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New York copper Tom Halloran is a man with a past. If anyone finds out he once ran with the notorious O'Connell tunnel gang, he'll spend the rest of his life doing hard time behind bars. But Tom's secret is threatened when a horrible murder on his beat seems to have been caused by the same ancient magic that killed his gang.
Cat shifter Cicero is determined to investigate the disappearance of one friend and the death of another, even though no one else believes the cases are connected. When the trail of his investigation crosses Tom's, the very bohemian Cicero instinctively recognizes the uncultured Irish patrolman as his witch. Though they're completely unsuited to one another, Cicero has no choice but to work alongside Tom...all the while fighting against the passion growing within.
Tom knows that taking Cicero as his familiar would only lead to discovery and disaster. Yet as the heat between them builds, Tom's need for the other man threatens to overcome every rational argument against becoming involved.
But when their investigation uncovers a conspiracy that threatens all of New York, Tom must make the hardest decision of his life: to live a lie and gain his heart's desire, or to confess the truth and sacrifice it all.
©2016 Jordan L. Hawk (P)2016 Jordan L. Hawk
"Another amazing combo: Jordan and Tristan"
If you are unfamiliar with Jordan L Hawk, know that she has an amazing ability to interweave the fantastical with the historical, mix it up with a mystery and some romance and the output is an absolute gem of a story!
In this case we get some cops and robbers back in the day when gangs and mobs ran the streets of old New York but in this case they are witches and their familiars. The familiars are shifters so you get a human and an animal tied to you. (That was my favorite part of this story, the bond between witch and familiar- *sigh… so sweet and romantic in the case of Tom and Cicero).
A fair amount of the story is the mystery – to be sure – as with Widdershins, the other JLH series I've read – the mystery and action/adventure component of the story is the absolute center of focus, but the romance – at least to me – seemed to be more approachable and felt more important… maybe because there wasn't the secrecy… I'm not sure, but that's how it felt to me. Therefore it was nearer to my heart and I liked it more than that series.
I really liked the fact that when the characters re-connect after what could have been a potentially clichéd "Big Misunderstanding" the author gracefully avoided that pitfall and let them TALK IT OUT. Gah! I loved that. Instead of leading us down that ol' trail, she let them use their words! Beautiful!
Add to it Tristan James and you have a blockbuster! Tristan's voice is like honey, and he can do all those crazy accents so you really feel like each of the rich and well-developed characters are right there telling you their story. I especially loved Cicero's voice (and Tom's) but Cicero - he holds a special place in my heart and Tristan just GOT that... so awesome!
For fans of the author, this is a series you'll adore, if you haven't picked up one of her stories yet, you're absolutely missing out on greatness.
I highly recommend this to fans of great narrations, paranormal romances, historical romances, mysteries and great writing.
5 of 5 stars
"Beginning of a new series"
I really enjoyed this first book of a new series by Jordan L Hawk. Although this is the first book, there is a prequel book call the The 13th Hex which I recommend reading. It is the story of another couple, Dominic and Rook, which will add to your enjoyment of this book. Also, Cicero makes his initial appearance in that book and there is some world building and mystery in that book that makes itself known in this one.
That said, you can certainly listen to this as a stand alone as well. This story takes place in the late 1800s in an AU of New York City where witches and hexes are a part of everyday life. This is the story of Cicero and Tom; two very opposite characters. Tom is an Irish policemen, with a secret past, who knows he is a very rare witch and is trying to hide it. And Cicero, a cat witch familiar, has been waiting for his witch for a long time and is horrified when Tom shows up. He believes Tom is everything he has come to fear from men. He makes assumptions about Tom that are far from the truth; as he slowly comes to realize. They have a rocky road to love but it is a lovely journey. As with all JLH's books, there is a mystery to solve and wonderful action scenes that give our cast a characters the chance to be heroes.
To top off what is already an awesome story, the wonderful Tristan James is the narrator. He puts in his usual awesome performance complete with an Irish brogue and English accent. His voice is like honey and just brings this story to life. JLH is one of the few writers that I buy the ebook as soon as it is out and the audiobook. Can't wait for the next one in both formats. Highly recommend.
"Such terrific world building!"
Set in an alternate universe populated by witches and their familiars, Hexbreaker is lushly described, the world building pretty incredible and the characters authentic to the time period.
Tom Halloran is a copper who has tried to bury his past by becoming the best man he knows how to be, but when a Hex turns up that possibly brings his past to meet his present he can't ignore it and keep to his new status quo, because that's not the kind of man he's become. So he opens communication with the New York Metropolitan Witch Police "MWP" and is assigned a temporary partner, of sorts, to investigate the Hex.
Cat shifter Cicero is a familiar who is being pressured by the higher ups to bond with a witch, but Cicero is determined to only mate with his fated witch, as he's seen and heard the horror stories of bonding to the wrong person. Of course, he's also seen firsthand his best friend's pain at finding his witch and being rejected.
So when Cicero is partnered with Tom he knows two things, he instinctively recognizes the Irish copper is his witch, even though Tom's hiding his abilities from everyone, and Cicero is afraid the much bigger Tom will end up hurting him, either physically or emotionally when he realizes Cicero is a lover of other men.
The two grow closer as they investigate the murders and Hexes and it's a roller coaster of emotion as the two come together only to risk it all when they realize the threat is far larger than they thought.
Tristan James just gets it. He paces the story in such a way that it weaves a world for the listener and doesn't just mechanically read from a page. Tristan infuses emotion, pulls off terrific accents for the characters, and keeps all of his character voices distinct. One of the things I rarely have to worry about when listening to Tristan is a bad accent. I loved the almost crisp, foppish, British accent for Cicero with the wonderful Italian asides, and Tom's Irish accent was wonderfully done.
I have one complaint about the narration: there were a couple of words that seemed mispronounced to me and every time I heard it took me out of the story (for example - "twining" was consistently pronounced "twinning").
Otherwise, once again, I was consistently entertained by the narration and enjoyed the story. I'm looking forward to hearing Tristan narrate more of this series. For those who like historical and/or, paranormal romances with a strong mystery plot, rich world building, and entertaining narration you should definitely check this out!
"This is an enjoyable listen"
I did like this book and really enjoyed the time and location of the events. Tristan James does such a wonderful job with his accents its always a pleasure. We have a new world where ordinary and magical powered police are working together to solve crimes. It's nice to have both worlds represented and not just a secret society of magic users. We have a few characters who are a little resistance to their witch and witch's familiar rolls but they do get it together and use it well when the time comes. It's a nice little M/M romance as well. I recommend this audio.
"So good"
Let me just preface this by stating that i absolutely love Jordan L. Hawk and Tristan James. having them both in one go? Heaven!
Hexbreaker is the first full length story in a new world from the insanity that must be Jordan's mind. I mean how on earth does she keep coming up with such great characters and stories?!
Anyway- I love love love Cicero. He's just adorable ( but please don't tell him I said that).
The story is full of action yet has enough tender, romantic and steamy scenes to satisfy any romance fan.
Adding Tristan's voice to the natration just makes it that much better. His ability to make the characters come alive with each having his or her own distinct voice and way of speaking is amazing and really adds so much to an already wonderful story.
Well done guys and I can not wait for the next one!!!!
"What a delightful surprise!"
Jordan L. Hawk may turn into one of my favorite authors in fantasy. The pace felt like it lagged only twice, and the world building detail was fantastic. Can't wait to read the second book in the series!
"Greatly enjoyed the gay love story."
I kept listening. I couldn't help but find an excuse to keep driving to listen to this story
"Thoroughly enjoyable"
My first story by this author but already I am seeking more as this story was great. Absolutely loved it.
"Great story base and world building."
One great afternoon spent in a world of mystery and intrigue. Well put together, and enjoyable read.
"best wichery and shifter19th century love story mystery"
It's quasi-steampunk with magic filling in where the period's udimentary technology can't. Witches and their familiars which are shifters in this story. Cops and bad guys galore and an unusual case and mysterious characters abound. Fun and not the usual M/M standard tropes make this a fine case of a conspiracy within a conspiracy.
I wasn't sure at first if the whole idea of witch and familiar wouldbe good enough in a gay setting but OMG! This is really good! I am amazed about how much I fell for the characters! Thomas is so cute and Cicéro is the best cat human you can think of! There are amazing together! I was always excited to listen to the next chapter. And the narrator voice is sexy. In terme of erotic passages. 😂
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"Sensational" Kun has given Manchester City confidence, and the Argentine can cause Everton major problems on Saturday.
England defender Phil Jagielka was relieved to make his comeback for Everton in the 3-2 defeat to Manchester City.
Vincent Kompany has insisted that Manchester City will not get carried away about climbing to the top of the table.
Roberto Martinez refused to be too downcast after Everton's top-four bid came to an end, and praised Ross Barkley.
Manuel Pellegrini says the title race is not over but feels Man City have taken a giant stride to becoming champions.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez says he's looking forward to his future with the club after a record-breaking points tally was accumlated this season.
Everton captain Phil Jagielka says the team are trying their best to finish with as many points as possible and stresses the team have had a fantastic season.
Man City captain Vincent Kompany says the victory over Everton was extremely tough for his team.
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini says 'the most important thing was to win' following his team's 3-2 victory over Everton.
Manchester City grasped control of the title race as they came from behind to beat Everton 3-2 and move top.
Manuel Pellegrini speaks ahead of Man City's game with Everton.
Roberto Martinez gives his thoughts ahead of Everton's Premier League game with Manchester City.
Yaya Toure speaks ahead of Everton v Man City.
Everton defender Leighton Baines has admitted that Manchester United's pursuit of him was an unwanted distraction.
Samir Nasri believes if Manchester City win the Premier League on goal difference once again it will be a 'miracle'.
Manchester City's Martin Demichelis admits he is relieved that the Premier League title race is in his side's hands.
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini says his team travel to Everton with no fear.
Sky Sports News reporter Fraser Dainton looks ahead to Man City's trip to Goodison Park on Saturday.
Everton's Leon Osman has warned Manchester City that he has some unfinished business this season.
On Weekend warm-up; Everton's Leon Osman looks ahead to the big Premier League clash with Manchester City.

subset: commoncrawl


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Running Time: 142 minutes
Released: 09/2009
Studio Name: Jules Jordan Video Erik Everhard Entertainment
Series: Anal Cavity Search
Description: Aletta Ocean who wouldnt fuck that ass! Chayse loses her job but not the oldest job in the world! Cecilia Vega double anal is this 2003? Superfan Kristina Rose gets what she deserves! Larissa falls in lovebum love that is! Phoenix we threw the kitchen sink at her that asshole is unbreakable!
3 Scenes from Anal Cavity Search 7
Anal Cavity Search 7: Scene 1 Free Preview
Starring: Mr. Pete Aletta Ocean ... More Details
Stars: Mr. Pete, Aletta Ocean, Erik Everhard
Sex Acts: Anal Sex, Double Penetration, Vaginal Sex, Oral Sex, 3-Way, Gapes, Rim Job, Handjob, Masturbation, Breast Play, Ass To Mouth
Positions: Reverse Cowgirl, Missionary, Kneeling, Side Saddle, Laying, Standing, Doggy Style, Crouching/Squatting, Spoons position, Standing Side Saddle, Standing Doggy Style, Standing Missionary, Sitting, Cowgirl
Anal Cavity Search 7: Scene 2 Free Preview
Starring: Kristina Rose Erik Everhard ... More Details
Stars: Kristina Rose, Erik Everhard
Sex Acts: Anal Sex, Deep Throating, Masturbation, Ass To Mouth, Vaginal Sex, Oral Sex, Handjob
Positions: Cowgirl, Reverse Cowgirl, Standing Doggy Style, Spoons position, Kneeling, Sitting, Side Saddle, Laying, Standing, Standing Missionary
Anal Cavity Search 7: Scene 3 Free Preview
Starring: Toni Ribas Phoenix Marie ... More Details
Stars: Toni Ribas, Phoenix Marie, Erik Everhard
Sex Acts: Anal Sex, Deep Throating, Creampie, Vaginal Sex, Oral Sex, 3-Way, Masturbation, Ass To Mouth, Handjob, Footplay
Positions: Cowgirl, Reverse Cowgirl, Reverse Piledriver, Standing Doggy Style, Missionary, Kneeling, Laying, Standing, Standing Missionary, Side Saddle, Spoons position, Sitting
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text:
The official briefing to the diplomatic corps about the objectives of the BMENA NGO Initiative took place on Wednesday, May 30th at the George C. Marshall Center of the U.S. Department of State.
On this International Women's Day, we are proud to announce that the League has been chosen to partner with the U.S. Government as its 2012 Broader Middle East and North Africa (BMENA) Initiative NGO partner. "The League is proud to serve as the civil society partner alongside the U.S. and Tunisian governments and the NGO partner in Tunisia to contribute our experience to the themes and agendas that will be discussed in these important meetings," said Elisabeth MacNamara. Read more about this exciting work here.
9th Forum for the Future for North Africa, Levant, and Gulf Countries (BMENA)
League of Women Voters Will Serve as U.S. NGO Partner in Initiative
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Congratulations to Bill and Hope on their new Jayco Eagle they purchased from Ryan Madden. When asked how everything went, they had this to say. "Real Good. Will definitely refer Ryan to our friends and family".
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"Ryan has been a true pleasure to work with. Informative and to the point. We appreciated him not beating around the bush. He even worked on his day off. Good Man. Kurt was great with explaining the gadgets. Paperwork was speedy. Thank you all".


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In a short interview with 1up, Smash Bros series producer Masahiro Sakurai had one extremely interesting thing to say about the development of the next generation Smash Bros games (for Wii U and 3DS); They haven't even started yet!
"We've got no plans whatsoever," he said. "We've got two new games out in the open when there's no extra time to work with them at all. It makes me cringe, and I'm not sure it's the smartest thing to make gamers wait for several years, but the early announcement was made chiefly in order to attract new team members."
Does that leave the new project on shaky ground? Sakurai seems to think so, saying;
"With previous projects I had a game design document in place before forming a team, but with this I don't have time for that. I won't be able to look at every aspect of the game and balance out all the characters by myself this time. I'm trying to think about how this is going to work out, but probably I'll have to discuss it with my future development team. The future of this project really depends on the people I can get involved with it."
It should be years before the release of the new Smash game, so don't expect any news on it for quite some time.
I was so excited when I heard about Smash Bros. for the 3DS, and now I have to wait several years for it? Good job Nintendo. I suppose next you'll say that StarFox64 3D has been delayed until next year.
And the hate for this game because it's not a Capcom game begins in
… Smash bros isn't a fighting game.
Lol it happened.
Then please, sir "I'm a hardcore Street Fighter player", in what genre does Smash Bros fits?
party game ofc
whichever genre mario party calls home
But it plays nothing like Mario Party.
The same way Smash plays nothing like a fighter
Where will it fit in?
ok if smash isnt a fighting game, down is up, left is right, daigo is NOT beast here in the states and the world will end in 2012
They can take as long as they want. Add as many extra modes, stages, songs, characters, and WHAT EVER the hell else you can add. Brawl had a lot of stuff.
Oh god I want to play as captain falcon already in glorious hi def. Moonwalking and kneeing fools to oblivion.
Implying moonwalking will be in this game.
Which it won't.
Master Chibi
I can wait.
Another few years and now the Smash Community can have THREE games to divide themselves with, and three games for SRK to hate on.
Street fighter players are the worst offendors of this. THIRD STRIKE SUX SF2 ROCKS. SSSF4 SUCKS GO SFA3.
you mean four? I mean, SSB64 still does have people playing it, right?
Yes, people still play the BEST Smash Bros (64 🙂 )
Doc Strange
i concur
good, any hastily rushed through mess still couldnt result in a character more broken than meta knight, so bring it on sakurai
I think it'd make four.
There's still a (admittedly small) Smash64 community.
what do you expect when they announce a "system" that has NOTHING concrete out about it
I am surprised every one has been so easy on nintendo, the new console looks silly and they have not even shown the "console" it is all about the controller. Not a single spec revealed. Total Garbage
who cares about specs these days? We're not living in the age of blast processing or when games had "64" at the end of their titles. The console is in 1080p and looks to be at least as powerful as the ps3 in many respects. Cool, and expected. It actually was all about the controller at E3 because that's what matters first. Specs are probably around the internet somewhere anyways
They said they'll reveal more games at future conferences of sorts, when the lineup is more ready. They announced Smash at E3 simply cuz they had to dig deep to find more titles to mention. Sakurai's in brainstorming mode at best. He's working on Kid Icarus 3DS and is clearly not looking forward to more Smash pressure from Nintendo. All the man wants to do is make Kirby games it seems. Well, with luck, he'll collect more team members that actually have different input on the directions the series should go.
What are you talking about. There's screens of the system Jandek. Maybe you're not just looking hard enough?
Doc Strange
Not to mention a console with a fucking ipad for a controller is sure to be expensive as shit. They're going to have to really blow me away to put that kind of investment in what so far looks like Nintendo just finally catching up to ps3/360. I loved at e3 how their big demo to show off what wiiu can do was nothing more impressive than what the other guys have been doing for years. I honestly hope these smash games suck so I don't have to feel bad about not wasting my money on wiiu and 3ds.
'I loved at e3 how their big demo to show off what wiiu can do was nothing more impressive than what the other guys have been doing for years"
reminds me of when kinect and move debuted at e3 after we've all been waggling on the wii for years :p
More like waggled on the Wii years ago. Who really plays Wii anymore, especially if they have other systems?
Doing the same concept differently (Kinect) or better (Move) is legitimate evolution or progress. HD display is HD display. Been there, done that.
Also, the footage from the big name 3rd party titles was actually taken from PS3/360 builds, lol. So their big demo to show off WiiU was actually showing off their competitors, lol.
And now we find out that those of you hype over the next installation of your favorite combat platformer were just getting your chain jerked by Nintendo. LOL.
Ah, Nintendo sheep. Abused, yet loyal to a fault. It's sad, really.
PS3 and XBOX360 are basically just shitty PCs that only play platform specific games. Theres no real reason for these consoles to exist anymore.
At least theres a REASON to buy a wii, because it does something different.
lots of people still play their wiis. even if they have other systems, because they aren't blind fanboys or poor peasents who cant afford to buy games for more than one system. sucks being poor doesn't it?
also, move isn't better. its on par with the wii remote. they're all of pretty equal standing.
Whats more, he has to make 2 of them. So one of these games, or both, are going to be put on the back burner for a very long time.
Dark Sonic
I'd actually be a little happy if Sakurai doesn't try to do the balancing himself this time <_<.
Mostly because I hated brawl and hope that the next smash is at least closer to melee or 64 as far as game mechanics go.
he didn't like melee because he said it was too difficult and not meant to be a competitive fighter, You should expect an even more balanced less glitchy smash bros.
>Implying Brawl is balanced
Implying Brawl is more balanced AND less glitchy?
You clearly don't play Brawl.
Then again, I don't either.
Sakurai has already gone and said that he is not going to do the balancing for the game himself.
The farther Sakurai is from Smash Bros., the better.
El Sabroso
He did 64 and Melee also, dunno why he has to be far from making another, now when he learned from Brawl errors and Melee and 64 Success, he has the exp enough don't you think ? ;D
Doc Strange
Except that each game gets progressively worse. Sakurai doesn't want to make the kind of game that fans want, he's said that numerous times. Smash has always been competitive despite his efforts and it's insane to think anyone would let one guy do all of the balancing for a game by himself.
It's not that Smash has always been competitive. It's never been a competitive game. Certain people have simply always wanted to play Smash competitively. That's not the direction Nintendo ever wanted the franchise to take, so they do what they can to make sure Smash stays simple fun and not competitive. Some people are generally just too stubborn to accept that though.
Razing Phoenix
That's still kinda lame. I mean if people want it to be "deep" then let it be deep. No one is forcing people to wave dash or crouch cancel. I don't want to try to play Smash competitively, but I really don't see a reason for making people who want to play competitively not be able to. It's not like Brawl is more fun to play than Melee, it just had more stuff lol (and online).
So basically, it's almost EXACTLY what they did with Brawl when they announced it, only worse off this time? That's incredibly believable.
I would have taken Brawl with better online, seeing how the Wii U is supposed to be better and all that jazz
So Sakurai doesn't want to go through the tormoil of what he went through making Melee. I just hope he doesn't create a second Brawl, and go back to the faster pace games.
Smash Bros is a big console seller, so everyone knew that this game is coming when Wii U got announced. But announcing this game when it's several years away, hell when the development hasn't even started yet is stupid. New console better have a killer launch line-up, or people just buy it when SSB comes out. It's going to be cheaper too.
Definitely predicted the retardation of some of the comments before going in here.
And Jandek, there are specs ALL over the internet.
Here, made it easy for you: http://lmgtfy.com/?q=wii+u+specs
Check out the Wiki entry. Wait, what does that say? Jump to TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS?! Amazing! Am I a wizard?
If those are the specs you're referring to, you have no idea what technical specifications are supposed to imply.
These 'specs' tell you nothing more than a general idea of what companies are making the parts, not what the parts are or how powerful they are.
"IBM Power Architecture-based multi-core 45 nm microprocessor". A multi-core processor? Like virtually every processor on the market now? No shit?
Worthless specs are worthless.
I stopped caring about Brawl months after release. Melee was the shit and I'll still throw down on that game (even though I suck now.) So hopefully he will keep a competitive spirit in the Smash games. Because what the fuck is the point of a fighting game with out competition?
A monkey can balance games better than sakurai.
I'd say the same thing about MvC2.
Im agreed sir
I don't trust a damn thing Sakurai makes anymore.
Not since he thought tripping was a good idea.
Kageromaru Sho
I say, "Take all the time you need." They should use the feedback they gained from the community and take into consideration the speed of the game and those random slip-and-falls. I understand that Sakurai does not want to make this a highly-competitive fighter, but he should not alienate the community that does anyway.
The SSB games have been able to fill the roles of party, casual and fighter. With the right tweaks, it can satisfy all of these audiences.
I like ssb games its pretty fun but I dont take it serious because it feels like a party game or family type game but its still silly
This is actually fairly good news for a few reasons:
1) Sakurai farming this out to another team might give it hope for the competitive scene, for reasons I need not explain.
2) This actually gives a lot more time for the Brawl hacks to take root in the community, namely Project M. We wouldn't be so excited for another Smash if Brawl had any sort of longevity. Matters have already been taken into the players hands, and that's about as good as it's going to get as far as things stand right now.
I dunno guys, SSB with 4 players and items on very high is pretty fun.
I agree its fun casually we used to put only bombs on high and go nuts . But I had lots of fun in tourneys no items just as well.
Razing Phoenix
Dude: No items, Fox only, FINAL DESTINATION!!
I hope the game caters to competitive players in some aspect. I didn't like brawl competitively but for a party fighter I still have fun with it from time to time it was to floaty for my taste.
Miss captain falcon in melee his sweet spot for his knee was nerfed like crazy. I miss SHFFL-ING knees in peoples face 🙁
Brawl imo is an easter egg. When they rushed, you got Brawl. Amazing graphics, subpar fighting style and really crap internet. Sakurai was rushed because everyone as SSB fans were crying their eyes out about the damn game, thus bringing imbalance. I was once one of them (admittingly), but I'm one of patience now. Sakurai should take his time. It'll be way easier on him. If Sakurai even catches wind of this thread, he should know this: don't let the fanboys get the best of him… You'll get really stressed >.<
Brawl wasn't released as a game they felt was unfinished. All their attention was just focused on the adventure mode, and when they finished that they were pretty much done. The game wasn't released early because fans were "crying their eyes out" cause if that was the case the game would not have been delayed multiple times. The reason for being delayed multiple times was to make sure the game had a "subpar fighting style" cause he wanted to rip out the competitive aspects Melee had.
He's been interviewed about it and has admitted that's the reason Brawl plays like it does. It plays exactly the way he wanted it to.
Dark Sonic
What made melee such a good game was that it could fill the roles of both a party game AND a serious fighter, merely by changing the settings a little. You could have your crazy pokemon battle on Big Blue, or you could have your serious business competition on Battlefield. I feel that brawl robbed the audience of the latter appeal, all for the sake of trying to establish the game as "party game [b]ONLY[/b]."
All I want is a return to the style that melee and 64 had, where the game wasn't specifically trying to keep the better player from winning all the time (which is ridiculous).
Wait, you guys didn't know this? They did the same thing for Brawl. In fact, they announced it and then asked him to work on it the same day, after the announcement. I'm a smash player but I'm not even thinking about this game right now. Not for 2 years or so.
I hope they spend a long time on it, adding even more characters, crazy stages, wacky items, and ridiculous game modes. You know, the stuff that makes Smash games fun.
If it's going to be like Brawl, I don't need it. Nintendo should pull their heads out of their behinds and avoid creating another game in this series that forces you to play the way they want you to. Tripping you can't turn off? (Because everyone wants to be less) Floaty physics that break the return to stage barrier? (Because every character should be able to return to the stage without using Up-B) Wasted opportunity on what could have been fun Smashballs? (Because everyone wants to stop fighting each other to fight over a ball that gives you instant win, when that ball is truly only given at random, again due to floaty physics) Lackluster online play with little to no patch support? (Because Brawl was perfect)
Brawl soiled my Smash life, and I'm not even a competitive Smash player, I play for the fun and lolz, and Brawl failed to dawn on me as a fun fighter or party game.
So are you made that Mario Party isn't competitive to? You and the other morons bitching about Brawl just ratify the fact that there are to many people in the Smash community that are complete idiots.
There are idiots everywhere in every community across the internet ChibiMana. But Vindominis isn't one. You clearly don't understand what this discussion's meaning of "competitive" is. To put it in context your single-minded head can understand, the balance changes going from SF4 to Super were competitive-based elements. Costume packs, new stage backgrounds, new music, and car-smash modes were not.
Mario Party may be in the most basic sense, competitive, because it certainly isn't cooperative. But it emphasizes the fun of 'alea', the fun of randomness and chance. There is skill involved in parts, but opportunities are created through dice roll like Monopoly. Most Fighting gamers want 'agon', the importance of an even playing field a la Chess.
Unchangeable tripping kills Agon and Smash players have every right to complain when in Melee and 64 they had all the options to play an 'agon' game. Other than that… catering to less-skilled casuals such as the total ease of getting back on stage in Brawl just grinds veterans' gears. It happened with unchangeable DP shortcuts in SF4 and stupid lvl 3 x-comeback-factor in MvC3. If MvC4 has ONLY Simple Mode controls and no option for the normal complex controls, you would be bitching too. So don't call others morons, when they complain about the same things anybody else would.
The majority of the nearly 10 million people who bought Brawl are not complaining. The majority of those people never thought about the competitive scene once. It's a very minute minority of those consumers who actually complain. Tripping added to the goofyness that the developers intended for. And I love how you are so judgmental of myself after reading a two sentence response to someone. Though I guess my negative statement towards the person would garner someone like yourself to write something like you did. Though your inane, protracted response further ratifies what I said about the community in the first place.
You're bitching about a game which was never meant to be competitive. You're bitching about a game that was made for/targeted towards the casual gamer. You know why people don't like shortcuts in SF4? Because it's a fighting game released in arcades meant to be played at cabinets against other people head to head. Getting back on stage in a highly competitive match in any Smash game is not an easy feat. That's why we have a thing called "gimping" and "edge guarding". Out of all the random things in Smash like GnW '1 touch kill', Peachs random turnips of death, and Jigglypuffs rest people bitch about tripping? And you're talking about 'agon' in the history of Smash? Come on man. You ever wonder why all the items are turned on when you open up a brand new copy of Smash? Think about it.
Yo bro you call others morons out of nowhere then you're gonna come across as single-minded, naturally. Btw, I was never part of the Smash "community" or anything. I, among with many many many other non-community members who just happened to love playing Smash over the past decade, loved the games for the nostalgic tributes to classics, the crazy party fighter that it was set to by default, and the more 'competitive' fighter anybody can turn it into if they feel like it.
Don't you see? It was the OPTIONS to do all this stuff! Whether our competition be 4-stock, 6-stock with 10 minute time, Final Destination or Battlefield or Kirby stage, etc. It's no secret at all that Smash games were not advertised as competitive fighters. But with the gift of 'settings' (omg) one could easily set the game to just that. There only remained very, very few minor unchangeable things, such as luigi's green missile 12.5% chance of bursting far, GnW's small chance of Judgement 9, and Peach's small chance of sick-turnip. But those were so minor that people just kept on playing, same with Hsien-ko's random item toss in MvC3 (not a big deal).
Stuff like Tripping is a big deal. Intended "goofiness" is just a mask for what we all know is a spit in the face to more "serious" players with competitive preferences. It not only can kill a tournament match, but it also kills casual matches in your home with a buddy. Not just tourney players, but almost everyone gets disappointed when tripping leads to getting killed or blown away. The only people who don't hate it are those who think watching characters trip is highly amusing. Instead of embracing an alternate competitive atmosphere born in 64/Melee, Sakurai denied it by dumbing down the speed, mechanics, damaging combos… and tripping was the nail in the coffin. I paid for Brawl because I loved the evolutions of the previous Smash games, and expected more of Brawl. What I found was gameplay that simply said "nope, go back to Melee sucka!" Even worse, the extra bonus Nintendo nostalgia features in Brawl were barely better than Melee's. Brawl's giant soundtrack is awesome though.
I'm not speaking for or from the Smash community. I never spent time on their forums or went to a tournament of theirs. I'm just a normal guy who loved to play 64 and Melee with friends, and we loved playing the "agon" way most of the time. We are the guys who would gladly turn off the Blue Shell in Mario Kart if we could get the option. We were the people who kept Melee in our gamecubes for 10 years, long after the novelty of randomness and zaniness of the games' items and crazy stages wore off. There are MANY of us.
So if MvC4 got some psycho director who limited the gameplay to only "simple mode" because he wanted to target the casual gamer, we would all not buy it, but it would still be a major buzzkill and disappointment in the series, especially since MvC3 could appeal to casuals AND hardcore alike.
Respect, kingsharkboi. I can definitely relate to where you're coming from. I'm not a fan of limiting player's options at all, and I definitely feel like much of the dumbing down Nintendo did with Brawl was done just to limit players from playing it competitively. Options is perhaps where Smash in general shines brightest, so it's a shame.
It just doesn't surprise me in the slightest. The fact that Nintendo never intended Smash to be serious is obvious, and though it's not a direction I endorse, I can understand their reasoning. I just think more people need to accept the fact that if they weren't playing for simple fun, the series is not built to cater to them, and to respect that it's Nintendo's prerogative to be that way.
Doesn't matter when the game comes out, Sakurai has said himself that Melee was "too hard" and he has tried very hard to take Smash as far away from a competitive atmosphere as possible. It's sad how people even play Brawl at a competitive level, there are so many specific rules against how you can play the game just to make it resemble something that takes skill. I highly doubt that there will ever be another Smash game worth playing at a high level until someone takes over who actually cares about tournaments.
The worst part is, Brawl isn't even fun to play, no matter what rules and items and stages you use. What a waste of a franchise. At least it made me look for better games to play and I finally got plugged into this community.
white shadow
I hope he never makes a Smash Bros. game… EVER! Let his competent design team that he tried to subvert from making a good game do it.
What a douchenozzle…
It's surprising how seriously people take Smash.
Just like how surprising people can take a video game in general seriously?
Like us at SRK?
Vinn Aleixo
Try try try…
and Smash Bros NEVER will be a fighting game
but it has a section on the srk forums under the fighting games part of the strategy zone. clearly it must be :p
"I won't be able to balance out all the characters by myself this time" sounds like good news!
Isn't smash brothers a party game?
Funny thing I just realized…
I went to CEO and didn't win a single Melee casual.
I went to CEO and won a number of MvC3 casuals.
The level that Melee has reached is kind of ridiculous. You simply WILL NOT beat a serious Melee player if you are a casual. However, I don't see MvC3 turning out that way…
So you were able to random out wins in a 4 month old game but not in a 10 year old game. Shocker.
See my last sentence…
I 100% agree with this. Players that are good at SSF4 or MvC3 may be good, but in the end, I feel as though the difference in player level between the best and casual is a far greater difference in Melee…
Sakurai or no Sakurai, Smash will never be competitive again. Don't get your hopes up.
It's just that the fans want their game to be "promoted" in status. I really don't get these people. IMO what should be hated is actually this abuse of the word "hate".
I don't see how saying the game is not a fighting game is hating or something "offensive". People adept of one particular title/franchise/company may more or less hate other games; but other *fighting games*. Capcom/SF/Marvel/whatever guys may hate MK but, for example, the kind of "bashing" almost never falls down to denying the very "competitive fighting game status". It usually is a matter of "degree" or "gradation" difference, between both sides.
So ignoring it like that is not showing hate or something like that. Its just that the game is irrelevant in this context. For example, notice how people usually dont treat DOA like that: its a joke of a fighting game, but *of a fighting game*.
Now, the game is not even designed with these "serious" ambitions in aim, and then people can't say that, because it is "hating".
The bashing of DOA (being more or less justified), or the conflict between fans of equally successful games/franchises (protip: not talking about numbers here) may be hate, in some cases; ignoring Smash, evidently not.
If there's no team yet, that means there's time to sneak some fighting game peeps into the game's development. <.<
Won't happen. Sakurai hates competitive gaming. In various interviews he stated this and also spoke out about how hard he tried to make it so Brawl wasn't competitive. If he lets any experienced fighting game people play it's just be to see what they'd like to be added and not add them and then take out everything people liked in Melee/Brawl. A lot like he did with E for All before the release of Brawl.
" I won't be able to look at every aspect of the game and balance out all the characters by myself this time" -Sakurai
Considering how well Brawl was "balanced" this is more good news than anything.
Keep trying to push these Smash Bros stories as fighting game news. I'm sure someone will care eventually.
I care. Is it wrong to call a game where you fight a fighting game?
Considering the amount of replies here, including yours, yeah I'd say people care now
I like all the guys here saying "Smash Bros isn't a fighting game". As if they have a better definition for Smash Bros. I find funny how these fanboys have never said what Smash Bros really is, since they think it's "not" a fighting game.
They have, but smash kids just dont want to listen to the truth.
Its a 3d Platformer
How is it 3D?
lol ok fcked up
2.5d Platformer?
Party Game?
Yo there has been more than 10 types stated before, cant remember them all.
My personal opinion, is a Double Dragon Game, rendered in 3d (with 2d gameplay), picking up weaponds from the ground and shit.
side scrolling beat em up? only in story mode.
LOL at D-Proto. shit man. I jump a lot in Marvel so that must be a platformer too! and its 3D because…uhhh….uhhh….
I'm not buying another Nintendo system if they keep dumbing up the games. Smash Bros and Mario Kart on the Wii killed it all for me.
apparently you Didn't play Donkey kong Country returns, because they said that one was the best in the series(and fucking hard)
right. Sakurai dumbed the game down because the Wii was catered toward the most casual audience. Wii U is to focus more towards the other spectrum, so obviously he has to change it to accomodate that. on top of that, he said that he will not be doing the balancing alone, so at the very least we won't have issues like OP recovery god Mk or "My hitbox is bigger than Me!" Snake anymore, since it'll be a whole team doing tweaks like in the last 2 games. and finally, when interviews do pop up for the games, the issue of tripping WILL be addressed(along with the so-so story mode), so that means we could get a better stopry mode and tripping either alterd to moves or removed entirely, if we get the word out.
even if it's not as competitive as melee, as long as we adress the major isues of tripping, balance, online, and story mode, people can stop bitching a little bit.
Out of curiosity, what in particular do you think needs to be fixed about Story Mode?
Im sure Keits enjoys this….
Why can't you people just let others play the game they want it without all this arguing. No one's going to win this argument obviously since it's all opinionated. You might as well just stop.
Smash is a fucking beat 'em up/platform game, it's not a "fighting" game.
Thank God Sakurai isn't balancing this shit. Hope it turns out like Brawl-, make every character OP lol.
to all those who say Smash isn't a viable fighter: You're not good at tradtional fighters anyway, so who are any of you to say what Smash is.
I've been competing in tournaments in a ton of games for years, and Smash gets just as heated and competitive as any other fighter I've played in tourney.
tl;dr: you're free, shut up.
Yea smash is totally as hype. Remember when Daigo was playing kirby and parried all the hits and the room of thousands of people went nuts?!
Smash's best moments are just a small group of fairly pitiful nerds crowded around a video game designed to appeal to 8 year olds. Don't kid yourself.
No, but I remember the same size crowd during the finals sets of Brawl… Oh, and at MLG. You know… Not grassroots? OH WAIT YOU DON'T KNOW?
Also, hide behind your alt account, random. cu@evo
I get the feeling I'm going to get hated on for this… but wuteva
Table of Contents
1) Balancing Fixes: For the sake of nostalgia
2) Intentional Glitches: too keep it hardcore
3) Situational Combos: to make players feel like they are accomplishing stuff
4) Moveset Changes: More Flavor
Anyway, Personal opinion on what this game needs
1) Balancing fixes: Obvious. Chain throws are silly. and in general it can be annoying how I'd like to use link and C falcon but end up using olimar. smash bros series really is about nostalgia, and being able to use our favorite characters is very important
-Making smash bros a less grab heavy and more of a sheild break game
2) Intentional Glitches: Now wave dashing is a glitch, however there needs to be those sorts of glitches in the game to make sure the game is properly made for more hardcore players. They included L canceling again and ledge canceling which is nice, now coming up with other things also would be pretty important in my opinion like for example
-Weaker moves have sweet spots that do a little more block stun but same knockback: This will allow characters to effectively have guard break pressure and be able to have a different character that doesn't just zone or grab. Also will allow crossups as a possible viable strategy
-down tilt or certian specials that can only be done on during land lag: This will give the possibility for crossups or free sheild pressure
-footstool shinanigans-footstools were usable but they can be better, posssibly by using taunt above your opponent, you can simply stand on them and use them as a platform for a second instead of just jumping off them. Jumping off them also should work still because I think its cute
-Dash attacks crossup
3) Situational Combos: This is really important to me because brawl had very little in the combo department. I'm not exactly sure how they would be able to pull it off without breaking the game and making most hits combo with eachother like in melee
-Open ground combos-Combos that are only possibly if there is ground between you and your opponent, requires wavedash or dash and a jump
-Ledge Combos-If there is ground in front of you, they will be able to tech, if not, you can combo.
-Platform combo-Requires a platform to be above you, so you can jump on it and double jump. Dodge canceling your jump onto the platform will help you reach opponents faster.
-Adaptable combo-Sends your opponent flying in a random direction, you must adapt to it and chase them down. Sometimes they will tech out
-Down throw combos into a tilt-This should be the bread and butter for setting up combo continuations when it comes to throws
-Certian moves don't send opponent a certian distance every time
4) Moveset Changes
There a few characters that are really known for their originality in terms of moveset. With many there is a mold they are changing slightly. This really should be switched up. Also some moves are just garbage, and looks like they were put in as an excuse.
-Gannondorf-to have more moves that suit him more; he has a sword, he isn't some punching doofus like captian is. Leave the punching to the flashy and monkeys
-Fox/Falco-Falco's laser is fox's from the original ssb. And his new down B is crappy. in general, the two need to be seperated more, whether getting rid of fox's f-B and giving Falco a utility up B or making falco's Down B worth using, there needs to be changes
-Donkey Kongs Forward B is garbage
– marios new Down B is Garbage
-Lucas/Ness is bull
the list goes on, and there are more to choose from but when it comes down to it, there just needs to be a lot of revamping when it comes to characters
In my opinion, the game is fun. And in a world where most fun games to watch takes a rediculous degree of execution, i think this game really shine in its ability to be tricky while still not forcing players to have to memorize rediculous strings
I don't understand why "real" fighting game communities hate on smash brothers so much. My only thought would be that kids play it more often than SF or MVC and that the characters are "childish". OK if smash is a "party" game, why do a lot of people support smash in tournaments? is it cause they're retards? NO its because it actually can be competitive. I'll say Smash Brawl made everything downhill with the removal of wavedashing, L-canceling, etc. but smash 64 and smash melee were always meant for the casual audience AND for the Competitive audience. wavedashing was intentional because of the airdodge from melee. The developers knew this and decided to leave it there. Wavedashing is in MVC aswell so theres no saying that wavedashing is BS. now for L-canceling its like in SSF4/AE where you can cancel animations right? YES. I love Street FIghter and Smash Melee they're both my favorite fighters i plan to play them for as long as i live. Smash can be a party game in a lower level but if you go to high level you start seeing the reason why it is a fighting game. CAPCOM is SUPPOSE to WORK with the NEXT SMASH BROTHERS, and if they do, would you consider it a fighter if they add Ryu? No. You would consider it a fighter if they change the mechanics right?Possibly. If they were to change the whole game of smash into a "real" fighter, this would destroy everything about smash. If we want competitive smash Nintendo and Sakurai must look back at Smash Melee and Smash 64. Smash Brawl is a party game its only for casualsPERIOD. but the rest they are competitive a REAL FIGHTING GAME JUST LIKE STREET FIGHTER, MARVEL VS CAPCOM, MORTAL KOMBAT, TEKKEN, BLAZE BLUE,ETC. THAT IS ALL…..
if you really think about it, melee is easier to pick up than brawl. the fact that in melee you can hit someone with an attack after you hit them once makes sense. in brawl you can throw out a jab and get smash attacked for it because it has no combo potential or the second half can be shielded. jabs are fast and weak for a reason. they are meant to link with other attacks even if they are just tilts. but brawl throws that concept out the window and puts heavy amounts of cooldown on some characters jabs. something new players might question
The Blackstar
Melee is a fighting game. Brawl is not. This is coming from a former die-hard smasher.
Just because there are still brawl tournaments does not make it a competent fighter. You could have rock paper scissors tourneys and it doesn't make it a game that takes skill to learn and execute.
Face it, Sakurai went out of his way to make Brawl NOT a fighting game and kill off its most loyal community, so screw him. Don't give him your money or support.
He admitted this. He has openly stated that he hated what Melee became and never intended it so he put design elements into the game to keep the competitive ceiling low. Fuck him and fuck that game as a fighter. It's still a good party game though.
YEP Brawl killed all my hopes of another great smash brothers..
I still play smash melee and I hope they'll show the game soon I just need to know if it'll be another party game like brawl or a true fighter like melee
We should all go back to Smash64.
If they make a new smash PLEASE let it play more like Melee. Brawl was the biggest piece of fucking garbage ever its ridiculous.
Also Smash is a party game lol.
It's funny how people are surprised at him not starting it yet, even tho this was mentioned by him a day after it was announced!
and Smash is not a party game it is an altered fighting game!
The new smash will suck lol people should give up on it ever becoming something resembling a true blue fighter.
Honestly the smash community would be a lot better if everyone just played Melee/64. I'm very pleased that SRK people who hate smash can recognize which one is actually good.
If you wiki Smash Bros, you will have your answer: "Genre(s) : Fighting" I am completely convinced that people say its a "party game" mostly to antagonize the game as a way of bashing it due to thier displeasure of the game. I always considered it a fighitng game/ party game hybrid tho. whether it isn't or not in your opinion really doesn't matter…


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Great home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a walk-in hidden pantry and laundry room that has been extremely well maintained with an attached carport and a front & rear deck. The home has forced air heating and central air conditioning. Located in a quiet area of Woodland Heights Terrace. The lot rent is $300/month and the City Parking Fee is $32/month. Located in the city of Rhinelander it is close to shopping, medical facilities, schools, and more. The home features a master suite with split bedroom layout. Everything you need and more is right here. Call to make your appointment to see today.
Features Residential
|Style: 1 Story
|Lake Chain:
|Garage: Carport Only
|Lake Name:
|Year Built: 2006
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|Basement Type: None
|Water Frontage (feet): 0
|Fin SqFt Total: 1,280
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text:
Domestic Mechanisms
Using Universal Jurisdiction
Owing to the fact that torture is an 'international crime,' there may be circumstances when the courts of one country are able to judge torture that was perpetrated elsewhere. The ability to bring a criminal prosecution for crimes perpetrated elsewhere will depend on how the country proposing to exercise jurisdiction have implemented their obligations under the Convention against Torture. In some cases, courts will only exercise extraterritorial jurisdiction when the alleged perpetrator is present in the Country or when there are some other links with the Country. Likewise, it may be possible to bring a civil claim for damages against a perpetrator for crimes committed abroad. There are complex rules relating to how and if such a perpetrator can be served and whether civil courts will proceed with the case. There are only few instances when civil claims can be lodged against a foreign state, and therefore it is usual to bring the claim against an individual perpetrator and/or an entity which can be said to have contributed to the perpetration of the human rights abuses.
Local Remedies for Torture
Torture is prohibited by most Constitutions and legal systems around the world. There are 132 states parties to the Convention against Torture,(1) a treaty that obliges parties to "take effective legislative, administrative, judicial or other measures to prevent acts of torture in any territory under its jurisdiction;"(2) to "ensure that all acts of torture are offences under its criminal law;"(3) to extradite or prosecute alleged offenders;(4) and to "ensure in its legal system that the victim of an act of torture obtains redress and has an enforceable right to fair and adequate compensation, including the means for as full rehabilitation as possible. In the event of the death of the victim as a result of an act of torture, his dependants shall be entitled to compensation."(5)
Bringing a case for reparation for torture in national courts is not usually a simple matter. Often there is no independent complaint mechanism to bring the allegation, and therefore survivors of torture may have to report incidents of torture to the same officials responsible for the torture. Survivors may have difficulty evidencing torture given that the practice is usually perpetrated behind closed doors and torturers are careful not to leave visible traces. In cases of state-sponsored torture, bringing a domestic claim for torture if the law provides for this may seem futile if perpetrators enjoy absolute impunity in practice. Even though the prohibition of torture has been clearly defined in the Convention against Torture, courts are, with notable exceptions, reluctant to use the Convention as a basis for their internal decisions in the absence of specific implementing legislation. Furthermore, judges and authorities often seem to be unaware of existing international standards or how to apply them in a domestic context.
In many countries, there is no specific criminal offence of torture. In those instances when there is an offence, it may not correspond with the definition of torture in Article 1 of the Convention against Torture. As a result, in some instances perpetrators of torture can only be punished for the commission of common crimes, e.g., abuse of office, assault, battery and sexual offences, which do not convey the specific seriousness of the offence and often carry significantly lower punishments that are disproportionate to the acts committed. A number of countries provide immunity for perpetrators of torture, or condition the investigation and/or prosecution of perpetrators on the consent of the Executive. Due to the fact that survivors rarely enjoy protection and procedural rights during criminal proceedings, they are often afraid to come forward, and when they do, the investigations rarely result in successful prosecutions.
Despite the difficulties, there are a growing number of instances when the odds have been beaten and claims for reparations have been successful. There are a number of types of challenges that can be brought in domestic courts, as follows:(6)
1. Criminal Prosecution of Perpetrators
A criminal prosecution can be lodged against alleged perpetrators of torture. In the typical case, following a complaint made by a survivor, an investigation into the allegation will be lodged by the competent investigative authority. If this investigative authority finds sufficient evidence to substantiate the allegation, a formal criminal complaint will be instituted, leading to a trial. In some cases, victims will have a right to institute a private prosecution against perpetrators of torture, meaning that they can bring the allegation to the attention of the competent Court on their own initiative. In many cases, in order for a private prosecution to proceed, official consent is needed. There are some examples when limitation periods have been used to disallow criminal proceedings into acts of torture. There are also instances where immunities have barred criminal proceedings against designated officials, notably in respect of situations of internal conflict when emergency laws have been employed. Certain countries applying Shari'a Law predicate punishment on a victim demand for punishment, which may possibly be retaliation or a payment in lieu.
2. Claim for Damages as Part of Criminal Prosecution
In most countries with a civil law tradition, it is possible for victims to lodge claims as 'partie civile', for damages resulting from the criminal act. In common law jurisdictions, it is sometimes possible for the court, when imposing a sentence of fine to order that the amount recovered be applied towards compensation."(7)
3. Civil Claim for Reparation
It is usually possible to lodge a civil claim for damages, using a number of causes of action such as false imprisonment, public misfeasance, or trespass to the person (assault and battery). In some cases, it will be possible to lodge a claim directly against the state and/or to allege the vicarious liability of the state, while in others it will not be possible to lodge a civil claim against the state, and claimants will be required to limit the suit to the individual responsible and/or his superior. There are a number of hurdles that potential claimants will undoubtedly face: relatively short limitation periods to lodge the claims; difficulties in securing evidence to substantiate the claim when there has been no criminal proceeding and problems with funding legal representation and/or court fees.
4. Constitutional Remedy for Breach of Fundamental Rights
In some countries it is possible to bring a constitutional claim for a breach of fundamental rights, including torture. This may lead to a declaratory judgment confirming the breach of the right and/or an award of compensation. In some cases, it may also lead to a more far-reaching remedy, such as a direction to strike out legislation that contravenes the Constitution or to amend laws or practices adjudged to have contributed to the fundamental rights breach.
5. State Compensation Laws
The administrative laws of some countries provide mechanisms for compensation by the State. These may be judicial or quasi-judicial mechanisms where state liability is determined. Alternatively, they may include non-judicial mechanisms such as criminal injuries compensation boards, where victims might be awarded compensation irrespective of liability.
6. National Human Rights Commissions
Many countries have established national human rights commissions and/or ombudsman institutions to deal specifically with allegations of human rights violations. The mandates and the degree of independence of such institutions vary considerably. In most instances, these Commissions will have the power to assess claims made by individuals and to recommend possible solutions, which may include the opening of a criminal investigation and/or prosecution, and compensation to victims.
- Ratification statistics for the Convention against Torture are taken from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Status of Ratifications of the Principal Human Rights Treaties, as of 9 December 2002.
- Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Adopted by General Assembly resolution 39/46 of 10 December 1984, Article 2(1).
- Ibid., Article 4(1).
- Id., Article 5(2).
- Id., Article 14(1).
- The nature of the remedies available for survivors of torture will vary country to country. What follows are examples of the types of remedies that may be available in any given country.
- See, for example, Section 357 (1)(b) and (c) of the Indian Code of Criminal Procedure.


text:
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BYU basketball: Jimmer Fredette is player of the week
killerbees Queensbury, NYDec. 16, 2010 10:51 a.m.
2 National accolades for last week and the MWC, ok now someones getting it right!
killerbees Queensbury, NYDec. 14, 2010 5:17 a.m.
Should be his 3rd of the year. Not sure how he didn't get it the 1st week, he had 50 points, 24 against Fresno St and 26 against Utah St. Jimmer also didn't get ESPN's player of the week (2nd), what are experts/analysts looking at? Arizona's a great team and their complete game focus/defensive strategy was on stopping Jimmer (just like every other team trying to do so)and he still put up 33 nonchalant points and he sat the last 6 minutes. and... against another Player of the year candidate. Not to mention what he did at home (under all that pressure and emotion) There is NO PG in the nation who has as good an all around game or as much mental toughness as Jimmer Fredette. He just can't be rattled. Can't wait to see what he does against UNLV/SDSU. I am worried a little about BYU's health, stay healthy, and BYU should have an incredible season!
COUGARNATE Lyman, WYDec. 13, 2010 11:08 p.m.
That was a no brainer. He only averaged 29.5 points in the two games last week!!! Go Cougs!!!


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Jim Pattison Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Technologies and Renewable Energy Conservation at Okanagan College
Jim Pattison Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Technologies and Renewable Energy Conservation at Okanagan CollegePenticton, BC 2014
Project Description
The Centre of Excellence, located on the Penticton Campus of Okanagan College, serves the need for tradespeople, site managers and construction workers skilled in the practices of sustainable building. As such, it was designed to meet the rigorous standards of the Living Building Challenge and is considered one of the most innovative and advanced sustainable facilities in the world.
The building's cantilevered canopy is a gateway to the campus and the central courtyard. One of the center's three buildings boasts Okanagan College's only full-size gymnasium in support of athletics and recreation programming, hosting intramural sports, fitness classes and other recreation events. Students have access to a state-of-the art fitness center, and the gym is open for drop-in sports such as basketball, soccer and badminton. It can also host social events such as barbecues, movie nights and speaker series.
Among the many LBC requirements, the Centre of Excellence utilizes 100 percent local and environmentally sensitive materials. The predominance of wood — the majority drawn from pine-beetle kill forests — is in part a response to the government's Wood First Act, which aims to promote a culture of wood in the province's construction industry. The building's gymnasium walls are constructed using composite panels that are a combination of concrete and glulam, believed to be the only example of its kind in North America.
Project DetailsArchitect: CEI Architecture
Construction Cost: $27.6 million (Canadian)
Square Feet: 73,000
Occupancy: May 2011
Indoor Sports Surfaces - Multipurpose: Robbins Sports Surfaces


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Inge Van Colen
work address
De Pintelaan 185, Blok B
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Synergistic effect between 5-HT4 receptor agonist and phosphodiesterase 4-inhibitor in releasing acetylcholine in pig gastric circular muscle in vitro
2016) EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY. 781. p.76-82 Mark(
The signaling pathway of 5-HT4 receptors in cholinergic neurons of human colon is controlled by phosphodiesterases
2016) ACTA GASTRO-ENTEROLOGICA BELGICA. 79(1). p.B02-B02 Mark(
Is there evidence for functional 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 (5-HT4) receptors in the equine jejunum?
2016) ACTA GASTRO-ENTEROLOGICA BELGICA. 79(1). Mark(
- 2015
- Control of the signalling pathway of 5-HT4 receptors in cholinergic neurons of human colon by phosphodiesterases
Is there evidence for functional 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 (5-HT4) receptors in the equine jejunum?: an in vitro study to explore options for use of human prokinetic drugs, acting as 5-HT4 receptors in horses
2015) EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL. 47(suppl. 48). p.7-7 Mark(
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The facilitating effect of prucalopride on cholinergic neurotransmission in pig gastric circular muscle is regulated by phosphodiesterase 4
2012) NEUROPHARMACOLOGY. 62(5-6). p.2126-2135 Mark(
- 2010
Mechanisms of action of hydrogen sulfide in relaxation of mouse distal colonic smooth muscle
2010) EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY. 628(1-3). p.179-186 Mark(
Influence of 5-HT4 receptor activation on acetylcholine release in human large intestine with endometriosis
2010) NEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY AND MOTILITY. 22(5). p.557-563 Mark(
- 2008
- Jejunal cholinergic, nitrergic, and soluble guanylate cyclase activity in postoperative ileus
- 2000
Profilin II is alternatively spliced, resulting in profilin isoforms that are differentially expressed and have distinct biochemical properties
2000) MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOLOGY. 20(21). p.8209-8219 Mark(
- 1998
Murine adseverin (D5), a novel member of the gelsolin family, and murine adseverin are induced by interleukin-9 in T-helper lymphocytes
1998) MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOLOGY. 18(8). p.4589-4596 Mark(


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China: Banking on renewable energy storage
China's State Grid Corporation has built the world's biggest battery for wind and PV storage in a bid to manage an increasing number of energy sources.
By Paul French in Shanghai
China recently announced the launch of its first commercial battery storage station for renewable energies - the world's largest to date.
The project, a joint venture between China's leading battery manufacturer BYD and the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC), has completed construction of the utility-scale project, located in Zhangbei, in central China's Hebei Province.
The project combines 140MW of renewable energy generation (comprised of both wind and solar), 36MW-hours (MWh) of energy storage and a smart power transmission system. While there are renewable generation systems of this scale in service today, there are no battery systems of a comparable size.
China is in dire need of stable solutions to enable smooth transfer of electric power from renewable sources to the national grid, without interruption or surges. China's State Grid System (technically the world's largest utility company) has consequently invested significant sums into upgrading to a smart grid, in a bid to handle the PRC's increasingly mixed energy base (coal/gas-fired as well as nuclear, hydro, solar and wind).
While the total cost of the battery project has not been announced, first phase investment with 100MW of wind, 40MW of solar and 36MWh of battery is worth over US$500mn, according to Xiu Binglin, Deputy Director of China's National Energy Administration. While difficult to estimate return on investment (ROI) at this stage, Beijing clearly believes the project worthwhile as it attempts to wind-down its over-reliance on coal-fuelled power stations.
Market Alternative
BYD (Build Your Dreams) began as a Chinese battery and car manufacturer in the southern boomtown of Shenzhen before shifting its focus to electric and environmentally friendly vehicles.
To this end, Hong Kong-listed BYD, which came under the media spotlight when Warren Buffet took a 10% stake in the company, became China's major research centre into battery technologies (the major stumbling block for acceptance of electric autos in China).
The company has since become a major innovator and producer of rechargeable batteries for cars, electric bikes and mobile phones. BYD also manufactures solar panels - approximately 1GW annually.
BYD has been seeking to diversify away from autos for some time - the company's Q4 2010 results revealed a plunge of 94% in demand for electric cars, marking 2011 as a year of continued stagnation in that sector. Alternative uses for BYD's battery technology, such as storage stations are therefore pivotal in the company's forward strategy.
More efficient, more stable
Cost effectiveness is the major argument for building commercial battery storage stations such as Zhangbei. He Long, the Vice President of BYD claims that BYD's battery energy storage system improves renewable energy efficiency within a smart grid system by 5%-10%.
A spokesperson for the China State Grid Corporation commented to the Chinese media that BYD was chosen as a partner for the project because of their battery's superior service life – which is claimed to be in excess of 20 years.
There are still question marks over whether energy storage technologies, such as the Zhangbei project, can be truly cost-effective on a utility scale over the long-term. Xiu Binglin's response it that the cost-effectiveness will be enhanced by serious commitment to building a truly smart national grid in China, coupled with heavy investment in alternative energies that can fuel the grid.
China has earmarked US$364bn for grid investment between now and 2015. So far, it has remained on track. Even following recent problems with nuclear energy in Asia post-Fukushima, the energy guzzling behemoth has remained on track to comfortably provide 9.5% of its electricity needs via renewable energy sources by 2015 as per the PRC's current state-mandated Five Year Plan.
But Mr Xiu warns that much of China's investment in alternatives such as solar and wind will be wasted if a suitable smart grid and infrastructure such as battery storage stations are not also put in place.
Those globally working on storage stations will be closely watching Zhangbei as it is by far the largest constructed renewable energy storage facility constructed to date. Others in America are really only test stations on a much smaller scale, for instance AES' Laurel Mountain project, West Virginia and a Duke Energy project in Texas.
For larger projects Zhangbei will be most instructive - indeed BYD is currently reported to be developing a grid scale 5-10MW battery storage station for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) in California.
To respond to this article, please write to the Editor: Rikki Stancich
Image credit: Seaskylab


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USMC M - 1955, Fragmentation Vest, Body Armor,Flak Vest
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Medium (M) M-1955 Marine Corps body armor. It is in good shape all plates are present. T is a small hole in the back & fraying as noted in one picture. The M-1955 vest is similar to the M-1951 but has the rope ridge fitted to the right shoulder to retain a slung rifle This vest has the 3/4 length collar constructed of 6 piles of ballistic nylon.I will ship to CONUS only. PayPal Check or Money order, Personal Checks held until clear. Will ship for $20.00 CONUS. Weighs approx 13lbs & ships USPS from 60586. Thanks for Looking Since I had numerous questions concerning the contract date etc. I have provided it below. Stock #8470-00 Protective Apparel Corp. of America Contract # M67004-80-C-0144 Dated 28 May 1980


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Road salt shortages a concern in McHenry County
MCHENRY COUNTY--Although it's still summer, some Illinois highway and public works departments are trying to secure salt supplies for winter, according to a story in the Northwest Herald.
Summer is traditionally when many municipalities purchase road salt through an Illinois state agency that obtains supplies in bulk to lower costs. But earlier this month, the Illinois Department of Central Management Services notified governments around the state that no salt companies had submitted bids to supply them with salt for the coming winter.
The McHenry County Division of Transportation was one of the governments that did not get a bid. According to the department's maintenance superintendent, the county has 5,500 tons of salt on hand, but can use between 8,000 and 10,000 in a typical winter.
A few governments, like McHenry County, are bidding solo to try to improve its odds.
Read the complete story HERE.


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Perfect customer service, great connection, got the phone line service from them as well and its been spot on!
With the 24/7 UK support I really felt looked after. Would highly recommend to anyone… Read Full Review
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Great ISP, used them for around 6 months before I got sky package for a present! Fantastic customer care, really felt looked after and great for my xbox live!… Read Full Review
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We have used Smith Media for our web design and hosting services for a few months now, not had any issues and the guys are friendly in their design team. They seem to know what they are talking about and really helped us set things up. Thanks Guys! Highly recommended… Read Full Review
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I was impressed with Clive the smoth media guy to start with BUT I was paying £30 a month and found out that I was really paying over the odds , So i asked him for a MAC code and since then I have been cut straight off , emailed them several times and no reply - ITS a joke and they actually owe me money which as soon as I get on internet I will be going to the consumer complaints - JOKE… Read Full Review
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If I could give this company no stars I would. I signed up for their broadband online. Have not heard a thing apart from receiving the next invoice by email. Avoid. This company take your money and provide you with zilch. Tried to phone but it goes to a fax machine. Have sent 2 emails, no reply to either. They must be making a fortune scamming people out of money. By the way, if you've made a payment, check your online banking direct debits. There will be a recurring dd for this company so… Read Full Review
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Tried to sign up, they took my money and not heard a word from then. There only number for contact is a fax machine.
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Funny how all of these reviews are positive, I've recently purchased their unlimited package and have not heard high or low about when its coming or if my migration went through, and that was almost two weeks ago.
The "urgent" line is a fax number and they wont email me back.
Bit suspicious all these reviews are so close together.
Never heard of them before, now i know why.
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sucks for Tony and Maks to be up there together knowing one is in jeopardy.
Audrina/Tony in jeopardy
sucks for Tony and Maks to be up there together knowing one is in jeopardy.
Audrina/Tony in jeopardy
To each his own....I find Jennifer very likeable and Audrina, well, vacant.
why oh why did I watch this show live tonight. I wish I had my FF!!!!!!
Did Tom tweet anything today? Any leaks? Interesting bottom 3. I hope it's Kyle.
"Grammar is the bus that carries the words, without it they have to walk, and get very confused on the way." Unknown
"My best friend is a person who will give me a book I have not read." Abraham Lincoln
Bristol stays because of political agenda. Rick stays because he's hot. I have no doubt Kurt has a decent fanbase and pro football fans usually get their guys pretty far even if the dancing isn't vg.Originally Posted by MFWalkoff;4091517;
I wonder if the viewing audience realizes Grey really isn't in any trouble. This is the second time they have her "in jeopardy" and it's a joke. Do they really think we don't know she's overall best dancer and performer?
I like Kurt, and think he got thrown under the bus last night. I would much rather see him stick around over Rick, Kyle, and Bristol. His dancing may not be the best, but in no way did it deserve and 18 when Rick dragging Cheryl across the floor got 8s and Bristol's air guitar got 7s. I respect Anna trying to stick to traditional routines, and maybe that's CA and Bruno's real problems. But anyway, I split my votes last night with Audrina and Brandy. Rick just bores me to tears, and I cringe even more that 3 of Cheryl's former partners are back next week judging. So in his case, I can't explain it.Originally Posted by MFWalkoff;4091517;
With Audrina potentially leaving, this season took an even bigger nosedive for me, and I almost ask what's the point in voting.
Brooke did. Shocker result. All 3 would be a shocker but Grey will be safe. Now I need to pray Audrina is safe or in B2 with Kyle so she has a shot.Originally Posted by dougrayfan;4091527;
I agree. Might even get her the trophy.Bristol stays because of political agenda.
For the record, I thought she was average last night.
I am thinking its Kyle this week...but I could be wrong


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In A World Full of Haters, Let's Celebrate the Humble Likers
IT IS very popular at the moment to talk about haters. Anyone, it seems, who doesn't agree with you, or is slightly critical, can be simply dismissed as a hater.
I find it curious, though, that there is no equivalent expression for those who like you; who pass on compliments or express approval. There is no such thing as a "liker", it seems. This strikes me as odd, because positive people are far more common than their negative counterparts.
Even so, when you encounter an act of kindness, it is often unforgettable, no matter how tiny it may be. Kindness is like anchovy paste or a chipotle, you see; a little goes a long way. Particularly in your hour — or moment — of need.
A few years ago I was on a city excursion with my daughter, Sunday. She had just turned six or seven, and we were on our way to meet her godmother for a mug of hot chocolate and a spot of weekend birthday-girl shopping. Although our destination was a delightful one, the journey there was less so. We had to race out of the house to give Sunday's little brothers the slip, and the city streets were winter-damp and bitterly cold.
We slid our way through an arctic mist of rain before finally passing under the scaffolding of a new city skyscraper being built. Though incomplete, this building obviously had the new-millennium creed MUST CREATE A WIND TUNNEL as the architects' design brief, and those talented professionals had certainly not ignored their instructions.
Anyway there we were, my wee girl huddled under my arm and half my coat. As we walked out from under the blustery gantry and waited to cross the road, I noticed that the sniffle Sunday had left the house with had turned into a proper runny nose. I also realised I had no tissues in my bag. No hanky. Not even a crumpled up paper napkin.
In front of us stood a couple; an older lady and her husband. They had the look of country people having a day out. They certainly didn't appear to be downsized city-dwellers heading off to stock up on wool skivvies at a Saba winter sale. They looked comfortable and companionable as they, too, stood and waited at the lights. The husband held an umbrella over their grey heads, and when Sunday's plaintive little windswept voice asked me again for a tissue — more urgently this time — I noticed the lady looked around. Sunday, in a panic by now, said: "Mummy, I REALLY need one!" and I was smote with that sense of failure at not having something so basic (so Mothering 101).
Then, just as my daughter was about to wipe her nose on her sleeve, urchin style, the lady turned to us and held out a mini packet of tissues.
She didn't say anything, just smiled. Sunday said a shy but grateful "thank you", as did I, then the lights changed, the couple stepped ahead of us onto the crossing and we all kept walking. I don't think that lady's husband even noticed the exchange, but I could've told him so much about his wife from that one, simple act.
I knew that she was well-organised and a good friend (for they are artful eavesdroppers). I suspect she was a mother and probably even a grandmother or, if not, then an amazing aunty. I know that she was practical, and that her husband was lucky to have her, and I knew why he stood and protected her from the rain: because she was lovely and precious to him. Most of all, I knew she was kind.


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November 30, 2009
November 25, 2009
November 23, 2009
November 14, 2009
Joe Dexter is a podcaster, radio host and writer in Marquette Michigan. A recent graduate of Northern Michigan University, Joe serves as a Country DJ, News and Sports Reporter, and hosts "Inside NMU Athletics" from 7-8 PM on 1320 WDMJ and 1240 WIAN.
Joe loves Detroit Sports and his Alma Mater Northern Michigan University Wildcats!
To view more of Joe's coverage visit:


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Concordia Scores Enough to Top Doane
Doane put forth a strong defensive effort but it was not enough as Concordia came away with a 56-50 victory over the Tigers on Wednesday evening. Doane finished with a 35-percent shooting mark for the game but also struggled at the free throw line, shooting 9-of-17.
Concordia was able to put together a 52-percent shooting effort in the second half to out-score the Tigers by seven points. The effort allowed the Bulldogs to overcome 13 turnovers as Doane finished plus-seven in that category.
The Tigers were led by Jack Lind's 12 points. Jake Johnson added nine points and six rebounds for Doane.
Concordia was paced by Dusan Veselinovic's 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Up Next
Doane will head north to Mitchell, S.D., to face the Tigers of Dakota Wesleyan University.


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Give the hippie-dippie music fest Woodstock a Nineties spin and the result would be raves, all-night concerts catalyzed by hypnotic electronic music and mind-bending light shows and tempered by a prevailing sense of tranquillity, which is often induced and sustained by drugs. Usually held at sprawling outdoor venues whose locations are kept secret by promoters until the last minute, the parties still manage to attract thousands.
"Imagine being at an event where there are 4000 people and not one fight breaks out," says the adamantly drug-free DJ Subliminal, one-third of the band Spacemen and one of twenty DJs who will perform in Coconut Grove on July 4 at Circa '98, a rave thrown by a local promotional outfit known as Innervision Music. "Raves are a place where people are accepted who aren't accepted in regular society," Mr. Subliminal explains. "It's a different crowd, a young crowd, so they're out to have fun. And any way they can have fun, they'll do it. They're not going to think twice about it."
A good time will assuredly be had by many at this show that has scheduled a couple of very high-profile headliners: Hip-hop pioneers Afrika Bambaataa, creator of the electro-funk genre with the 1982 song "Planet Rock" (recorded with the Soulsonic Force), and Grandmaster Flash, an innovator of scratching (backspinning records) whose 1982 release "The Message" has become a hip-hop classic. Rounding out the bill are Miami-based DJ George Acosta, melodically inclined electronica practitioners Spacemen, Orlando's tribal funkster Spiritual Being, and a multitude of DJs who will be spinning tunes well into the next day.
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Of course, some crabby old fogies may not understand the appeal of thousands of youngsters bopping around in T-shirts, baggy pants, and backpacks while music addicts play records for 24 hours. But some acts promise a bit of entertaining flamboyance. Spacemen, for example. "We play keyboards and drum machines but we look like total aliens," says Mr. Subliminal describing his group's shtick. "We dress in silver robes and wear alien masks. As we start the show we turn up a black light and the masks start to glow and reveal tribal markings. It's very cool."
Cool, yes, and all in fun. "We don't want any trouble. We just want everybody to have a good time," Mr. Subliminal stresses. "Drugs and music have always gone together, but we like to show people that they can have a good time without the drugs, that it's all about the music. It's the music, the environment, and the attitude."
-- Nina Korman
Circa '98 will start at 10:00 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at the Coconut Grove Convention Center, 2700 S Bayshore Dr, Coconut Grove. Tickets cost $25 and are available only through Ticketmaster. Call 305-358-5885.


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Open Source Hardware Association.
The Open Source Hardware Association is Coming Soon! It will be a non-profit organization (status pending) working to spread the love of open source hardware. We're working out details, and as soon as we know, you'll know! Check back at oshwa.org for upcoming news.
And here's a note from Windell, one of the OSHWA board members.
OSHWA's first project is a survey, "to better understand the Open Source Hardware community." Catarina Mota has lead this project and created a survey along with David Mellis and John De Cristofaro. The aggregate and anonymous results will be made publicly available in May. If you're involved with the OSHW community, we'd invite you to take the survey.
Exciting news and another milestone for open-source hardware!
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Here's our big break into showbiz—two for one tickets to Broadway productions from September 18-30!
Tickets go on sale September 5, but members of AARP get a jump on the line with a pre-sale August 29-September 4 (code BWF2011). To purchase tickets, click here.
This second Broadway Week promotion follows its inaugural successful campaign in January, 2011. Shows participating in Broadway Week for the first time include popular musicals Wicked; Priscilla Queen of the Desert; and Sister Act; as well as new productions featuring Frank Langella (Man and Boy) and comedy by Woody Allen, Ethan Coen and Elaine May (Relatively Speaking).
Broadway Week is produced by NYC & Company in partnership with The Broadway League, AARP, Amtrak, NBC and The New York Times.
To see other cultural benefits for seniors in New York City, see the NYC ARTS Cultural Guides for Seniors.