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How we got there and why it matters.
@frogdesign passed the 100K Twitter mark recently. We're proud. That's a big audience — bigger than some of the world's largest brands (Coca Cola has 87K, Amazon has 25K, and Virgin Atlantic has 9K), and much larger than other design and innovation firms in our space. We opened the account on February 17, 2009, which is just over 18 months ago. Most astounding, however, is that in January 2010 we had 10,000 followers, which means we increased that number by 900% in eight months — or about 3,500 followers a month. It's a hockey stick graph.
Sometimes, we as a marketing team are asked both inside and outside the company, "How are you doing this?" We even still get the question, "Why are you doing this?" They are necessary questions, and, of course, it's not possible to point to one thing or effort or measurement when talking about either. Based on our experience over the past year, here are a few thoughts on the matter.
Social media doesn't exist in a vacuum
If there's one truth to this milestone, it's that a social network doesn't exist on its own. Unless you're a pop star with an audience already in place like LeBron James, who opened a Twitter account and got 650,000 followers in seven weeks, I believe it's impossible to attract such a following without also having an ecosystem of complimentary initiatives in place, namely a rich and always-fresh supply of content to share, a community of actual people that you actually talk to (not just Twitter accounts), and a dedicated person or team to care for and feed the social media conversation (hat tip to my colleague and our Content and Community Manager, Kristina Loring).
In some ways, the social media — the social sharing, support, and broadcasting of content — is a reflection of the social sharing of knowledge within the ecosystem itself. In the past, this was known as teamwork. Today, it's known as "being a social company."
Here's an example of that ecosystem in play within our marketing team: Earlier this year, one of our Principal Designers, Laura Richardson, had an idea for a talk about the future of children's games. We pitched her idea to the organizers of this year's MIT's Sandbox Summit. We also suggested to the organizers that conference goers might like a complimentary copy of our design mind print magazine in their goodie bags, and that members of our content team could attend the event with Laura and file reports about the conference on our blog platform, while also tweeting to our substantial number of followers (at the time, the count was 50K). The organizers signed up for the entire package. Laura was selected to give a keynote at a conference and we helped broadcast the word from the various talks, while also making key contacts for potential business leads and attracting new followers to our Twitter and design mind platforms. Soon after the event, we posted Laura's presentation to Slideshare and shared it through our monthly newsletter. Soon after that Laura was invited to speak at another conference, whose organizers had seen and read about her MIT presentation.
This is the kind of knowledge cycle that repeats itself often, in ever expanding circles of influence and reach. Or at least, that's the idea. It's easy to see how you can add additional elements to the cycle to make it more rich, with more touchpoints for a more varied audience. For example, we often invite members of our business development team to join conferences. Sometimes the press picks up on our tweets or blogs and writes about our speakers or syndicates our posts.
So, one answer the question of how we got 100,000 Twitter followers is, simply, "people." In fact, I would go so far as to say that all social media starts and ends with people. It's always tempting to get distracted by the medium in any new technology or platform, perhaps more so with Twitter because it's much harder to write short than to write long, but the medium is not the thing. It's what you get through the medium (read: community, knowledge, connection, meaning).
With great followers comes great responsibility
There is a reason people continue to follow us on Twitter, just as there is a reason conferences want our magazine at their events or indeed, why people want to continue to do business with us. They trust us. If anything, reaching the 100,000 follower mark on Twitter is a reminder of the responsibility we have to be thoughtful curators of relevant news, trends, and debates, even when those debates involve our competitors.
It's humbling and rewarding to think that our community of thinkers, designers, idea makers, innovators, students, media experts, tech gurus, and curators want to know what we think, and that they follow us because they trust that we will listen to them and continue to highlight and frame the type of information they want, including articles on social innovation, strategy, and design trends, as well as remarkable quotes, interesting stats, infographics, and live updates from conferences and events. They may also like it when we pose provocative questions to stir up conversation. This mix enables our followers to re-tweet our content confidently. In short, it provides our audience with a way to meaningfully engage with frog.
What about ROI?
The "why" part of the question — the question that many business executives want to know — continues to be an important one. Why does 100,000 Twitter followers matter to business? Ironically, now that we have reached that milestone, the question of why becomes more important.
Measuring social media ROI — like many marketing functions — is a little slippery because it's still considered by many to be a soft measurement of value. In fact, there are very few ways of doing the actual measuring. Still, there are tangential indicators of clear value. For example, in addition to negotiating favorable conference sponsorships because of our content platform (as mentioned before), some clients are more favorable to co-PR opportunities in light of our audience. Most interesting, however — and this gets to the heart of the social media value — now that frog has reached 100,000 followers, we are officially considered an "influencer" by analyst firm Forrester, which means we can augment conversations on the Social Web, instantly broadcast content to a wide, relevant audience, and use that reach as an asset in our relationships with clients and conferences.
This way of rewarding and valuing "influence" seems to be resonating in the ROI conversation among businesses looking to rationalize whey they should devote people and time to building a social media platform. In some ways, it resembles Cory Doctorow's idea of "whuffie," which is a word he coined in his book Down And Out In the Magic Kingdom. It refers to the measurement of respect or karma a person gains or looses in their lives. In Doctorow's future, humans have implants in their brains that visually project their whuffie, which has replaced money as currency.
The same could be said about brand influence. What others think about your brand is (and always has been) a means to make or break business deals. If you can build a measureable audience of hundreds of thousands of trusted listeners and contributors through social media such as Twitter, then you ought to be able to measure influence, and influence ought to be valuable.
Some have called the measurement of influence "Sentiment Analysis." The marketing and branding firm Razorfish calls it Social Influence Marketing or SIM, and they've created a way to give company's a SIM score. Other tools that rate social media influence for companies include Viral Heat, and Klout. In Klout, for example, frog is now labeled a "connector." According to them, we are "a constant source of information to… friends and co-workers, " and our "taste and opinion is respected and [our] judgment is trusted."
At the root of this idea is brand building and brand value, but not in the traditional way that brands have always been built, through talk-at-you top-down marketing. These days brands are built by how often people talk about that brand and what they say about it ON A DAILY BASIS.
So, we've learned a lot over the past 18 months but we know we have more to understand. Much more. And we look to our growing community to help us figure it out. To those who helped us reach this milestone, and to have this ongoing conversation, thank you. It's good to have friends you can talk to.
Sam is the director of publishing for frog where he oversees frog's global content, editorial, and digital publishing strategy. He is also the editor of design mind, frog's print and online media platform. Sam is the author of numerous books of non fiction and has written for Dwell, Metropolis, GOOD, and other magazines.


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Quiz =) Oi i miss these things,...i have more Mwahahahaa
BASICS+name: Jacqueline Susanne Hamlin [I swear if you ever say that again I'll kill you]+best feature: ...do I have any?+first crush: Some guy in third grade.. I fought with this girl Nicole.. Man she was a bitch.+piercings: Ears,… soon to be lip and tongue… Miranda you still up for it?+boyfriend/girlfriend now : eh, no+# of times heart broken: who counts anyway...?WITH THE OPPOSITE SEX+worst thing to say: "we've got to talk..."+hearts i have broken: I don't think I've broken any… to bad.+what were u doing 15 mins ago: Listening to life go by…+what are u wearing now: Blue shorts, Megan's all american reject shirt, Purdy black undies and matching bra, surpise they match…LOL Josh… =P+u shy or outgoing: Mostly outgoing… but I got shy one time… wait two times…+sleep with stuffed animals: Yup, one heh… I've had it for 8 years+feature you notice first: faces and their eyes.+looks/personality: whats the use of a beautiful exterior when inside theirs nothing but ugly?+tan or fair: I don't give a damn. +would you ever date a friend: tried it once… didn't end like I wanted it to and it hurt… really hurt.FAVORITES+color : black, red, pink and blue… oh and silver =)+thing to do: read, sleep, cuddle, write my book [im writing as fast as I can.. Stop pressuring me to hurry up…or ill kill them with a gun.. It'll be boring…serves you right] +ocean or pool: pools are clean but the ocean, how pretty over a sunset.+favorite movie: new best friend, american history x, Finding nemo, the Craft, the crow movies and the Nightmare before Christmas..and pretty in pink… and ah I have to many…+love or lust: love+silver or gold: silver+diamonds or pearls: diamonds+showers or baths: baths are nice, NOT LIKE THAT YOU PERV!+food: chicken fingers and enchiladas+holiday: halloween+animal: My billy goat named God+drink: mountain dew+fruit: Orange+Room In house: My room, my own getaway…+Type of music: kinds youd have to be crazy not to like+Memory: [smiles evily] +Day of the Week: friday, saturday+Month: September, October, and December…+Season: autumn+Location for dates: anywhere if youve got the right person with you...HAVE YOU / DO YOU / ARE YOU+cried when someone died: [sarcastically] No dip shit, I laughed my ass off… I litterally drowned in my tears…+drank alcohol: Yes =)+smoked: Double Yes =) =) +lied: oh yea, im notorious+fallen for ur best friend: yup =( didn't end right+rejected someone: [shrugs] I don't call it rejecting…+used someone: absolutely…depends…+been cheated on: not really...not like it mattered, Mike is just a bastard and needs to die, lol just playing…+cheated on someone: Flirting does not mean cheating… +done something u regret: like anybody hasn't.+obsessive: On some things.+could u live without the computer?: ARE YOU KIDDING ME, I can sell it if I wanted to… well no…no not really…im a nerd and I love it [hugs computer and kisses the screen]+trust others way too easily: Not really.+Gotten in a fight: Yes, but the bitch deserved it,..ah excuse me… bitches deserved it.+Been to New York?: Nope, why? Want to see me get gang raped? Mobbed? Shootened 15 times?+Been to Florida?: Well, seeing is how I live in the sunshine state I suppose ive visited there a few times.+California?: Yup =) <3333+Hawaii?: No.. and get shot with a volcanic rock, I don't think so… but it would be cool to go…+Mexico?: ok..never ever ever…+China?: Nope+where would you love to travel to?: Rome.+whats ur middle name?: Susanne (how uckie)+what are you scared of: monsters, being alone, love, and heights+i dream about: death, friends, going deafDO YOU+play an instrument: does blowing into a bottle count?+like the taste of alcohol: about anything but beer+go to church: once every 3-4 months+have any secrets: yea...more now than ever+like sarcasm: my lifes sarcasm+sing in the shower: its where I sound the best.+cried because of someone saying something to u: yea...im sensitive.. +color ur hair: Sometimes, but I like my color so I only tint it+flowers or candy: roses all the wayWHO+makes u laugh the most? hmmm...its not an argument, Tasha Miranda Katie and Megan+makes you smile: Tasha+gives u a funny feeling when u see them: eh...not talking no more.+Do you have A "Type" Of Person You Always Go After: No+Want Someone You Don't Have Right Now: Of course/+Are You Lonely Right Now: yes...i really am+Ever Afraid You'll Never Get Married: no, one day I will when im ready.+Do You Want To Get Married: yes+Do You Want Kids: yes+Red or blue?: red+Spring or fall?: fall+Santa or Rudolph?: Santa+Math or English?: English+What are you going to do after you finish this survey?: call Tasha and do my damn project.+High school or college: in high school now+Are you bored?: i wouldnt be doing this if i wernt+How many buddies are on?: 41+Last movie you saw?: While your sleeping+Last noise you heard?: *Burp*+Things you like in a girl/guy: intellegence, good taste in music, ability to communicate+What's on your mouse pad?: Black, original but I don't give a shit+Favorite magazine?: cosmo+Worst feeling in the world?: heart break, being lonely+What is the first thing you think when you wake up: Maybe this day will be different..+Chocolate or vanilla?: vanilla+If you could have any job you wanted, what would it be?: photographer +Are you a lefty, righty or ambidextrous?: ambidextrous+Location: jacksonville+College Plans: anywhere+Are You Timely or Always Late: both+like Being around People: yes, unless im in a bad moodIN THE LAST 48 HOURS, HAVE YOU+Cried: yes+Bought Something: incense+Talked To Someone: as we speak (LITTERALY!)+Had A Serious Talk: ...yea...+Kissed Someone: depends, he is only shit now FINAL QUESTIONS+i want: someone who will love me+i wish: i could see inside youre head+i love: ......+i miss: makeing-out+i fear: being alone+i wonder: why my life seems like a joke.+raz0r+
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Go Fish
By Beth Dooley
Anyone with childhood memories of dropping a line off the dock or reeling in a feisty trout knows the romance of fishing, the patient and uncertain hours, the surprise and excitement of a strike. There is the myth of braving the elements to fetch dinner from perilous waters to catch the last wild meat.
But, while our imaginations are limitless, our oceans, lakes and rivers are not. It turns out that 32 percent of the global fish stocks are overexploited or depleted, and about 90 percent of the larger fish, such as tuna and marlin, have been nearly fished out. Even cod, once plentiful, has been thinned to near oblivion. Add to this the pollutants we've dumped in our waters. The high levels of mercury in Atlantic halibut, king mackerel, sea bass, swordfish and the high levels of PCB's in farmed salmon and Chilean tilapia, have made all of these choices unsafe for pregnant women and young children.
Yet, fish is tasty as well as a terrific source of protein, low in calories and fat, and it's high in heart- healthy Omega-3s. In its revised United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) dietary guidelines, the U.S. government just upped the recommended consumption of seafood to eight ounces per week (about twice as much as most of us consume). Deciding what fish to dish is, well, a slippery issue. Casson Trenor, who works with Greenpeace on seafood issues admitted it can be confusing.
Unlike meat, eggs and dairy, there are no USDA organic standards for fish, especially wild ocean creatures. Watchdog groups, such as The Marine Stewardship Council, the National Office of Sustainable Fisheries and Seafood Watch from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, provide helpful consumer guidelines. But it's much easier and more expedient to buy fish from people you can trust. "It all comes down to honesty and experience," said Chris Nelson, a fishmonger at Coastal Seafoods in Minneapolis. "I've been selling fish since 1998 and so have become familiar with a lot of the issues."
The healthiest and best tasting fish are wild, but there is simply not enough to go around. It's a treat, not an everyday food. "Wild fish, like tuna and salmon, should be line-caught," says Nelson. "This is labor intensive and expensive. But this method is far better than netting or trawling that brings in more tuna for market but destroys other fish and sea life in the process. Pole and line-caught tuna from Hawaii is a very good choice."
Salmon from the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia, where fisheries are generally well-managed, is also a good bet. Aaron Nytroe, meat and seafood buyer for the Wedge Co-op, buys salmon directly from Nerka, an Alaskan salmon fishery that operates in the Marine Stewardship Council's certified Alaskan waters. The salmon are processed on the boat and immediately frozen at 35 degrees, the key to stabilizing texture and taste; in fact, using this method, this fish is actually superior to fresh.
No doubt, to meet the growing demand for fish, we've had to domesticate finned animals as we have those with legs. Done right, aquaculture improves the environment. Take Star Prairie Trout Farm, just outside the Twin Cities in Wisconsin. Its cold spring water provides an ideal natural habitat for trout. "Exceptionally high water quality is required for fish culture, and so it makes sense for us to keep it clean," said Nate Wendt of Star Prairie. Star Prairie processes its fish on-premise and delivers it to Coastal, the Twin Cities natural food co-ops, and restaurants like the Birchwood Café and Lucia's (among others), reasonably priced and ready to go.
Tilapia, a fast-growing fish, holds promise for the future. It doesn't require much room and does well in tanks. Several green house operations have begun raising tilapia in a closed system that uses the fish water to fertilize herbs, lettuces and greens. These plants filtrate the water that is then returned to the fish. To date, however, these farms are not processing the fish on-premise.
Big lake trout are a good regional alternative to salmon. Nytroe works with Lou's Fish House north of Duluth on Superior's shore, where lake trout and white fish are delivered straight off the boat for processing and delivery. Coastal sources white fish and herring from fisheries in the Great Lakes. Both fishmongers source walleye from neighboring Canada.
Once you've navigated these waters, know that choosing fresh, good-tasting fish is an easy task. Bad fish smells bad. Don't rely on sight alone. If in doubt, do the sniff-the-fish test. Fish and shellfish have a short shelf life, so buy only what you intend to cook and enjoy within a day. Once you get seafood home, the best way to store it is in the coldest part of the refrigerator (usually at the back of the top shelf).
One of the best tools for quickly sautéing delicate fillets is a nonstick pan for easy flipping. Use a thin, angled spatula with a curved tip to flip the fish. Sturdy firm fish, such as salmon and trout, can be cooked directly on the grill. Just be sure the grates are well-oiled. Cook delicate walleye and whitefish on a piece of well-greased aluminum foil or in a "grill basket."
The best way to eat fish is on the beach as shore lunch (straight from the water to the frying pan over an open fire). But, when land-locked, check out these recipes.
Beth Doley is a Twin Cities-based food writer and cookbook author.
Grilled Salmon or Trout with Wasabi-Ginger Mayonnaise
Fish Tacos with Black Bean, Cucumber and Tomato Salsa


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A-Z Index
September - Stephanie Schlitz, assistant professor of English and linguistics, received the '09 Outstanding Scholarship award from BU's Institute for Culture and Society for her published manuscript in the Literacy and Linguistic Computing journal.
Schlitz's manuscript, "The TEI as Luminol: Forensic Philology in a Digital Age," appears in the March '09 publication. The ICS makes awards available each year for peer-nominated Liberal Arts faculty achievement in scholarship, creative works, and lifetime achievement. The scholarship award considers works that have gone beyond routine professional contribution and development. Click here for more on Schlitz's award-winning work.


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Kannonji Zen Retreat is a Buddhist sangha in the virtual world of Second Life®, a side project of the Sweeping Zen website (the leading online encyclopedia of Zen Buddhism in the West). We started the project in 2008 as a small place for tech-savvy individuals to gather together and meditate. Located in a virtual region inspired by fond childhood memories of places like the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in Tennessee, our region offers visitors realistic "natural" surroundings and conveys a sense of warmth and intimacy upon one's first visit.


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I knew a group of people once who worked as volunteers in poverty schools who were always complaining about the fact that many of the children in their classes had parents who were drug users.
These same volunteers would do things like take a temazepam dose for the euphoric effects. I guess people think if it can be bought from a drug store, it's not really a "bad drug". But I found that kind of behaviour very hypocritical. It was basically the same thing they were always railing against, and they just didn't care.


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Progesterone test
Hi Cysters! Help needed... On Jan 2012, b4 I was dxd PCOS, endo asked me to undergo some tests on D3. FSH:LH was a lil more than 1:3. Elevated serum testosterone. I somehow forgot abt progesterone. I wanna know will progesterone level detect if I am ovulating? Now if, I wanna do the test, do I have to go for all other hormone test as well to get a clear picture?
Can ny please explain how hormone levels change (fall/rise in terms of numbers) during the menstrual cycle? Also how a normal cycle is supposed to appear in USG at various points of time? Please direct me to links if this has already been dicussed in the forum....


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Automotive Digital Marketing ProCom
Professional Community for Car Dealers, Automotive Marketers and Sales Managers
Facebook page posts can now target multiple audiences with many more options.
Over the next few weeks, Facebook Page admins might start to notice a strange button that looks a lot like a deer-shooting-target from a rifle gun. Could this possibly be a new targeting feature? Yes, yes it is. This targeting feature, called Page Post Targeting, is similar to things we've seen in the past, but with many more options. What do we do with this? For dealerships, this could mean a new way to marketing their business. Dealerships can post even more relevant content to target the specific characteristics of a person such as:
Dealerships, or the relevant Social Media manager, can publish different content, to different fans, with different marketing messages. Imagine all of the marketing strategies you can use to target to your different audiences.
For example, perhaps someone is "interested in" the environment, and someone else is "interested in" summer days. One page post could be about hybrids, while the other could be about the beauty of convertibles on warm, sunny days. Each post is targeted to the specific "interested in" audience. The possibilities are endless.
Another thing to note is that instead of the current geo/language targeting, this Page Post targeting only affects the news feed so your posts will still remain visible to everyone on your Page Timeline. Any page with more than 100 fans can use Page Post targeting and the audience cannot be less than 20 fans. How will you use Page Post targeting for your audiences?
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What a brilliant surprise from Nintendo Australia! I have just pre-ordered the white new 3ds, roll on the 21st of November, I cant wait.
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Recent Comments
I like it, the new cpu and extra ram should help speed up some of the slower applications like eshop and miiverse. The worry I have is the European/Australian release could get pushed back to xmas 2015 so the current model can be milked for another year.
Hopefully WiiU will get a paper mario nased on the N64 and Gamecube titles.
Yoshis island gba ambassador version gets noticably blurry at times on the 3DSXL. Compared to playing Super Mario World on the WiiU gamepad its a big difference on the eye. Maybe thats one reason these games havent been ported to 3DS VC.
If Nintendo doesnt roll out the GC virtual console I'llbe shocked. Nintendo if you are listening, you can have my wallet with the Gamecube virtual console. Thousand year door please and then Twighlight princess.
If Nintendo release an Advance wars 3DS version they can have my money.
I cant see them going digital only for a very very long time. I like the 3DS design so it just needs a high res screen and some extra power from the CPU and GPU.
You can already download Rondo of blood from the Wii virtual console. No proper off-tv support but its still great.
If we can get a solid Gamecube virtual console, some better SNES rpgs like Chrono Trigger and Secret of Mana, some Wii games from the back catalogue like Mario Galaxy, Xenoblade, Last Story into the eshop this whole Watch Dogs thing would be a non story. Nintendo themselves still hold the key to this consoles success.
Sim City is also what I think they should release. Command and Conquer might also be a good choice for WiiU with touch controls. Maybe 3DS versions should be considered. Maybe EA dont understand what Nintendo WiiU owners want.
I'd like Nintendo to build their digital catalogue on WiiU and 3DS so it has as many of their titles as possible from all past consoles. Link it up to an account based system like everyone has said in the past and make virtual console games bought on 3DS play on WiiU and vice versa. Then the next console Nintendo release should carry the same eshop content so they dont have to start from scratch. You would load up your new console or handheld 5 years from now and 'boom'! there would the entire Nintendo games catalogue staring at you. WiiU is sufferring because the digital content isnt there. Having said that I love my WiiU.
being #1 in so many regions on the eshop is a big thing when you aren't Nintendo or Capcom etc. Maybe Nintendo should give a free ride and release physical copies of this game so it can finally get the attention it deserves.
I bought it and its great fun, perfect for the game pad.
Sorry to spoil the party but you are all worrying for no reason, this game is designed to sell big over the next 3 weeks up to xmas, not on one day.
This game is easily the most critically acclaimed game for years in any platform and it will sell millions of WiiU consoles, just come out of the panic room and relax.
(and Im buying the digital version so it wont show up on the sales record)
This has become the most played game in the house since I downloaded it. With this, Super Mario 3D land and WiiU Sports club the WiiU should out-sell everything else this christmas.
I really dont know why Nintendo bothers releasing games like this on the WiiU. GameCube and N64 games please, Im not even going to look at baseball on the eshop.
Thats a fair point and I agree Nintendo needs to get the marketing right but the Wii U needs games and the VC is an easy way to get them onto the eshop. I also dont think NES is the priority when you have a colsole as powerful as the Wii U. Super Mario Bros 3 is great but we got Pinball last week and now Donkey kong 3, I just think thats not as important as getting the N64 games up or releasing more SNES titles, for example Zelda a link to the past.
The great xmas games rush has begun
Its a great game and Ill seriously consider buying it, but....its the end of 2013, why has it taken Nintendo soooo long to add the old Wii VC games to Wii U???. If Nintendo dont have the time they should pay someone else to do it. The old Wii VC NES, SNES, N64, Neo Geo, Master System, Mega Drive , PCEngine library should have been availabe straight away complete with gamepad suppoort. Then the logical step would be to add Gamecube to the VC. Nobody wants to wait 5 years for the Wii U VC to get to the same level as the Wii VC.
I have this on preorder and can't wait for it to arrive. Playing multiplayer off-tv on the game pad is something I'm really looking forward to.
Great article, and I totally agree. I have moved my Wii VC library to Wii U but I doubt all the upgrades will ever come. Ive only upgraded Super Mario World so far but where is Paper Mario, Majoras Mask, Secret of Mana, Chrono Trigger? I would love to play these games on the gamepad but Im begining to doubt this will ever happen. I also agree with the comments above about the poor NES releases in recent times. I couldnt give a hoot about pinball or even urban champion. We need top quality SNES, N64 and Gamecube releases. I would pay good money to play Paper Mario Thousand year door on the gamepad and what about super rare N64 titles like Star Craft? The Wii U Vc has sooooo much potential, lets hope Nintendo is listening.
Maybe they could reduce the price of most wanted in the eshop by about two thirds, Ive checked today and its still up there with the most expensive games. Games like FIFA13, NBA 2K13 and NFSMW are in the bargain bin at retail stores and online so why the sky high price in the eshop?
I recently purchased this game and I agree with all of the positive stuff thats been written and said about it. I play this game more than any other at the moment and I think its the most interesting platform game to be released in years. I have other platform games like New Super Mario Bros U that Im just not playing because Steam World Dig is just too good. Based on this game anything these guys put on the 3DS/Wii U eshop gets an instant purchase from me.
Great review and I'll be downloading this as soon as its released. happy days
thanks, I have to give it a go
this is great, does this mean I can also play games from the wii virtual console on my game pad???? If not thats ok, this is still amazing news
Hillarious, what a joke. The funny thing is that Miyamoto admitted his mistakes with the extra time it has taken to develop Wii U games but at least the games have been properly developed, like Pikmin 3 for example. On the other hand look at what EA has done to Sim City, they have taken a great game and wrecked it. In terms of dropping the ball over the last 5 years what about animal crossing new leaf? Its one of the best casual games released in the last 5 years and you wont find it on any tablet. EA are a joke.
ok, so he is saying Nintendo need to be seen on apple products so maybe some advertising would be good on apps and maybe Nintendo could publish some books, magazines and videos on itunes but keep the games away because tablets and phones are NOT dedicated gaming systems.
I started playing video games at a young age with a 2600 so I have respect for the ATARI brand but.....I just got my new Wii U today and I cant wait to have a go. The comment this guy makes about tablets is interesting but they still are not dedicated gaming systems. I held the Wii U gamepad in my hands a few minutes ago and it feels good for gaming. I know Im in the minority but I just think the Wii U is the perfect console for this generation.
Im devastated, this was going to be my reason for buying a Wii U. Now I have to import from the uk....total madness. The irony is many games are imported directly from the uk but not the console bundles e.g 3DS animal crossing bundle. All I have to say about Nintendo Australia is meh
Im glad I waited for this, Ive never bought a special edition bundle before, how exciting!
I dont understand why the developer doesnt use built in memory, hdd or SDcard space for installing more data from the disc. Is that sloppy design or have I misunderstood something??
Oh, another EA article (shakes head). Really, how hard is it to port EA sports titles each year to Wii U. They might even learn something about how to use the second screen.
Remember that SNES ad, good things come to those who wait, well Ive waited and if this true then Ill be a Wii U owner as soon as its released.
Nintendo: Put me out of my misery, this has to come soon, I just cant wait for a Wii U any longer!
I totally agree. A 3DS or Wii U is made for gaming, an ipad is for web browsing. Just because milions have bought the ipad doesnt mean Nintendo are wrong to not bring their games onto it. I have nothing against tablet gaming but it doesnt even come close to a properly made piece of console software. Its the same with every argument about Nintendo, people just want to talk about tech specs and frames per second, they dont care about the reasoning behind Nintendos decisions.
I've been gaming all my life and have enjoyed playing all of Nintendos consoles but never really had much interest in reading about it on websites. This changed with the release of the Wii U, I started reading the articles and just can't believe how negative almost every site is about this console. Every week there is a negative article about the Wii U, it's just amazing. Don't even get me started on the comment sections of other sites, the Wii U is just used as bait for people to rerun their opinions of its impending death, week in, week out, same stories followed by the same comments. I know 100% that I'm going to enjoy playing the Wii U when I finally buy it and I also know that Nintendo will back it with games for its entire life span. I actually haven't been so excited about a Nintendo console since the SNES and I'm not going to let my happiness get squashed by the relentless 24 hour bad news cycle, Rant over for now
Wow, just compare this guy to the EA bosses who act like a bunch of wall street bankers, what a difference.
Of course they can recode frostbite 3 to run on WiiU but I have no confidence they will do a good job or even utilise the gamepad properly. EA will probably put a second rate team on the job and produce a below par version. Then nobody will buy it and EA will point the finger and complain that their games dont sell on Nintendo. EPIC FAIL from EA and DICE.
He doesnt get it. Its not just about the games, its about trying new things with hardware, and by that I mean having the guts to actually make the Wii with motion controls as standard, or the Wii U with game pad as standard. If you get rid of Nintendo hardware it just not the same. I sort of understand where he is coming from but he will regret his comments in 10 years when Sony and Microsoft consoles force you to link with your facebook account or something stupid along those lines. Its clear the "industry" doesnt like Nintendo to which I say Piss off to all the industry analysts and companies like EA, I just want to play video games.
I dont normally buy the sonic games but this one has got my attention, I hope it turns out to be a good game.
Ha! We all know the good exclusives will come in time, its Sony and MS that need to watch these pointless sales reports to make sure they dont loose their 3rd party sugar daddies!
The only thing he says that makes sense to me is that Nintendo need to try to get as many software developers on board as possible. Nobody "got" a lot of Nintendos new ideas and some were really bad like power glove but the point is they are a company that. tries to push things in different directions and take risks
Rewind a few years back and Sony couldnt sell its PS3, it even started giving them away as part of TV purchases. In terms of build quality the xbox and PS3 are plagued with RROD and YLOD issues and we are suppossed to believe that Nintendo should leave the hardware business .....lol. As far as multiplayer is concerned Mario Kart Wii was released in 2008 and Nintendo is still supporting its multiplayer. EA is talking about shutting down the servers for Fifa 11, so as far as I'm concerned Nintendo look after their customers and ignore the shareholder rubbish that Patcher is talking about. He is an armchair critic if I have ever seen one, ignoring the negatives of the other consoles, glossing over the issues and focussing only on money money money. Anyone for Fifa 13 multiplayer in two years time? oh sorry, the servers are shut down, but thank you for spending your money, oh and Fifa 15 is available for purchase. Now that is what I call success!!! sarc.
I don't understand the panic, it's 5 months old. My experience is that Nintendo look after their consoles. I also don' t understand the comment about it needing great first partyvtitles to compete because thats the main reason for its existance, for nintendo to create its own software. maybe its just me.
So I want to buy a Wii U at some stage, the negative stuff doesn't bother me, but I want to know from someone who owns it, what's it really like ...


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The idealism of the young
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Young people are twice as likely to show respect to someone in a uniform than are the older generation, the survey by G4S Security Services (UK) reveals. While a quarter of 16-to 24-year-olds said they have respect for a person wearing a uniform just 13% of 55-64 years olds agreed.
But what sort of uniform? G4S used to be known as Securicor and is the largest supplier of uniformed jobs-worths in the country. I have a feeling this question isn't about respecting proper people in uniform but instead shows that older people have come to despise all the make believe forces who order us about in car parks and shopping centres.
I tried to buy a bench once in B&Q and the only one left was the display model. which the manager refused to let me buy. So I walked out the entrance - the cashier said - "You can't go out that way". I pointed out to her that I could, and I would, the word she had be looking for was "mustn't". Her reply was a puzzled "eh" and I was then chased across the car park by a security goon who insisted that I went back into the store and left the "proper" way. I asked him what he was accusing me of and how was he going to make me. The fact I wasn't respecting his cheap man-made fibre suit and cardboard hat perplexed him and he eventually moved out the way before I ran over his foot.


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The Shooter
If you'd like to read the other stories in this growing book, please click on the links below. To leave a comment, please go to the story's page by clicking on the title. Scroll down and type your comment in the Disqus box.
It felt good to shoot Mercedes Man. I liked blasting the smug look off his face and watching his sense of superiority fly out of his head with his brains and blood. In fact, something about the whole invasion felt like REAL freedom and revenge. The world was going to die one way or another. We all knew it, but no one figured The End would happen like it did.
Me. I had dreams once. Big dreams. Dreams the size of a Cadillac rolling over an empty highway on an open prairie before corporations and greedy politicians fenced-in America and made everything a commodity. See. I wanted to be a painter. Yeah, I know: it sounds kinda gay, but that's what I was born to be. My "career" started with what older people called "graffiti." Now, looking back, I feel old, and I'm using buzz words from decades ago.
Time hunts us all. We leave our brains, blood, and muscles behind just to stay alive. In the end, we're dead either way.
I grew up in Five Points: Denver's most infamous ghetto. My mom managed to keep me in school and out of the Crips. I mean...I knew all those guys. They let me tag around the block 'cause they understood I was a writer, not a toy. Plus, I'd go around and cap other gangs' tags when I found 'em. The Crips never admitted it, but they didn't want a war. If another gang disrespected their territory by putting up a signal, then they had to retaliate. I prevented that from happening. In a way, I saved a lot of dudes' lives just by covering up their spray paint with a piece. Meanwhile, I kept my eyes down and my head up in high school.
The Art Institute took my money and my time for degrees in Graphic Design and Fine Art. Most of my instructors said I had talent, but the economy collapsed just before I got out of school. No one wanted to buy my pieces or my skills, so I went into the Marines. The military, not the ghetto, taught me to focus, aim, and fire with conviction.
My conviction still tells me Mercedes Man deserved what he got.
I know most of you won't give a shit about how I served the United States of America. Neither do I now. Bathorses, Apebadgers, Wendigo's, and so many other monsters have picked-over America's rotted flesh, but they're just the scavengers. We killed our country and our world.
I signed up for th Marines to pay back my college loans. I won't bore you with details about which unit I served under. I was no hero either. I was a soldier. There was a big difference between the two. One type fought for glory and God and country and all that other B.S. the military-industrial complex used to snag kids into service. The other kind understood he was an ant.
See, an ant colony might become extinct if even one bug refuses to kill or die to keep the others alive. No one wants to be that ant. Know this: I murdered people. Some were innocent. Most weren't.
Hell, a lot of the Afghan people I met were just trying to make a better situation for themselves. They lived in slum villages, with no jobs, where nothing would grow. Half the time I felt like my unit had landed on Mars. It's no wonder so many of those people were mad at America. We'd taken a lot from them. We'd helped put Al Qaeda and the Taliban in power too.
For decades, our government's business was to make sure Americans had better lives by looting other countries, exploiting their labor, and supporting puppet dictators. And by "Americans," I mean rich ones. Poor people were just guilty by proxy. The rich guys lied to us too.
Christians against Muslims. Poor versus poor. All of us ants bought into what the kings and queens told us: that the other anthill was evil. Meanwhile, the rich got richer on dollars stained from the blood of soldiers and workers. We killed each other for the devils in charge on either side. "Democracy, freedom, and righteousness" were the lies they fed to us. Truly dedicated soldiers and patriots died so we could starve children, rape the world, and the guys in the ivory towers could make more money.
I got out of the Marines when the grit-teethed killer inside me started bending the bars I'd put him behind. The faces of dead babies and maimed women were the hardest to forget. Even after I left my unit, I drank on weekends and evenings to numb the painful memories of things us soldiers had done for our anthill. The self-medication worked for a while. Sometimes I couldn't remember the name of the Marine who'd crawled along the sand outside Mohmand, Pakistan with his intestines hanging behind him. The gin helped me forget that burned baby, in Zabul Province, who made me burst into tears beneath my gas mask.
While I tried to forget about my life in the "service," government contractors like Burtihalliton, Aware Security Consultants, and Fulcrum International Security started calling me. These companies made billions of dollars off wholesale slaughter. They wanted me as a mercenary, but I couldn't go back there. I'd begun painting again, and everything I'd locked up in the back of my head started flowing out of my hands. These thoughts and feelings took the forms of monsters biting out each others' guts and eating their own children on the canvas. In time, I learned monsters like that walked the earth. Mercedes Man was one of them.
I knew Mercedes Man. He worked for some subsidiary of a subsidiary of one of America's favorite black ops and technology vendors: Lockheat Honeygood. We worked together overseas to find terrorists for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). I called him by a different name back then, but Mercedes Man still fits him the best.
See, the CIA contracted-out over seventy percent of its labor in those days. The funny thing was: the CIA hired and trained most of the men and women who became contractors. Once a CIA trainee had a high security clearance and espionage training, Lockheat's recruiters would knock on their door. Then Lockheat would pay that person three times as much as the government did and contract them out to the government(s) for millions. The same went for soldiers like me. Mercedes Man had been recruiting and commanding government-taught contractor operatives for years.
The problem with mercenaries is that they have no loyalty to any nation, and few people can hold them accountable. Folks like Mercedes Man cashed in on that problem. His men were outside the law--or so he said.
I know what you're thinking...but your party's politicians didn't give a rat's ass about that kind of government waste and corruption either. In fact, the politicians in charge often secretly owned or ran clandestine companies. It didn't matter what party they were claimin'. As for the congressional oversight committees that were supposed to keep an eye on this kind of stuff: If a congressman didn't have a share of Lockheat, then the company's lobbyists bribed them with campaign contributions.
American corporate politics consisted of one big circle jerk. As rich men put billions of dollars in each other's pockets, they gave the poorer classes a false democrat vs. republican cage match to keep us from looking any deeper. We were so busy watching the fight and cheering for our side that we let soldiers, women, and children die to feed billionaire's bank accounts.
Lockheat also developed war and espionage technologies. Gait recognition cameras, the software that picked-up on words like "terrorist" or "anti-American," and the stealth imaging satellite: those all came from Lockheat. The company had recently branched out in their acquisitions, and Mercedes Man wanted me to be part of some contracted homeland security force, which would look after a secret facility on Cheyenne Mountain near Colorado Springs. I had a security clearance, and government training, so Mercedes Man wooed me like all the other experienced soldiers and operatives that had recently quit the war.
I think a lot of the guys Mercedes Man recruited had left the military for reasons like mine, but he lured them back with a promise of six figure salaries and million-dollar bonuses. I have to admit: as I heated up Ramen noodles at night and looked under the seats of my Jeep for gas change by day, Mercedes Man's offers tempted me. "If the Cheyenne Mountain thing doesn't work out," he told me one time, "you can work in China or Peru...wherever you want."
I let Mercedes Man think I was going to sign on for a while. Pretending was easy. Something in me missed the danger and power, which came from carrying things that exploded. "Nothing'll help you vent your anger like blowing the hell out of a mud hut," I told Mercedes Man one time. After hearing this, he twirled his magic mustache, and I suddenly owned a Colorado Concealed Carry permit and a gold-plated Desert Eagle .50 caliber--each of which showed up in a box on my condo's doorstep a day later.
Mostly, I wanted to see how much Mercedes Man would tell me about what was going on. I loved our country, despite all it's bullshit and killing and greed. We really did have it better than most other countries, but bastards like Mercedes Man were ruining it, and I couldn't live with the gruesome visions in my head anymore.
I had to atone for my sins and America's genocide somehow. Far as I knew, my personal mission was a one way destination to water-boarding or death. If I killed Mercedes Man and told his secrets, another like him would just step into his shoes, call me a terrorist, and lock me away in Gitmo. I didn't care. Over and over I heard a line in my head. I don't know who said it, or where it came from, but it went like this: "You gotta stand for somethin' or you'll fall for nothin'."
Not me. Not ever.
I never thought that the corporate-owned politicians and mercenaries could be worse than I imagined, but Mercedes Man surprised me again.
Mercedes Man, his wife, and his white poodle lived way up on a Rampart Rock hill, in a mansion. 'Course, people didn't use the word 'Mansion' much anymore. In those days, they'd call a place like that a "two million-dollar home with 10000 square feet of living space." I don't know why. Probably because all the old hippies felt bad about selling out and becoming The Man themselves.
Mercedes Man's place had it all: a spiked iron fence, pure oak furniture, marble counters, gold fixtures, automated windows and doors, and the best security system in the world. Every room smelled of the fresh flowers. His florist delivered vase bouquets every week. Mercedes Man's wife Myriel loved horses, so they owned six of 'em. A Ferrari, Viper, and Hummer decorated his garage. He even had concubines.
If Mercedes Man wasn't an old white guy who wore argyle sweaters over his shirts and ties, I'd say he lived a hip-hop life. Every time I walked in his front door, my head tuned in on a soundtrack of Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik mixed with a heavy bass back beat.
Over the few weeks before The End, Mr. D--which was what we called Mercedes Man when I worked with him overseas--had taken me into his home on weekends. I went to most of the parties he had for new recruits, but he invited me to have drinks with him too. His wife asked me over to dinner parties with Congresspeople, Governors, and Air Force officers. Mr. D and his wife began to call me their adopted son.
You'd think I'd have lost my will to kill Mercedes then, but I didn't. I never even suggested that I might sign onto his company either. I just kept quiet most of the time, so I guess he assumed I was seriously thinking about it. As the last couple months before The End went on, Mercedes Man began to talk to me. One night, about a week before I shot him, we sat at the glass patio table near his pool.
He was on his fifth scotch when he told me, "Guys like me, and hopefully you..." He gestured at me with his scotch tumbler. "...we know the whole game of life is a power grab for liars. See those houses down the hill?"
I nodded, looking with him at the porch and window lights belonging to the older, more rundown houses of downtown Rampart Rock.
"Well, those houses are full of dupes. My associates and I tell them what to believe, and they believe it."
"Your associates?"
"You've met a few of them at my wife's parties. People don't realize how dead-on some of those conspiracy theories...never mind...I shouldn't be telling you that yet."
I stared at Mercedes Man with murderous eyes. It must've felt like home to him. He just kept rambling on.
"Anyway," he said. "We sell these idiots drugs and food backed by bogus science, we rob them of their money through both the financial system and taxes, and they don't care as long as they have more food, sex, and video games than the next country."
"Must be nice," I said.
"It's fucking great," he said, snickering. "I mean, we can take something like 9/11 and leverage it for years to make people afraid. Nothing makes people give up like fear. I can completely disregard a man's privacy, build a hearsay case against him, and have him thrown into a dungeon forever by calling him a terrorist. Thank you Patriot Act. Best thing is: I don't even have to work directly for the government anymore."
"You can do that as a contractor?" I asked.
"I, we, my people, can do anything we want. Who's gonna call us on it? We run this bastard now, and we never cared a lick for these lazy lowlifes' liberties." He gestured at downtown Rampart Rock with his scotch tumbler, sloshing liquor and ice onto the concrete beside his pool. "These morons don't deserve democracy," he said. "I wish more people were like you Ted..."
I reached under my shirt, ready to do Mercedes Man with the gun he gave me. I'd hoped to maybe mass murder him and his conspirators at one of his parties, but my heart was thudding against my chest to the rhythm of the cruelty and injustice in his words. I wanted to torture and kill him right then--like his kind had forced my kind to do to people in Afghanistan. The warrior in me had broken out of its cage and beaten down the ant. But this killing wouldn't be for glory or clout. No. It would be justice.
Then Myriel came out in a black thong bikini. Her body was like a Latin goddess sculpture. Yoga and running every day, with no job or housework, kept her looking younger than me. I guessed she was almost old enough to be my mom, but she never told me her age. Her light curly long hair, dark skin, and brown eyes shimmered with vitality.
When Myriel came out to the table by the pool, she looked at me with a mother's concern at first. Then she gazed into my eyes and licked her lips.
"What are you guys talking about?" Myriel asked.
Mr. D had passed out. I didn't bother to explain. I just took my hand off the gun and stared at Myriel.
"I'm not like him, you know?" she asked as she came over to me, sat on my lap, and swiped her finger across my chest. "I come from a second generation Mexican family on one side, and a poor white one on the other. My father was a soldier like you. He died in the first Iraq war."
I looked at Mr. D, not really caring if he woke up and saw what his wife was doing. "I grew up in Five Points," I said.
"Shhh," Myriel said. "Don't say anything else. I see the way you look at Craig when he's drunk. Vengeance is written on your face..." She started kissing me, and I thought about what it would be like to screw Mr. D's wife with him passed out across the table. Instead, I pushed her off me. I took in a deep breath of chlorine and pine-scented air.
"It's okay," I said. "You're beautiful--on the outside, at least--but I can't do this. Not with you. You live on his money. You watch all these snakes, who steal other peoples lives and money, come in and out of here everyday. How could you let him do these things? How could you know about all this, and do nothing?"
Staring at me coldly, and standing nearby with her hands on her hips, Myriel said, "You know nothing Teddy. Horrible things happen in this world, and no one can prevent them. There's no use going against those kinds of things unless you're willing to watch everything you know and love die. These monsters and men have been draining the masses and plotting together for years."
"I can't tell you anymore." She crossed her arms and looked around. Goosebumps rose up on her skin. "They'll know," she said. "I mean...the inside of this house is probably the most secure and private place you'll find in this country. But that doesn't matter. Be careful. They hear things on the air." She got up and walked in the sliding glass patio door, which she'd crept out of just seconds before. Mr. D just stayed passed out.
I guess Myriel wasn't mad about what I did that night. A couple days after our spat, she and Mr. D. invited me over for dinner to meet this Air Force General named Ian Thompson. The General was even more of a stuck-up asshole than Mr. D. Other than that, supper went well.
Mr. D invited me to come to his house for one last recruiting party. That was the evening before The End. "If I can't convince you to join my team tonight," Mr D. had said over the phone. "Then you're a terrorist." He chuckled long and hard, but his words sounded strained and suspicious. I knew I'd have to kill him soon.
"I'll be there," I told him.
Later that night, after everyone else at the party passed out, Mr. D and I had our most important conversation.
"The Cheyenne Mountain Security Force," Mr. D said, his feet dangling in his pool. "You seriously want to know what this is all about, right?"
"Yeah," I said, sitting a couple feet away from him on the pool's edge. "There's a lot of stories about that mountain."
"Right. NORAD's just a front. Always has been."
"What's going on?"
"I can't...no...shouldn't tell you." He looked at me. I poured us both new drinks from a bottle of Glenlivits Scotch, which I'd given him. I waited for him to finish that drink, and a couple more, until he could barely hold up his head. Staring up at the Milky Way, I saw Orion. Ever since I was a kid, Orion helped me find all the other constellations.
My mom used to tell me stories about the heroes, monsters, and gods among the stars. In one Greek myth, Orion kept bragging about how he was the baddest hunter on earth. Scorpio stung and killed Orion for his vanity. My mom believed in horoscopes too--even though she used the Indian zodiac. She'd finish the Orion story by saying, "You're white sign is Scorpio. Sting the hell out of anyone who hurts you or your people."
Far as I knew, my "people" were gone. My mom was a full-blooded Ute, but she'd moved from the res. years before I was born. Mom never told me much about my tribe. White people had either killed them, or converted them to our way of life. Mom's words about Orion echoed in my head that last night at Mr D's place.
Waking from my thoughts, I looked at Mr. D. "Come on Mr. D," I said. "You can tell me anything. You told me I was like an adopted son to you, right?"
"You are," he said in a slur. "But I don't trust anyone."
"Fine," I shrugged.
Then Mr. D went into a sort of glass-eyed trance. "We're guarding a compound on the mountain," he said, as if in a dream. "I'm also forming a small army of mercenaries."
"Something's coming. Years ago, we took these kids and shot 'em up with all kinds of drugs to make 'em forget that they were building machines..." Mr. D. started to nod off.
"Wake up Mr. D," I said, clapping my hands. "Please continue."
"Right, right," Mr. D said. "Where was I going with this?"
"I don't know. Something about machines."
"Right." He raised his pointer finger in the air. "The sewing machines that bring the monsters. See. We thought we could control the world ourselves with the banking system and debt, but the fliers made us a much faster deal: Get rid of all the rabble once and for all, and see our kind prosper without all the years of systematic oppression. Anyway, those genius kids have almost killed themselves off now. They're the only proof of our plan."
"You're not making any sense Mr. D." Maybe I dropped too much Thiopenthol in his drink, I thought.
"There's big, mean creatures lurking around Rampart Rock," Mr. D said. "The invasion's going to happen soon. I want to save you Ted. You're like the Oedipus I never had."
"I have no idea what you're talking about sir. Besides, Oedipus killed his father."
"As all good, greedy American sons should want to do. You picked yourself up by the bootstraps kid. All those lowlifes on welfare and in the gutter got no excuse with heroes like you running around. You and I will be kings in the new worlds. Humanity is doomed. We're not. We're Over Men. Sign onto my company. Let me help you. Monsters be-damned."
"I don't get what you mean by monsters?"
"You know. The fliers the kid mechanics brought in for us before they got married, adulterated, and suicided. I explained this already."
"Those aren't even words Mr. D. You're not making any sense."
"Ah you're hopeless kid." He waved his hand at me. "We'll talk about this tomorrow."
Mr. D. passed out again. He had a habit of doing that every night we partied, but I knew he'd told me something important. I was too drunk to figure it out just then. Last thing I remember was trying to keep my eyes open while reaching for the gun in my waistband.
The shooter and all other materials on Tim's Blog are copyrighted by me, Tim Miller. Please contact me via email regarding publishing or redistribution of stories or blogs. My email address is firstname.lastname@example.com. I apologize for any formatting errors. I'm a writer, not a code monkey This story can be read as a stand-alone narrative, but it's also a chapter in a blog novel.
Chapter One: The Mechanic
Chapter Two: The Walker
Chapter Three: The Mechanic 2
Chapter Four: The Walker 2
Chapter Five: The Hunter
Chapter Six: The Cop
Chapter Seven: The Hunted
Chapter Eight: The Escapee
Chapter Nine: The Mercedes Man
Chapter Eleven: The Monster
Chapter Twelve: The Yehasuri
Chapter Thirteen: The General
Chapter Fourteen: The Wendigo
Chapter Fifteen: The Librarian
Chapter Sixteen: The Suburbanites
Chapter Seventeen: The Paralibrarian
Chapter Nineteen: The Captive
In : The Merging (working title)
Tags: shooter mercedes cia america conspiracy killer afghanistan terrorist pakistan war homeland security artist painting graffiti marines zabul desert eagle mercenary soldier ant warrior
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Boogie the night away in this glitzy top with bell sleeves, neck scarf, and pants with funky flare. 3-piece set. Polyester. Imported.
Does not include jewelry or shoes.
Retail Value: $56.99
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Sizing: True to size
Reviewed by: gusto
(Read all my reviews)
Location: alabama
Title: contest winner
Date: Mar 23, 2012
This outfit helped me to win the 70's dance contest and every thing was great with the delivery and product quality.
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Reviewed by: IURocker
Location: Bloomington,IL
Title: Hot outfit!
Date: Mar 06, 2012
I bought this for my wife for a 70's party and it was a total hit. She looked great and I think it was a great overall value.
Reviewed by: Jenniepalmtree
Location: Southern California
Title: GREAT COSTUME!
Date: Oct 15, 2011
I was a little worried about sizing when I ordered this costume, just based on the other reviews. I went ahead and followed Celebrate Express' sizing chart, and stuck to their recommendation and I am SO glad I did. I am 5' 2" and a curvy 135lbs. The size M fit perfectly! No hemming required. Even the length is perfect which tells me that if you are taller than average, that this costume may be too short for you, especially wtih platform shoes! The quality is good, much better than many other costumes from those big stores. And it's quite flattering! I cannot wait to wear it to a Halloween party. I know it will be comfy and great looking all night. Highly recommend! I also got the "Disco Puff" wig to wear with it and it looks hilarious! (In a good way.)
Reviewed by: deana77
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Title: Wild costume
Date: Oct 04, 2011
This costume is sparkly and fun. Can't wait to wear it for Halloween. Fits true to size.
Reviewed by: Artty
Location: columbia
Photos: (click for full-size)
Title: Fun Fun Fun
Date: Sep 21, 2011
I had such a fun time last Halloween wearing this costume. I had just had a baby a couple of months prior and was a little nearvous about even going out for Halloween night because of my weight. I felt that the material hid most of my flaws and curves. I actually felt thinner than I had in months . I am 5'3 and the pants were dragging the ground so unless you can sew or wear some real high heals (like some tall go-go boots like I did) then don't get it otherwise buy it and have a great night out.
Reviewed by: ChiMomma
Title: Grooviest outfit ever
Date: Aug 29, 2011
I loved this outfit! Wore it to a party and got tons of compliments. The quality was decent and the size medium was perfect for me - I'm 5'7', 125 lbs. Since the medium is a size 6-8 I'd say it runs a little small. I usually take a 4. I will definitely wear it again.
Reviewed by: Sula
Title: My Singing gig was a success!!!!!!!!
Date: Jun 13, 2011
I had to sing for a big 70's party and needed a new outfit. I couldn't have asked for a better outfit. I got numerous compliments on my outfit and have "Celebrate Express" to thank for a successful gig. Your outfit affects everything and definitely contributes to presentation. The only thing I didn't like about the outfit was the sparkling pieces on the outfit were shedding and keep coming off and were all over the stage. Other than that, I loved it. Thanks again!
Reviewed by: BlinkBlink
Title: Love it
Date: Mar 17, 2011
I did not expect the outfit turn out perfectly for me. Have a family gathering comes up soon and I will dress up in 1970 disco. Love the flashy and beatiful fabric. Love it a lot and told my sister to get one as well. Recommended.
Reviewed by: rc1975
Title: Great Costume
Date: Nov 03, 2010
I have to say, this looks better in person than it does online! It's well made, the sizing chart is right on, and I got compliment after compliment! Everyone loved this costume including myself. I would definitely recommend this to any buyer. Great looking costume and great purchase.
Reviewed by: 2mom2
Location: kermit, wv
Title: great purchase
I bought this costume to wear to school. My students and friends loved it. It is very pretty and fits good. The costume looks very expensive, however it is a good price. I couldn't have found a better one!
Reviewed by: mom3boys21
Title: lots of compliments
Date: Nov 02, 2010
I received many compliments on this costume. The top does fit snugly over the chest. I am 5'8"/130 and have an average size chest and my husband had to literally pull it down over me...but, it looked cute once I got it on!
Reviewed by: Neilj
Title: Fun
Date: Oct 31, 2010
This is a great costume. It is very flashy and comfortable. I got lots of compliments. I am a size 6 and I ordered a medium, I thought if it was a little big that would be fine. Glad I went with the medium, it fit great, but I sure wouldn't have wanted it smaller. If you aren't sure which size to get, get the bigger one.
Reviewed by: Eileen511
Location: Long Island, NY
Date: Oct 11, 2010
Purchased this for my daughter and it is beautiful. She wears a size 6 women's and it fits great (a little long). Quality is excellent. Just as we expected.
Reviewed by: hors123
Title: Great costume.
Date: Oct 06, 2010
Needed something to wear for Mamma Mia. This is going to be perfect!
Reviewed by: VanessaMD
Location: San Juan, PR
Title: Nice Look
Date: Oct 02, 2010
Great Look and nice for any Disco party . If you want to be the center of the attraction of the party just put it on and enjoy.
Show all reviews
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Incredible and stunning view lot in Edgemoor's newest sub division, Madrona Pointe. Peaceful/private location, towering fir trees add to the ambiance of this wonderful setting. Position your new home to enjoy views of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands. Fully developed w/ all city utilities, and this portion of Bayside Rd services this lot and only two additional lots. Enjoy great westerly facing sun exposure. This desirable Bellingham area is home to million $ = homes. Click here to learn more about this listing..
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Orlando Police: Beer kegs stolen from TGI Friday's
Published On: Jan 18 2013 12:30:10 PM EST
Orlando police are searching for the culprits they say broke into a TGI Friday's and stole more than a dozen beer kegs after hours.
Police said the culprits went to the TGI Friday's on South Semoran Boulevard between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Tuesday and took 15-20 beer kegs.
The theft was reported Thursday afternoon, OPD records show.
No other information, including suspect information, was immediately available.
The investigation is ongoing, police say.
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WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Experts say a New Zealand woman's 2-gallon-a-day Coca-Cola habit probably contributed to her death, a conclusion that led the soft-drink giant to note that even water can be deadly in excessive amounts.
Natasha Harris, a 30-year-old, stay-at-home mother of eight from Invercargill, died of a heart attack in February 2010. Fairfax Media reported that a pathologist, Dr. Dan Mornin, testified at an inquest Thursday that she probably suffered from hypokalemia, or low potassium, which he thinks was caused by her excessive consumption of Coke and overall poor nutrition.
Symptoms of hypokalemia can include abnormal heart rhythms, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
Mornin said that toxic levels of caffeine, a stimulant found in Coke, also may have contributed to her death, according to Fairfax.
Harris' partner, Chris Hodgkinson, testified that Harris drank between 8 and 10 liters (2.1 and 2.6 gallons) of regular Coke every day.
"The first thing she would do in the morning was to have a drink of Coke beside her bed and the last thing she would do at night was have a drink of Coke," Hodgkinson said in a deposition. "She was addicted to Coke."
Hodgkinson also said Harris ate little and smoked about 30 cigarettes a day. In the months before her death, he said, Harris experienced blood pressure problems and lacked energy.
He said that on the morning of her death, Harris helped get her children ready for school before slumping against a wall. He called emergency services and tried mouth-to-mouth resuscitation but couldn't revive her.
Another pathologist, Dr. Martin Sage, said in a deposition that "it is certainly well demonstrated that excessive long or short term cola ingestion can be dramatically symptomatic, and there are strong hypothetical grounds for this becoming fatal in individual cases."
Inquests such as this are sometimes held for unusual or unexplained deaths in New Zealand, and can help shape future health policies. With the evidence in the case now complete, the coroner's office will compile and issue a final report into the death.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Lisa Te Morenga, a nutritionist at the University of Otago, said excessive consumption of any type of liquid in a cool climate would be likely to play havoc with the body's natural systems and balance.
Karen Thompson, a spokeswoman for Coca-Cola Oceania, said in a statement that its products are safe.
"We concur with the information shared by the coroner's office that the grossly excessive ingestion of any food product, including water, over a short period of time with the inadequate consumption of essential nutrients, and the failure to seek appropriate medical intervention when needed, can be dramatically symptomatic."
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May 26th, 2012 - By Lari Robling
You've heard the expression, "Much depends on dinner." In this case, much depends on lunch– or more accurately school lunch. Chef and restaurateur, Marc Vetri, and his business partner, Jeff Benjamin, work to change the landscape of school lunches through their Vetri Foundation program, "Eatiquette." We join the Community Partnership School in North Central Philadelphia for a look at a how the program works.
"Almost anyone who wants to get into the restaurant world, they see all this, you know, food network stuff and the high end stuff and they want to learn how to make foams and they want to learn how to make powders and they want their name up in lights," observes Chef Marc Vetri. "But, you know, it's really all about the heart and soul of food. And there is a heart and soul in food, you know, because it all starts out with something living."
Vetri and business partner, Jeff Benjamin, have four celebrated Philadelphia restaurants receiving national attention– including the prestigious James Beard Awards.
But both Vetri and Benjamin are committed to bringing heart and soul in food to an unlikely venue— school lunches!
Through the Vetri Foundation for Children they've created Eatiquette, a program transforms school lunches into scratch meals made with fresh produce served in a social atmosphere.
Tia McDonald is the director of culinary operations for Vetri Foundation. She's a graduate of Culinary Institute of America, with 25 years cooking in kitchens; she balances the program's vision with the real world.
Notes McDonald, "It's a huge change, it's a shift in culture not only for that school for the entire market place in K-12 it has become completely dependent on processed foods not only from a labor standpoint, but from a financial standpoint."
"I'm working in the kitchen with these individuals who have worked with tater tots and chicken nuggets for the last five, ten years and all they have to do is throw stuff in the oven and their job is done," says McDonald.
A typical Eatiquette lunch program is about $1.50 including milk. Tia McDonald admits that's a little more than what most schools spend, but part of her job is to make meals feasible within the confines of the national school lunch program.
"You are working with a higher grade of product," she says. "It's not canned beans; it's not canned spinach but it is fresh spinach and fresh tomatoes that you get in everyday."
McDonald has a solution. She says, "We work with fresh herbs and when I work with the chef in the school I show them how to get the best product at the best price, but also how to reutilize– if you have excess herbs left over you can make a salad dressing out of that without wasting an excess amount of product."
The lunches are served family style at small round tables. Rotating captains set the table, fill water glasses and pass food. Teachers and staff discuss the food and keep the conversation flowing.
Linn Vaughters is the Director of Enrollment at the Community Partnership School in North Central Philadelphia. The school is part of a pilot program that offers lunch one day a week for now. Several teachers have observed better student behavior in the afternoons after these lunches.
Vaughters says, "I think they are a lot calmer and I think that fresh ingredients and fresh food has a lot to do with it. It does affect your mood and your brain chemistry."
Today's menu features grilled cheese and turkey sandwiches, salad, roasted carrots with, mint and homemade biscuits with fresh berries and cream.
For some students, it is a new experience to taste freshly whipped cream and it was well received. But, when Chef McDonald asks a student to describe the roasted carrots with mint, she comes up with the adjective "burnt."
Even in the elementary school set, there's always a budding restaurant critic!


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Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Services
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Calendar of Events
August 2014 (Duluth-Superior Pride Festival Labor Day Weekend: dspride.com)
Thursday, August 28th: 5pm - Mayor's Reception: The Depot – 506 W Michigan St, Duluth, MN
Thursday, August 28th: 7pm- Documentary "Fagbug Nation" is showing at Zinema, 222 E. Superior Street Duluth, MN. Tickets are $5. Discussion (Q&A)with filmmaker Erin Davies to follow. Sponsored by the UMD Queer and Allied Students Union.
Friday, August 29th: 5 pm - A Through Z Exhibition: Zinema - 222 E Superior St, Duluth, MN.
Friday, August 29th: 6pm - Poetry Reading: Jitters Coffee House – 102 W Superior St, Duluth, MN
Saturday, August 30th: 9am - Hummingbird Family 5K: W Lake Superior Waterfront Trail – Grand Ave, Duluth, MN
Saturday, August 30th: 11am - 7pm Pride Festival in the Park: Bayfront Festival Park – Duluth, MN.
Saturday, August 30th: 11am - Historical Collection: Bayfront Festival Park – Duluth, MN
Saturday, August 30th: 8pm - Pride's Block Party: The Flame and The Main Club – Tower Ave, Superior, WI
Sunday, August 31s: 8:30am - Worship Service: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth – 835 W College St, Duluth, MN
Sunday, August 31st: 9:30am – Free Breakfast: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth – 835 W College St, Duluth, MN
Sunday, August 31st: 12pm - Pride Parade: Tower Ave in Superior, WI.
Sunday, August 31st: 3:30pm - Fruit Float Boat Cruise: Vista Fleet Tours – 323 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN. Tickets online:
Sunday, August 31st: 3:30pm - Foo Foo Choo Choo: The Depot – 506 W Michigan St, Duluth, MN
Sunday, August 31st: 8pm - Draw Show Fundraiser: The Main Club – 1217 Tower Avenue, Superior, WI
September 2014
Monday, September 1st: 11 am "GLBTQA Connections" workshop for First-Year Students (including Transfer Students)! Montague Hall, room 151. Please attend and get acquainted with our student organization, GLBT services, meet new friends and get connected! Questions? Please email me: Angie Nichols, Director of GLBT Services at UMD
Monday, September 1st: 4pm Multicultural Center Student Welcome and Kickoff Dinner. Location TBA. GLBTQA Students (new and returning) please attend!
Monday, September 1st: 6-8 pm Multicultural Center Block Party. GLBTQA students (new and returning) please attend! Location: TBA
October 2014
October 11th: National Coming Out Day
November 2014
Friday, November 7-9th: Minnesota Out College Conference (MOCC) is at Century College (East Campus) White Bear Lake, MN
Saturday, November 15th: 7-10 pm QASU Fall Drag Show, UMD Kirby Ballroom. Tickets: $5 at door.
Thursday, November 20th: 10-2pm, Transgender Day of Remembrance, QASU Tabling, UMD Kirby Student Center
Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28th: Campus Closed
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Company Overview of Amsted Industries Incorporated
BOARD MEMBERS AFFILIATED WITH W. Robert Reum *
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MOST CONNECTED PEOPLE TO W. Robert Reum
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|157 Relationships
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Entertainment & Events
The best thing about this great little country is you'll never get bored! And some of the best entertainment is free…. Local Farmers Markets are a big hit – and it's much more than buying fresh produce - the whole community comes together, chatting, drinking coffee, meeting friends and welcoming visitors. This is a great Kiwi experience – most markets are al fresco and have wonderful local musicians playing everything from Latin American music to Country & Western and Jazz. Free concerts in the park are also a unique feature of Kiwi life. Bring a picnic and enjoy the atmosphere.
The choice is yours 24/7 – a ticket to an international sports match, ballet or show or a relaxed outing at your own pace. Local i-SITE visitor centres are great places to start with for information on markets, music, and events in the area.
Auckland Central
Auckland Wide
Waiheke Vintage Festival
Winemaking events – pick your own grapes and foot stomp them at Passage Rock vineyard
Music Concerts – Opera in the cellar at Poderi Crisci
Wine events – vertical wine tasting at Peacock Sky vineyard
Wine tours – vine to glass tour at Kennedy Point vineyard
Auckland Anniversary Weekend 24 - 26 Jan
Celebrate Auckland's 175th birthday with a series of free family events on the waterfront, including a dazzling fireworks display. Queens Wharf


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This list, which displays the games I own as of June 19, 2014, also enables you to see what reviews I've contributed to the site for the games I currently own. If a title below interests you, click the link to open the site profile for that game in a new window.
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Earthworm Jim [R]
Twinkle Tale [R]
Miscellaneous (67)
Dragonester (PC) [R]
Half-Life (PC) [R]
Half-Life 2 (PC) [R]
Oil Rush (PC) [R]
Puzzle Bots (PC) [R]
Bad Dudes [R]
Crystalis [R]
Fire 'N Ice [R]
Just Breed [R]
Mother [R]
Q*bert [R]
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Ys [R]
Ys II [R]
PlayStation (33)
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PlayStation 2 (52)
The Getaway [R]
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PlayStation 3 (40)
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Sega CD (1)
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Thanks for checking out my game list. Would you like to hear my thoughts about a game on the list above that I haven't yet had a chance to review? If so, let me know. Maybe I'll do it. On the other hand, I may ignore you completely. Sometimes, I can be mean like that.
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Krazy Creekside Wednesday Night
Wednesday, Jan 30, 2013 7:00p
The Creekside Santa Barbara, CA
Every Wednesday night come and hear your favorite country music from past and present and show us what you can do on the dance floor. Enjoy the food and drink specials and sign up for the weekly dance lesson starting at 7:00pm. At 8:00pm, I open up the dance floor for the hottest 2 step, night club 2 step, cha cha, east and west coast swing, aggie swing, waltz, couples and line dancing Santa Barbara has to offer. Requests are always welcomed in person or via email at firstname.lastname@example.com
Created by Ali.Esmaili
Location & Nearby Info
The Creekside
4444 Hollister Ave.
Santa Barbara, CA 93110-1708
4444 Hollister Ave.
Santa Barbara, CA 93110-1708
Show nearby:
0.6 mi 1 Restaurant Open
0.7 mi 2 Palapa Restaurant
1.0 mi 3 Fresco Cafe
1.1 mi 4 Cody's Cafe
1.2 mi 5 Tudor Wines
1.4 mi 6 Marmalade Cafe
1.8 mi 7 Del Pueblo Cafe
1.9 mi 8 Pizza Guru
1.9 mi 9 Max's Restaurant
2.5 mi 10 Petrini's Restaurant
Reviews & Comments
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Mon 5/4 8:00p
Wed 3/11 8:00p
Sun 4/26 7:00p
Mon 3/23 6:00p
Tue 4/7 8:00p
Mon 4/20 7:00p