text:
It's almost never a bad idea to start fresh, with no partially open anythings to cause any troubles.
Why Apple Geniuses sometimes tell people to kill all their apps
A little over a year ago I wrote a rather controversial editorial stating that iOS users don't ever need to kill all the apps in their multitasking dock (fast app switcher). A couple of months ago the subject was brought back to the spotlight, with other developers and bloggers reaching pretty much the same conclusion.
It remains true. There's no need to regularly "clear out" all the apps in your multitasking dock. We've said it, other developers and bloggers have said it, even Apple has said it.
But here's the thing -- sometimes Apple Geniuses will tell users to do just that. Which is what makes it controversial. Here's why:
Trouble-shooting is sometimes a slow, complicated process.
If a customer comes to the Genius Bar with one poorly coded app or rogue process that's continuously slowing down their iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad, or causing massive battery drain, figuring out which app it is, and fixing it, can take a lot of time and effort. It can involve buying system monitoring apps, rebooting a lot, launching apps, testing, checking system status, killing apps, rebooting, deleting apps, reinstalling apps, etc. etc. It can involve a lot of things that some Apple Geniuses believe mainstream, non-technical users will have trouble understanding and doing.
It flies against Apple's recommendation, it flies in the face of best trouble-shooting practices, and it makes advanced users cringe, but...
Killing everything, in that specific case, for mainstream users, is the fastest, easiest path to problem resolution.
So if a Genius tells your mom to kill all her apps every day or week, that's why.
It's wrong. It's unnecessary, and you can certainly take the time to properly Unless you want to take them time to trouble shoot it for them.
Have something to say about this story? Leave a comment! Need help with something else? Ask in our forums!
Reader comments
Why Apple Geniuses sometimes tell people to kill all their apps
I've been doing this since I've had my 4 and now 4S. It doesn't hurt, so...
This is a case of too much knowledge leading you astray. The amount of free memory is irrelevant in iOS because the OS manages memory availability automatically. If an app needs memory, older apps are warned to give some back such as by clearing cached data. If that doesn't free enough memory, the app is killed. So, only a few apps are really using memory at once.
if it was lanced recently, it is still running. back in iOS 3.0 days, they did not have multitasking capabilities. Now, we have multitasking, which is what the bar is for. All apps in the bar ar running at all times, for quick and easy access, otherwise, the system would have to restart apps all the time, including iMessage and apple apps, making it harder to do minutely tasks.
Sorry but this simply is not true. Some apps are still running, and some are in a frozen state until launched again, and some are simply there because they were recently launched (but aren't running currently.) Their presence in that list simply means they were launched recently. It does NOT mean they are all running.
Rene's argument for killing all apps is that often one doesn't know exactly which app is making the device wonky - easiest just to kill 'em all. Apple ought to add this function to iOS 6.
I clear my apps when i finish using them. it doesn't take long to do. I find my phone slows down and my battery drains quicker if i leave them in the switcher. games like cod black ops zombies requires you to close all apps from the switcher which suggests to me that they still use up memory.
I'm not sure how you came to the conclusion you don't need to quit apps. Try keeping an eye on your location icon - several apps use the GPS or internet in the background and the only, only, only way to stop them is to force quit the App. Some very popular examples are NAVIGON and TuneinRadio.
LOL! Similar think happened to me. I usually turn off Navigon when I get to the end of the trip. I was going to a wedding and saw a friend as I was entering the parking lot so I parked and hurried over to walk in with him.....and forgot to turn off the volume and app. Luckily, as I was walking into the building, the app recognized where I was and announced "You have reached your destination!" Several people turned to look. I was so glad it happened at the door rather than during the vows.
Oh come one dude. Something like this is supposed to happen at every wedding! LoL. Would be more funny if it happened to the groom, because the announcement would be correct. ;)
If it happened at a funeral, some people would have to suppress a laugh.
Well, yeah, obviously XD Apple, devs, and various other people have said just that... it's never been that you don't have to close ANY apps. Ever. It's always been that you don't have to close most of them. The ones that run in the background, like navigation, exercising, or music apps need to be closed when you're finished with them, obviously. But the rest of the apps don't actually run in the background, they are just essentially paused -- meaning you don't need to close them. Unless it has a problem, of course. But pending any issues, leaving it "running" is fine (because it's not running at all).
Well if it's obvious you do, why write and article saying you don't need to and claiming that Apple said you don't and developers say you don't? And then follow it up with an article saying you should but I was still right and you don't need to. I think Rene just screwed-up and doesn't want to come clean and admit that it is actually good practice to do it and Apple should make it easier with a kill-all icon.
There's nothing inconsistent with the statements I made in either article -- if you actually read them :)
at least someone knows that closing them is best.
Navigon has an option to "Stop Navigating", then when you exit the app you'll see the location icon go off, no need to kill the app.
Same thing with TuneIn Radio, press the Stop button and you'll find that it stops streaming (funny that eh...)
I never shut down any of my apps unless I need to force quit one because it's doing something funky (like Facebook), but 99% of all apps are well behaved and do what they're supposed to (i.e. suspend and free memory if needed).
The argument of "kill all" is as bad as the old IT "switch it off and on again". Lazy mans excuse for not diagnosing the problem properly.
I've never understood the "controversy". I don't care what anyone - a blogger, Apple, or anyone else has to say - anyone that uses one knows once in awhile, it's necessary. Especially with certain apps.
It's ludicrous to think that having 50+ things hanging out in a suspended state isn't costing some system resources somewhere.
This is one of those "stuck in the mud" Apple things. There is no reason they cannot include a little button there to clear out all apps in one stroke, except for some reason they want you to believe you don't have to, so why would they give you a tool to do so?
It's these things that keep Apple from being a truly great company. They are amazingly, astonishingly profitable, but they don't seem to care for the actual user themselves. They want you to use it the way they want, and even if it is smarter/more convenient/just more desirable to do something another way, they don't budge. Micro-SD card, anyone?
I have regularly cleaned out my apps. I agree that having 10 or 50 apps in suspended animation slows it down a LOT....
I have no idea whether this is accurate or not, but I have an apps which shows my free memory. Before I clean out I am generally sitting at about 20-50mb of free memory. (As I type this, I have 27mb free and 477mb used).
Closing out all the apps (only 8 this morning) raised that to 250mb free and 254mb used. And it runs a LOT faster - no perception about it.
I for one am a sceptic about all the bloggers etc who say it makes NO difference....
I find that killing apps is a must for things that drain battery like Slacker, maps, and MyWi even after you shut everything else down inside the app. Ive never suffered laggy performance but oooooohhhhhh the battery drain. My iPhone is my work phone so I keep things like the phone, calendar, and email ready on the app switcher at all times. And I don't care what anyone says, a quick reboot never hurts either.
But they ARE using system resources.
And such a tiny amount you could have a hundreds of them "running" in the background and never see a real performance difference. Anyone saying they can see the difference are buying into the placebo affect.
Sometimes, a quick restart can save you the trouble of quitting those apps. They still linger in your multi-tasking tray but rest assured that they are killed.
I have found when an individual app is not loading correctly or having errors. I just go to the app switcher and quit that app and it solves the problem by making the app reboot fresh. This is like a computer programmer friend of mine said sometimes you need to blow up the pond and pick up the fish. It isn't going to kill anyone to kill apps.
Sometimes the audible app won't play the books. I have to either kill the app or turn the phone off and on again. I also have some older games that aren't available anymore (not made for iOS 5) which need to be killed once in a while. Elf Defence and draw something also seem to have a conflict which requires a restart to fix. Otherwise I don't bother to stop apps or restart, only when there is a conflict.
Why isn't this tested for during the app submitting process. ?
Isn't it funny how everyone here says that they need to kill all running apps for one reason or another, yet we keep being told we shouldn't...personally I find that when I kill all the apps on my iPad, Safari then keeps all my tabbed pages 'open' ie it doesn't need to reload the page when I switch back and forth. Plus it does seem to make things run smoother - so if there's proof of why we should kill all the apps...why do we keep getting told not to!?
Your experience with safari is due to the fact that it stays open while u r switching back and for. So do 90% of the apps u keep open when you switch back and forth. Hence the need to occasionally close them. Now one thing I have notice about safari is that if u leave it open for an extended amount of time it will suspend it self and when u switch to it, it will have to reload the pages on the open tabs
I just experimented a little...so I have 7 tabs currently on Safari, and I had some apps running in the background - when I switched to another tab it had to load the page. When I switched back again it had to load the page again, and so on and so on.
I then closed all running apps, came back to Safari, and now when I switch between tabs it loads the page once, then it's able to remember without reloading each time. So it DEFINITELY makes a difference...albeit a very minor one. This is on my iPad 1, I'm sure there wouldn't be any difference on my iPhone 4s...
I never listen to websites. I've always shut apps down. Why I could leave me phone sitting around with apps in the dock and would notice my battery would drop. And mind you the phone not being use no surfing or texting or calls. Just the apps in the dock.
I only what I see not what some sites try to tell me..
LOL! Is this ever the Eat-Crow-ingst blog post I've ever seen! Kudos, Rene for owning up to it!
For those who jailbreak, I end up swiping the status bar for SBSettings to pop up and I hit RemoveBG many a time, usually before and after playing a game like Infinity Blade or some other resource hog.
I don't usually close all my apps, usually about once a day on my iPhone 4S, on my iPad 2 its almost never.
Sometimes I feel that the argument that "iOS users don't ever need to kill all the apps in their multitasking dock" is just a forceful way to avoid criticising iOS and, by proxy, Apple. It is obvious that iOS users do need to close the apps, everybody knows that, from genius to developers to users, so why make the argument against it at all?
Let´s admit it, Apple messed up on iOS multitasking, it is clunky and confusing, and Steve Jobs was so blase and hip about it that now most Apple fans just cannot bring themselves to say that the king is naked. To me, iOS multitasking is useless, especially because of the overload it brings to the home button, another heavily problematic item that everyone seems to be afraid to criticize. Do anybody here have a perfectly functioning iPhone 4 home button, one that reads correctly every button press?
The problem for those that know is the amount of misinformation spread by app closers.
The dock doesn't show running apps, it's just a list of recently used apps. The first few might or might not be running depending on what they do, thenext few may be held in RAM so they are available for quicker launch, the rest are just icons and it's a waste of time to remove then from the dock, as nothing else is accomplished.
iOS multitasking is very limited and if your phone is actually slower than you have a bad app.
I never close ore than one app thSt is misbehaving and I run my phone for months.
"Killing" (clearing) all the apps in the "multi-tasking" (recently run) bar is a waste of time, especially since it's highly likely most of those apps aren't even in memory let alone running.
I'm not sure why the "Genius" people tell people to do that. They told my Aunt that she needs to kill every app after she exits the app using the home button, so she does that including the "Mail" and "Phone" apps which is just idiotic. I told her she doesn't need to do that, but she just said that's what the "Genius guy" told her to do. In my experience, the "Genius" people are horribly misnamed. They aren't any smarter or better than Best Buy's Geek Squad and I would never recommend using the later.
Wait, off topic question.
Why does Rene's Tweetbot app have that bar looking thing at the top left of it?
Okay, on-subject statement:
I tend to close out all of my apps every day or so. Why? Because it doesn't hurt anything, and I'm a little OCD about it, but even if it only frees up a miniscule amount of memory, it still isn't hurting anything.
I have an iPhone 3GS and an iPad 1 by now, and a thing that I notice a lot is that when I have too much apps opend my iPhone and iPad slows down a bit, so I like to make a regular clean to the multitasking dock.
5 second action to clear the apps from the multitask. I do it all the time and don't plan on stopping, despite what Apple or anyone says. Apple's operating on limited-duration testing - I'm operating on everyday, wide-varietied (sp?) use. It helps my 4S run quickly and continue to do so, and it ensures the same for all the other lower generation models of iPhone I have as well. Therefore, Apple's suggestion = debunked.
This kind of reminds me of the issues of the iPhone 4 with the grip of death. Instead of Admitting to an issue and enacting a corrective action plan, they decide to blame the consumer and say that they are holding the phone wrong. Instead of admitting that the app switcher doenst work as planned and inform the consumer to close their apps they just keep telling u that there's no need and it's a waste of time. At least the geniuses admit to it since they have to deal with it in a daily basis
Wow! This can be one particular of the most useful blogs We've ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Great. I'm also an expert in this topic so I can understand your hard work.
Awesome! Can't wait for your next article. I really enjoy these technical articles. You provide great insights on how to attack a problem head on.
Thank you for your wonderful templates. I started a small business 2 years ago and realized I was mixing my supplies and inventory together. I now have a form to count and record my physical inventory. Thanks. Keep them coming. I have bookmarked this site.
Having a problem with the Mail app and Exchange ActiveSync now which is related to this. The app won't re-connect while open in multi-task and after the phone has been in sleep mode for some time. Quitting the app and reloading forces it to do something differently and it re-connects fine... There should be an option to kill multi-tasking if for any other reason, it would keep people with OCD sane...
This article answers everything...really.
I couldn't disagree with you more, Rene. It is definitely not wrong. It's completely right if the user is an average or novice user. We got a similar question on Episode 22 of Deemable Tech. http://dmbl.co/e22 Joel wanted to know if he needed to close all of the apps "running in the background." I told him, no, you shouldn't have to kill all of your apps, but occasionally you might get a rogue app that will use memory even after it's closed. And, if you're iPhone is running slow, that is the first thing I would try. Sure, it "makes advanced users cringe," but most of the folks that take their iPhone to the Apple Store because they are having problems are not advanced users. They don't have the time or care enough to troubleshoot the problem until they find the issue and then contact the developer to have them fix the app. The more advanced users, like you and me, can do the extra troubleshooting to help the developers. For novices and average users, just closing all the apps is a simple, easy to do and easy to remember solution that fixes the problem.
It just works.
And, that is what makes it the right thing to do.
Android. Back button. Program monitor app shows how many and what apps running even as some of you will likely realize it is an app itself. Things will never change. Things will always stay the same. - God, a long time ago.


text:
I keep getting so many questions about "tummy time" Ever since the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that all infants sleep only on their backs (to reduce the chance of SIDS), parents forget or are afraid to put their baby's on their tummies. Tummy time is important to help reduce the incidence of head flattening as well as to give your baby time to develop different muscle groups.
Tummy time is encouraged from the first days after a baby's birth, but so many parents ask, "just how much time?" Tummy time does not mean "timed" in the sense that you do it for a certain amount of time or minutes a day. Tummy time, is not rigid.....it is flexible. Off and on throughout the day when your baby is awake, you let them experience tummy time.
Just like so many activities with a newborn, sometimes tummy time is for only a minute or two before the baby starts to fuss or cry. Other times an infant may enjoy their tummies for 10- 20 minutes before they are ready for a change.
At other times you put the baby on their tummy, they settle down and then decide to fall asleep. Keep in mind, you MUST turn them over, even if you are watching them. Remember, NO TUMMY sleeping until your child rolls over on their own.
So, many parents come in during the first days to weeks after their baby's birth with not only feeding charts, but "pee and poop" charts and graphs of tummy time down to the minutes. It is really not necessary to graph the amount of tummy time your baby gets, just make sure you remember to do it.
As your baby gets older, they typically enjoy their tummies for longer periods of time and are soon lifting their heads, supporting themselves with their shoulders and around 4 months will likely begin to roll from tummy to back. After that milestone it is not long before they start sitting alone and tummy time is old hat by then. Your baby should also have a beautiful rounded head from getting tummy time from the start.
- Summer Viruses Are Gearing Up
- Fruits & Veggies in a Pouch
- Plate Size & Childhood Obesity
- Summer Series: A Lesson in Pool Safety
- Insect Bites are Everywhere!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
|30 posts found
Please Help me get my account back! Message En Masse, Post on their Forms, anything. There is no reason why they have banned my account and then reactivated it send me an email saying that I can play, but when contacted support they tell me, my account is banned. Why is there no record of this? Why are they being so shady about this?
I have posted on Reddit Tera about the issue and what they have done. If anyone can help I would be so grateful !! I just want to play the game with my friends, with the character that I spend money on and so much time leveling.
Login or Register to never see this panel
Well, it says that you were banned for disruptive posts on the forums as well as "whatever" you said in your previouis communications.
Since I have no idea how you express yourself my advice is to either write a letter of apology and see if that works or else just start a new account and dive right in.
Hard Core Member
Joined: 7/26/09
Hi there! I've contacted them and got response from GM:
"Greetings fellow Gamer
It's seems u have been a little bit rude with your forum posts on their forums, judging by your posts. Best thing you can do, as guy above my post said, to try to contact them again and write apology letter and calm down little bit.
I have only gave them criticism on the game, also I can't help that I may sound angry or not very nice on the forms, I have been told that my typing can come across this way to others and I don't mean it to. But also in many of the post I was bullied and attacked from many trolls on the their forms and did they do anything about it. No, they did not. They only let it get out of hand. I also do have a disabiliity (aspergers) and have a lot of trouble keeping my emotions in check when I get mad or am being told that I am stupid, retarted and other wise. And it does reflect in my typing, but they could have stopped it at anytime but didn't. If they also would have taken the feedback and maybe used it. Not just mine but others. The game would be better and may not had to go free to play. But even with the ban from the forms, I was still able to play the game. It was only in july that they banned my account from playing the game and I wasn't even subbed and never logged in to my account until my friends saw that Tera was going free and wanted to play again. This was when, I found out that may account was banned. Was not notified of this and they will not give me any evidence of where I violated their terms of serivce.
In them not understanding me and my situation, I very much feel that they are discriminating me. I do not see how defending myself from trolls and my opinon, submitting feedback, suggestions and criticism is in anyway grounds for a ban. There is evidence of their GMs abosing their power for personal reasons. If they can't take criticism and feedback in a professional manner then why are they in the business of making and maintaning an MMO? No other MMO company does this to their players, that I know of. How would players react to Blizzard doing this to players or a player?
Novice Member
Joined: 3/09/12
Originally posted by altas
Children stealing my name...
Free to play = content updates for the cash shop. Buy to play = content updates for the cash shop.
Apprentice Member
Joined: 3/11/04
"Accept the challenges so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory."
So you critiscise there game then you contradict yourself and want to play the game so desperately, im confused.
Good luck getting your account back tho
Novice Member
Joined: 1/15/08
[mod edit], i suggest you be more polite when dealing with people you give money to let you access their game. you sign a contract saying they can ban you at any time if you get uppity and out of sorts.
[mod edit]
the moral of the OP story, dont start shit if you arent ready to back it up and take your ban like a man.
I didn't start anything, I was only giving them feedback and defending myself on the forms from pretty much the same people that are posting on here. Yes Tera has problems, what MMO doesn't? I'm pretty sure that if you go to any other MMO forms there are going to be any number of people giving feedback and suggestions on how to fix the issues. Are those players getting banned? I very much doubt it. Does that mean that they are not still playing those games, or maybe want to return? No, they are passinate about the game and what it has and only want to give their two sence. I see no reason why I am any different. Also I don't know why you, well some of you think that calling me stupid and of limitied intellgents is anyway to speak to anyone? This is why people get upset and online bulling is an issue. Why there are shootings in schools and else where. How about you think before you say something. I'm so tired of only using my right to speak my mind and maybe try to get my account back and I have soem people telling me that I am stupid. I don't understand why when you try to speak your mind and opinon that other are so quick to call you a troll and start the same crap that you are starting here. Trolling is just bulling and attcking others online cause you think its funny to make others feel bad for how they think and their opinon. That is not right at all. I'm sorry that I am not the best speller or my english skills in general are not as others my think they should be. But that is no reason to call others names and make them upset when they are only trying very hard to get something back that they lost and only want to play and interact with their friends again. Cause you know what, maybe socializing online is the only way that I can feel safe. But I am seeing that even online I am getting the same hate and harassment.
This is a community with like minded people that all play games and want to talk about them and share their opinons on them. I only thought that maybe I could get some help in my issue. But there is no point if many are just going to call me names and put me down for trying to speak my mind. Last time I check this was a free country and we have freedom of speak. but if you don't agree with an person opinon their is no reason to attack them and hurt them on a personal level. How about have a disscusion about what you disagree with and have examples and evidence for your point of view. But I thnk for some that is to much to ask and they can only call others names, call them a troll, and just try to put that person down so much that they will get so upset. Just because you hide behind a fake name on the internet and think that, that some how gives you the right to attack and put others down; and just act like a horrible person. Know this, there are others out there that don't act differently and those people that you are saying hurtful things to, are other real people with real feelings and maybe if you wouldn't say those things and hurt others that maybe, our culture would be just a little bit better that people wouldn't get so angry at others and the world that they feel the need to go shoot up a school or any other place, or harm themselves because they can never get away from horrible people, even online.
Novice Member
Joined: 12/05/07
Freedom of speech meets non-entitlement to venue and gets owned.
Now we're calling prostitutes "sex workers". What's next? Calling hit men "end-of-life technicians"?
Novice Member
Joined: 5/12/10
It is a double pleasure to gank the ganker.
I think the moral of this story is that if you give them a reason to ban you and then you end up getting banned there is very little you can do so you might as well just deal with it and make a new account or find a new game. This time you might want to be careful to behave a little better. It is their game and they don't HAVE TO let you play. Passion isn't an excuse for bad behavior.
Currently playing:
I don't think, that I am, but maybe to others you see me that way. I only want my voice heard and to have any other person that wants the same; can do so. Then have a debate and worth while discussion about any thing; with out people like these calling troll and putting others down cause they have nothing really intelligent to say, or add to the conversation. Is that being an attention whore? I don't think so. I am only using what means I have, the interent and gaming forms and alike to get my issue out and maybe find help. I actually very much do not like attention, it makes me very uncomfortable. But when I am passionate about something and I have been wronged in the way that keeps me from the only social interation that I can enjoy with others, I am going to fight and speak as loudly and as long as I can tell something is done. Any normal person would probably just let it go and move on to something else or a different game. But I am not a normal person, I don't want to be normal. Yes I have issues and problems but what even normal person doesnt. Mine are just much more complex and I can't control them like others can, and to me I don't see where I am behaving poorly. I am only giving an opinon on a game and suggesting solutions to those problems; how is that acting poorly? What I call acting poorly is people making hurtful comments to others without any care to the feelings of the person on the other side of those comments.
Originally posted by hkharpster
of course people shouldn't be saying that. However, in life, there is always someone who feels the need or that they have the "right" to tell someone what they should do, how they should be, or to be critical.
The secret there is knowing full well when they are wrong and recognizing where they have a point.
Also, in a perfect world, one would think that you could say anything to anybody and have it be taken in the best possible way.
As you have learned, you can't say anything you want to, in this case, to developers, and not have any repercussions. Also, just like you don't like to be insulted, the developers, community people, etc, don't like being insulted. Now, you have admitted that sometimes your posts have been considered hostile. It's possible that you might have to learn how to phrase things in a way that they come off as constructive as opposed to an attack.
This might be one of your "challenges" in life. That's just life.
As far as your issue in this thread, again, I say that you should write a very earnest and well thought out apology. You should say that you have a hard time expressing yourself in a way that doesn't come off as hostile but that it's something you are working on. you should say that you love the game and your interest and excitment for the game wasn't expressed in a way that was meaningful or taken in a positive way and that you are sorry.
And then going forward, when you have comments that are critical you should think about how you would like criticisms to be phrased when aimed at yourself and then couch those criticisms, comments towards the developers/game in the same way.
And if I were you I would write it up and mail it "snail mail". You will impress them more with your effort.
If it doesn't work then take it as a lesson to think about and create a new account.
Advanced Member
Joined: 7/29/09
Ouch man, I'm actually surprised you wasn't banned earlier!
This is no way to behave on their own official forums:
A simple Google search for your handle/name reveals nothing but negativity towards Tera and even scathing personal remarks towards their director Brian Knox.
Really, you come here with half a story wanting sympathy?
Another lesson to learn in life. Sometimes Google IS NOT your friend!
Originally posted by jacklo
Oh my!
That was pretty telling.
Apprentice Member
Joined: 1/19/12
Hah, I remember HK009, he sure was a vocal one. It seems they are permanently banning old troublemakers because they don't want them coming back for F2P, it's no surprise you were on that list.
Apprentice Member
Joined: 6/28/12
Originally posted by Sovrath
Agreed. Op should feel bad. I do believe the term "not your personal army" applies here rather well.
I did battle with ignorance today, and ignorance won.
To exercise power costs effort and demands courage. That is why so many fail to assert rights to which they are perfectly entitled - because a right is a kind of power but they are too lazy or too cowardly to exercise it. The virtues which cloak these faults are called patience and forbearance.
Hard Core Member
Joined: 5/13/10
I am more than some of my parts
I say, boycott them and show them that you will stand strong in your fight against this injustice.
All of my posts are either intelligent, thought provoking, funny, satirical, sarcastic or intentionally disrespectful. Take your pick.
I get banned in the forums for games I love, so lets see if I do better in the forums for games I hate.
I enjoy the serenity of not caring what your opinion is.
Originally posted by eyelolled
Freedom for all!
Advanced Member
Joined: 1/04/05
I will say this bluntly [mod edit] - YOU WERE OUT OF LINE. Based on your posts you have blatently and deliberately broken the Official Forum rules.
lesson to be learned here, when in someone else's sandbox, learn the rules before you react.
Yes, I know that maybe I have been a bit harrsh in tone then others, but if you do read many of those, other players are attacking me and I do not repond well to that. You have to read the whole and not just take many of my post out of contexts. Also many of my points are still issues in the game that they are finally fixing with going free. Why did it have to take so long and go free to fix them? On the issue of Knox, yes I very much dislike him, and pretty much the reason why Aion and now Tera are in or were in the shap that they are. He seems to think that he doesn't need to listen to anyone other then himself. Tho this is my opinon. The forms and the players that where playing Tera where and maybe some are still around very toxic and I let them get to me to the point that I got very angry at the game. I should have just ignored them and said nothing. Took the high road as it where. But sadly I did not and did not know and have had the help in my issues as I do now. Tho I am not sure why EME allowed it to get so toxic. I also say that since playing a few other Korean games Tera and EME was going done the same path that only hurts the game and its players. The not listening and changing the game do to feedback, not having a PTS and I got angry casue I didn't want the same horrible things to happen to the game. But it did and I got even more angry and in that projected my angry more on to the company and the people that work for it. I lost control and I'm very sorry for that. I understand why they banned me from the forms, but then banning me from the game is not the right thing to do ether. I am not like normal people and do have issues that I don't understand, but when people and companies also refuse to understand me, it upsets me greatly. Why didn't they just suspined my account for a set amount of time? Perma Banning my account is only making me regress, and take even more action against them. I guess I only want the chance to make amanes, but they are not even giving me a chance. And for me I don't really understand that. Don't we all have bad times in their lifes that we many have done or said things in that bad time that you regret and didn't have the knowledge on how to understand thier disability and get the right help for it? Maybe you don't have a disability that you don't understand. Maybe it was just a bad time or a depressing time in your life but everyone has times like that. At least I think they do, if not they I'm alone in that to I guess.


text:
My Cart 0
Your shopping cart is empty.
Item(s) in Cart: 0
[Error processing dynamic tag getCurrentAttribute('item','custitem_h1') : record invtpart 13360 not found]
Item #: 103874
Sailrite stocks what we sell. If you order more of an item than we have on hand, you will be notified in the cart.
Backorder Policy >
Fabric samples are $1.00 /EA
Free Shipping on Samples!
Details >
Limit 10 fabric samples per order.Select Post Office - First Class Mail.Available to U.S. addresses only.
P/Kaufmann Outdoor Little Hipster Poolside 54″ Fabric is a small scale contemporary design from the Take It Outside Collection. This durable outdoor fabric is printed on 100% polyester. P/Kaufmann Outdoor offers vibrant prints and classic coordinates to brighten up and enhance any outdoor space.
P/Kaufmann Outdoor Fabric is perfect for casual outdoor living with great fade resistance. ODL Little Hipster features a laundered water-repellent finish. There is a right and wrong side to this fabric, meaning only one side is meant to be exposed to the outside. Little Hipster Poolside is perfect for cushions, umbrellas, and outdoor drapery panels.
P/Kaufmann Outdoor is intended for occasional outdoor use only. Not recommended for indoor upholstery projects.
No thanks, not interested. Close >


text:
Ohio manufacturers need qualified skilled workersWritten by Duane Ramsey | | firstname.lastname@example.com
The No. 1 issue facing manufacturers in Ohio is the difficulty finding qualified skilled workers to meet the needs of the industry in the state, according to sources at the Manufacturing and Distribution Update held June 27 at The Pinnacle in Maumee by Gilmore, Jasion & Mahler Ltd. (GJM).
Staff members from GJM learned about the continuing need for skilled workers while meeting with about 20 manufacturers in Northwest Ohio this year, reported Charles Heid, lead tax partner for the Manufacturing Specialist Group at GJM.
"We continue to hear that wherever we go in Ohio," said Ryan Augsburger, managing director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers' Association (OMA), who spoke to an audience of about 120 people at the update.
The continuing problem of finding qualified workers for manufacturers is the No. 1 issue facing that industry, according to Gary Thompson, vice president and director of JobsOhio for the Regional Growth Partnership (RGP).
Mike Mulholland, chief operating officer of the Freeman Co. in Fremont, said "it's a continuing struggle" to find qualified skilled workers for the tool-and-die business with 58 employees. He said the company has faced a need for 10 to 15 new workers over the past two years.
Mulholland reported the firm is seeking skilled tool-and-die makers, as well as design, process and programming engineers for its modern, high-tech operation. Freeman focuses on thermal-form tooling for plastic containers used in the food industry.
He said they have found that students today are not encouraged to go into manufacturing if they have aptitude in engineering, math or science. Manufacturing is now a high-tech business that needs workers who are trained to meet their needs, according to Mulholland, who attended the update.
"Ohio is a manufacturing state that is among the top five in the U.S.," said Augsburger. "Manufacturing was the leading source of new private investment in Ohio, which ranked first in the U.S. in new site selections."
The $80 billion in manufactured goods in Ohio in 2010 ranked fifth nationally and was 17 percent of the state's gross domestic product. The 600,000 manufacturing workers comprise 10 percent of Ohio's workforce with $33 billion in payroll, according to the OMA.
Ohio ranks first in several manufacturing product categories and second or third in many more, Augsburger reported. The state is the ninth-largest exporting state with $46 billion in products shipped to 216 countries.
Augsburger said that manufacturing locates where the "all in costs" — including labor, energy, equipment, environmental, financing, research and development, technology and transportation — are the lowest.
"Ohio is the heart of manufacturing in the U.S.," said Gary Thompson, vice president of the RGP and director of JobsOhio in this region, who spoke at the update.
JobsOhio is a private nonprofit corporation, formerly part of the Ohio Department of Development. There are six regions for JobsOhio in the state with the Northwest Ohio region representing 17 counties. RGP is the local partner for JobsOhio in this region that is working to bring new business and jobs into Northwest Ohio, said Thompson.
JobsOhio focuses on manufacturing because that industry drives the state's economy as the largest sector, with 21.2 percent. The state now looks for a return on investment for any incentives offered to companies for locating here under the administration of Gov. Kasich.
Thompson said JobsOhio uses the acronym HITS for Hire, Investments, Training, and Site as its criteria for working with prospective new business. It uses figures of $660,000 in payroll with a minimum of 10 employees and potential to grow by 20 percent for companies to qualify for job creations tax credit in Ohio.
"Manufacturing is part of the impressive economic community in Ohio and it's important to come and stay together as a community to raise awareness and solve problems," Augsburger said.
Augsburger is responsible for leading the OMA's lobbying efforts at the statehouse in addition to spearheading the association's member involvement in public affairs activities. He previously served as chief of policy and legislative affairs for the Ohio Department of Commerce and as personal aide to former secretary of state Bob Taft.
The OMA represents 1,500 manufacturing members in the state.
GJM is one of the largest accounting firms in the Toledo area and works with a variety of businesses in the manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, construction, government and not-for-profit industries. Heid is an active member of the tax committee for the OMA.
Heid is seeking local CFOs to participate in a CFO round table in Northwest Ohio. Contact Heid at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Ohio forms manufacturing task force
The creation of the 21st Century Manufacturing Task Force in Ohio was announced this week by Speaker of the House William Batchelder (R-Medina).
The task force is designed to facilitate discussion between Ohio's manufacturing community, public policy makers and any interested parties regarding the state of manufacturing and what can be done to improve its competitiveness in the state.
The speaker tasked the group with identifying resources to assist manufacturing, impediments that curtail it, future challenges to it, trends and specific ways to address those trends. It could also facilitate new manufacturing opportunities based on the unique characteristics of each section of the state and ways for it to partner with higher education research and development.
Rep. Kirk Shuring (R-Canton), a longtime and strong supporter of manufacturing in Ohio, was chosen to lead the task force that will consist of five Republicans and four Democrats.
The task force will conduct five hearings around the state and must report its recommendations to the speaker no later than Dec. 31. The task force is expected to hold one of the hearings in Northwest Ohio.
The Ohio Manufacturers' Association is working with Chairman Shuring on programming for the task force. For more information, contact Ryan Augsburger of the OMA at email@example.com
Tags: Duane Ramsey, Gary Thompson, JobsOhio, Kirk Shuring, manufacturing, Manufacturing and Distribution Update, Mike Mulholland, Ohio Manufacturers' Association, Regional Growth Partnership, Ryan Augsburger, William Batchelder


text:
Check out our wide range of skinny jeans for men on Topman.com. Being fitted around the thigh and skinny on the ankle, this fit uses rigid denim and can be worn rolled up or down. Unlike our stretch skinny jeans, there is more room around the hip giving you added comfort. For SS15 brighten up your denim with bleach washes and white jeans.
Check out our fit guide here.
Showing items 1 - 9 of 9
Showing items 1 - 9 of 9


text:
Altvater: Toledo golf fans have variety of viewing options this summerWritten by Fred Altvater | | email@example.com
Northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan golf fans have plenty of opportunities to see the biggest stars in golf up close and in person this summer.
The PGA Tour has three events nearby and the Champions Tour will hold one of its major championships in Michigan. Along with the Marathon Classic here in Toledo the women of the LPGA Tour will stop in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for the inaugural Meijer Classic. See the stars of tomorrow playing on the Web.com Tour in three tournaments. Cleveland, Columbus and Fort Wayne all host Web.com Tour events.
To start the season the Champions Tour is holding one of its majors, the Senior PGA Championship, at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor, Michigan, on May 22-25. Fred Couples, Bernhard Langer and Kenny Perry will headline a stellar field of the best Champions Tour players.
Benton Harbor is on Lake Michigan's eastern shore and is a three-hour drive on the turnpike (I-80) from Toledo.
Coming at the end of May, Jack Nicklaus will once again host the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, over Memorial Day weekend May 29-June 1.
Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy have already committed to be in the field at the Memorial and the tournament always draws one of the strongest fields of the year as players prepare for the upcoming U.S. Open.
On the heels of the Memorial Tournament, the Web.com stops in Ohio for the Cleveland Open at Westlake Golf Club on June 5-8.
The LPGA visits Toledo for the annual Marathon Classic on July 17-20 at Highland Meadows Golf Club. The Marathon Classic always draws a quality field and many past champions have also won major championships.
Winner of the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship, Lexi Thompson has already committed to play in the Marathon Classic as well as fan favorites Paula Creamer, Stacy Lewis, Suzann Pettersen and Michelle Wie.
On July 31-Aug. 3 the WGC-Bridgestone will be held at Firestone Country Club in Akron. It annually invites only the elite of the professional golf. Players have to be in the Top 50 in the world rankings, a member of the last Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup team or have won a sanctioned tournament within the past calendar year.
Next on the golf schedule is the final major of the year. The PGA Championship will be held Aug. 7-10, at Valhalla Golf Club near Louisville, Kentucky.
Jason Dufner is the defending champion, but he will have to contend with Matt Kuchar, Dustin Johnson, Webb Simpson and wunderkind, Jordan Spieth.
Louisville is a five-hour drive down I-75 and might be a bit too far for most fans, but the chance to attend a major only comes around so often.
The LPGA returns to Michigan for the inaugural Meijer Classic in Grand Rapids the same week, Aug. 7-10. Grand Rapids is a great city to visit and is only a little over three hours by car from Toledo.
The Web.com Tour will be holding its race to earn PGA Tour cards at the end of the season with the Web.com Tour Final Series.
The Web.com Tour Final Series combines the Top 75 finishers from the Web.com Tour regular season with Nos. 125-200 from the PGA Tour to offer 25 shiny new PGA Tour cards for next year.
Two of those events are held within easy driving distance of Toledo.
The Hotel Fitness Championship is the first event of the final four events on the Web.com Tour. It is held at Sycamore Hills Golf Club in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on Aug. 28-31.
With the completion of US 24 from Toledo to Fort Wayne, it is an easy hour drive down the four-lane.
The third leg of the Web.com Tour Final Series is the Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship held at the Ohio State University's Scarlet Course on Sept. 11-14.
Scarlet is a wonderful Alister MacKenzie design which was renovated by Jack Nicklaus in 2007.
It's well worth the drive to watch the youngsters trying to make it to the bright lights and big paychecks of the PGA Tour, plus fans get to walk the same course Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf played as collegians.
Nine professional golf tournaments within easy driving distance of Toledo give any golf fan a reason to fuel up the family vehicle and view the best golfers in the world.
Whatever your taste, PGA Tour, Champions Tour, LPGA or Web.com, they are all available to area golf fans.
Fred Altvater offers golf tips and videos at www.toledoohiogolflessons.com. Email him at BackNine@toledofree press.com or follow him on Twitter @tolohgolfr.
Tags: Alister MacKenzie, Benton Harbor, Bernhard Langer, Champions Tour, Cleveland Open, Dustin Johnson, Fred Altvater, Fred Couples, Jack Nicklaus, Jason Dufner, Jordan Spieth, Kenny Perry, Lexi Thompson, Marathon Classic, Matt Kuchar, Meijer Classic, Memorial Tournament, Michelle Wie, Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship, Paula Creamer, Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy, Senior PGA Championship, Stacy Lewis, Suzann Pettersen, The Back Nine, Tom Weiskopf, Web.com, Web.com Tour, Webb Simpson, WGC-Bridgestone


text:
Im different from my brother. Id say Im more technical, and dont do as many flashy moves, but I will still finish fights just like my brother. Regardless, Im very grateful for this opportunity, and I will not disappoint the fans on November 16th, he says.
Vaughn Lee is going to see me at my full potential. I have a lot to prove to the division, to the world, and to myself. When Im at my full potential, Im dangerous.
Sergio joins his brother Anthony, Erik Koch, Chico King Camus, Dustin Ortiz, and Pascal Panzer Krauss as a Roufusport fighter in the UFC. Head coach Duke Roufus says that the sky is the limit for is young charge.
I'm just ecstatic that the UFC has given Sergio a chance to shine. Even though he's only 20 years old, he's got such a bright future ahead of him. I think he's got a shot at being a champion just like his brother, he says.


text:
Select any of the Free Activities.
List Error
Featured Vocabulary and Spelling Lists
Parent Letters
Teachers: We have Parent Letters available to print and send home with your students' word lists.
37 Learning GamesSee all activities!
VocabularySpellingCity.com offers:
- An award-winning game-based learning tool for vocabulary, spelling, writing and language arts
- A K-12 educational service used worldwide by schools and families
- 50,000 words and 60,000 sentences read by a real person
- Access via mobile app for your tablet and smart phone,or online via computer and interactive whiteboard
- Correlation to educational standards
- School and district-level reports
Membership: Free or Premium
Register as a Free Member to access some activities. Or start as a Premium Member for immediate access to ALL features.
The VocabularySpellingCity Story
VocabularySpellingCity provides spelling, vocabulary, writing and language arts activities for K-12 cross-curricular word study. We created the site to automate spelling tests, give students immediate feedback, and save teachers the time it takes to administer, grade and record the tests. We aspire to provide students with engaging games to motivate study and promote academic success. We aim to continually advance our services while providing helpful and courteous support.
We appreciate teachers, parents and homeschoolers who recommend our site and mobile apps to colleagues and friends. Thank you to all the teachers who have shared their best classroom practices using VocabularySpellingCity via online reviews, conference presentations and social media posts. We especially appreciate our members' insightful input, which helps guide our product development.
The VocabularySpellingCity team has also developed Science4Us.com which provides an elementary core science curriculum specifically for kindergarten, first grade, and second grade. Science4Us supports teachers and provides student activities both online and offline using the 5E instructional model.
Thank you!
VocabularySpellingCity Mayor
VocabularySpellingCity.com shares technology with this vocabulary website. We are grateful for the support of Time4Learning.com (homeschooling curriculum, afterschool online study), Time4Writing.com (online writing courses), and LearningGamesforKids.com (typing games, two player games, multiplication games).


text:
Advanced Search
Search Tips
Market News Search
Browse by Subject
Market News
Commodity Areas
Grading, Certification and Verification
Science and Laboratories
National Organic Program
Commodity Purchasing
Agricultural Transportation
Farmers Markets and Local Food Marketing
Regulatory Programs
Research and Promotion Programs
Marketing Orders and Agreements
Grant Programs
International Marketing
You are here:
/ Resources
Livestock and Poultry Standards
USDA Seeks Input on Revisions to Beef Grading Standards
The U.S. Department of Agricultures (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) recently sought public input on possible revisions to the U.S. Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef to adjust for recent improvements and trends in animal raising and feeding. AMS is currently evaluating the comments received to determine what changes, if any, are appropriate.
View comments on Beef Grading Standards revisions
Federal Register
Notice Request for Comments USDA seeks input on revisions to Beef Grading Standards
Federal Register
Notice Request for Comments PDF file
August 14, 2014 Press Release -
USDA Seeks Input on Revisions to Beef Grading Standards
United States Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef, Effective date January 31, 1997 PDF file
Footnoted Reference Studies
Lawrence et al., 2008, Journal of Animal Science 86:1434 - PDF file
Lawrence et al., 2001, Journal of Animal Science - PDF file
Acheson et al., 2014, Journal of Animal Science 92:1792 - PDF file
Livestock Standards
Livestock Index - PDF File
Feeder Cattle - PDF File
Slaughter Cattle - PDF File
Feeder Pigs - PDF File
Slaughter Lambs, Yearlings, and Sheep - PDF File
Slaughter Swine - PDF File
Vealers and Slaughter Calves - PDF File
Carcass Standards
Carcass Index PDF file
Carcass Beef PDF file
Method for Grid Assessment of Beef Carcass Ribeye Area PDF file
Procedures for Yield Grading of Beef Carcasses After Removal of the Kidney, Pelvic and Heart Fat During the Harvest Process PDF file
Veal & Calf Carcasses PDF file
Lamb, Yearling Mutton, and Mutton Carcasses - PDF file
Meat Goat Carcasses and Cuts Grade Standard Notice to Trade PDF
Pork Carcasses PDF file
Egg Standards
Shell Eggs PDF
7CFR56 - Regulations Governing the Voluntary Grading of Shell Eggs PDF
7CFR57 - Regulations Governing the Inspection of Eggs PDF
Poultry Standards
Poultry PDF
Rabbit PDF
7CFR70 - Regulations Governing the Voluntary Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit Products - PDF
Wool and Mohair Standards
Wool Index - PDF file
Wool - PDF file
Mohair Index - PDF file
Mohair - PDF file
Certified Programs
Instrument Grading Systems
Marketing Claim Standards
Federal Purchase Program
Fact Sheets and Posters
Training Information
International Programs
Contact QAD - PDF
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader
Last Modified Date: 04/28/2015
AMS Home
Site Map
USDA gov
Accessibility Statement
Privacy Policy
Non-Discrimination Statement
Information Quality
White House


text:
Discover a selection of top forums gsds project on the internet. Come to share your passion on forums gsds project and meet other fans of gsds project. Then, why don't you create your own forum of gsds project ?
The forum for the Super Smash Bros Crusade fangame.
free, forum, super, smash, brothers, crusade, bros, jaklub, dettadeus, mario, link, kirby, pikachu, legend, zelda, pokemon, nintendo, ssbc
A forum based on The Overseer Game/Simulator.
overseer, #project, forums, game/simulator
Public forum used for Roleplaying projects
rpproject, free, forum, roleplay, roleplaying, projects, role, play, #project, patches, sporum, alternate, roleplayersguild, rpnation, advance, advanced
Welcome, Project Phoenix Fire was created to inspire communication between people around the world. In short, we are creating a global village.
community, #project, phoenix, fire, welcome, created, inspire, communication, between, people, around, world, short, creating, global, village
Maverick Speed Motorsports: An Xbox virtual racing team.
virtual, racing, forza, #project, cars, xbox, league, maverick, speed, motorsports
A RP about genetically altered humans and their stories
icarus, #project, icarii, crazies, experiments
PA Stadium is the home to the upcoming game Project: Axis and the coveted PACL league! Join in on the fun and awesome discussions that are being held by our friendly community!
forum, playstation, all-stars, super, smash, bros, league, community, sony, superbot, games, tournaments, tourneys, mobile, brothers, pacl, #project, axis, psasxssb
Project D is an excellent forum that enables you to choose custom skins for your forumotion forum.
#project, design
Project Hyper is a forum for reviews of all kinds.
The forum for the development team of Project: Smash Bros. X. The forum is split and private, only the devs will be able to see anything of importance.
#project, smash, bros, developer, forums, development, team, split, private, devs, anythin
Project-Silvermoon Official Forum
warcraft, database, psdb, developer, #project, silvermoon, silver, moon, silvermoon.net, moon.net, psmdb, lich, king, wotlk
A forum for alliance members of the old mu online project
This is a comic to enjoy, this is not publish, is a school project for friends and family. You are welcome to talk and enjoy this website.
comic, enjoy, publish, school, #project, friends, family, talk, website
Free forum : The forum for help and info about making Laminar Nozzle :-)Share and be happy.
laminar, fountain, nozzles, help, info, about, making, nozzle, share, happy
The Dissident War has died down. Now that their story is over, what will yours be?
free, forum, genesis, #project, kingdom, final, fantasy, story-based, hearts, original, characters, parallel, worlds, dimensions, universes, multiverses, super, heroes, magic, magicians, science, fiction, writers, writing, community
The official Development Forum of the CosmicBreakDX Project
A fan site and play by post roleplaying group for popular fictional universes—reanimated!
reanimated, play, post, roleplaying, game, role, supernatural, merlin, #project, angel, spies, games, jane, austen, fight, club


text:
Dear Prudence: Drama in the Break Room
A weekly Dear Prudence video.
Slate's advice columnist Prudence counsels an office-worker about a financial controversy regarding the snack basket.
Watch more Dear Prudence videos at Slate V.
Not Fit to Lead The Iran hearings have shown how the Republican Party can no longer be trusted with the presidency.
Donald Trump Said It's "Disgusting" to Pump Milk in Front of Colleagues. So We Found A Lady Who Did.
What Happened at Slate This Week? Aisha Harris rounds up some shocking, informative, and hilarious reads.
What Happens When We Get It Wrong? Slate's Corrections Czar Talks About Our Policy on Errors and Typos.
New York Needs Coyotes Coyotes may be wily, even virtually invisible, but they're changing our cities.
It Took 22 Years for the Women's 1,500-Meters Record to Fall. What's the Fastest Humans Can Possibly Run?


text:
The Town of Elkin is notifying citizens that a public hearing will be held at 7 p.m on Nov. 19 at Elkin Town Hall, 266 North Bridge St., in respect to proposed road and alley closures near downtown.
Commissioners are reviewing a petition to permanently close the northern portion of Elk Street and two unopened 15 foot alleys, and that the town carry out the legal procedure required by N.C.G.S. 160A-299, including a public hearing on this matter.
Elk Street and the two unopened alleys lie between Standard Street and the Yadkin Valley Railroad right of way. This was property formerly the Smith Phillips Lumber Company, which has sense been purchased by the Town of Elkin. The closures of these roads are essentially a formality, as the roads were never constructed, they only exist on town maps.
The Planning Board of the Town of Elkin will also review the proposal to close the street on Oct. 29 at their regular meeting at 7 p.m. at the Elkin Town Hall.
Citizens who would like to voice their opinion on the proposed street closings are invited to attend the meeting. Any person with a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Town Clerk in advance of these meetings at 794-6465.
Reach Darcie Dyer at 835-1513 or email@example.com.


text:
YMCA of the USA, national resource office for 2,700 Ys across the country, has announced the election of five members to the nonprofit's board of directors.
Curt Hazelbaker, President and CEO of the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina, was among those selected.
Hazelbaker joins the following newly-approved members: John G. Conley, partner and co-founder of Gilliam Capital, Concord, Mass.; Janice Reals Ellig, co-CEO of Chadick Ellig, New York, N.Y.; Christopher A. Padilla, vice president of governmental programs of International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), Washington, D.C.; and Derrick Stewart, CEO of the YMCA of Southwestern Indiana, Evansville, Ind.
Each will serve a three-year term on the 27-member board, which sets strategic direction and policy to guide Y-USA in providing Ys with the resources and support they need to strengthen community.
"These are five highly accomplished individuals who are passionate about the Y's cause of strengthening community, and I am very excited to have them join the YMCA of the USA Board of Directors," said Neil Nicoll, president and CEO of Y-USA in the organization's announcement. "Every day, Ys across the country are working to meet the most pressing needs of communities, from addressing health and education disparities to providing critical services and support to underserved populations. The Y-USA board guides our efforts to ensure that Ys across the country have the leadership, resources and support necessary to continue and expand this meaningful work."
Hazelbaker joined the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina in March of 2003 where he previously served as senior vice president and chief operating officer. Following a nationwide search, he accepted his current position in January 2008. He began his YMCA career as a Day Camp Counselor at the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, where he spent 20 years and served in several different positions, leaving Dallas as a Vice President of Operations. Curt is active on the state, regional, and national levels with the Y, serving as a board member at YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly and chairs both the YMCA Metro South Group and the North American YMCA Development Organization (NAYDO), as well as serving in many other Y groups.
Committed to service in his local community as well, he serves on the boards of the Forsyth County Youth Advisory Council, United Way Impact Council, and Healthy Carolinians Coalition, as well as the new Clemmons Medical Center. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Dallas and holds a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University.
"I am honored to join a group of individuals with such a unique and impressive set of skills and experiences who care deeply about the Y's cause and work in local communities," shared Hazelbaker. "Together, we can ensure YMCAs across the country have the resources and support needed to nurture the potential of every child and teen, improve health and well-being, and support our neighbors to provide all with the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive."


text:
The generation warOctober 13,2012So it was Honeymooners versus Family Ties, Ed Norton versus Alex Keating. What we saw Thursday night in the vice-presidential debate wasnt only an argument about policy, it was a look at two different eras in American family life.
Biden of course could stand on Neptune and distract attention away from the sun. He entered the Senate in 1973, back when the old Democratic giants from the New Deal era still roamed the earth. Every sentimental tone of voice, every ebullient and condescending grin brought you back to the old kitchen tables in working class Catholic neighborhoods of places like Scranton, Chicago, San Francisco, Providence and Philadelphia.
That was a time, much more so than now, when there were still regional manners, regional accents and greater distance from the homogenizing influence of mass culture. That was a culture in which emotion was put out there on displayscreaming matches between family members who could erupt in chest poking fury one second and then loyalty until death affection the next.
Biden gave America the full opera Thursday night, and I suspect there will be as many reactions as there are partisan flavors. Democrats will obviously be cheered by his aggressive, impassioned and offensive performance.
It will be the crowning irony of the No Drama Obama campaign that it took a man who exudes more drama than a decade of Latin American soap operas to get Democrats out of their funk.
Biden clearly ended the psychic slide. He took it to Ryan on the inexplicability of the Republican tax plan. He had his best moments on those subjects Ryan is strongest, like budgets.
At the same time, my in box was filled with a certain number of people who would be happy if they could spend the next few weeks punching Biden in the face, and not just Republicans. What do independents want most? They want people who will practice a more respectful brand of politics, who will behave the way most Americans try to behave in their dealings respectfully, maybe pausing to listen for a second. To them will seem like an off-putting caricature of the worst of old-style politics.
This is not just an issue of manners. Its: How are we going to practice the kind of politics that will help us avert the fiscal cliff? How are we going to balance the cross-cutting challenges, like increasing growth while reducing long term debt?
A lot of people will look at Bidens performance and see a style of politics that makes complex tradeoffs impossible. The people who think this way swing general elections.
Ryan hails from a different era, not the era of the 1950s era diner but the era of the workout gym. By Ryans time, the national media culture was pervasive. The tone was cool, not hot. The meritocracy had kicked in and ambitious young people had learned to adopt a low-friction manner. Ryan emerges from this culture in the same way Barack Obama does.
This is a generation armed with self-awareness. In this generation you roll your eyes at anyone who is quite so flamboyantly demonstrative as the VP.
In addition, Ryan was nurtured by the conservative policy apparatus and had a tendency Thursday night to talk about policy even when he was asked about character. I would not say he defined a personality as firmly as he might have, but he did an excellent job of demonstrating policy professionalism. This debate was excessive in its attention to foreign policy an arena that is a voting issue for very few. Ryan demonstrated amazing fluency, given how little time he has spent working in these areas.
He was strong on Obamas economic failures, strong on the Libya debacle (though why do candidates always cram too many topics into their answers early in any debate), and he did have a few chances to highlight the Obama campaigns, crucial weaknessthe relative absence of any positive agenda, the relative absence of any large plans for the next four years.
By the end, voters will have noticed one large irony. Emotionally, Biden dominated the night. Democrats were wondering if the Obama administration was a spent force, too exhausted to carry on. They dont have to wonder about that any more. But substantively, it is the Romney-Ryan proposals that were the center of attention. Some of those proposals are unpopular (Medicare, which was woefully under-covered). Some are popular (taxes). But most of the discussion was on Romney plans because the other side just doesnt have many.
This was a battle of generations. The age difference was the undercurrent of every exchange. The older man had the virility, but in a way that will seem antique to many.
David Brooks is a columnist for The New York Times.MORE IN Election LettersCalled away on family business, I was afraid Id missed the sweet spot for commentary on the... Full Story
- Most Popular
- Most Emailed
- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: On this day 1739, 'Richard Palmer' identified in prison at York Castle as the notorious outlaw DICK TURPIN; IN 1836, Battle of the Alamo begins near San Antonio de Bexar, Texas; 1896, the Tootsie Roll invented by LEO HIRSCHFELD.
- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: On this day in 1472, Orkney, Shetland islands put up as collateral by Norway to Scotland in lieu of dowry for MARGARET OF DENMARK on her marriage with JAMES III, king of Scotland; 1962, JOHN GLENN first American to orbit Earth.
- TOMORROW'S HEADLINES TODAY: City mayoral candidates debate campaign issues; Hartford, Conn., woman still missing; Neal Goswami reports attempts to legislate suicide; local woman loses 100 pounds through TOPS program.
- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: On this day in 1878, JOHN TUNSTALL murdered near Lincoln, New Mexico, by the outlaw JESSE EVANS; in 1930, ELM FARM OLLIE first cow to fly in aircraft, first to be milked airborne; 1955, nuke test WASP; '79, snow in Sahara.
- TOMORROW'S HEADLINES TODAY: Rutland Herald News Editor Alan J. Keays and staff writer Gordon Dritschilo discuss stories planned for the February 18, 2015, edition of the newspaper: Winter budgets maxed, legal marijuana, Springfield bank job, USPS slowdown
- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: On this day in 1249 AD, ANDRE of LONGJUMEAU is dispatched by LOUIS IX of France to meet the KHAGAN, ruler of the Mongol Empire; in 1804, during 1st Barbary War, STEPHEN DECATUR scuttles the pirate-held USS Philadelphia in Tripoli.


text:
Good to hear. I was really confused when I read the original story becuase I've never noticed the Apple store to be OVERstaffed. The two I normally use (depending if I'm coming from home or work) are in malls, and not far from each Apple store is a Dell kiosk. I've never seen more than one or two people at the Dell kiosk, but (as we all know) the Apple store is always packed as if they were running a huge sale. Although there is a sea of blue shirts, I normally still have a wait a little before someone is free to help me. I agree 100% with the Jim Dalrymple quote. If Apple ever decides to save a little money by cutting Apple store staff, I may as well save myself a gallon or two of gasoline and just go to Best Buy instead.
Apple apologizes for retail store staffing screw-ups
Apple has apologized for recent Apple Store staffing screw-ups that saw one of the most laudable retail operations in the world cut and confuse staff and threaten a reputation that, until now, has been second-to-none. Stories about the cuts and confusion in Apple Retail began to spread last week, and while Apple is denying reports about layoffs, they are admitting to the incredibly poor judgement when it comes to Apple Retail staffing general:
In a communication with store leadership teams, senior vice president of retail, John Browett, who took the reins of Apple's retail stores in April, said that the company had been trying a new staffing formula for its retail stores, leading some employees to see their hourly shifts cut and retail locations to be understaffed. This happened for a few weeks before the company decided to revert to its older system, hoping to rectify the problem.
He instructed leadership teams to tell employees, "We messed up," according to two people who were aware of the communication, which also stressed that while shift schedules were affected, no one was laid off. He also wanted employees to know that it was hiring new staff, these people said.
Apple acknowledged the retail staffing changes. "Making these changes was a mistake and the changes are being reversed," said Kristin Huguet, an Apple spokeswoman. "Our employees are our most important asset and the ones who provide the world-class service our customers deserve."
Browett replaced longtime Apple Store mastermind, former SVP Ron Johnson who left to run JC Penny. At the time, Browett's hiring raised eyebrows. If he did engineer this tragically misguided direction for Apple retail, he deserves the blame he's getting. But so do those at Apple who hired and empowered him. Change for change's sake is not good business, and change for any reason other than to make better things has seldom if ever been Apple's business.
Rather than get into a rant of my own, however, I'll give the floor to Jim Dalrymple of The Loop:
With $100 billion or so in the bank, the last thing Browett needs to worry about is cost cutting measures to save a few pennies here and there. Instead he should be focused on how to best server the surge of consumers that will take to the stores in the coming months to buy new Apple products.
Go read the rest of Jim's post, and Info Apple Store's report on the entire cluster that led to it. Especially if you're on Apple's executive team.
You're at the top of your game right now, this type of stuff becomes no one.
Have something to say about this story? Leave a comment! Need help with something else? Ask in our forums!
Reader comments
Apple apologizes for retail store staffing screw-ups
I can say from my recent visit to the Apple store that this guy has screwed things up pretty well. I went in for what should be a simple purchase, yet it took me 30 minutes after I was checked in to get any help. I was there to spend a decent chunk of change on a new iPad 3 (64GB LTE).
I didn't require someone to extol the virtues of the iPad or which model I needed or color options I just needed to give them my card and walk out the door. The staff is friendly and great to deal with but the ridiculous wait times are just NOT worth it.
I could have walked over to a Verizon store and picked it up, or have gone to Best Buy but I chose to visit Apple because I needed AppleCare+ and you must visit the store to get it.
The store in my market it going to grown considerably (soon) and I don't think it will get any better.
Ditto. I have to go to Best Buy for Apple stuff or to talk to the Apple representative.
As to the post content, all I saw were simple, vague references to mistakes, but nothing specific enough to see it as anything other than a snafu. If I missed the details or the telltale color of hyperlink text (to a previously missed iMore article), my mistake. Otherwise, the weight of the error might be worth sharing in the article - not just a link to someone else's site, telling us what was done wrong.
I say this because the article suggests that this is a biggie but I see nothing but "confusion," which ain't good, but could be worse.
That we got this much from Apple says alot about how bad this decision was. This wasn't a oh we made a mistake. This was a "OMG WTH were you thinking!" Screwup of monumental order. I've worked in places that had staffing issues (CompUsa). Theses things ONLY happen if there is a need to hold costs down. This WAS a Guy who only knew TO CUT. It's basically the Keep them waiting mentality. In that in slow times you don't need the people just hanging around. That's not how Apple works. They are always busy and NO ONE is just standing around except for the greeter who is still pretty busy. You have to wonder did he ever step inside an Apple store before he decided to make the cuts?
Tim Cooks not stupid, maybe a lil to compassionate. If this had happened with Jobs there. Lets just say there would have been a few new openings in upper management before the morning was out. That is what should happen. Will it we will see.
This is non-sense. John actively went against those that advised him against making these retail store changes and now the company is forced to apologize for the mess-up. If I remember correctly Apple hasn't had to publicly apologize when it was under Steve Jobs. The mess-up with EPEAT and now this are foreshadowing an ever bigger problem in the future, and I'm thinking that simply apologizing won't be enough to solve it. The board or whoever are in charge need to remember that consumers who "think different" were the ones who got them to the top, and not saving money and increasing profit margins.
Staff in the Apple store always proud of themselves and normally ignore their customer.


text:
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
One last time.
That's what many athletes wish for: One last time to lace up the cleats, spikes or Air Jordans. One last time on the field. One more carry, one more three-pointer, or one more at-bat.
That's what they wish for; and sometimes their wish is granted.
It's been more than 17 years since a football game has been played on the old St. Stephen High School field. The old high school, which opened its doors in 1960 and closed in 1995, stands abandoned and forgotten. The gridiron is home to the occasional park and recreation football game these days as the cheers of a handful of parents have replaced the thunderous roar of the Rams' faithful.
The stray dandelion now marks the yard markers. The goal posts stand silent sentinel still. Rust betrays their neglect.
But not anymore.
Come May the Rams will rise once more, only this time in the guise of the newly formed Berkeley County Rams, a minor league football team for men looking for one last shot at breaking the long one.
Comprised of former area high school and college players, the Rams began training camp this week in preparation for their season opener in May.
"We still need players and would welcome any local football player interested in playing," said Rams assistant coach Terry Jackson.
The minimum age requirement to play is 18 years of age.
"Former high school players, college players, anyone interested in playing, are welcome to come out," said Jackson, who will serve as the Rams' special teams coordinator.
The Rams are coached by Larry Young, a Florida prep football product who played collegiately at Auburn. The team's offensive coordinator is Brian Jackson who has coached youth league football in the Holly Hill area.
"There is a lot of football talent from the Lowcountry," Jackson said. "There might be former high school and college players from around Berkeley County who may not know who we are that would like to give football one more shot."
The BC Rams play in the Gridiron Developmental Football League, which consists of 60 teams from around the country. The Rams will line up against a 10-team division featuring regional competition such as the Palmetto Havoc, the Lowcountry Assassins, the Lowcountry Bone Crushers, the Carolina Hornets, the Carolina Venom, and teams from Myrtle Beach, Georgetown, North Charleston, Beaufort and possibly Columbia, according to Jackson.
In addition to players the Rams need coaches, a chain crew, hydration staff, an equipment manager and sponsors.
The Rams season begins May 4. The squad will play a 10-game schedule of five home and five away games at 7 p.m. on Saturdays.
For more information visit the Rams' Facebook page or www.gdfl.net.
The Berkeley Independent is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. We do not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not The Berkeley Independent.
If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website. Read our full terms and conditions.
© 2015 The Berkeley Independent an Evening Post Industries company. All Rights Reserved.
Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Parental Consent Form.


text:
Elections & Voting
Phone: (573) 751-2301
Toll Free: (800) 669-8683
E-Mail: email@example.com
Missouri House Districts
District 118
[ District Map ]
Counties in district:
- Lafayette * part of (see detail)
- Pettis * part of (see detail)
- Saline * part of (see detail)
The Missouri Secretary of State is pleased to be able to provide redistricting boundary information to Missouri's Citizens on our website. Redistricting maps have been provided by the Missouri Appellate Apportionment Commission. The Secretary of State's Office is not responsible for the content of the redistricting maps.


text:
"Come Again" is just ending, and "Mudshovel" is starting up, from Staind 1996-2006: The Singles.
"I went to Star Wars Celebration VII in Anaheim, and I didn't get even a lousy t-shirt."
The quiet whooshing of the jury room air conditioner, and the voice of the woman at the PA calling out voices.
Darth Vader is becoming the Mickey Mouse of Star Wars.
"In Brooklyn, a castle, is where dwell I"
The use of a lightsaber does not make one a Jedi, it is the ability to not use it.
Ahhh- jury duty...
I got to serve a few years ago and had one of the wackiest experiences of my life, but that's for a different thread!
I recently got a new computer tower and since I've got mucho storage now, I'm ripping a bunch of CD's to my drive.
The last 5 disks I've ripped:
Bu**hole Surfers- Independent Worm Saloon "chewin' george lucas' chocolate" is a gem
Girls Against Boys- Venus Luxure No. 1 Baby
Primus- Pork Soda
White Zombie- La Sexorcisto
Gnarls Barkley- St. Elsewhere
It has been really cool going through a bunch of my old CD's- I've recently listened to stuff like The Velvet Underground, Miles Davis and Fugazi.
"It's a Long Way to the Top" AC/DC - part of my 4 hour AC/DC playlist. Now it's on "Overdose".
I transferred all my music to the PS3, so now I can listen to digital music in the living room. Playlists are a bit slow to set up, but it's a decent system.
I borrowed Independent Worm Saloon, wasn't my speed. I have a bunch of Primus, but somehow I never feel in the mood to listen to it, it doesn't fit anywhere in my styles.
I have to reburn about 50 CDs that I own, I used an inferior ripping program and they're not tagged right or set to the volume I'd prefer.
Darth Vader is becoming the Mickey Mouse of Star Wars.
"In Brooklyn, a castle, is where dwell I"
The use of a lightsaber does not make one a Jedi, it is the ability to not use it.
Thew new Akon album Freedom I've been listening to almost non-stop I feel. It's the first CD I've purchased in probably 5 years...and I love every song on it. Can't get enough of it.
You'll be sorry, Pee-Wee Herman!
Here's a live acoustic version of the song performed by Billy Corgan.


text:
I love the shade Angel! These blushes are absolutely worth the hype. Soft but pigmented they apply a perfect amount of product every time and there is just such a huge range of shades you can find anything that you might need.
1 out of 1 users found this review helpful
Was this review helpful? Yes No


text:
In October 2014, the United States Department of State announced changes to J-1 regulations, meant to better protect program participants,
which will be implemented in two phases starting on January 5, 2015. Changes include new reporting requirements, an objective measurement
of English Language Proficiency, and new insurance coverage amounts. Click
for a summary of the changes that will directly affect J-1 holders.
On June 26, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. Based on the Supreme Court ruling and the subsequent decisions made by the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to recognize same-sex marriage as legal, the Dashew Center will accept requests for derivative visas (e.g.: F-2, J-2, H-4, etc.) based on same-sex marriages for persons who were married in countries or states that recognize same-sex marriage as legal.
See DHS's announcement.
For Post-DOMA 'Frequently Asked Questions', click here.
There has been a recent increase in reports of fraud involving individuals posing as immigration and tax officials requesting personal and bank information from non-residents in the U.S.
Please remember that the Dashew Center, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and U.S. immigration officials will never request credit card, Social Security or banking information over the phone.
Refer to the
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and
Federal Trade Commission websites for tips on how to avoid scams or to report any instances of fraud.
Please report any instances of tax phishing to the
Effective April 30, 2013, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will implement
the issuance of an electronic Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record for international
non-immigrant visitors traveling to the U.S. by air or sea. If an individual needs a copy
of their Form I-94, it can be accessed online at www.cbp.gov/i94. See CBP's


text:
|16 posts found
Hard Core Member
Joined: 12/03/09
It is not my favor theme, the story of Hyboria.
In general im more sci-fi tuned then these fantasy and medivel scenarios, but after some time in Age of Conan, it becomes more and more hard, to have fun with other cobat systems in games.
Most MMORPGs nowadays use tab'able targets and autocombat, dependend on gear.
And then it looks ugly.
Sorry to say that, but especially the new SWTOR hype and my chance to test it the last weekend made this clear.
The head is not moveing with my view direction, turning the char will simple and static rotate its middle axis.
All games - more or les - are so.
No target, no action.
And then you have this incredible - compared to really all other games - really incredible combat system, incredible cool looking characters AND never before seen character animations.
Once you ate it, you will miss the point in every other games combat system.
I am already happy, that developers seemly coming down from the autoattack feature and expect YOUR action for every action your character should do. Fallen Earth is a good but honestly slow example.
So there is hope for SWTOR, but it will be hard, to step down from combat combinations and standing positions.
It is always problematic, who misses the target, you or the algorythm behind ...
I mentioned SWTOR because it should be the next game, im playing, the beta weekend was really fun, it is a solid and very good game, but im not sure, it can top AoC's combat system at all.
Can you people call other games with outstanding combat systems ?
Login or Register to never see this panel
Apprentice Member
Joined: 6/07/04
I'm hoping that TSW will have the combat of AoC. What are you're thoughts on that?
I liked the combat in Tabula Rasa. It had a lot of action to it. In my opinion it had the best sci fi combat.
.. .... .- - . - .-. --- .-.. .-.. ... .-- .... --- .-. . .--. --- .-. - .-.-.-
Advanced Member
Joined: 11/18/08
Playing GW2, ToR, PoE
Yeah, the combat system in AoC is very, very good. The graphics and combat animations of AoC are top notch. I also think that their high end instances are also extremely good. The problem is Funcom thou. Funcom seems to go off on wild tangets on their priorities. Adding things no one asked for (ala invisible walls) while not fixing game breaking bugs (mini game bug). I still to this day do not understand Funcom's decision making process. The game is pretty buggy now (American servers).
Novice Member
Joined: 11/26/08
I also really enjoy AoC's combat animations etc.
Champions Online also has a great combat system. It also has a blocking mechanic, though quite different. It has attacks that change depending on how long you hold them down - "Charge" attacks. Some that have different effects depending on whether you go beyond 50% charge for example. Some of these in practice become like having two different powers.
For example on my force field character, I can spam one attack with taps for a lot of DPS on a single target, but it is also useful for knocking back a whole pile of foes if I hold it down (which is hard to do since it uses so much power, you have to have an energy form up)
City of Heroes also should be mentioned. Though that is a different story, the combat, the using abilities part is more or less typical for an MMO. The thing that is CoH really tops most other MMOs in is, the complexity and variety of builds.
If you can imagine a fantasy or sci-fi, or super hero character you can approximate it in CoH. That is somewhat true of CO too if you have a paid account, since it is classless, but I think CO has more abilities and the invention origin enhancements make it a little more various imho.
"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
Apprentice Member
Joined: 10/27/04
"Pablo Picasso said art is a lie that tells the truth."
I probably would've been hooked to Age of Conan's combat system if it'd included a Physics system. It would've brought a lot more brutality to a theme that THRIVES off of brutality.
But, alas, was not to be.
Elite Member
Joined: 11/29/05
Every time I play another MMO I always compare it to AoC and AoC wasn't even my first MMO. It was such a huge leap forward from what was being put out at the time and still today!
There are so many things that Funcom did right with this game that I have yet to ever find in another MMO since. The ambience is just amazing. When I'm in Cimmeria it can be 90 degrees in my room, but I feel like I should be cold and wearing a heavy coat. The combat is visceral, gory and takes skill rather than just TAB+1+2+3 like most other MMO's on the market. The music is amazing, the character customization is really good and now that there is a social clothing tab, everyone can look exactly how they want to look so every person of the same class isn't a clone anymore.
Unfortunately they really screwed up bad in two areas that really count: end game progression (The Korean/asian style super grind) and PVP. PVP should never have been gear based, there never should have been separate gear for PVP, and AoC showed us just how terrible of an idea FFA PVP really is. Faction based PVP with real world objectives to fight over should have always been the model.
As much as I want to only play AoC for the rest of my MMO playing days, they screwed the pooch on everything past leveling to max... but boy did I have a wonderful time getting to 80 on all of my characters.
In it's essence the combat system is enjoyable, but pressing four-key combinations for one action is absurd.
The animations, and pretty much everything else involving graphics in the game (including the engine) is pretty fantastic, and assuredly the best of any MMO we'll see for several years.
Funcom aren't really that bright, I'm not sure how they manage to get so much right yet still fail to manage or follow thru properly. (Anarchy Online, Age of Conan.)
Age of Conan is a perfect example...
Great graphics, great story.
1-20 is an excellent single player RPG, until you leave Tortage, where they dropped the ball entirely.
Fairly sizeable, interesting world - ruined with endless zonelines, leaving gameplay feeling disjointed and broken.
Enjoyable (mostly, I hate the multi-key system) combat, but gear has no hint of relevance in any aspect, leaving you "grinding" out meaningless trite quests for nothing. (I'm not going to rant about how they handle "elite" and "special" world mobs or level scaling.) I never even tried to PVP, but I've yet to hear anything good about it.
Instead of for example, Vanguard - which the only thing that game has ever had going for it is that it's soon dead, and has a giant-ass world. Or Warhammer, with the early days RVR being it's only worthwhile point.
Apprentice Member
Joined: 11/11/09
OP.. Your post hits the spot. Perfectly.
AoC is so fare ahead of even todays games getting launched when it get to tech. There is no way you will find the same number of bones in any character of any other MMO. Also there is no way you will find such an perfect implementation of motion capture animations. There is no way you will find such a crisp wellmade combat system... I really love it and have stayed with the game for ever.
However, the price FunCom had to pay for launching a game with such high ambitions was poorer stability, more complaints and just more complexity in general. However, for those people having the right hardware, haveing a good internet access with a service provider that does not have fcked up and unstable network hubs in their service you can have imense fun. I am one of those lucky guys and I'll stay with AoC for many more years for that reason..
Note: AoC could still be a rising star just for the reason that tech out there in the world and hardware home in the playroom continually gets better. Eventually everyone will be able to play this game without a glitch in it's full splendour. The way I see it, AoC seem to get more users lately.. But that might also just be because SWTOR is tanking.
The Ultimate Breakdown
AOC was my favorite MMO of all time. I loved everything about it until the Asian XPAC which it turned into a big grind and quit shortly after. To me it still has the best dungeons i have ever played. They actually felt like dungeons instead of this crap in WOW and SWTOR. Combat system is the best ever i think. Graphics are the best ever which to me is extremely important in immersion. I cant be drawn into a game if it looks horrible. Soundtrack was incredible, it helped immersion a ton too. YoI played it for about 2 years straight and cant find anything to replace it.
Novice Member
Joined: 5/03/05
Leet necro skills
Elite Member
Joined: 10/29/07
Both Bioware and FunCom uses a motionsuit for animations so it is kinda odd that you think one is great and the other sucks. It do matters who wears the suit but still...
I do have to admit that I love AoCs use of collision detection instead of targetting in melee. It is excellent and something I wish all other fantasy MMOs should take after.
I had fun a while in AoC but the game is just too small to be really great and the qeusts are somewhat uneven, some of them are really great others rather bad.
Novice Member
Joined: 3/03/07
Gamed AoC for a while in the beginning and got bored of the game but I truly did love the combat system, not so much about ten tons of abilities but more about movement and constant action. Loved it and would have loved to see it more games. Have no clue how easy it would be to implement in games but the "select target and autofight, chosing different abilities on autopilot" way of combat is boring.
Novice Member
Joined: 5/18/11
Originally posted by Loke666
I'm not sure either. While SWTORs animations aren't bad, some of them are quite good, they just don't seem to be nearly as well implemented as in AoC, especially the combat.
I keep coming back to play AoC because of the combat (and the great visuals). I agree that Khitai kind of killed a lot of my enthusiasm for the game due to the grind, which was pity because the areas were great and there were a lot of challenging fights. The dungeons were superbly done (if you could find a group for them). But the faction grind was the worst.
Originally posted by DJJazzy
Yep the faction grind is why i pretty much why i quit. Also i was a tank and felt like i needed to grind 2 sets of armor, protection and regular. Which made it a horrible grind. Before Khitai, i could log in and hop in raids and nobody what guild was running it, i knew people in the raid to cut the shit with. So i never felt like i had to play to keep up but i would just log in do some dungeons and raids, play an alt and if a raid popped, i would just jump in it. I miss that.
Originally posted by flguy147
Apprentice Member
Joined: 11/11/09
Originally posted by Loke666
tsk tsk.. Loke.
That is too simple of an comment. The number of bones in your character model also play a huge role in how well the animations play out. There is no MMO with more bones in your character than the AoC models. SWTOR today is down at about 70 bones while AoC have a whooping 140... Noone are close even to AoC ( TSW have about 80 bones... but it shows that it is not as ambitious as AoC).
Other things that also is of importance is the timing and implementation of the motion captured data. Even if BioWare dared to go with same number of bones as the FunCom AoC, the animations still could feel wrong. So I think my comment still holds water. AoC animations are unmatched in the entire gameindustry.
The Ultimate Breakdown