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Animals in the wild and up close: The best photographs from October 2012.
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SENATE BACKS CALLES IN DISPUTE WITH US; Resolution Lauds His 'Just and Patriotic Defense' of Mexico's Sovereignty.
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December 11, 1926,
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MEXICO CITY, Dec. 10. -- The Senate yesterday passed a resolution expressing approval of the stand of President Calles in his "just and patriotic defense of the sovereignty of Mexico" in the controversy between Mexico and the United States.
December 11, 1926
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I am a drummer and drum tutor with over 20 years "drumming" experience!
Currently drumming with party/folk band 3 Daft Monkeys.
I am also a freelance video editor, writer/producer/director/self-shooter.
I have an MA in Television Production from the University College of Falmouth and my background is in music performance, promotion and video production.
Born in England but have lived in the great nation of Cornwall for over 30 years.
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As the beginning of the season approaches, there can be a lot of focus thrown on different players for each team. Some fans will focus on starting pitching and other fans will look at the top players in the line-up. There are usually some players that sneak under the radar before putting together a very good season for the club.
Last year, the Twins signed Josh Willingham and there wasn't a whole lot of buzz around him at the beginning of the year. Most fans were worried about the health of Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. Willingham would put together the best offensive season of his career and he was rewarded with a Silver Slugger. If someone would have told Twins fans that at the beginning of the year, there would probably be plenty of people that would be surprised.
Surprises have always been part of baseball and this year Twins fans might be surprised by the performance of one player in particular..... Mr. Chris Parmelee.
Over the TwinsFest weekend, Terry Ryan spoke candidly about Parmelee and his weight. The Twins GM has talked to the new right fielder about where the team thinks he should weigh in at for the coming year. Last season, he came in at 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds. It looks and sounds like he will be a slightly slimmer version of himself for the start of the year.
With the Twins trading away two of their outfield starters from last season, Parmelee finally has a position to play with the Twins. Last season, Parmelee broke camp with the club and he played in the team's first handful of games. It became frustrating to watch the way he was used from that point on because he would spend weeks at a time on the big league roster without getting to play every day.
Parmelee figures that most of his playing time will come in the outfield this season. That's why he has been working on his first step quickness to help him get good jumps in the outfield. The loss of weight should also help him to get to balls. Out of his 673 minor league games, 282 of them have come as a right fielder. Most of those games came in the lower levels of the minors but the position isn't foreign to him so that should help.
While the Twins were jerking Parmelee between the minors and the big leagues, he had plenty of time to show that he can destroy pitching at the Triple-A level. He hit .338/.457/.645 with 17 home runs and 17 doubles over 64 games in Rochester. If he got a few more at-bats in the minor leagues, there is a very good chance that the Twins would have named him minor league player of the year.
When Parmelee was first called up at the end of 2011, he surprised a lot of people with his ability to hit consistently. He also added some power on top of that, which was nice to see. Parmelee's MLB numbers from last season don't look that great as he batted .229/.290/.380 over 64 games. Part of the problem was only getting sporadic playing time for the first portion of the year.
In the last month of the season when Parmelee started to play on a more regular basis, he hit .262/.300/.452 with nine extra-base hits in 24 games. This included an eight-game hitting streak where he had five multi-hit games. His batting average for the season was sitting around .200 before this run so it made his numbers a little more respectable.
Is Parmelee going to be the team MVP next season?
No, probably not.
But he could be a vital part of the rebuild that is taking place in Minnesota. He is ready to show that he belongs as an every day player for the Twins and there should be plenty of eyes watching his progress.
All of the signs point to a breakout season from Mr. Parmelee.


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HS1 is a first-level adventure, originally released in 2010. Its non-linear sandbox style was a nice change from the usual linear module, but required work by the DM to fill in the details. As this adventure has been extensively reviewed on the internet, I will review the PDF format itself.
The PDF consists of the 32-page adventure and a large two-page map. Like other book-to-PDF products, the adventure is in color, with color art. 1/4 page diagrams of areas for combat are included.
The PDF version of the two-sided map prints out as two sides of nine pages each (print in poster mode). Half of one side is a ruined level of a keep, with the other half a garrisoned bridge. The other side is the gate of city. While this gamer would prefer a poster map over a printout, you can conveniently make a second printout of the map for your own use. If you're up for it, you can cut and mount parts of the map onto cardstock and make your own tiles. The map does not cover all the areas used in the module. You will need a battle map or dungeon tiles.
Most of the monsters are of the common variety, albeit with specializations to spring on the players. Thus, the Monster Vault tokens should work with this adventure, and you should be pretty well covered if you already own the D&D Adventure Games, or are collecting the Dungeon Command games.
Dungeon Delve is a collection of thirty one-shot adventures, from 1st through 30th level. Each delve features three linked encounters, and is designed for five player characters. The delves are aimed towards beginning DMs, and the book includes tips for customizing and running the game. Dungeon Delve was originally released in 2009 as a now out-of-print hardback. Dungeon Delve has been extensively reviewed on the internet, so my review will be of the PDF itself.
Like many other book-to-PDF products, the PDF contains the same color art and page layout of the original hardcover. But, unlike the hardcover, the DM only needs to print out the pages of the delve he's running for the game session. No need to lug around yet another hardback! Dungeon Delve did not come with a map, so there's no map to awkwardly print out on multiple sheets on the inkjet. Huzzah for the PDF!
If you're a "battlemap and tokens" gaming group, you're set. However, if you must use monster miniatures and published tiles, good luck. The tiles used in the delves are from the various long out-of-print tile sets, not the boxed Master Sets. Given how much I've sunk into miniatures and tiles, I'm not too happy that I will still have to convert the encounters.
I remember picking up a copy of the first (?) edition of KAMB many many years ago. I was a paper book with an orange cover, silly illustrations of furry kobolds, and politically incorrect when that term meant funny.
Kobolds Ate My Baby! Super Deluxx Edition is the beer and pretzels game of kobold-sized mayhem. Life is "brutal, short, and silly" and this RPG reflects it. The mechanics are on the conventional side, with a "stats and skill" system. If you attempt to do something, you describe how you're using a skill, and roll 2d6 (or whatever number of dice depending on the difficulty) and attempt to roll under. If you fail a skill, you're that much closer to dying with a checkmark on the Kobold Horrible Death Record, which brings us to the humor of the game, namely those Random Charts (tm): The Kobold Horrible Death Chart. The Kobold Gear charts (and sub-charts). The Random Magick Spell Chart. The Random Chart of Randomness. The Baby Horrible Death Chart. And the Outside Horrible Death Chart (for when you're outside).
The game also encourages kobold roleplaying. Yes, you must bark like a kobold in order to gain the bonus for the "+Bark Like a Kobold" edge. Skills and charts include cooking and babies. Additional rules requires, if anyone mentions King Torg, rule of the kobolds, each player must shout, "ALL HAIL KING TORG" or have a checkmark on his Kobold Horrible Death Record. (Every time you add or remove a check, roll 2d6 and add the number of checks you have. If your total is 13 or higher, roll on the Kobold Horrible Death Chart.) KAMB also includes a small village and scenario about, what else, a raid to get some tasty babies!
If your group needs a break from the serious stuff, or you're looking to run a game convention one-shot, KAMB is a perfect fit. The rules are easy to learn, everyone wants to roll on the charts, and you get to make Kobold Soliloquies when your kobold dies. King Torg (ALL HAIL KING TORG) would be pleased!
As much as the Call of Cthluhlu roleplaying game revolutionized roleplaying (all we had back then was D&D and various clones), it wasn't exactly Lovecraft. The single brooding (and sometimes passive) protagonist was replaced by a squad of skilled active investigators. Stealing Cthulhu brings us back to Mythos roots (tendrils?) by first deconstructing HP Lovecraft's Mythos stories, then applying them to a conventional RPG. It's an excellent analysis of HP Lovecraft's writing style, although it does take out some of the mystique of the author's writings! The author also enlists RPG personalities Kenneth Hite, Gareth Hanrahan, and Jason Morningstar to contribute their opinions to his work. And the author includes his short rules-light Mythos RPG at the end of the book. While the publication is aimed towards Keepers designing their own scenarios, the book is also a must-have for anyone wishing to write Mythos stories, or analyzing them for, say, a research paper.
As dice boxes, these are... okay. You print them, cut them out, then assemble them.
The artwork is on the cartoony side, particularly the zombie. The coffin art looks like a party favor (in a good way). It's too bad the artist didn't include a photo on the cover page so you could see for yourself.
But, speaking of party favors, these boxes could be used at your Halloween party to hold candy or other treats. No need for an emergency trip to Diddam's or Michael's -- just print and assemble. You could even print them out as an activity for your kids for Halloween!
Harley Stroh's been writing some epic adventures, and DCC #72: Beyond the Black Gate is no exception. The players aren't just rescuing a god, it's The Horned King, based on the Master of the Hunt. And who entreats them? No less than Baba Iaga, though her hut is not in the adventure.
Yet players familiar with these figures know that they're not exactly on the side of good. And, indeed, Baba Iaga "summons" the characters by sinking their ship and forcing them to find shelter in her caves. Depending on the gamemaster's players, the gamemaster will either have a straightforward rescue, or several testy characters who may prefer to plan a way to betray their less-than-hospitable patrons. (Unfortunately, the adventure provides no troubleshooting in case they do.)
Baba Iaga's captured some of the sunken sailors, so a bit of no-or-little choice railroading later, the player characters are sent to the frozen Thrice Tenth Kingdom. There, the ice giants have captured the Horned King, who now sits in the throne of his citadel, glazily enthralled by the dancing ice giantess.
The citadel has been taken over by ice giants, and the encounters there are reminiscent of the well-known TSR "Against the Giants" adventure. Indeed, you can add further to this adventure by melding the adventure of the Black Gate with the details of Against the Giants.
The adventure is designed for six to ten 5th-level characters, but can be played by a smaller party of higher levels. Many of the encounters, from drowning at sea, to a snow avalanche, to falling off an icy bridge, are almost-instant deaths. However, player characters will have opportunities during the adventure to rescue other characters so players can play new ones. Also, the gamemaster can allow the NPC madman to be instead played by a player, or even add one of Baba Iaga's witches or a rescued sailor to the party.
The adventure adds The Horned King as a patron, for "heathen witches, barbarian shamans, and warriors that exalt the wild savage within". That should definitely appeal to some players! The Patron Taints are also pretty lively, from being overtaken by the call of the hunt, to demanding to be bested in combat by anyone in the party who claims authority. And, of course, since The Horned King is based on the mythological Wild Huntsman, the game master has plenty of resources on the internet to further develop this patron. (The adventure has no less than twenty rumors, primarily for the adventure, but also useful to flesh out The Horned King.) Unfortunately, only one unique spell, Slaying Strike, of three is included in the adventure -- write to Goodman Games to post the two others!
Despite the linearity of this adventure, this epic-swilling tale measures up to the memorable previous adventures by Goodman Games. Unpredictable or scheming players may force their way off the path of the plot, but adept game masters should find this quite entertaining.
Which Ancient One did Tulzscha serve? Did Bast oppose Nyarlathotep? Which Ancient One is associated with Kingsport?
As a longtime player of the Arkham Horror boardgame, I try to thematically associate an Ancient, its Herald, any Guardians opposing it, and the city the Ancient One had activity is in. Unfortunately, the Arkham Horror game has no background on these entities, and it's up to the players to research "Who's Who" in the mythos.
But this is a large task. Not only does the Arkham Horror boardgame series utilize entities, locations, creatures, and items from the original Lovecraft stories, but it also draws from other authors who contributed to the mythos as well. And, not only would there be quite a bit to read to understand these elements of the mythos, many of these stories aren't really worth reading.
The Cthulhu Mythos Encyclopedia, then, is an invaluable resource for us theme junkies who really do care which Ancient One goes with which Herald in which expansion set location. And, of course, any Keeper who needs to look up a diety, person, creature, or item of the Mythos will find it useful as well. As someone who's tried to use the internet for this information, I've found internet sites and the Wiki woefully inadequate.
The information is organized by mythos entity or item and is in ePub format, under 1 MB. In addition to encyclopedia entries, the Encyclopedia has a short background of Lovecraft and the mythos itself. Very useful and very entertaining.
Jewels of the Carnifex is a level 3 adventure for 6-10 characters or fewer 4th to 5th level characters. Judges who have been following the Dungeon Crawl Classic adventures should know that the mysterious monsters and other obstacles can easily be modified upwards to make sessions more challenging. Spoilers ahead.
Much like the previous adventures, Jewels combines strong theme, mystery, logical consistency ("method to one's madness"), an occasional backdoor solution (secret door), fighting, and traps players have to defeat, not skill rolls. The plot of Jewels is the Lawful Azazel and his followers have destroyed the Cult of Carnifex has been destroyed and sealed away its patron deity. Azazel, however, has called for the primal light for aid. This light infuses him, and, ironically, has corrupted the undertemple far more than Carnifex could ever do. The PCs enter the undertemple to investigate, and either aid Azazel to finally destroy Carnifex, or free her from her prison.
DCC adventures implement well the "method to one's madness". Azazel and followers have settled into the undertemple (and are corrupting everything), so the enemies are either his followers, or corrupted overgrown versions of underground vermin. Likewise, many rooms reflect either the atrocities of Azazel, or the original temple of Carnifex.
Probably the only nitpick I have is that there's not much of a conflict in choosing Carnifex over Azazel. Azazel's a fanatic whose first impression towards to the PCs is to kill them. Carnifex is babe of a goddess who gives stat bonuses. No contest, really.
Otherwise, another fine job by Dungeon Crawl Classics!
Despite the "d20 glut", the number of city settings one can choose from can be counted on one hand. This is a pity, as the city offers NPC interaction, combatless skullduggery, and other entertaining roleplaying not available in your everyday dungeon or wilderness adventure.
Enter "The Kaiin Player's Guide". Technically for the Dying Earth RPG, based on the works of Jack Vance, the KPG features one of the most entertaining fantasy cities I've read in a long time. Written by Robin D. Laws, designer of Feng Shui, Hero Wars, Rune, and aforementioned Dying Earth, the book is 200-some pages long, on heavy glossy paper. It's quite suitable for D&D or any other fantasy roleplaying game.
For GMs of Conventional Fantasy RPGs
Let me briefly mention what the book doesn't have. The maps have a "bird's eye view" of each section of the city, but not detailed maps of streets or locations. Stats for NPCs are for Dying Earth's skills, which focus on personality, and thus are quite usable in any roleplaying game. You'll definitely want to plug in the culture, personalities, and locations of Kaiin to a city with detailed street-by-street maps.
The information is portrayed from the perspective of a well-connected PC. As a result, the GM need no longer be a bottleneck for information. He can let the player peruse the book, or a particular section. Not all GMs will want to do this, but now they have this option. GMs will need to create any "secret" character details and specifics (not like they haven't had to do this with other city guides...)
For Dying Earth Players
As said, this book is written from the perspective of a resident of Kaiin. Despite the words "Player's Guide", there is no "Gamemaster Guide". The player peruses the book, selects a rumor, and the GM improvises, using the GMC creation rules. A few pages provide additional advice for the GM and player.
A City of Personalities
Most city books I've read are organized by locations. Each chapter discusses one of the quarters by providing an overview, then particular locations, each with their NPC residents (don't these people ever leave the house?). KPG provides an overview, but then focuses on the PC's contacts for the city and personages in the quarter. Contacts are a personality outline of a particular class of people in the quarter, which the GM (or player!) fleshes out as an NPC contact. Personally, I think contacts are a much more playable NPCs than the usual "Important People" section of a city setting.
Locations, calendar events, and rumors follow, then Taglines and Tweaks. Taglines and Tweaks are Dying Earth mechanics. Taglines are quotes which, if used by a player during play ("Call me parsimonious, but I am reluctant to become nourishment for anyone."), grants character improvement points. Tweaks are special bonuses that a character can have under certain social circumstances for their PC. Both should be adaptable to any fantasy rpg. Kaiin is composed of neighborhoods: Canal Town, where the city river "emits its last pathetic gasp before it empties into the bay" (avoid the oysters); The Fringe, home of the most destitute denizens and opportunistic bandits (razed to the ground periodically with lively festivals involving hangings); The Marketplace (including no less than three pages of cart-pulling "Unusual Mounts and Beasts"); Odkin Prospect, where reside the aristocrats and merchants they invest in and despise; The Palace & Environs, including the useful "Palace Intrigue Quick Reference" chart; The Scholasticarium District, an institution less of learning than of "rivals in an never-ending struggle for privelege and prestige"; The Threek, a medieval equivalent of the suburbs ("Although eighty percent of the population lives here, we cover it quickly"); The Tracks, where Dhejtar, a sort of cross between a weasel and a panther, race (or just bring your child here to throw rocks at defaulters in the punishment racks); and The Undercity, who has believed "the sun has already died, and they are the last survivors" (enjoy the spicy cuisine).
Last Words
Again, I'll emphasize that this is a book of personalities over locations. GMs looking for detailed maps of a city won't find them here, but should still consider KPG as a book of NPCs who will enliven any city. GMs who do not improvise city adventures will still need to create and prepare material. Still, the wealth of NPCs, especially the contacts, should enrich any city adventure, not just one for Dying Earth.
Introduction: I'll admit not having played Final Fantasy or other Japanese video roleplaying games. I'm still familiar with genre, and even visuals alone will tell you that these fantasy games are quite different than their western counterparts. And, while Japan has its tabletop RPGs, few have been translated to American markets. Indeed, Anima, which looks on the surface to be a tabletop rpg version of Japanese computer rpgs, was originally published by Edge Entertainment in Spain. That doesn't make it any less qualified to be a thorough and detailed treatment of the genre. However, its complex character generation rule may put gamers off.
Character Generation: Anima character generation is flavorful but highly detailed and complicated. If you're the type who approaches character generation as a spreadsheet budget, or someone who must create a super-exotic mondo-unique uber-butt-kicking character (or, much worse, have a player who wants to be one), expect to spend quite a bit of time going through several chapter's worth of character creation options. But if you limit first characters to the same basics the sample character uses (yes, Ki, Magic, and Psychic abilities are not basic!), you should be able to play soon enough. After their first game, players you can your players recreate their characters or introduce new ones. If you do a search on "anima roleplay character generation", you should be able to find jmbowman's Anima character generator.
Combat: Anima combat is straightforward, with optional complexity. Each turn you have an action, often an attack. In an attack, you and your opponent both do a "skill die roll" of an attack skill (eg. Attack Ability) versus a defense skill (eg. Dodge). You then cross-index the difference (negative numbers can cause counterattacks!) against armor. This results in a percentage which you multiply against your weapon's damage to determine how much damage you actually do. (This is easier done than said, since Anima provides a table and 100% damage is a multiple of ten.) Additional rules and modifiers are provided for ranged and optional hand-to-hand and ranged attacks.
Sourcebook: Much of the gamemaster's section is source material: Gaia's history, Countries and Cities, Organizations (factions), The Supernatural World, and Powers in the Shadow (conspiratorial organizations influencing Gaia), Hell (supernatural worlds and their races), Light and Darkness (deities and mechanics for their gifts), and Supernatural Presence (how much of the world's reality is centered around a character -- including the PCs).
Gamemaster: Other gamemaster sections include gamemaster advice and guidelines, Common Characters (common NPC stats), Creation of Beings (detailed mechanics for creating special creatures), Creature Compendium (example creatures), and a character sheet.
Art and Layout: Bring out your iPads. At 322 full-color pages, you're not going to print this out. It's too bad that Anima doesn't have a printer-friendly or text-only version.
Conclusion: This is not a casual roleplaying game. The system is complicated, and the source material extensive. However, if you're looking for a detailed tabletop treatment of a Japanese video game, Anima is a definite choice.
Semi-spoilers ahead!
Villagers have been disappearing—and some of them are your
friends! A number of clues, various old superstitions, and a handful of vague omens point to the brooding citadel of the emerald enchanter. This silent monolith has sat undisturbed atop a windy ridge for centuries. Legends say that a green-skinned sorcerer dwells there, where he conducts strange experiments and builds enigmatic machinery. His emerald constructs patrol the grounds of his citadel, and he is seen only rarely when he ventures out on nefarious errands that end in horrid screams and strange lights coming from his citadel. Now you believe he is holding your friends captive. To rescue them—and potentially acquire some loot along the way—you set off to invade his inner sanctum. -- Player Beginning
Well, if that doesn't describe the adventure, I don't know what does. The Emerald Enchanter is a second-level adventure, by Joseph Goodman, creator of the Dungeon Crawl Classics RPG. Like his previous adventures, EE gives the judge the same quality of dungeon: bizarre encounters to challenge the party, "a method behind the madness" to give consistency, a few captives to replace fallen members, and a "backdoor" to reward risk-takers. The adventure is fourteen pages long, shorter than his People of the Pit, but long enough for party TPK. The art is wonderfully evocative, definitely useful for the judge to tell the players how much trouble they're in. It's a well-designed wizard lair, which the judge (or players!) can use as a template for his own ideas.
My only quibble with this adventure is why the heck would you let strangers wander about your house? Won't they scratch the silver and damage the furniture? The encounter where the party initially meets the enchanter lets them cleverly "short circuit" the adventure, but warns the enchanter of these invaders. Why doesn't he send his emerald guards in their direction? (Or, since this is a dungeon crawl, who cares?) You could eliminate this encounter entirely. Or you could give a good reason for his non-interference, such as the party inadvertently releasing an NPC who kills him off, but doesn't adhere to the idea that "the enemy of my enemy is a friend".
Overall, I enjoyed this adventure very much. It has nothing to do with, but leads fine to the Free RPG Day 2012 adventure, The Jeweler that Dealt in Stardust. I mean, who else are you going to use to fence all those emeralds into gold?
Spoilers ahead
I read Bone Hoard after reading Goodman Game's People of the Pit and Free RPG Day 2012 adventures, and just can't say that I was as thrilled by this adventure. It's not a bad one. It's your typical "mage dies and adventurers investigate his long-lost dungeon". But, aside from a terrifically terrible "it'll suck out the bones from your body and taunt your friends with what's left" monster, there's not that much you haven't seen in, say, your typical D&D adventure. I think had the author had designed the scenario more heavily around the theme of "bone and flesh", it would have more impact. But, as it stands, I'm waiting for Goodman Game's next release.
Remember first level? You went into a dungeon, stabbed a few kobolds, went into another area, killed a few goblins, went somewhere else, slew some orcs, went to another place, attacked some skeletons, got their treasure, and finally did something (like slay hobgoblins) at second.
DCC isn't that.
"Now a decade has passed since the last sacrifice, and the rumbles of the pit-beast can once more be heard deep in the pit. This time, though, there is another factor. People have emerged from the pit, herding great slithering tentacles before them. These people of the pit wear gray robes and have no faces. The local peasants have chased the robed men away on numerous occasions, and now the humble folk around the ravine fear for their safety. It was enough to fear the beast of the pit, now must they fear the people of the pit as well? You have set out to explore the great ravine in search of mystery, adventure, riches, and fame—and perhaps to aid your neighbors along the way." -- from the Player Beginning
Spoilers ahead.
If the core book's "Portal Under the Stars" was a trap-encrusted killfest, "People of the Pit" is a refugee from Queen of the Demonweb Pits and Shrine of Kuo-Toa (and better organized, too). While Pit may not be campaign-sized large, your poor players certainly didn't take them on at first level!
And, like, Portal, Pit is sufficiently deadly. If your figher insists on running down the slick stairs, he could fall to the pit floor before meeting anyone. And when you do enter combat, those grey-robed cultists have the audacity to have these tentacled things burst out of them when they die. Oh, and if they're in an area where tentacles are nearby they can summon them to do their bidding (like grab characters and toss them screaming into the pit). And that's just the first encounter.
The adventure sticks to theme yet provides an assortment of enemies, magical traps, mundane ones, and a few Things to Run Away From. The adventure has method behind its madness. Smarter characters will proceed cautiously and use the shortcuts to their objective. Others will find themselves shocked, teleported, cursed, turned to stone, sliced open, and screaming a hentailike death. Thoughtfully, the adventure has plenty of 0-level captives who can replace fallen members, and more 0-level captives to replace the previous ones. And, yes, the trope-ic Indiana Jones finale has a beautiful babe about to be sacrificed to the pit.
If there's any criticism of the adventure, it's that it's not just for 1st level characters! DCC is about not knowing what you're up against, and the stats (and shortcuts) can certainly be adjusted for higher level parties. And you may want to make the Control Tentacle spell easier to access by the spellcasters, if only to roll on the corruption table!
I'm pleasantly please with the People from the Pit. Just makes you wonder what will happen at second level.
A key element of player experience in the Dungeon Crawl Classics Role Playing Game is a sense of wonderment. Your job as judge is to convey "the sense of the unknown" that was so easy to achieve when we were children who did not know all the rules. -- DCC RPG Core rules
If, by "a sense of wonderment", you mean "OH SHI*", yes, DCC adventures have a sense of wonderment. If D&D adventures are a series of stat blocks and treasure tables, DCC adventures are a case of "Though this be madness, yet there is method in't". Assuming, of course, your players will last long enough to find that method. Spoilers ahead.
The first adventure, "The Undulating Corruption", is a 5th-level quest for a corrupted wizard and his party. DCC has a wonderful mechanic that the more a wizard casts spells, the more likely he'll suffer a corruption. In this adventure, your players have found out about a shrine that can cure corruption. Except that it isn't really a shrine. And it escaped.
The second adventure, "The Jeweler that Dealt in Stardust", is a 3rd-level heist of a fence who seems to have disappeared a month ago. Seems, of course, is the operative word. More accurately, it seems that Boss Ogo stumbled upon a particularly enchanted jewel, and has made contact with a Lolth or Lovecraftian mythos-inspired spider god, whose spiders have leaked into our own plane. It doesn't help that Ogo himself has a well-trapped location, or mundane opponents, such as the surviving gang members, still watch over his shop.
At about six pages each, both adventures are short, but that doesn't mean they're easy. They should be adaptable to other game systems. The second adventure will also be useful to understand what a thieves guild would look like. Also included is a $1000 design contest, with an October 2012 deadline.
My only hesitation in recommending these adventures is that, as of this writing, DCC seems to be releasing adventures starting at 0th level and is up to 1st, if you ignore the short 5th level adventure in the core book. Those who wish to create their own sense of, ahem, wonderment, adventures already have the adventures in the DCC core rules as models. The others who rely up on prewritten adventures may wish to wait until Goodman Games releases a 3rd level adventure to have something to compare these adventures against.
I think I could sum up this review from the Foreward:
"Phil, on the other hand, has taken his expertise as a project manager and his genetic predisposition to nigh-obsessive preparedness and applied these qualities to an entirely systemic and effective treatise on the matter. He's broken down the whole of the concept, applied a step-by-step presentation of all of the factors you need to consider, and presented it all in a clear, concise, easily grasped way.
The best part of this book is that Phil doesn't just lay out a list of steps that every GM must follow to the letter. Honestly, that would be fairly useless as well as pretentious. A wiser man, Phil, in that he instead guides you in evaluating your needs as a GM, based on your style of play. From there, he helps you figure out the steps that make the most sense for you."
Phil Vecchione is a regular contributor to Gnome Stew, a site of articles for gamemasters. He's also one of the authors of Masks: 1000 Memorable NPCs for Any Roleplaying Game, and Eureka: 501 Adventure Plots to Inspire Game Masters. These products have previews available on the Engine Publishing Website.
Us gamemasters know that proper preparation is key to a good game session, but that's about it. Never Unprepared: Complete Guide to Prep breaks down prep into five phases: Brainstorming, Selection, Conceptualization, Documentation, and Review. Brainstorming is the spawning of ideas. Selection is the selection of ideas to use in an upcoming game. Conceptualization is the expansion of each idea, giving it log, a description, and a fit into the overall game. Documentation, aka. the part of the prep process most associate with prep, is writing down the concept that is meaningful to you, the gamemaster. Review, often the most overlooked phase, breaks down into proofreading, directing (reviewing and rehearsing), and playtesting (taking the perspective of the players before the game session).
But, on top of these steps, the book attempts to get you, the gamemaster, to accomplish these phases. What tools do you use for prep -- and even which phase of prep? How do you optimize your creative cycle and personal schedule? What are your strengths and weaknesses as a GM? The book also includes a concrete guide to templates (eg. NPCs and scenes). The Prep-Lite and Prep in a Real World chapters help you compensate when you cannot properly prepare for a game. These sections go beyond the "how to" guidelines of most gamemaster tip articles.
The book comes in both PDF and text format. The PDF is 134 pages long, with art interspersed throughout. Like too many other RPG materials, the art isn't really relevant to the text and could just as easily have been left out. The text is in the UTF-8 character set.
The book isn't for the lazy GM. If anything, it's a project management guide for gamemasters -- and it's still your project. The book has no shortcuts like an "instant NPC generator" or such. It also doesn't address prewritten adventures and their own problems. Nor does it give advice on gut improvisation during a game session. (It does give advice for last-minute preparation.)
I'm also just a little hesitant to recommend this to neophyte GMs. Sure, if you have ideas all brimming in your head, you will want this guide to help organize your thoughts and notes. However, the book may be a little intimidating with how much work you can do towards gamemastering. Don't think of it as what you must do.
One audience I think this book is absolutely for is the aspiring writer. I'm sure there are plenty of how to's for new writers, but you should be able to use the principles in this book for that novel you've always wanted to write. Many of the guidelines, especially time management, tools, and "thinking about it throughout the day" will be particularly useful for you to get your project off the ground. NaNoWriMo is coming up soon enough, and if all you do is prep, you'll do a better job than those who just pound the keyboard.
Overall, Never Unprepared: Complete Guide to Prep is for any dedicated gamemaster who designs his own adventure. Very well written, and very recommended.


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Anna-Louise Howard Phot Photographer
Matthew EndycottWardrobe Stylist Male Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
My Website: OOKINAMy MM URL: http://www.modelmayhem.com/matthewendycott
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About MeHi MM'ers,
Professional Stylist/Creative Director based in Sydney. Have travelled extensively, and love working in a highly creative environment. I have worked with some of Australia's leading publishing houses, retailers and agencies and have also worked alongside global entertainment groups.
I am the Director of a creative services agency based in Sydney, specialising in Web Design + Development, Brand Strategy, Artistic Direction & Brand Experience. You can visit Ookina here : http://www.ookina.com.au
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June 2014 #OOTD Ideas
Not just for edgy girls, ear cuffs and ear jackets are an easy way to add a cool, fashion-y touch to any outfit! You can go seriously edgy with spikes and studs, or totally glam with rhinestones and gems. Get in on this hot celeb trend with these awesome styles.
Eliza Gunmetal Ear Jacket, $55, ruegembon.com
MORE: 8 Front-and-Back Earrings That Are Cool From Every Angle
25 Hot Crop Tops Under $25


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Apple,Samsung CEOs in U.S. court talks over patent row
By Dan Levine
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - The chief executives of Apple Inc and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd come face to face on Monday in court-directed mediation in the United States over a dispute in which the iPhone maker claims the Korean firm has "slavishly" copied some of its products.
Apple's Tim Cook and Samsung's Choi Gee-sung have been instructed by a federal judge to appear for mediation in San Francisco to help resolve the bitter patent litigation between the two firms.
The U.S. case, the most closely watched in a global patent war between the two companies involving some 20 cases in 10 countries, is set for trial at the end of July in San Jose, California. Each company denies the other's allegations of patent infringement.
Patent expert Florian Mueller cautioned against any expectations that mediation, which is being increasingly used to try to resolve U.S. civil disputes, would lead to a significant breakthrough in the case.
"This dispute isn't ripe for settlement," he said. "Under the present circumstances, the two companies' delegations should spend a couple of fun days in Yosemite Park or Napa Valley, rather than meet in court only to pretend they're being constructive."
Apple, the maker of hit products such as the iPod, iPad and iPhone, has a complex relationship with Samsung, a conglomerate that makes computer chips, gadgets including its Galaxy range of smartphones, and televisions.
While Samsung's smartphones and tablets run on Google's Android operating system and compete with Apple's products, Samsung is also a key components supplier to Apple.
The U.S. company, which investors value at close to $600 billion, has accused Samsung of "slavishly" copying the iPhone and iPad through products that run on Android. Samsung, which has a stock market value of about $161 billion, has counter-sued with claims accusing Apple of infringing its patents. Continued...


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Cesc Fabregas tasted victory in his first North London derby on Saturday, scoring Arsenal's second of the 3-0 win.
After the match, the Spanish international spoke exclusively to Arsenal TV Online.
He discussed
- winning his first North London derby as captain
- the two goals just before half time
- how he scored his first goal
- doing something special this season
Subscribers can watch this exclusive interview now.Copyright 2017 The Arsenal Football Club plc. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source


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Forest River Grey Wolf RVTravel Trailer Toy Hauler (8)Travel Trailer (32)
Dealer Michigan, New & Used
Forest River Grey Wolf RV SalesWe are located in Michigan but we offer Grey Wolf RV delivery all over the world. We have a very close relationship with Forest River RV and if you don't see what you want in our extensive inventory, we can get it for you quickly. Forest River Grey Wolf trailers have become more and more popular. This means we can get the model you want and get it to you quicker than other Grey Wolf RV dealers. Buy a New or Used Grey Wolf trailer today! Best among Forest River Grey Wolf RV Dealers Find out why our customers know we are the best Forest River Grey Wolf dealer.
Michigan Forest River Grey WolfDealer We are your Michigan Grey Wolf RV dealer. Wide selection of Grey Wolf RVs year round and priority custom orders due to our close relationship with Grey Wolf manufacturer Forest River RV.
Grey Wolf RV Inventory (59)
Grey Wolf RV Floor Plans
Manufacturer: Forest River RV2018 Models (20)
2017 Models (20)
Grey Wolf RV Options/Packages
Standard (Special Edition Only)
Natural Mink
Grey Wolf Limited Package (^not all items available on all models)
Designer Slow-Roll Cordless Blackout Shades^, Detachable Power Cord, Drop-In Cooktop with Glass Cover, External Scare Light, Flip Down Travel Rack^, Kitchen Skylight w/ Shade, LED Interior Lights, LED Strip Lighting^, Mag Wheels, Plywood Flooring, Power Awning, Power Tongue Jack^, Premium Bedding Ensemble and Comforter, Radial Tires, Real Wood Doors and Drawers, Residential Undermount Kitchen Sink, Seamless Countertops, Sofa with Arm Rest and Cup Holders also Featuring Sofa Bolster, Stainless Kitchen Suite Appliance Package, Super Kitchen (Extra Lighting, Glass Doors, Ceiling Mount), Tire Pressure Monitors, Tub Surround, Upgraded Hypoallergenic Evergreen Mattress, Upper Bunk Windows, USB Charging Stations (Beds, Bunks, Table where applicable)
Grey Wolf Limited Package - Special Edition (^not all items available on all models)
Detachable Power Cord, Drop In Cooktop with Glass Cover, External Scare Light, LED Interior Lights, Mag Wheels, Plywood Floors, Power Awning, Radial Tires, Real Wood Doors and Drawers, Seamless Countertop, Sofa with arm rest and cup holders also featuring sofa bolster, Stainless Kitchen Suite Appliance Package, Tire Pressure Monitors, Tub Surround, Undermount Sink, Upgraded Hypoallergenic Evergreen Mattress
Value Package (^not all items available on all models)
40 inch Dinette Drawers x 2^, Black Tank Flush, Outside TV Bracket and Hook Ups, Sink Cover
Core Package (^not all items available on all models)
Back Up Camera Ready, Solid Bedroom Doors, Cabinets in Bedroom^, Ducted A/C^, DVD Player, Friction Hinge Door, Solar Prep and Wiring
XL Package (^not all items available on all models)
6 Gallon Gas/Electric DSI Water Heater, Bathroom Fantastic Vent Fan, Large Exterior Folding Assist Grab Handle, Night Shades^, Outside Shower with Hot and Cold Water, Oven, Pull Out Kitchen Faucet, RVQ Quick Connect, Sky Light Over Tub
Gel Coat Sidewalls with Fender Skirts (27' and shorter)
Gel Coat Sidewalls with Fender Skirts (28' and over)
15k Air Conditioner
Back Up Camera
Dinette Cabinet Door (1) (25RL-26BH)
Electric Jacks
Enclosed Tanks
Fiberglass Front Cap
Large LED TV
Medium LED TV (n/a on 19RR, 25RL, 26BH)
Mini Camp Kitchen (24RK, 26DBH, 26RL, 27DBS, 27RR, 29BH)
Outdoor Bar and Grill (29BH)
Pack and Play Door (29BH)
Ramp Door Patio System (RR Only)
Roof Ladder (n/a on RR)
Screen Wall / Tent Wall (RR Only)
Security Camera at Entrance Door
Spare Tire
Stabilizer Jacks (Non-Slides Only)
Swivel Rocker Chair
RVIA Seal
- Mini Blinds on All Windows
- Hard Window Valances
- Radius Windows
- Safety Glass Windows
- Wardrobe Closets
- Dual Bulb Reading Lights
- Night Stands Each Side of Bed
- Large Storage Doors
- Full Extension Roller Glide Drawers
- Monitor Panel
- Double Door Refrigerator
- Large Storage Drawer Under Cooktop
- Large, Single Bowl Kitchen Sink
- 40″ Dinette (Selected Floorplans)
- One Piece Slide Out Side Walls
- U- Shaped Dinette with Pedestal Legs on All Bunkhouse Models (Selected Floorplans)
- Mocha Stained Shaker-Style Cabinets
- Large Overhead Cabinets
- Stainless Steel High Grade Cabinet Handles
- Rounded Styled Cabinets
- Acrylic Bath Sinks (Large)
- Shower Curtain (Tub Models)
- Linoleum In Bath Area
- Glass Shower Enclosure (Neo-angle shower models only)
- Double Framed Tub Bases
- Large, Mirrored, Medicine Cabinet
- High Output Cook Top
- Carousel High Output Microwave
- Digital TV Antenna With Power Booster
- 13.5 Air Conditioner
- Water Heater By Pass
- Six Gallon Turbo Water Heater
- Large Radius Luggage Doors
- 20 lb. LP Bottles w/Cover
- Awning Drip Rail And Down Spouts
- Patio Awning
- One Piece Rubber Roof
- Upgraded Graphics
- Two-Toned Exterior Metal
- Colored Front And Rear Metal
- Outside Stereo Speakers
- Radius Entry Door
- Cable Hook up
- Outside Outlet
- Radius, Double Drop Step
- Aerodynamic Radius Front Profile
- Front Stone Guard
- 3/8″ Walkable Roof Decking
- Radius Truss Roof Rafters
- 5/8″ Tongue And Groove Plywood Floor
- 2″ x 3″ Floor Joists
- Powder Coated, Rust Resistant Frame
- R7 Fiberglass Insulation
- Linoleum Front To Back
- Roto Cast (Seamless) Holding Tanks
- 12″ On Average Side Wall Stud
- Galvanized Steel High Wind Bands
CHEROKEE LIMITED PACKAGE (Not all Items Available on All Models)
- Power Awning
- Power Tongue Jack
- Rear Flip Down Travel Rack
- Drop in Cooktop with Glass Cover
- Faux Rock Wall at Entertainment Center (Most Models)
- Under Mount Sink
- Internal LED Light Strip Above Slide Out
- External LED Light Strip Under Awning
- Radial Tires
- Outside TV Bracket and Hook Ups
- High Gloss Seamless Counter Tops
- Upgrade sofa with Built In Cup Holders
- Kitchen Skylight with Shade
- LED Interior Ceiling Lights
- Upgrade Exterior Scare Light
- Tire Pressure Monitors
- Detachable Power Cord
- Plywood Floors
- Real Wood Doors and Drawers
- Upgrade Roof Insulation
- Upper Bunk Window
Grey Wolf RV Dealer Michigan As Michigan's to Grey Wolf dealer you get the best selection and the best deals when you buy your Grey Wolf at Lakeshore RV Center today. We are located in Michigan but we offer Grey Wolf RV delivery all over the world. We have a very close relationship with Forest River RV. Forest River Grey Wolf trailers have grown more and more popular. This means we can get the model you want and get it to you quicker than other Grey Wolf RV dealers. Buy a New or Used Grey Wolf trailer today! Many New Grey Wolf RVs We offer the latest Grey Wolf models and provide for an easy interface you can use to custom build a Grey Wolf with your own custom configuration. Used Grey Wolf RVs - Bring Us Your Quality Trade-In All the brands we represent are quality brands and so if you have a Used Grey Wolf RV you'd like to trade-in we are always looking for used models of the quality brands we carry. Bring your used Forest River RV today and upgrade to a current year model. Forest River Grey Wolf Quality Construction Grey Wolf RVs are manufactured by Forest River RV offering excellent quality and workmanship in Grey Wolf construction. Delivery from Michigan to Your Door Choose to pickup your Grey Wolf RV in Michigan or we can deliver from our store in Michigan to your door. Grey Wolf RV Experts! At Lakeshore RV Center people say we have the best Grey Wolf RV prices.


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Have Relationship Questions? Ask a Counselor for Answers ASAP
By taking the time to write a thank you note, you are sending a message that a gift received, kind gesture, attendance at an occasion, etc. was important to you. A thank you note tells a person you appreciated the time and care spent in doing something nice for you.
Never send a preprinted thank you card. A personalized, handwritten note express sincerity. Generally, thank you notes should be sent within a week of receipt of a gift or gesture.
Basic structure of a thank you note:
Saying thank you.
Thoughts on gift, gesture or occasion.
Saying thank you again.
Closing with signature.
Start with a word of sincere thanks. Be genuine; most people can sense when you are not being honest.
"Thank you so much for..."
"Please accept my sincere thanks for..."
"It made my day when..."
"I had a wonderful time at..."
"I appreciate the time you took to..."
"I'm so grateful you were there when..."
"I (wanted to, couldn't wait) to tell you how (much I appreciated, thoughtful it was of you to)..."
To make a thank you note sincere, always start by mentioning something about the gift. Refer to the specific gift by name, as well as what it meant to you, why you like it and how you will use it. If your friend has done something nice for you, you may thank them for the "heartfelt", "thoughtful", "touching" or "kind" act then mention how it made you feel and what it meant to you. If you were invited to a function mention something memorable about the occasion.
The ending should restate your appreciation with kind words.
"Again, thank you for your generosity. I am sincerely grateful."
"Thank you for showing me such a wonderful time."
"Your kindness and caring mean so much to me... it is so nice to have a friend like you."
"Your generosity and thoughtfulness is very much appreciated."
In signing your name, closings may include:
"Very truly yours,"
"With thanks,"
"With sincere appreciation,"
"In appreciation,"
"With gratitude,"
or simply "Thank you."
You might consider sending a token of appreciation with your thank you note. This might include an invitation to lunch (your treat), flowers, a gift certificate, etc.
Ultimately, your choice of wording in a thank you note should genuinely reflect your own personal appreciation for the gift or gesture. Don't make your thank you note too long, a short paragraph invites reading and makes a stronger impression.
:::I hope this has given you some helpful insight. If you have any questions, please let me know:::


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An Evening of Art + Science Features New Art by U-M Medical Research Tonight
Some virtuosos express their talents through clay, paint, wood, words or dance. For others, the media are the very cells and molecules of the human body.
Each expert excels in his or her chosen field, and on one unprecedented night in May, they will come together in Detroit for a gala celebration: An Evening of Art + Science.
This unique fundraising event will unveil the works inspired by the pairing of 11 physician-researchers of the University of Michigan Health System's A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute, with noted artists from the Detroit area and beyond.
For months, the artists have been meeting with their scientific counterparts to discuss the creativity that abounds in their respective disciplines, and to gain ideas and inspiration from the medical research being conducted by these dedicated clinician-scientists from the University of Michigan.
On May 22, the results will be revealed when the scientists, the artists and supporters come together at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) to discuss the collaborations.
The art pieces will be sold at auction and the proceeds used to fund the Taubman Emerging Scholars program, which helps early-career clinician-scientists establish their laboratories.
Meanwhile, the eminent senior scholars of the Taubman Institute are conducting groundbreaking research on a variety of devastating diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, ALS, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and multiple sclerosis, among many others.
In less than six years since the founding of the institute - part of the University of Michigan Medical School the research it has sponsored has produced more than 50 human clinical trials of potentially life-saving treatments.
The work of the Taubman Institute is funded solely by private philanthropy. The Evening of Art + Science will raise funds to help maintain the pipeline of life-altering medical discoveries, and will showcase for the Metro Detroit community the amazing breakthroughs that are emerging from the laboratories of the Taubman Scholars, all of whom are practicing physicians and U-M faculty in addition to being active scientific researchers.
Among the artists whose work will be auctioned are choreographer and theater director Aku Kadogo, painter Simone DeSousa, interactive artist Osman Khan, Lynne Avadenka and the team of Cezanne Charles and John Marshall.


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Please allow myself to introduce .. myself.
I'm a student in AZ and just bought my blue 02 and couldnt be happier. It was a used car (all a starving student could afford, hehe) from a family guy who used it as a baby hauler.
I was interested in buying one because my dad just bought his midlife crisis car a few months ago, an STI. After tearing around the streets armed with his stellar boost numbers, i knew i had to get my hands on something similar.
Im very glad and every month when i make my car payment for the next FIVE years i will remain happy that i have my scoob.
I'm not going to ask "whats the best BOV" or "how can i fix my understeer", not yet atleast.. heh heh. Already located the search button. Just here to say HI.


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It wasn't exactly sweetness and light when President Obama visited with House Republicans today in an extraordinary Q-and-A session that exposed their stark political differences.
Obama told Republicans he welcomed disagreement and debate, but also knocked them for opposing the stimulus bill on "disappointing" party-line votes and making what he called false claims about health care.
"You've given yourselves very little room to work in a bipartisan fashion because what you've been telling your constituents is, 'This guy's doing all kinds of crazy stuff that's going to destroy America,'" Obama told House GOP members gathered at a retreat in Baltimore.
Obama also protested some of the Republican objections to his health care initiative. "If you were to listen to the debate -- and, frankly, how some of you went after this bill -- you'd think that this thing was some Bolshevik plot," Obama said.
Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, challenged Obama by saying he had backtracked on hiring lobbyists and holding health care talks on television.
"I can look you in the eye and tell you, we have not been obstructionist," Chaffetz also said. "The Democrats have the House and Senate and the presidency."
And Rep. Tom Price, G-Pa., pointedly asked the president: "What should we tell our constituents who know that Republicans have offered positive solutions to the challenges that Americans face and yet continue to hear out of the administration that we've offered nothing?"
Obama said no administration has been tougher on lobbying reform than his, but he said he agreed that the health care talks have not been handled well. "I think it's legitimate criticism," Obama said. "So on that one, I take responsibility."
The two sides also clashed over tax cuts and budget deficits. It is very rare for presidents to take questions from lawmakers of the opposite party, especially with television cameras rolling.
Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, read a long question to Obama that included the statement, "Your administration proposed a budget that would triple the national debt over the next 10 years -- surely you don't believe 10 years from now we will still be mired in this recession."
Obama eventually cut off Hensarling, saying: "I know there's a question in there somewhere, because you're making a whole bunch of assertions, half of which I disagree with ... at some point, I know you're going to let me answer." (Obama also referred to Jeb Hensarling, three times, as "Jim.")
Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., asked Obama twice whether he would support across-the-board tax cuts for all Americans, "as President Kennedy did." Obama said, "I'm going to take a look at what you guys propose" and "check your math" in terms of balancing the budget.
For his part, Obama urged Republican support on newer parts of his economic policy, including fees for banks that received federal help and tax credits for employers who hire more workers.
During his discussion of the stimulus, Obama noted that the bill now priced at $862 billion included tax cuts as well as needed infrastructure construction. "Some of you have been at the ribbon-cuttings for some of these important projects in your communities," Obama said, needling his audience.
He also said both parties need to shun the kinds of point-scoring and election-year posturing that have turned off their constituents.
Americans "don't want us to focus on our job security," Obama said. "They want us to focus on their job security."
At another point, Obama told seemingly skeptical Republicans that "I am not an ideologue -- I'm not."
The House Republicans, meanwhile, gave Obama a book listing their policy proposals.
Will the appearance cool partisan passions in Washington?
Well, Obama opened his statement with a variation of a movie line: "Keep your friends close, but visit the Republican caucus every few months."
The original line, from The Godfather, Part II: "Keep your friends close -- but your enemies closer."
(Posted by David Jackson)
David's journalism career spans three decades, including coverage of five presidential elections, the Oklahoma City bombing, the 2000 Florida presidential recount and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He has covered the White House for USA TODAY since 2005. His interests include history, politics, books, movies and college football -- not necessarily in that order. More about David
Follow the Oval on Twitter: @The Oval, @djusatoday.
Also contributing to the Oval: Richard Wolf @richardjwolf; Aamer Madhani @AamerISmad


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It was billed as a Bach tour of Weimar and Leipzig to take place during Holy Week. Wow, I thought: some cantatas, a Passion or two - all performed by east German musicians in and around the two cities where Bach spent the most productive years of his career. I leapt at the chance.
In Weimar, we stayed at the Elephant hotel. An inn since the 17th century, the present structure dates from the late Thirties. Its Nazi associations are famous - including the little balcony from which Hitler addressed crowds in the square in front of the hotel. Recently refurbished in a sort of Bauhaus style, and filled with carefully chosen 20th-century art of precisely the kind the Führer would have loathed (and I love), the Nazi associations, while not denied, have been played down. The former Hitler suite has been renamed after a local pop singer who stayed there.
The city of Weimar, since 1998 a Unesco World Heritage site, is itself a jewel box - comparable to Heidelberg for its baroque and classical splendours - and deserves far more than the day and a half we had here. Recognised by most English-speakers chiefly for its associations with the interwar experiment in democ racy - the 'Weimar Republic' - the city was for the two centuries preceding the Nazi regime a cultural centre not only for German-speakers, but for Europe.
The German poets Schiller and Weiland lived here, as did Bach and, intermittently, Mendelssohn, Victor Hugo, Liszt, Tolstoy, and a host of other European intellectuals were frequent visitors, drawn to the city by its most famous resident, Goethe. Later, this tradition of pilgrimage continued with visits from Wagner, Klee, Kandinsky, Nietzsche and Thomas Mann among others. Walter Gropius founded the Bauhaus movement here, and established its first centre at the city's Arts and Crafts school.
Pictures of the Goethe house and garden, along with pictures of the Schiller house, the Anna Amalia library, the Wittumspalais, the church of St Peter and Paul, and the Ducal Vault along with pictures of innumerable other architectural gems promise rich rewards for those who love investigating both magnificent and domestic old buildings. Sadly, these interiors were not included on our tightly planned itinerary. What was included was a visit to the Modern Art Museum - small, but excellent - and a tour of the facilities of the Conference Centre.
Now I like a good Conference Centre as well as the next guy, and as conference centres go this was a humdinger (all in American cherrywood and black upholstery, set in a park with a striking reflecting pool). But I am not sure I would have elected to go there at the cost of visiting the city's more, well, traditional sites.
The odd thing about this press trip, especially given that it had been billed as a Bach Tour, is how determinedly uncultural it was. I had the feeling that it had been organised by the Chamber of Commerce in the hope that this collection of British journalists would write about what a wonderful place these two east German cities would be to hold an annual conference.
Our German hosts were by and large young - too young to have had much life experience under the GDR. Yet our group was old - well, older - and seemed obsessed with quizzing everyone we encountered about the old regime. Interested at first, I began to feel embarrassed by them. The citizens of the 'New Countries', which is how the former East German states refer to themselves, were doing their best to show us how things are; yet we seemed mainly concerned with how they used to be.
Unlike Weimar, Leipzig really can't be recommended to the tourist (although it has a great Conference Centre). The war damage was extensive, and instead of reconstructing what had been a prosperous 19th-century city with a medieval core, the GDR rebuilt it as a Socialist showcase. Time and again our tour guide would take us to an undistinguished building and say 'This is where once stood' so and so. 'Sadly, this building no longer exists' became a much-used refrain.
The most glaring remnant of this period of reconstruction is the strikingly ugly university tower, visible from any point in the city. The brutality of this, and the ghastly Sixties buildings which huddle around it, is emphasised by the memory of the medieval university it replaced.
In Leipzig we stayed at the splendid Hotel Füstenhof, an 18th-century mansion originally the home of a Leipzig banker. Like the Elephant, it is part of the Kempenski group, and in both hotels we had superlative meals (conference organisers take note). In fact, the city has good amenities - restaurants, music, theatre, bars and hotels, and the shopping district, concentrated in traditional 19th-century arcades, is good. I think it would be a lively city in which to live and be a student, when one would have the time really to get to know the place.
And Bach? Sadly, there was no Bach. The closest we came in Weimar was walking past a parking lot where his home used to stand, and being shown the prison where briefly he was a 'guest' of the duke; while in Leipzig we visited the St Nicholas church (as famous now for the involvement of its clergy in the downfall of the GDR as for its Bach associations) and the building site that is the currently-being-refurbished St Thomas church.
Details of two-night Bach packages in Weimar and Leipzig are available on Kempinski's free reservation number 00-800-426-313-55


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The Seneca County Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Dinner on January 24 at the Waterloo Seneca Falls Holiday Inn. In addition to live entertainment, a year in review, presentations from incoming and outgoing board leadership and live and silent auctions, the evening featuredfour award presentations. 2013 Business of the Year-Presented to: Generations Bank of Seneca FallsLifetime Achievement Award- Presented to: Bill Cram Citizen of the Year Award- Presented to: Ellen Hughes 2013 Rising Star Award- Presented to: Brad Clouston The Seneca County Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate all of the award winners and thank each of the attendees, volunteers, chamber and community members that supported the event. The Chamber would also like to thank Five Star Bank, key sponsor for the 2014 Annual Dinner. Additional sponsors included Lyons National Bank; ITT Goulds Pumps; Sessler Companies; Bill Cram Chevrolet; and The Bonadio Group. Finger Lakes wine donations for the evening's reception and dinner were made possible by Americana Vineyards, Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, Hosmer Winery,Knapp Winery and Vineyard Restaurant, Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, Seneca Lake Wine Trail, Sheldrake Point Vineyard, Standing Stone Vineyards,Swedish Hill and Goose Watch Wineries, Toro Run Winery, and Wagner Vineyards.
Generations Bank and its wholly owned subsidiary- Generations Agency, offers personal and commercial financial and insurance services, including banking products, financial planning, and asset management. Their collective mission is to be community-minded while providing financial services to its customers. Founded by a small group of Seneca Falls businessmen in 1870 to promote thrift under a NYS mutual charter, the Bank's original building is the present home of the Women's National Hall of Fame.A long-time community staple, Generations Bank began its market expansion in 2000, with the opening of its first branch in Auburn. Since then, the Company has increased total assets from approximately $80 million to $275 million, and has grown to a team of 91 employees through 9 retail offices inthe Finger Lakes Region- including branch locations in Seneca Falls, Waterloo, Auburn, Geneva, Union Springs and Phelps. After undergoing a $5.2 million renovation in December of 2013, the Bank celebrated a Grand Opening of its newly constructed company headquarters- a modern and innovative building- located at 20 E Bayard Street in Seneca Falls (home of the former IGA / Super Duper Grocery Store.)In addition to its various community branch locations with traditional banking services, Generations Bank has also remained current with changing technological advances in order to meet its customers' evolving electronic banking needs. The Bank has built a strong network of offices centered on a state-of-the-art technology platform to keep pace with changes in e-commerce. Featured services include a mobile banking application, and an Interactive Teller Machine ("ITM") with new technology allowing customers to transact business directly with a Personal Banker on live video feed. Future plans for Generations Bank include opening a 10th retail office in 2014, that will be located in Farmington, and introduced as the Bank's first"smart office" branch. Remaining involved with its original hometown community, Generations Bank and Generations Agency support many community organizations and events. Over the years they have made many contributions and been involved with: Habitat for Humanity, Affordable Transportation Program, Transitional Homefor Women, National Women's Hall of Fame, It's a Wonderful Life Celebration, D.A.R.E, and the Mynderse Academy Music Program.
Beginning the Seneca County legacy in the early 1950's, Bill Cram was stationed at Sampson US Air Force Base where he met his wife Phyllis. After a brief time spent overseas in Germany, Bill and Phyllis returned to the area where they co-founded and later sold Timberline Cash and Carry and Timberline Products to Wickes Lumber. Looking towards a new business prospect, Bill purchased the Hallman Dealership in Seneca Falls in 1969, the current location of Avicolli's Restaurant today. Later in 1972, Bill purchased property on the corner of Routes 414 and 5 & 20, where he remodeled and added on to the former Tri City Discount Store. Continuing his focus with the automotive industry, he then moved his dealership to that site, the current dealership location, but then naming it "Cram's Corner". With business thriving, in January 2012 Bill Cram Chevrolet expanded again when construction began on a brand new state of the art Chevrolet dealership. The $3 million project included demolition of the dealership's former space, and construction of a new showroom, sales department, parts department, drive-through service line, business offices, as well as parkingand site improvements.Bill has been a dedicated member of this community, serving a host of organizations, such as: Seneca County IDA, Seneca County Chamber of Commerce, Seneca Falls Rotary, Shriners, New York State Automobile Dealer's Association, Presbyterian Church in Geneva.
A Finger Lakes native, Ellen was born in Rochester and grew up in Waterloo. She graduated as Valedictorian from Waterloo High School in 1968 and then attended SUNY Oswego. After spending her junior year at the University of Madrid in Spain, she received her B.A. degree in secondary education (Spanish). She later attended Nazareth College, where she earned an Mastersdegree in Education.Ellen was able to give back to the educational world, sharing her time and talent teaching at Waterloo High School, where she taught Spanish for 26 years. During that time, Ellen received numerous honors, including: being chosen by her peers as the 1997 Teacher of the Year, being nominated by her students as the first "Angel of Waterloo" in 2004, and being selected by the Student Council in 2012, as Teacher of the Year. Prior to her time at Waterloo, Ellen also taught third grade at Border City School as well. Today she is a member of the New York State Retired Teachers' Association and remains involved with the Central Western Zone and the Seneca County Retired Teachers Associations. An 18-year member of the Waterloo Rotary International, Ellen was elected District Governor for District 7120 in 2013 and has the distinction of being only the third woman to ever hold the position. Ellen is also involved with the Celebrate/Commemorate Committee in Waterloo, and St. Francis and St. Clare Parish- where she remains active with roles on the Pastoral Council, Finance Committee and as Co-chair for the popular summer festival. In her spare time, Ellen enjoys reading and traveling. She and her husband Jim reside in Waterloo.
Born in Ocala, FL in 1988, and then raised in Seneca Falls, Brad graduated from Mynderse Academy, and moved to Rochester, where he attended St. John Fisher College and earned his Bachelors of Science degree in business management. After college, Brad completed an internship with Mutual of Omaha, and, later gained business and professional experience with positions held at Paychex (as a Health and Benefits Sales Representative), and LyonsNational Bank (working in Commercial Lending) where he currently is employed. Brad is involved with various non-profit organizations and community activities, including: active member of the Finger Lakes Young Professionals, serving on the organization's leadership committee, Membership Chair for the Waterloo Rotary Club, Board member for the WaterlooLibrary and Historical Society, and is a member of Seneca County Ducks Unlimited. When he is not working or volunteering his time, Brad enjoys a variety of sports and outdoor activities, including hunting, riding motorcycles, and snowmobiles during the winter months. He currently lives in Seneca Falls with his fiancée, Amanda. The couple is planning a wedding for August 2014.


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Product Reference: 45081
Prevents screen scratching and other damage
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This pack includes 6 screen protectors, so you've got 6 times the protection for your phone. You'll never have to buy another screen protector for the life of your phone with the MFX 6-in-1 screen protector pack.


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Brooklyn Museum Is City's Latest Cultural Institution to Hike Admission Price
The Brooklyn Museum announced a $2 hike in its suggested admission rates on Friday — up to $12 for adults, and $8 for students and seniors.
In a statement, the museum's director, Arnold Lehman, said he regretted the increase, attributing it to "the continued economic climate."
The museum also noted that its last admission hike was in 2009, and that admission during the first Saturday of each month, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., will still be free.
Several of the city's high-profile museums have already raised admission fees, including The Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum, which announced their changes over the summer.
In July, MoMA said it needed to raise fees due to higher operating costs. Last month, ticket prices jumped from $20 to $25 for adults, $16 to $18 for seniors and $12 to $14 for students.
In June, the Met announced its new pay scale, noting it would be the first time the museum upped its suggested fees in five years. The new fee scale was also attributed to "budgetary challenges."
Fees rose from $20 to $25 for adults, $15 to $17 for seniors, and $10 to $12 for students.


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Palikir Sweatshirts are an Idakoos specialtiy! Idakoos has many things to offer. Whether you want to get a Palikir Sweatshirt for a special occasion, give a Palikir Jumper as a present or need to represent with a funny Palikir Crewneck Sweatshirt during Holidays or Family and Friends get-togethers, Idakoos is sure to have the right Palikir Sweatshirt for you! Even if it turns out you can't find the right Palikir Pullover with the perfect design for your mother, father or children (or friends!); Idakoos offers all of its men's women's and children's Palikir Sweatshirts as Custom Palikir Sweatshirts. Personalize any Palikir Crewneck Sweatshirt the way you want to ensure the perfect gift.
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text: BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK) today announced that it will report third quarter earnings prior to the opening of the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday, October 16, 2013. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Laurence D. Fink, and Chief Financial Officer, Gary Shedlin, will host a teleconference call for investors and analysts at 8:30 a.m. ET. BlackRock's earnings release and supplemental materials will be available via the investor relations section of www.blackrock.com, before the teleconference call begins. Teleconference and Webcast Details Members of the public who are interested in participating in the teleconference should dial, from the United States, (800) 374-0176, or from outside the United States, (706) 679-8281, shortly before 8:30 a.m. ET and reference the BlackRock Conference Call (ID Number 73242488). A live, listen-only webcast will also be available via the investor relations section of www.blackrock.com. Both the teleconference and webcast will be available for replay by 12:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 and ending at midnight on Thursday, October 31, 2013. To access the replay of the teleconference, callers from the United States should dial (800) 585-8367 and callers from outside the United States should dial (404) 537-3406 and enter the Conference ID Number 73242488. To access the webcast, please visit the investor relations section of www.blackrock.com. About BlackRock BlackRock is a leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services for institutional and retail clients worldwide. At June 30, 2013, BlackRock's AUM was $3.857 trillion. BlackRock helps clients meet their goals and overcome challenges with a range of products that include separate accounts, mutual funds, iShares ® (exchange-traded funds), and other pooled investment vehicles. BlackRock also offers risk management, advisory and enterprise investment system services to a broad base of institutional investors through BlackRock Solutions ®. Headquartered in New York City, as of June 30, 2013, the firm has approximately 10,700 employees in 30 countries and a major presence in key global markets, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East and Africa. For additional information, please visit the Company's website at www.blackrock.com.


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Speaking at a shareholders meeting in New York, the head of global tobacco giant Philip Morris International declared Wednesday that smoking is "not that hard to quit."
The company's chief executive, Louis Camilleri, made the remark in response to an anti-tobacco activist nurse attending the meeting who said a patient told her that tobacco was harder to quit than any other drug, including crack cocaine. Camilleri also acknowledged, however, that tobacco is addictive, the London-based Daily Mail reports.
The newspaper said Camilleri is a longtime smoker, although he was quoted in 2009 as saying that he gave up the habit once, for three months, when he was suffering from a cold.
Smoking kills about 443,000 Americans every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency says another 8.6 million Americans have serious smoking-related illnesses. Despite the risks, about 46.6 million U.S. adults smoke cigarettes.
According to the U.S. Public Health Service, 45 percent of American smokers try to quit each year, but only 4 percent to 7 percent are successful.
Camilleri, who earned $20.6 million last year, complained that the tobacco industry gets too little credit for "the efforts we make to ensure that there is effective worldwide regulation of a product that is harmful and that is addictive."
"Nevertheless, whilst it is addictive, it is not that hard to quit," he said. "There are more previous smokers in America today than current smokers."
The president of the advocacy group Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Matthew Myers, expressed outrage at Camilleri's comments. "Study after study has documented the powerful addiction to cigarettes is one of the most difficult to overcome of any drug anywhere in the world. It is stunning in the face of overwhelming science for the leader of the world's largest private tobacco company to deny how difficult and addictive cigarettes are."


text: Things haven't always been easy for the owner of Marie's Flower Shop."I have had four different locations due to buildings being torn down and a fire at one point. It's been a struggle a little bit to keep moving, but it's fun," said Marie Patterson. Despite the difficulties, her love for the business has kept it in full bloom for 28 years."The fact that you can make someone feel better even if you know your grandmother passes away, you can still somewhat put a smile on someone's face. You make them feel comfortable and relaxed. And I mean a bride's special day, you can't beat that one," she said. A life long dream to open a flower shop, the closing is bittersweet. "I'm going to really miss it. I am. It's just now with the way the economy is, the big box stores have all gotten into flowers, and I'm sorry I'm just getting old," said Patterson laughing. Not only did she make her own wedding flowers and her parent's casket mound, but she's also made an impact on the community."When I need flowers for special occasions this is where I come," said customer Tim Archer. Archer was in the store to order flowers for his wife for their 37th wedding anniversary."They do a really nice job down here. It's a very small personalized business and they take care of their customers in a really neat way," said Archer. While Archer isn't a frequent flower buyer, he knows the closure will have an impact on his hometown."It's not going to effect me a whole lot, but I'll have to go somewhere else obviously to buy my flowers and that's an inconvenience because I like to keep money in Brewer if I possibly can," he said. "It's been a very hard decision to make this. I've had some very loyal customers, vendors, and the community has been great," said Patterson. Marie's Flower Shop will be closing on Saturday, May 25th. She'll be holding an everything must go yard sale on the days leading up to the store's closing. Location, dates, and times are listed below: Marie's Flower Shop 385 S Main St., Brewer Thursday, May 23th 9am-4pmFriday, May 24th 9am-4pmSaturday, May 25th 9am-12pm


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The recent government shutdown, frustrating as it is, should not really come as all that big of a surprise. In Western culture – and particularly in the United States – we have been cultivating habits for many decades that are dissolving our capacity to talk civilly and live peaceably with our neighbors, and especially our neighbors who differ from us in prominent ways: politics, economic status, race, sexual identity, etc. This history has been chronicled over the last thirty years by important books such as Habits of the Heart by the late Robert Bellah and others, Bowling Alone by Robert Pu … [Read more...]
Barbarians At The Gate?
October 10, 2013 by Leave a Comment


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The people, news and ideas that shape NC State University
Have Fun... Enjoy Food... Grab Freebies... Get Fit
By Chad Austin
When university employees step out to participate in the many activities during next week's Employee Appreciation Week, campus officials hope they'll also be "Stepping Up to Better Health."
That's the theme of this year's NC State Employee Appreciation Week event, which runs March 3 to 7 with a host of activities for campus workers that blend fun and fitness.
So if you've wanted to try a fitness class or check out the new Carmichael Recreation Center, you can do both for free next week. Employee Appreciation Week kicks off with a free yoga class at noon on Monday and a Pilates class at noon on Wednesday. The Carmichael Complex is also offering employees a free one-week membership pass, which can be printed by clicking here.
|University employees can interact with a number of campus vendors during the Benefits and Wellness Fair as part of Employee Appreciation Week.
Several popular events from the past are once again scheduled for this year's event, including the photography contest, the fun run/walk and a blood drive. New events on tap for this year include classes covering the basics of digital photography and golf, which event organizers hope will promote a more comprehensive idea of health and well being.
"We are trying to help employees realize that wellness is more than just working out every day," says Rob Stevenson, who works in the human resources department on campus and organizes the annual employee appreciation event. "Wellness could involve Pilates, golf or taking photos on a nature walk. There are a lot of different options out there for employees to promote better health, and many of them are available on campus."
Two events expected to draw large crowds during the week are the Employee Appreciation Day Carnival on Tuesday and the Benefits and Wellness Fair on Thursday. In past years, the carnival and benefits fair were held at the same time, but organizers separated the events this year in hopes that employees can see and do more if activities were spread over two days.
"It seemed like there was just too much to offer on just one day," Stevenson says. "Hopefully employees will be able to participate in both events."
Tuesday's Employee Appreciation Day Carnival is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Talley Student Center and includes free food, drinks and entertainment, such as karaoke and caricature drawings.
Thursday's Benefits and Wellness Fair is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the McKimmon Center and features free health screenings, chair massages, information booths from campus organizations and benefits vendors and door prizes.
"On Tuesday, we're going to feed them ice cream, cotton candy and popcorn, and then on Thursday, we're going to tell them why they shouldn't have eaten all that," Stevenson says.
Other highlights of the week include a special Employee Appreciation Week sale at the NC State Bookstores next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with merchandise discounted from 40 to 75 percent. The Carolina Hurricanes are also offering discounted tickets to university employees for next Thursday night's game against the Minnesota Wild.
"A lot of different groups have jumped in and decided they want to show their appreciation for our employees this year," Stevenson says.
For a complete schedule of activities, or to register in advance for the classes, fun run or blood drive, visit the Employee Appreciation Week Web site.


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" Brand: Rangemaster / Energy Source: Gas "
* Prices may differ from that shown
110Cm Cream Gas Range Cooker / If you're a serious cook, you need a serious cooker. With a wealth of features, including two spacious ovens and a separate grill compartment with glide-out grill system, the Rangemaster PROP110NGFCR/C Professional Plus 110 Natural Gas Range Cooker 91970 promises practicality as well as outstanding performance. Available in beautiful cream colour, it will look superb in any kitchen. It's hob has six gas burners in four different sizes. The fan oven of this Rangemaster PROP110NGFCR/C Professional Plus 110 Natural Gas Range Cooker 91970 draws air from the interior of the oven, heats it up and forces it back into the cavity again so that the heat is evenly distributed for multi-level cooking. The conventional oven uses heat sourced from both the top and bottom of the oven and centres the heat in the top of the oven making it particularly suitable for roasting and baking on one shelf. The grill is positioned on smooth-action telescopic runners and glides out. Not only does this make it easier to check up on your food as its grilling but is also safer as it reduces the risk of pulling the grill out too far.


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NFRC Fall Conference Set for Sept. 23-25 in Tempe, Ariz.
National Fenestration Rating Council
August 13, 2013
Meetings & Events
August 13, 2013
Meetings & Events
The National Fenestration Rating Council Fall Conference will take place September 23-25, in Tempe, Ariz., at the Tempe Mission Palms hotel. Task groups will kick off the conference that Monday with subcommittee and committee blocks running throughout each day, including a regulatory affairs and marketing committee meeting, and an NFRC board meeting that Wednesday. NFRC members and non-members are welcome to register for the conference; however, only members can vote, according to a release.
Click here for full conference details.


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KFC Serves Deep Fried Towel
This is one of the more disgusting things ever served at a fast food joint. 29-year-old Krystal Henderson and her 7-year-old stepson Oliver went to a KFC in Newcastle, England and bought some chicken nuggets. When her son Oliver went to bit into one, it wasn't chicken . . . KFC had accidentally deep fried a BLUE HAND TOWEL and served it. Krystal says, quote, "The blue roll could've been used for anything, it could have bleach or disinfectant on it . . . had someone wiped their hands on it, had it been used to wipe the floor?" She complained, so KFC apologized and offered her . . .
a free meal....that's it. They shoulda gave her free meals for life, not that her family would eat there after the deep fried towel.
She turned them down and said she's done with KFC forever. If this had happened in the U.S., there would DEFINITELY be a lawsuit by now . . . but since it's England, it doesn't look like she's suing.


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Chennai, Nov 11 (UNI) The postal department released a special postal cover in honour of multifaceted personality C R Pattabhiraman here today.
The cover was released by Post Master General (Mail and Marketing), Chenani Ms Karuna Pillai and was received by former State Additional Advocate General A L Somaiyaji at a function organised by the C P Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation.
Mr Pattabhiraman began his career as a Barrister-at-Law in 1932 and had served as a Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court.
As a Member of Parliament between 1957 and 1967, he had also served as Deputy Minister for Labour employment and planning and deputy Minsiter for Information and Broadcasting and Minister for Law and Company Affairs.
After his retirement from active politics, he became Chairman of Cochin Refineries.
An active sportsman, he was also a founder and Vice-President of BCCI and Founder of Madras Cricket Association. He played cricket for Madras Presidency and was a golf champion in Madras and Ootacamund.


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As we near its expected May 15th launch date, the $99.99 on-contract HP Veer 4G is shaping up to be a decent entry to showcase the relevance that's surrounding webOS once again. Taking a look at its retail packaging, with its familiar white and orange theme, it's more than evident that it's an HP product – and not something from Palm. On the front, an accurate image of the diminutive device is splashed right on there to really give a telling of how compact this handset really is. Inside, we're presented with the usual set of documentation, SIM card, proprietary USB cable, wall charger, and 3.5mm headset adapter. Sadly though, it's rather a shame to see it side with a proprietary data/power port – as opposed to using the usual microUSB connection. Moreover, you'll need to be careful to not lose that 3.5mm headset adapter, which engineers could not integrate with the handset itself.
Holding it for the first time, we're utterly mesmerized by how wickedly compact it is versus most smartphones nowadays. Comparing it to the original Palm Pre, it clearly evident that it's much smaller than its forefather – albeit, its thickness is roughly the same. Advertised as being the size of a credit card, it actually lives up to that remark hands down. However, it's hard to say right now whether or not we're fans of its mostly white paneled sides and back cover. Nonetheless, we're hungry to check out this handset a little bit more in depth – especially when webOS devices in general aren't released all the time.
Surely we'll be testing out the device over the course of the next few days to get a better grasp for it, but in the meantime, you can watch our unboxing video below. We'll have our in-depth review shortly!


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Is what we do with our money really any of God's business? Does God mind if we spend money on ourselves? What about debt? Savings? Retirement? How much does God expect us to give? God cares immensely that we manage money with an eternal perspective. Scripture's teaching on this subject practically screams for our attention. In fact, Jesus says more about money than any other topic—including Heaven and Hell. In a simple, easy-to-follow format, Randy Alcorn addresses exactly what the Bible says about how we should handle the money and possessions God owns and entrusts to our management. Filled with helpful Scripture, Managing God's Money is the perfect resource for anyone interested in gaining a solid biblical understanding of financial stewardship. It's great for groups and churches, too!
©2011 Randy Alcorn (P)2011 Oasis
"Biblically Sound"
This is what is needed in today's world, for the good to do something of eternal value with the money entrusted to them.
booker T
"A good read for Christians-God's purpose for money"
Good read. A little vague on why Christians ought to prosper. Gives good advise in giving for the kingdom.
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Bill Bratton Allegedly Would Have Cleared Occupy Wall Street Protesters Out Right Away
(John Del Signore) Bill de Blasio, NYC's new Trotskyite Sandinista Commandant, was an outspoken supporter of the Occupy Wall Street movement and many of the progressive values it espoused. He spoke at Zuccotti Park in October of 2011, and heralded the activists for dragging "the growing crisis of income inequality out into the light of day." He called Bloomberg's decision to evict the occupation in the dead of night "troubling" and said he would have let the protest "play out." His police commissioner, however, would have swept that park clean as soon as the first twinkle fingers hit the air.
Capital New York reports that incoming NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton, known for his "broken windows" approach to law enforcement during the Giuliani administration, told a former New York City official that if he were commissioner during Occupy Wall Street he would have "cleared them out right away." And during a speech in Manhattan last year, Bratton bluntly stated that "You can't allow people to occupy public space." Here's exclusive video showing the subtext of yesterday's press conference:
Photo Credit: Getty Images