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|81 posts found
Apprentice Member
Joined: 7/31/06
Ok ok, excluding the irony of playing solo in a game that wouldn't exist except for the premise of sharing the world with countless others...
It occured to me that optional grouping, where solo play is either as rewarding, or as NET rewarding (minus hassle of putting together a group, etc), doesn't work because people who choose to slow thier own progression or go to great lengths to group up are usually immature, incompentant, or ill-mannered.
Not saying those self-interested enough to play solo when it is most profitable are perfect, but this is the irony I see when I play mmos today. For the philosophically minded, consider ethical egoism. People who care about themselves are probably more polite to others that they may depend on later than those who care about nothing at all, or perhaps just about having some immediate kicks.
I guess the point of this revelation is that it's not so simple to say 'just group up anyways', when what you'll get is a very unfun grouping experience in a game that doesn't promote or pressure team efforts.
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Apprentice Member
Joined: 12/21/12
Someone got a thesaurus for Christmas.
I agree that in solo-orientated games it is a little too simple to say, just group anyway, create your own social aspect to the game. It goes against the concept of an mmo, and frankly is a waste of time and effort when you can just solo the content rather than take the risk of a pug.
The only time I seem to group these days is if I am rushing or getting rushed.
currently playing: DDO, AOC, WoT, P101
Novice Member
Joined: 11/19/09
In the real world MMO gamers enjoy sitting alone in their rooms at their computers, playing their games. (Not that gamers don't go out with friends and have fun when they chose to)
Is it really that surprising when they enter a virtual world they enjoy doing quests and other activities alone. Then, when they chose to, they group when they want to be social. (They just don't want to be forced to group)
Hard Core Member
Joined: 1/28/05
Correcting wrongs on the Internet...
The modern MMOs are "solo friendly" meaning they allow you to go solo,but it is rarely the most efficient form of advancement. Outside of few required quests & missions, or few tasty rewards, grouping is always the most effective form of engaging content.
Developers have only met a demand. That is all.
I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been -Wayne Gretzky
Spotlight Poster
Joined: 6/27/10
There is no good or evil, only power - and those too weak to seek it.
Originally posted by Quirhid
In my opinion everything is now catered to the solo gamer. In World of Warcraft the most played themepark game out there, at no point do I need another persons help. I'll queue solo for instances, and I'll grind solo through quests.
I do not have to wait for anyone to go take a shit, I don't have to wait for someone to eat, get home from work, nothing.
I will level faster than people in groups, just a fact, unless they are using some unintended technique such as aoe grinding massive monster groups.
Originally posted by Quirhid
Soloing in a game like Lotro/Rift/STO I found was much more rewarding than grouping. You don't have to split drops or experience or ensure everyone is working on the same quest stage. When it comes to dealing with solo content, I don't see the incenitive to get a group for them.
Ideally your idea would be how it works, but in most games I find that isn't the case.
edit: I did try playing through lotro and EQ2 in a permagroup with some friends who loved those game last year. I ended up leveling another character solo when they weren't in the mood to play, and the end result was my solo character having much more money, better gear, and more traits/AA than the one I used in our group in both games, despite being several levels lower.
Hard Core Member
Joined: 1/28/05
Correcting wrongs on the Internet...
Originally posted by Wolfenpride
Much what you mentioned comes from poor content/quest design - not grouping vs. soloing. Arenanet adressed those issues in GW2, although some people still weren't happy. We have masochists in our midst, I tell you.
I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been -Wayne Gretzky
Originally posted by Enerzeal
That's essentially why most people solo, it's better than all the frustration of a group. What's wrong with that? I have limited time to play anyhow, why should I sit around and wait for other people when I could be playing the game?
That's something I've never seen, however. Given characters of the same level, a group will always level faster because they can take on harder content that would stomp a soloer into the dust. The only reason a soloer might level faster is if the group is sitting around waiting for someone to come back from AFK or if they're trying to do low-level content, which is just stupid.
Played: UO, EQ, WoW, DDO, SWG, AO, CoH, EvE, TR, AoC, GW, GA, Aion, Allods, lots more
Hard Core Member
Joined: 5/30/09
Really wish some game would try mandatory Forced grouping again. It has been a decade since a game really forced players to group up. No solo content at all so people like the OP don't even bother setting foot in this game.
Originally posted by Novusod
Sure, if you wan to see a game fail even faster than SWTOR, go for it.
Played: UO, EQ, WoW, DDO, SWG, AO, CoH, EvE, TR, AoC, GW, GA, Aion, Allods, lots more
Elite Member
Joined: 3/30/10
I don't Forum PVP. If you feel I've attacked you, it was probably by accident.
Originally posted by adam_nox
I don't see this part. I don't think that groupers are more toxic than soloers. In my opinion it's just that the toxicity is more easily noticed when grouping.
Although I'm a die-hard fan of grouping, I do admit that treating an MMORPG as a single player game is one method of enjoying a game with a toxic community. The other being finding a good guild and treating the game as a coop-RPG rather than massively multiplayer.
Originally posted by XAPGames
While I agree that it isn't just the groupers who are asshats, it's everyone playing most of these games, the fact that there are so many asshats in groups has driven a lot of us away from wanting to group. It doesn't really matter if the soloers are jerks, you don't have to play with them. I don't know that there are many good guilds out there, simply because a big reason the communities have gotten so bad is because all anyone wants to do is win at all costs. That attracts, or creates, a certain type of person that I personally don't want to be around. It makes greedy, sneaky, rude, obnoxious people who are only really concerned with their own advancement, usually as fast as they can possibly get it, and whoever they have to step on along the way is just fine.
That's why most game communities suck these days, it's all about the mad rush to end-game.
Played: UO, EQ, WoW, DDO, SWG, AO, CoH, EvE, TR, AoC, GW, GA, Aion, Allods, lots more
Elite Member
Joined: 3/30/10
I don't Forum PVP. If you feel I've attacked you, it was probably by accident.
Originally posted by Cephus404
Ditto. I agree. I think it's part of the skinner box parallel. I'd love to see an experiment where rats are addicted to the skinner box in solo, then forced into a multi-user skinner box where there are 6 rats but only 2 reward switches. I wonder if they would exhibit anti-social behavior.
Advanced Member
Joined: 12/02/09
Originally posted by adam_nox
This doesn't make much sense to me... the ones who voluntarily group tend to be the better members of the community from my experience. It's the ones who hate grouping but are forced to who tend to be the most immature or incompetent.
When a game has a mix of solo and group content you tend to find the soloers who don't want to be in groups are the real problem. In a game with nothing but 100% group content you don't get this problem as those soloers don't touch the game in the first place. Go see FFXI pre-Abyssea for a good example; groups in that game were exceptionally positive experiences, and if someone was excessively negative or did something to deliberately annoy they simply wouldn't get any groups again as the community would blacklist them.
The irony of solo-oriented MMOs is that they invite one type of player with solo content during the levelling process whilst endgame almost universally is group content that doesn't appeal to those soloers. This problem would be fixed by making grouping so attractive at low level that players get used to it before the cap... it doesn't have to be 100% forced grouping, just make it so rewarding that soloing is seen as a last resort if you can't find a group.
Originally posted by Alberel
Not remotely true. Now granted, I'd argue that 95% of everyone in most MMOs are immature and incompetent, but in my experience at least, most PUG groupers are only in it to use other people for their own advancement. They want to throw other people in front to take the hits first, throw more firepower at more powerful targets, get free healing, so they can get better drops and more XP. They don't give a damn about anyone else in the group, they're just cannon fodder that they'll never see again.
How is that a problem? A soloer who doesn't want to be in a group with you affects you how, exactly?
Lots of us don't play end-game content at all. For me, once I hit level-cap, I retire the character. I don't raid. I don't PvP. Game is over. Either re-roll a new character or go find a different game.
Do try again.
Played: UO, EQ, WoW, DDO, SWG, AO, CoH, EvE, TR, AoC, GW, GA, Aion, Allods, lots more
Novice Member
Joined: 3/09/09
I think in any MMO where solo gameplay is encouraged you are going to get a lot of very a-holeish people. There is nothing stopping them from being a-holes. There's no real consequence. In Final Fantasy XI if you were the kind of person that went out of your way to be a jerk, then you would most likely be shunned. You wouldn't progress very far in-game because no one wants "that guy" in the group.
Advanced Member
Joined: 1/07/12
Originally posted by Alberel
Well said my friend,100% agree with you :).
As for the comment by someone else about Arenanet 'fixing' this grouping issue I totally disagree,how does a game where you never need to socialise,where you walk around a bit,make some pies and armored underpants and 'BAMF' you are level 80 deal with this?
Advanced Member
Joined: 12/02/09
Originally posted by Cephus404
What do players in PUGs have to do with the difference between players who voluntarily group and players who are forced to group? Most people in PUGs only do it because they are forced to do so to achieve certain goals; beyond those ends they solo exclusively. This means they fall into the first group I was talking about, which means what I said was correct. The players who group voluntarily tend to do so in isolated groups with the same people on a regular basis, because they're well aware that PUGs are almost exclusively formed of soloers with no desire to group, but feel forced to do so to complete certain content.
The OP was attributing immature behaviour to players who choose to group voluntarily. I was explaining that it is the opposite; it is usually soloers who feel forced to group for some reason that are a detriment to the experience of all in that group as they are usually excessively negative and just use the group as a means to an end. I thought this was obvious...
Good for you, what does that have to do with the discussion in this thread? We're talking about behaviour of people in groups here... if you never group then how on earth could you have an input to this discussion?
Why are you attacking me with snide remarks like that? It almost makes you sound like one of the immature players you're complaining about...
Novice Member
Joined: 3/30/11
"Imagination is more important than knowledge." Albert Einstein
This could all be elegantly sidestepped with an intelligent advancement system.
Have a group, solo and crafting path to a maxed out character - including endgame content and allow drops to be mixed and matched so for instance a solo dungeon drop of top tier kit can b e worn with a dungeon or raid piece next to a craftable and they all look and operate as a set gained by focussing on just one way of getting them.
Adjust the time necessary to acheive these things to compensate for player bias so there is a feeling that regardless of how you get the gear and/or advancement you have had to earn it, and hey presto - a game about choice and variety which doesn't have these problems.
You'd think it was quantum physics the way such an obvious solution has been avoided...
Elite Member
Joined: 10/29/07
Forcing anything is bad. Rewarding people for social interaction on the other hand is good.
It is annoying that soloers today often levels faster than when you group, a lot of people will just play the way that rewards best which mean if soloing is the best way to level up it will be harder for the rest of us to find groups and we will suddenly face people with no clue about group dynamics at the levelcap instead of early in the game.
Let people who do group stuff level faster again, together with let it be worth our while to once again do dungeons gear wise before the endgame.
Lately have the small boost of none endgame dungeon gear just not been worth the trouble getting it. The sologear today are very close and you level past none endgame gear so fast that the only reason getting it is for the skin.


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"Ballmer's attempts to be keep Microsoft relevant in the white-hot internet and mobile markets have been disappointing to say the least"
You link to your own editorial about the Microsoft Surface(s) and say their efforts are disappointing?? Disappointing to whom? People who want Apple to be uncontested in the mobile space??? MS' Surface announcement is one of the most exciting things they have done in the Internet and mobile markets in years!

subset: commoncrawl


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Culbreath: Sign of the timesWritten by Matt 'Shaggy' Culbreath | | email@example.com
I have a tenuous relationship with things at a sporting event that aren't the event proper.
I understand that in an effort to make things fun, teams come up with hot dog races, kiss cams, T-shirt cannons and the rest. It comes with the territory, and as long as it doesn't detract from what's going on out on the field, I'm fine. Kids these days with their tablet computers and Minecrafts and Pokemons — did that sound old enough? OK. Point is that it's hard enough to get a kid to pay attention to anything for longer than 15 minutes, so a three-hour baseball game is going to be difficult unless you convince them to scream at the top of their lungs sometimes.
Grouped in the category of "things at a game that aren't the game" are mascots. Particularly of the "dude in a suit" variety. It dates back to the San Diego Chicken, and is a staple of pro sports around the world.
Things go hot and cold for me and mascots. Mostly it depends on how they interact with my daughter. Rocky and Rocksy over at the University of Toledo always pull through for pictures. Spike is good for a fist bump. Muddy, for whatever reason, always seems to pass us over (no hard feelings, I know you're busy being world-famous and all.)
One mascot, though, earned a lot of respect from me today. Travel down I-75 a ways, and you'll find a second Fifth Third Field, which is the home of the Dayton Dragons, the Single-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. Their mascot, Heater, is getting all kinds of headlines for how he interacted with one particular kid on camera.
Matt and Cheri Samsworth took their son Hunter to the game, and met Heater out front of the ballpark. Their son is deaf, and though he wears a cochlear implant, he also sometimes has an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter. He had one with him when he met the mascot that day, and when the interpreter started to finger-spell Heater's name to the kid, the guy in the suit took notice. And after a cursory wave to the kid, he bypassed the interpreter by signing "You like baseball?" to the child. "I like baseball! We're similar."
(Four semesters of ASL classes finally pay off! In print, no less!)
That was the extent of the conversation, but the kid was over the moon, and his parents were near tears.
Mascots aren't supposed to talk. It breaks the illusion. But they're also supposed to entertain the families who are at the games. And by connecting with this kid, he managed to keep his vow of silence, while ensuring that this child would have a positive experience at the ball game.
It was a small gesture and it was a short conversation. It could be that's all Heater knew how to sign. But I'd imagine every pro team is going to spend some time with their mascots to make sure they know a couple of phrases. As these sports franchises become more of a pillar in our communities, being able to connect on that level can turn a family into a group of diehard fans in an instant.
Matt "Shaggy" Culbreath is sports director for Newsradio 1370 WSPD.
Tags: American Sign Language, ASL, Cincinnati Reds, Dayton Dragons, Heater, mascots, Matt Culbreath, Shag on Sports, Shaggy Culbreath


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Ally - I stayed up WAY too late finishing the season last night. SO good. I have to find season two.
I also was very excited to see a SK tie in-ish.
Mary says to Mr. Crawley when they are talking about how hard he works, "You know what they say about Jack..."
And he responds, "So you think I'm a dull boy?"
My husband and I were like WHAT? We thought SK invented this! So of course we googled it and it looks like it's a poem from 1659, I believe that says something like:
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
All play and no work makes Jack a toy
That may be a little off but I thought it was a very cool learning experience!


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The KidsPeace 12th annual Soccer Tournament is extending the registration deadline to July 24, 2009. Many coaches have contacted us saying that they have been on vacation and couldn't make the registration deadline. The tournament will be held on the Orchard Hills Campus of KidsPeace in Orefield, PA, on August 22 and 23. Each team is guaranteed 3 games, and the tournament is open to girls and boys from U-9 to U-15 and girls U-9 - U-17. Click here for registration information, or call Jennelle Perich at 610-799-8493.
Please note that volunteering at this tournament is considered a community service, which youth can use for scouting, churches or other service organizations. For more information on volunteering, please call Kelly Fritzinger at 610-799-7495.


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Unkempt Whitehaven war graves an 'embarrassment'
Last updated at 11:59, Thursday, 14 August 2014
THE unkempt state of Whitehaven's war graves is a "total embarrassment'' to the town, it has been claimed.
Photographs, sent in by a reader, reveal overgrown graves at Whitehaven Cemetery in the month marking the 100th anniversary of the start of World War One.
The reader said: "[Copeland] Council leader Elaine Woodburn said after the candlelit vigil in the town's Castle Park (on August 4) 'it is right that the bravery of all those souls should be remembered and honoured'.
"As the photographs of the war graves show, these are hollow words.''
The pictures were "just a sample" the reader said. "The only attention they receive is when, several days before November 11, they are attacked with a petrol Strimmer and left with cut grass all over the graves and headstones.
"When you consider the care and maintenance of the war graves in Carlisle, throughout Great Britain and Europe, Copeland Council are a total embarrassment to the people of Whitehaven.''
Peter Francis, media and marketing manager at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, said there were 75 war graves at the cemetery.
"We look after over 308,000 commemorations in the United Kingdom, spread across 13,000 sites," he said. "Any work programme requires considerable liaison with a range of stakeholders, including local councils, parishes or private landowners. To address these challenges, we employ a 110-strong workforce and have over 4,500 commercial contracts in place."
Mr Francis added: "We will see if one of our regional maintenance teams can visit the cemetery and report back to us. Whilst at the cemetery, the team will try to link up with the relevant authority to see what might be done to address the issues you have raised with us."
Copeland Council, which is responsible for the upkeep of Whitehaven Cemetery, was contacted for a comment on Monday but had not responded by the time the News went to press.
First published at 11:46, Thursday, 14 August 2014
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk
Have your say
I have a simple solution to unkempt headstones and anything else as such which requires attention - get people who are already being paid, to do it. Instead of receiving money for doing nothing, any able bodied job seeker should be out there doing such things and should be taking pride in doing so. And in turn putting pride back in the community.
What a disgracefull comment by "Bumble Bill". There seems to be a lot of disrespectful pseudonyms on the Whitehaven News comments lately, perhaps better moderation is in order? May I suggest that only comments by people using their real name may be shown? This would protect many from this cowardly behavior. Thanks.
View all 20 comments on this article


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"Im a man with honor," said Silva, as transcribed by B/R. "Id never fight Jacare or Lyoto. Id even stop fighting just not to fight them."
"Jacare is a guy that has been doing a great job and can earn a title shot. Lyoto is a close friend, a great athlete, and we train together, just like Jacare."
"If we get to a point where wed have to fight, Id even give up the title."
Silva has a rematch with current UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman at UFC 168 on Dec 28.


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Here's What's Not Going on with BioLogos
Cornelius Hunter's claim that BioLogos advances the "Warfare Thesis" between science and religion is wholly unfounded.
The Resource Finder has powerful filtering features — check out the tutorial to learn more.
Cornelius Hunter's claim that BioLogos advances the "Warfare Thesis" between science and religion is wholly unfounded.
Ninety years is a long time, and so much has changed all over the world. But have the cultural perceptions about science and religion changed since the Scopes Trial in 1925?
American thinking about religion and science before the Civil War was substantially informed by the powerful "concordist" metaphor of God as the "author" of two "books," nature and Scripture, which ultimately must agree.
I am growing in my appreciation for a diversity of ears to hear Scripture and a diversity of cultures to interpret God's call on our lives.
When we make distinctions between natural and supernatural activity in Scripture, not only do we push our modern categories into the Bible, but we also limit God's action.
Companion series to the spring 2015 book club featuring "The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate" by John Walton.
In none of these cases was Newton inserting God into a "gap" into our knowledge that science would someday fill. Rather, his prior belief in God helped him arrive at attitudes and ideas that have unquestionably advanced our understanding of nature.
Many arguments claiming to prove the existence of God have been proposed throughout the centuries. A popular argument is that, since all effects come from causes, there must have been a "first cause" that is outside the material world—an "uncaused cause". The response to many of these arguments, however, is: "If God created the world, what created God?
Historian Peter Harrison argues that harmony between faith and science is not as simple as it seems, and some versions of "harmony" can do damage to the Christian faith.
A short guide to where BioLogos fits in the origins debate.
In both form and content, then, Genesis 1 reveals that its basic purposes are religious and theological, not scientific or historical.
Divine Hiddenness is the claim that our public evidence is strong enough to make Christian faith reasonable, but not strong enough to make it compelling.
In the early 1700s, Isaac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz famously disagreed about whether God periodically "corrected" the orbits of the planets. Why their disagreement matters for today's debates about God and evolution.
All creation is the doings of God's hands, no matter how he did it. When I look at a painting, I can connect somehow with the painter, and the same goes with the universe and God.
Pope Francis is reiterating a basic claim in Catholic Christianity: If one acknowledges that God creates by giving creatures not only their existence but also their natures, one can reconcile an evolutionary worldview with the Christian faith.
While reading about and studying the processes that gave rise to this astonishing world, please don't forget that it is beautiful. It is not merely mechanics, but poetry.
John Calvin really believed that the sun revolved around the earth, but we shouldn't dismiss the rest of his theology because of this error.


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CMC in Glenwood Springs
Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs
Take college transfer level or continuing education courses
Conveniently located near the downtown business district, this location offers classes throughout the day and at night, allowing you to take the classes you need at a time that fits your schedule.
CMC in Glenwood Springs offers:
- Associate- and bachelor-level classes for CMC degree programs or for transfer
- Dual credit courses for local high school juniors and seniors
- College counselor to discuss your educational goals and career plans
- Financial aid advising
- Noncredit workshops and seminars job training, continuing education, skill building and personal interest.
Earn your degree, sharpen your career, learn to create a webpage or a Thai dinner, or choose from dozens of other options!
Many Glenwood Springs students also take classes at Colorado Mountain College in Carbondale and on our campus at Spring Valley. Faculty members often teach classes all three locations, which together form the Roaring Fork Campus.
See Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs on Google+


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Barry Forde, who dedicated his life to feeding the hungry all across the Central Savannah River Area, passed away on Tuesday.
Forde, 65, of Augusta, was the Golden Harvest Food Bank associate director, and served the nonprofit for about 30 years.
Forde was instrumental in establishing Aiken's Golden Harvest warehouse in 1985 and once served as the director of Aiken operations.
Forde touched many lives in Aiken through his work.
"His contribution to Golden Harvest was outstanding," said Vicki Bukovitz, the executive director of Area Churches Together Serving, which benefits from the food bank's services. "He worked endlessly to raise awareness for the need to support those living on the edge of day to day hunger."
Mike Gibbons, Golden Harvest chief development officer in South Carolina, said Forde was a man of tremendous faith, and that faith led him to his work at the food bank. Gibbons added that Forde won't just be missed by those at Golden Harvest, but by so many others in the areas in which his work made a positive impact.
"His hard work is really going to be a legacy left behind," Gibbons said. "Barry will be missed, but remembered fondly, and we'll work to continue the dedicated service that he did for so many years."
Andrew Marine of Aiken was the chairman of the Golden Harvest board from 2003 to 2004. He said that Forde loved his job and was a very generous, happy man. Forde worked along side former executive director Mike Firmin and was a great member of the team, Marine said.
"Barry was the guy behind the scenes," Marine said. "He was sort of the heartbeat of the food bank."
Forde joined Golden Harvest Food Bank's team in its second year of operation in 1984. He had a hand in distributing more than 200 million pounds of food to the hungry around the nonprofit's service area, which reaches 30 counties.
"Barry was a man who, in his 30 years of service, had a single focus: to feed the hungry. He has been a humble servant and an inspirational mentor to me and the staff," said Golden Harvest's Executive Director Travis McNeal in a press release. "I have admired his unswerving commitment to Jesus and will forever remember him for his infectious smile, dedicated work ethic and kind-hearted spirit. He truly made an impact upon my life and made a lasting impression upon numerous people throughout our community."
Forde is survived by his wife, Diane, and son, John.
A service will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church located at 2607 Lumpkin Road in Augusta on Saturday at 9 a.m.
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Wayne Allen
PDT Staff Writer
At the Scioto County Commissioners meeting Tuesday morning, contracts were given to two local companies for the demolition of residences in West Portsmouth and New Boston. Funding for the demolition comes from a grant awarded to the county from the Ohio Attorney General.
Three of the residences will have to have asbestos removed from them before they can be demolished. Those residences are located at 3753 Gallia St., and 304 Ohio Ave., in New Boston, and 1524 Washington Blvd., in West Portsmouth. Solid Rock Construction of West Portsmouth was awarded a contract of $19,750 to complete the work.
An additional contract was was awarded to Sargents Environmental Remediations, of Portsmouth, for $7,500 to demolish residences located at 1420 Lakeview Ave., in New Boston, and 1625 10th St., in West Portsmouth.
Scioto County and the City of Portsmouth are splitting a $277,000 grant for demolition projects. The funding was made available through the Moving Ohio Forward Grant Program Fund.
According to grant information, "Attorney General Mike DeWine announces the launch of a new grant program to assist communities in their economic recovery by removing blighted or abandoned structures to reclaim our neighborhoods. Attorney General DeWine believes this is the first step in our housing recovery and is unique in devoting substantial resources to a demolition program. $75 million has been allocated among all of Ohio's counties to achieve the maximum number of demolitions of blighted or abandoned residential structures."
The Village of New Boston and the Scioto County Health Department have condemned the properties as unfit for human habitation and a threat to health and safety. Tracy Shearer, Portsmouth's economic development director, said the city has awarded contracts for eight residences to be demolished, with funding from the grant.
She said this money is in addition to $150,000 allocated in this year's CIP budget to tear down houses.
Wayne Allen may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 228, or email@example.com.


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NY Combat Sambo Style: combat sambo--
New York Combat Sambo
I don't want to post a review of my own club, but here are some recent testimonials about training with NYCS. For others, please visit our website.
"It is not just throws or locks that define Sambo, but the incorporation of the technical aspects with the principles, strategies and culture of Sambo. Just as one can distinguish BJJ, Judo and Greco-Roman Wrestling, Sambo has its own personality that must be learned in its entirety. I have seen few better examples of this, than training with Stephen Koepfer. He has distinguished himself as an active encyclopedia of Sambo, yet showing the natural innovation that keeps his program relevant in the rapid evolution of Grappling/MMA arts. Training with Stephen is a must for anybody who is serious about Sambo!"
David Rubin Portland, Oregon
Head Coach - Grip Sambo (under Arkady Buzin) in assoc. with IMPACT Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Purple belt (under Wellington Megaton Diaz).
Afaq-Sirat, 1st Degree Black (under Ali Mohammad RIP)
"Mr Koepfer displays a masterful understanding of the dynamic body movements necessary for grappling. Whats most impressive is his ability to relay and teach these skills to others. Complete beginners to the most advanced students have much to learn from Mr. Koepfer."
Chris Herzog
Head Judo/Sambo Coach
Team Empire
The real question is Is the school good? Yes, hell yes. The main thing that stands out at me is the principle of going with the flow and natural body movement. Lots of arts say we do that, but this Combat Sambo really seemed to do it well. I was genuinely impressed with the techniques. Lots of leg locks, and cool twisting type moves to counter throws. Lots of the counters involved sacrificing yourself and going with the momentum of the throw/and or twisting your body around the opponent to tie him into knots on the ground. One point that was driven home to me in the class was to not let your opponent have any space standing or on the ground. I really liked hearing the whole idea of thinking of both standing/mat work as one in the same... Stephen showed me how this was true. In the end, I came away very impressed with the school, the students, the teacher, and the art. For anyone in the NYC area interested in Combat Sambo, I recommend the school highly.
Sebastian Guerriero
New York City Judoka
Last edited by sambosteve; 2/10/2009 11:48pm at .
NY Combat Sambo Style: combat sambo--
Here are some vids of our team members...
Old stuff of mine:
Our team:
NY Combat Sambo Style: combat sambo--
Light Heavyweight
- Join Date
- Jan 2006
- Location
- Orlando, Florida
- Posts
- 3,378
Posted On:
5/06/2008 9:38pm
NY Combat Sambo Style: combat sambo--
Well, I was trying to base it on the fact that we only have one weapons class a week. So, if people wanted to focus only on that, we may not be the right school. Of course for quality, I would rate myself much higher. I did not want to give myself straight A's
NY Combat Sambo Style: combat sambo--
Registered Member
- Join Date
- Oct 2007
- Location
- somewhere... over the rainbow
- Posts
- 310
Posted On:
5/25/2008 8:21am
Senior Member
- Join Date
- Aug 2007
- Location
- Seattle, Washington
- Posts
- 1,747
Posted On:
5/29/2008 6:16pm
Style: Sambo n3wb--
I attended NYC Combat Sambo last night, and it was really helpful. The class size was small enough so that the instructor was able to work with all of us, and show us simple techniques that lead to workable tactical solutions. Steve is very knowledgable and is always willing to go over things if you don't understand the maneuver or if you want to ask the hypothetical, "what if...?"
I think everyone should try this at least once if they have the time.
Ok, I've been going here for a few weeks and Steve's school is one of the better places I've been in a while.
There's a consistent group of students that come in during the week, and the regulars as well. Each technique is broken down step by step so you can understand how it gets set up, how it's executed, and what it's supposed to look like in the end. You also get to work with many different people, some of them from out of the country.
The atmosphere is very friendly, and there's really no pressure put on anybody there. And the class size isn't too ridiculous, so if you have a question Steve will help with whatever you need to know.
It's been a while since I've actually been excited to travel to the city a few days a week...it's definitely worth it.
Last edited by AlphaFoxtrot51; 6/26/2008 1:22am at .
NY Combat Sambo Style: combat sambo--
Starting July, 2008 I will be offering 2 afternoon classes at NYCS.
Tuesday: 12:30-1:30pm: submission grappling
Thursday: 12:30-1:30pm: Sambo
NY Combat Sambo Style: combat sambo--


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Elkin City Schools achieved another milestone, as it was listed among 539 school systems in the nation and seven in North Carolina named to the 3rd Annual AP Honor Roll.
The College Board recognized these public school districts for increasing student access to Advanced Placement course work while simultaneously increasing the percentage of students with scores of 3 or higher on AP exams.
"Being recognized for the AP Honor Roll reflects the efforts that our staff has in ensuring that all students are College and Career Ready," said Superintendent Dr. Randy Bledsoe. "Our staff at the high school continues to encourage students to excel in academics and enroll in classes that will help our students in preparation for college. The students who take the AP courses are are to be commended for their hard work and congratulated for earning credit for college.
"Providing opportunities for AP courses allows each student to expand his/her academic portfolio and with the help of our school counselors (Mary Ann Osment and Paige Jackson), our NC Virtual School facilitator (TrishLong), and AP teachers (Erin Jones, Kent Millsaps, Ben Gentry, Candy Hendrix, and Betsy White) students are motivated to excel in his/her selected course(s)," continued Bledsoe.
According to College Board, large schools had to increase their participation rate by at least 4 percent to be eligible. Medium-sized schools had to increase theirs by 6 percent or more, and the participation rate at small schools had to jump by 10 percent.
Other districts in North Carolina recognized are Ashe, Chatham, Cleveland and Davidson counties, Nash/Rocky Mount, and Winston-Salem/Forsyth.
Achieving both of these goals is the ideal scenario for a district's AP program because it indicates that the District is successfully identifying motivated, academically prepared students who are likely to benefit most from rigorous AP course work.
"As a school system, we will continue to offer a challenging, rigorous curriculum and hope that more students will take advantage of this opportunity," continued Bledsoe.
More than 90 percent of colleges and universities across the U.S. offer college credit, advanced placement or both for a score of 3 or above on an AP Exam – which can potentially save students and their families thousands of dollars in college tuition.
Reach Anthony Gonzalez at 835-1513 or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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text:
These are the bookings recorded for the Doris C. Gravat Detention Center for Nov. 15-17, 2013. Some of the people listed may not have actually spent time in jail if they posted bond and were released. Although those listed have been arrested and charged, that does not mean they have been found guilty. All bookings may be viewed online by visiting www.aikenstandard.com and clicking on the "Crime" tab.
Krystina Shuttleworth — possession of methamphetamine second offense, possession of a schedule IV controlled substance second offense
Jeffery Prothman — assault and battery third degree
Mikayla Thomas — possession of stolen property, shoplifting $2,000 or less second offense, receiving/possession of a stolen vehicle less than $1,000
Anthony Santillo III — child endangerment, driving under the influence, driving under suspension, trespassing after notice, registration required, possession of stolen property two counts, shoplifting $2,000 or less second offense
James Fleming — possession of less than 1 gram of methamphetamine or cocaine base first offense
Joseph Poole — possession of crack cocaine, simple possession of marijuana
Eric Smith — contempt of magistrates court driving without a license bench warrant
Lamont Franklin — simple possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia
John Moloney Jr. — hold per National Crime Information Center Teletype for Albany, N.Y.
Tamekin Bradley — financial transaction card theft, driving without a license first offense bench warrant, financial transaction card fraud, no South Carolina driver's license bench warrant
Heather Peace — shoplifting $1,000 or less, drugs prohibited acts (A)
Amy Huff — shoplifting $1,000 or less
Stephen Morrison — assault and battery third degree bench warrant
Joe Gilbert Jr. — failure to comply with a court order bench warrant
William McNeely — receiving stolen goods $1,000 to $5,000
Kelsi Walker — carrying weapons on school property
Joey Fulmer — false information to police/fire
Deborah Hunt — unlawful use of a telephone
Donovan Miano — simple possession of marijuana, manufacture, possession of other substance with intent to distribute first offense
Aaron Thomas — criminal domestic violence
Charles Mathis — driving under the influence
Bryant Smith — burglary first degree, criminal domestic violence
James Cochran Jr. — simple larceny $1,000 or less, trespassing after notice
Evan Story — disorderly conduct/gross intoxication
Travis Spears — driving under the influence second offense, driving under suspension first offense
Jerry Mayson — disorderly conduct/gross intoxication
Dan McIntyre — assault and battery second degree
Dennis Bailey — assault and battery third degree two counts
Tracey Mathis — petit or simple larceny $2,000 or less, restitution failure to pay bench warrant, failure to comply with police officer, giving false information to police, driving under suspension first offense, open container of beer, driving without headlights
Darius Williams — manufacture, possession of other substance with intent to distribute first offense
Johanna Hodge — breach of trust with fraudulent intent less than $1,000 two counts, hold for Charleston Police Department
Linda Turner — shoplifting $1,000 or less
Kelvin Jones — driving under the influence, simple possession of marijuana
Joey Hatfield — driving under the influence
Raliegh Walker — driving under the influence
Randy Alexander — disorderly conduct/gross intoxication, malicious injury to real property $1,000 or less
Lawrence Perea II — driving under the influence
Michael Hunsberger — driving under suspension fourth offense
Michael Seay — failure to pay child support
Janie Pontoon — shoplifting $1,000 or less
Rhea Brooks — disorderly conduct/gross intoxication
Dahnisha Peterson — malicious injury to animals or property $1,000 or less
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This gets excellent reviews for an external hard drive. It uses built-in passive cooling with holes for ventilation, rubber feet, and most users report good speed over USB 3.0. It also automatically spins up when the computer is on and off when its off, it has no off or on switch.
Features fast data transfer speeds with the USB 3.0 interface by connecting to a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port. USB 3.0 is backwards compatible with USB 2.0 for additional system compatibility.X.


text: I also received one yesterday, sent from firstname.lastname@example.com I marked it as spam in my gmail account. Could the administrator please send out a notification or post somewhere more visible to warn others that have no doubt also received this please? I already knew about these schemes, but some may not and I would hate to see one of us duped.


text:
|158 posts found
Apprentice Member
Joined: 4/20/08
For me instancing is lowbe way to go. Yes, everybody can have his own dragon king and kill him...
... but then there's is no more legendary battles, heros etc.
As one wrote - ya got yar 1st very rare legendary super item and rise it with "see what I have now"
and half of population rises their hands too with same super-hyper..... :)
I remember EQ1 times (yeah, ya can now cry about badly designed game *wink*) when some yber-bosses spawned only once in week - means ya have only 52 times in year boss up (and not any time he dropped that item ya wanna).
I was awfully long time at max lvl before I get a chanche to loot BoW... and that was unic sword, that was legendary!
Now in LOTRO I ran thru craft-instance in 20 minutes and came out half my packs filled with "legendary weapons"
which I destroyed all afterwards to get those stupid runics. Is this legend ya can harvest more than rabbit's sheit in woods?
And made that sword only possibility for ya as player? NO! Ya could have many other very good things and do ya job. Gear wasn't only criterion ppl choose ya in raid (like now in WoW). But it was achievment - every man could be a very good athletic but there is only one olympic game's gold medalist in each 4-year run. Making instances = making olympic games for every 6-man / 12-man group and after a few everyman hanging around his bling-bling on neck
But I woun't participate in such kind of Olympics :)
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Originally posted by Eindrachen
Actually it increases server loads, but decreases bandwidth... which isn't a big drain these days (it's cheap).
M59, UO, EQ1, WWIIOL, PS, EnB, SL, SWG. MoM, EQ2, AO, SB, CoH, LOTRO, WoW, DDO+ f2p's, Demo's & indie alpha's.
Novice Member
Joined: 7/03/04
Yesterday I was at the computer and I heard my wife calling to me from the kitchen. So I walk down the hall into the kitchen and she isn't there. I'm like...wtf. So I call out her name and she yells back, "I'm in the kitchen!" I say back, well you obviously aren't in the kitchen because I'm in the kitchen and you aren't there.
Then it occured to me, damn...she's in another instance. So I stepped out of the kitchen and then tried to step back in, but because my mother in law was in the kitchen with her, I couldn't get in. It was very frustrating.
Advanced Member
Joined: 12/21/07
Originally posted by Luczifer
Of course that is failed designed. For a server of TENS OF THOUSANDS of users, only like 10 or so can have that item. That is a HUGE waste of resources. Items should NOT be gated by such horrible drop rate but the difficulty of the encounter.
Spawning once a week does not make the boss weak. It makes the design stupid. Why create a boss and only let ONE group fight it once a week?
Just look at WOW. There are as few who has dropped from the Heroic LK. It is because the encounter is challenging, not because players have to wait WEEKS just to fight him. MUCH better game design.
Originally posted by nariusseldon
Not at all, he's talking about raids.
M59, UO, EQ1, WWIIOL, PS, EnB, SL, SWG. MoM, EQ2, AO, SB, CoH, LOTRO, WoW, DDO+ f2p's, Demo's & indie alpha's.
Originally posted by nariusseldon
Some of us like having competition and earning something meaningful, rather than having it handed to us on a silver platter like we're a 5 year old kid.
Originally posted by Calind0r
No, he's got a point. The harder something is to obtain, the less relevant it is to the playerbase as a whole.
Example; Wurm Online's Uniques
Much like how Mortal Online is supposedly going to have one-time only monsters, Wurm has been doing this for years. The end result is always people coming to the party a year too late. It may not be comparable to WoW loot, or say EQ's epic quest, but just as many people are going to be likely to achieve it based on some limiting factor. All that effort to sate the baker's dozen of hardcore dudes.
Writer / Musician / Game Designer
Now Playing: Skyrim, Wurm Online, Tropico 4
Novice Member
Joined: 11/26/08
I got caught in a kitchen instance with another player that had the same exact character model and armor as my gf. Lack of character customization is baaad.
"Never met a pack of humans that were any different. Look at the idiots that get elected every couple of years. You really consider those guys more mature than us? The only difference between us and them is, when they gank some noobs and take their stuff, the noobs actually die." - Madimorga
The point is, everyone eventually ends up killing a raid boss, it's not special.
What's special is having a PvP game like Lineage 2 where an epic raid boss spawns once per server, and you have to fight for it, knowing you're the best, you got it and everyone else wanted it.
That's a true feeling of accomplishment. I understand some people are *cough*pussies ;) and don't like that kind of hardcore competition, but that's why there are different kinds of server types...I really wish games made servers to cater to each play style rather than trying to appeal to everyone but end up satisfying no one.
Heh, you really are just a douchebag.
to make this more 'constructive', my last point was that coming to the game late means missing your chance at a unique, not just failure to be there or win. It's a counter-productive idea and takes way too much effort, for way too little content.
Writer / Musician / Game Designer
Now Playing: Skyrim, Wurm Online, Tropico 4
Originally posted by astoria
Ouch! did she find out, hack your account and delete your attachments? x . x
M59, UO, EQ1, WWIIOL, PS, EnB, SL, SWG. MoM, EQ2, AO, SB, CoH, LOTRO, WoW, DDO+ f2p's, Demo's & indie alpha's.
Maybe you should actually try a game with a system like that and know what you're talking about before you spew invalid comments.
Coming to the game late just means that establishes people will have more of them, you will simply have to work harder or be better than them to get it...Also form alliances with other people who have them that will help you to get them, etc... And the content or fun is in the journey, or the fight, not the shiny reward for a 5 year old at the end.
Novice Member
Joined: 1/04/08
Originally posted by Calind0r
Ya you must be a pussy to want to experience content you pay to have access too....
Apparently stating the truth in my sig is "trolling"
Originally posted by warmaster670
lol, that's like saying if you pay to joing a sports league you should be given an automatic win, because it's not fair if you lose.
Like I said there should be different kinds of servers, those who don't want competition can chose a PvE or Normal server (which is really what a PvP server in WoW is, WoW doesn't have PvP servers)...
Originally posted by Calind0r
Maybe you should reread the very same example you responded to; Wurm Online (read sig)
There are a handful of dragons that can be skinned, and 3 hulking dudes that mess people up good. The PvE server still has yet to down 2 of the 3 badass ones because the server lacks 'champions', this game's take on SWG jedi's (superpowered, 3 lives). The PvP server that has champions has had their uniques killed since forever, but when they rescattered a set of artifacts back underground to search for, they reset the uniques.
The players were so high level at that point, as so well coordinated, that they found all the relics on the *first day* and killed the uniques within 2 weeks (had to find them again). Anyone who has just heard about this game thanks to this post will never have a chance at them... unless they go to the PvE server where 2 of 3 are left. Point is though, it was cool for some - and easily forgotten and never experienced by people to come later.
Let's not even go over the thing that took people 9 to 11 days to try and down in EQ. Chances are they put it in with no reward for killing it, because they expected nobody to ever do it. It's just there as neverending content in attmepting it and failing. Should anyone down it, they would prolly just have a meeting and then hand out titles. Then drop another to fill the gap.
Writer / Musician / Game Designer
Now Playing: Skyrim, Wurm Online, Tropico 4
Novice Member
Joined: 1/04/08
Originally posted by Calind0r
lol, canyt see the difference between a sports league and a video game? thats pretty pathetic.
Apparently stating the truth in my sig is "trolling"
Originally posted by warmaster670
way to fail at missing the entire point, competition. Some people want to be the best, by beating others, not by running into an instance and killing a raid boss the countless before have killed, and countless after you will kill. Even if there are server firsts, that is only for a miniscule amount of time, where fighting over raid bosses will happen every single time.
Apprentice Member
Joined: 4/20/08
Originally posted by warmaster670
Ya pay only for getting immediatly last and best item? And then ya done?
How easy is to build such games - ya log in, get from shelf Super-Hyper-Mega-Ybah-Power-Legendary-Idolled-Sword
and then stiing on Fastest-Most-Beatufilu-Flying-Swimming-Burrowing-Horse..... and Ya are Winner of dat game!
*Irony off* Say how in such kind of game ya stayed without CONTENT YA PAY? Then never buy a car too -
ya could be sure that ya never can buy most expensive car in world after obtaining yar 1st driver's licence :)
Ya pay for fun, for adventure, for socialize with other ppl around the world, if i'm correct?
Loot is reward and helps ya on ya adventures but isn't one and only driving element (we saw nowadays in so many games).
And when ya already sure ya never can get it among tens of thousands players, so what?
Those times' megaloot was NOT criteria ya are able to participate in end-game and raids. Those where only a bit over items ya can obtain more easier and those again not so far from more ordinary ones. Be happy when ya guild downs 1st that mega-villain, be happy that ya buddy win it... and think about time when ya hold it.. and still it's rare... and is unic :)
And as was mentioned above most legendary fights were not for loot at all - in EQ1 world-wide society ppl know and talk those brave guilds joining their forces and killed Sleeper, dragon that was developed "not-to-be-killed" and so w/out any loot at all :)
Originally posted by Luczifer
Well that's the whole thing, it's cookie cutter. Everyone gets a pass, all the same gear, the same loot. Things that are unique are gone as once was there, even if it is just in an object name. Everyone shares the same exact experience, shares the same stories. It's what mmog's have come to with this current generation, and how many classic mmogs have revamped to.
M59, UO, EQ1, WWIIOL, PS, EnB, SL, SWG. MoM, EQ2, AO, SB, CoH, LOTRO, WoW, DDO+ f2p's, Demo's & indie alpha's.
Advanced Member
Joined: 7/11/06
In the case of a theme park mmo, I like instances. Yes, I want to have the same story, because, as far as I see it, theme park mmos are about the story. The main focus of the PvE is going through the story of the game, at least for me. On the other hand I agree that a sandbox game can do just fine without instances since everyone makes their own story there.


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Thursday, February 20, 2014
When Tracy Jones of Andrews looked at her Santee Electric Cooperative Smarthub this week, she could not believe her eyes.
The app on her phone seemed to indicated she was being billed for electricity use but she had not had power in her home for days.
Why were we charged for usage on the days we were without power? she posted on the Georgetown Times Facebook page. We were charged around 10kw each day we didnt have power and we deserve to know why and have these charges removed!
Santee Electric Cooperative spokeswoman Adriel Langley said what customers are seeing on the Smarthub app on their phones is not what they will see when they get their monthly bill. She said the numbers and graphs on the app represent an average of the typical usage from that account based upon the usage history of the member.
Langley said memebrs will only be billed for the electricity they have consumed.
She said what is seen on the Smarthub is not used for billing purposes. The app, she said, is a tool that shows average electric use so customers can adjust their power use to save money on their bills.
It is not connected to where we get the numbers for billing. There will be zero usage for members on the days they had no power, she said.
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Manufacturing Jobs in South Africa
Manufacturing jobs vary by position. It does not universally follow the same description. In South Africa, Manufacturing is dominated by the following industries: Automotive, Metals, Chemicals, Textiles, Clothing, Footwear, Agri Processing, ICT and electronics. Having relative experience when applying for a job in the manufacturing industry, is advantageous. Some employers will want you to have 3-5 years previous experience. Some might require less but there will definitely be those who require more than 5 years experience. It is highly unlikely that they will hire anyone that does not have the right qualifications; the manufacturing industry needs candidates who are qualified and can do the job well.
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by ryguy319 Jul 14, 2009 9:37 PM
Hemerocallis 'Pandora's Box'
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Chuck's List: Paul Harvey-based ad won the Super Bowl
A one-man opinion poll.
Paul Harvey
Paul Harvey
You can argue the worst commercial during the Super Bowl broadcast, but there is no disputing which was the best. The Dodge Ram ad featuring Harvey's brilliant "So God Made a Farmer" poem managed to mute all other noise but the message, and lasted four times longer than the average ad and still left you wanting more. The ad conjured memories of my own grandfather and put me right back in the tractor cab for one last ride with the toughest man I've ever known. Why, before it was done, the ad had me wanting to be a farmer and then finished with me wanting to buy a truck to be like a farmer. It was simply the best Super Bowl commercial I've ever seen, and it reminded us of a bygone era of radio. The medium once featured little more than news updates, dramatic skits, and crop reports and then God made Paul Harvey.
John Harbaugh
John Harbaugh
I heard some people complain that they'd grown tired of the Harbaugh family story during Super Bowl week. I couldn't get enough of it. Two brothers reach the pinnacle of their chosen profession, their father's profession, at the same time, to perform before all the world and their doting parents and only one can occupy the mountaintop. John Harbaugh didn't get to play in the NFL like his little brother did. Instead, he took the long road to becoming a head coach, then reached the Super Bowl for the first time, only to watch Jim qualify as well. I have no rooting interest as a sports fan, but I was rooting for John. And when he won, he didn't disappoint. The classier of the Harbaugh brothers humbly accepted the victory before his kid brother and then publicly recognized Jim as the better coach.
The Dentist
The Dentist
EMBARRASSING CONFESSION TIME! It's been a while since I visited the dentist. OK, IF YOU MUST KNOW TIME! 17 years. SAVING FACE TIME! I was told my teeth are great, but I did need one filling. POINT OF THE STORY TIME! I can't believe how much going to the dentist has changed. In truth, I'm blown away. I actually enjoyed getting a filling. You think I'm full of stuff, I can tell. But it's true. The relief of learning all is good, and that I've not ruined my mouth after nearly two decades of professional neglect, coupled with how easy and painless a dentist visit has become, compared to 17 years ago, due to the advancements in technology, actually made for a pleasant experience. I honestly had a good time at the dentist this week. And now, I can't help but wonder: If I were to avoid paying taxes for 17 years, will it become a pleasurable experience once I return to the practice in 2030? Worth a shot, right?
Jodi Arias
Jodi Arias
I'll be glad when this court case is over. Jodi Arias has changed her story more often than she's changed clothes. She murdered her ex-boyfriend. She's admitted it. Was he abusive? Maybe. Was he possessive? It seems he was. And those are two great reasons for breaking up with a guy, but Jodi Arias murdered Travis Alexander. This case is over. No need to sensationalize it, my media brethren, just because the murderer isn't unattractive. To this point, I've resisted discussing the Arias case on our radio show but was convinced we shouldn't ignore local headlines but now I'm drawing the line. Sure, we'll announce the verdict on Karie & Chuck, but that will the only time I'll give the trial my attention.
The Tweeters
The Tweeters
John McCain and Ron Paul are great Americans. They care deeply about this country and its future. McCain and Paul have convinced millions they should be president of the United States, but then, not unlike overstimulated teenagers or attention-starved professional athletes, these two men don't possess the good sense to have their Twitter thumbs on a leash. This week, McCain likened the president of Iran to a monkey, and Ron Paul tweeted that a fallen Navy Seal met a justifiable end when getting gunned down by the same weapon he took lives with in combat. Personally, I give McCain the benefit of the doubt that he was joking about Mahmoud Ahmadenijad's level of intelligence. And I respect Paul's message about staying out of foreign wars but I also understand why their tweets are drawing strong criticism and frankly they deserve the backlash.
Andre Cassagnes
Andre Cassagnes
A member of the Toy Hall of Fame died this week. Andre Cassagnes, the inventor of the Etch-a-Sketch, passed away. Friends mourned, "He shook up the world." And I suppose he did. See, I grew up with the Etch-a-Sketch, so hearing about his passing brought back memories of my childhood. And I've concluded Andre Cassagnes invented one of the worst toys of all time. Seriously, it was damn hard trying to manipulate those knobs into a decent likeness. "Look Mom," I'd proudly exclaim. "What you got there? A mountain?" She'd reply. "No," I'd mumble with dejection. "It's supposed to be a shark." Etch-a-Sketch sucked. And the worst part about it? Any progress made with the devil toy could be promptly ruined by a sibling's errant foot or Dad hitting a pothole in the road. Andre Cassagnes, I've determined you actually made my childhood a little bit worse.


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An overabundance of snow days has led to my latest hobby – fancy schmancy pancake art! (Dye-free, as we do.) I decorated cakes for a lot of years, and this is similar, but you've gotta be fast! They burn if you don't move quickly! What do you think of my first attempt at Olaf from… [read more]
Wordless Wednesday: Olaf Pancakes!
February 4, 2014 by 4 Comments


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The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences presents bite-sized chunks of natural history interpreted by Museum educators. Topics so far include carpenter bees, Cochineal insects, and woodpecker tongues.
August 29, 2011 - 4:08pm
August 26, 2011 - 5:46pm
An international team of researchers, including Museum herpetologist Bryan Stuart, has completed the first major survey in Asia of a deadly fungus that has wiped out more than 200 species of amphibians worldwide.
August 26, 2011 - 5:35pm
Whether they're hiding in the corners of our homes, spinning a web or descending upon us on a single thread of silk, spiders are undeniably fascinating which is why they're the theme bug for this year's BugFest—the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences' biggest event of the year and the largest, one-day, bug-centric event of its kind in the country.
August 26, 2011 - 5:27pm
Shock by incredible shock, this ravaging B-movie overruns the Museum ... menacing visitors with overwhelming chaos! Welcome to "The Strange World of Planet X," showing at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh on First Friday, September 2 at 7pm. Free.
August 26, 2011 - 12:55pm
Come hear how students and scholars from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are taking conservation efforts to new extremes when Stephen Walsh presents "Walking in the Footsteps of Darwin: Carolina's New Galapagos Science Center" at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences on Monday, September 19 at 7 pm. Free.
August 9, 2011 - 11:49am
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences aids in Henderson County animal cruelty investigation and retrieval of over 60 venomous reptiles.
July 21, 2011 - 11:12am
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences presents bite-sized chunks of natural history with presenter and Museum educator extraordinaire Bob Alderink. Topics so far include carpenter bees, Cochineal insects, and woodpecker tongues. The Museum plans to add a new video about once a month.
July 18, 2011 - 10:49am
The seventh annual Wildlife in North Carolina magazine photo competition is underway and open until Sept. 1, 2011. The magazine partners again with UNC-TV for the popular juried contest, along with the NC Division of Parks and Recreation, which manages the state's photogenic state parks, and co-sponsor, Great Outdoor Provision Co.
July 14, 2011 - 12:44pm
The Shad in the Classroom program is designed to help restock the Roanoke River with American shad, an important and once-abundant species that has been radically depleted in recent decades due to overfishing, the construction of dams and increased levels of run-off pollution. The award recognizes outstanding partners for their contributions to furthering the agency's mission.
July 11, 2011 - 1:54pm
The Global Change Award is given based on the best poster presentation to the public about ongoing or planned scientific research. The award was established to reward those young scientists best able to bring great science to the public sphere. This year's theme for the award was interactions between humans and other species.


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Magnaflow#642-15483Off-Road Pipes without Converters
Magnaflow GM Car Exhaust Systems are designed to bolt right on and provide years of trouble-free performance. Each exhaust system is mandrel bent from stainless steel. Fully polished stainless steel mufflers offer a smooth, deep tone. These systems are built so well, Magnaflow includes a lifetime warranty. Made in the USA.


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These are the bookings recorded for the Doris C. Gravat Detention Center for Jan. 28-29, 2014. Some of the people listed may not have actually spent time in jail if they posted bond and were released. Although those listed have been arrested and charged, that does not mean they have been found guilty. All bookings may be viewed online by visiting www.aikenstandard.com and clicking on the Crime tab.
Joel Antonio Galo, 35 contempt of magistrates court three counts
Allen Cornell Pollin, 35 drug paraphernalia
Barry William McCaslin, 52 public drunk, public consumption
Devin Lee Corbin, 21 drugs prohibited acts (B)
Robert James Forbes, 45 open container of beer/wine, driving under the influence
Robert Lee Hamm Jr., 55 disorderly conduct
Robert Charlie Hewitt III, 42 assault and battery third degree two counts, trespassing after notice
Billy Brian Padgett, 25 failure to pay as ordered
Gary Allen, 86 trespassing after notice bench warrant
Lawrence Poellnitz Jackson Jr., 33 federally chartered or insured financial institution crime bench warrant two counts
William Jeffery Brennan, 54 shoplifting first offense
Michael Allen Rentz, 22 hold per National Crime Information Center for South Carolina Probation, Paroles and Pardons Services
Gary Thomas Cheeks, 52 driving under the influence second offense
Kevin Ray Winburn, 39 unlawful communication
Ian Michael Bowles, 30 driving under the influence second offense
Jeffery Mark Ryckhman, 27 public consumption
Michael Prasad Reddy-Miller, 25 disorderly conduct/gross intoxication, public consumption
Nathaniel Drummings, 33 driving under the influence
Timothy Wayne Rabun, 40 assault and battery second degree, assault and battery third degree
Jaime Faye Cordell, 36 breach of trust with fraudulent intent less than $1,000
Robert Jonathan Norbits, 48 distribute, sell, manufacture or possession with intent to distribute of a controlled substance, manufacture, distribution, etc of methamphetamine third offense or subsequent two counts, distribution, sell, purchase, manufacture crack cocaine or possession with intent to distribute
Terry Denise Gantt, 44 driving under suspension bench warrant, failure to pay restitution bench warrant, failure to surrender tag bench warrant
James Edward Butler Jr., 44 simple larceny bench warrant
Ladelle Tiller, 46 possession with intent to distribute marijuana first offense
Johnthan Jerimiah Busch, 37 manufacture, possession of marijuana schedule I with intent to distribute first offense
Jesse Lee McDaniel, 22 manufacture, possession of marijuana first offense, manufacture, possession of other substance in schedule I, II, III or flunittrazepan, distribute, sell, manufacture or possession with intent to distribute of a controlled substance near a school
Marquise Cantrell Jennings, 22 possession of 28 grams or less of marijuana bench warrant
James Nicholas Tyler Jr., 42 driving under suspension third offense or subsequent, NVL
Austin Del Stewart, 21 shoplifting less than $2,000
Larry Russell Palmer, 53 driving under the influence second offense, driving under the influence first offense
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Write-in votes will take time to tallyBy Neal P. Goswami
VERMONT PRESS BUREAU | August 24,2014MONTPELIER Results from the states primary balloting Tuesday could be delayed because of high-profile write-in campaigns being waged for the states top offices.
Secretary of State Jim Condos said write-in campaigns will take longer for election officials in each town and city to count.
Write-in campaigns will create a lot of work for Vermonts hard-working town clerks and other local election officials, he said. All write-in votes have to be recorded.
In the GOP primary for governor, Libertarian candidate Dan Feliciano is hoping to overcome establishment candidate Scott Milne, whose name appears on the ballot along with fellow candidates Steve Berry and Emily Peyton.
Feliciano has won the support of several state Republican party officials. Write-in campaigns are hard to win, but Feliciano is expected to tally significant votes that will have to be reviewed by officials.
Meanwhile, Progressive Dean Corren hopes to win enough votes on the Democratic ballot for lieutenant governor. The party is not fielding its own candidate after John Bauer dropped out when he did not secure enough support for public financing.
Additionally, a small groundswell of Doug Racine supporters, a former Democratic gubernatorial candidate and the recently dismissed Agency of Human Services secretary, are urging voters to support him against Democratic Gov. Peter Shumlin. The effort is expected to produce negligible votes, but could add additional work time for officials.
Condos said official results will not be finalized until one week after the Tuesday primary. However, town clerks are mandated to report unofficial results to the secretary of states office on election night. That could require working late into the night, according to Condos, though those early results wont note the number of votes tallied for individual write-in candidates.
On election night, they will only be reporting the total number of write in votes per race not by individual. The official return of votes will be sent to the Secretary of State over the two to three days following the election, he said.
The election staff will be working into the weekend compiling the statewide votes and they are not official until Tuesday after the Canvass Committee meets, Condos said. That is when we will know the election results.
Montpelier City Clerk John Odum said he doesnt expect the various write-in campaigns to substantially slow progress.
It isnt so much a particular challenge as it is particularly time consuming, he said. An election like this, its probably not a big deal because its a lower-turnout election. It really is just a matter of putting in some extra time and person power to it.
Low voter turnout, which is expected in this nonpresidential election year, will likely help alleviate some pressure for clerks.
This years general election does not have races for either president or U.S. Senate, said Condos. That will typically result in a lower primary turnout. Also, there are fewer contested primary races as well. I am reluctant to predict except to say that I believe the turnout will be low and could range from 8.5 percent to 24 percent.
Voter turnout in the previous four primaries has varied. It was 9.3 percent in 2006, 8.5 percent in 2008, 24 percent in 2010 and 23 percent in 2012.
Keep in mind that 2008 and 2012 were presidential election years and 2006 and 2010 were nonpresidential, Condos said. At a quick glance you can see there is no consistent pattern. The 2010 primary featured five Democrat candidates for governor so turnout was heavy. I believe the turnout will depend on the interest in any competitive races.
Odum said early voting has been very, very light, an indication that voter turnout on primary day will also be low.
@timesargus.comMORE IN This Just InBy Kathleen Phalen Tomaselli Full StoryBennington College and Middlebury College both top a list for most entrepreneurial colleges in... Full StoryWas the response to an alleged assault at College of St. Full Story
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Mostly Cloudy
Wind: 7 mph
When I read the editorial in the December 1 issue of The Valley Reporter and the accompanying letter from the MINT restaurant owner, it got my blood boiling all over again after nearly six years.
Following our car accident in February 23, 2006, from which I miraculously barely survived and which kept me out of commission for over a year, and eventually contributed to my having to sell my house and move closer to my medical providers, our attorney filed a claim against my personal umbrella policy, which I had been carrying with Union Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Montpelier for many years, in spite of frequent premium increases.
Their adjuster and lawyer gave us the run-around during the mediation meeting that resulted from their unwillingness to honor our claim. After eight hours of mediation during which they barely wavered from their most ludicrous offer out of a $1 million policy, they gave us the choice of accepting their low-ball offer or sue them.
When I wrote Union Mutual's CEO to vent my disgust at the outcome, he simply replied that, as a mutual insurance company, he had to protect his shareholders. When I told him that I had been a shareholder for many years, he replied that, once I filed a claim, we entered into a confrontational relationship.
We had a similar experience with Allstate, the insurer of the woman who crashed into us. It took nearly two years for us to collect on her policy, which she carried with the minimum legal limit. I don't know who is in "Good Hands with Allstate"; we certainly were not with either Allstate or Union Mutual.
My sincere sympathy goes to Savitri. We simply can't win with these insurance companies. We have to wonder why we pay premiums for years, feeling that we are protected against calamities, only to find out that they will find some loophole to refuse to honor our legitimate claims. I hope that he will prevail in the end.
Henri de Marne
Former 40-year Valley resident, now living in Essex, VT


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Latest News!! Tickets & Interviews...
GREAT WHITE shows at House of Blues Houston and Dallas ~ Tickets are on sale tomorrow, Friday, May 18th!
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july 6th in henderson nv.
Hi, My husband and i saw you at Alice cooper's town in phoenix az. Loved the show love you guys. Been wanting to see you again ever since.Missed the chance to see you when you played at cliff castle casino in camp Verde Az.I see that you will be at the Sunset Station in Henderson NV. on July 6th.And to listen to KOMP radio station to win tickets.Well i live in Payson Az and can't get that station,is there another way i can get tickets to see you.
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Friday, June 27, 2014
Burke track and field star Raven Saunders wasn't sure what to expect as she headed to campus Wednesday.
Her coach, Herbert Johnson, said it was a surprise. Her mother, Clarissa, just smiled. It wasn't until she stepped into the office and saw a Gatorade rep holding the gold and glass trophy that she knew.
Saunders was named Gatorade National Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year Wednesday, becoming just the third athlete from South Carolina to win the national honors in the award's 28-year history.
"I was really surprised," Saunders said. "It was a great feeling. The fact that I didn't know what was going on made it that much more great. I finally see how big my accomplishments really are."
Hundreds of friends, family members and fans piled into the Burke High auditorium to witness Saunders accept her award. She joins a prestigious list of former recipients that includes the likes of Derek Jeter, Peyton Manning, Candace Parker and Lolo Jones. Only former Northwestern quarterback Justin Worley (2011) and former Daniel softball pitcher Carley Hoover (2013) have ever won the award from South Carolina.
In July, she'll fly to Los Angeles to attend the ESPN ESPY awards with the 11 other 2014 Gatorade national award recipients to spend the night celebrating sports with the best coaches and athletes in the world.
"It feels amazing joining the select few athletes that come out of this state," she said. "Not too many people out of South Carolina ever get a chance like this so it gives me a really great feeling to know that I'm one of the people that had a chance and won."
Saunders dominated her high school competition her senior year at Burke. She set the national high school indoor shot put record at 56 feet, 7½ inches in March and then set the national high school outdoor record at 56 feet, 8¼ inches in April. She won two individual state championships in May and won a national championship in shot put at the New Balance Nationals Outdoor championships in June.
She'll compete at the USA Junior Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon in July, and likely the World Junior Championships later that month before heading to college at Southern Illinois University.
"This is a realization for me of how big my accomplishments are," Saunders said. "Hard work really does pay off, and what this award means to me is that my future in this sport is a bright one."
Frankie Mansfield, the sports reporter for the Moultrie News can be seen all around the state following teams to meets, games, and matches. For score updates, breaking sports news, and more, follow @fjmansfield on Twitter and like Moultrie News Sports on Facebook.
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Find accommodations in Mount Holly with the hotel list provided below. Find discounted hotel accommodations in or close to Mount Holly, NC for your business or personal leisure travel. Explore the most favored Mount Holly North Carolina hotel/motel rooms. Review the Mount Holly hotel list below to find the perfect lodging. We also have a map of the Mount Holly hotels.The Mount Holly center point is approximately 7 miles from Aviation Museum and 7 miles from Carolinas Aviation Museum.
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The Dos and Don'ts of Spring Fashion Trends
The Dos and Don'ts of Spring Fashion Trends
The spring 2013 New York Fashion Week runway shows were chock-full of trends you definitely have to try. Here's how to pull them off without veering into fashion Don't territory.SEE MORE
DO invest in a shorts suit.The shorts suit had a major presence on the runway this season. We love the look because it instantly makes you appear put-together but never stuffy. DO consider the length of the shorts when you're picking the right style for you. DON'T be afraid to embrace a boldly colored or patterned style.
DON'T forget a little white dress.While your go-to party dress may be a little black dress, it pays to spice things up with a similar white version. DON'T think you can wear a white dress only during the day. White at night can be incredibly sexy. DO remember well-fitting foundation garments are a necessity when wearing white.
DO embrace the classic black-and-white graphic print.What's black, white, and chic all over? The prints designers like Michael Kors sent down the runway this season. DO think about the size of the print. The smaller they are, the more flattering they'll be. DON'T be afraid to show some skin to break up the print.
Photo: Mark Leibowitz
DO hold on to your jumpsuit.The jumpsuit revival hit the runways in 2008, but the look is anything but over. DON'T put yours away just yet. In fact, rock it during the day with a blazer and heels or on the weekend with sneakers. DO update your old jumpsuit with the help of some cool accessories like a cross-body bag or floppy hat.
DO get sporty.Designers showed off their sporty side this season by tossing baseball caps, anoraks, and backpacks into the mix. DON'T go overboard with the trend, though. You'll risk looking like you're actually about to go play ball. DO work bright colors into the equation. Yellows and oranges lend a girly touch to the athletic style.
Photo: Mark Leibowitz
DON'T forget those classic stripes.Remember when we called stripes the new neutral? Well, get excited because they're all over the place—on slouchy suits, shirtdresses, and even gowns. DO mix vertical and horizontal stripes. DON'T fall for the fashion myth that all stripes make you look bigger—when they're stacked close together, they can be slimming.
DO look to your lingerie drawer for inspiration.Call it the 50 Shades of Grey effect. Designers across the board brought the bra top out of the boudoir and into the open. DO feel free to pair your bra top with a high-waist skirt and a blazer so only a hint of skin shows. DON'T think this look will work for any ol' time of day. Keep it to a girls' night out or for a super-hot date.
DON'T shy away from mixing floral prints.Pattern mixing is still going strong, and this season it's all about florals. DO remember the key to mixing prints is to make sure each pattern is a totally different size. You'll have quite a strong look if you mix patterns, so DON'T go crazy with wild accessories too.
DON'T shy away from matchy-matchy separates.Whether matching florals, solids, or bedazzled prints this season, get ready to coordinate. DO go ladylike with the trend by choosing separates in bright hues. DON'T look like your grandma by making sure your pieces are sleek, tailored, and modern.
DON'T drown in spring's oversize silhouettes.Easy-breezy and relaxed, these slouchy silhouettes took shape in the form of large T-shirts and loose pants. DO tread lightly. For most of us, one slouchy piece will do the trick. DON'T forget the golden rule: Slouchy up top, skinny on bottom, and vice versa.
DO consider a lightweight leather piece.We saw them in bright purples and blues, along with the standard blacks and browns. It's official: Lightweight leather is huge for spring. DON'T be afraid to wear these pieces during the day. A leather skirt and a button-down can work in certain office environments. DO go easy on how many leather pieces you wear at once—unless you're a Hell's Angel.
DON'T underestimate the power of a colorful purse.A bright handbag is like an exclamation point at the end of your outfit. You'll be surprised by how much use you'll get out of it. DO play with sizes. A bold, oversize clutch for day and a mini cross-body for night are fun accents. DON'T be afraid to invest in this trend. A nice red handbag can match just as many things as a black or brown one.
Photo: Mark Leibowitz
DO have fun with bold sunglasses.Shield your eyes in style with colorful sunglasses. DO take into account the frame size (too big and you'll look outlandish), but DON'T shy away from fun shapes such as cat-eyes or '60s-inspired circles.


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Blain's Farm & Fleet Black Friday 2012 Ad
Blain's Farm & Fleet has released its official Black Friday 2012 ad! Their "Day After Thanksgiving Sale" features 8 pages worth of products on sale from houseware and hardware, workwear and footwear, hunting and sporting gear and more! The ad also features a 4-page insert containing all of their Early Bird Specials, available only from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm on Black Friday.
Blain's Farm & Fleet's Black Friday sale starts at 6:00 am and will be for one day only, so don't miss out on all of their amazing deals.


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Details and Shopping
Customer Favorite
- FP Exclusive :
- Only sold thru Free People
Strappy suede clog platform. Adjustable buckle heel strap with attached suede ankle ties. Wooden heel and platform. Inner sole is lightly padded. Rubber lined sole.
*By Free People
*Artisan crafted from fine leathers and premium materials, FP Collection shoes are coveted for their signature vintage aesthetic.
*By Free People
*Artisan crafted from fine leathers and premium materials, FP Collection shoes are coveted for their signature vintage aesthetic.
*Made in Spain
*Made in Spain
Measurements:Heel: 3 3/4 in = 9 1/2 cm
Platform: 1 in = 2 1/2 cm
Rated 4.5 out of 5Â by 22 reviewers.
Rated 4 out of 5Â by CaraMia Right amount of heel It's sometimes hard to find a platform that isn't too high, I think these are great. The suede is incredibly soft, and they're comfortable to walk in so far. (Though it's not warm out enough yet to wear them outside the house!) The heel straps aren't sturdy but the ankle ties keep the shoes on securely, I don't think I'd be able to wear them without the ties. Also I think the pricing on them is pretty fair, which I can't always say about FP. 3.24.2014
Rated 3 out of 5Â by Bursey Really pretty sandal but it's unstable It's really comfy just like everyone says but only if the back strap with the buckle were not so HUGE! This was a deal breaker for me. I thought by maybe putting another hole in the strap to make it a bit tighter it would work out but no... The little loop that is connected to the tie strap is fixed in place. So if you put another hole in the strap the little loop part pulls over to the side of your foot. They unfortunately had to go back. :( :( 5.16.2013
Rated 5 out of 5Â by mbwh The Perfect Shoe I can't begin to express how happy I am that I purchased these shoes. They are THE perfect spring/ summer shoe, and go with practically everything from dresses to jeans. The heel height is not too low and not too high, but is very comfortable and very managable if you're planning on walking in these shoes. The suede straps are so comfortable and fit perfectly around your feet. I also encountered the added bonus of discovering the padded bottom to the shoe... yet again, SO comfortable! Also, the tie strap does come off, so if you want to go for the more classic look, you can slide it out! All in all, you should buy these shoes. 4.15.2013
Rated 5 out of 5Â by Connoisseur perfection I got these in all 3 colors and I am so glad I did; I am keeping all of them...I love them that much! The suede is very soft; they feel like a hug from an old friend when you wear them. They are perfect because they are like a girl who doesn't know how beautiful she is; they give off the perfect summery, not-trying-too-hard vibe. I want to wear them with everything. 4.7.2013
Rated 4 out of 5Â by isolew New favourite These were just delivered to me today, and I'm having trouble keeping them off! They're so easy to walk in! There is also no chance of blistering in these shoes, that's how soft the suede is! The only problem with these shoes is the the back strap (as others have mentioned). It's incredibly loose, so I've had to add extra holes, which have fixed the problem. I'm a size 6, so I got these in a 36, and they're just right. 8.21.2014
Rated 2 out of 5Â by Kjmoran11 I wanted to love these... I absolutely love love love the look of these shoes. However, I do not think they were worth the money. I bought them in the grey suede. The first time I wore them I got a speck of dirt on the wooden part and went to wipe it with a damp paper towel and the finish on the wood literally came right off! And the suede has stretched out SO much.. if it weren't for the ankle ties I wouldn't even be able to wear them they would be so loose. Beautiful shoe but the quality doesn't match the price. 7.15.2014
Rated 5 out of 5Â by Mich67 Lovely summer sandal I purchased these in the buttery yellow. There was no breaking in period, they were comfortable from day 1. I find I needed to add an additional hole for the strap to feel more secure but that was an easy fix. I am a size 8 and the 38 fits in the length, but just. They are light on your feet and I have had many compliments on them. 6.26.2014
Rated 5 out of 5Â by seekingsylvie in love Bought these shoes in whiskey and I loved them so much that I bought a pair in black for my mum! Comfy and cool. I definitely recommend. 5.28.2014
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Now you can be warm and cozy (and still get things done) with these fun, work-while-you-wear-them blankets with sleeves. Created with an extra measure of comfort, these tip-to-toe, toasty blanket wraps keep you completely (and we mean completely!) covered, while also offering sleeves so you can move about the house. Super-soft, 100% polyester fleece (?) means you'll be relaxing in fluffy contentment, plus there are two large pockets that even keep your hands warm if you're not working as you "wear." So what's not to love? These snug-as-a-bug fleece blankets come in kid sizes as well as adult, which means the entire family can enjoy a sleepy Saturday.
Designs for these awesome blanket wraps range from hobbies and pastimes to movies and cultures, with just about everything in between. Choose the image that fits you best or create your own custom blanket wraps.