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|By Christopher Wilson
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|October 5, 2005 09:00 AM EDT
It was early May of 2004, and I was almost at the finish line for my degree. Between me and graduation: Just two summer classes. I was in the process of finishing what could only be described as the most intense spring semester of my college career. As the semester's end finally hit, I realized something. I was going to need a job, and I hadn't even started looking.
Then, almost on cue, the phone rang. The president of a small and local software company was looking for computer engineers with .NET experience. They searched my university's resume database for candidates, and I came up. Would I like an interview? Hell yes.
I was to be part of a team of highly skilled, versatile, .NET Ninjas. We were going to produce top-notch software for the nuclear power industry. Combining management's knowledge of the nuclear field and our kung fu grip on .NET , we hoped to dominate our market niche. As developers we would be on the ground floor of a booming company. There was greater room for advancement compared to a traditional office environment. We all hoped to have company cars, top-notch health care, company cell phones, and tons of other wonderful perks; all just slightly out of reach.
It did not go as planned.
One stressful year later, while I was staying late with a few other developers to finish up on some work, I was asked to report to the president's office. My manager was already there, sitting on the same side of the desk as the president. They explained to me, in a level and professional tone, that due to financial factors, I was going to be let go, with only an hour's severance pay. Thanks for all the hard work, and best of luck.
The first layoff is tough. After bending over backward, after being a loyal employee, this is the reward? To summarize how I felt: Disillusioned. Only one thing kept me going -- pure ego. You know when the schoolyard bully says something about your mom in front of everyone? But, ignoring the size difference and the fact that he's already shaving daily at age 14, you step forward and say "Oh yeah?", with a Brock Sampson-like eye twitch the only warning of the impending ownage? That's the kind of ego that kept me determined to give software engineering a second shot.
Over the course of the previous year, my friends quickly learned I liked to talk about work less and less. When I did open up about it, they were astounded by, well, let's say various factors of the work environment. Each and every time it was discussed with my peers in the field, time and time they gave me the same advice: Get out.
I have to say, they were totally right.
All the signs were there, but I blazed on, telling myself that this was just a rough patch for the company, and that we'd pull out of this tailspin in time to land safely at our destination. I was ignoring the pilots screaming "Mayday, Mayday".
Now, while I was blind to obvious signs that it was time to leave, doesn't mean that you have to be. I would like to present the 4 signs that you should leave your workplace (for software engineers):
1. It's the environment, stupid!
In the University of Pittsburgh's Computer Engineering program, there is a mandatory department seminar, where the department informs us about our career options. Oftentimes, alumni come back to speak about the career opportunities in their field. It's all very, very dry, and as a result, nobody listens. They also fail to give one piece of advice that I would at the first seminar of every year, if I was ever asked to give one:
Don't work in cubicles, ever. Working in cubicles is the sure sign that you're not working for a successful company. Imagine the smartest person you know, working in your field. Now imagine how they would react if they were told they're going to work in a box with no door or roof, allowing them no privacy.
They would no doubt leave that organization for one that is less creatively stifling. So unless you are convinced that you're stupid (and, in that case, you're in the wrong field) you shouldn't be accepting cubicles in your work place either. If the company will not or can not spend the money to create offices for its knowledge workers, so they can get into the zone, the odds of it creating a successful software product and capitalizing on it are about the same as you becoming a millionaire by going to Las Vegas, betting fifty on black, and letting it ride all night.
Cubicles do not automatically make an employee stupid; but it is one more barrier for you to climb over before you can create your own space to think. At my last workplace, the noise traveled. Everyone could hear everyone. An intern with nothing to do bullshitting with your boss, a co-worker venting about how he's not paid enough, the busybody secretary ordering people around with no authority. Not one single employee liked the set up, but without management's understanding, naturally nothing was done.
And for those management types who live in the dead end of corporate culture, if you don't believe noise is a big detriment to your productivity, just buy an electric drill or vacuum cleaner. Turn it on and let it run. Put it as close to your ear as humanly possible, and try to get work done.
It sounds like such a small thing to critical about, but like so many things in life, little things turn out to be extremely crucial. Little things snowball into bigger things. If people can't relax in their workplace, dealing with them becomes difficult, which creates friction where none should exist. That friction could destroy the delicate cohesion every team needs to maintain to produce software. So if you find that getting ready for work in the morning is a larger effort then getting ready to go out on a Friday night, maybe you should talk to your boss about making your workplace more accepting, or find a new one.
2. Just How Dumb is Management, Anyway?
Engineering n-tier enterprise level software is like navigating a minefield. There are countless potential disasters just waiting to happen. From creeping requirements to budgetary nightmares to horribly incorrect estimates, oftentimes it is not technical ability that makes or breaks a product; it is how all the other chainsaws are juggled. Your project is as dependent on the know how of your manager as it is your technical ability.
Since the inception of the term, software engineering, people have acknowledged that it is inherently hard to manage software projects. It is exponentially harder to have a superior that actually understands this, and is capable of both properly delegating and managing the complexity. Here are three major mistakes to look for in your manager. Take any of these as a sign that it is time to have that interview suit dry cleaned.
A. Thinks they know too much:
Is your superior an old hand, who's worked his way up from the trenches, but hasn't kept up with the pace of technology? Does he base his assumptions of how you should be doing things based off the way that he did things? So while you try to explain that the create_user_account module should call a stored procedure in the database to minimize the chance of SQL injection, he's showing you how easy it was to create a form in Access97. Questioning the methodology at work will often result with a "this is how we did it in the old days, and I don't see anything wrong with that!" New technology isn't likely to be adopted at its full potential in a workplace with a manager like this. Instead, you will end up grinding the same gears, only faster, louder, and harder.
B. Relies on, but disregards your technical advice:
Oftentimes, a non-technical manager, or an "old hand" who's edge is no longer sharp will be impressed enough to listen to your technical advice. If they were smart, they'd actually take it.
My former company had the unlucky experience of needing to reformat its single production server. While our DBAs tried to figure out what caused the crash, and how to fix it, I began talking to various other developers about what needed to be done if we had to recover from a worst-case scenario, where a reformat/reinstall was necessary.
I studied up on the re-install procedures, so that I could come in over a weekend, fix the sever, and have it ready so that everyone could work on Monday. I told my superior, who promptly disregarded it. That task was going to another employee, one who had no experience in setting the server up properly. If you find yourself in a situation where management is disregarding the sound technical advice they should be basing decisions on, you need to expedite your job search.
C. Schedule Bullies:
This one needs no explanation. If you tell management that it will take 8 days, and they turn around and tell you they think it will take six, you need to leave. Rushed work is almost always subpar. You will not learn sound defensive coding practices. If management does share your view of "I'm writing this, I'm the only one who can tell how long this is going to take." then you have an uphill battle explaining to your boss such difficult terms as quality or pride in your work. I wish you luck on that endeavor. It will be as fun as herding cats.
Remember, not all programmers make good managers, just like not all managers make good programmers. If your boss' skill set brings nothing to the table, don't expect to replace him anytime soon. Instead, get your references ready.
3. Personal Growth
At my last job, I constantly felt dejected. "You're not growing fast enough! You're barely in the middle of the pack." was the kind of feedback I was getting from my supervisor. Much later, I realized they were setting employees up for failure, and then blaming the employee, instead of blaming themselves.
When it comes to growth, you need to consider two things about your company. Are you happy doing what you're happy doing? Do they have you developing in-house tools, when you'd rather be developing next-generation user interfaces? Are you finding yourself spending half your time fixing the network and pulling cable when you'd rather be developing a framework for your fellow developers?
The second thing you need to consider is what kind of options they offer for career advancement. Will the company you're working for pay for graduate schooling in your field? What about management classes? How about industry certifications? If the answer to any of those three is no, the company is trying to trap you, by removing the path most employees use to get better jobs: Expanding on their experience and education. Plenty of companies now offer this benefit to developers, so if yours doesn't, find one that does. You'll thank me when you have that nanotechnology Ph.D.
4. Compensation and Overtime
If you're not happy with the amount of money that you're making, do a reality check. Find out what you're worth. If you are confident your compensation is inadequate, extend your superior the opportunity to rectify this mistake, and then start looking for jobs where you will be valued.
Overtime should also be considered along with compensation. If you're working too many hours at the office, and the company isn't doing whatever it takes to get you back down to a healthy 40 hour work week, then something is wrong. Is it because the network is breaking and none of you know what to do? Hire a network administrator with certifications. Are you talking to vendors and doing the legwork on products you might need later down the pipeline that a temp could do instead? Are you testing software instead of a full time tester?
While the occasional (paid) overtime is nice, long hours put more wear and tear on you, and over time, can cost you the passion you had for developing quality software. No amount of profit sharing, casual dress or office perk can get that back for you.
Final Thoughts
Work is not all bad. A lot of employers say they want their employees to think work is fun. Few employers put their money where their mouth is, and difference is something you not only see - you feel it when you start working for those employers. After reading this, you should have some concrete feeling as to whether you feel your employer measures up, or whether you need to move on. If you start thinking more about your career and less about your particular job, you'll start to pay attention to those warning signs. And for those of you feeling those warning signs:
I'll offer you the same two words of advice that my friends gave me: Get out.
|Anonymous 10/15/05 03:15:45 PM EDT
This article reminds me of the junior pups that I worked with in various companies - they all seem to think they know everything and demand the world, but then when something doesn't go their way, they get all angry and blame management for this.
Hate to tell you this, sport, but as someone who has been around the block a hell of a lot more than you have, you have a lot of growing up to do. This isn't the "dot-com" boom time where you can have no experience in a field and become a Director or VP overnight.
People nowadays want SMEs and people who have a clue - people who can contribute and not bitch about the fact they have a cubicle versus a hard walled office.
I would feel remotely sympathetic to you if 1) you were not given the proper equipment to do your job (this has happened to me more times than I care to count 2) I am surrounded by coworkers who sit on their collective asses and complain that you aren't working hard but they are there doing even LESS and demanding MORE (been there too) 3) you have a boss who refuses to communicate with you, even when you just join the company and expect you to figure out by osmosis what the goals of the company are and you are to chart your own course (this has happened to me as well).
So... to make a long story short, you are an ungrateful little punk who might be better off working in an electronics store or a fast food restaurant. If you can't handle how companies think or operate, then I suggest you see what's wrong with YOU before you look at the company and their flaws.
I know for one thing, I wouldn't hire you to work with me - you seem to be very high maintenance and I can't deal with that -- we want results and we want team players but ones who actually can work on their own - it seems to me you can't even do that right...
Good luck to you... you will REALLY need it.
|damienm 10/13/05 09:01:47 AM EDT
Chris, the innocence of inexperience is all I can say to describe your view! You have a long way to go before you can give solid advice to people on how they manage their career. Admittedly there are some factors in your argument that hold water. The logic you use, however, indicates your lack of objectiveness and experience. While you might very well strike it lucky irrespective of your attitude, it is an attitude that would make you an unlikely candidate for hiring for the reason that it indicates that you are nowhere near as effective in a work situation as you might think you are. Don't let your bitterness about one situation mold your view from this point forward. With any luck you'll look back on this article in 10 years time and laugh at your innocence, perhaps even blush!
Keep an open mind, man... good luck in your future career.
|mohamed yusu faizal 10/12/05 04:26:27 AM EDT
Christopher excellence has been proved keep it up
|Free Thy emoTiOns 10/09/05 10:47:40 PM EDT
Trackback Added: Why should you leave your tech job.; Being in the tech line, there are stuff I read in there that make sense. But then again, I think the place I work in does not really has some of the restrictions, cause I work alone.
|ohbayy 10/07/05 02:39:48 PM EDT
Excellent article Christopher Wilson. You got the key issues hammered-out, spot-on. Way to go. I really hope a lot of stay-put, miserable programmers read this.
|Wolfgang 10/07/05 09:00:52 AM EDT
Ahh, the idealism of youth. I work for one of the largest and most profitable insurance companies in the world and guess what? Surprise, Surprise: cubicles. I've also worked for engineering companies that build hardware and have done embedded code - also successful companies, also cubicles. This sounds like the same type "woulda, shoulda, coulda" whining that I hear from my interns. And no, I'm not a manger - I'm a senior technical architect (an "old hand" if you like, who has kept current on technology). The answer is fairly simple - if you work for "start-up" companies you have great opportunites if you are in on the ground floor (i.e. Microsoft millionaires)but also have to understand the balancing side of the equation -with this type of opportunity comes great risk. For every Microsoft or Oracle out there, there are 5,000 starups that fail or achieve mediocre success at best. So if you are going to work in high risk/high reward environments, accept the fact that the probability of the type of experience you had repeating is high. Or take a different road. And while you are whining about your manager and how unfairly you were treated by the company, think about how much those same owners invested and lost. I can assure you they did not fail just to persecute you. If you want security, join a big corporation (even that is no garauntee today with all the outsourcing)- but then you'll have to deal with the rules an regs - dress codes, cubes, bosses who want you to report your status at least 3 different ways. Your only option for the complete creative freedom you want is to come up with, develop and sell your own product. Of course, if you are even slightly successfull, you will become the "man" and do to a new crop of software engineers all the horrible things that you endured. This is called "business". Deal with it.
|Tiger One 10/06/05 02:54:32 AM EDT
Great write up.
One question, all these are points that can only be answered once you have already started working in a company. How can one judge a company from what is available when you walk in for the interview.
|Yakov Fain 10/05/05 04:20:53 PM EDT
Just stop whining, will you! This entire article is about yourself and how bad guys underestimate you.If you are following your own recommendations, you should not be working for the same comany for more than a couple of months. Whenever something goes wrong your response is always the same: update your resume and run. Just relax a bit... Most of the software engineers work in cubicles, and some of them are making tons of money. And if you do not like the noise around you, put on the headphones and listed to some elevator music.
Sorry for the angry tone :)
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I have been making these little woolen pumpkins as gifts for friends since last fall. I found the pattern online at The Sitting Tree. They were designed by Elizabeth Murphy who provides the pattern for personal use at www.thesittingtree.net. They are easy to make and add a colorful touch for your fall décor.
Hope you like them!
Friday, October 24, 2014
Monday, September 22, 2014
Big Sister
Hi! I'm Becky's "big sister" Sylvia! I am older but she always told me "You are not the boss of me!" I love to knit like Becky does but she is a more advanced knitter so "big sister" learns a lot from her. I am part of a Prayer Crafter group at my church where we began with prayer shawls and have found all sorts of fun projects: chemo caps, baby blankets, mittens, sweaters etc. We have even sent hats, scarves and gloves to Bulgaria! I am looking forward to posting some fun projects here! Thanks, Becky for inviting me.
Posted by Big Sister at 4:00 PM 1 comment:
Time for a Big Change!
Starting very soon, my Big Sister will be writing on this blog with me instead of Purl. Truth be told I have not heard from Purl for a long time now. Since I want this blog to survive, I have invited my sister to join me in writing on this blog. She is just as crazy about knitting and other neat projects as I am. We plan to have lots of fun!
Posted by Becky at 3:27 PM No comments:
Labels: Big Change
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Two Of A Kind
What a lovely trip down memory lane this project was for me. How I loved making adorable outfits for my children when they were small. When I looked through my new crochet book this little dress was so adorable I couldn't resist it. It was a challenge for someone who hasn't crocheted much since the early eighties. I started one dress and and worked on it for what must have been over a week. I managed to get it down to where it flares out and there it got difficult. Many rows were tried and many ripped out. Finally I got the bright idea to start the other dress since the tops was just plain double crochet in a circle and I could do that now. In one evening the second dress was even with the first. After that as soon as I figured out a new pattern row, I could do it on both dresses. I was ecstatic when I finished the last row on the bottom. I know someone with twin girls. I hope the dresses will fit! I used different color flowers so mother can tell them apart. (the dresses not the girls) At this point I don't know which dress is which and they are not perfect, but they are finished and they are adorable! I am thinking about another crochet project, but right now I'm happy knitting another pair of socks.
Posted by Becky at 9:47 AM 1 comment:
Labels: crochet, crocheted spring dress
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text: Philips, Catharina Hospital To Showcase Innovation In Heart Rhythm Disorder RELATED NEWS Philips Slips To Loss In Q3; Sees Lower EBITA In H2 Royal Philips Posts Q3 Loss On Charges - Quick Facts Philips And Alibaba Reach Framework Deal For IT-infrastructure Services In China U.S. Jury Orders Philips To Pay $466.8 Mln To Masimo For Violating Patents Philips: ECareCoordinator & ECareCompanion Applications Receive 510(k) Clearance Trade PHG now with 2/10/2012 4:29 AM ET Royal Philips Electronics (PHG: Quote,PHGFF.PK) and the Catharina Hospital in the Netherlands have collaborated to highlight current solutions and future developments that shape the diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of heart rhythm disorders. The Catharina Hospital, Philips and other partners are hosting a symposium in Eindhoven titled Evolution in Healthcare, which would feature presentations from experts in the healthcare industry to illustrate the crucial role of innovation in the evolution of healthcare. At the symposium, innovations in heart rhythm disorder treatment woud be discussed as an example of how technological innovation can enhance the life of patients and benefit society.Hans Bossink, General Manager Philips Healthcare Benelux stated, "Ultimately, healthcare is all about people -- the patient and the care provider. We wanted to provide a platform that enables people to experience what innovation means for medical procedures and the impact it has on the delivery of care as well as the clinical outcome." Click here to receive FREE breaking news email alerts for Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV and others in your portfolioby RTT Staff WriterFor comments and feedback: email@example.com News


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by Sansom, C. J.
Publisher:Pan Books
Henry VIII has ordered the dissolution of the monasteries and England is full of informers. At the monastery of Scarnsea, events have spiralled out of control with the murder of Commissioner Robin Singleton. Matthew Shardlake, a lawyer, and his assistant are sent to investigate.
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5th preseason game gives more chances for evaluation Brad Biggs
The Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins have been selected to play in the Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 4 in Canton, Ohio, giving each team an extra preseason game.
The Cowboys will be on hand to see former offensive lineman Larry Allen and coach Bill Parcells be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Parcells also served as the president of the Dolphins.
The Cowboys last played in the game three years ago. Miami was involved in the game in 2005. If rules remain unchanged, this means Dallas and Miami will be able to open training camp about a week earlier than most other clubs.
Follow me on Twitter: @BradBiggs
Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune
NFP's Introduction to Scouting Class is now registering for our Winter sessions! Save $200 if you register before December 1st! REGISTER NOW!
Check out our partners at TiqIQ for the best deals on all games on the 2014 NFL schedule.
NOV 26 Joel Corry
Inside a performance-based contract
Elvis Dumervil will be handsomely rewarded after his big night in New Orleans.
NOV 25 Jeff Fedotin
Does Mike Evans deserve Rookie of the Year?
Tampa Bay wide receiver has a TD in four straight games.
NOV 20 Joel Corry
Will there be first ballot Hall of Famers in 2015?
A detailed look at the eight candidates vying for that unique honor.


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1937 Chrysler Airflow C17, Unrestored original car in good condition. Runs well in driveable condition. Complete car with all trim.... More
1956 Chrysler Windsor, bought from original owner, runs great, new transmission and new fuel pump, good original condition, must sacrifice at only... More
1933 Chrysler Imperial CQ Five Passenger Coupe. Beautiful body off frame restoration. Rebuilt straight eight with all 8 cylinders sleeved, six wheels, factory replecate SS... More
This factory original LeBaron T&C wagon is highly loaded with A/C, PS, PB, PW, PS, factory AM/FM/Cassette. New paint and windshield and all 'wood'... More
1966 Imperial 2 door Crown Coupe. Only 2373 produced. 440 cub inch V8. First year for this engine. Last year for the body on... More
Awesome Performance!! Leather Interior, Heated Seats, Power Driver Seat, Air Conditioning, 17" Chrome Clad Aluminum Wheels, Tilt Wheel, Cruise, Power Windows, Power Locks, Keyless... More
1947 Chrysler Town & Country Sedan Woodie Woody. Restored. Excellent. Only 2,651 produced. Known History. Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) "Full Classic". Finished... More
1961 Chrysler 300-G Coupe, 413 V8 with dual 4-bbl Carter carbs, 375bhp @ 5,000rpm, 495ft/lbs of torque, 727 Torqueflite 3-speed auto 3:31 rear axle... More
Very good all original car in good running order. Hemi power from under the hood, 2 speed fluid drive is a luxuriously easy to... More
1951 Chrysler Imperial Convertible, Near mint restauration. First prize winner 1993 national antique auto club (# 26c0684 ) black top, new radial tires, V8... More
This low mile (under 26,000) 1989 Chrysler TC Convertible 2-Seater Convertible Coupe by Maserati is available right now for immediate purchase at Happy Days Dream Cars in Warrensburg,... More
1948 Chrysler New Yorker Highlander Four Door Sedan. Are you ready to drive Miss Daisy? This is a rare opportunity to purchase an extraordinary... More
1955 Chrysler New Yorker St Regis, All original, Very good body, chrome and paint. This car has been well cared for and runs out... More
Three 1981 Chrysler Imperials: These Chrysler imperials need a new home and would be a great project for anyone. Many do not realize how rare... More
Chrysler 1941 Royal 4-door with suicide doors. 6-cyl, runs great, fluid drive, transmission overhauled by professional with new parts. New master cylinder, wheel cylinder... More


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You could be missing messages sitting in your 'secret' Facebook Inbox. Learn how to find it in this quick tip. Continue reading
Kindle Direct Publishing is a free way to distribute your eBook to a wide audience. Learn how it works. Continue reading
Barry's Windows SP1 update won't finish installing. The problem's been going on for two years and he'd like a solution. Continue reading
Microsoft offers ad-free searching for schools and TiVo goes mobile – that's all In The News for 8-30-2013. Continue reading
Mary wants to know shy it's so hard to find a laptop with a CD/DVD drive. We explain and look at her options. Continue reading
Part three of our series on Windows up to speed. Continue reading
Casual phone games are continuing to gain ground on console games. Continue reading
Learn how to create an e-mail group in Outlook.com and how to add and remove contacts from that group. Continue reading
Barnes and Noble has reversed an earlier decision to stop designing Nook tablets. The company had said it planned to use a third-party company to manufacture the tablets under the Nook name, but in an earnings report, they were singing a different tune. Continue reading
Beverly can't get an her Hotmail Connector to automatically connect to Outlook.com. Continue reading
Carl is missing a very important arrow in Outlook.com. This quick tip shows him out to get it back. Continue reading
Football season kicked off with some good news for Windows Phone users. The ESPN Fantasy Football app is now available for Windows phones. Continue reading
William gets an annoying iLivid message when he opens his browser. We tell him how to get rid of it. Continue reading
Harry wants to know how to turn on AutoComplete. We break down the simple steps in this Quick Tip. Continue reading
Jay is missing the crucial drop-down menu arrow in Outlook.com and he can't upgrade IE to fix it. We look for solutions. Continue reading
Gladys wants to know how to save photos from Facebook on her Android tablet. Continue reading
A new app from Ubi will turn any surface into a virtual touch screen. All you need is a Windows 8 PC, a Kinect for Windows sensor and a projector plus the $150 app. Continue reading
Miss the Yahoo! Mail function that let you display a certain number of e-mails per page? So does Terri, but we've got a solution that will help her organize her inbox. Continue reading
In The News – 8-23-2013 A release date for Windows 8.1, Google blocks the Windows Phone YouTube app and signs point to a new Kindle Fire release. Continue reading
The Xbox One will not require the Kinect to be switched on to work. Microsoft has backtracked on another key feature of the system. Continue reading
Earl is looking for an alternative homepage to iGoogle with the same features. We check out an option or two. Continue reading
Daniel wants to know if he can use a stylus pen with a word processing program. We test it out. Continue reading
Rick wants to turn scanned .tiff files into text. We show him a free and easy was to accomplish the task. Continue reading
Learn about an e-mail scam that could fool you into thinking you have a friend in danger. Continue reading
Victor wants to know if the switch to Outlook.com means he has to switch his e-mail address. Continue reading
George wants to see his tabs below the navigation toolbar in Firefox. We explain how to get the look he wants. Continue reading
Their computer was hijacked by a lockscreen virus. Here's what they need to do to get it back. Continue reading


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Hip-Hop/Soul gets a revival of sorts from the new Brooklyn duo, Duo Live. Having already been lauded by the likes of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, Fre (the MC) and Sid (the producer) look to further their reputation on the new single, Princess. Over Sid's Neptunes-sounding beat, Fre offers up unusual yet refreshing advice to all the fellas as the king of "rap for the ladies," Fabolous drops in and lends his two cents. Although Princess won't have very much chart success, it still belongs in any indie/lyrical hip-hop fan's collection, and also will be a good song to play with your woman.
Written by Burmy on 09/18/07
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Redemption Music Group
First DJ Booth Appearance:
"Shootin' ft. Various Artists" (2008)
Total DJ Booth Features:
1 Songs
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text: ESPN Feed: football http://assets.espn.go.com/i/tvlistings/tv_espn_original.gif ESPN en-us 10 ESPN Inc. http://espn.go.com/ Copyright 2010 ESPN Inc. Uni Watch Power Rankings Day 5: Rating the uniform sets of the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL from 1-122.]]> August 12, 2013 09:50:15 PDT Judge Arthur Boylan may have led mediation between the National Football League and NFL Players Association during last year's lockout, but the Minnes...]]> November 14, 2012 13:11:30 PST Deciphering the cloudy playoff picture in the NHL.]]> March 29, 2012 10:53:22 PDT The complete list of stadium health inspection summaries, sorted by state]]> July 22, 2010 08:33:48 PDT If turkeys are getting nervous and high school football rivalries are about to hit their climax, it must be time for the Bruins to heat up. One year a...]]> November 23, 2009 20:21:52 PST What is Bucci doing to pass the time before the Stanley Cup finals? He's playing his NHL name game, and he's got thoughts for all 30 NHL teams.]]> May 13, 2008 09:33:11 PDT Hockey is dead, but Uni Watch takes a look at the history of goalie masks and their designs.]]> February 10, 2005 05:11:26 PST The Rangers will start over, Jason Allison will rest and the Red Wings will win it all in 2003.]]> December 31, 2002 07:36:25 PST


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Kirby's Return to Dream Land
Attn. Bartz_Fox: What happens after World 5/Final Boss? (MAJOR SPOILERS)
In Kirby's Adventure/Nightmare in Dreamland extra mode had you go through the game with half health. I hope that's what it is here too, maybe with more enemies. BTW, when you go into the Lor Starcutter after the final battle, is Magolor not in it anymore or does the ship still look dark?
October 24th, gaming's most badass character returns with more skills in kicking ass and dancing than ever before. And he's not alone. BE READY.
@ACW1129 - In my opinion, no. Kirby is one of the most kid-friendly game series I've ever seen, and this game is no different.
@blazingkirbies - Please refer to the last couple pages of my thread for an answer to this.
@WhisperingDog - Here are the differences I have noticed between the main game and extra mode so far:
-Health is cut in half.
-Enemies vary in size. I've seen tiny waddle dees as well as gigantic ones!
-Collectable stars are outlines instead of the filled-in versions found in the main game.
-All bosses, minibosses, and sphere doomers are EX versions of themselves, and in some cases this gives them enhanced versions of their usual attacks.
@Phoenix - He remains on the ship and his dialogue is the same as when you're just about to fight Landia.
Collectible stars? You mean the ones you collect for a 1-up? Does that mean if they're outlines if you grab them they give you nothing? Do enemies/bosses get more health as well? Thank you very much for all these details. Haven't anticipated a game this much in years.
October 24th, gaming's most badass character returns with more skills in kicking ass and dancing than ever before. And he's not alone. BE READY.
So It's called EX MODE? That's awesome, the game just doubled in length for me. Are you able to save in this mode, and do you still need to collect Energy Spheres? Do you still have access to the HUB Starcutter? Does it replace your file? Or you can go back to old one.
I think the EX MODE in Kirby's Dreamland had Whispy Woods throwing Gordos at you. Did you see this as well?
Wii FC: 3144 5897-4654-3138
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So I'm guessing you can only fight the final boss again after beating Landia again?
I'm guessing it goes from landia to the shooter sequence, to the final boss, huh?
Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities. Truth isn't. -Mark Twain
@phoenix - Aside from the cosmetic change collectable stars are the same. If bosses get more health it wasn't enough for me to notice. However, I did notice a sphere doomer using a new attack during a battle in EX mode, so their attacks are definitely improved in at least some cases.
@fighterkirby - All collectables are reset in EX mode, and saving is possible. The EX file is on the same screen as your regular file, so both games can be preserved. All plot events are reset as well, meaning the ship remains your home base.
I haven't fought wispy woods yet in EX mode, but I would assume he does the same thing in this game.
@plas - Yes and yes, but the final boss fight has three stages. One of them is at the end of the shooter sequence, and is separate from the last two phases.
Wait... so after you beat the Final Boss... you don't have a HUB anymore?
Wii FC: 3144 5897-4654-3138
Warioware DIY: 2107-1388-4247
@fighter - No, you still have a hub after the final boss in normal mode. You have one at all times.
Yes it's magalor's ship, look at my answer to phoenix close to the top of this page.
Also I just fought wispy woods ex. He has purple leaves and he dropped those spiked enemies as well as poisoned apples!
But it's not Magalor's ship? If not was it it? Does it look the same? Like all your Copy Rooms and stuff.
Wii FC: 3144 5897-4654-3138
Warioware DIY: 2107-1388-4247
He just said it's Magolor's ship <_>


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Has Matt Garza made his last start as a member of the Cubs? According to ESPN.com's Bruce Levine, many of the same teams that have shown strong interest in Garza were on hand to watch the right-hander pitch against the Cardinals on Saturday, and Buster Olney reports that a deal over the All-Star break appears likely. The question, then, is where exactly will Garza land? Levine reports that the Rangers and Blue Jays remain the front-runners to acquire Garza in a trade with the Cubs. The Red Sox, Indians and Giants reportedly have expressed strong interest in the pitcher as well. According to Levine, the Rangers and Blue Jays were the main suitors for Garza in July 2012 before the 29-year-old injured his elbow and missed the remainder of the season. The two clubs reportedly have had numerous evaluators watching Garza over his last three starts, with Texas reportedly having four scouts watching overall. Garza has been the subject of trade speculation for a few weeks, as the belief is that the Cubs will look to move him to help their rebuilding process. Garza is slated to become a free agent after this season, and he could net Chicago a good haul of prospects, especially considering how well he has pitched this season. The Cubs and Garza have discussed a potential contract extension, but it might just be a matter of time before the hurler is shipped out of town. Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here. Related articles Report: Matt Garza Likely to Be Traded Over All-Star Break, As Cubs 'Making Progress' With At Least Two Teams (nesn.com) Matt Garza Acquisition Could Make Red Sox Favorites for American League Title (nesn.com) Red Sox Shouldn't Consider Paying Big Price for Matt Garza, As Upgrade to Rotation Would Be Minimal (nesn.com)
TEAMS: Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox
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