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Staff Favorites - Steve Bearden
Steve Bearden | Send Email | Subscribe to My Sommelier Service
I'm the Bordeaux liason for the San Francisco store, starting my run there around 2000. Over the years I've gained a great respect for subtlety, finesse, elegance and terroir, or a sense of place, that I believe all great wine should have. I enjoy practically anything and everything but mostly French and Italian with heavy emphasis on Rhône and Bordeaux. Be adventurous. There is tremendous diversity in regions, varieties and styles, so don't let your palate get pigeon-holed.
2012 Sequillo (Eben Sadie) Red Blend Swartland
Review Date: 07-31-2015
Attention all Chateauneuf-du-Pape lovers who are on a budget: here is a wine for you. This bold and lively Rhone blend has layers of crisp and crunchy dark fruit, a rich, smooth texture, balanced weight and a long, compelling finish. Here is a satisfying and delicious naturally crafted wine for less than twenty bucks. Easily the quality of a $40.00 bottle.
Top Value!
Price: $19.99
2014 Domaine Cherrier Père & Fils Sancerre
Review Date: 07-31-2015
Aromas of wet rock, chalk dust, citrus fruit and lemon verbena jump from this as you swirl the glass. The juicy middle of limestone-infused, crushed pit fruit is palate cleansing and inviting where intense, mouthwatering minerality clamps down on the refreshing finish inviting sip after sip. This is super intense and just delicious.
Price: $14.99
Baron Fuente "Galipettes" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 07-31-2015
This 100% organic Champagne is a knockout and would be a bargain at twice the price. A super expressive nose of wedding cake and buttered toast explodes from this sparkler and with air begins to hint at dark fruit. The mid-palate is rich, ripe and frothy showcasing more dark fruit and ends with mineral drive on the long, intense finish.
Price: $34.99
2014 TWR (Te Whare Ra) Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
Review Date: 07-28-2015
The 2014 vintage of this wine is just as stunning as the 2013 was, and if anything, is perhaps a bit more electric and dry. This is saline and juicy, with intense kiwi and gooseberry fruit, floral and herb notes and a fine, thirst-quenching mineral texture. This is clean, focused and penetrating.
Price: $18.99
2001 Guiraud, Sauternes
Review Date: 07-28-2015
This is a great choice for those seeking a rich, flamboyant style of Sauternes coupled with mature flavors and texture. Deep golden color and a viscous texture compliment the mature flavors of Apricot, toasted marshmallow, baking spice and clover honey. A slight hint of paraffin adds aromatic complexity to the thick, smooth finish.
Price: $54.99
2009 Nairac, Sauternes
Review Date: 07-28-2015
This sensational wine combines aromas and flavors of clover honey, saffron, pineapple, orange spice tea and sweet scented wildflowers. Full-bodied without being unctuous, an oily sleekness holds the mid-palate and a mineral/acid tension glides along the long finish. This really over-delivers for the price.
Price: $39.99
2010 Raymond Lafon, Sauternes (375ml)
Review Date: 07-28-2015
Surprisingly viscous, fat and waxy but with great balancing acidity to boot, this seems to hit the sweet spot between flamboyant richness and cool, electric freshness. The pineapple, coconut, honey, citrus and marmalade flavors would be an ideal match for veined cheeses, fruit tarts, pound cake, a plate of butter cookies or my favorite, as an aperitif. The powerful finish here actually leaves an impression of dryness on the palate.
Price: $19.99
2012 Carpe Diem Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
Review Date: 07-28-2015
2012 was a spectacular Pinot Noir vintage all up and down California and Anderson Valley was no exception. This has a wild, brambly side rarely seen in this appellation yet retains all the cool balance and equilibrium you expect from this outstanding Northern region. There is freshness as well as depth to the layers of earthy dark cherry and berry fruit that linger on the gripping finish.
Price: $29.99
Wine Club$24.99
2012 Seigneurs d'Aiguilhe, Côtes de Castillon
Review Date: 07-24-2015
Stephan von Neipperg of Canon-La-Gaffeliere, Clos l'Oratoire and La Mondotte also owns Chateau d'Aiguilhe in the Castillon appellation. This is the 2nd wine from that over-achieving property and is a stunning value every vintage. This is supple, rich and elegant showing classy restraint and wonderful pedigree. This is one of the best values in Bordeaux.
Price: $13.99
2010 Tolaini Valdisanti Toscana
Review Date: 07-24-2015
Here is a big, hearty Bordeaux wannabe from Tuscany that thinks it's a Chianti. This is ripe, rich and focused, with smooth, earthy black cherry fruit, a deep, warm personality and a blockbuster finish of deeply embedded tannin, mineral and roasted herb. This chewy, mouth-filling wine could handle the richest lasagna or braised or grilled meat.
Price: $27.99
2009 Plaisance "Cuvée Alix" Bordeaux Supérieur
Review Date: 07-22-2015
Bernard Magrez owns Chateau Pape-Clement as well as a host of other luxury Properties in Bordeaux but nothing in his portfolio represents a better value than this utterly charming Bordeaux Superieur. This is surprisingly complex with a mixture of cherry and blackberry fruit, an array of herbs and spice and just a touch of earth in a warm, fruity style. This could be a cocktail wine but the touch of tannin on the finish begs for simple, hearty fare.
Price: $14.99
2009 Mastrojanni Brunello di Montalcino
Review Date: 07-15-2015
This is bold, warm and clean with red cherry fruit, notions of leather and puttanesca and hints of strawberry and red licorice. Here is a structured but balanced bottle to enjoy now or cellar further.
Price: $46.99
2013 Luna Beberide Mencía Bierzo
Review Date: 07-15-2015
This is a warmer, richer somewhat riper take on the Mencia grape but there is enough freshness and balance to carry the day. This screaming value is a great introduction to the wines of the Bierzo region with pepper and earth accents adding complexity and fine, ripe tannins holding the finish together. Amazing bang for the buck here.
Price: $13.99
2000 Pontet-Canet, Pauillac
Review Date: 07-15-2015
Although this has the depth, structure and balance to age many more years I really can't imagine it getting any better than it is right now. This is fabulously complex with smoky, woodsy blackberry fruit, steeped tea, leather and cigar box aromas and a creamy texture that seems to accent the sweetness of the fruit. The fine and subtle tannins on the graphite laced finish add tremendous length to this delicious wine.
Price: $149.99
2010 Haut Charmes, Sauternes (375 ml)
Review Date: 06-26-2015
This starts with surprisingly complex aromas of Pineapple, tangerine, clover honey and tarragon that seem to build as the wine aerates. The mid-palate is viscous and rich but with great acidity to the spiced apricot fruit, honeysuckle and paraffin notes that show great volume but no excessive weight. The fact that this is made by one of the most well regarded Sauternes houses makes the price/quality ratio even more astonishing.
Price: $13.99
2013 Rickshaw California Pinot Noir
Review Date: 05-29-2015
This brash and exuberant value is a best seller, and not just because of the low price. There is surprising complexity here and a transparency that allows you to taste right through the wine without being overwhelmed by too much over-ripeness and extract. This is not a $15.00 Pinot fruit bomb, but rather a lively, energetic bottle from the folks who make the outstanding Banshee wines.
Price: $14.99
2013 Fossil Point Edna Valley Pinot Noir
Review Date: 05-29-2015
Edna Valley is known for richer, fuller Pinot Noir but with great balancing acidity due to the marine influence. In the world of Pinot, $16.00 is a price point where you need to lower your expectations but this focused, deep wine truly over delivers. This is smooth, balanced, very fresh and above all, a great drink.
Price: $15.99
2013 Sequillo (Eben Sadie) White Blend Swartland
Review Date: 05-28-2015
The Sequillo white blend is unfined, unfiltered, naturally made and possessed of fantastic texture and weight. Aromas and flavors of honey, apricot, almond, honeysuckle, white peach and more resonate in this layered, full-bodied and impeccably proportioned wine. This has all the texture, complexity and acid/mineral tension of a great Vouvray but at less than half the price. Amazing quality for less than twenty bucks!
Top Value!
Price: $19.99
2001 Tertre Daugay, St-Emilion
Review Date: 05-23-2015
Here is yet another example of how fantastically the wines from the very good 2001 Bordeaux vintage are drinking at 10 years of age. This is a dark plum color with aromas of ripe cherry, savory herb and potting soil. The wine has lively acidity and as it opens up very fresh flavors and aromas of blackberry and dark cherry become even more evident. The smooth, creamy middle is substantial and is supported by dry, fine tannins on the intense, mineral finish. Decant one hour.
Price: $24.99
2009 La Cardonne, Médoc
Review Date: 05-23-2015
Here is yet another fantastic value from the great 2009 Bordeaux vintage. This is quite firm, very smooth and wonderfully warm with a nice chewy texture on the finish. There is great mid-palate sweetness to this substantial and overachieving wine so don't hesitate to decant tonight or cellar for a few years.
Price: $19.99
2013 Grey's Peak (Greystone) Pinot Noir Waipara
Review Date: 05-19-2015
This is rich and balanced with layers of sweet, creamy dark fruit all balanced by amazing acidity. There is such great lift and freshness to the fleshy, textured middle that the finish seem to glide on and on. Fantastic quality here.
Price: $24.99
1999 Fugue de Nenin, Pomerol
Review Date: 04-23-2015
The Delon family of Leoville-Las-Cases fame has made great strides with Chateau Nenin in Pomerol and this second wine has become a consistant over achiever. This is elegant, clean, classy and sweet, offering an iron tinged mineral edge to the fine finish. Drinking perfectly right now, this offers the sophistication of the first wine at a fraction of the cost.
Price: Hidden
2012 Château de Montfaucon "Baron Louis" Lirac
Review Date: 04-23-2015
This Chateauneuf-du-Pape wannabe comes from 50-to-90 year old vines and could go head to toe against any $50.00 wine from anywhere in the world in my opinion. This is dark and spicy with deep blue and black fruit, a touch of earth and very fine, ripe embedded tannins imparting wonderful structure. The proportion, balance and overall harmony make for a wine that is drinkable now but will improve for up to a decade in a cool cellar.
Price: $18.99
2001 Moulin Haut-Laroque, Fronsac
Review Date: 04-23-2015
This is darkly fruited and quite earthy but with a lush core of sweet, clean and fresh fruit. The tannins are well hidden and there is nice length to the lively finish. This is easy and forward even without decanting.
Price: $29.99
2014 Domaine Saint Roch Touraine Rosé
Review Date: 04-23-2015
This summer-in-a-bottle bargain is juicy, gulp-able and way too much fun. There are hints of spice and plenty of red fruit and berry flavors and a lip smacking strawberry finish that will keep you going for another sip. 100% Gamay and 100% affordable.
Price: $12.99
2012 Yangarra Estate Shiraz McLaren Vale
Review Date: 04-11-2015
This is not your typical Aussie fruit bomb but rather a rich, complex and balanced wine showing wonderful finesse. There is a sleekness to go with the dark fruit flavors and plenty of finely integrated tannins on the expressive finish. The dark fruit flavors are ripe but beautifully matched by the proportion, structure and length.
Price: $21.99
2011 Domaine Maestracci "E Prove" Corse Calvi Rouge
Review Date: 04-10-2015
This is a fantastic bottle of wine for less than 20 bucks. This is earthy and dark with a sleek structure and polished tannins on the long finish, Along with the black and blue fruit there are some animal notes and a funky and savory dig into the Corsican terroir of ocean spray and mineral. Amazing complexity for the money.
Price: $18.99
2013 L'Ecole No. 41 " Luminesce" Seven Hills Vineyard Walla Walla White Wine
Review Date: 04-10-2015
Hailing from Walla Walla comes a refreshing white Bordeaux-style sipper with a balanced blend of 60% Semillon and 40% Sauvignon Blanc. The subtle citrus and kiwi fruit notes hit the tongue with just enough tartness to keep the succulent texture and mineral rich taste in line. It's elegant enough alone or try pairing with basil pesto pasta or goat cheese stuffed chicken.
Price: $18.99
2013 Mount Trio Sauvignon Blanc Great Southern Western Australia
Review Date: 04-03-2015
This juicy and fresh bargain falls into the no-brainer category when grabbing something while on the way to a party or picnic. Although this is from Australia it will remind you more of New Zealand with its snappy and crisp flavors of citrus, passionfruit and kiwi. The savory aromas of herb, white flowers and lime invite you to dive right in.
Price: $9.99
Amaury Coutelas "Cuvée Louis Victor" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 04-01-2015
This multivintage blend which includes harvests from 2007 through 2012 is a must try for those who like their bubbly on the rich side but without giving up any complexity. This is chock-full of red fruit and berry flavors and there is an additional layer of maturity provided by the inclusion of the older stocks. This is produced using the solera system (as in sherry) and there is nothing else quite like it.
Price: $34.99
2011 Valli "Gibbston Vineyard" Pinot Noir Central Otago
Review Date: 04-01-2015
Of the four Valli Pinots I tasted i think I prefer the 2011 to any of the 2012's most likely due simply to the extra year of age. All four of these fantastic Pinot Noir bottlings are simply delicious and will only improve with time although the Gibston vineyard seemed the most complete and ready to drink at this stage. This is bright and floral with plenty of rich red fruit flavors and a wonderful acid tension that keeps this substantial wine fresh and balanced. Just a lovely bottle.
Price: $49.99
2013 Boekenhoutskloof "The Wolftrap" Red Western Cape
Review Date: 03-12-2015
This South African Cotes du Rhone wannabe is a screaming value and an excellent wine to boot. The Syrah component of the blend really shines through giving the wine weight, spice and a slightly meaty texture. The 32% Mourvedre adds brambly dark plums and minerality while the 2% voignier lifts the aromatics beautifully. Bargain hunters should not miss this.
Price: $8.99
2012 Penley Estate "Phoenix" Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra
Review Date: 03-11-2015
Wow. What a super value in a Cabernet that is fresh, understated and well made. Plums, mint, sage and currants combined with great acid/tannin balance make this super food friendly and easy to sip on its own. This is great winemaking that sells for a song.
Price: $15.99
2013 Brash Higgins "NDV - Amphora Project" Nero d'Avola McLaren Vale South Australia
Review Date: 03-03-2015
This is one of the most interesting and unusual wines I have tried in some time. Wine geeks will love the flamboyant aromas of beeswax, wild flowers and steeped fruit that seem to meld together effortlessly, yet in the most unusual way. The body of this wine is a bit more restrained in its smooth, sweet and fresh flavors of berry and plum. This is just the thing for jaded palates looking for something exciting and different. This was done 100% in amphorae.
Price: Hidden
2008 Pauillac de Latour, Pauillac
Review Date: 02-25-2015
In 2008 the Third wine of Chateau Latour is sleek, sophisticated and classy. The high percentage of Merlot makes this a little more approachable than the Second wine Forts Latour, but all the class and breeding you expect is still there. The crunchy cherry fruit and graphite minerality are poised, polished and open up beautifully with decanting.
Price: $79.99
2013 GRÜNER by Etz Grüner Veltliner Kamptal (1L)
Review Date: 02-25-2015
I've lost track of the number of times I have taken this bargain bottle to a picnic, BBQ or party and had people gush over how delicious it is. Honestly, I usually grab it because $14.00 for a litre of wine with a screw cap is exactly what I need on my days off-easy and cheap. White pepper, crunchy lentil, snappy apple and green pear fruit and a touch of trapped CO2 make this one perfect party sipper.
Price: $13.99
2012 Robert Craig "Affinity" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend
Review Date: 02-19-2015
This is exactly what most people have in mind when they think of a classic big, bold Napa Cabernet from a great vintage. Here is a brawny, rich fruit-driven wine with a solid smack of oak, creamy blackberry fruit, spice and enough structure to hold it all together. This in-your-face bottling belongs in every steakhouse in the country.
Price: $49.99
2012 Yangarra Estate "Old Vine" Grenache McLaren Vale
Review Date: 02-10-2015
I absolutely love this funky, cool, electric version of Grenache from the McLaren Vale region of Australia. This has tightly wound dark fruit, spice, earth and plenty of food friendly fine tannin bound together in a dark and vibrant package. This is wild Aussie wine for lovers of Old School Southern Rhone reds.
Price: $22.99
2009 La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino
Review Date: 02-10-2015
Vintage after vintage this wine over delivers, but the beauty of the 2009 is you won't have to wait 10 years for it to be at its peak. This is delicious now and shows a real softness to the earthy and sweet cherry fruit flavors. The round, broad and rich middle lets you sink your teeth into the terroir and the ripeness and warmth of the vintage makes for early drinking.
Price: $39.99
2012 Champy Bourgogne Chardonnay
Review Date: 02-06-2015
We love the Champy wines because they practice organic methods with their estate vineyards and because direct pricing makes them affordable. This bottling includes fruit sourced from around Puligny-Montachet, giving it a little more weight and texture than most bottlings at this price. This is elegant yet weighty with crushed apple fruit and fine persistence to the finish. A baby Puligny!
Price: $17.99
2013 Haut-Bergey Blanc, Pessac-Léognan
Review Date: 02-06-2015
Here is a serious white that combines great weight and texture with wonderful, mouthwatering acidity. This is dry and concentrated with exotic citronella, fleshy citrus pith, juicy green melon and palate-cleansing mineral on a clean and powerful structure. This should cellar really well and I might even decant it for enjoying tonight.
Price: $34.99
2004 Haut-Bergey, Pessac-Léognan
Review Date: 02-05-2015
Many wines from the under appreciated 2004 Bordeaux vintage are finally starting to strut their stuff and this is a prime example. This is restrained and balanced with a lingering sweetness to the crisp finish. The middle is filled with smoky cherry and plum fruit, notes of tobacco and hints of earth that are lively, fresh and textured. Enjoy this tonight or age further.
Price: $29.99
1998 Haut-Bergey, Pessac-Léognan
Review Date: 02-05-2015
This earthy wine is surprisingly rich and hearty for a 1998 Left Bank Bordeaux. Tobacco, mineral and cherry and plum fruit combine with hints of cedar and leather and there is a slightly firm edge to the stony finish. Decant this dry wine tonight and enjoy with hearty fare.
Price: $24.99
2013 Siduri Sonoma County Pinot Noir
Review Date: 02-03-2015
Like all Siduri Pinots this does not skimp on fruit but there was clearly a deft hand guiding the winemaking, allowing for a sense of equilibrium. The balance between the creamy texture and lush fruit lets the savory and spicy components poke through, leaving an impression of complexity and freshness. In today's market for delicious Pinot Noir this is a bargain.
Price: $21.99
2013 Calera Central Coast Chardonnay
Review Date: 01-29-2015
I love this affordable and fresh bottling for its value and consistency. Always juicy and full of character without resorting to the heavy, cloying tactics that push so many chards over the top. In a market of over priced and over manipulated wines this is a sigh of relief for your wallet and your palate.
Price: $17.99
2012 Elderton "Estate" Shiraz Barossa Valley South Australia
Review Date: 10-22-2014
There is a fine sense of proportion and balance to this big, brash wine which offers a measure of restraint to the bold fruit. The flavors and aromas of blackberry, plum, pepper, mint, spice and smoke are lifted by fine grained tannins, moderate acid and a persistent limestone infused finish. In today's market for world class wines, this is a screaming value.
Price: Hidden
2012 Pessagno "Central Avenue" Monterey County Pinot Noir
Review Date: 10-16-2014
During a recent visit to the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation we discovered this outstanding value at tiny Pessagno Winery and bought it on the spot. This family-run boutique has a small portfolio of distinctive wines and this refreshing Pinot is one of the most elegant we encountered in the region. This is medium-bodied with aromas of spice, cherry and rhubarb that tingle the senses. The persistent cherry-vanilla fruit is enhanced by hints of tree bark, tea and a surprising minerality that lends a refreshing note to the finish. This is rare quality/price ratio for Pinot Noir.
Price: $17.99
2012 Pisa Range Estate "Black Poplar Block" Pinot Noir Central Otago
Review Date: 09-05-2014
This is a seriously good bottle of wine and I would put it up against any $40.00 Pinot Noir we carry. This has earthy aromas of dark fruits and wild berries touched by herb and spice nuances. The complex array of red and black fruit flavors is followed by a schist-like mineral finish showing fine grained tannins and great length. The impressive depth is tempered by balance and proportion.
Price: $39.99
2013 Kalinda Napa Valley Chardonnay
Review Date: 08-06-2014
If you are tired of soft, blowsy California Chardonnay and have almost given up on the category this will surprise and refresh you. This is firm and toasty with stone fruit and lemon oil flavors, a touch of honey and a complex leesy note on the finish. There is wonderful freshness and vibrancy to this rich and beautifully balanced wine.
Price: $17.99
Wine Club$14.99
2009 Ferrero Brunello di Montalcino
Review Date: 07-15-2014
When we tasted this young wine recently I was surprised at how warm and approachable it was. This is ripe, broad and fleshy with sweet plum and baked earth aromas and flavors and gentle, ripe tannin. Decant this for an hour and enjoy tonight.
Price: $29.99


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subset: commoncrawl


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He's actually calling himself, the son of Adam."Adam"H120אדם'âdâmaw-dawm'From H119; ruddy, that is, a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.): - X another, + hypocrite, + common sort, X low, man (mean, of low degree), person.The Greek is translating it as 'man,' but I believe Christ was referring to the man, Adam.
Adam is the first son of God.38Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.--Luke 3
well, all I'm saying is that I think Jesus was referencing a particular man, Adam, and not the whole human race. Jesus is the second Adam and the last Adam. It takes a lot of looking at that to make sense of it.In a sense, also, Eve, coming as she did from the rib of Adam, is also Adam, and is called 'Adam'--1This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; 2Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.--Genesis 5It is the woman (church) and the seed of the woman which is at enmity with the serpent, which I believe is prophecy of the virgin birth. The seed of the woman is Christ.15And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. --Genesis 3
It is from this " Matrix", Love , Compassion and Mercy, that humanity was conceived. Not conceived to test them, or send them through an obstacle course of deterants to their future, but to embed within them very nesscercary ingrediants of a foundation that is associated with the mind and heart of God. The die, is the Heart of God, and the experience of humanity will be stamped into a Universal story of all the Ages to come. God breeding eternal life from the Womb of a Woman of Flesh. The Earth is the environment of this developing fetus, the stage this great God has set, the canvas this great Artist is drawing a self portrait of Eternal Ramifications. His expression of Love.To Sir with Love,Thank you Lord for creating me a Matrix of Change, a standard of your expression, a benchmark of your very own inner feelings. A living extension of your pregnant Mind.To Sir with Love, Eve.
Maybe the whole meaning of free will is that it is our choice to stay or not within the matrix of his love and mercy and grow with the Lord during our lifetime, or to make our covenant with death. We are given the choice of life or death, as told by the prophet Moses, and instructed by God to choose life. It is the matrix of life that gives birth to faith, hope, and love.


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|87 posts found
Originally posted by papaz1
Why does every single person who doesn't have anything to contribute to this thread choose to insult me? Are you that personally offended that the games you might partially enjoy actually SUCK? Get over yourself, it's a documented fact MMOs have been on the decline, no matter what argument some prepubescent child uses to deter.
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Apprentice Member
Joined: 5/20/11
My advise is to stop playing mmorpgs and do something else.
Advanced Member
Joined: 10/21/08
A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five.
Originally posted by Zethlis
Yeah if you don't mind Russian or maybe find an English guild the Russian open beta is a good way to learn the game no restrictions,NA is from what I gather dropping their 10 hour policy when they hit the next Beta,will have to wait and see I suppose.
Elite Member
Joined: 8/15/07
Originally posted by Zethlis
Try :
Riding a bike
Getting a girlfriend
Going to work
hanging out with friends
play in a band
go to movies
And at the end of the day, around 9 pm, sit down and play a video game for an hour or two, if the girlfriend lets you !
Novice Member
Joined: 12/31/05
unfortunately I think I have also been in that situation you're in now.
after playing almost all major and many many, let's say, second class and niche MMOs, I came to the conclusion that indeed things have been running a bit on the non-innovating side, maybe even taken a turn for the worse (oversimplification, casualness, linearity, theme-parkity*** e.t.c.)
however, there are a few exceptions, like let's say EVE and WURM, with different mechanics and approach.
What I have realized is that after so many games, I consider myself able to decide whether a game is good for me and if i really enjoy it or just play out of boredom/habbit. After that comes the realization that MMOs, now and for me, offer enjoyment when I play with friends. Friends from real life, friends migrating from other mmos and friends made in a new mmo.
That does not imply that i would put up with a game i don't like just to be with friends (WoW, SWTOR, RIFT and AoC are some examples in my case), but that in the end, enjoying the games with other is what really provides the longevity you seek.
As an example -and please dear community, no bashing for this one- I will tell you that i did enjoy GW2 for a while, because some friends and me decided to give it a go, but i did not really like to log unless they would be with me. On the other hand, I have been enjoying LotRO for many years, because of the community and the in-game friends.
That is, imo, the problem with new MMOs, the community and social aspects of the games have been reduced by both influx of new to the genre players and the game mechanics/developers tending to the more unsociable crowd that wants to sample/locust their way through this new trend.
I must point out that this is not an over-simplification of the phenomenon, but a fact that does indeed lead the industry to a more "isolated" gamer model, which in turn leads to reduced longevity because, in the end, MMOs are turning into single player games where the new type of gamer thinks that other players are just bots for group quests and AH.
That is why, back in the day, the more close-knit community was willing to put up with more flaws in a game. It was the social experience and the freedom provided that made people stay and invest in the game (see SWG).
So, if you find that MMOs provide longevity, but their systems are not to your liking, keep up the serach! I am sure something will come up that will suit our tastes. Hell, I even find that the search is also quite enjoyable in itself (but that could be just me).
Otherwise, if you think you too are slowly becoming a locust, give the single-player experience another chance. Too much good stuff is out there.
Though, and this is by no means an accusation or something, by your posts you seem like the power-gaming type. This remains a problem until your time is limited in RL. It did wotk wonders for me! Went from 6+ hours gaming a day to 2- many years back and it is great. I haven't been able to compete seriously in PvP and raid a lot, but I now have the maturity (unfortunately 35yo) to savour every game I play, no power-leveling, no worries about gear, just plain old fun.
good luck and whistle if spot something new and interesting
Apprentice Member
Joined: 3/14/12
Originally posted by Zethlis
So you are saying Runescape was garbage too and MMOS have only become more garbage since then? because if you were naming Runescape as a quality MMO to show that how MMOS have degraded since then..well in that case you are the one who needs lesson in literature and especially in how to explain your point more clearly.
"The problem is that the hardcore folks always want the same thing: 'We want exactly what you gave us before, but it has to be completely different.'
"Online gamers are the most ludicrously entitled beings since Caligula made his horse a senator, and at least the horse never said anything stupid."
Novice Member
Joined: 3/02/07
I think the OP has experienced everything worthwhile that the MMORPG genre has to offer.
Time to find a sense of adventure with something else.
For the OP, I don't think it's worth returning to MMORPGs until there is a new technology to spark original MMORPGs, like VR headsets.
Advanced Member
Joined: 4/16/04
I've been playing MMO's since DAOC, I played RPGS for years before that, and tabletop even before that.
I had stopped playing MMO's altogether when I realized that I just wasn't into it anymore. I didn't play anything at all for a couple of years (other than some xbox games and the occasional single player pc title.)
Then my brother asked me to try out DDO again. Figured why not, it was free to play now, the underdark expansion was coming out. I even forked out the cash for the xpac. That was 6 months ago maybe, I'm still playing and enjoying it...and the best part is if I get tired of it and don't want to play for a month, I don't have that guilt trip in the back of my mind because I'm paying a monthly fee for it.
Looking back on it, I don't think it's the game itself so much as the fact that I found a good guild with people I enjoy playing with, and I can always call up my brother and get him to log on and run some quests with me. It won't fill any PvP itches, but the quests are fun, and there are a multitude of ways to build your toons.
I think the bottom line in any MMO is that if you don't have a group of people you love playing with, the game will get stale and you'll get disenchanted with it. Start game hopping, and that happens faster and faster as you get tired of meeting new people and having fewer that you gel with. Every time you talk to other people less and less, and before you know it, you are quitting a game after playing for two weeks and never talking to anyone in game.
In DAOC I had an awesome guild. We played together for a couple of years. Then WoW came, half the guild jumped ship...eventually everyone else followed because they missed playing with the others and its always fun to try something new. That was the end of the guild. Some people wanted horde, some wanted alliance, some got bored and came back to DAOC for awhile before they realized that just wasn't the same anymore...and eventually we all stopped talking.
Novice Member
Joined: 5/03/12
This is like trying to drive straight through Schroedinger's minefield!
Try playing with friends. The longevity you want isn't coming from the content of the games you play so you'll have to come up with ideas yourself within the boundaries of those games. Friends can help with that.
What you want is a sandbox MMO, apparently. Unfortunately even in those you ultimately reach a point of "no advance". The only thing that really fits your description of your desired experience is real life, I'm afraid.
Originally posted by kostantis
I appreciate the constructive feedback, I knew I wasn't alone. The problem with MMOs now is indeed that everyone is playing a single player game with multiplayer chat/instances. I've yet to find an MMO that captures the themepark when you want it, sandbox when you want it, and community that SWG had. I actually just started playing LOTRO yesterday so we'll see what happens with that, so far I haven't found anything to complain about yet haha.
@delete: None of those activities are as fun as an MMO except a girlfriend but the pleasure/pain ratio is much greater, good job trying to teach "life lessons" on an online gaming board... Sad... and I've been with women of all ages, and they don't change much ^^
@Doogie: No, those were in chronological order AS IN I started with Runescape, and ended with the last on the list. You clearly aren't perceiving the information correctly.
@Mors: A VR MMO would be INSANE. I've always thought about what it would be like, but I don't expect that kind of technology to be on the consumer market for a good few decades.
@Daelnor: That really captures the feeling of community in MMOs. I had many friends on SWTOR and was even a guild leader of a 200+ person guild but the joke of "end game content" they forced on level 50s was ridiculous and no matter how much chatting I did on there, I wasn't enjoying the game once I reached level 50. I'm looking for a revolutionary MMO, specifically Embers of Caerus right now but that isn't expected to release until 2015-2016 so I'm primarily wondering if there are MMOs like that already out that just never got popular or "mainstream" as people would call it.
@Indrome: Virtual Reality eh?
Advanced Member
Joined: 8/24/12
I totally agree the industry has gone the wrong way. I am playing Indie games, they aren't part of the industry and for Sandbox MMORPGs (my thing) I am very happy.
HomePage/Gaming Blog - http://dalewj.com . MMORPGer - Current game: http://AfterWorld.ru .
Originally posted by dalewj
Any games in particular?
Advanced Member
Joined: 2/26/09
Originally posted by nate1980
Your post identifies why I think Sandbox games with FFA PvP are not successful for the most part. With "freedom comes responsibility" and unfortunately "with FFA PvP comes azzhats". These people would play the Street fighter Arcade game all day in the middle of Disney World!
Novice Member
Joined: 7/28/12
Originally posted by Zethlis
There is no such MMO that will satisfy you at this moment.
There have been some MMOs trying to innovate themselves, Mortal Online, Darkfall, Wurms as you should know.
There are some MMOs trying to do it now, Archeage, Darkfall 2.0, Repopulation, etc.
But these MMOs also don't have enough innovations to satisfy someone who's already done with traditional RPG/MMO system.
What you expect is a game that is completely different in the system.
You are looking at good 3~5 years until such game comes out.
So best thing you can do for now is just trolling in MMO forums to satisfy yourself with substitution just like me.
Make fun of stupid people and kids who just entered MMO world, laugh at the garbages they say they like.
It will make you feel better.
Apprentice Member
Joined: 2/05/10
I'm not prejudiced, I hate everyone equally.
Not sure if anoyone else picked up on this first OP:
You had a quick rant there about current MMO's being themepark garbage, yet you mention EVE online which is anything but themepark, and if you are playing it as a themepark then you are missing out on sooooo much. Seriously you need to give that game another go. Eve is one of the least themeparky games around.
Elite Member
Joined: 1/13/10
Currently playing EVE, SMITE, ArcheAge, and Combat Arms
Originally posted by Zethlis
The industry is doing fine. It's entirely possible you're just better suited for other genres.
There isn't a "right" or "wrong" way to play, if you want to use a screwdriver to put nails into wood, have at it, simply don't complain when the guy next to you with the hammer is doing it much better and easier. - Allein
Apprentice Member
Joined: 3/14/12
Originally posted by Zethlis
Then i suggest you start with some quality MMOS since your chronogical order startes with Runescape. If you had tried some better MMOS your chronological order would look much different.
"The problem is that the hardcore folks always want the same thing: 'We want exactly what you gave us before, but it has to be completely different.'
"Online gamers are the most ludicrously entitled beings since Caligula made his horse a senator, and at least the horse never said anything stupid."
Novice Member
Joined: 12/31/05
hehe, glad that you appretiated the post
indeed, it's nice to know that we are not alone in our view of games.
also, good luck with LotRO, hope it provides good fun for some time. It's not sandbox, but its very nice for themepark.
one more thing: i have noticed that, money not being an object, playing an MMO in bursts has offered me more fun and, most likely, less burnout. I really like to feel that I can pick it up any time and then be able to stop at any time, no strains attached.
For example, I am in a very nice guild that encourages socialization (also with other guilds/raidforces e.t.c.), RP (YES, at this day and age) and has a wide spectrum of members. It is perfectly OK when i am not playing for, say, 2-3 months and then come back and raid 3 times a week or participate in events, skirmishes and every other group activity. Granted, i limit myself as far as loot is concerned, since more active players need it most, but i get the same thrills and enjoyment like all the others (plus, when playing with all my hardcore friends, they do make sure i get good stuff, cause they already have most things anyway and need only specifics). It's an ideal situation, i know, but can be done.
It was even better in SWG, let's hope something sandboxy this way comes
Spotlight Poster
Joined: 3/11/11
Originally posted by Kaminaxius
I'd stay away from darkfall, or any open pvp mmo, they tend to be nothing but greif fests and gank fests. Darkfall is even worse since it allows full player corpse looting, that feature alone is what is going to cause the game to fail.
Anyway, I'm sorry to say but, pretty much every mmo tried to mimic what wow has done, i'm in the same boat as the OP, been waiting for a mmorpg thats actualy worth playing to come out since wow was released. Best advice I can give is maybe jump around some of the f2p mmorpgs, alot of them aren't trying to be wow clones. Lets see some decent ones IMO.. Dragonica, its a sidescrolling mmo, with realtime combat and such, pretty fun if you don't mind the cartoony/comical graphic's. Cosmic break is another f2p i found personally fun, its more pvp based, but the mech combinations you can make are near limitless. Ragnarok Online is not bad if you sub, but I am pretty sure you have probally played RO before. Sure these aren't the best games but meh, they fun to mess around in once in a while I find.
As for non-wow AAA deved mmo.. hasn't been one in recent years that doesn't feel like wow in a new wrapper. I do kinda reccomend everquest 2, but you'd need to buy the xpacs, Im waiting for one of their yearly versions where it has the most recent xpac and includes all the ones before it, you can also try eq2 in a freemium setup as well if you just wanna check it out, its a bit wow-like, but not nearly as bad as most other mmo's.
MMO's have kinda went backwards instead of forwards in recent years. WoW was so successful mostly because it was released at the right time, right place, and to the right audience. If wow's mechanics and such were why its consiered popular, then all the clones would not be dying in less than 6-12 months. I do suspect a shift in the next wave of MMO's. Due to devs noticing that biliant wow clones like swtor, etc, just do not make it anymore because people are getting tired of that sort of gameplay. I haven't seen a real raid boss in a mmo in like 8 years, they all have stuff that bascally tells u exactly what to avoid, and in some it even shows you where not to stand. I miss when raid bosses were totally random and would fling aoe's out with no warning, which means you have to react near instantly, compared to today where, your given like 5 sometimes 10 seconds to dodge an aoe, what gets me is some idiots STILL are unable to dodge this shit even when there is a graphic showing u its exact aoe range.
Anyway I wish you luck in finding a mmo, that doesn't feel like wow in a new skin, your going to need it because damn, I still haven't found one.
Being a pessimist is a win-win pattern of thinking. If you're a pessimist (I'll admit that I am!) you're either:
A. Proven right (if something bad happens)
B. Pleasantly surprised (if something good happens)
Either way, you can't lose! Try it out sometime!
Advanced Member
Joined: 1/04/05
Originally posted by dalewj
The problem is - you are a minority of the players not a majority. Games cost moeny to develop and to cater to a few whiney individuals just doesn't make GOOD BUSINESS SENSE.


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What they're saying about sequestration
The possibility of sequestration looms larger every day, and the closer the government gets to the precipice, the clearer the picture of what the across-the-board cuts might mean. The $1.2 trillion in spending cuts for the next decade that are set to begin to kick in March 1 would impact people of all ages from pre-schoolers to senior citizens, according to the White House. Some Republicans argue that there's nothing to fear – they charge President Barack Obama is hyping the sequester fears and insist the real problem is massive government overspending. Here's what both sides are saying about the sequester:
"I think the sequester happens and it will be in some ways a yawn because the histrionics that are coming from the president saying, 'Oh, we're going to shut down and get rid of meat inspectors' — I mean, is anybody not going to stand up and call his bluff on that ridiculousness?" — Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), on CNN's "The Situation Room."(Photo: AP Photo)
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frank stranzl
Simon Dawkins has completed a late-night loan move to the end of the season from Tottenham. #AVFC
— Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) January 31, 2013
News --> Simon Dawkins has joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season: bit.ly/14AKixq #COYS #THFC
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 31, 2013
It's official: Simon Dawkins will join Aston Villa on loan for the remainder of the English Premier League season.
Obviously, this isn't the news Earthquakes fans wanted to hear. However, this doesn't completely shut the door on a future move. In theory, Dawkins could still make a permanent move stateside after the EPL season ends.
Dawkins scored 14 goals and three in 53 appearances - largely as a left midfielder - for the Earthquakes in two seasons.
There weren't a lot of familiar faces on the field for San Jose's 2-0 win against the Houston Dynamo on Tuesday, but a pair of goals from Alexandre Emerson left fans scramling to track down details about the mystery trialist.
Emerson is actually a San Jose native. He left for Mexico when he was 13, suiting up for Chivas before settling in with Necaxa.
You can check out Emerson's finishes in the highlights above. Other players appearing in the reel include: Adam Jahn (first shot), Evan Newton (first save), Tommy Muller (blocked shot), Matt Fondy (goal called back), Jesus Guzman (second-half goalkeeper) and Jacob Hustedt (drew penalty).
The Earthquakes will be well represented in Houston tonight when the U.S. Men's National Team faces a young Canadian squad at BBVA Compass Stadium (6 p.m. PT / ESPN2).
Forward Chris Wondolowski is aiming to make his ninth cap while left back Justin Morrow hopes to earn his first. Not that we're biased over here at sjearthquakes.com, but we've penciled both into our starting XI prediction (see below).
In case you need a bit more backgorund info going into the match, we've got some links for you:
Preview: History favors USMNT against young Canadians
Soccer By Ives version of a preview
Wondo loves BBVA Compass Stadium
Wondo confident heading into USMNT showdown vs. Canada
Starting XI prediction from PST's Steve Davis
Now, about that un-biased lineup prediction. Here's what I've got (feel free to chime in with your choices):
One week ago, our country was shocked and overcome with grief as details of a tragedy in Newtown, Conn. came to light.
As Washington Post soccer writer Steve Goff reported today, the news was especially significant to Earthquakes forward Marcus Tracy. The former Wake Forest product grew up in Newtown and his mother used to teach at the elementary school where 26 people were shot and killed on Friday, Dec. 14.
Tracy, his brother and a group of friends decided they wanted to do something to represent their community and pay tribute to those who lost their lives. They produced an original song and tribute that you can see above. Tracy also emailed sjearthquakes.com the following statement:
"When CNN first stated how many people lost their lives, it was complete shock and disbelief. It was unfathomable to think that this happened in the same town I lived in for 18 years, two miles away, at the school my Mom once taught at. It's still hard to believe. It's a very real reminder whenever I leave the house and see all of the media, police from out of town and out of state, the volume of traffic; it's amazing, though, to see how the town has come together to uplift those most affected by the tragedy. It hurts you as a resident of Newtown that something like this could happen, so just try and imagine how parents, brothers, sisters and spouses are feeling right now. You can't; it's impossible. After days of grieving and trying to comprehend what the hell happened, me and a few friends got together to think about what we could do to help uplift this town and its people. So I turned to one of the only things (besides soccer) that I know and love: music.
I produce music as a hobby and have a production team with my brother and my friend, Anthony Santella. My brother is in Boston, so me and Anthony led the way. We produced the entire song together, but brought in a few of our other friends and created this video/picture montage tribute.
It was therapeutic for us, but also a means, we felt, to represent our town. Right now the whole world knows the town Newtown, CT for one reason only. But Newtown means something much more to each one of us. This is the only way we knew how to speak back to the community and the world that, yes, we were hit hard and suffered great loss, but we will bounce back. And also our way of recognizing and lifting up the 26 people who needlessly lost their lives that day."
The club's collective thoughts are with Marcus and Newtown during this holiday season.
Does it get any better than a seven-goal, multi-comeback California Clasico?
According to MLSsoccer.com, it doesn't. San Jose's 4-3 win against the LA Galaxy on June 30 at Stanford Stadium was the pick for Best Game of 2012. The match featured a pair of rallies - LA from 1-0 down to take a 3-1 lead and San Jose from 3-1 down to win 4-3 - as well as goals from some of the most recognizable faces in the league: Landon Donovan, David Beckham and, of course, Chris Wondolowski.
In a year filled with memorable games (aka Goonie moments), the stunner at Stanford Stadium tops the charts. However, let the debate begin for which game was second best.
Was it Steven Lenhart's 'Blond-Haired Bedlam at Buck Shaw' against the Chicago Fire on July 28, Alan Gordon's header to knock off LA at The Home Depot Center on May 23 or maybe the stoppage-time thriller against Seattle Sounders FC on Aug. 11? Vote now!
Photo: Surveyors were on site Monday, another step as the club prepares to begin construction after the New Year.
The New Stadium blog will feature updates regarding the club's development project on Coleman Ave. Keep an eye out for Q&As, photos and breaking news about the facility. This week, SJEarthquakes.com features Part 2 of an interview with club president Dave Kaval about the latest new stadium developments.
SJEQ: One of the topics of discussion is the Supporters' Section. You have been working with the club's Supporters to finalize the design of this area – could you talk about the process and what decisions you've made?
DK: It's been great. We worked with each of our different groups – the Ultras and the Casbah – to work on what they felt was the best set-up for them. I think one of the positives that came out of those discussions was to create a club area where our Supporters can congregate right on the pitch, adjacent to their seats and the stands, where they can have their own area to arrive early, make and set up tifo, enjoy their own food and beverage options and have their own clubhouse and place to hang out. That's one of the unique pieces to our stadium and I think will really enhance the Supporters' culture; it gives them their own space that they can use – with some guidelines – to really develop their group and membership. The section will be right in the end zone and will be a centerpiece for everyone in the stadium to see. We're happy to have worked with our Supporters on that. It's a bit derivative of what Sporting Kansas City has done, but I think the biggest difference is that ours will be all of the end zone as opposed to the corner.
SJEQ: You recently hired a project manager for the new stadium. What can you tell us about David Albert?
DK: He has a ton of experience in Silicon Valley and has worked with Santa Clara University, managing a number of their projects. He's managed projects with Devcon, our construction partner. We're thrilled to have him. There are so many moving pieces on this project – not even just with our own, but with the developments in the surrounding area; the office buildings, community soccer fields, all that stuff needs to be handled in an effective way and we're confident David is the right person for the job.
SJEQ: You walked right into our next topic. What can you tell us about the commercial development project surrounding the stadium?
DK: I think one of the key things to keep in mind is that this isn't just a soccer stadium. This is a redevelopment project for North San Jose where we're creating sort of a gateway into San Jose from Santa Clara off Coleman Ave.; what a difference this place will be from the days when it was a tank factory, creating a beautiful 18,000-seat soccer stadium, four community soccer fields, our training complex, a really awesome development around the facilities with bars, restaurants and commercial development – we're really proud to be spearheading this whole thing. Obviously, this massive project will occur in phases.
I think one of the key things to keep in mind is that this isn't just a soccer stadium. This is a redevelopment project for North San Jose where we're creating sort of a gateway into San Jose from Santa Clara off Coleman Ave.
SJEQ: Could you give fans an update regarding the community fields being built on the site?
DK: We've been working with Interstate Grading and Paving, the contractor for those fields, and have met with the City of San Jose. The project is in its design/development phase. They're going to have four fields going in as well as a fieldhouse, restrooms and concessions. Each of the fields will be lit and they'll be located next to our current training field. We will manage these fields once they've been built and our academy will train there, which is an added benefit. It's a big development and an important one that shows the synergy between our stadium project and the community developments surrounding it.
SJEQ: What other events do you expect to house at the new stadium?
DK: In terms of sporting events, rugby is one that we're looking seriously at. We've looked at high school football and things of that nature. Obviously, the timing has to work out, but right now we're focusing on laying out a schedule that would allow for these other events to come in while maintaining the playing surface for first team use. I also think there are opportunities for festivals and corporate events in the Epicenter. Over a dozen companies wanting to rent that area out for the hospitality or even for product launches have contacted me. I think that area will get even more use than we might have expected and so we need to be careful that we design the area to maximize use.
SJEQ: Speaking of corporations and the new stadium, where are we at in terms of naming rights?
DK: We've had in-depth meetings with the decision makers of a few Fortune 100 companies. We're not ready to make an announcement yet, but we feel that we've made some great progress. There's been more interest than we initially anticipated and we want to make sure that we partner with the right brand and find a partnership that furthers their marketing efforts while creating a great name for the new stadium – a win-win situation. These are long-term deals and so you have to make sure that you have the right partner and a partner that makes sense both for the team and the community.
SJEQ: The sales team has a unique bonus program while working through the seat selection queue. Could you shed a little insight on that program and why a certain ticket operations manager had to drop and give 10 push-ups at our last staff meeting?
DK: We have a cool incentive program built in for our sales reps that our vice president of sales Jared Shawlee put together where if you sell a seat, there's a huge board with sticky notes; on the back of the note is a prize or a punk that you can play on your manager or director. For example, your manager might have to sing a song or do push-ups. It's been a fun way to excite reps about the process. I think they've been waiting for this moment for a long time and our staff has a high morale around the stadium project, but this is another way to make things interesting and invoke the spirit of the Goonies.
SJEQ: Is there anything else you would like to share with fans about the process?
DK: Overall, we're excited to be in the thick of things with this project. There's a tremendous amount of work going into this on a daily basis. We have structure meetings where we're working from pretty much dawn until dusk with 360 Architecture and Devcon Construction. Big decisions are being made each day. We're meeting with subcontractors and working on that side of the equation. We're focused on making sure this project is done right and that our fans have a great product in the end.
The New Stadium blog will feature updates regarding the club's development project on Coleman Ave. Keep an eye out for Q&As, photos and breaking news about the facility. This week, SJEarthquakes.com sat down with club president Dave Kaval to discuss the latest stadium news. This post will run as a two-part series with the second installment to come on Thursday, Dec. 13. Topics included in the latter version will include: Supporters' Section, the new project manager, commercial development surrounding the project and naming rights. Stay tuned for more!
SJEarthquakes.com: Looking back on Groundbreaking Day, what was the most resounding memory that you have taken away from the event?
Dave Kaval: The thing about the groundbreaking day that was really special to me was how many people from the community turned out to support our effort. One of the really cool things was people who brought their own shovels because it showed such an organic support that everybody showed up to support the team and the stadium project together. There were a couple of moments where I saw families with shovels of all different sizes and that was one of the coolest parts.
SJEQ: What was the idea behind Groundbreaking Day?
DK: In thinking about what type of team we are, we're very close with the Bay Area community and we have a great relationship with San Jose; we've been here over 40 years and I wanted a groundbreaking that wasn't a golden shovel event with owners and executives – I wanted something where everybody could participate. That's what we are – we're an accessible team that's connected to the community in a unique way and I felt that breaking a Guinness World Record together was an embodiment of that philosophy.
"Right now with the Environmental Impact Report, we were limited to 18,000 seats – we think that's a great number to start with and we'll have a great demand for those seats, but over time we can decide to enclose that last end." ~ Kaval on new stadium's horseshoe design
SJEQ: Now that the club has set a precedent for involving the community in the construction process, should fans expect to be included in future milestones?
DK: Absolutely. I think as we look at many of the milestones to come, whether it's erecting the first steel or putting in a seat, I want to make sure that we have a system in place where our fans and the community can be involved.
SJEQ: Now that ground has been broken, what's the next step?
DK: We're getting the permits now from the City and that's a huge step. We've been working with the folks in the planning department to get the necessary approvals so we can get ready and break ground in terms of the actual superstructure. That's something that will happen early next year and will take through 2013 to build the stadium. We're doing everything we can to get to that date, to make sure that the stadium is designed correctly, we have all the amenities in there and that it's a great facility for our fans.
SJEQ: Back in October you mentioned 2014 as the target opening date. Is the project still on that timeline?
DK: Yes, we're still on track to open on time for the 2014 season. We're very excited about that. We have one more year at Buck Shaw, but in 2014 we'll have our new home open.
SJEQ: As I understand it, you're working to finalize seat selection in the coming weeks. What options are you looking at?
DK: We've been solicited by a number of different seat providers, each group totally different. Some have been from Australia, the U.S. We're trying to make sure we select seats that will last a long time and provide a quality viewing angle as well as comfort for our fans. We're working through those particulars and with vendors to select a seat that we can install later next year.
SJEQ: Obviously there's a lot of smaller decisions that go into constructing a stadium – what's one decision you've had to make that you didn't think about going into the process?
DK: There's so many small things that you have to think about every day to keep the project moving forward – where elevators go, how many stops elevators make, what type of door an elevator has – stuff that is so mundane you wouldn't think about making that decision. We had a big discussion about blow driers in restrooms and what type to use. Sometimes you have paper towels, sometimes it's a mix of paper towels and hand driers. Who knew that would become such a big decision? I'm happy to say we got through that and we picked a hand drier that we think will be great. Those are some of the types of decisions we've had to make that you wouldn't otherwise think about and I'm sure there will be many more to come.
SJEQ: Are there any other design considerations your executive staff are working through that you can share?
DK: One of the big things that we just finalized is the concourse design. We've determined the exact mix and locations of male and female restrooms, concessions facilities, operations space, etc. That was a really big step.
SJEQ: Are there any specific features you can share with the public?
DK: One of the unique things is our patio club on either end. Also, fans will be able to see the field from the concourse and I think that's something people will really enjoy.
SJEQ: One of the great aspects of Buck Shaw Stadium is the proximity to the field. Will the new stadium sightlines be just as accommodating?
DK: The sightlines will be great. We have a slightly parabolic bowl with about a 32-degree angle, which is a pretty steep rake. It's similar to Houston – we talked to a lot of folks there about the rake of their seats and what they were trying to accomplish. That's a key part of the stadium's allure and then also being able to see the field from the concourse, the accessibility, the connection to the pitch, you're going to be so close to the action wherever you're at in this stadium.
SJEQ: Why did the club decide to use a horseshoe-shaped design rather than a fully-enclosed version?
DK: One thing I think not all people understand about the stadium is why one side is open. First of all, the original idea was that we could close it in the future and add to the capacity. Right now with the Environmental Impact Report, we were limited to 18,000 seats – we think that's a great number to start with and we'll have a great demand for those seats, but over time we can decide to enclose that last end. Instead of building an oval with 18,000 seats and making it difficult to expand, we wanted to build the horseshoe because it makes more sense. That's one aspect to the decision. The other is that it creates the Epicenter area; that's the area on the open end, connected to the Scoreboard Bar and the field where people can gather before the game – similar to what we do at Buck Shaw, but much larger – where there can be fan zones, BBQ areas, food trucks, activation; we wanted a really fun, festival-like area that can be set up and allow fans a great pre-game experience. I think it's an idea that fans will really appreciate when the stadium opens. It's going to be actually inside the gates, which is something unique. The Epicenter will be part of the experience when fans attend Earthquakes games. In many ways, I think this will become one of our signature items.
Follow club president Dave Kaval on Twitter: @QuakesPrez
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LOGAN — Two new officers, who both have ties to this area, have been assigned to head up the Salvation Army ministry in Logan, Boone and Mingo counties.
Lts. Ryan and Emily Vincent are newlyweds who moved to Chapmanville in June of this year. The couple are most recently from Atlanta, Ga., though Ryan grew up in the Salvation Army ministry and the family moved around. Being from the South, both are beginning to understand the challenge of icy roads and cold weather in this area.
Ryan's grandfather, Capt. Charles White, once served in Logan. Emily's grandfather, Lt. Thomas Richmond, served in Williamson. The couple say they have met people who knew their grandparents and tell stories of how their lives were touched by them.
"It is an honor to serve in the same ministry as our grandparents and an honor to serve in the same places they served," said Emily. "We are so excited to be here."
Ryan commented on his biggest disappointment since moving here. "People think the Salvation Army left Logan. We are going to work hard to rebuild a presence in this area."
The Salvation Army has been in one of Logan's historic buildings for more than 70 years. Ryan is looking for an office in Logan to house social services and also for a Thrift Shop. They are currently working with real estate agents to find the right locations.
They both say they have learned a lot since moving to the area.
"I have learned to be extra thrifty. I thought I was thrifty before, but now I am learning to stretch every penny," said Ryan. "I have spent more time on the phone than I ever have. I have learned so much from the people I have met here and the stories I have heard."
They are currently limited as to the services they can provide, but will expand as funding and resources become available. They have a Salvation Army Thrift Store in Chapmanville. The store is also where people can come for services such as emergency food.
One of the reasons they choose the Salvation Army is because the funding is location based. Almost all of the money (94 cents of every dollar) received in Logan is used in Logan. Even donations that come in from other cities to Logan are used in Logan.
The Salvation Army church in Logan has free breakfast every Sunday at 10 a.m. and a worship service at 11. Services for men and women are held on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. and a meeting including crafts and food for the youth at 6 p.m. on Thursdays.
The Thrift Store in Chapmanville is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. A coat give away will take place Wed., Nov. 21 beginning at 10 a.m. and will continue until all the coats are gone.
They are set up to distribute food boxes, but the distribution for November and December will be the holiday packages.
The holiday season is their busiest. Some donation kettles will be popping up today; all of them will be out on Friday. This year if there aren't enough volunteers to man the kettles, seven or eight people who are unemployed will be paid to fill in the gaps.
Walmart will have an angel tree where people can choose an angel and buy a gift for a child that won't otherwise get gifts. Angels can also be adopted by church groups or individuals.
Today they will be distributing Thanksgiving food in both Logan and Williamson from 10:30 a.m. - 12 noon. The Christmas distribution will all be done at the Logan location Dec. 17 and 18. Nearly 500 families will receive food for the holidays.
There will also be a Thanksgiving dinner served in Logan on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m.
For more information, call 304-855-1767.


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I think that some of these courts need over seeing. Most recently the court allowed a woman to be fired because her boss and bosses wife thought she was to pretty. That sex descrimination but these courts are stupid and currupt.
"Dental assistant fired for being 'irresistible' to boss"
Btw look at the sleezy grin on the docs face.
I think this is a political issue


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COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Late in the first half, Connecticut's star freshman Charlotte Veitner leaned forward and corralled the ball on her stick. She controlled it in the corner for several seconds before decidi...
UConn repeats as national championNovember 23, 2014 3:46 ET
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- For the second consecutive season UConn finished as the nation's top team, defeating Syracuse 1-0 in the 2014 NCAA National Championship game on Sunday afternoon at the Maryland Field Hocke...
Connecticut wins the 2014 DI Field Hockey ChampionshipNovember 23, 2014 1:55 ET
Connecticut tops Syracuse 1-0 to win the 2014 DI Field Hockey Championship. This is Connecticut's second consecutive title.
2014 Championship Full Replay: Connecticut vs. SyracuseNovember 23, 2014 1:22 ET
Watch the full event replay of the championship game match-up between Connecticut and Syracuse at the 2014 DI Field Hockey Championship.
Former Big East foes battle for national titleNovember 22, 2014 3:46 ET
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- After UConn erased a 3-1 second-half deficit to defeat Syracuse 4-3 in the 2012 Big East tournament final, the two teams left the field not knowing when, if ever, they would face each other...
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Interlocking Stone Stretch Belt
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STLE Northern California Section Technical Meeting
Nanotribology: What is it and who cares?
June 26, 2013
Professor Ashlie Martini, University of California - Merced
Wednesday, June 26, 2013 from Noon to 2:00p.m.
The name nanotribology tell us that the field has something to do with tribology on vey small lengths and time scales, and it appears to be growing in popularity as judged by the number of presentations and poster at the annual meeting in recent years. however, to most STLE members, the actual meaning of nanotribology and its practical implications are not very clear. One reason for this confusion is that different people mean different things when they say nanotribology. For example, nanotribology might describe an experiment where friction is measured for a nanometer size contact area; or it might mean using the nanoscale structure of fluid molecules to make predictions about properties of that fluid in the bulk. These are very different research fields, yet both call themselves nanotribology. The more significant issue is that it is not always evident why research on the nanoscale matters. In this presentation I will try to demystify nanotribology and its purpose. The presentation will include some examples of research in nanotribology, but will focus on how the field is relevant and useful for tribology in general, both today and in the future.
Speaker Biography:
Ashlie Martini obtained her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University in 1998. Upon graduation she accepted a position as a information technology consultant with Deloitte Consulting. In 2002 Ashlie returned to Northwestrn to pursue a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering in the area of tribology and obtained her Ph.D in June of 2007. She was offered a position of assistant professor in Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University upon graduation but opted to spend one year doing a self-directed post-doc before beginning full time at Purdue in August 2008. In August 2011, Ashlie moved to the University of California Merced as an assistant professor in the school of Engineering where she now is actively involved in teaching undergraduate (e.g. Machine Component Design) and graduate courses (e.g. Tribology), contributing to professional societies (e.g. Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers), and maintaining a strong research program in tribology. Her current research focus is on understanding nanoscale tribological phenomena as a means of enabling application-specific interface design. Ashlie was recently awarded the ASME Burt L. Newkirk award and was a recipient of funding through the AFOSR Young Investigator Program.
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto
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Berkeley, CA.
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Please RSVP before June 21 to reserve a seat
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Thanks. We look forward to seeing you at this month's meeting! Please pass this note on to anybody that would like to attend; need not be a member to attend.
2012-2013 Northern California
• Ehren Herguth - Chair
• Greg Croce - Vice Chair
• Rob Mills - Secretary
• Paula Vettel - Program Chair
• Jack Zakarian - Treasure


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Best sporting events of 2013
From the Iron Bowl upset to a walkoff no-hitter (yes, you read that right), here are the best events from every sport in 2013. Contests are listed in chronological order.
Newsday.com now uses Facebook for our comment boards. Please read our guidelines and connect your Facebook account to comment.
MLS All-Stars training Yankees vs. Rangers Hulk Hogan Pan Am Games 2015 closing ceremonies Ronda Rousey's UFC title reign Red Bulls vs. Benfica CONCACAF Gold Cup final: Jamaica vs. Mexico Busch wins Brickyard 400 Position players getting to pitch in 2015 2015 Baseball Hall of Fame induction weekend NYC FC vs. Orlando City SC UFC Chicago: Dillashaw vs. Barao II


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Welcome to Dr Brandt Skin Care
dr. brandt® skincare is the natural evolution of Dr. Brandt's professional dermatology practice and clinical research. His house calls skin care products are known for mimicking the in-office procedures he's famous for: dr. brandt microdermabrasion, detoxygen experience, collagen booster, and crease release. Expect beautiful, age-less looking skin, when you take the doctor home with you®.
Help Us to Keep Magento Healthy - Report All Bugs (ver. 126.96.36.199)


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Results 1 to 10 of 13
Fasten your seat belts, and prepare for lift off
- Join Date
- Dec 2007
- Location
- Richmond, VA
- Posts
- 3,214
Posted On:
1/11/2012 2:48pm
Style: Combat Cuddling--
How do use athletic tape?
I continue to jam the hell out of my middle fingers when training with the gi. I'm trying to take my competition to the next level and need to find a method to tape them. My old coach had a good method but I honestly forgot how he did it. I'm looking for ways to prevent jamming as well as support current fingers. It's the middle knuckle of the middle finger. If you guys have any links or videos of how to tape up fingers and toes that would be great.
(my bad if this is the wrong forum)
Style: BJJ / Kyokushinkai Karate--
I have the same very problem and am interested in a solution as well. My right middle finger is open, skin gone etc. from the last two weeks. So today I bought tape but two things really are bad: If I use the normal width, I can't move my finger enough. If I cut it in half and start training, it comes off.
So today I had to re-apply tape every five minutes when rolling.
Looking forward to someone's solution :)
Style: BJJ / Kyokushinkai Karate--
Ah, haven't seen that kind of tape yet (have the standard issue Alex Athletics tape). Might go to search for it because this is small and not so wide. At the moment the only thing important is the top of my fingers (hurts like hell to grip into a Gi with no skin protecting the flesh...)
I can't see anything that says whether its zinc oxide or not, zinc oxide is what you want. But you need to be careful, because there's two types of zinc oxide tape.
There's the cheap stuff they sell in pharmacies and there's the stuff you need to grappling.
As a rule the brown stuff
Is cheap and wont stay on your finger, as soon as you start sweating it will come off.
Its almost impossible to find the good stuff in UK shops nowadays, so I buy mine from here:
As Judo is popular in Germany you might be able to find the tape in shops or call your local Judo club and ask if they can recommend a website or supplier.
Fasten your seat belts, and prepare for lift off
- Join Date
- Dec 2007
- Location
- Richmond, VA
- Posts
- 3,214
Posted On:
1/11/2012 5:28pm
Style: Combat Cuddling--
I figured a judo person would be able to help me as I've seen them taped up like mummies. I'll take a look at that video when I get home.
What about toes? I've been killing my big toe joint now that I've been using my wrestling more. It may be the way I'm driving off my shot.
I'm normally ok with my toes so rarely if ever have to tape them. For a big toe I just get some reasonably wide strips and just wrap from above to below the joint to give it support.
How are you jamming your fingers by the way? Standard practice would be to tape it to the ring finger so you've got a kind of reverse live long and prosper. Make sure to put a piece of tape on the sides of your fingers if you're going to do that though. Otherwise they'll chafe horribly.
There's a really good section on finger taping at the end of Pedro and Ferguson's Underground grip fighting secrets, but I've only got it as .avi files and my video editor can't open them. Otherwise I'd cut it and post it.


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There is good news for those who might want to shoot a little hoops in the historic Williamson Fieldhouse. Starting on May l3 it will be open to the general public for recreational basketball purposes.
Scheduled times are available and walk-ins will be accepted based on availability. They will open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m.
Contact Lori Phillips at 304-235-3860 or 606-625-0966 for scheduling and pricing information. All participants will be required to adhere to the new code of conduct and rules of the Fieldhouse. Indoor athletic shoes (NO street shoes) will be required in order to participate on the basketball court.
Those who would like to walk the halls are also encouraged to use the facility, especially during inclement weather.
Many changes are planned for the Williamson Fieldhouse. One of the big proposals is to build a new, larger and nicer hospitality room. Then once that is done, the Williamson High School Hall of Fame plaques will be placed on the walls of the new meeting/party room.
The plaques have been located in the WHS cafeteria, now the middle school. But, with the move of the current middle school to West End, where it will be merged with Riverside to form Williamson Pre-K – 8, the HOF committee was searching for a home for the plaques.
A non-profit fund drive will soon be started by the WHS Hall of Fame committee to help with the renovation of the hospitality room, according to Curt Phillips, a longtime Park Board member. "If we can get donations from hall of fame members and WHS alumni - that will give us a great start to raise enough money for this project."
HOF president Cecil Hatfield loves the idea and hopes that everyone who can afford it will make a donation, especially past Williamson High graduates.
Phillips said that State Senator Truman Chafin has already pledged a $1,000 donation to kick-start the campaign.
More information on this fund drive will be released at a future date.
Phillips said the Park Board is working on getting grants to put a new roof on the historic structure to fix leaking problems. The building is now on the National Historic Register and Park Board member Steve Wilson hopes that grant money can be obtained to help make repairs and renovations. Senator Chafin said he would also check with Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin to see if there is money available in the coffers to help with this project.
Phillips also said he would like to see the bathrooms updated and repaired, which would make them handicapped accessible. The old building could use a fresh coat of paint on the inside and the outside, as well as other makeovers.
The Williamson Fieldhouse has a rich history of events that have been held there in the past, especially basketball games. Phillips is working on a history of some of the great players who have played in the hallowed halls of the building.
This is a worthwhile project and hopefully will come to fruition.
(Kyle Lovern is the sports editor for the Williamson Daily News. Comments or story ideas can be sent to firstname.lastname@example.com or email@example.com)


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The entire population of Nantes must spend Saturdays at Ikea. We show up at 9:30 a.m. sharp as the doors open, and already we are pushing through a babbling, excited throng of young couples, pregnant women, retirees and families. They stroll through the aisles as they would an art museum, simply admiring and casually enjoying their day out, or so it seems; they gawk and point as if at the local zoo. We, on the other hand, are there for one reason, and one reason only: to buy a kitchen. And we mean business. Husband sprints ahead and I trail in his wake, jogging to keep up, weaving in and out of bins piled high with sheets and pillows, rows of beds and sofas just beckoning my shins, hoping to make contact, dangerous mountains of glassware and dishes. I skirt around screaming children who have dropped to the ground in a call for attention, bored and tired, as angry, insistent mothers grab them briskly by the arm and pull them up and along. Fathers and husbands push huge, unwieldy trolleys as wives pause to study potted plants, cutting boards and price tags. Couples discuss, debate, compromise, stopped dead in their tracks, oblivious to the rolling waves of humanity clogging the aisles, attempting to push past them, myself included. I spot my husband somewhere up ahead, his head bobbing up and down in a determined trot. What has brought this mass of mortals to leave their warm beds, their comfortable homes to come to this cold, harsh, crowded spot at this ungodly hour on a Saturday morning?
This will be the nième time, six or eight? that we have visited, perusing the demonstration kitchens, discussing, debating, deciding. We would arrive as a blitzkrieg, route mapped out, artillery at the ready to meet any challenge, face any confrontation as we barreled through the store, on the offensive and prepared for the onslaught of fellow clients and rubberneckers. We had no time or patience for sightseers; no, my husband's credo, when it comes to Ikea, the supermarket or any other place of mass consumption where the hurly burly of society crowd together in droves, is in and out as quickly and efficiently as possible. Sadly, no schmoozing for me. So the kitchen was selected – under duress – in a minimum of time and number of visits. Then came the all-important working with the kitchen counselor. One stands in line, is given a number and is given an indication of the time one must wait for said appointment with counselor. They say one hour and in about two and a half as the store lights are dimmed, the crowd dramatically thins out and the other counselors begin bidding each other good night, we finally sit down at a computer to go over our design.
The kitchen space in the new apartment is, to say the least, unusual, in that it doubles as the entry and foyer; one walks into the kitchen when entering the apartment. So son and husband put their very clever brains together and came up with the ideal design. Happily, husband and I agreed immediately on the color scheme and countertop. Then the flooring – the type and color – were debated and decided upon – and this took about four visits to Leroy Merlin, that incredible mecca of home improvement. Which, I will add, fills my husband with more joy than any visit to Ikea can inspire. We are rarely in a rush at Leroy Merlin unless, of course, I want to peruse the wallpaper or lighting fixtures. All deco-visiting is briskly nixed. Then paint is selected and we are pretty well on our way, at that humbling point of no return: the official purchase of a kitchen.
And this is what we did this weekend. List securely in hand, we tumbled into Ikea with the rest of Nantes and scurried directly to elbow our place in line to await the prized visit with the kitchen counselor. Of course, this would all be so much easier and less stressful if we had conferred the design, delivery and installation to a professional cuisinista, but no, architect son would have none of it. He had to design it, he had to select the elements and he had to build it. And he certainly created and executed a smashing design! He took care of the problem of kitchen/entryway with flying colors. He accompanied us repeatedly to oversee the choice of elements, arguing over our "taste" only occasionally. He sat with the counselor and went over the minutia of the design and the measurements until it was perfect. And he even found a charming muscleman with a truck to help us pick up, deliver and carry up four flights of stairs 800 kilos (1800 lbs) of boxes containing our precious kitchen!
And we went through all of that with only a few fights, a fistful of bruises, dozens of pizzas and take-away kabobs, and our marriage still intact.
And this morning, sun streaming into the chilly kitchen, we began….
I have actually found a few afternoons to bake. And as the first Monday of each and every month is the Twelve Loaves announcement, I had to slip out early, leaving the two men happily ensconced in construction. Happily, Simon ate the last four of the tiny Chocolate Cinnamon Bundts this afternoon, leaving me the freedom to create another homebaked goodie in its place. A Lemon Pecan Quick Bread with a Blueberry Swirl and topped with Almonds.
For our third Twelve Loaves challenge, Lora of Cake Duchess, Barb of Creative Culinary and I have decided that your homebaked bread – whether yeast bread, quick bread, pizza, scone or muffin or anything that can qualify as bread – must contain NUTS, SEEDS and GRAINS! That's right, your bread must have either nuts, seeds or grains or a combination of 2 or all 3 involved in some form or another, one way or another.
I absolutely feel like a nut. My days, long and tiring, are spent renovating, building, painting and the little time I have left is usually dedicated to laundry, shopping, ironing and feeding my family. And walking my dog. Most days, my eyes are crossed from fatigue, my head is spinning, words tumble out of my mouth in a mishmash of nonsense and I can't think straight. I have visions of hammers, paint cans and countertops dancing before my very eyes. So no yeast bread for me this month. Instead, I took a recipe from my Taste of Home Baking, a cookbook received as a Plate to Page workshop goodie bag treat from our wonderful sponsor Taste of Home, and twisted and turned it into what I have been craving, a luscious, lightly flavored Lemon Bread crunchy with chopped pecans, a swirl of wonderful Blueberry di Saronno jam from another fantastic Plate to Page sponsor, Sunchowder's Emporia, and topped with slivered almonds. Dense, moist, lusciously lemon, the perfect little snack to get me going in the morning.
And as we wait for our new kitchen to be finished, as we watch it rise from the dust and cartons like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, I scratch and scrape together what I can, when I can and I simply hope that someone will eat it and enjoy it. But baking is in my soul, what soothes me and focuses me. And it is what I love offering my family. A little bit of myself.
So join Lora, Barb and I and make a bread from scratch for Twelve Loaves. This month's theme is Nuts, Seeds and Grains!
All you have to do is follow the rules. It's as easy as pie:
1. When you post your Twelve Loaves bread on your blog, make sure that you mention the Twelve Loaves challenge in your post and mention and link back to Lora, Barb and Jamie's blogs (this post). Please make sure that your Bread is inspired by the theme NUTS, SEEDS AND GRAINS! This is obligatory if you would like your link to be included!
2. Please link your post to the linky tool at the bottom of Lora, Barb or Jamie's blog. It must be a bread baked to the Twelve Loaves theme.
3. Feel free to promote the Twelve Loaves by proudly displaying the Twelve Loaves badge in your Twelve Loaves post as well as in your sidebar! It isn't mandatory but is a nice way to get the word out!
4. Have your Twelve Loaves bread posted on your blog and linked to ours by October 31, 2012.
Follow @TwelveLoaves on Twitter and #TwelveLoaves
Chat with your hostesses on Twitter: Jamie @lifesafeast Barb @CreativCulinary Lora @cakeduchess
LEMON PECAN BREAD with Blueberry Jam and Almonds
Adapted from Taste of Home Baking
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup (200 g) sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups (about 280 g) flour, spooned lightly in the cup and leveled with a knife
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¾ cup sour cream (I used 0% fat fromage blanc)
1 tsp vanilla
1 lemon, zested and juiced
½ - 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans, as desired
2 Tbs blueberry jam (cherry would also be fabulous)
2 Tbs slivered blanched almonds
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan generously. Line the bottom with parchment paper (this isn't necessary but I find it makes turning out the bread much easier).
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, adding the vanilla with the second egg. Finely grate the lemon zest and add the zest to the batter. Squeeze or add 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice to the batter.
Blend the flour, baking powder and salt together. Beat into the batter alternately with the sour cream, the flour in 3 additions and the sour cream in 2, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
Using a spatula, fold the pecans into the batter, scraping down the sides as needed, making sure the batter is well blended and smooth.
Pour/scrape the batter into the prepared pan and lightly spread to smooth. Spoon and dollop the jam or jelly in teaspoonfuls down the center of the cake batter. Gently swirl a long, thin knife blade back and forth through the jam, swirling it ever so slightly into the batter. Sprinkle the slivered almonds evenly over the top of the batter.
Bake the Lemon Pecan cake for 50 – 60 minutes or until puffed, golden brown and set in the center. A tester inserted in the center should come out clean. Remove the pan from the oven onto a cooling rack and allow to cool for 10 or 15 minutes before running a knife around the edges to loosen and turning out of the pan. Flip upright and allow to cool completely before slicing.
Nota bene: if you would like a sweeter, tangier bread, closer to a cake, simply stir ¼ cup (about 85 ml) lemon juice in a saucepan with ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar and cook over medium-low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Spoon the lemon syrup over the cake while it is still in the loaf pan and allow to cool.


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Ways to get involved in promoting the Victorious Gospel
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Jesus was put to death because he did not abide by this philosophy.
These wicked angels left their "proper dwelling place" in heaven and came down to the earth, and "went taking wives for themselves....
namely, all whom they chose."(Gen 6:1) The sexual union between them and "the daughters of men" produced giant offspring called Nephilim.
However, with the beginning of the global deluge, these former angelic "sons of God" dematerialized and returned to spirit realm, but their Nephilim sons died.
Paul, due to his continually ignoring the rules of this forum and warnings from moderators, Jaareshiah has been banned.
At Jude 6, Jude wrote that "the angels that did not keep their original position (in heaven) but forsook their own proper dwelling place (in heaven) he (Jehovah God) has reserved with eternal bonds under dense darkness for the judgment of the great day." Jude further wrote that these wicked angels "committed fornication excessively and (had) gone out after flesh for unnatural use" (Jude 7), by materializing and having sexual relations with "daughters of men".The global flood forced the wicked angelic "sons of God" to dematerialize and go back into the spirit realm, having to abandon their offspring, the Nephilim, who died during the Noachian Flood.