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AMY ReviewBy Stephen A. Johnson - Posted Jan 20, 2012
While this downloadable horror title has a lot of ambition, it's ultimately sunk by inexplicable gameplay decisions and punishing difficulty.
The Pros
- Ambitious for a downloadable game
- Sound design is effective
- Co-Op AI is interesting… in theory
- Playing is not compulsory for U.S. Citizens
The Cons
- Is Terrible
- Is By Turns Boring And Difficult
- Is Sloppy
I'm a horror fan, so I'll forgive a lot when it comes to movies and games in my genre-of-choice. I don't mind some cheesy acting and clichés, as long as it's scary, and I love finding under-the-radar horror gems and championing them. I touted Deadly Premonition until all my friends were sick of hearing about it, and even found some fun in Obscure: The Aftermath for Wii. So I was primed to like, maybe even love, Lexis Numerique's downloadable horror game Amy. The game has an intriguing premise, a creepy presentation and comes from an underdog development and publishing company. It's even French. What's not to love? Just about everything, it turns it out.
Let me start with the positives. For a downloadable title, Amy is nothing but ambitious. The game tells the story of a deadly virus outbreak, and puts you in the skin of Lana, a well meaning woman trying to survive amidst undead-style ghouls and monsters. Lana is protecting and guiding Amy, a mute, autistic girl possessed with strange psychic powers. Gameplay-wise, you control Lana, and lead Amy toward a hospital, solving puzzles, fighting (or running from) undead creatures and trying to get to safety and figure out why everyone is turning into murderous abominations.
Lana and Amy must work together. Each can do things the other cannot. Amy is able to detect danger, but only Lana can swing a bat to hurt monsters. Amy is able to wiggle into small spaces, but Lana is needed to tell her where to go and what to do. Along with the AI-co-op focus, Amy also sees Lana gradually succumbing to the zombie-gas and turning monster if she strays too far from Amy, a process that can only be delayed by the hypodermic needles found strewn about the environment. The game features blasted-out, creepy places to explore, made more unsettling by the excellent sound design.
How can something so French be so bad?
So what's the problem? Everything else. Specifically, the "game" part of Amy is a complete immersion in poor design decisions. The controls are sluggish and spotty. The entire game is an escort quest through poorly thought out, too-dark locales. It's got that "where do I go now?" feeling in spades. Many puzzles involve acquiring color-coded keycard (remember those?). NPC encounters often don't make sense, neither does the story. The combat is unpleasant. There are typos in the subtitles. All that is annoying enough, but when combined with a sometimes unresponsive AI partner, unforgiving puzzles and a terrible save system, you have a perfect storm of gaming frustration.
It's not just that Amy is hard (although it is punishingly difficult), it's that everything in the game seems designed to hurt you, the player, as opposed to Lana, the character. The game's checkpoints are sometimes very far apart, and the puzzles often require trial-and-error solutions. Meanwhile, you're often running up against the time-crunch of Lana turning into a zombie. Make one mistake and you're dead, sent back to the last checkpoint and forced to repeat a large section of the game, going through the motions of now-mundane tasks, until you make a near-perfect run.
Why is my life a bitter carnival of never-ending grief?
All of this is compounded by the game's save system. There is none. When you die, you are sent back to the last checkpoint, but without the items you've collected, so if you've managed to get through the previous level quickly enough to save up some life-extending hypodermic needles, they'll be gone if you arbitrarily die in the next section of the game. When in a new environment, there sometimes is no reasonable way to prevent your death. If you open the wrong door, that's it. You're toast. Sent back in time with no items and a bad taste in your mouth. You can't even turn the game off and pick it up at your last checkpoint. Instead, you can only begin a new game at the beginning of one of Amy's six chapters, so if you sit down to start a chapter, you'd better be ready to finish it.
Amy also "features" drudgerous, animated sequences that are often unskippable.. Example: If Lana climbs up a ladder, you watch her do it. Slowly. If you have to climb back down, you'll watch Lana climb down. Ditto for Amy crawling into holes, Lana climbing onto boxes and many other oft-repeated actions. Such boredom is rarely seen in games these games.
In later levels, you're forced to let yourself get infected enough to blend in with the zombies, but not get so infected that you die, provide a new kind of maddening difficulty, which is notable more for novelty than any enjoyment it might bring. It's like that scene in Shaun of the Dead, only horrible.
Perhaps the checkpoints, frequent failure, and difficult stealth section are meant to give death a "cost," and add tension, but it just doesn't work. The balance is just not there in Amy. Most of the time I was praying quietly to myself, "Please don't die. I don't want to climb that f*cking ladder again," as opposed to worrying about the safety of Lana and Amy.
"I get it. You're a poor little autistic girl. That's great. Just hit the f*cking switch when I tell you to!"
And speaking of the title character, eff that bitch anyway. While the baked-in frustrations of the game's design will kill off most gamers' interest, even if you are that rare sort of individual who likes this kind of throwback masochistic gameplay, Amy, the character, is just broken. She freezes up sometimes. She often won't do what you tell her to. She has no intuition at all. She won't stay in hiding places indefinitely, so she'll blithely waltz into zombie fields as if on a mission to kill you. Even when working as intended, Amy is a freakin' mess.
If the idea of the game is to create a loving, care-giving relationship between you and the titular character, it works in the opposite way as is intended. Amy quickly becomes your greatest enemy in the game – a horrible burden who must be led everywhere, has no instinct for danger and won't. Frickin'. Do. What. You. Tell. Her. To. I wanted to leave her behind to her fate, but the game doesn't allow it -- you can't even crush her skull with a bat. In spite of Amy's doe eyes and psionic powers, I hate that little girl with the burning intensity I usually reserve for my hatred of Herman Goering. Goering would have looked cute in a little pink t-shirt too, but that doesn't excuse his crimes.
Anyway, Amy is bad, sloppy, and seems as if it was released in an unfinished state. Make no mistake: It's not good-bad. It doesn't have the loveable cult vibe of a game like Deadly Premonition, a goofy-fun gaming experience with similar last-gen graphics and terrible voice acting. Amy is alternatively throw-your-controller frustrating and deadly dull. It swings for the fences, and whiffs badly… but gets an extra half-point for being French.
Want more information on how we score reviews? Read the "How G4 Reviews Work" article here.
Editor's Note: Amy was reviewed using the Xbox 360 version of the game. If any differences are noted between the 360 version and the PS3 version, the review will be updated to reflect those differences.


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Yesterday I tired my 9m DD with yogurt. She loved it! About 3 hours later she bacame cranky and kept bearing down like she was going to have a BM (but she didn't) and she was grunting and groaning. She didn't have a bowel movement yesterday or today. Then by last night her cheeks and chin are kind of rashy. And she was a restless sleeper (BUT she is kinda restless anyway, up every 1-2h to comfort nurse at night).
Could this have been a possible allergy? Coincidence? I didn't give her any yogurt today but was thinking of trying again tomorrow (or whenever she's had another poop).

subset: commoncrawl


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Biofuel in practical tests.
We bring sustainability to the air.
Worldwide mobility needs are on the rise, but fossil fuel resources are finite. This conflict demands new strategies for sustainable mobility and new approaches in the area of fuel. Little is known about the effectiveness and properties of biofuels under the conditions of routine operations. For this reason Lufthansa has carried out pioneer work. Between 15 July and 27 December 2011, Lufthansa has become the first airline worldwide to use biofuel on regular flights.
Click here to watch the video about biofuel in practical tests.
- Biofuel in practical tests
- All about Biofuels
- Air traffic
- Results of the six-month long-term trial


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Adding beans to this meat chili helps to lower the fat and cholesterol in each serving.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 8 oz
Calories 274 *
Total Fat 10 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Cholesterol 65 mg
Sodium 159 mg
Drain fat from cooked beef to lower the amount of calories and fat.
Ingredients and Preparation
Ingredients Measures
Lean beef stew meat (trimmed of fat), cut in 1 inch cubes 2 pounds
Vegetable oil 3 tablespoons
Water 2 cups
Garlic, minced 2 teaspoons
Onion, finely chopped 1 large
Flour 1 tablespoon
Chili powder 2 teaspoons
Green pepper, chopped 1
Tomatoes, chopped 2 pounds (3 cups)
Oregano 1 tablespoon
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Canned kidney beans * 2 cups
To cut back on sodium, try using "no salt added" canned kidney beans, or use beans prepared at home without salt.
- Brown meat in a large skillet with half of vegetable oil. Add water. Simmer covered for 1 hour until meat is tender.
- Heat remaining vegetable oil in second skillet. Add garlic and onion and cook over low heat until onion is softened. Add flour and cook 2 minutes. Add the garlic-onion-flour mixture to the cooked meat. Then add the remaining ingredients to the meat mixture. Simmer 1/2 hour.


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World Series Game One
Cardinals 1, Red Sox 8. A plethora of defensive errors from the Cardinals helped the Red Sox jump ahead early. Adam Wainwright still ate some innings, though the nod went to Jon Lester. Boston took a 1-0 lead in the series. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
World Series Game Two
Cardinals 4, Red Sox 2. More satisfying than the Game One boat race, the Cardinals and Red Sox swapped scores, with the Cardinals scoring three runs in the seventh inning. Michael Wacha showed some vulnerability for once, but not enough for Boston to prevent a tied series. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
World Series Game Three
Red Sox 4, Cardinals 5. A crazy ending to an exciting game. Both teams traded blows late in the game, with the Cardinals usually good bullpen yielding the tying run. Ultimately it was an obstruction call at third base that plated the winning run and gave St. Louis a 2-1 series edge. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
World Series Game Four
Red Sox 4, Cardinals 2. Jonny Gomes' three-run home run was the big offensive highlight. Credit should go to the Red Sox bullpen, which allowed one run over five innings, too. The game ended with Kolten Wong getting picked off first base, which tied the series at two. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Categories: Sports


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By attorney Howard Iken, Special to THELAW.TV
In today's society, the makeup of families is not quite as traditional or cookie cutter as in the past. Marriage is not an essential element in any relationship and society no longer looks down on single-parent households. There are households with one parent, two parents, households in a constant state of flux, and military families that have a hard-wired whirlwind of constant changes. These concepts are radically different than previous, outdated definitions of what may have been standard attributes of families. One outdated term refers to the "nuclear family." The nuclear family was a cookie cutter unit consisting of two parents, one or more kids, and a very traditional household. Those old concepts are faded and forgotten in today's more flexible arrangements. But one concept has outlasted its validity: the concept that a father in a broken or separated household with children is nothing more than a wallet with two legs. We are finally turning the corner and are within reach of a time where the "Wallet With Two Legs" concept becomes as faded as the idea of a nuclear family.
The old weekend dad plan
As a divorce and custody attorney, I practiced during a time when it was assumed the kids would live full time with mom. Dad would get the standard weekend visitation plan, consisting of every other weekend, and one dinner during the in-between weeks. Dad would also immediately begin to pay child support to mom. Many states even had a principle called the Tender Years Doctrine -- where extremely young children were automatically expected to live with their moms. Dads who desired a close, continuing relationship with their children were completely out of luck. The state of the law relegated men to a minor role with respect to raising their own children. The same laws envisioned men to prominently fill only one role: the primary source of support for their children. Men simply did not have the same rights as women when it came to children. It was very unfair and deprived men the right to be proper parents to their children. Many men were seen as nothing more than a wallet.
Evolving new custody statutes
The parenting rights scene has finally turned the corner and dads now have the right to step up to the plate as parents. At least, they can in most states. Just about every state has eliminated gender references in their divorce and custody statutes. On top of that, many states have gone as far as to enact statutes giving preference to equal parenting time for children. The State of Florida narrowly missed passing an alimony reform statute that also contained a revised starting point for child custody decisions: 50/50 parenting time. Across the country, the new wave of statutes and court decisions give credence to a simple principle -- that children greatly benefit from having both a father and mother in their life.
Also beneficial to dads, there is another process at play in states that have not enacted equal parenting statutes. First, the wave of legislation and attempted legislation appears to have impacted thinking of many judges. Even if the law does not specifically equalize parenting opportunities, judges are more inclined than ever to give full consideration to both parents on a completely equal basis. Another change impacting the judiciary, the fact that judges age out of the system, retire, and make room for younger, more progressive judges. The judges that entered the system a long time ago when the Tender Years Doctrine was applicable are now retiring or close to retirement. The newest crop of judges grew up being a part of the new generation -- the generation that accepts our new definitions of what it means to be a family. The new judges are more likely to be part of a balanced, loving, parenting situation.
Relaxed child support obligations
Finally, the one anchor around the necks of dads that keep them from being parents is slowly becoming a fading concept. Child support obligations traditionally were always levied only on dads and inflexibly kept in place. Dads with large child support obligations were forbidden by courts from scaling back so they could enjoy life as a parent in the same manner as moms always enjoyed. The fact that dads now get equal consideration as parents has brought some relief in the form of lower child support obligations. For the first time in a decade, many judges will now consider rotating custody with zero child support obligations. It is now more acceptable to earn less, be a dad, and look forward to a life of closeness with your children.
We are rapidly transitioning to a time where dads have equal opportunities and equal rights to show love to their children. Kids need both their dad and mom and the courts are finally recognizing that. In many states dads are no longer seen as a wallet with two legs. And the dream of dads as equal parents has finally arrived.
Howard Iken is a divorce, custody, and personal injury attorney at the Law Firm of Ayo and Iken in Florida. Mr. Iken looks forward to seeing more dads take their rightful place as fully involved parents.


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Whoever coined the phrase "You can't script October" was dead on.
None of the 46,511 could have imagined Game 2 playing out the way it did. But after sloppy play, countless errors, a rally inning, and a certain lefty deemed useless, the Phillies somehow pulled out an incredible 7-4 win.
Cincinnati, known for it's splendid defense with guys like Phillips, Votto, Bruce, and Rolen, completely unraveled in the bottom of the seventh inning. During the regular season, the Reds were tied with San Diego for the best defensive team in the NL with only 72 errors.
The start of the seventh inning was fascinating, as lefty Aroldis Chapman made his way to the mound with Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Jayson Werth up in the order. Chapman, and his 100-plus m.p.h. pitches, were render useless almost instantly as Utley was hit by a pitch on the hand. Or was he?
Utley dropped his bat as the ball sailed above catcher Ryan Hanigan's glove and to the backstop. Afterward, he acted as if he wasn't sure. "It was pretty close. At first I thought it was going to hit me in the head," said the second baseman. When asked if it hit him again, he said, "I'm not sure."
Ryan Howard then struck out on straight heat from Chapman – three straight fastballs, three straight swings and misses. Jayson Werth followed him up and strange times ensued.
Werth reached on a bang-bang play at second base as Scott Rolen attempted to nail Utley on a fielder's choice. Utley was called safe, and replays showed it to be very, very close. More weirdness followed.
The normally sure handed Jay Bruce (just three errors in 1199 innings) lost a Jimmy Rollins liner in the lights, allowing Utley to somehow scatter home, with Werth on his heels as Brandon Phillips fumbled the relay throw. But did Utley touch third base? It certainly appeared to be yet another close play, however, the Cincinnati bench, along with the players on the field, did not realize that Utley may have whiffed rounding the base. In any case, the two runs scored on consecutive errors and just like the a 4-0 Reds lead was a 5-4 Phillies advantage.
Rollins touched home to put the Phils up two following a Raul Ibanez single and a Carlos Ruiz force out to second base.
A wild three-run inning sent the crowd into a frenzy and transformed Utley from goat to hero.
In the second inning, the normally sure-handed second baseman committed two throwing errors – one on a simple throw ranging to his left, the other on a surefire double-play ball that skipped over the outstretched arm of Ryan Howard. Nightmares of the 2009 NLCS began to play out. In the end, Utley let his bat make up for it.
The errors were costly, but the offense was able to fix the obvious shortcomings of Roy Oswalt and the defense behind him. The Phillies starter came into the game having gone 7-1 with a sub-two era since joining the team prior to the trade deadline. October baseball rendered his regular season meaningless just four pitches into the game.
Brandon Phillips blasted an 85 m.p.h slider from Oswalt into the seats in left field to lead off the game, quickly axing the thought of back-to-back no-no's. The Other Roy would then allow single runs in the second, fourth, and fifth before finishing what was surely an evening to forget.
His first playoff start in five seasons was a bit of a dud, although he kept the Phillies close enough to strike late. All told, Oswalt went five innings, allowing four runs (three earned) with a walk and five strikeouts. Commanding his pitches was his downfall as his inability to throw strikes haunted him throughout the night.
With a 2-0 series lead now, Oswalt may get an opportunity to fix whatever went wrong on this night.
It wasn't the prettiest sight; hell let's just call it downright ugly – the six combined errors is an LDS record – but a win is a win. And with this victory, the Phillies have jumped into a position they've become used to lately – clinching position.
They'll get their chance behind the arm of Cole Hamels on Sunday night in Cincinnati.
62 Comments
Absolutely incredibly ugly game. On Wednesday, both team played great and the Phillies won by 4. Tonight, both teams played horribly and the Phillies won by 3. The Phillies should be closing out this series pretty soon.
Big win- good teams take advantage of mistakes. Three hit batsmen (maybe two) 4 physical errors and mental errors all over the place.
All W's look good to me, even ugly ones. 2 down – 9 to go
If we advance I do NOT feel comfortable with facing the Giants in the LCS. Was really hoping the Padres and Braves could knock them out all together. Wishful thinking. Their starters have pretty decent numbers against our lineup, but our starters, terrible:
Halladay career vs. SF: 0-2, 18.0 IP, 7.23 ERA
Hamels career vs. SF: 4-2, 54.0 IP, 4.67 ERA
Oswalt career vs. SF: 6-8, 109.2 IP, 3.61 ERA
Blanton career vs. SF: 2-3, 40.0 IP, 4.72 ERA
Total: 12-15, 4.39 ERA
I hope to god we find a way to win if we advance to that series, because as it stands now it scares the s**t out of me.
Throw big Roys numbers out. This is special now.
SF is going to be the Phillies toughest test. Glad we didnt get them in 5 gamer. Phils still beat them.
7 singles
that was the phils offense. But winners win
The reds learned that teh tough way.
Already tired of this chapman stuff. He cant carry Madsons jock.
maybe if i rag on the braves enough they will win the series
now that would be great.
talk about an easy NLCS
but i dont see it happening
Why was brian wilson in the 8th inning?
why do managers change the strategy that got you there?
I dont get it
Go with what got you there. Let the spankees keep going on 3 day rest
it wont work this year
wouldnt have worked last year but we had bad Cole and Pedro was our #2
the 2010 reds remind me of the 2007 phillies. first taste of the playoffs and clearly not ready to prime time.
surely you guys cannot be freaking serious about being scared of san fran? you're joking …. right? You must be.
It was an ugly game but they still came away with the W. That's what championship teams do. This series is over on sunday. Go phils!
And Billy the goat is out
Scared? No
the Giants are a challenge more so than the Yankees will be.
Dont know yet about the rangers.
2 words
go braves
wagner looked hurt bad too
Great win by the Braves tonight. Brings us that much closer to a 5 game series.
I think the third-base lights—or whatever it was that caused Bruce to miss that ball—should get the Ashburn. That play instantly turned what was shaping up as a tough series into a possible sweep.
Bruce is a gold-glove player. You could watch him play 1,000 games and never see that again. Truly a fluke play. But, hey, that's baseball. And I'll take it.
Especially considering the Phils are up 2-0 in this series and have exactly two (two!) extra-base hits. Both doubles.
I'm glad we took advantage of the mistakes tonight. And, like I said, I'll take it. But the bats have to wake up….Utley looks like he's coming around at least……
@Jay, exactly. The problem with HFA in the LCS is that we have to play them 3 times in SF in the middle of the series. Just seems we do poorly in SF and I don't like having 3 games in a row in SF. In general I hate the 7 game format for the HFA team. Those 3 middle games give more of an advantage to the team without HFA. Especially if the other team splits the first 2. I would much rather see a format similar to: Home, Home, Away, Away, Home, Away, Home. Or Home, Home, Home, Away, Away, Away, Home
it was funny how the reds were celebrating so heavy in the dugout. giants/braves were similar tonight. basically, every other team except the phils have their nerves jumping off. which is a good thing.
that game was bizarre. reminded me of some of that weird stuff that happened in the tampa bay series, the rain, and all that vibe killer schiz.
I don't get why people are so afraid of the giants. They are a good team, you have to be to make the playoffs, but in the last week they made it a lot harder on themselves. San diego came up to San fran after losing three of four to the cubs at home and it took the giants to the brink of elimination to get it done. Now they blow a 3 run lead late to Atlanta. When they came to Philly in late August with a playoff type atmospher. The Phills took two of three. They are not that good.
I don't understand fear either hot dog but I do understand concern. Hey, Lincecum was incredible the other night. This team has too many weapons though and as far as I am concerned, the WS is ours.
Another concern is Roy2. Will he settle down now? Was that the dud? We know there is always a dud game in a series, was that it?
One series and one game at a time guys. No need to worry about SF/Atlanta yet. If anything, teams should be afraid of us.
Dan- you know your first option (H H A A H A H) sounded pretty good
Game by game – Cholly's got them under control, and we've not done that great in Game 2 during the playoffs. SF isn't flawless, as the Braves barely made it in themselves. Remember, they coughed up the NLE to us as well as they tried to give the WC up to either SF or SD.
San Fran scares the crap out of me too; however, I was jumping up and down when Ankiel hit that bomb last night. Bruce Boche completely screwed up that game for San Fran. Why the hell would you bring your closer in in the 8th inning with no outs. While San Fran's pitching scares me, that offense is feable at best and Brian Wilson is the definition of all bark and no bite. That guy has no off-speed pitches. I do not understand how major league hitters do not crush him.
While San Fran scares me a bit, I have supreme confidence that the Phillies would take them down even if it meant 7 games. However, I do not think it is out of the realm of possibility that the Braves win the series. With Hudson going Sunday they have a good shot to be up 2-1 in the series.
Renteria's bunt got Wagner injured. Sorry Wags.
I agree, Adam. That was a terrible decision at the time (bringing Wilson in for 6 outs)… Isn't SF supposed to have one of the best bullpens in all baseball… then USE it… don't rely on your closer to do what everyone else supposed to. Plus, if your closer blows it in the 8th, who are you gonna bring in next inning. Dumb, dumb, dumb.
Hey Dan?
SF scares the sh*t out of you?
Uh……ok then.
Well that was certainly an interesting game. The only real downside is…I wonder if Chooch can walk today?
Also……….Doc said he shook Chooch off ONCE on Wednesday. Oswalt spent half his time on the mound shaking him off. HMMmmmmmm
Lastly, at times like this I like to visit the newspaper websites of the cities we're playing. Just to get the local flavor. The following was on the website of the Philadelpbhia Enquirer. The heading was commercials Reds players would like to forget.
You will NOT believe this.
Oh, and I was worried that Cole would feel to pressure to be lights out Sunday if Oswalt pitched a 3 hit shut out. Not worried about it so much today.
Watch this
Sorry "Cincinnati Enquirer"
Wow, what a game to be at. While I would have like to be at the no-hitter, that was a heck of game. The Phillies continue to do what they do best… keep on fightin'. That's all they know how to do when it looks bad.
To the Reds' credit, they had some good pitching early on. One thing though they have no right to talk about is the HBP of Utley. A lot of people may talk about Utley getting hit or not getting hit, but the fact is that the Reds deserved that after that shameful display with both Chooch and Francisco.
Utley had a huge night after committing those two bad errors. That's what you gotta do. Also, it always seems darkest before dawn with Rollins. Hopefully he has a huge postseason going forward. The fact though that he can't run 100% is a problem, but so long as he can keep his defense up, that's what we really need. It's good too that Manuel is mixing up the lineup.
This team really turned a corner this season to prove they are the best team in baseball. And you know what they say about being better to be lucky than good? Thankfully, we appear to be both lucky AND good. That is a powerful combination.
If you're not genuinely frightened of at least Lincecum, you're pretty stupid.
Yes, San Francisco does frighten me. The Reds handed the Phillies a gift last night. The offense needs to step it up if they want the World Series this year.
Offense needs to make an appearance Sunday so Hamels at least has a shot. It hasn't been there for him much this season so now would be a good time to step it up.
Lincecum is after Roy halladay the most dominant player left in the playoffs. He goes game 1 that nullifies big Roy in a major way.
That doesnt scare you to nullify yuor best player? I guess for some of you we should say concern because you cant grasp scare.
You dont get that you an over confident imbecile
They are by far the biggest threat to the Phillies ( opinion on Texas pending)
If the phillies play the Braves and lose 1 game I will be mortified. The Braves bring nothing vs the Phillies. The Yankees are smoke and mirrors and need to thank god they drew the Twins. SF can beat the Phillies. I dont think they will. But their long shot odds are the best odds of the ones left.
You guys get that? They scare the competant sports fan more than the other teams. But we arent scared of them as in they will beat the phillies. The Braves are 1-100 to beat the phils the Yankees are 1-5 the giants are 1-4. Or to simplify to percentages Braves have 1% chance Yankees 20% giants 25%
i I REALLY AM NOT AFRAID OF S.F. AT HOME,ITS HOW POOR WE PLAY THERE THAT CONCERNS ME.IF AND THATS A BIG IF RIGHT NOW,WE DO PLAY THEM IMO IT WILL GO 7!
Texas I think will be happy to be there if they get there. If they win that series they are in now will be thier first ever post season series win.
I put them at 20% same as spankees.
Wagner out for NLCS if Braves make it.
Now 2 schools of thought on this. We hope Braves win so we can get a cake walk NLCS. Or we hope SF wins and we get involved in a great/classic series.
To me its either way. Like facing the yankees.
I'm baffled by people who are scared of teams/Lincecum. Seriously, that attitude went out of style around 2007.
Let me remind you that we have the best team in baseball! The only thing people should be scared of is the Phils not producing runs. As long as the Phils play up to their ability levels, I don't care who we're facing.
Utley admits Chapman's pitch didn't hit him (Yahoo! Sports): What's one more missed call in three days full of the… http://bit.ly/d1Hg1j (I LIKE WHAT DUSTY SAYS AT THE END OF THIS STORY!)
I am baffled by people who dont understand that Lincecum is vs Halladay is a worse match up than Hudson vs Halladay.
But then if the fans werent dumb 80% of the time I wouldnt come here.
It entertains me.
You can fight Mike Tyson or Richard Simmons. You have more respect for Mike Tyson ( did i dumb it down enough there not using scared?)
But hey lets reincarnate the 27 yankees so you guys can really puff your chests out on line.
Just win.
The Giants offer the biggest threat to the Phillies winning the world series. It doesnt mean the Phillies wont beat them or not win the world series.
I will try to help some more.
threat (thrt)
1. An expression of an intention to inflict pain, injury, evil, or punishment.
2. An indication of impending danger or harm.
3. One that is regarded as a possible danger; a menace.
There is a legitimate school of thought to playing the Giants. You want to beat the best. But by playing the best you offer your team more of a chance to lose.
I love the tough guys though
We will play them with 7 players on the field and one hand held behind our backs. Its always on line though.
It doesnt matter. Babe Ruth Lou Gehrig That went out in 2007.
People make me laugh.
They cant even subjecively analyze things.
Think it mattered that the Phils didnt draw Lincecum in game 1 of the NLDS?
There is a big chance he shuts out the Phillies there.
And the game goes to extras and Roy loses the no no. And a hit in the 10th or 11th inning means no no hitter.
Think it matters to the AL winner who they play?
Believe me whoever it is would prefer to not face the phillies.
If you are the yankees are you more scared of the Phillies or the Braves?
And this isnt a yankees blog. The Reds almost won last night and that changes the whole complextion of this series. The phillies are winners and I full well expect them to win the world series. Id bet the house on it. But have repect. And have major respect for teams that are more of a threat than others.
Neither SanFran or ATL are on Philly's level. After watching them play each other, that should be pretty clear. However, we don't matchup with SF like we do ATL. I want Atlanta for a myriad of reasons, 1 being we pound them. Another being I hate the their fanbase. Another being, we don't matchup with the Giants nearly as well.
I think Atlanta wins the next 2 anyway.
I will say after spending some time browsing thru reds blogs their fans are much classier then braves fans,by far!!!They are not blaming the umps or anything,i have to say i have gained some respect for their fans who i most say i knew little about!
Andrew you sort of sound like the guy that was at the Bar last night after the game. Yes you want to beat the best to be the best. However Im the kind of guy that likes to the easy road. Why chance it I would rather face the Braves. However this means the Braves will be easy. They have excellent starters and an excellent Bullpen. As much as everyone ranks on the Braves they will be an excellent team for many years. They are to me the Yankees of the NL but will less of a Budget. They also have a knack for getting their hands on excellent young arms where as the Phils are going the Yanks ways and buying them. The Giants and Braves are pretty well match similar team on paper anyways. These series will be close whomever we face though. I do believe we can beat either Giants/Braves. Consider that in these last 2 games vs the Reds our offense hasnt really done much. Howard is doing his Strikeout thing again. It almost seems like there some Black Magic Dark Side Force that is intent on seen Ruiz hurt. Or is just me?
SPEAKING OF RUIZ!-RT @Ken_Rosenthal: Phillies' C. Ruiz OK after getting smoked by a pitch last night inside knee. X-ray was negative.
Hey Andrew, chill out buddy. You're gonna drive yourself crazy trying to "subjecively analyze things." And before you call others dumb, learn the difference between subjective and objective.
All I'm saying is that you're getting scared about another baseball team, and that's absurd when we have the best team in baseball with playoff experience. Objectively. I understand matchups and threats and all that, but have some confidence in the Phils. As long as our offense gets going, we'll be fine.
As long as Votto is invisible, we don't need anything out of Howard. If they keep pace, we sweep. Votto needed to step up, he hasn't. We have a better cast around our 1 bagger. When you look at our lineup, we have 8 guys who can beat you. All we need is 3 of them to be hot, or just have some timely hits. It's a real luxury.
"rendered useless" and "rendered meaningless"?
How about "erased an impressive 1-2 count with a (phantom) HBP" or "rudely welcomed Oswalt to post-season baseball"? I still care that Chapman fires the ball 100+ MPH and he certainly isn't useless by any stretch of the word. Also, I still value Oswalt's regular season performance as impressive and look for him to bounce back from his rough outing.
I am continuing to be baffled by people who don't understand the sport but show up at playoff time.
But then again without them the site would be boring.
I baffled by arrogant dummies who probably couldn't subjectively tell you why the DH kills strategy but like to pontificate.
These dummies always exude confidence though.
Guarenteed has no clue why Ruiz is good.
@ Julie
Here I am going to post some quotes about the DH and why it sucks so you can learn about the game. If you stick around here for a year maybe next year during the playoffs you will be able to post here without sounding like an uneducated arrogant Yankees fan.
After the phillies sweep the Reds (and we have 6 days to kill) I will gladly give more lessons about things like why defense wins championships. How you don't want a catcher to hit down in the line up. Just basic things to help you. I like helping people.
I will start off simple though. The DH is insufferable and watching an American league game is like watching paint dry. Take notes. Quiz coming next week.
"Baseball is simply a better game without the DH. " – Bob Costas
"I don't think our fans are the least bit interested in seeing the DH be part of the National League landscape." – Andy MacPhail
"I screwed up the game of baseball. Baseball needed a jolt of offense for attendance, so they decided on the DH. I never thought it would last this long." – Ron Blomberg [the first DH ever]
"The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws." – Rick Wise
"When teams decide to get rid of unwanted players, they are designated for assignment. Now it's time to designate the DH. Assign it to baseball's scrap heap – a bad idea whose time is over." – Hal Bock
Ok last lesson for my new friend Julie for today
Mike Piazza sucked and shouldn't be voted into the hall of fame. And I am throwing out that he roided altogether (although the voters should consider it). He doesn't deserve to make it in general.
Johnny bench won 2 MVPs. Ivan Rod won countless gold gloves. Ruiz deserves a GG this year.
Piazza never once won a single GG or an MVP. If he was even a bad catcher with his offensive numbers he would have won multiple MVPs. But he was a horrendous catcher. One of the worst ever.
He was put there because he was literally such a mongoloid he couldn't even play first base (Adam Dunn can).
There is a reason Ruiz may win his second world series this year and Piazza never won any (Mccann will never win one either). Piazza will go to the hall of fame and Ruiz will never be considered. 99% of people don't understand the sport. But you are lucky enough to be learning today.
Tomorrows lesson is why Beltran and Reyes are not good players and about how team chemistry and locker room presence can be more important than talent.
Then next week why Werth leaving this off season could be a good thing. Followed by a course study on why you guys under rate Utley and J Roll.
I would have to say that I like to play the best teams, if you are the best team you should want to play the best to be called World Champions.
I think the concern should be the offense, they did hit the ball a liittle better but at people last night. My concern would be it the phillies manage to sweep the reds it will be another week before they play again, and this offense seems to take its time before hitting the ball when they have time off.
Andrew, calm down – no need to shoo people off just because they don't see things exactly your way but it does sound that Julie believes pretty much the same result. You believe the Phils are going to win, she is (and me too) certain that the Phils will win that series, be it 4 or 7 games and I have my tiks for game 7 ready. I just don't believe this team will lose any of these series. Games sure but the WS is ours, again.
Julie is a legitimate fan enough to come here –
One of my biggest concerns would be that welt on Chooch's leg – I heard he's OK but that looked pretty damn nasty.
I'm sure everyone has noticed the lack of lumber from the good guys?
See the red flying today people, goodnight.
Im dying to hear this Werth thing Andrew…
Andrew, no need for the rants. Just calm down, and enjoy some playoff baseball. Go Phils!
No need for the name calling, finger pointing – if you come here you should be able to enjoy the opinions and the fans. Not served!
I can see the point of view that we've taking all the hard roads this season and while it would be nice to pummel the teams that shouldn't even be here, I don't agree with the point of view that San Francisco is one of those teams.
Lincecum, while not quite on the same level as Halladay, can nullify his efforts if he comes out and is the Lincecum he's been all year. Any game against the Giants with Halladay and Lincecum duking it out will be a classic pitchers' duel, a very low-scoring game. I'll give the edge to the Phillies because even though Lincecum is one of very few pitchers who can touch Halladay, the potential is there, but Roy Halladay is Roy Halladay. We'd also have home field advantage for game one if we play the Giants.
The only team I see us sweeping in the championship round is Atlanta and even that is being a little optimistic.
The bats have GOT to wake up and start putting up good numbers.
Not shooing anyone. All welcomed. But as someone who has been here for years and whose knowledge and analysis has been spot on I don't need half wits pontificating. Especially about my comments. If you are too stupid to understand the game I will call you out on it.
Was a day off though and killing time anyway.
Lincecum is the only player in the Majors who could derail the Phillies.
The Yankeess, Rangers and Rays offer very minimal in that regard.
Remember in July I was letting you guys know the Braves 7 game lead was so irrelevant that the last 3 games wouldn't matter. No one believed me there either.
But it doesn't matter who you play. Just stupid.
I dont call out 95% of the stupid things. But it was an off day so I did or once. No biggie.
The arrogance of the stupid fans really irritates me too. Know the game if you are going to be arrogant.
I didn't shoo Don. I just explained to him that Beltran wasn't as good as Victorino. That Beltran is actually terrible (has been since day 1 leaving the Astros). Which he couldn't believe. I explained to him that when he returned even though at the time the Mets were up by a game on the Phillies that their season was completely over. I try to explain things to people. But I cant blame Don. The media literally had 100 articles about how the return of Beltran was making the Mets the favorites. I just laughed. Their manager came out publicly to announce that he was their CF and would bat 4th. He is now fired and so is the GM. Every one of those journalists should be fired too. Because they continue the lies that permeate the world. Citizens bank park plays even.If it didn't Ryan Howard wouldn't have more career road homers than home (why has that never been mentioned in any broadcast). It played exactly in the middle last year. But if you listen to the announcers including game 1 of the NLDS its the biggest bandbox going. Its simply not true.
But that's what they do. Build certain players who don't deserve it and continue myths like CBP is a hitters paradise. End of lessons for today although got 8 hours till game time. Go phils.
re: ranting
Long posts that explain your points arent rants.
Wish there were more.
I dont get mad at people. I enjoy them all. Even trolls like bravoturd I just try to have fun with or ignore. Thats what these things are for.
Also if you cant take the heat get out of the kitchen.
@ bacardi
Werth is going to be over paid by someone. It wont be the phillies.
He is older it it opens up a spot for a younger player.
While in a perfect world you could sign Werth for 3 years at 45 you would do it. it wont happen.
Let me point out the guy led the NL in doubles and had 27 homers batting 5th for what is considered the most potent line up in the NL yet he only had 85 RBI. The struggles with RISP are well documented.
I was just answering bacardis question here. I didn't mean to get into this alot during the playoffs because I am 100% hoping Werth wins MVP of 3 series (another team will have to over pay eve more). But when he signs elsewhere for more than 3 years 45 million its a good thing.


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Philadelphia is an eclectic city, and the Center City downtown district is full of appeal. You will find many of the city's historical sites in Center City's Museum District along the Ben Franklin Parkway. The Philadelphia Art Museum is one of the largest art museums in the United States with ten different curatorial departments. The Rodin Museum is just down the block on Ben Franklin Parkway and houses the largest collection of works by sculptor Auguste Rodin outside of Paris. Included are some of Rodin's most famous bronze casts, such as the Gates of Hell and the Thinker. The Mummer's Museum is dedicated to Philadelphia's New Year's celebration and holds outdoor concerts May - September. Philadelphia is also home to the unique Mütter Museum, established in 1787 to provide medical professionals and the public an opportunity to learn about medicine through science and art. If you're looking for history, the interactive Constitution Center joins the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall as historic must-sees. The Franklin Institute science museum offers resources for learning about science and pays homage to Ben Franklin.
Other must-see neighborhoods in Center City include the Avenue of the Arts, Fitler Square, Jewelers' Row, Logan Circle, Market East, Old City, Penn's Landing, the Rittenhouse Square, Society Hill, and Washington Square West. The South Street Head House District has a wide variety of stores to shop in, and Chinatown has some of the most authentic Chinese cuisine and culture you'll find anywhere. Or if you'd prefer a Philly cheese steak sandwich, you can find the most traditional local fare at Pat's, Geno's and Jim's. And if it's baseball season, make sure to catch a Phillies game at Citizen's Bank Park. Philadelphia is also home to one of the largest city parks in the world, Fairmont Park, where you can play anything from soccer to ultimate Frisbee.
Philadelphia's history is one of its major attractions. It is the colonial city that housed the continental congress and was a gathering place for the founding fathers who formed the nation. There is much more to the modern Philadelphia than museums and historic sites, though. The city is also famous for its Mümmer's Day Parade held every January 1, where bands dress in elaborate costumes with feathers and sequins to strut through the streets. Although Philadelphia has a bit of a tough-guy image, it is also known as the "City of Brotherly Love" and is home to Love Park, which has the famous LOVE statue and to a modern wonder of the world, the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts known for its flawless acoustics. Several towns surrounding Philadelphia are also popular tourist destinations.
View Philadelphia suburbs and South Jersey Hotels and Traveler's Guide for more information about the countryside and historic towns found in the suburban counties including Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery.
For comfortable, convenient, and affordable hotels, the Philadelphia hotels for Extended Stay America are terrific choices.


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"You guys are great! You're the main reason why I converted. Keep up the good work."
David, San Francisco, CA
"If you should be in foreign cities, do not simply ask where is the church, but where is the Catholic Church, for this is the proper name of this holy Mother of all."


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Austrian school
Austrian economics – "It ain't rocket science"
I'll never forget Dale telling me during a phone conversation, "the more I look at the economy and what the Austrians have been saying about it, the more I find their arguments compelling".
He's not the only one.
"The Austrians", of course, are those economists from the "Austrian school", which is a true free market school. Probably the most famous of the Austrians is Frederic Hayek. Hayek wrote "The Road to Serfdom" and the "Constitution of Liberty". If you don't mind my saying so, they're "must have books".
Another "must have" is "Human Action" by Luwig von Mises.
The point, however, is their writings seem more and more valid each day as we watch the policies that are driving this economic debacle play out.
Anyway, the article tells about Prof. Pete Boettke at George Mason University who is leading the charge for the Austrian brand of economics. And, as you might imagine, there's a increasingly bigger demand for information pertaining to it.
From the article about the concerns of the Austrians:
Economics, they [the Austrians -ed.] feared, was increasingly narrow and technical but not necessarily wise. They also remained skeptical of the Fed's approach to targeting stability in consumer prices.
That shouldn't be the Fed's goal, says Mr. Boettke, who a friend lured back to George Mason a year after he was denied tenure. The Fed, he says, should be to make money "as neutral as possible, like the rule of law, which never favors one party over the other."
That sometimes means letting prices fall. There's little to fear in deflation, he adds, when it accompanies periods of strong productivity growth. However, "anytime you saw the price level starting to fall, the Fed flooded the economy with cash," he says. "And that resulted in asset-price inflation, which set us up for these crises."
It wasn't a lack of government oversight that led to the crisis, as some economists argue, but too much of it, Mr. Boettke says. Specifically, low interest rates and policies that subsidized homeownership "gave people the crazy juice," he says.
Boettke also participates in a group blog about Austrian economics if you're interested. One of the posts is about the fact that in most cases, economics isn't "rocket science". That's something I've been saying for years in various ways – human nature 101, common sense 101, economics 101.
All economics action is based deeply in individual actions of human beings driven by human nature. One of the reasons that von Mises named his book "Human Action" is he and the other Austrians recognize that fundamentally all economics is based in just that – human action. In other words, grassroots up. Not the other way – top down.
That's precisely why you'll constantly see Austrians claim "it ain't rocket science" when they explain why central planning never works. And what we're going through now is no exception. Boettke:
I don't possess a crystal ball, so I cannot forecast the economic future. But I do know that it is not good to expand the monetary base 140% or to run deficits the size we have, or accumulate public debt as we have. See Laurence Kotlikoff in The Economist. This "ain't rocket science"! There will be a day of reckoning due to the monetary mischief and fiscal irresponsibility.
I also know that the problems we are facing are not "market problems" — it is not that actors are all of a sudden 'irrational', and it is not that markets are inherently 'unstable'. Everything we are seeing in market behavior is a rational response to the environment created by public policy. This is not a psychological problem we are dealing with, it is a public policy problem. Bad public policy produce bad incentives which in turn produce bad results. Ultimately, this is a problem of bad ideas which result in bad public policies. Again, this ain't rocket science. The role of the economists in all of this should be like my Dad when I was a teenager (and truth be told an adult), and grab policy makers by the shoulders star them squarely in the face and state clearly "this isn't rocket science" and explain clearly the Econ 101 basics of why the decisions we have made so far have not been correct.
Gerald O'Driscoll over at ThinkMarkets does precisely this today. Nothing that has gone on so far with the housing market would be unpredictable with a little return to the lessons of Econ 101 about incentives and information, and how markets work to coordinate plans through time via relative price adjustments and profit and loss accounting. Policies produce incentives, when individuals in the system follow the path those incentives lead them to pursue, we should not be surprised (and certainly not disappointed). The policies adopted produced the results we see, not individuals behaving badly or behaving 'irrationally'. Unfortunately, in our efforts to be 'sophisticated' we often confuse simple economics with simple-minded economics. But there is nothing simple-minded about returning to simple basics of economic science. This ain't rocket science, but individuals respond rationally to incentives and demand curves slope downward and supply curves slope upward.
Read through that carefully and recall how many times here we've discussed how humans respond to incentives and why a certain policy seems to ignore that and the "experts" seem "surprised" by the "unexpected" outcome.
It ain't rocket science, for heaven sake, but like Boettke and the Austrians claim, we've decided mathematical models and technical arguments are more persuasive – in the policy making arena – than are human nature and common sense.
I mean, look around you at the shambles the other schools of economics have made this place.
If I had to give the Austrian school of economics another name it would be the common sense school. It is based exactly at the level it should be based, recognizes the fundamental role that individuals play in economics and economies, and the realize, from that fundamental truth – common sense – that top down, central planning is the wrong place to start when devising economic policy.
Unfortunately that's precisely where our present economic policy is formulated and the result is fairly easy to predict.
The article ends with:
But as much as the Austrian diagnosis may resonate now, it doesn't provide a playbook for what to do next, which could limit its current resurgence.
Mr. Hayek rightly warned of the dangers of central planning, Mr. Boettke says, but "he didn't give a prescription for how to move from 'serfdom' back."
I disagree. If "serfdom" is found at the end of the policy road we're traveling right now, then the prescription for how to move from "serfdom' back is to reverse the route we've traveled.
It ain't rocket science folks. We may not like the prescription, and it may include quite a bit of hardship, but there is a road back from the economic serfdom we're destined for if we don't do something and do it fairly quickly.


text: Sarah Haskins always provides the most hilarious and incisive commentary tearing into the lousy logic and vapid condescension packed into advertisements targeted at women on her recurring Infomania segment called Target Women. Her dry witted satirical media criticism would be a perfect fit on The Daily Show and in logic classes. Every time I watch one of [Read More…]


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Kinabalu Backpackers Lodge
Real Reviews
Real reviews from fellow travellers
These are trusted reviews from guests who have actually stayed here. We hope you find them helpful.
Note: we only give a property a rating once it has received a minimum of 3 reviews.
- Page:1/1
- " Love this place! Great staff, very friendly and helpful! Good common area aswell. "
- 15 Mar 2015 Anonymous
- " For a budget backpackers, you actually get a good amount. the rooms are clean and comfortable, the sowers are good. brekkie is basic, but still its included so the value for money here is good. its not a big social, party hostel...nowhere to my knowledge is in KK, but having looked at others in the town..theyre nothng special so why pay upwards of $10 in other places when you can stay here cheap and get just a good stay. "
- 03 Jan 2014 Anonymous England
- " Staff not very friendly. Bed not comfy at all. Pretty loud. Great location. Not much of a breakfast. "
- 17 Dec 2013 Anonymous Sweden


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Home composting: How does it work?
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Dear Members,
Keep in mind that Character Bashing is now prohibited. Making fun of certain characters/character pairings leads to a pointless thread filled with insults and general rule breaking.
Also, remember that Versus threads are allowed only in the Versus section.
Thank you, NarutoBase Staff
Originally Posted by natssuu
And this why NB is going downfall..
Now I know when it's going to come out Thank you!
Originally Posted by kladarakun
Dattebayoo minna. Im not lying. just go to offical site Managareader.net on fb . and read the status :DDDD
It's ''yes'' not ''yosh''.
haha cut it out you two
Originally Posted by kladarakun
Hey, just shut up . The ignorant here is you who comments on every thread.
Cause that even makes sense...
Edit: Why the **** are 260 people viewing this thread?
Last edited by AP2k; 12-26-2012 at 01:52 PM.
29 members 230 guests. We've got a lot of thread stalkers today.
is there gonna be any chapter today?
Omfg i don't even.:.... Arrrrghghghgh
The retardedness is strong with this one...
Originally Posted by rikerslade
And never come back
T_T I WANTED A ChAPTER! The one last week was sad! we need one where obito gets a bijuu bomb to the balls.
Okay, all he asked was a question. He probably hasn't read the other threads, I know I don't most of the time.
For saar0507: No, it's coming out tomorrow
I agree with Valen here, every time a chapter is late or something there are quite literally hundreds of threads made about it. And currently there are like fifty for the next chapter. It gets rather irritating fishing through them. And not using the search bar or even looking for another umpteen hundred threads with the same title is just straight up ignorance.
Haha they shouldve done it on christmas, just as a christmas present to us.
it's gonna come tomorrow ...
My god, another one. You see that little bar up there when you're on the forum, it's actually got a name. The Search Bar, I know it's scary but use it once and you'll find there are other people with your ideas, and if not cool post it. Just us some common freggin sense.
what do you want from me? im not celebrate christmas so i just wanted to ask if there gonna be a chapter... also i didnt saw any thread about it
Forum Rules


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Before the U.S. House of Representatives, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations, Ralph Regula, Chairman
April 24, 2001
Mr. Chairman and distinguished Members of the Committee:
It is a pleasure for me to present the President's fiscal year 2002 budget request for the American Printing House for the Blind (APH). In 1879, Congress passed the Act to Promote the Education of the Blind, which mandates that APH, a nonprofit agency, produce and distribute specially designed and adapted educational materials necessary for precollege level blind students to have an equal opportunity to participate in their educational programs. We believe the availability of these materials is essential in the States' provision of an appropriate public education to blind students, and, therefore, serves a Federal objective by supporting the Federal mandate that all children receive a free appropriate public education as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The Act to Promote the Education of the Blind designates a Board of Ex Officio Trustees, currently 156 professionals, which assures that funding for the Act is used to produce and distribute specially designed educational materials which are not otherwise available. The Ex Officio Trustees are composed primarily of representatives of State departments of education, superintendents of residential schools for the blind, and directors of instructional materials resource centers. They provide ongoing State and local input into the identification of the needs of students who are blind. Approval of the Ex Officio Trustees is necessary for: (a) research undertaken to identify methods to address students' needs, (b) development and subsequent field testing of prototype educational aids and materials designed to address students' needs, (c) actual production of the aids and materials, and (d) follow-up revisions of the aids and materials as necessary. By approving the expenditure of appropriated funds only for unique educational aids and materials designed for blind students, the Ex Officio Trustees ensure that this program does not duplicate other programs.
The total request for the Act to Promote the Education of the Blind for fiscal year 2002 is $12 million, the same as the fiscal year 2001 appropriation.
Educational Materials
The request for fiscal year 2002 includes $8.6 million to supply special educational materials to an estimated 57,500 legally blind students, the same as the fiscal year 2001 funding for educational materials. These figures are $300,000 lower for fiscal year 2001 and $230,000 lower for fiscal year 2002 than those presented in the Congressional Justification. APH shifted these funds to the Accessible Textbook Initiative and Collaboration project (ATIC) based on a reestimate of the demand for services under this project, and currently plans to spend $800,000 on ATIC in both fiscal years 2001 and 2002.
Funds for the educational materials activity are used to produce and distribute textbooks in braille and large type, tangible teaching devices, educational tests, and special instructional aids, tools, and materials adapted for students who are legally blind. While the States are required to provide a free appropriate public education to all eligible students with disabilities under IDEA, this appropriation ensures that a minimum level of materials is made available to the States on an annual basis to assist in the education of students who are blind.
Advisory Services
The 2002 request includes $225,000 for Advisory Services, a $5,000 or 2.3% increase over the 2001 funding level. The appropriation for Advisory Services supports a variety of activities necessary to administer the Act. These activities include the annual census of blind students; meetings of the Educational Research and Development and the Publications Advisory Committees; an annual Meeting of Ex Officio Trustees; the production of catalogs and videos of educational materials; ad hoc committees on issues affecting services to blind students; and field services such as product demonstration, consultation, in-service training, and workshops. These Advisory Services activities help to ensure that the research and development undertaken, and the special materials produced and distributed, address current and future needs of blind students.
The request for Advisory Services also includes funding for the following eight initiatives:
$180,000 for continuation of the Electronic File Repository initiative;
$85,000 for continuation of the Expert Database initiative;
$67,000 for continuation of the Louis Student-Use initiative;
$160,000 for continuation of the National Instructional Partnership initiative;
$115,000 for continuation of the Product Information and Training Materials initiative;
$198,000 for a new initiative for the Louis Database of Accessible Materials;
$70,000 for a new initiative for the APH Web Site and Research Library; and
$800,000 for continuation of the Accessible Textbook Initiative and Collaboration.
Electronic File Repository - $180,000 is requested for fiscal year 2002 to continue the Electronic File Repository project. The Repository supports the current national effort to expedite the delivery of textbooks to visually impaired students. It contains translated text files that are used to create braille.
Expert Database Service - $85,000 is requested for continuation of the Expert Database Service, an accessible online database of facts, references, and resources vital to students who are blind and to the administrators of their programs.
Louis Student-Use Initiative - The request includes $67,000 to continue the Student-Use Initiative for the Louis database. This initiative provides demonstrations and hands-on workshops on all APH web-based services and APH educational software for visually impaired and blind students, teachers, and administrators across the United States.
National Instructional Partnership - $160,000 is requested to continue the National Instructional Partnership. In 2002, this project will offer an increasing number of opportunities to expand the expertise of parents and personnel who serve visually impaired students.
Product Information and Training Materials - The request includes $115,000 to continue the Product Information and Training Materials project. The purpose of this project is to develop and disseminate appropriate APH product and training materials and to diversify the methods and media used.
Louis Database of Accessible Materials - $198,000 is requested to fund the Louis Database of Accessible Materials for People who are Blind or Visually Impaired. This Database is the cornerstone for the services offered by Advisory Services. Through Federal funding, grants, and APH general funds, this database has grown to become a fully speech accessible, web-based service providing data on over 150,000 titles from over 150 agencies across North America. This essential tool provides one quick, complete, centralized place for locating educational materials in braille, sound recording, large print, and computer file.
APH Web Site and Research Library - The request also includes $70,000 to fund the APH Web Site and Research Library. The web site is the vehicle through which APH delivers essential online services such as Louis, the Database of Accessible Media Producers, the APH File Repository, and the Expert Database. The APH library provides services such as inter-library loan, document delivery, and reference, as well as building and maintaining a specialized collection for Advisory Services, Research, and product development areas.
Accessible Textbook Initiative and Collaboration - $800,000 is requested for continuation of the Accessible Textbook Initiative and Collaboration (ATIC). Through this project, APH will continue its comprehensive efforts to revamp production and delivery methods of textbooks in a variety of accessible media. APH also will continue to conduct research in the area of tactile graphics for textbooks. Research will be conducted to determine the most effective and appropriate linear, aerial, and point symbols for tactile readers.
In the area of large print textbooks, ATIC will conduct investigation and development of linkages necessary to produce large print books in standard textbook size, in a variety of fonts and font sizes, allowing graphics to be placed with the appropriate text. In addition, ATIC will develop training modules that address appropriate and effective editing practices to be used in braille and large print textbooks for blind or visually impaired students and will offer training to editors, transcribers, and tactile graphic artists in order to provide consistent quality textbooks for blind and visually impaired students in the United States.
Educational and Technical Research
The request for Educational and Technical Research is $1,500,000, a decrease of $275,000 from the 2001 appropriation. Educational and Technical Research funds are used by APH to conduct a program of comprehensive research directed toward achieving its mission of providing visually impaired individuals with specialized materials, products, and services needed for education and life.
The amount requested for Educational and Technical Research includes $250,000 for fiscal year 2002 to continue the Tests and Assessment project, which began in 2001. The purposes of this project are to have a central location for adapting and developing tests for blind and visually impaired students and to develop standards and guidelines for the presentation of tests in braille, large print, and select recorded and electronic formats. High priority needs in the test and assessment area will be determined and addressed, and select tests needed on the local, State, and national levels will be adapted.
With the fiscal year 2002 appropriation for general operations, APH's Educational and Technical Research will focus on the following areas: (1) assessment of visually impaired infants and preschoolers; (2) materials for visually impaired students with additional handicapping conditions; (3) materials and equipment to assist students with low vision; (4) materials for learning braille, increasing braille literacy, or simply providing braille or tactile representations for reading/labeling; (5) adapting/developing educational measures, and providing training and guidelines for the assessment of visually impaired students; (6) tactile graphic learning materials; (7) educational software for visually impaired students; (8) educational or recreational materials for blind or visually impaired students from elementary school level to adulthood; and (9) materials to teach and reinforce orientation and mobility concepts and skills.
In providing needed materials for a very low incidence population, the Act is structured and administered to maximize federal resources in the service of local needs, as follows: (1) needs are identified at the local level; (2) experts in the field who serve as project consultants and evaluators are identified; (3) research is conducted to identify the most effective methods of addressing the needs; (4) prototype aids/materials are developed with teaching materials from the field often evaluated for potential usefulness; (5) extensive pilot and field testing are conducted; and (6) product review and revision, if necessary, is conducted periodically.
The American Printing House for the Blind continues to be committed to meeting the needs of students who are blind through the research, development, and provision of unique educational materials necessary for them to have an equal opportunity to benefit from their educational programs. The Act to Promote the Education of the Blind is a program that works. The key is continuous input from direct service providers at the State and local levels, with all the obvious benefits of grass roots involvement.
Mr. Chairman, I will be glad to answer any questions concerning the fiscal year 2002 budget request.


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Our previous article was about the 1000W monsters of the PSU world and was called 1000W Power Supply Unit Roundup. 1000 watts is a pretty round number, yet this wattage is not quite called for yet as we found out in that review. Even top-end gaming stations require much less power.
For this review I took power supplies that should be more appropriate for today's end-user – a dozen models ranging from 550W to 850W. This is the wattage range the person who's assembling a top-end gaming PC with one or two graphics cards should be choosing his power supply from.
Antec Neo HE 550 (550W): Error Correction
I reviewed this power supply before and found it to have a large output voltage ripple of unclear origin (for details see our previous article). That was a version A3.1 sample and Antec has been kind to offer us an A4 version for our tests.
The "HE" in the model name stands for High Efficiency. The Neo HE 550 is claimed to be very quiet at work notwithstanding its 80mm cooling fan.
The A4 and A3.1 revisions do not differ much in their internal design. It is a classic design with large T-shaped heatsinks, an active PFC device, and a PCB with connectors for detachable cables in the rear part of the unit.
The quality of assembly is high as you can expect from Seasonic who is the real manufacturer of the Neo HE 550.
The A3.1 and A4 revisions have identical specs. The revision number can be read from the barcode sticker on the side of the PSU – in small print near its left edge.
The PSU offers the following cables and connectors:
- Mainboard cable with a 20+4 connector (55cm)
- CPU cable with a 4-pin ATX12V connector (56cm)
- CPU cable with an 8-pin EPS12V connector (46cm)
- Five connectors for the detachable cables
Included with the PSU are:
- Two cables with three Molex connectors on each (47+15+15cm)
- Two cables with two SATA power connectors on each (63+15cm)
- Two cables with 6-pin connectors for graphics cards (58cm). Be careful when connecting this cable. The plug that goes into the graphics card is marked as "PCI-E". It is mechanically compatible with the PSU connector but differs electrically, so don't make a mistake!
- Adapter from one Molex to two mini-plugs for floppy disk drives.
This selection of connectors is quite standard for a modern PSU. One could only wish to have four instead of two graphics card connectors but owners of SLI or CrossFire configurations are going to prefer higher-wattage PSUs whereas for a system with one graphics card, even with a GeForce 8800 GTX or a Radeon X2900 XTX, this PSU will suffice in both load capacity and amount of connectors.


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AGNC Pops as Earnings Better Than Feared
NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- American Capital Agency Corp.
The mortgage real estate investment trust (REIT) lost $936 million, or $2.37 a share, and reported a net book value of $25.51 a share. Though that was 11.8% lower than the previous quarter's net book value of $28.93 and lower than consensus expectations of $26.95, Sterne Agee analyst Henry Coffey argued in a note published Tuesday that "with the shares at
AGNC borrows short term to buy longer-dated mortgage backed securities. When yields rise, as they have done in recent weeks, that harms their business because borrowing costs go up quickly, while the longer-dated MBS on their balance sheets decline in value
Shares were up 5.58% to $23.07 in early trading Tuesday. Shares of Annaly Capital Management
"The second quarter was characterized by extreme volatility in both interest rates and mortgage spreads," said Gary Kain, President and Chief Investment Officer. "In response, we remained highly disciplined with respect to our risk management activities. We reduced the size of our asset portfolio, adjusted our asset composition to be more consistent with a higher rate environment, and materially increased the duration of our hedges. As a result of these actions and evolving market conditions, our exposure to higher rates is lower than it has been in years and our 'pay-up' risk is now minimal."
-- Written by Dan Freed in New York.


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Due to conflict and famine, over 235,000 refugees fled Somalia from January to June of this year alone. Over half have come to Kenya's Dadaab refugee camp, which was already the largest in the world, situated in the arid northeast, about 80 kilometers from the Somali border.
There are now almost 500,000 refugees in Kenya -- that's more than the total population of Cleveland, Ohio. While the majority of refugees in Kenya are Somali, Congolese, Sudanese, Eritrean, or Ethiopian, others are also represented. While not a rich country, Kenya has generously hosted hundreds of thousands of refugees for many years -- including some families that have been in Dadaab for three generations. For this, the Kenyan government is to be commended.
Kenya recently demonstrated leadership in providing humanitarian assistance by allowing the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other humanitarian responders access to additional land in Dadaab to house newly arriving refugees -- this new area is called the Ifo extension. This is an important step. Many newly arrived refugees, due to camp congestion, have been staying on the outskirts of existing camps. These areas are difficult to police, and will be prone to flooding if rains fall in October. Kenyan borders have remained open even as the government and the people of Kenya are themselves struggling with the worst drought in 60 years. But the Kenyan government is not in this alone.
The U.S. government is the largest donor to the Horn of Africa this year to date (providing approximately $580 million): we are the largest funder of UNHCR, which protects and assists refugees; the World Food Program, which provides food to those in need; and non-governmental organizations, which are instrumental in providing health care, shelter, preventing and responding to gender based violence, and other specialized services.
The U.S government also supports the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which last week transported the first 200 or so refugees to the Ifo extension site of the Dadaab refugee camp. These refugees received shelter that meets minimum international standards, on land that will not flood. Thousands more are being voluntarily relocated, easing overcrowding in the Dadaab camp in the days and weeks to come.
This would not have happened without the cooperation of the Kenyan government. Hosting a refugee population this large has its challenges. However, Kenya can count on the commitment of the United States and our international and NGO partners to assist in their efforts to provide protection and assistance of refugees, as well as our assistance to drought-affected areas in Kenya. At the same time, the U.S. government remains committed to assisting vulnerable populations within Somalia and to seeking political solutions to Somalia's the decades-long conflict.
Learn more about the current crisis, including how you can help, here.
Follow the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration on Facebook.
Robert S. in Florida writes:
I'll make you a deal: since I have absolutely nothing to do here but wait for Hurricane Irene, if you can arrange to get me there to help, I'll start packing.
Lauren in the U.S.A. writes:
On behalf of USA for UNHCR thank you so much for sharing how cooperation between organizations and countries is helping save lives in the Horn of Africa.
Okuba A. in Sudan writes:
need for help


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"I have listened to Catholic Answers Live for many years now. The show is informational, inspirational, faith building, and funny. I have been in the process of conversion for many years, and now at age 60, I will be joining the Catholic Church. The show and speakers have been my tutor and guide, and I am deeply grateful to all."
"To God, most Good and Great, in honor of St. John the Baptist, the Maliseets erected this church A.D. 1717."


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Retinopathy, Diabetic
National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
It is possible that the main title of the report Retinopathy, Diabetic is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.
General Discussion
Diabetic Retinopathy is a complication of diabetes and a disorder of the light sensitive tissue of the eye (the retina). This condition is characterized by destructive changes in the blood vessels of the retina, which, if left unchecked, may lead to visual impairment or blindness. The severity of the damage to the retina is highly correlated with the length of time the patient has had diabetes.
For reasons that are not well understood, the blood vessels of the retina lack their normal oxygen load. Capillaries tend to close off, further depleting the oxygen supply. The diabetes process also weakens the walls of these blood vessels, which tend to become enlarged and form micro-aneurysms. Not infrequently, the small blood vessels break causing hemorrhage and contributing to the patient's clouded vision.
Supporting Organizations
American Diabetes Association
- 1701 N. Beauregard Street
- Alexandria, VA 22311
- Tel: (703)549-1500
- Fax: (703)549-6995
- Tel: (800)342-2383
- Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
- Website: http://www.diabetes.org
American Foundation for the Blind
- 2 Penn Plaza
- Suite 1102
- New York, NY 10121
- Tel: (212)502-7600
- Fax: (888)545-8331
- Tel: (800)232-5463
- Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
- Website: http://www.afb.org
Association for Retinopathy of Prematurity and Related Diseases
- 39650 Orchard Hill Place
- Novi, MI 48375
- Tel: (248)319-0161
- Fax: (248)788-4589
- Tel: (800)788-2020
- Email: email@example.com
- Website: http://www.ropard.org
Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
- PO Box 8126
- Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
- Tel: (301)251-4925
- Fax: (301)251-4911
- Tel: (888)205-2311
- Website: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International
- 26 Broadway, 14th Floor
- New York, NY 10004
- Tel: (212)785-9595
- Fax: (212)785-2873
- Tel: (800)533-2873
- Email: email@example.com
- Website: http://www.jdrf.org
NIH/National Eye Institute
- 31 Center Dr
- Bethesda, MD 20892-2510
- United States
- Tel: (301)496-5248
- Fax: (301)402-1065
- Email: email@example.com
- Website: http://www.nei.nih.gov/
For a Complete Report
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be downloaded free from the NORD website for registered users. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational therapies (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, go to www.rarediseases.org and click on Rare Disease Database under "Rare Disease Information".
The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email firstname.lastname@example.com
Last Updated: 1/5/1970
Copyright 2007 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.


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July 10, 2013 —
"Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."
—John Fitzgerald Kennedy.
Those words, spoken by President Kennedy during his inaugural address, resonated with the entire country. They told the world what freedom truly means: being able to choose what you want to do for your nation. Rather than the dictates of the state telling people what to do, it is the people stepping forward. It is the people asking what we can do for our great nation that gave us our liberty, to ensure the continued liberty of our children.
July 4th is a special day. It is a day to celebrate something fought for and won a long time ago in the United States. It is a day when all of us get together with friends and family to celebrate our nation and our freedom. But we have lost sight of what freedom really means. President Theodore Roosevelt once said, "Americanism means the virtues of courage, honor, justice, truth, sincerity and hardihood—the virtues that made America. The things that will destroy America are prosperity-at-any-price, peace-at-any-price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living and the get-rich-quick theory of life."
As a nation and a people, we still have courage and honor. This is evident in those who willingly join the armed forces, those who go overseas to fight for our liberty and safety, those who go out to vote, or to demonstrate for what they believe in.
What we've lost are justice, truth and sincerity—the other virtues which made America great.
Truth and sincerity from our elected leaders are a long-forgotten memory. It is no longer evident in our news organizations whose purpose it is to expose untruths and insincerity; they now report only on what benefits them. We've become a nation of prosperity-at-any-price, peace-at-any-price and safety rather than duty first. We've made soft living into an art. Get-rich-quickly is a perfected strategy, and it is the norm for our elected officials, sports figures, entertainers and business heads, who use it as a way to gauge success.
We have forgotten the words of Benjamin Franklin that freedom at any price is not freedom at all: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
All of us take liberty and freedom for granted because it hasn't been taken away from us, yet. On the other side of the world people are fighting for freedom, while here we are losing some of our alienable rights to people claiming that what they are doing is good for the country. No one is doing what is good for the average citizen, or for our children. Few people can afford to retire; most have to continue working to put food on the table and to ensure the survival of the "job creators."
Freedom is a chance to be better, a chance for your kids to have a better life than you did. Freedom is not making sacrifices so the leaders can make us feel safe. Abraham Lincoln said it best when he said that democracy is the government "of the people, by the people, for the people." We have strayed far from those principles. Our motto now is "democracy and safety at any price and the safety for the job creators: the corporations."
To achieve those new ideals, we have become a nation of laws and regulations—laws that are badly written and randomly enforced. Certain citizens who break the laws are given harsh sentences, while others are forgiven for their mistakes. Apparently corporations can do no wrong, (can never do anything illegal), but are allowed to make mistakes and pay small fines to show they've learned their lesson.
Benjamin Franklin once said, "Where liberty dwells, there is my country."
Does anyone know where liberty dwells these days, or where it will dwell in the days to come?
[Abdul Jaludi is a resident of Milford, PA.]


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"Thank you for Catholic Answers. I enjoy hearing Patrick and his guests each weekday evening, and I have grown so much in my faith in the last 7-8 years. Thank you for speaking the truth."
Subscribe to Catholic Answers Magazine
"In the week immediately before Lent everyone shall go to his confessor and confess his deeds and the confessor shall so shrive him as he then may hear by his deeds what he is to do [in the way of penance]."


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The Habits of Successful Students
Do you know what it takes to be a successful student? Review the list below to see if your student is doing what it takes to be a success. Ask yourself if you are doing everything you can to help and encourage the student in your life.
Adapted from Peninsula College
1. Attend classes. If you skip class you will miss out on essential information and the chance to ask questions.
2. Ask questions. Communicate in class or make an appointment with the teacher to talk to them privately.
3. Read your material. It is important to read the material that the teachers give you; they give it to you for a reason. Academic reading is different than reading for pleasure. If you need it, take a course to improve your college/academic reading skills.
4. Do your homework. It sounds easy enough, but when you get busy with life and school, homework gets pushed back when it shouldn't. You and your family must make your studies a priority.
5. Get involved in campus life. Whether you are in a club or are participating in campus activities, involvement can help you in your classes as well because you have a sense of belonging to school and it is fun to be there. Not all learning occurs in the classroom!
6. Take advantage of campus resources. Resources, such as the Math Lab, Tutoring, Career Counseling, and other support services can be invaluable, and most of them are free or covered by your student fees.
7. Balance your home life, work and school. Take a manageable class load and create a personal schedule for yourself. Time is a finite resource! It's up to you to use it wisely.
8. Study. Studying is different than just doing assignments and homework. There are many resources to help you develop more active approaches to studying. You can actually take a course to help you develop more effective study strategies.
9. Track your progress, know your degree requirements. You should know what classes you need to take in order to graduate. And remember ~ you have to apply to graduate!
10. Stay in touch with your advisor/counselor. Your counselor or academic advisor can help you avoid repeating or taking unnecessary courses, and answer questions you may have along the way.
How To Support your Parent or Spouse
To quote one advisor of adult students:
"While it's certainly true that no one is going to do your homework for you, if you want to keep your marriage and family intact, you'll need at least their buy-in if not their support during your time in school.
Why? School is going to take up A LOT of your free time. There's no getting around it! And if your family doesn't approve, it's going to be very difficult for you to feel comfortable studying in your own home. It's also going to be very difficult for them to accept your school work as a legitimate reason for spending time away from them. Another reason is because at some point during your degree program you'll feel like throwing in the towel, and who better than to keep you encouraged than your spouse!"
How can you help?
Help out with household chores and family commitments, even more than you may do already.
Remember that your parent or spouse is going to school to make life better for your family.
Give them a quiet place and pleanty of time to study. It is recommended that for every hour a student spends in a college class that they spend two hours studying outside of class.
Encourage them by reminding them how much you care about them and how proud you are of them.
Celebrate their education successes as family accomplishments.


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Written by Angelic Storm on 18.01.2011 at 18:00
The last bona fide classic so far that Gamma Ray have released. Not a single weak moment, or filler track. Every track is awesome. xD
Written by RavenKing on 24.01.2011 at 03:02I fint it average and definitely below LOTF and SOIS.
Written by Angelic Storm on 24.01.2011 at 03:06
"Powerplant" is a very strong album as well IMO.
Written by RavenKing on 24.01.2011 at 03:26At some point during the last summer, I listened to all Gamma Ray albums from LOTF to LOTF II.
In my memories, "Powerplant" was an excellent album (last time I listened to it was over 7 years ago) but damn I had a hard time listening to it. I think if it would not be for the fact that I was walking the main street with earphones on my ears and listening to the album in a distracted way, I would have hit the stop button. I found it so boring I could hardly believe there was a time, long ago, when I liked this album very much. Apart from the first and last song, the album bored me.
It made me realize even more how far from Powermetal I am now. It's quite hit and miss nowadays.
I really enjoyed LOTF and SOIS but all the rest ranged from average at best to plain painful to hear.
I would say as soon as it strays away a bit from old school melodic Speed Metal, it becomes cringworthy for me.
Written by Angelic Storm on 24.01.2011 at 03:43
I have a feeling that if Gamma Ray were to release "Powerplant" now, you would be heavily critical of it. Would you say that because your tastes have changed so much as regards to power metal, that is the reason why most power metal now does nothing for you? When even albums that you enjoyed before are now boring to you?
Written by Angelic Storm on 24.01.2011 at 03:43
It does seem like now, any power metal aside from the old style melodic speed metal is not something you're interested in.


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This is My Town ! Dodgertown !
This is so cool! The Dodgers send us an email, you enter your First Name, Last Name and Jersey number.
There I am with my homeboy Andre Ethier. Note that I put Crzblue on this one with #42
And Amaya on this one with Koufax's number.
So the transplanted Red Sox fan that sits infront of me at work sent me the following IM after I sent him a picture that Manny had already reported to Spring Training:
"You win, dam it, why isnt manny being manny." LOL!
16 Comments
And before you can hit "publish" on this post Manny was back to his normal idiocy routine. I don't get it. He's making $20 million this year when guys like Jermaine Dye can't even get a job and all Manny wants to do is stir up some more crap? He really bothers me sometimes.
What crap is Jeff referring to? My first thought was "wow, Manny ISN'T being Manny – what's going on?", maybe that thought was premature? Anyway, that is a cool thing with the name superimposed on the billboard. You should make it your desktop wallpaper!
Rants, Raves, and Random Thoughts
Manny said that this year is gonna be his last with the Dodgers, according to the Boston Globe…
-MLB Through A Teenager's Eyes
I like that idea.
It was a great creative way to get the fans psyched up going into the first Cactus League games of the year.
What is fantastic is that you could send it to a friend and they could also do their own renditions.
I like the Cruzblue only because we know you better with it, but going with Sandy's jersey number…..how can you be wrong.
BTW, with the news out of Manny's mouth today….This is pre-season "Manny being Manny".
Always a pleasure!
Rays Renegade
Nice Pictures!
I read your comment on the train but could not respond. Now that I read what Manny said I have not problem with that. To say that this is his last year as a Dodger is just reality. He is a DH waiting to happen. I hope someone in the Amerian League will pay him well to be a DH next season because that would mean he had a great year with the Dodgers.
Like I said above, I have no problem with what Manny said. He just needs to work hard this year and we will have someone in the wing waiting to take his spot. I already updated my desktop picture with one of the two I posted! I love it!.
Thanks! I did not know until I read it from you here.
Wow! Love those pics, Emma. And congrats on winning your bet about Manny. He did get there on time!
Nah, Manny has never been able to play left field, but he gets by. He said this to jockey the Dodgers into working something out for him. You don't take $20 million from a club and come in the first day and say "this is my last year with you guys" and imply that you're going where they'll pay you the most. You go in the clubhouse and go about your business to win. He has a whole section in left field named for him and a fan base that supported him in light of him being a flat out cheater. A smart ball player wouldn't have said anything about this contract situation, especially on the very first day. Jeesh.
That is fun! I saw online somewhere you could order a print of your name on a jersey which is hung amongst other team player jerseys…they have it for all the MLB teams. Pretty cool :O)
I and other Dodger fans I talked to feel Ok with what Manny said. We are thankful that his contract is for no longer than this year. He is looking to redeem himself and we are looking for him to have a great year.
Oh that is cool too! That is include retired players?
Thanks for checking out my Mets…next week i'l be taking a look at the NL west, hopefully by then ill be a bit more blogger savvy, good luck this season
That billboard idea is genius and your name looks perfect on it!
I knew you'd take a jab back at me for the SchoolYard party LOL!!
Today's Manny Update on the radio said:
Now he wants to play 5 more years. 3 with Dodgers and 2 more in Japan.
It never ends does it?
Emma, if only Cleveland had that idea.
If Cleveland had any idea to bring more fans closer to the organization than it will have been the smartest thing sence ten cent beer night that took place in the 50's, or was it the 60's? But anyways, it wasn't a smart idea, and the Indians never do have smart ideas. That's a really cool billboard!
Good luck Dodgers.
Thanks CB! I don't mind Manny being in his own world as long as he produces this year!
I'll take a look at your next post about the NL West! Thanks!
That is genious about the billboard. It is my background pic!
so glad to have you back! Maybe the other teams will look at the billboard and do something similar!
I usually do not leave a response, but after looking at a few of the comments here This is My Town !
Dodgertown ! � Dodger Blue World. I do have a couple of questions for you if it's okay. Is it just me or do some of these comments look as if they are coming from brain dead people?😛 And, if you are writing on additional online sites, I would like to follow you. Could you post a list of all of all your public pages like your linkedin profile, Facebook page or twitter feed?