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Tuesday, April 22, 2008
The history of New York City in video games
Above: Grand Theft Auto IV's version of Times Square
Next Tuesday, the world stops for millions of Americans as they finally clutch copies of the hotly anticipated Grand Theft Auto IV. As in a few other incarnations of this bloody, aggressive adventure, the action takes place in Liberty City, an Earth-2 version of New York City. But forget the rampant crime and streetwalkers that will presumably be haunting every street corner; this one is supposedly the most lifelike New York yet. Manhattan has become Algonquin, Lady Liberty is renamed the Statue of Happiness. Four of the five boroughs are represented (sorry Staten Island). You can even visit Coney Island:
Here's the complete list of comparisons between Liberty City and the real thing.
While I'm sure the designers of this game were too busy rolling up $100 bills and smoking them like cigars, hopefully they recognized their achievement in a long line of New York City themed video games.
It's probably futile to do so, but here's my partial history of New York City in video games. The difficult part is actually figuring out, in fact, if a game takes place in New York. For instance, Frogger could take place in New York, if the West Side Highway straddled a Hudson River full of logs and turtles. Pac-Man is certainly a metaphoric representation of the Financial District. If Donkey Kong is an homage to King Kong, wouldn't that mean he's throwing barrels from the Empire State Building?
As far as I can tell, the first video game to be circumstantially set in New York City is the original Mario Brothers game from Nintendo. Not the Super edition, involving Mario and Luigi in an acid-trip world of fire flowers and dragons, but the regular arcade version.
The Mario Brothers are Brooklyn plumbers who clearly take their jobs seriously, scouring the sewers of the city for pesky critters transformed by an unexplained ooze. When the game debuted in 1983, the plump Mario was already a well known barrel hurdler who could wield a mean hammer in Donkey Kong. In that game, Mario was a carpenter (thus the hammer); apparently he decided to change careers after that death-defying adventure.
Their cartoonish and stereotypical Italian flavor was meant to evoke 'working class Brooklyn men of immigrant descent', certainly an odd choice for hero during the golden age of video games.
The game was only tepidly received and was soon overshadowed by the greater success of Super Mario Brothers, supplanting the Brooklynites into the 'Mushroom Kingdom'.
The next year, in 1984, anxious Atari and Commodore 64 owners got their hands on a more literal tribute to the city -- The Big Apple. In the simple game, a player maneuvers through a traffic free midtown Manhattan, careening through sizable lanes to achieve such goals as going to the store or to the bank. Simple mazes greeted players within poorly animated bodegas. This game looks a bit like a malfunctioning digital watch and was appropriately forgotten. Take a look here to witness the wonder.
By the late 80s, New York City had yet to really break out as the star of a video game. 1984's Punch Out!! presumably used Madison Square Garden as the location of its fights, and many combatants were from New York, like Brooklyn's Kid Quick and 17 year old Little Mac from the Bronx (frequently pummeled by ear-nibbling Mike Tyson in his branded version of Punch Out!! in 1987).
New York is a literal and metaphorical sewer throughout the 1980s. The 1989 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles features dramatic swordplay with the quartet through New York's apparently endless chasms of empty sewers and warehouses. By 1992, in the game Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: The Manhattan Project, the island of Manhattan is actually hoisted into the sky, and the Turtles must interrupt their vacation in Key West to save it.
Perhaps the only notable exception -- the only game to really use New York's actual geographical identity in service of a plot -- might be 1986's Amnesia . Like XIII (which I'll mention later) the story involves the lead character awakening in New York with no memory; in Amnesia, the character fumbles through memory haze in midtown Manhattan. The game even came with a nifty map of Manhattan to guide your character through. Fun, right? The only drawback to Amnesia? Its an all text game. (More amusing screenshots here.)
It was technologically impossible to set early video games in real places like New York City. Partially this had to do with the graphic complexity of presenting a big city with distinguishing features.
Backgrounds were little more than two-dimensional assortments of blips which moveable characters danced over. It wouldn't be until the technological advances of the mid-90s that backgrounds could flesh out and breathe with the flow of animation -- and a recognizable New York could emerge.
The first to make a real attempt at a identifiable and visual New York landscape was probably 1989's Manhunter: New York, a clunky and mostly unexciting action game set in the post-apocalyptic future of 2002. However it did manage to depict city landmarks in ways that were at least recognizable, if primitive (see below):
Games based on movies set in New York turn the city into a more realized, if still generic canvas for character adventure. For instance, the 1996 Die Hard Trilogy devotes its third half to a clumsy taxi simulation (below) with a computerized Bruce Willis.
Despite the traffic congestion that most of us are familiar with, New York became a popular setting for driving games. The immensely popular 1989 Turbo Outrun begins in New York City and present a cross-country race across America. However, by 1998, the driving game Driver: You Are The Wheelman, a loosely modeled New York is entirely featured, including some character interaction in Grand Central Terminal. In 2001, a sequel to Crazy Taxi transported a player into the work-a-day life of a clearly frazzled cab driver with the ability to pick up multiple fares:
The shift to New York as a major video-game destination came in 1997, with the original Grand Theft Auto. New York in the GTA series plays the fictional Liberty City, but during the first incarnation, the city had little resemblence to reality and shared the stage with fictional representations of Miami (Vice City) and an amalgam of California cities under the name San Andreas. The geographical make-up of Liberty City would be fleshed out in subsequent GTA sequels.
More importantly, it would be the idea of gritty urban reality, throwbacks to New York City circa the 70s and 80s, with streets choked with guns and gangs, that would be the most influential nature of the series and inspire other game developers to create gaming adventures that used a host of different New Yorks, each more grim and unusual than the next.
Duke Nukem: Zero Hour from 1999 throws the titular ultra-masculine lead character into a New York taken over by time-tripping aliens. The dark techno role-playing adventure Deus Ex, first rolled out in 2000, begins with a Manhattan fifty years in the future, starting at Battery Park before embroiling the player in a shootout in Hell's Kitchen, then escaping to Laguardia Airport.
The successful 2001 series Max Payne (pictured above), often compared to the Matrix, often featured New York's backalleys and underground elements, with one level "New York Minute" a breathless haul to beat the clock. My personal favorite, the beautiful XIII (Thirteen) from 2003, begins with the main character waking up on Brighton Beach with his memory erased.
The tipping point came with True Crime: New York City, released in 2005 by Activision, the most serious attempt yet to create a rich cityscape in service of a gangster style plotline. As critically acclaimed for its visuals as it was denounced for its violence, True Crime gave players a run of fairly accurate Manhattan streets and subways. So accurate, you can even see the Naked Cowboy in daytime scenes of Times Square. Nighttime is below:
Video game film adaptations have followed suit with impressive displays of New York City in game versions of Spiderman, The Warriors and The Godfather.
My expectations are very high with Grand Theft Auto IV. I fully expect to be able to drive by a video-game version of my own apartment building and, given the game's theme, either rob myself or beat up random people walking by.
Below: Video game 'Warriors' come out and play on Coney Island
By the way, some commenters have added some notable New York games I couldn't fit in, including the 80s Activision Ghostbusters game (as opposed to the new one), which I completely blanked on! It even had a cute but entirely inaccurate grid of downtown Manhattan!....
27 comments:
You missed a game that covered most of Manhattan - an early one that got around all the issues of graphical complexity. AmnesiaReplyDelete
Ha ha, "action game." Manhunter was a Sierra Online adventure. For god only knows what reason, several times through the course of any Sierra adventure of the day, you would have to negotiate an arcade sequence. If you lose, you die. If you win, you get to continue. The engine was not up to action sequences, the players did not want them, and they did not fit into their games, but by God, they must be in every game!ReplyDelete
Oh my God, Amnesia!! Funny that I would forget that one, eh?ReplyDelete
Believe it or not I actually played that as a kid. I'll amend the article a bit later to include it. Thank you for dusting off the cobwebs on that one!
I think Parasite Eve would have been a good one to put on the list, especially the part where you wander through the Museum of Natural History.ReplyDelete
You forgot Autoduel.ReplyDelete
What about the Futurama video game?? That game had a great NYC subway level.ReplyDelete
And what about the new Alone in the Dark?? That is supposed to have a full 1:1 version of Central Park!
'Tycoon City New York' by Atari was released about 2 years ago.ReplyDelete
It let you build the whole of Manhattan Island in a 'Sim City' type game.
Visually very good.
game play was very basic.
what about rainbow six rouge spear where you have to free hostages from agents of terra inside the met(ropolitan museam of art)ReplyDelete
How about Indigo Prophecy/Farenheit ?ReplyDelete
Spider-Man 2 had a pretty good version on Manhattan.ReplyDelete
very nice article - thank youReplyDelete
one more computer game from the 80s set in new york: ghostbusters
check out this animated gif:
Also, don't forget Save New York: http://www.lemon64.com/games/details.php?ID=2226ReplyDelete
Rampage could be considered NYC. no landmark buildings but it does have Donke.. ur.. King Kong scaling buildings.ReplyDelete
Quick nitpick:ReplyDelete
Deus Ex started you on the even more iconic Liberty Island, rather than Battery Park. Of course, the statue's been blown up...
Another that was set in Manhattan was the computer game version of "Fahrenheit 451" (link) Most of the action takes place along 5th Avenue, and there are certain landmarks like the subway and the NY Public Library that you can walk by or in.ReplyDelete
Just wanted to second Parasite Eve as another pretty good representation of NYC. You get to see Carnegie Hall, Chinatown, and the last boss is at the Statue of Liberty. This game is important!!ReplyDelete
A third call out for Parasite Eve to be included!ReplyDelete
The Bad Dudes vs. Dragon Ninja arcade game has a Manhattan skyline in the second level.ReplyDelete
How could you leave out Dope Wars?!ReplyDelete
Ok, so there were no graphics, but it was based in NYC!
The Darkness is also set in New York City. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Darkness_(video_game)ReplyDelete
what about True Crime?ReplyDelete
also you left out maybe the most disturbing game to be set in NYC.ReplyDelete
via wikipedia...
The 1994 action game Urban Strike, the third in the Strike series, features the scene of a giant laser deflecting from a satellite and hitting the World Trade Center's Twin Towers, thus marking the start of Mission 7, in which the player must accomplish three objectives before moving on to objective #4: rescuing 16 out of 20 NAFTA business leaders of the WTC (after hitting the radar building east of the WTC); and objective #5: disarming the time bomb in the South Tower (being careful not to cut either the green wire, as one of the members says, or the red wire). It is ironic that, although the game takes place in a fictional 2001 timeline when it was released in 1994, it would be seven years (marking the same number of the game's mission in New York City) before the actual year 2001 (i.e. September 11) would mark the damage of the Twin Towers not by a laser or time bomb, but by the planes crashing into the buildings, with its destruction rather than its survival (as in the game).
Ultimate Spider-Man has the Marvel version of NYC (and is my favorite game ever).ReplyDelete
You guys forgot about "Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty" for the PS2, XBox and PC. Both the Tanker and Plant episodes, take place on the New York Harbor and several landmarks are featured on the game, like the Verrazano Narrow Bridge and the George Washington Bridge.ReplyDelete
And the final battle in the game takes place on top of Federal Hall.
wooww... nice info, you're the masterReplyDelete
Very, VERY good idea. I often have projects requiring video clips, and because of their high sizes (I shoot in HD), I have trouble not only getting it to class, but playing it off a USB on their low-budget computers.ReplyDelete
Finally! I've been waiting for this for sooooo long. Thanks!
It will show up in a search engine.
- NicholasMay 12, 2014 at 12:03 AM
Sick post:) love this blogReplyDelete


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Today's comic strip (which I'll point out is up very, very early in the AM) is based off of this news release. Well... partially based off of it anyway.
I love that I can post comic relative links now, and have it mean something for future readers, since our news is now being archived. It's just so damned spiffy.
Anyway, I'm in the process of preparing for ConnectiCon. I know it's still 2 months away, but I've got a lot of prep work to do. I want to try and get some posters printed up to sign and sell at the show, which means I have to design one, then get it to a printer. I also want to be selling original artwork, which means I've got to get the pen to the paper and start whipping up some pencil and ink artwork that I can sell off. And of course, while doing all of this, I have to make sure I'm making enough money so that I can afford this little venture.
I'm really starting to get into the idea of getting Ctrl+Alt+Del off the ground, and you've got to spend money to make money.
I guess.


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Non-Fiction Book Reviews
Book Review: 1000 Sacred Places
By Sandy Amazeen Dec 19, 2010, 3:33 GMT
A spiritual journey around the worldHoly places and spiritual sites are found throughout the world. In addition to the holy sites of the great religions, you can find countless spiritual places of indigenous peoples and vanished cultures. This book represents 1,000 such special places, including some of the great Christian cathedrals in Europe; pilgrim paths and places of pilgrimage; Hindu, Buddhist and Shinto temples in Asia; the most important mosques ...more
From the dawn of humanity, human beings have seen the sacred in mountains, lakes, boulder fields, caves and elsewhere. This compendium of one thousand sacred places provides the armchair traveler as well as the jet-setting globetrotter with a broad range of natural and manmade sites encompassing a host of religious beliefs. Sensibly laid out by color-coded geography including map spots at the start of each chapter, every entry is conveniently coded indicating which of twenty-four religions or cultures are tied to that location. Every site includes a brief history, general description and rundown on its spiritual significance and many are accompanied by a color photograph. The sheer diversity and age range of religious sites is amazing, taking in everything from ancient petroglyphs on boulders in Tanum, Sweden to stunning cathedrals like the Catedral Metropolitana built on the ruins of Tenochtitlan in Mexico.
Anyone curious to know more about the many sacred sites scattered across the globe will appreciate this volume that is sure to instill a sense of awe at humanitys quest for the spiritual in the world around them.
Like this article? Please share on Facebook and give Monsters & Critics a "Like" too!
Further Reading on M&C
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The Antonine Wall is a stone and turf fortification, built by the Romans across what is now the central belt of Scotland and is also known as the Clyde-Forth frontier line.
Although most of the wall has been destroyed over time, sections of the wall can still be seen in Cumbernauld and Kilsyth.
The Antonine Wall was constructed in the AD 140s on the orders of the Emperor Antoninus Pius; for a generation it was the north-western frontier of the Roman Empire.
Running for 60 km from modern Old Kilpatrick on the north side of the River Clyde to Bo'ness on the Firth of Forth. The Wall has now been inscribed as a World Heritage Site.
The Antonine Wall World Heritage Site will form part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site, which includes Hadrian's Wall in England and the German Limes.
Once the Roman Empire's most northern frontier in Britain, the Antonine Wall was inscribed by UNESCO's World Heritage Committee at its meeting in Canada in July 2008 as the UK's newest World Heritage Site.
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Pope Resources Announces Extension Of Unit Repurchase Plan
Pope Resources (NASDAQ:POPE) announced today that the company has extended its repurchase plan of limited partner units to December 2011. This plan was originally adopted in December 2008 and authorized total repurchases amounting to up to $5.0 million, of which $2.5 million has been spent. The extension announced today allows for repurchases of the remaining unused $2.5 million, subject to certain conditions and other contingencies established under the plan and certain restrictions arising under applicable law.
About Pope Resources
Pope Resources, a publicly traded limited partnership, and its subsidiaries Olympic Resource Management and Olympic Property Group, own or manage 178,000 acres of timberland and development property in Washington and Oregon. We also manage, co-invest in, and consolidate two timberland investment funds that we manage for a fee. In addition, we offer our forestry consulting and timberland investment management services to third-party owners and managers of timberland in Washington, Oregon, and California. The company and its predecessor companies have owned and managed timberlands and development properties for more than 150 years. Additional information on the company can be found at www.poperesources.com. The contents of our website are not incorporated into this release or into our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Something's rotten in Denmark. Well, in DC actually. That's where the decision's been made — again and again and again — to keep a nasty insecticide called chlorpyrifos on the market. The result? A generation of kids is sicker and less smart.
I'm truly not being melodramatic, though I admit the story of chlorpyrifos does make me hopping mad. I'm particularly riled at the moment because EPA is taking another look at this pesticide, and is once again overlooking known dangers to children's health and developing minds. What's up with that?
I have some very good news: EPA is banning a group of rat poisons known to be especially dangerous for children, pets and wildlife. Finally.
Apparently, the agency got tired of waiting for the manufacturer of d-CON mouse- and rat-killing products to voluntarily follow their safety guidelines. Instead, UK-based Reckitt Benckiser was spending its energy pushing back with an army of lawyers and lobbyists. This time, their tactics backfired.
Children living near banana farms in Costa Rica face widespread exposure to the neurotoxic pesticide chlorpyrifos — at levels EPA would consider unsafe.
In a study measuring a chlorpyrifos biomarker in children's bodies, researchers found that nearly 100% of the samples exceeded the EPA safety limits set with children's safety in mind. Urine samples were taken from kids living near banana plantations or plantain farms in the Talamanca region.
On the heels of last week's strong report from pediatricians highlighting the harms pesticides can cause children's developing minds, a new study finds that pesticides are clearly harming adult brains, too.
In the "meta-analysis" published in Critical Reviews in Toxicology, scientists reviewed 14 separate studies of neurobehavioral changes linked to low-level organophosphate (OP) pesticide exposure. They found that workers exposed to OPs — particularly over long periods of time — had reduced working memory and were slower to process information.
It makes no sense. FDA's decision this week to allow continued use of the neurotoxic pesticide lindane in children's lice shampoos has me completely stumped.
The pesticide's use in pet products were withdrawn long ago. Then agricultural uses were pulled, back in 2006. Yet FDA just re-blessed the lindane products that put children most directly at risk, shampoos applied to their heads and lotions to their bodies. These products have been banned for years in dozens of countries — including by our neighbors in Mexico — and in California since 2001. What is FDA thinking??
Pesticide Action Network North America
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Union General Hospital in Blairsville and it's affiliates provide high quality, cost-effective health care and promotes wellness throughout the community. There is also a Walk-In clinic not far from the Resort that is open seven days a week.
There are many fine places of worship representing many denominations in and around Blairsville. We will be happy to provide you with a list of those nearest the Resort.
Ingles, Bi-Lo, Foodland, and Walmart Supercenter are all within close proximity of the Resort.
Walmart Supercenter is 2 miles from the Resort, there is a Home Depot, and an ACE Hardware in Blairsville, and several Pharmacies for your prescription needs. There are also many unique Markets and Shops in and around Blairsville including the well-known Alexander's where you can find everything from furniture to clothing -- and everything in between. Inquire at the Welcome Center for brochures and pamphlets from some of the area establishments, or stop in at the Blairsville Chamber of Commerce for more extensive information.
Before your arrival, you can check out Blairsville's Chamber of Commerce site for more information.
THE OLD HISTORIC COURTHOUSE on the square in downtown Blairsville was built in 1899. It is now an historical museum. On Friday nights during the summer and fall the second floor courtroom hosts local bluegrass, country and gospel artists.
MEEKS PARK in Blairsville is where local families as well as visitors go to enjoy a picnic in one of the covered pavilions, walk or jog the 1.5 mile trail, or use the pool.
BRASSTOWN BALD is Georgia's highest mountain at 4,784 feet. On clear days, the spectacular panoramic view of four states can be seen from the summit. The Information Center offers exhibits, interpretive programs and a video presentation. Walk the trail to the summit or take a shuttle bus.
MISTY MOUNTAIN MODEL RAILROAD is America's largest 0-guage railroad display with a 3,400 sq ft layout. 14 Lionel trains on a mile of track, with 12 bridges, 4 trestles and 15 tunnels. A charming Inn is also on site.
TRACKROCK ARCHEOLOGICAL AREA Area contains six table-sized soapstone boulders marked with Petroglyphs, or symbols, carved into them by ancient Native Americans, or the Cherokee Indians. Find out more about this fascinating site at
WATERFALLS abound in the Blairsville area, please visit Blairsville Chamber for information and directions.
Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway is a 38 mile trip that has scenic overlooks offering beautiful mountain views. Try The Blue Ridge Highlander for more information on this and other scenic trail information.
FISHING and BOATING
Whether bass or trout is your choice, there are many lakes, creeks and streams as well the popular "pay ponds" in and around Blairsville to enjoy your sport. Lake Nottely, Lake Winfield Scott, and Lake Chatuge offer boating as well and are all featured on Go Fishing Georgia. The Chattahooche Fish Hatchery is another popular place for trout fishing.
Both Butternut Creek Golf Course and Old Union Golf Course in Blairsville, as well as the Brasstown Valley Golf Club in nearby Young Harris are short drives from the Resort and offer great opportunities to enjoy a round of golf in a beautiful mountain setting. In addition, there are many other fine courses in neighboring communities to play.
www.georgiagetaway.com and Blue Ridge Highlander are great resourses for hiking trails in northern Georgia. Don't forget about the Brasstown Bald hiking trail.
There are many fine stables in the area offering one and two hour guided mountain trail rides for all experience levels. Trackrock Stables in Blairsville and The Stables at Brasstown Valley Resort in Young Harris are two of these, and the Union County Saddle Club can accomodate those with special needs.
The Scottish Highland Games in Blairsville the second week in July featuring a kilted golf classic, a ceilidh dinner, clan gatherings, Scottish music, food and merchandise, athletic competitions, and much more. Come stay with us for this fun-filled three day event.
THE GEORGIA MOUNTAIN FAIR is held every year at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in nearby Hiawassee. Great music, the Pioneer Village, carnival rides and exhibits, are just a few of the offerings at this great fair.
Fine arts and crafts are on display at the Butternet Creek Festival here in Blairsville in July.
The Georgia Mountain Fall Festival in October, held at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds features arts and crafts, exhibits, music shows and the annual State Fiddler's Convention.
Check the Blairsville Chamber of Commerce for more information and full schedule of local events and festivals.
Blairsville and the surrounding area boasts a great variety of restaurants and dining experiences. Stop in at the Welcome Center for a listing and sample menus from many of the establishments in the area. From local favorites to fine dining, and everything inbetween, there's something for every taste.
North Georgia is fast gaining recognition as a wine growing region, and more than a dozen wineries have opened in the region in the last decade. For wine tastings, winery toure and special events.
CRANE CREEK VINEYARDS in Young Harrishas a unique tasting room and gift shop and offers winery tours.Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a glass or bottle of wine on one of the decks overlooking the vineyards. Visit their website for times and schedules of special events and tastings.


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Eames: The Architect and the Painter
Description: Narrated by James Franco, Eames: The Architect and the Painter tells the story of two of America's most important designers, the husband-and-wife team of Charles and Ray Eames.
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White Sox GM sends a message in benching Rios, calling up De Aza
By DARYL VAN SCHOUWEN email@example.com July 27, 2011 9:36PM
White Sox GM Ken Williams (right) sent a message when he benched Alex Rios (bottom left), who dropped a pop fly on Monday, in favor of Alejandro De Aza (top left), who hit a 2-run homer in the Sox' win over the Tigers on Wednesday. | John J. Kim~Sun-Times; AP; Tom Cruze~Sun-Times
Article Extras
Updated: November 2, 2011 12:43AM
Enough was enough. Maybe it was the fly balls that fell unchallenged in front of White Sox center fielder Alex Rios on Monday night. Or the benching a couple weeks ago that didn't change much about Rios' performance. Or his steady stream of ground balls to the left side of the infield. Or that .208 batting average.
Some combination of the above — coupled with a 25-man roster opening created by Wednesday's trade of Edwin Jackson and Mark Teahen to the Toronto Blue Jays for right-handed reliever Jason Frasor and Zach Stewart —
apparently prompted Sox general manager Ken Williams to say he had seen more of Rios than he can handle.
''I'm sending a message to everyone,'' Williams said when asked if a new name on the lineup card was designed to motivate Rios.
Williams' timing couldn't have been better. Hours after Alejandro De Aza, 27, arrived from Class AAA Charlotte to step in for Rios and play center field against the Detroit Tigers in the Sox' most
important game of the season to date, the left-handed hitting De Aza hit a two-run homer in his first at-bat and the Sox held on for a 2-1 victory.
''Right on time,'' manager Ozzie Guillen said.
Rios, who is making $12 million this season and is owed another $37 million over the next three years in a deal Williams took on when he claimed Rios off waivers from the Blue Jays in 2009, has been a source of frustration since Opening Day. Only Adam Dunn's struggles have sheltered him from more heat.
De Aza's homer, his first in 87 major-league games on a low-and-inside changeup from Max Scherzer (11-6), was like a blast of cool, refreshing air surging through U.S. Cellular Field. He also pounced on three fly balls in center.
''Rios is going to have to take a back seat,'' Williams said before the game. ''We are going to see if De Aza can give us a little bit of a spark and provide us a way to manufacture some runs.''
''Spark'' was an understatement.
''He's going to see some playing time, and hopefully he can help us,'' Guillen said.
The matter of Rios' salary will be a nonissue, Williams said.
''Here's what I told Ozzie: Do not worry about the size of the contracts,'' Williams said. ''Just worry about putting the players out there on a given day that can win. The size of the contract is not Ozzie's problem. It's not [chairman]
Jerry's [Reinsdorf] problem. It's not the coaches' problem. That's my problem.
''Put the players on the field that can win. I don't give a darn if one guy is making $400,000 and the other guy is making $12 million.''
Those hoping to see Class AAA prospect Dayan Viciedo will have to wait. He can't play center, and he's nursing a sore thumb, anyway.
Those wanting to see Rios work his way out of the slump may see him in certain matchups, perhaps against left-handed pitching.
De Aza batted .322 with nine homers, 29 doubles and 22 stolen bases for Charlotte.
''He's going to give more speed,'' Guillen said. ''Better bat than Rios — at least I hope. When you hit .200, .209, whatever it is . . . I'm not going to say Rios on the bench.
''I will talk to him about the situation. I hope he handles it the right way. It's not an easy situation for anyone, but I have to put everybody out there that I think is the best for the team that particular day.''
De Aza was 9-for-30 in 19 games for the Sox last season and also played for the Florida Marlins in 2007 and '09. He's a career .242 hitter in the majors.
''I didn't know I would be in the lineup until I came to the park,'' De Aza said. ''I see my name in the lineup, and I said, 'What?' I'm just going to play. That's what I came here for.''
De Aza provided the spark, and starter John Danks (six innings, one run) and relievers Chris Sale (22/3 perfect innings with help from Carlos Quentin's diving catch in the ninth) and Sergio Santos (21st save) did the rest as the Sox won the rubber game of a three-game series with the American League Central-leading Tigers. The Sox trail them by 3½ games.
It was an eventful day — and an important victory, as one Sox fan reminded Reinsdorf after the game.
''Congratulations! We needed that one,'' the fan said.
''You're not kidding,'' Reinsdorf replied. ''Badly.''


text:
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Truth in Decorating: Designers Todd Alexander Romano and Elaine Griffin discuss one of the most practicalyet often overlooked pieces of furniture a home can have
By Mitchell Owens
Lacquer Sofa Table by Calvin Klein Home
Chic and streamlinedso Calvin, notes Elaine Griffin. And the black-lacquer finish has the added advantage of being extremely versatile. Its the perfect height for placement behind a sofa, she says, but would also work well in a walk-in closetYou could tuck scarves into the drawers hidden in the apron and put handbags on the shelf.
Length: 64"; height: 29"; depth: 16"; material: hardwood in black-lacquer finish; delivery: 2 weeks; price: $1,200; calvinkleinhome.com.


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Consult the medical resource doctors trust
UpToDate is one of the most respected medical information resources in the world, used by more than 600,000 doctors and thousands of patients to find answers to medical questions.
Related articles
|AuthorsMark E Deffebach, MDLinda Humphrey, MD
|Section EditorsJames R Jett, MDRobert H Fletcher, MD, MSc
|Deputy EditorLee Park, MD
Contents of this article
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the United States. The number of people who die from lung cancer each year has risen over the past 25 years. The number of people who die from lung cancer is greater than the number of people who die from breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer combined. Several factors increase the risk of lung cancer, particularly cigarette smoking.
This topic review discusses ways to prevent lung cancer and discusses the benefits and risks of screening for lung cancer. Other topics about lung cancer are available separately. (See "Patient information: Lung cancer risks, symptoms, and diagnosis (Beyond the Basics)" and "Patient information: Non-small cell lung cancer treatment; stage I to III cancer (Beyond the Basics)" and "Patient information: Non-small cell lung cancer treatment; stage IV cancer (Beyond the Basics)" and "Patient information: Small cell lung cancer treatment (Beyond the Basics)".)
Cigarette smoking is responsible for almost 90 percent of cases of lung cancer. Exposure to certain substances, such as asbestos, has also been linked to the development of lung cancer. Exposure to secondhand smoke and other environmental factors such as radon and asbestos also increase the risk of lung cancer.
The best way to avoid getting lung cancer is not to smoke. Some smokers believe that once they have smoked for a long while, it does little good to quit. However, studies have shown that smokers who quit decrease their risk of lung cancer when compared to those who continue to smoke. Smokers who quit for more than 15 years have an 80 to 90 percent reduction in their risk of lung cancer compared to people who continue to smoke. (See "Patient information: Quitting smoking (Beyond the Basics)".)
Screening is a way to detect a disease in its earliest stages, before a person becomes ill. To be recommended, it must be clear that screening is useful in identifying patients who have the disease in the early stages, and that this discovery can reduce the number of patients who die from the disease.
Some screening exams have proven to make a clear difference in outcomes. Examples are the Pap smear for detection of cervical cancer in women, and colonoscopy for detection of colon or rectal cancer in people over 50 years old. These exams are now part of routine healthcare in the United States.
Screening for lung cancer with low-dose CT scan has been shown to decrease the risk of death for selected people (over age 55) who have a long history of smoking. However, screening is not as important as quitting smoking because quitting smoking will reduce your risks of other cancers and heart disease as well. Also, screening can lead to the need for additional testing in many people who do not have lung cancer and should not be done for people who are not in a high-risk group.
Research studies have been done to determine if screening for lung cancer makes sense. In these studies, smokers (who are at the highest risk) are divided into groups. Some groups have screening tests while others have no screening. The groups are then followed over many years. Data are gathered on how many patients in each group are diagnosed with lung cancer, how the cancer was treated, how long the patients with lung cancer survived after treatment, and how many patients died from the disease (mortality).
Low-dose computed tomography (CT scan) — A large randomized trial (the National Lung Screening Trial or NLST) in the United States compared the benefits of screening by low-dose CT scan or chest x-ray in smokers (at least a 30 pack-year history, including current smokers or people who had quit in the previous 15 years). Compared to chest x-ray, low-dose CT scan reduced the risk of death from lung cancer by 20 percent, and the overall risk of death by about 7 percent. However, nearly a quarter of the patients who had annual CT screening for three years had an abnormal test, and more than 95 percent of the abnormal tests were "false positive" meaning that they did not represent cancer.
False-positive tests require follow-up tests, such as more x-rays or biopsies, and these follow-up tests carry risks such as increasing radiation exposure, and complications from biopsy procedures. Thus, there are significant downsides to screening.
Annual screening with low-dose CT scan is now recommended by many organizations for current or former smokers (who quit within the past 15 years) with a long smoking history. Guidelines vary between organizations related to the specific criteria, including age and smoking history (table 1). UpToDate authors suggest annual screening for patients in good health who are age 55 to 80 years, have a history of smoking at least 30 pack-years, and, if former smokers, quit within the previous 15 years. They also note that patients who wish to avoid the high risk of false-positive results can reasonably choose not to be screened.
Chest x-ray — Although many healthcare providers recommend an annual chest x-ray for patients who smoke, studies have not shown a benefit. In a large study comparing chest x-ray to CT for lung cancer screening, only CT showed reduced risk of death. Current guidelines recommend against screening at-risk subjects by chest x-ray.
Sputum tests — Some studies have looked at the efficacy of analyzing a patient's sputum for evidence of cancer cells in order to detect lung cancer. So far, no clear benefit to this approach has been found. Additional studies that use new technologies to examine the sputum are underway.
PET scan — Researchers are looking at a number of other tools in an effort to help identify patients with lung cancer. Positron Emission Tomography (or PET scanning, which uses a small amount of radioactivity to provide a detailed picture of an organ's function) has been used in combination with CT scanning (PET/CT). However it involves a higher dose of radiation than CT alone and benefit has not been shown for screening purposes.
Other studies — Direct visualization of the lungs with bronchoscopy and breath analysis for cancer markers are two tests that may be used in future studies.
●Patients who smoke are at significantly increased risk of developing lung cancer. The best way to avoid lung cancer is not to smoke. Even long-term smokers can benefit from quitting.
●Screening with yearly low-dose CT scan decreased mortality in a randomized trial of patients with increased risk due to smoking. However, many patients had abnormal tests that did not turn out to be lung cancer. Whether or not to be screened should be based on a discussion of risks and benefits with a healthcare provider. Screening annually with low-dose CT scan is suggested for patients who are at highest risk (age 55 to 80 years, a history of smoking at least 30 pack-years, and, if former smokers, have quit within the previous 15 years). If you choose to be screened, it is important to have this done in a center with expertise in lung cancer screening and treatment. Screening with chest x-rays is not recommended.
Your healthcare provider is the best source of information for questions and concerns related to your medical problem.
This article will be updated as needed on our web site (www.uptodate.com/patients). Related topics for patients, as well as selected articles written for healthcare professionals, are also available. Some of the most relevant are listed below.
Patient level information — UpToDate offers two types of patient education materials.
The Basics — The Basics patient education pieces answer the four or five key questions a patient might have about a given condition. These articles are best for patients who want a general overview and who prefer short, easy-to-read materials.
Patient information: Lung cancer screening (The Basics)
Patient information: Cancer screening (The Basics)
Patient information: Non-small cell lung cancer (The Basics)
Patient information: Lung cancer (The Basics)
Patient information: Small cell lung cancer (The Basics)
Beyond the Basics — Beyond the Basics patient education pieces are longer, more sophisticated, and more detailed. These articles are best for patients who want in-depth information and are comfortable with some medical jargon.
Patient information: Lung cancer risks, symptoms, and diagnosis (Beyond the Basics)
Patient information: Non-small cell lung cancer treatment; stage I to III cancer (Beyond the Basics)
Patient information: Non-small cell lung cancer treatment; stage IV cancer (Beyond the Basics)
Patient information: Small cell lung cancer treatment (Beyond the Basics)
Patient information: Quitting smoking (Beyond the Basics)
Professional level information — Professional level articles are designed to keep doctors and other health professionals up-to-date on the latest medical findings. These articles are thorough, long, and complex, and they contain multiple references to the research on which they are based. Professional level articles are best for people who are comfortable with a lot of medical terminology and who want to read the same materials their doctors are reading.
Cancer prevention
Chemoprevention of lung cancer
Cigarette smoking and other risk factors for lung cancer
Fluorescence bronchoscopy
Overview of smoking cessation management in adults
Screening for lung cancer
Secondhand smoke exposure: Effects in adults
Women and lung cancer
The following organizations also provide reliable health information.
●National Cancer Institute
●The American Society of Clinical Oncology
●The American Cancer Society
●Lung Cancer Alliance
All topics are updated as new information becomes available. Our peer review process typically takes one to six weeks depending on the issue.
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