text:
What Language Do I Use?
Peer Reviewed by shadowisadog, dejaime, jefferytitan
c lang d language c++ java c# .net assembly asm vb visual basic flash actionscript python php asp.net ruby on rails javascript objective c
Your choice of language will affect the rest of your project, and it's impossible to change languages in the middle of a project without a complete (or at least very extensive) rewrite, so it is not a choice you should make lightly. It is also not a choice that you should allow to be colored by your own personal preferences or the urging of friends. Your choice of computer language for your project should be well-researched and pragmatic. What counts most is the quality of your results and not that the language be worthy of your programming skills.
This article will cover some of the languages that are popular with game programmers. This list is neither complete nor deep. This article is intended to give you a bird's eye view of the most popular game development languages out there along with a short overview and a few situations where they would be a good or a poor choice for a project.
One final note before you read the list. This list does include plenty of terminology that might not be familiar to you as a beginner, and there simply isn't enough space to define everything. It is recommended that you keep Wikipedia handy for the terminology with which you are not yet familiar.
The C Programming Language is either the direct parent or a heavy influence to every other language discussed in this article. While it was itself derived from a couple of other languages that have fallen into disuse, C is now considered to be one of the "root" languages of computer science. Some other languages that predate C (COBOL, FORTRAN, Lisp, Smalltalk) are still in use today and owe nothing to C, but just about every language that's been produced since the 1980's owes at least some of its syntax to C.
C is a classic "brace language", which is to say that it's a structured goto-less language that uses the open and closed curly-braces to group statements together. It's a structure that's repeated in many of the languages that follow (C++, Java, C#, ActionScript, PHP). One advantage of the endlessly-imitated structure of C, braces and otherwise, is that once you understand how things are done in C, you can carry them over to the other languages with almost no changes. The if(), while(), and for() statements in C and PHP, for example, are basically identical. For that very fact alone, it is recommend that you familiarize yourself with C syntax, as it is something that you can keep with you.
Advantages: C is good for writing small fast programs. It is easy to interface with assembly language. The language itself as well as the library routines are standardized, so moving programs to other platforms can be a straightforward process if you plan ahead.
Disadvantages: The ability to write small programs quickly also works against C, as C is not normally used for object oriented programming[note], which is a method of structuring your code that's better suited to large programs with distributed development, and large C programs can grow disorganized easily. While many very large projects have been written in C (Unix, Windows, Oracle), managing a large C-based project requires more discipline than in languages that are built around more modularity.
Portability: While the core of the language itself and the ISO function calls are very portable, these calls are limited to control flow, simple memory management and simple file handling. Modern user-interface constructs, like menus, buttons, dialog boxes, etc., are not portable between platforms, so you will need to either write your code to work with a third-party UI toolkit or plan to write your user-interface twice.
While the language was ahead of its time when it was created, the C library is showing its age. Many non-trivial library functions, like memory management and strings, have a simplistic syntax that has been significantly tuned up in the language's successors.
While C has been redesigned and re-standardized several times to keep up with the times, some of the syntax is counterintuitive by necessity. Some of the quirkier language constructs remain for the sake of compatibility with existing code.
Suitability for Beginners: Not very good. While the core of C is fairly compact and easy to grasp, many of C's library calls are antiquated and are easier handled in some of its successor languages.
Resources: While Kernighan and Ritchie's The C Programming Language is the "classic" book on the subject, the book does cover topics fairly quickly, and it might be too quick for a rank beginner at programming. Other well-recommended books include C How to Program, C Programming: A Modern Approach, and C Primer Plus
C++ is C's most established "child" language. It was designed in the 1980's as an extended version of C with support for "classes"[note], which are abstract data structures that aggregate primitive data types and algorithms into something that is better able to model real-world (or in the case of games, simulated-world) objects. C++ classes also support the concept of "data hiding" in which you can hide the underlying implementation of an object from the rest of your program. While this method seems a bit inscrutable, it is extremely useful when programming in a team environment. It allows you to agree on how the object's interface is intended to work without regard as to how the object works internally. It's a bit like saying "I'm giving you a job, and I don't care how you do it as long as it gets done, and the result looks the way I want".
Advantages: Supports the object-oriented (OO) paradigm very completely, which is much better than C for supporting large projects. Unlike C, it contains a very well-designed library of common data structures and algorithms.
Disadvantages: The syntax of C++ has grown larger and more complicated with each iteration, and the language is absolutely byzantine now. The syntax lends itself very easily to abuse and, while the language does support team programming very well, its huge and deep syntax can make code difficult to read.
Portability: Despite its roots in C, C++ has better portability than C[note]. This is because most modern portability toolkits are implemented as C++ object libraries rather than the old-style C function libraries. In addition, C++'s standard library and very useful Boost library is very standardized and cross-platform despite the complexity of both.
Suitability for Beginners: While the memory management and I/O operations in C++ are significantly easier to understand than C, C++ has a pretty high learning curve just from its sheer size. Thankfully, one doesn't have to learn the entire language to be productive with it.
Resources: A perfect beginner's book for C++ is C++: A Dialog by Steve Heller. It's very well-paced and approachable, and it's perfect for beginning programmers.
For a more comprehensive approach, Bruce Eckel's monumental two-volume Thinking in C++ series will tell you all you need to know about C++ in only 1,600 pages.
As an added bonus, these books are available for free download. Google for them, and you should have no trouble finding the official sites.
C or C++: Short of "DirectX or OpenGL", this is one of the most-asked questions when getting ready to learn the language. C++ is, with a couple of very minor exceptions, a proper superset of C. That means that all that C does, C++ does the same. Every C++ compiler will also compile C, and C-only compilers are very hard to find nowadays. While those facts might make it seem logical to start with C and then learn the "rest" of the language later, it is a better idea to learn classes and OO programming early on rather than having to "unlearn" techniques that don't model the environment (real or simulated) very well.
Objective-C is an object orientated, strongly typed programming language with a dynamic runtime. In it's nature, it is a superset of C. It inherits the majority of it's basic syntax rules from C, while having some more major changes to the structure as well. That for instance would include method calls, overall definition rules and so on.
Objective-C is the primary language for MAC OS X and iOS programming and is an Apple exclusive. It supports a wide variety of development techniques, functionalities, libraries and many other bonus features that make this language stand out (for more information, see reference). The language supports a really wide range of built-in libraries for handling 2D and 3D graphics (OpenGL based) which can help a junior game developer in building his/her first game bu using a powerful, yet native solutions. Other libraries help game development as well, especially for mobile. Another standout feature is the reference counting garbage collector, working in a close collaboration with the very sophisticated memory management system (see reference).
Advantages: Objective-C is a powerful superset of C and can produce and run very powerful and flexible applications. It can utilize C/C++ code and through that it is easy to port new projects and extend the power of already existing such. The language possesses a really wide variety of helpful libraries and one of the best development environments in the face of Xcode. This is a powerful OOP language that can be used in many ways.
Disadvantages: Objective-C is an Apple exclusive, thus you need an Apple computer, running the latest version of Mac OS X in order to develop your applications. Another thing to note is that some of the syntax rules of the language can end up being confusing for the beginner to intermediate programmer. The method calls are far from the standard, the class definitions are also going to cause some confusion for beginners that have no experience in C/C++. Something else to note – knowledge of memory management on a higher level is absolutely required if you plan to develop apps for iOS.
Portability: There is none. What ever is written in Objective-C stays within the Apple products. You cannot port an Objective-C project to another platform without completely re-writing it in another language. The bottom line here is – Objective-C is only suitable for Mac OS X and iOS development.
Suitability for Beginners: Objective-C is not the most beginner friendly language, though it's not the hardest one as well. You'll have an easier time learning C# or Java, yet getting proficient in Objective-C is relatively easier then C++. A beginner will most certainly need to put in a lot of reading into concepts such as memory management, so on and so forth and that can be a painful process to go by if you are just starting out, however it will pay out in the long run.
Resources: Aside from the official Apple guides, there are a lot of free e-books on onlineprogrammingbooks.com - http://www.onlineprogrammingbooks.com/objective-c/
Objective-C basics:
Objective-C memory management:
Objective-C for game development:
Objective-C compared to Java:
Objective-C compared to C++:
General iOS development compared to Android development:
Java is, for practical purposes, the first "post web" language. While some languages like Perl suddenly found their string-handling capabilities to be a natural for retrieving values and sending display-able HTML to web browsers, Java initially found its footing in the browser itself, first in the very interesting but monumentally quirky HotJava browser (written in Java itself), and later in the form of extensions for existing browsers.
Java, while on its face structured similarly to C and C++, behaves very differently on the "back end". The Java compiler, rather than compiling Java source code to native machine-code, compiles to "bytecode" that is run by a Virtual Machine or VM. The Java bytecode is an assembly language of sorts, but it is not an assembly language that is married to a particular processor. The Java VM, which is actually a runtime interpreter of bytecode, will then interpret the bytecode for your machine's target processor. The advantage of this approach is that Java bytecode can be moved from machine to machine and executed without changes provided that the target machine has a compatible Java VM or, as Java promised, "write once, run everywhere". The disadvantage of this approach is that Java bytecode is not native machine code, and while technologies such as "just in time" compilers can improve VM performance, the fact is that you're doing some level of interpretation at runtime, and that does entail a minor, but measurable performance hit.
The other disadvantage is that realities of Java have not lived up to the language's early promises. While the idea of executing games inside web-pages captured everyone's hearts almost immediately, the reality quickly set in that Java VM's aren't as compatible with each other as they should be, and a Java application or applet written on one machine using a particular VM may or may not run nicely on another machine with another VM version. "Write once, run everywhere" was snarkily renamed "write once, port everywhere", which is to say that once you finished writing your Java code and it's running beautifully on one platform, you then had the non-trivial task of making sure the application will actually run well and look nice on all systems.
The third disadvantage of Java came with its GUI. While the first "pass" at making a Java GUI used native OS controls (buttons, scroll bars, etc) and was reasonably small and fast, it wasn't very deep. The next pass, Swing, looked better but performed worse and was entirely different from the original controls. And, worst of all, Sun (Java's parent) was slow to add OS features that had been in existence in the underlying OS for years, like support for ClearType font rendering. Hence, Java applications always seemed to look a few versions away from state-of-the-art.
There is one place, though, where Java took a good hold and Java's advantages outweighed its disadvantages, and that was in server programming. One big advantage of a VM is that since it's not an actual processor but just a simulation of one, crashing the VM isn't much of an issue. If you do manage to completely confuse the Java VM, that doesn't really affect the parent operating system, and you can close and restart a session without having to reboot the entire machine. Couple that with the fact that Java's memory management scheme is a generation evolved from that in C++ and C, and suddenly problems like allocating memory without releasing it back to the system became much less of a problem. And a system like this is perfect for a server environment. A server can pop up and kill VM's as necessary without affecting the underlying OS. Also, the GUI problems don't really apply, as it doesn't matter if your server software doesn't look spectacular unless you just want to impress server-admins. Today you'll find many commercial Massively Multiplayer games that use Java on the server side. A good example would be the multiplayer games by Three Rings that are fully Java on the client as well as the server-side.
Another place where Java has very strongly caught on is in the mobile phone market. J2ME[note] (Java 2, Micro Edition) is a "miniature" version of the Java VM with a significantly truncated class library which is designed to run on mobile phones and other small devices. In fact, if you include the mobile phone demographic, Java is one of the most popular platforms in existence.
Advantages: Java's Virtual Machine coupled with its memory management and automatic collection of no-longer-needed memory allows you to make software that is very robust and crash-resistant. It also has a strong tradition of extensive documentation[note].
Disadvantages: Java's "write once, run everywhere" promise wasn't fulfilled. The Java class libraries have been rewritten multiple times without removing old calls, so while the libraries are very backward-compatible with old code, there seems to be three ways of doing everything, all but one of which are discouraged as being "obsolete".
Portability: Fairly good, but not as good as it should have been. Making an application in Java that is portable and uses the underlying OS's latest features is almost as difficult to do in Java as in C++.
Suitability for Beginners: Reasonably good. While figuring out the "right" way to do things without bumping into a deprecated object is a bit of a pain for beginners wading through the language, the core of the language itself is well-designed and easy to understand. Also Java is a standard language for many university courses.
Resources: Oracle Inc., the Java authority, has plenty of great resources for Java programmers.
.NET Languages (specifically C# and Visual Basic)
.NET (pronounced "dot net") is basically Microsoft's answer to the Java VM. Actually, .NET is the name for the overarching technology. The actual VM's name is CLR (common language runtime), and everything that was said earlier about the Java VM also applies to the CLR with one significant exception: the CLR was designed from the ground up to not be "married" to a single language, as Java was. And because of this, there are a whole host of languages that use the CLR to do the back-end processing. Everything from ancient legacy languages like COBOL and FORTRAN to modern languages like Python can target the CLR. Mind you, some of the CLR projects out there are little one-man projects, so don't get too excited if you find your favorite language in a CLR version, as some of the compilers are far from mature.
C# and Visual Basic, both developed by Microsoft, are the most popular CLR-based languages. C# is a language clearly derived from Java, and it shares about 90% of Java's syntax despite sounding more like something derived from C or C++. C# does have several nice language extensions that Java has been slow to add as well as a completely rewritten class library.
Visual Basic, which was briefly renamed VB.NET, is a CLR implementation and replacement for Microsoft's established and popular Visual Basic environment. While it is still called "Basic" and is no longer in all-caps, it bears very little resemblance to the old BASIC interpreters that were burned into the ROM of just about every computer sold in the 1980's. The syntax is now structured similarly to the other languages in this list, although it still doesn't use braces to group statements. It also uses the more object-oriented "dot notation" to call functions rather than the large function library of the pre-CLR versions of the language.
Advantages: While Java does have a couple of minor efforts to compile languages to the Java VM, the CLR is designed from the ground-up to support this. Hence, there are several CLR-based languages, and it's relatively easy to get them to communicate with each other.
The .NET technologies are very well-supported by Microsoft's Visual Studio environment, which is a very mature and feature-rich development environment.
C# is the premier programming language for Microsoft's XNA technology, which is a method of making games that are portable between Windows and the XBox 360 game console.
Disadvantages: Unlike Java, CLR applications can't run as applets within web pages. While the "Silverlight" technology does allow this, it's fairly late to the game and is not entrenched in browsers the way that Java and Flash are. Silverlight has also been discontinued after release 5.
CLR-based applications are much less portable than they should be.
Portability: While there are third-party efforts to port the CLR to operating systems other than Windows, the efforts in that direction are significantly smaller than the work being done in Windows. So while you might be able to create a very robust .NET application for Windows, your Mac and Linux efforts won't be nearly as smooth.
Suitability for Beginners: Good on both counts (C# and Visual Basic). Both languages are straightforward and easy to understand. In addition, their tight integration with the Visual Studio environment makes setup fairly easy.
Resources: Microsoft.com
Flash and ActionScript
Flash is a bit of an unusual member of this list, as its roots do not exist with the language itself but with an animation tool. In the 1990's, a couple of developers were dismayed at the size required to display animated graphics on web pages and the method by which they were displayed, so they developed a browser plug-in called "FutureSplash" as well as a drawing and animation tool that could create very compact vector-based animations. Macromedia, already a player in the interactive web-business with their Shockwave plug-in that could play content from their Director animation tool, purchased FutureSplash, renamed it "Flash", and proceeded to take the browser animation market by storm.
A few versions later, Macromedia added a subset of JavaScript (discussed later), dubbed "ActionScript" to the plug-in, and Flash became a fully fledged programming environment, although it did take a few versions for the language as well as the development tool to "grow up" into a first-class environment useful for content other than simple web-based games. Today, Flash, now owned by Adobe, is based on ActionScript 3, which is a full implementation of the ECMAScript standard and is as capable as anything on this list.
A few years ago, Adobe introduced a tool called "Flex" which was an attempt to "grow up" Flash into something more suitable for building browser-based user interfaces and RIA (Rich Internet Application) content rather than just animations and games. While not a replacement for Flash, Flex is better suited for building user interfaces, as it is an XML-based programming language with rich UI support rather than an animation tool with a built-in programming language.
Advantages: Flash's integrated drawing and programming tools make programming web-based games absurdly easy. The Flash environment, while not having the pedigree of Visual Studio, is extremely feature-rich.
Disadvantages: Flash, while a great environment for one person, does not support team programming very well.
While the Flex compiler is free, the very nice FlexBuilder Flex content-creation tool is not.
Unlike the other languages on this list, ActionScript is a client-only technology. While some kind of server-side ActionScript interpreter might prevent you from having to learn a separate server language, such a thing does not exist.
Portability: Flash runtime players are available on Windows, Mac, Linux, several breeds of mobile phone, and some game consoles. Not all devices support the same version of Flash, though, so you will need to learn the capabilities of each version and what you want to target before you get started.
Suitability for Beginners: Excellent, especially with its aggregation of drawing and animation tools. Although such ease of building in the Flash environment will not apply to other languages. A technique or build tool used in C++, for example, will likely have an equivalent in Java and vice-versa. The Flash development environment is unlike all others.
Resources: Just like Microsoft is one-stop-shopping for all of your .NET needs, Adobe is the place to go for Flash.
Python, unlike the previously-mentioned languages, did not start out as a large corporate or university project. It was much more of a grassroots effort among university students and, later, among people in the industry who liked the language's structure as well as its lack of legacy features. The language itself is fairly compact and is easy to use. It is also easy to embed a Python language interpreter into existing projects, which is why you'll see Python as an embedded scripting language in many games.
Python also functions well as a server language as it features many of the server-friendly attributes of Java. In fact, Python compilers exist that can compile Python code to both the Java VM and Microsoft's CLR. Many services that you would recognize (YouTube, Google, and Yahoo) use Python extensively for back-end processing.
Python is also becoming quite popular in the gaming community with the user-supported PyGame library. PyGame is an object library that abstracts the well-established SDL cross-platform graphics library into something friendly and easy-to-use from Python. Several impressive arcade games have been written entirely in Python.
Advantages: Free and open-source. Very dedicated user community. Integrated fully into Google AppEngine, which is Google's "pay to play" processing server.
Disadvantages: Virtually everything is handled not by a large corporation but by its user-community, so it might be a hard-sell to get a company to sign off on a Python-based project, although some very big players are now invested heavily in Python so Python now looks like much less of a "hobby language" than it used to be.
Portability: Pretty good. Most of the third-party libraries made for Python are built around portable technologies like SDL and OpenGL, so it's not too difficult to write something in Python that will run on several platforms.
Suitability for Beginners: The Python language has an easy-to-follow syntax and is easy to learn. In addition, there are several good community-written tutorials out there.
Resources: Python.org is a well-organized home for all things Python. It is also the home of many active community forums where you can get your questions answered.
Assembly Language
There are two things that you must know about assembly language.
- The name of the language is "assembly". The name of the tool that converts assembly language into low-level machine code is called an "assembler". It's a common mistake, even among experienced programmers, to call the language "assembler". So please start out on the right foot by calling the language by its proper name.
- Assembly language is, by default, the smallest and fastest language in this article. Since it is not a high-level language but is actually a mnemonic representation of your CPU's instruction set, there is nothing written in a higher level language that can't be done faster in assembly
And given fact number two above, you might think your search is over. After all, if a language is necessarily the smallest and fastest of the bunch, why not use it? In fact, why do other people bother with C or C++ or anything else when you can write your code in assembly and get the best results by definition?
That's because the term "best code" doesn't just refer to the raw speed and size of your program. There is the quality of readability, as you might need to hand some of your code over to a colleague so he can work on it. There is the quality of portability, as you might need to move your code to another operating system or hardware architecture. There is the quality of maintainability, which is the need to easily fix problems at the close of the project. There is the quality of abstraction, in which you can write code in terms of moving a character down a hallway rather than manipulating numbers in locations in memory.
And in all of those factors, assembly language comes in dead last. Assembly language is very difficult to read and maintain. Unless meticulously commented, it is of little use to anyone else inheriting the code. Fixing bugs and extending the existing code is difficult at best. You have to keep a constant eye on portability, lest you end up writing code that won't even run on different processor models by the same manufacturer. And the closest you'll get to "move the alien ten pixels to the left" are some register updates followed by several instructions to call the bitmap-display function.
In practice, assembly is almost never used for complete games. Assembly, when it is used, is used in parts of programs that do a lot of calculations and are called a lot of times. Sometimes whittling a few machine-instructions out of a function that is called millions of times can provide enough of a benefit to make the extra work worthwhile. But this is a process that isn't undertaken from the beginning of a project. It is something done in early testing, after determining where the programming bottlenecks actually are.
Assembly language is not for the faint of heart, and if you're reading an article to try to figure out what language to use, then you should probably look elsewhere.
Advantages: Is the fastest and most compact way to go if you know what you are doing.
Disadvantages: If you are reading this, you probably don't know what you are doing. Prepare to spend a long time learning a million little tricks to shave off processor ticks here and there.
Portability: Worse than bad. Unless you are programming for the baseline processor, your programs might not even run on other "compatible" processors. For example, some special instructions on AMD processors are not available on Intel and vice versa.
Suitability for Beginners: Run away.
Resources: Assembly Language for Intel-Based Computers is well-recommended if you intend to write for Intel processors. If not Intel, check out the makers of your target CPU for technical resources.
Server languages
While many of the languages mentioned above will work nicely on the server, some of the technologies around which they were built are rather archaic, and much smoother easier-to-use solutions are now available. The original standard for writing a custom back-end for web-pages was called CGI, and it was a simple standard for running a customized executable on the server-side, passing it data from the page that called it, and collecting text output and returning it to the user. And while it was simple to implement on the server-side, it really doesn't model the interactive experience as the web is used today, and CGI-based solutions for interactive web-applications can be clunky at best.
PHP was one of the first true "embedded" scripting languages for the web, and in many ways it revolutionized the way that pages are scripted. While PHP can operate as a scripting language that takes input from a web form, processes it, and returns output, its real strength is its usage as a hypertext preprocessor. PHP, once configured to work as a preprocessor for a server, can process code that's embedded the page itself. So rather than writing a piece of standalone code that will, for example, print out the current date in a page, you can just embed the PHP code directly into your web page that prints the date, and the code will be quietly replaced with the resulting text as it is sent to a browser. PHP also added a library of native commands to communicate with the free and powerful MySQL database, making storing and retrieving persistent data easy.
Another thing that made PHP instantly popular was the price. It was free, thus cementing it in the popular server configuration known as LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP). The combination of these four technologies gave beginning or low-budget web designers an easy-to-use, scalable, and very powerful web setup for free. And as a bonus, it could run on low-cost hardware. And this fact was not lost on web developers. Today there are a large number of free or low price PHP scripts to perform just about any task, from simple user databases to complete "website in a box" setups.
Not to be outdone, Microsoft quickly put together their own PHP-esque configuration based entirely on Microsoft's technologies, namely Windows, Internet Information Server (Microsoft's web server), CLR, and SQL Server. While far from free and not in PHP's league in the breadth of third-party scripts available, ASP.NET does have the advantage of all the tech support money can buy as well as support for languages other than PHP. If you're familiar with Visual Basic on the client side, for example, you can use it on the server-side with ASP.NET.
But if you're working within a budget, a LAMP setup will likely be a better fit.
Ruby on Rails
Ruby on Rails (often just called "Rails") is not itself a programming language but is a class library built with the Ruby programming language. While Ruby itself is a not-very-revolutionary object-oriented scripting language that owes its heritage to both Python and Perl, it is the Rails library that makes the system revolutionary. The Rails library fully integrates the MVC (Model View Controller) paradigm and is designed to prevent as little repetition of technique as possible. And this does allow you to build a fairly rich server-based system with a minimum of code. And the Rails folks will proudly show off web-forums and social networking sites that have been written in an absurdly small amount of code.
Like PHP, Ruby on Rails is free.
Other Languages That Are Worth Mention
The sections above cover most of the languages that have a pedigree in the game development world, both on the client and server. That is to say that large scale or popular games have been written using these languages. There are, however, a couple of interesting technologies out there that, while not yet established as first-class languages for games, show lots of promise. It would not be surprising to see these languages score some major projects in the future.
D is a sort of "unofficial" grandchild of C, C++, and Java. It is the brainchild of Walter Bright, who is one of the pioneers of C and C++ compiler construction on PCs. Growing frustrated with the ever-growing class libraries as well as the fanatical need for backward compatibility, Mr. Bright decided to build something from the ground-up that took the best features of C, C++, and Java while jettisoning anything that didn't have a very good reason for existing. And the result was a language that was tighter and easier to learn than its "parents" without sacrificing important features or runtime speed. D is what happens when you take language design away from the realms of the committee.
While D does jettison backward compatibility in the name of simplicity, it does have excellent methods for communicating with C code, so if you have a third-party library or some C source code that you are loath to rewrite, you can still talk to it without much difficulty.
That is to say that D would be the best of all worlds if it gained more support. It simply doesn't yet have the huge libraries of code, wealth of tools, and base of user support of the other languages. Hopefully its support will grow and it will receive the attention it deserves, but that will take some time.
Early on it was clear that this article would not reach a satisfactory conclusion as to what language to use. Fact is, there's very rarely a single solution that will solve all problems. Hopefully this list will at least whittle your choices down to two or three good candidates. The rest of the research is up to you.
Thankfully, virtually every solution mentioned above has a free implementation, so you can try out these languages and choose the one that you think will best suit your project.


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Event Details
Haunted Play and Neil Patrick Harris present an ALL NEW, psychologically disturbing show titled DELUSION: The Blood Rite. The story is told through gripping interaction, suspenseful storytelling and explosive stunt work. With The Blood Rite, Haunted Play will dive deeper into fear by requiring the audience to make terrifying decisions to further the story. Jon Braver writes and directs this year's play once again.
In 2011, Haunted Play presented DELUSION; their first interactive horror play. It was named 2011's "Best Haunted Attraction" by FOX LA and "The Hottest Ticket in LA" by NPR's All Things Considered. The show quickly became a phenomenon. Haunted Play, the First Ever Interactive Horror Theatre Company, was created in 2011 by Hollywood stuntman Jon Braver. Neil Patrick Harris joins the team in 2012 to help Haunted Play create more terrifying, live theatre experiences.
Haunted Play presents Delusion: The Blood Rite, "HP", is intended for your enjoyment. Smoking, or the possession of firearms and/or explosives, including fireworks, on the property is strictly prohibited. Under-age drinkers will be subject to arrest. Disorderly or aggressive behavior towards other patrons or employees will result in immediate ejection from the venue without a refund.
By participating in HP and associated activities, you assume all risks and hazards associated with this event, and knowingly and freely assume the risk of any personal injury, property damage, property loss that you may suffer, concur, or sustain which could in any way be construed to be connected with, arise out of, or touch upon your participation in the activities at HP. HP is meant to scare and terrify, and assumes no responsibility to how you or others react to such scares. In addition, the path throughout the experience is uneven and poorly lit with many obstacles and structures that are potential hazards. By setting foot on the property you assume all risks and responsibilities, and waive HP and producer Neil Patrick Harris of any and all responsibilities, including and not limited to permanent impairment and/or death.
BY CHOOSING TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR HAUNTED PLAY presents DELUSION: THE BLOOD RITE, YOU AGREE THAT:
1) You have read and understood the above statement and agree to assume any and all risks associated with your decision to patronize HP.
2) You agree to release HP and producer Neil Patrick Harris and their successors, assigns, owners, officers, directors, volunteers, employees, and property owners, of liability for any injuries or other harm that you may suffer at HP.
To all of our guests, please note that Delusion: The Blood Rite, Haunted Play, LLC, and any affiliates have not been nor will be providing parking services for our event. The show is located in a residential area with unlimited parking, and you may park on the street for free. There have been some parking services set up around the neighborhood without the consent, prior knowledge of, or affiliation with our show, and we are not responsible for any theft, damage, loss, or other neglect which may happen to your car or any property therein if you choose to use these services. By accepting your tickets to this event, you are hereby releasing Delusion: The Blood Rite, Haunted Play, LLC, and any affiliates from any and all responsibility associated with theft, damage, or loss of your car and any property therein.
Event Location
The Mansion
2218 S. Harvard Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90018
View 2218 S. Harvard Blvd in a larger map
Haunted Play / Jon Braver / Neil Patrick Harris


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The act of sucking semen from the orifice of another. Mostly from the anus, and then spraying the semen in the air like Triple H
After Fred had ejaculated inside Ronald he was so horny he sucked his semen from Freds asshole and sprayed it into the air falling back onto his face. Ronald was impressed with Freds diffney.
by dhmon June 05, 2014


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La Pine couple smell smoke, escape burning home
Dog also gets out; nearby fire station limits damage
La PINE, Ore. - A La Pine couple staying at a friend's house had gone to bed but was not asleep early Friday when they smelled smoke, officials said. That may have saved their lives, as well as their dog and the home.
However, a quick response from a nearby fire station limited the damage, they added.
La Pine Rural Fire Protection District crews were dispatched shortly after 2 a.m. to the reported house fire at 15721 Burgess Road, not far from the district's Station 103 on Burgess Road, said fire Capt. Gary Young.
The couple were friends of the homeowner, who was not there, Young said. After they smelled the smoke, they called 911 and got out.
The occupants reported a fire in the wall and ceiling behind the wood stove, Young said.
The first of 14 firefighters called to the scene, with five apparatus, found the fire coming from the roof and wall that surrounded the masonry chimney in the approximately 800-square-foot home, he said.
A rapid response from the Burgess Road fire station resulted in a quick knock-down of the fire, keeping it contained to the wall of origin, with minor extension to the attic, Young said.
The fire is believed to have been caused by a stove pipe separation with the wall, he said.
The Red Cross said its disaster volunteers offered the displaced pair help with comfort kits, food, lodging and information about health and mental health services.


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It's an interesting question. The knee-jerk answer is that the Jets did in Smith, but I don't know. Watch this guy's highlights. Practically every highlight is him tossing a 4 yard throw to Tavon Austin and then watching Austin run it for 65 yards after the catch. That's a lot of it.
Nassib has an NFL arm and a great mental makeup. Geno Smith looked dejected and pouty in the green room on Thursday night.
I'd rather have Nassib.


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The Russian connection: See all our coverage | Read about our investigation
Tom PhilpottDec. 26, 2012 7:01 AM
Everyone knows what to drink when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve: sparkling wine—and ideally, the stuff made in Champagne, France. Like millions of others, I adore Champagne, especially when it's made on-farm by small producers, as opposed to the heavily marketed prestige brands. Here's the wonderful wine writer Eric Asimov on these so-called "grower Champagnes," which, he writes, "suggest soil on the boots and dirt under the fingernails"—distinctive, pronounced flavors over the tarted-up glitz and glamor of, say, Veuve Clicquot. Grower Champagnes also tend to be much cheaper than the prestige brands, but still quite expensive: $40 a bottle on up. To me, they're a very rare treat.
But what to drink before the midnight hour? I have an idea, and I'm not sure if it's a good one or a bad one. The case for the Seelbach cocktail—named for the Memphis Louisville, Kentucky, hotel where it was invented in the early 20th century—is that it's really, really good. You get a citrus bounce from the orange liqueur Cointreau, round sweetness and alcoholic force from bourbon, and festive fizz from sparkly wine, all knit together with a blast of bitters. Yum.
The case against the Seelbach is also that it's really, really good—and like so many cocktails, very easy drinking. You've got to pace yourself on New Years Eve. Too many Seelbachs before midnight bubbly is a great way to turn Champagne into real pain. So enter the world of the Seelbach with moderation—at your own risk.
Note: Classic Seelbach recipes—see here and here—call for proper Champagne as the sparkling wine in the mix. I find the idea of mixing Champagne too decadent to consider, so I use a sturdy, inexpensive Cava or Prosecco. And most recipes call for Peychaud's bitters along with the more common Angostura type. This may be critical to the authentic flavor of a Seelbach; but both times I've made them, I only had Angostura bitters on hand, and I loved the result.
My Version of the Seelbach
Makes four
Carefully slice the four ribbons of zest off the peel of an orange. Prepare four Champagne flutes by rubbing a ribbon, bottom side down, around the rim, and then fold the ribbon over the rim as a garnish.
In a large pitcher, combine: 6 oz. good, but not great bourbon, like Maker's Mark or Bulleit; 2 oz. Cointreau; 16 dashes of Angostura bitters (or a little less Angostura, supplemented by some Peychaud's, if you have it.) Add a good amount of ice, stir well, then strain evenly into the four prepped glasses. Top with sparkling wine.
Kevin DrumDec. 25, 2012 10:06 AM
And now for our traditional Christmas ornament greeting. Someday Domino will get an ornament of her own, but that day is not today. Until then, Merry Christmas to all.
Kevin DrumDec. 24, 2012 1:52 PM
The blogosphere is surprisingly active today. And it's mostly pissing me off. My fingers keep itching to write nasty posts about the NRA, the fiscal cliff, Grover Norquist, the University of Rhode Island, and a host of other topics. But it's Christmas Eve. It's time to relax and purge the will to nastiness. That goes even for Wayne LaPierre, John Boehner, Grover Norquist, and David Dooley.
So instead, here's some bonus catblogging to soothe our collective souls and kindle the holiday spirit. As it happens, it's gray and rainy at the moment here in Southern California, but it was lovely and sunny on Friday and that's how holidays should be enjoyed. None of this white Christmas nonsense for us. So today, you get a Southern California Christmas Eve. Tomorrow you'll get our traditional Christmas ornament. Enjoy.
Josh HarkinsonDec. 24, 2012 7:11 AM
In 1848, Horace Mann, the godfather of the modern public school system, wrote that education is "the great equalizer of the conditions of men—the balance wheel of the social machinery." But is that still true today? Reuters followed two high school students in Massasschusetts, home to the nation's top public school system, and found evidence that our schools are becoming the opposite of what Mann envisioned: another source of division between the wealthy and everyone else.
Kevin DrumDec. 23, 2012 1:09 PM
Quick question on guns. I'm all in favor of Congress taking some action to regulate guns, and lots of people seem to think that things are different this time. Newtown was so uniquely horrific that something has to happen. But what's the scenario for getting anything through the House? There's no way a majority of House Republicans will vote for gun control of any kind, so action is only possible if John Boehner decides to allow legislation to reach the floor with only minority Republican support.
Is there any chance of this happening? If not, is there any other option? Is a discharge petition feasible? Is there anything House Republicans want badly enough they'd be willing to trade it for tougher gun laws? How does this play out?
Maddie Oatman and Ian GordonDec. 23, 2012 7:11 AM
If Black Friday shopping trends are any indication, the gift of cold, hard steel will be more popular than ever this holiday season. According to USA Today, on that day dealers called the FBI with a total of 154,873 background check requests for shoppers seeking to buy firearms. That's 20 percent more than last year's record of 129,166 calls in one day. Sixty-two percent of the Black Friday requests were for long guns like shotguns or rifles, such as the Bushmaster .223 reportedly used by the suspect in today's shooting in Newtown, Connecticut (a state where you don't need a permit to carry a rifle).
See our full special report on gun laws and the rise of mass shootings in America.
The FBI doesn't keep track of guns sold—only the background requests it fields—but that number is almost certainly higher than the number of calls received, given that consumers can buy more than one firearm per request. Overall, background requests have jumped 32 percent since 2008 (PDF). As Bloomberg Businessweek pointed out, gun manufacturer Smith & Wesson reported a record number of sales for their last quarter, up nearly 50 percent from the year before. The rise in gun sales doesn't necessarily mean that there are more first-time gun owners, though: A CNN investigation in July showed that fewer people own more and more weapons.
Gun purchases always rise as the holidays approach. This year, though, the Christmas rush might not be the only thing prompting people to buy firearms. In the weeks after President Obama won a second term, background checks spiked, just as they had after he was elected back in 2008. In a New York Times op-ed about this, columnist Charles M. Blow quoted a National Rifle Association spokesperson who said that "gun sales are undoubtedly going up because gun owners know that at best President Obama wants to make guns and ammunition more expensive through increased taxes and regulation, and at worst he wants to make them totally illegal."
[Read more]
Kevin DrumDec. 22, 2012 1:27 PM
Twitter conversation of the day:
@jackshafer: If you're spending your precious 140 on calling Wayne LaPierre nuts, he's winning.@joshscacco: Agreed. NRA wasn't pushing a policy proposal as much as a narrative change from gun control. Misdirection at its best.
@jackshafer: If you're spending your precious 140 on calling Wayne LaPierre nuts, he's winning.
@joshscacco: Agreed. NRA wasn't pushing a policy proposal as much as a narrative change from gun control. Misdirection at its best.
Keep this firmly in mind. LaPierre's only goal yesterday was to hijack the media narrative. He wants us talking about Natural Born Killers. He wants us talking about Grand Theft Auto. He wants us talking about mental health services. Hell, he's perfectly happy if we spend our time talking about how crazy his proposal is and how unhinged he is personally. Not only does it keep us from talking about gun regulation, but it's good for the NRA's fundraising efforts in the bargain.
I know that lots of well-meaning people think that movies and videogames really are problematic, and that access to mental health in America is a scandal. And that might well be true. But every minute you spend talking about this stuff is a minute spent doing exactly what the NRA wants you to do. If you want to have any chance at all of passing gun legislation, that's what you should be talking about. Guns. End of story. The other stuff can wait.
Deanna PanDec. 22, 2012 7:11 AM
19-year-old Lydia Brown, an autistic undergraduate at Georgetown, says she fits the media stereotype of a mass shooter "perfectly."
In the aftermath of the mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, journalists rushed to pathologize whatever drove Adam Lanza to mow down 20 children and six adults with a semi-automatic rifle. Perhaps, they implied, it was his alleged Asperger's Syndrome, an Autism Spectrum Disorder characterized by difficulties in interpreting social cues and communicating emotion.
For example, sources speaking with the New York Times, described Lanza as an intelligent, friendless loner, with a "flat affect" who never showed any "emotions going through his head." He was, said a doctor on Fox News' Hannity, "out of touch with reality" and "didn't have empathy." Like other autistics, Lanza, said a psychologist on CNN, was "missing something in the brain." (It's worth noting neither of the networks' "experts" specialize in neurological disorders, like autism.)
For people in the autism community, their response to the media's portrayal of the gunman's diagnosis was frustration—and anger. This again?
"We are a community that faces tremendous stigma and prejudice, and unfortunately when this happens, the mainstream media presents stereotypes and inaccurate information about autism and disability that only make that stigma and prejudice worse," says Ari Ne'eman, who is the president of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network and himself autistic.
Although there's no evidence suggesting autistic people are more violent than the general population—in fact, studies show the opposite may be true—this isn't the first time journalists have made the specious connection between autism and heinous criminal acts. The Monday after the mass shooting at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, MSNBC host Joe Scarborough speculated on-air that shooter James Holmes was "somewhere, I believe, on the autism scale" and "more often than not," mass murderers are autistic.
Earlier this summer, the Daily Mail perpetuated two other common myths about autistic people when the UK paper described Anders Breivik, the Norwegian terrorist who fatally shot 69 people at a summer camp in July of 2011, as having a "rare, high-functioning form of Asperger's that has left him incapable of empathy or real friendship." While that might be true of Breivik, the notions that autistics are incapable of feeling empathy and avoid human companionship have been repeatedly debunked.
"We want to hunt for explanations. We want reasons for horrible things that happen," says Steve Silberman, a Wired reporter who's currently writing a book about autism and neurodiversity. "The problem is that people tend to go for these sort of pre-packaged, stereotypical explanations …and that's one way we make people who commit these acts seem not like us…and somehow less than human."
This shoddy reporting, particularly from influential and far-reaching news outlets, has real consequences in shaping the public's perception of autism and other disabilities, Ne'eman explains.
"We're like anyone else. We're people who apply for jobs, look for places to live, apply to colleges. We're generally looking to be included in society and when there is a myth out there that we're people you have to be afraid of, that has a practical impact," he says. "We talk to a lot of people, for example, who are discriminated against in the workplace after they disclose their diagnosis."
Lydia Brown, an autistic 19-year-old sophomore at Georgetown University, worries that stereotypes about autistic people will affect her employment opportunities. Despite an impressive resume, Brown is admittedly socially awkward. In high school, after another student overheard her telling a joke about one of her novels, a school administrator called her into his office and accused her of plotting a school shooting.
"I'm actually pretty terrified," Brown said when asked if she was concerned about the media's depiction of mass murderers like Lanza. "Because I'm the kind of person who fits this profile perfectly."
In the days following the Newtown shooting, Brown said her blog picked up traffic from more than a dozen different Google search terms linking autism and murder. The searches were all along the lines of "are autistic people more likely to kill", "how many mass shooters were autistic," and "are people with autism dangerous."
"It's really bothersome that we have to even be having this conversation," says Shannon Des Roches Rosa, an editor for The Thinking Person's Guide to Autism whose 12-year-old son, Leo, is autistic. "We don't want to go out there and have to defend them as [not being] murderers or [ourselves as] parents of murderers. We should be talking about gun control, better mental health support. We should be joining everyone in mourning."
Dave GilsonDec. 22, 2012 7:11 AM
In his response to the Newtown mass shooting, National Rifle Association CEO Wayne LaPierre slammed ultraviolent movies and video games for celebrating killing and catering to our antisocial fantasies. Not surprisingly, he did not mention the abundance of paraphernalia marketed to law-abiding gun owners that glorifies firearms and minimizes gun violence. Ten t-shirts that exemplify the uglier side of pro-gun gear:
"AR-15 Asshole Remover"
That's the same rifle that was used to remove 26 lives at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
"Guns don't kill people. I do."
For the rare sociopath with a sense of personal responsibility.
"When Democracy Becomes Tyranny / I STILL Get to Vote."
This is exactly why we need voter ID laws.
Maggie SevernsDec. 22, 2012 7:11 AM
This week, many Americans are braving holiday travel to spend time with family and loved ones. Here are five great longreads on religion to make for interesting travel fare.
For more MoJo staffers' long-form favorites, visit our longreads.com page. Take a look at some of our own reporters' longreads here and be sure to follow@longreads and @motherjones on Twitter for the latest.
"Resurrection" | Patrick Doyle | Boston Magazine | November 2012
Reeling from sex abuse scandals, the Archdiocese of Boston struggles to rebuild its image and recruit its next generation of clergy. Doyle tells the story of a young Harvard graduate, Eric Cadin, who decided to become a priest in the midst of it all:
For all of these reasons, smart, principled, stable, and devout young men were already in high demand by the Church when Eric Cadin started thinking about becoming a priest. And then, in the middle of Cadin's junior year at Harvard, came the sex abuse scandal. The ugly revelations—and the uglier fallout from them—sent St. John's Seminary into a spiral. "We were in survival mode," recalls Father Chris O'Connor, the vice rector. "How do we keep the ship afloat?" The dire situation might have driven some prospective priests away. For Cadin, it had the opposite effect. The scandal was a challenge to be overcome, an opportunity to prove his faith.
For all of these reasons, smart, principled, stable, and devout young men were already in high demand by the Church when Eric Cadin started thinking about becoming a priest. And then, in the middle of Cadin's junior year at Harvard, came the sex abuse scandal. The ugly revelations—and the uglier fallout from them—sent St. John's Seminary into a spiral. "We were in survival mode," recalls Father Chris O'Connor, the vice rector. "How do we keep the ship afloat?" The dire situation might have driven some prospective priests away. For Cadin, it had the opposite effect. The scandal was a challenge to be overcome, an opportunity to prove his faith.
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text: I'm on the prowl for a GM posi-Traction differential to put in my restored 1990 Silverado 1/2 ton. It has a 305 ci engine. A rebuilt 700R4 trans and the standard differential with 3:42 gears. When ever i go looking for a rear end there are 28 spline or 31 spline and some info about the rear end, but I don't understand what I'm looking at. Me I don't know one if it bit me. In the glove box is the RPO codes, I looked them all down and some make sense and my truck has one C5G=GVW rating of 5600 Lbs. and codeGU6 Rear axle, 3:42 gears Which i want to keep. Am I correct that with the right posi differential I'd only have to change the ring gear, because the pinion gear stays right where it is, or do I need to get the entire differential built by a shop ? That's the only information I have to go hunting for a Posi-Traction differential. Any advice is most appreciated. Thank you ! :great:


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Get an overview of this hotelStylish Old Town Pasadena hotel with pool, spa tub
Popular property highlights
Shopping and dining
Just 6 blocks from historic Old Pasadena and a short drive from downtown Los Angeles, this 4-star Westin hotel borders Plaza Las Fuentes, with its fountains, shops, and cafés. More shops and restaurants are 2 blocks away at Paseo Colorado.
Rooftop pool, scenic sundeck views
The Westin Pasadena's fourth-floor outdoor pool, spa tub, and sundeck afford views historic Pasadena, including the red-domed City Hall, a 1927 Spanish-style landmark. The hotel's Ventanas Restaurant & Bar offers California cuisine and terrace dining.
Heavenly beds
The contemporary rooms of The Westin Pasadena feature pool, city, or mountain views. Rooms provide 42-inch LCD TVs, and have tiled baths and signature Westin Heavenly Beds with pillowtop mattresses and feather pillows.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!Opens in a new window
The Westin Pasadena
Renovations & Closures
- Swimming pool
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
Located in a lovely section of downtown Pasadena 2 blocks from Old Town, the Westin anchors Plaza Las Fuentes, a dining, shopping, and office complex. Guests enter a lobby decorated in contemporary/Pan Asian style with rich woods, intricate lattice walls, massive wrought-iron chandeliers, graceful flower arrangements, and elevated seating areas designed for privacy.
Guests can view Pasadena's 1927 City Hall from the fourth-floor outdoor pool with spa tub and large sundeck. Adjacent to the pool area, the well-equipped fitness center provides separate men's and women's saunas and steam rooms. The hotel's bistro serves California cuisine. The hotel provides 29 meeting rooms for event hosting, and the business center inside the lobby-level gift shop provides wireless Internet access.
- Coffee shop or café
- Outdoor pool
- Spa tub
- Concierge services
- Fitness facilities
- Restaurant
- Bar/lounge
- Limo or Town Car service available
- Conference space
- Business center
- Porter/bellhop
- Express check-out
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Multilingual staff
- 24-hour front desk
- ATM/banking
- Gift shops or newsstand
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Number of floors - 12
- Valet parking (surcharge)
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Self parking (surcharge)
Family Friendly Amenities
- Family Hotel
- Outdoor pool
- Refrigerator
Available in all rooms: Wireless internet access ( USD 11.75 per night ), Wired internet access ( USD 11.75 per night )
Self parking (surcharge), Valet parking (surcharge)
Room Amenities
- Video-game console
- Pay movies
- Premium bedding
- Room service (24 hours)
- In-room climate control (air conditioning)
- Free newspaper
- Air conditioning
- Phone
- Refrigerator
- Coffee/tea maker
- Daily housekeeping
- Turndown service
- Private bathroom
- Hair dryer
- Shower/tub combination
- Pillowtop mattress
- Iron/ironing board
- WiFi (surcharge)
- Desk
- Wired high-speed Internet access (surcharge)
- Connecting/adjoining rooms available
- Rollaway/extra beds (free)
Where to Eat
Ventanas - California cuisine is served for all meals in this contemporary bistro with open kitchen, celadon-green banquettes, tables set with white linens, and outdoor terrace dining overlooking the gardens of Plaza Las Fuentes.
The Living Room Lobby and Bar - This cocktail lounge serves snacks and drinks. A large selection of books is available for browsing, or guests can watch one of the plasma televisions.
The Store - Desserts and other baked goods are on the menu at The Store.
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please note them at check-out when you book your room.
- Accessible bathroom
- In-room accessibility
- Roll-in shower
Hotel Policies
Check-in time ends at 2 AM
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Special check-in instructions:
Check-out time is noon
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Kids stay free! One child 11 years old or younger stays free when using existing bedding.
- Free rollaway/extra beds!
- Pets stay free
- Restrictions apply
- For more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
- Minimum Spring Break check-in age is 21 years old.
Pets allowed (no fees)
Optional extras
- Breakfast fee: between USD 16 and USD 20 per person (approximately)
- Fee for in-room wireless Internet: USD 11.75 per night (rates may vary)
- Fee for in-room wired Internet: USD 11.75 per night (rates may vary)
- Self parking fee: USD 12.00 per night
- Valet parking fee: USD 17.00 per night (in/out privileges)
Hotel Name
- Pasadena Westin
- Westin Hotel Pasadena
- Westin Pasadena
- Westin Pasadena Hotel
- The Westin Pasadena Hotel Pasadena
We should mention
One child 11 years old or younger stays free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding. The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation. Guests can arrange to bring pets by contacting the property directly, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.


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"Plaisir d'Amour: The Films of Max Ophüls," the superb series that starts at the Harvard Film Archive this Friday, offers a detailed overview of the peripatetic career of one of the most famous yet least seen film masters. In a way, Ophüls's gliding-glancing style reflects his own life. The son of a conservative German-Jewish garment merchant (Ophüls changed his name when he went into show business to avoid embarrassing his parents), he was a celebrated stage director before he began to make movies in 1930. He released only a handful before the rise of the Nazis prompted him to emigrate. He directed films in Italy, the Netherlands, and France, where he was naturalized in 1938 — and from which he fled Hitler once again when the Germans marched into Paris in 1940. Ophüls's only '40s pictures were shot in Hollywood, under the oppressive supervision of Howard Hughes, who made his time there a misery — though three of the four films he did for Hughes were remarkable feats of craftsmanship. The first, THE EXILE (February 8), is a swashbuckler starring Douglas Fairbanks Jr. that he despised making. Ophüls returned to France in 1950, where he turned out his final quartet of films — one of which, THE EARRINGS OF MADAME DE . . . (January 23), is just about as great as any movie ever made.
Of his pre-Occupation features, the series includes LIEBELEI (January 25), his 1932 version of an Arthur Schnitzler play; the fascinating, oddball satirical picture COMEDY OF MONEY (January 26), which, shot in Amsterdam, has Brechtian and expressionistic touches; and three of his French films, TENDER ENEMY (January 24), THERE'S NO TOMORROW (January 25), and FROM MAYERLING TO SARAJEVO (February 9). The last two star the soulful Edwige Feuillère, of whose performances Americans rarely get a glimpse. I haven't seen Tender Enemy or There's No Tomorrow. From Mayerling to Sarajevo — whose title alludes to the popular romantic melodrama Mayerling made a few years earlier by Ophüls's mentor at Berlin's UFA Studio, Anatole Litvak (another German Jew who wound up in Hollywood) — focuses on the politically unwise courtship and marriage of Austrian archduke Franz Ferdinand (the handsome cipher John Lodge) and Czech countess Sophie Chotek (Feuillère). The romance ends abruptly with the assassination that touched off the First World War. This isn't one of Ophüls's better efforts; some of it is rather fatuous in the manner of a Hollywood historical spectacle from the same era. But it's sumptuous, and in addition to the magnificent Feuillère it has Gabrielle Dorziat as Franz's sympathetic mother, the Empress Maria Teresa.
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John (Jack) M. Keprios
John (Jack) M. Keprios
Formerly of Pine River
John (Jack) M. Keprios, 86, of Brainerd, and formerly Pine River, was born Nov. 11, 1926, and passed away Nov. 3, 2013. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lilly, his brother Norman (Joelle) Keprios, his daughter Nancy (Steve) Lindenberg, his son John (Jan) Keprios; he is also survived by grandchildren Rebecca Lindenberg, Emily (Tony) Zucarro, Jason Keprios, Angela Keprios, Kyle Keprios, and great-granddaughter Akira Keprios, as well as many relatives and friends.
Jack Keprios is preceded in death by his son, Steven Keprios, his father Michael Keprios, mother Norma Keprios, and his brothers Peter Keprios, Theodore (Bud) Keprios, and George Keprios.
He earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Minnesota in Business Administration, served in the United States Navy from Oct. 11, 1944 to July 12, 1946 and was honorably discharged at the rank of Seaman First Class Airman. He worked at Honeywell for 37 years.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, Nov. 8, 2013, 1 p.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church 30985 Front St., Pequot Lakes, MN 56472, 218-568-4670. There will be visitation one hour prior to the service with burial immediately following the service at Our Savior's Cemetery and lunch following the brief burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Our Savior's Lutheran Church.
Arrangements are with Kline Funeral Home, Pine River.


text:
Amazing Pool in the Valley
Size25 m²
Floor No.
- Family/child friendly
- Internet/WiFi
- Kitchen
- Pets allowed
- Parking available
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Towels
Accommodation summary
|Via Giuseppe Verdi, 37024 Negrar, Italy
|Property type
|Private room
|Property ID
|Acceptance rate
|Response time
|A few hours
|Calendar updated
|6 days ago
Located 10-minute drive from Verona and close to Lake Garda.
We are in the hills of Valpolicella to 250 m high, in a house surrounded by 3000 square meters of private garden where you can relax, enjoy the silence and sunbathing in absolute privacy.
The B & B has three rooms. A double / triple room with private bathroom and two double rooms with shared bathroom. A perfect stay for families. The breakfast room is equipped with a full kitchen available to guests.
Breakfast in the summer, if you like, can be served in the garden.
The house is away from roads, and really silent.
You can fall asleep and wake up with the birds singing . Your pets are welcome, we have three dogs, we only ask you to inform us of their presence before. We are open from mid-March to mid-November.
House rulesNon Smoking room.
|Price for > 2 guests
|$ 12 US per guest/night extra
|Check-in after
|Check-in before
|On arrangement
|Check-out before
|Cancellation Policy
Reviews of this property
The house is beautifully situated with a wonderful view and very close to Verona!
We had a really good time, thank you!
We had a very pleasant stay at Mercedes her B&B. Beautiful quiet and green surrounding so close by the city of Verona. The room was good, the bed too and the breakfast delicious. Thank you for being such a good host.
Un posto incantevole. Si respirano pace e serenità. C'è la giusta privacy e non mancano confort ed attenzioni per il cliente. La prima colazione la dice lunga e se il bel tempo lo permette, farla all'aperto, nel curato giardino, regala dolci emozioni.
Absolut empfehlenswert, sehr sauber, sehr nette Vermieter und
überhaupt in wunderschöner Natur gelegen, sehr ruhig und nah an Verona (8/9km).
Ein tolles Frühstück mit frischen Croissants, frischem Obstsalat,Saft, Aufschnitt, Käse,Cornflakes, Kuchen usw. !! AUCH IM GARTEN ......
CHARMANT UND liebevoll eingerichtet bzw. ausgestattet .
Wir haben uns dort äusserst wohl gefühlt !
Reviews for this host's other properties
What a lovely place! Wonderful room, breakfast, garden, pool :) We had a really nice stay. Mercedes hosted us very well and we had all we needed incl. new blankets, towels and bottles of fresh water in our room.
Thanks a lot!
We were more than satisfied. Everything was perfect. Delicious breakfast, beautiful room and view to the valley and plesent host. You should try it as well!
Der Aufenthalt bei Mercedes hat uns sehr gefallen. Die Gastgeberin und Ihren Gatten waren sehr hilfreich und gast freundschaftlich. Alles sehr gepflegt.
Mit freundlichen Grüssen
Johann Flaum
- Quality assured accommodation
- Every host is verified by telephone
- Secure payment via SSL encryption


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The Commonwealth Blog
What Can You See at the Club This Week?
This week at The Commonwealth Club:
- Middle East Discussion Group
- Green Myths Busted
- Science & Technology Planning Meeting
- Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger: Stories from American Leaders (program is in Lafayette)
- Innovators without Borders (the Blueseed plan; program is in Silicon Valley)
- Paul Krugman: End This Depression Now (this event is SOLD OUT)
- Mourad Lahlou: New Moroccan
- On Assignment with National Geographic
- David Talbot: A Wild Ride Through San Francisco's Recent Past
- U.S.-Cuba Relations and the Cuban Economy
- The Golden Gate Bridge at 75: What Makes an Icon
- Week to Week (this program RESCHEDULED to June 29)
Plus language classes, committee meetings, and more. For more info on our events and to reserve tickets: http://www.commonwealthclub.org/events


text: Time once again to post the details for the 3rd annual Midwest Bicycle swapmeet. When: Sunday April 22nd, (rain date Sunday April 29th) Where: Haysville hometown market, Haysville, Kansas Time: vendor setup at 7am open for business at 8am and runs until ? New this year will be a Pre-swap ride Saturday evening, Haysville has some decent bicycle paths so bring something to ride! Out of towner's... Haysville has two Hotels, one of them is brand new and should be open for business in the next few weeks. Also dont forget the brand new Kansas Star Casino is open 24/7 and its just 7 minutes south of Haysville. Booth space still just $5 Im also working on some raffle stuff, maybe some cool parts, or even a rat bike? one free entry per paid seller, extra tickets will be available for purchase. more details to come! Also... I just got word that a writer for Popular Mechanics magazine is interested in attending our swap meet, possibly to do an article for the magazine! I will keep you posted if I hear anything more. Please spread the word, lets make this year the biggest yet!!! Visit the Midwest bicycle swapmeet Facebook page here... http://www.facebook.com/pages/Midwest-Bicycle-Swapmeet/138329249606191 More details at the official Midwest bicycle swapmeet website here... http://www.midwestbicycleswap.com


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Calvin Ewell, president of H R Ewell, has been a strong advocate in the carrier's drive to present a "greener" image and improve operating efficiencies.
Bob Styer, parts manager and 37-year employee of H R Ewell uses TMT Fleet Maintenance to manage the carrier's parts inventory.
Maintenance Director Scott Ewell uses TMT Fleet Maintenance to track costs associated with each tractor and trailer for maximum efficiency.
Mechanic Randy Archer uses one of three terminals in the shop to enter work order details on a tractor that is being serviced.
Gene Kieffer, tank wash manager and 36-year H R Ewell employee, now orders wash rack parts and supplies through the TMT Fleet Management system.
A sweetener trailer undergoes a preventive maintenance inspection at H R Ewell's East Earl PA shop.
H R Ewell's three-bay wash rack in East Earl PA cleans a variety of food products, including sweeteners, chocolate, and edible oils.
H R Ewell Inc stands out as a leading regional foodgrade tank truck carrier. The company runs 148 tractors and 302 trailers that are used to transport chocolate, edible oils, and sweeteners. Company management took a number of steps over the past year to boost operational efficiencies. This includes installing a major upgrade in maintenance management software and joining the EPA's SmartWay program.
Related story: H R Ewell Inc positions itself for economic revival
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text: After fighting with this all weekend and having read over many posts that say white wire on stock 97 tail light harness is a ground wire and having always believed same myself, I hooked up an unused orphan factory white wire at rear of taillight harness to ground (although I had wired trailer harness with white to ground on truck frame separately also) and immediately started blowing the brake light fuse (also powers hazard lights and door chime). Also when brake controller was activated by pressing override button on it, the headlights dimmed and voltmeter dropped to about 9 volts. Shorting somewhere though only fuse that blew was the brake light fuse (#1). So I disconnected the orphan white wire again and tested it. It is hot only when brakes applied. Have seen so many posts advising this wire at rear must be a ground that thought I should post this to correct that common but erroneous conclusion. My Suburban had the factory orange and blue wires in the harness too (not connected at front or rear) as they delivered these trucks. Not sure if Tahoe Yukon Silverado in 97 are the same but good chance they are. So, if you have a 97 that is blowing fuses to brake lights after hooking up trailer wiring - that white wire in stock taillight harness with factory tow package wires bundled in is a brake activated hot and not a ground. I used the orange heavy gauge wire to charge battery that powers trailer winch and of course the blue heavy gauge wired goes to brake controller at front and to trailer brake circuit at rear. Don't know why GM would not have just run this white wire into cab to use for brake controller instead of having to hunt through the myriad white wires coming off the brake switch to find the cold side of brake switch to hook into controller, but I suppose they had their reasons. So my white wire on trailer goes to frame ground on truck with usual white wire, but the white wire in harness at rear is NOT a ground and looks to be hooked to 3rd brake light on some GM trucks of this vintage, though not on mine. Hope this saves someone the headache of trying to sort that out..


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Normandy in September
Trip Start May 19, 2008
50Trip End Ongoing
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We spent the weekend walking around Rouen's historic Old Town. Gazed at the towering facades of the city's plentiful cathedrals, stepped inside and admired stained glass, organ concerts, and delicate stone detail. The sun shown through the tinted glass in St. Ouen, and it collected on the floor like a puddle of watercolors.
On Tuesday we left the city with a rental car, and began the drive toward St. Malo. Kyle sped along the unfamiliar highways, and got us there with no problems. The scenery along the way ranged from quaint to gorgeous. Around 2 pm we were all feeling a bit hungry, so we stopped at a small town and walked the main street looking for a place to eat. It wasn't until this point that we realized most cafes, restaurants, and shops close after the normal lunch hour of 11:00-1:30. (Most re-open later in the afternoon) But we were lucky to find a bar serving galettes. Galettes are similar to crepes, but more flour based, than egg. We ate those up quickly and continued on our way.
On a scenic route, we passed fields of leeks that lighted scented the coastal air. Road-side vendors sold braids of cascading garlic, handfuls of exotic mushrooms, and buckets of mussels. Sunshine and lazy blue skies led us in the direction of sunflower fields and ditches of wildflowers. As we got our first glimpse of the Ocean, we parked the car and followed the locals down to the shore. The beach grasses bled into patchy sand and then a long stretch of shells. They crunched like potato chips under our shoes. We filled our pockets with the best-looking ones and squinted out into the distance where the tide rolled even farther out.
We arrived in the ancient walled-city of St. Malo in the late afternoon. After checking into our charming hostel, we strolled along the promenade, admiring the beach and picturesque buildings facing the sea. We entered into the walled-in core of the city, and enjoyed cobblestone roads, trendy shops and restaurants. At several points, narrow, stone steps allow you to climb to the top of the wall and enjoy the view. We walked along the wall before deciding on a place to eat. After wine and 3 courses of delectable foods, we walked on back to the hostel.
The next day, we drove from St. Malo to Mt. St. Michel. This misty and magical place seemed to be the destination of many travelers. We walked from the parking lot to the "mound" which houses a miniature town of touristy shops and small hotels, all below the perfect placement of a church with cloud-piercing spires. (It is free to enter the mound (on foot only), parking was about 4 euros, and if you wish to enter the church, you will need to purchase a ticket.) The interior of the church was stone, dimly lit, and not too dazzling. But the views of the ocean, that sometimes surround the mound, were crystal clear and unobstructed. Aqua blue swirls rippled over flats of sand and smaller, distant mounds.
We continued on to Bayeux, a city known for its famous historical tapestry. We familiarized ourselves with this little city by walking around, visiting the tourist info, and dinning out in the evening. The next day mom and dad visited the tapestry museum while Kyle and I walked through the streets one last time. And I'd like to note that Kyle had Kebab for lunch, once again.
From Bayeux, we drove to The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial on Omaha Beach. This beautiful and peaceful place honors the near 10,000 American lives that were lost in WWII.
We hurried to get back to Rouen by 6:00 to return the rental car. But in a last minute attempt to fill the gas tank, a young man who wishes to remain nameless, filled the tank with the wrong kind of fuel. Luckily, the man working at the car rental came to our aid and sucked the wrong gas out, put the new gas in, and stayed open late to make sure we got things corrected without having to pay for additional day's charge. French people are friendly and helpful, so don't go thinking they aren't.
And we learned the lesson, that sometimes at the end of a tricky situation...all you can say is "C'est la vie."


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FDA Approves Aptiom to Treat Seizures in Adults »
"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Aptiom (eslicarbazepine acetate) as an add-on medication to treat seizures associated with epilepsy.
Epilepsy is a brain disorder caused by abnormal or excessive activity in the brain"...
Read the FDA Approves Aptiom to Treat Seizures in Adults article »
PEGANONE® 250 mg Tablets
(ethotoin) Tablets, USP
PEGANONE (ethotoin tablets, USP) is an oral antiepileptic of the hydantoin series and is chemically identified as 3-ethyl-5-phenyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione. It is represented by the following structural formula:
PEGANONE tablets are available in a dosage strength of 250 mg.
Inactive Ingredients: Acacia, lactose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, stearic acid and talc.
What are the possible side effects of ethotoin (Peganone)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- chest pain;
- vision problems;
- signs of infection such as fever,...
Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Peganone »
What are the precautions when taking ethotoin (Peganone)?
Before taking ethotoin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other hydantoins (e.g., phenytoin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: blood problems (e.g., anemia), liver disease.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, lupus, folate or vitamin B12 deficiency (megaloblastic anemia).
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that...
Last reviewed on RxList: 12/29/2016
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
Peganone FDA Prescribing Information
Additional Peganone Information
Peganone - User Reviews
Peganone User Reviews
Now you can gain knowledge and insight about a drug treatment with Patient Discussions.
Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Peganone sorted by most helpful.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Find tips and treatments to control seizures.


text: If Dallas wants to move up, they'll be contacting KC at 11 because they want to move the pick. They have a bunch of similarly graded players, and they won't ask for a lot to move back to 14. Dallas could move up there and get Barron, because he seems to be the apple of the Cowboys eye. I think the Cowboys biggest needs are S and CB, even after Carr. Most teams have now realized that the future of the NFL is most of the good offenses are going to throw 65% of the time. People ask why the Seahawks would take Barron with Chancellor and Thomas already at S, it's because they lined up in their nickel defense in 65% of their snaps last year. Even if he just played nickel packages as a rookie, he would still play 2/3 of their defensive snaps. Poe might be my most overrated player, and I know guys in NFL Front Offices who like the kid. I just don't think he was a good enough college player. I haven't watched every snap of his college career, but I know people who have and they really soured on him based on what they've seen. I'm hearing a lot of Janoris Jenkins might sneak into the back of the 1st round. Teams are trying to convince themselves on him because he's just so good. I sat in the draft room with the Cowboys in the year they drafted Roy Williams. The popular theory is that Jerry is a dictator in the War Room, but in truth he was just a information gatherer. Parcells would tell you Jerry didn't really force his players on him too often. Jerry is making the choices based on the reports Ciskowski and Jason Garrett are giving him. I'm not defending how Jerry does things, because I would hire a more powerful GM in his shoes, but these Cowboys' drafts just aren't Jerry's drafts.


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Trip Start Jun 03, 2010
202Trip End Mar 29, 2011
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In the afternoon Jai's grand daughter arrived for a vist and to have some photos taken. This proved easier said than done. She does not like the camera and played up throughout the time the camera was on view. Took a couple but nothing to shout about.


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Mold-Rite Plastics is a leading manufacturer of innovative, high-quality primary packaging components used every day by millions of consumers around the globe. We produce a remarkable variety of caps, jars and specialty closures, serving diverse markets such as nutritional, pharmaceutical, household, automotive, personal care, food and beverage. Our product line includes the most complete collection of child-resistant closures on the market, a broad array of jars and continuous thread closures, and fully customized packaging solutions powered by imagination and engineering expertise.
Built on a 27 year old foundation of unrivaled customer service, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering world class innovation, reliability and responsiveness. With Mold-Rite Plastics, you will immediately experience our dedication to being the most flexible and focused supplier in the packaging industry. Our ability to deliver on that promise is embedded in everything we do, from sales and customer support to our uniquely-designed manufacturing facility.
At Mold-Rite Plastics, we are capable of delivering any of our products, in any color, with any lining solution, in any quantity... all with surprisingly short lead times. No order is too large or too small, but every order is a priority for our team.


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What is the Green Climate Fund?
The Green Climate Fund is an initiative intended to aid developing nations deal with climate change. The Fund intends to gather pledges from developed countries to provide money for developing countries dealing with the costs of climate change. Sources of financing are still under discussion and private entities may be included as contributors.


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Pediatric cervical spine surgery is a treatment option for children who have injuries or abnormalities in the neck portion of the spine (cervical spine).
Cervical spine injuries may occur at birth or result from a car accident or other trauma. Cervical spine abnormalities are usually present at birth (congenital). These abnormalities are rare, occurring most often in children who have Down syndrome, various forms of dwarfism, Klippel-Feil syndrome or bone disorders.
If your child has a cervical spine injury or abnormality, bony structures may press the skull against the brainstem or upper part of the spinal cord. This compression can cause abnormal brain development or spine problems.
In pediatric cervical spine surgery, a surgeon removes the bony structures or abnormalities that are compressing your child's brainstem or spinal cord. Surgery can help prevent deformity, chronic pain and loss of nerve function.
Pediatric cervical spine surgery can be challenging because children's bones are small, and surgeons must account for the child's future growth and development. At Mayo Clinic, a pediatric neurosurgeon discusses treatment options with you.
The most appropriate surgical approach depends on the location of the bone injury or abnormality. The surgeon may recommend approaching the spinal cord or brainstem:
During the procedure, the surgeon will remove bony structures or small pieces of bone that are pressing on your child's brainstem or spinal cord.
If your child's spine is unstable after the bony structures are removed, the surgeon may insert plates, screws or bone grafts to help stabilize it. Bone grafts may come from another part of your child's body or from donated bone.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked among the Best Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery and for orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic also ranks among the Best Children's Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery and for orthopedics.
Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people. In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need.
Specialists in neurosurgery at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota perform pediatric cervical spine surgery.
For appointments or more information, call the Central Appointment Office at 507-538-3270 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central time, Monday through Friday or complete an online appointment request form.
Please refer to the international appointment section to request appointments via phone.
See information on patient services at the three Mayo Clinic locations, including transportation options and lodging.
Mayo Clinic researchers are working to improve the evaluation and treatment of pediatric cervical spine injuries and abnormalities. Read more about neurosurgery research at Mayo Clinic.
See a list of publications on epilepsy by Mayo Clinic doctors on PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine.
Original article: http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pediatric-cervical-spine-surgery/care-at-mayo-clinic/research/PRC-20013802
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GIAC Certifications
I keep re-reading their site as it seems confusing, maybe someone here can help me out. You can take the tests online, anytime, from any computer then pass and get a certificate. But if you take a SANS course and pass then you receive a 'gold' certificate? Is that the idea?


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As the unemployment rate in Silicon Valley sits at a four-year high and consumer prices continue to soar, many parents are coping with the burden of providing for their families on a strained budget. A recent study by Working Partnerships USA on the current state of the economy in Silicon Valley echoes troubling national data, suggesting that despite positive predictions earlier this year, the nation's economic woes have and will continue to have an effect on Silicon Valley businesses. With stagnating wages, an increase in the proportion of low-paying jobs, rising debt, and foreclosure activity growing in Santa Clara County by 513 percent since 2006, many families in the greater Silicon Valley area are facing tough times and even tougher decisions about how they plan to weather this economic storm.
As the constant juggling of investments and financial portfolios takes center stage in the media and dominates dinner table conversations, the potential damage that these issues inflict on mental health is frequently overlooked while increased stress levels in parents are unintentionally transferred to their children and teenagers. Parents may exhibit signs of depression (sleeplessness, lack of appetite, feelings of hopelessness) and anxiety and stress (increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, bodily tension and increased conflict with family members). As a result, children are often impacted and act out their behavior at home or at school.
Margaret Murchan, Program Director of the On-Campus Counseling Program (OCCP) and coordinator of the new Adolescent Counseling Program (ACP) at Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS), is witnessing these issues on multiple levels. "We've received calls from parents who are interested in our counseling program," she explained, "who are dealing with increased family conflicts due to budget constraints."
Though the school year is just beginning, counselors who deliver free care through the OCCP at seven area schools expect to be dealing with similar situations on a regular basis. ACS counselors are trying to encourage parents to recognize the far-reaching effects on child education that can stem from periods of economic loss. "It can be difficult for parents, in pressing financial situations, to recognize changes in the behavior of their children, but it is crucial in terms of development to confront these issues as they arise," Murchan warned.
With the need for affordable mental health treatment options in high demand, the Adolescent Counseling Program (ACP), which recently opened its doors to families and teenagers in and around the greater Silicon Valley, has begun to see interest from individuals willing to travel for treatment. The ACP offers counseling services to teens and families on a sliding scale with no client being turned away due to an inability to pay- a huge plus for families experiencing difficult financial situations for the first time. "Privacy, along with affordability, is another big concern with the clients we serve," stated Dr. Philippe Rey, ACS Executive Director. Many people may hesitate to seek treatment because of worries that they may run into their counselor at the supermarket or a member of the community may see them entering the building. He continued, "Many people feel as though confidentiality is increased when seeking treatment outside their own city limits."
Another crucial area of mental health that can be significantly influenced by times of increased stress is substance abuse. Brenda Stern, Program Director for the Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment (ASAT) Program at ACS, is extremely concerned with the potential consequences that the economy may have on children and teens in the area. Stress has not only been shown to prompt relapses in substance use, but it is also one of the leading factors that causes individuals to consider initiating use. These crisscrossing links between the economy and stress, depression, anxiety, and impulsive behavior are becoming increasingly apparent in all three of ACS's Programs, and the unlikelihood of a quick economic turnaround warrants greater attention to these issues by the media and the general public.
During these stressful times, the importance of having quality, affordable mental health care, especially for our youth, is more apparent than ever. With finances frequently being cited in studies as the number one leading cause of stress, it is essential that individuals and families in Silicon Valley allocate as much time and energy to their mental health as they are to their bank accounts.
For more information about the Adolescent Counseling Program or the On-Campus Counseling Program, please call (650) 424-0852, ext.102 or email firstname.lastname@example.com. For more information about the Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Program, please call (650) 329-9410 or email email@example.com.