the rule still remains.
It's been widely reported -- mainly by Harvey Weinstein himself -- the move was made to get TWC to drop its right to the Warner Bros' property, "The Hobbit." Though likely true, leave it to Harvey to spin a negative into a positive. He's gambling he'll get to keep the name while using the issue to gain as much free media as he can. It can pay off he wins the appeal and keeps "The Butler," or if he loses. By now, if the name change happens, every entertainment outlet will be cover it as follow-up to their previously-written pieces. Though extremely pricey if the title actually has to be changed at this late date, the free press is a PR dream for a film going up against summer's biggest blockbusters. Can the notoriously vicious awards campaigner make the story work for him? We'll find out in a few weeks. "The Butler," or whatever it will be called, opens August 16.
"Fruitvale Station"
Talk about your reversal of fortunes. Prior to last weekend's gangbusters opening weekend, Ryan Coogler's Sundance winner was running on fumes from a very successful January. Then its opening weekend came around and boosted the racially-charged drama to the forefront of Oscar pundits' prognostications. The aforementioned early numbers proved the film's public appeal -- though its potency will truly be tested once it expands nationwide July 26 -- but it was the verdict in George Zimmerman's trial that may prove the deciding factor to Oscar voters. Academy members tend to vote for what they feel is the best and most relevant film of each year. They're not always right (*ahem*), but they still try to choose films focusing on current social issues.
"Fruitvale Station" has become such a film. The film tells the story of Oscar Grant, a young black man shot by a white police officer who ended up serving a minimal sentence to the outrage of social activists everywhere. Clearly, the independent drama echoes an issue that's currently at the focal point of American culture. Whether or not the issue will remain front and center in voters minds for the next six months is unpredictable, but if Academy members are looking for a film to mark where we are as a nation in 2013 then "Fruitvale Station" is it. The strategy to use tragic current events is tricky from a PR standpoint, so expect Oscar campaigner extraordinaire Harvey Weinstein to let it happen naturally. The American public can't always be trusted to put two and two together, but they will this time. The question is whether or not it will be enough.
"Grace of Monaco"
Can Olivier Dahan do for Nicole Kidman what he did for Marion Cotillard? The director of Oscar-winner "La Vie en Rose" has brought another actress to the Academy's attention, though Kidman certainly needs no introduction. The three-time Oscar nominee's one win came for the Weinstein-backed "The Hours" in 2002, and Harvey is already pushing one of his favorite stars on voters by having Kidman appear at the company's Cannes-set 2013 preview. The event featured a five-minute montage of "Grace of Monaco" footage with a strong focus on Kidman's unveiling as Grace Kelly, the iconic film star-turned-princess. Yet the push did not get off to a great start. Indiewire's Nigel Smith said "no one should expect a transformation akin to what Marion Cotillard did as Edith Piaf," and buzz remained low for the film after the screening.
Controversy plagued the Cannes premiere of James Gray's period picture starring Joaquin Phoenix, Marion Cotillard, and Jeremy Renner. Enough so the director made a rather rude statement to critics and Indiewire's Erick Kohn labeled it "the most divisive film in Cannes competition." Anne Thompson said the script "was undermined throughout by clunky, expositional dialogue," and "Jeremy Renner was unconvincing as a street-smart magician." The Hollywood Reporter and Variety gave it positive reviews, but a 50/50 split isn't ideal for the Academy voting process.
Marion Cotillard shouldn't face that issue. The female lead of "The Immigrant" earned glowing reviews even from critics who didn't care for her film, including Thompson, who said "she speaks Polish like a native," and labeled her "one of the most facially expressive and beautiful actresses working today." Cotillard has felt like a perennial Oscar contender since she won in 2007, including last year when she just missed out for her role in "Ruse and Bone." Her greatest challenge this year will be overcoming any negative stigma attached to the film.
If anyone can help overcome that blemish, it's Harvey Weinstein. This is the man who pushed Meryl Streep to the podium for her much-reviled film "The Iron Lady." Getting voters to look at exactly what he wants them to is Harvey's speciality -- even if it means looking away from something unsightly.
It was just four years ago audiences saw Morgan Freeman portray South African President Nelson Mandela in a well-received and Oscar-nominated turn. Is that long enough for Academy members to pay attention to another actor in the same role? TWC is betting yes. Though similarly-themed films going head to head hasn't ended well for the latter picture of late (or ever), four years might be long enough for audiences eager to revisit the great leader so soon after his recent health scare.
The toughest issue facing the biopic is its lack of Oscar credentials. Its director (Justin Chadwick) has a background mainly in television, and the film's two leads have never entered the Oscar picture, let alone vied for a win (though we all know Idris Elba is perfectly capable). Screenwriter William Nicholson has earned two Academy Award nominations, but none since "Gladiator" in 2001 (and John Logan has received much of the credit for penning that Best Picture winner) and the recent release of the film's teaser trailer did next to nothing for its buzz.
Let's not underestimate the Weinstein factor, though. The aforementioned first footage notably kept Idris Elba out of view. It could've been anyone walking down that dirt path, and it wouldn't come as a surprise if Harvey is carefully waiting to unveil his best Best Actor candidate (not forgetting Michael B. Jordan of "Fruitvale Station," mind you). If that's the case and Elba delivers the performance we all know he's capable of, then "Mandela" could make everyone forget about "Invictus" entirely.
Believe it or not, it's been six years since Judi Dench last received an Oscar nomination ("Notes on a Scandal"). Prior to her current drought, Dame Dench had been nominated back-to-back years in 1998 & 1999, 2001 & 2002, and 2006 & 2007. She notoriously won for "Shakespeare in Love" despite being on screen for only eight minutes, thus solidifying the Academy's love for the veteran actress. She got some buzz for her turn in "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" last year, but it never materialized. Now she's the best shot at Oscar love for TWC's drama, "Philomena."
Or is she? Penned and co-starring the British comedian Steve Coogan, "Philomena" centers on a woman searching for her adult son after years of forced separation. The premise itself is certainly dramatic enough for Oscar, but the rest of the cast is full of relative unknowns. Still, some industry insiders think Dench's drama is TWC's ace in the hole. It hasn't been given a U.S. release date yet, so expect to hear more about this one on the fall festival circuit."The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet"Not much is known about Jean-Pierre Jeunet's latest fantasy film other than its appealing plot and leading lady. Helena Bonham Carter stars as Dr. Clair, the mother of a 12-year-old cartographer who flees his family's ranch to hop a train and receive an award from the Smithsonian. Intriguing, no? Jeunet made a splash in the early aughts with "Amelie" (for which he earned a screenwriting nomination) and "A Very Long Engagement" after misguidedly dipping his toe in the blockbuster pool for "Alien: Resurrection" in 2001. His last effort, 2010's "Micmacs," played the festival circuit after premiering at TIFF in 2009, but earned no Academy attention.
Needless to say, Jeunet is the most marketable Oscar asset for Harvey Weinstein. It would be a big surprise if this film emerged as any kind of frontrunner, but it could score a screenplay nod if it hits the festivals hard and plays well nationally. Based on the international trailer, its scope is certainly epic enough and Jeunet's now-expected innovative visuals could lure the same voters who were wooed by the 3D eye candy of "Hugo" a few years back. It's a steep hill to climb given its limited marketability, but that's why it's got the big gun, er, guy behind it.
These aren't all the films TWC is expected to release this year. "Snowpiercer" is expected sometime in 2013. The documentary "Salinger" shouldn't be counted out of the Best Documentary race. Wong Kar Wai's "The Grandmaster" and Keanu Reeves' "The Man of Tai Chi" just aren't contenders -- the former doesn't seem to be trying while the latter is also aspiring towards other goals.
What do you think dear readers? Which of the Weinsteins' films has the best shot at Oscar? Is there a multi-category smash among them? Will "August: Osage County" live up to the hype? Does "The Butler" name change actually damage its odds, or will the free publicity outweigh the detriments? Let us know below and keep checking in for more updates on all of Harvey's films.
READ MORE: Indiewire's 2014 Oscar Predictions


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Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) today announced via its "Ultimate Insider" webcast that former heavyweight kingpin Brock Lesnar will headline UFC 131 opposite Junior dos Santos in the main event of the promotion's upcoming pay-per-view (PPV) fight card on June 11 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada..
Now the only thing standing between Lesnar and a rematch with division champion Cain Velasquez is his opposing TUF 13 coach, who risks his number one contender spot for a chance to pound on his pasty foe -- and get his piece of the Lesnar pay-per-view pie, which historically has made boku bucks for all involved.
The artist formerly known as the sport's "toughest S.O.B." is coming off a first round shellacking at the hands of Velasquez, who survived a beefy bumrush at UFC 121 to topple the former WWE star and capture the crown last October.
It was Lesnar's first loss inside the Octagon since serving up a ham-hock to Frank Mir in his Octagon debut at UFC 81 way back in February 2008. He avenged the Mir loss with a July 2009 bloodbath at UFC 100, battering the trash-talking grappler and forcing a first round TKO stoppage.
After a falling out with his lower intestine in 2009, ol' Sword 'N Chest clung to dear life while Shane Carwin beat him like a rented mule at UFC 116, only to come back and steal the submission win when "The Engineer" unveiled his Madame Tussaud-inspired defense.
Now Lesnar can avenge another loss and convince the MMA fanbase that his defeat at the hands of Velasquez was nothing more than a bump in the proverbial road.
Assuming Dos Santos doesn't make that road a dead end when they face off on June 11.
"Cigano" cemented his place among the heavyweight big guns after a string of impressive performances against the likes of former Pride FC star Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic at UFC 103, Gilbert Yvel at UFC 108 and most recently against Roy "Big Country" Nelson at UFC 117 last August.
In fact, the Brazilian has enjoyed something of a UFC Cinderella story, being brought in for what was thought to be a squash match against Fabricio Werdum in his 2008 debut.
Dos Santos had other plans, knocking out "Vai Cavalo" and forcing the UFC to give him the best the division has to offer, mostly because he's destroyed everyone else worth mentioning in the 265-pound weight class, going 6-0 with five stoppages.
But can he withstand the wrestling of Lesnar?
We'll know soon enough.
Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more updates to the UFC 131 fight card as they become available.