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John Carmack On DOOM 3 And Game Development Trends
Posted by
on 2003/05/15 17:31:00
very intresting.
i love that guy, he is a fucking genius, i dont care what anyone says. :)
I Especially Liked This Bit:
#1 posted by
on 2003/05/15 17:37:04
It defines a different experience; one where the player progresses from elaborate set piece to elaborate set piece engaged in brutal up-close combat with small groups of extremely detailed monsters.
sounds good to me.
Nice Read
#2 posted by
on 2003/05/15 18:53:44
I read it this morning before I went to work and found it a very interesting read. What kind of scared me is how he discussed the development times are expanding and expanding. Makes me wonder what the average development time will be a for a single map. I know everyone here already takes about a good month or so for a map to be out the door, or more. This is just for Quake I mind you, it would seem Doom III we might see that stretch into a good 3 months of solid work. Plus I haven't released anything in years, so they frightens me further.
I think it will demand that as mappers we take the attention to detail much further. We will need to more finelly tune our environments to make sure they look realistic with the coenciding (I know I can't spell) art.
Also Carmacks bit on disabling shadows seems a little odd. Sure for performance issues it would be great, but he has always pushed the perforance of hardware. You'd think it would basically kill much of the atmosphere they have worked so hard at.
#3 posted by nane on 2003/05/15 22:48:35
Prodigy, a while back I posted a rather long discussion on what I think are the approaching innovations in mapping. If you're brave enough to read it, as I think many people never finished it because of its length, go here:
And... Disabling shadows? I don't see that comment anywhere in the article.
O, And
#4 posted by nane on 2003/05/15 22:53:40
It's amazing how much information you can find if you just open a few books (I get the impression John reads alot).
To use his words, You "learn something new in every page of every book you look at"
Even though I have taken it slightly out of context, it's still true.
Reading Rainbow had it right :)
I Can Go Anywhere!
#5 posted by
on 2003/05/16 02:40:15
Take a look, it's in a book...
John Carmack may be a graphical genius, but he's a moron for ignoring co-op play.
#6 posted by
on 2003/05/16 03:59:53
coop play has never really been a strong selling point. most people will play the game alone. it would delay the game even longer probably to input it...
although I would LOVE to have coop in everygame I play aswell as vs modes... it doesn't make him a moron for not including it
#7 posted by
on 2003/05/16 05:21:22
Think that one through. Doom3 looks to be much more half life and resident evil than quake or halo. Doing coop in that sort of style is much harder, and would certainly require sacrifices on the sp side. I'm guessing they wanted to, but just made the practical choice.
Hmmm, Coop
#8 posted by
on 2003/05/16 06:40:04
I never liked coop, has absolutely no interest to me, so I wouldn't miss it.
Co-Op Pros And Cons (IMO)
#9 posted by Tigger-oN on 2003/05/16 07:53:11
This is how I see it.
Games that worked with Co-Op;
Serious Sam
Doom 2
Duke Nuke
Sonic the Hedgehog
Why? Because it did not matter to the story that much. You could start, stop, leave or join a game at any stage. Someone could find the exit and that was that, everyone jumped through to the next level. These games are just "You and your mates, shoting the monsters and having some fun with a mouse in one hand a beer in another (and maybe some pizza in a box)".
Games that did not (or would not) work as a Co-Op;
Donkey Kong
Alien Vs Preditor 2
Jeti Knight 2
Why not? Because they are story based and for the game to work the story needs to progress. Sure it could be a lot of fun to have a small team going into battle (co-op) but that is what mulitplayer is for. It also requires a LOT more work on the developers side (unless you are just shooting shit) to make a Co-Op gameplay that flows and keeps the richness of the story. Things like "what happens when a key is required", "what happens when a player exits the map", "what happens in a cut-scene, do we just stop show all the players?", the list goes on and on...
Doom3 is a story rich game (well, so we are told) and Co-Op, as cool as it could be, will not allow for the atmosphere the game has been designed around (I'm guessing based on screenshots and interviews). Removing Co-Op allows for the developers to focus on getting the single player as rich and atmopsheric as possible. Besides that, unless the Co-Op is _amazing_ reviews will focus on how the Co-Op "seems to have been thrown together", which is a negative.
What I would like to see is Co-Op mod made by the community, hell, I may even look into myself once the game code is released :]
#10 posted by
on 2003/05/16 08:51:01
was cool. didnt tails have unltd. lives tho which is cheating?
#11 posted by
on 2003/05/16 14:10:02
not in vs. mode, but in the normal mode, yeah. But in that mode the screen focused on sonic and you had to keep up, and this made it very easy to die anyway
#12 posted by spentron on 2003/05/16 16:36:45
Once the pros are bogged down in thousand-detail rooms, the world of huge never-ending boxmaps is all ours!! Until they recruit some serious AI to help them out, anyway.
I'm more impressed with the artistic values evident in the screenshots than the tech.
Hey, I'll Take You All On
#13 posted by
on 2003/05/17 02:42:02
Most people didn't think DM was going to become big...
I can't speak for the technical end of things, but I think content wise co-op play is due to make a break through. There are several map styles and puzzles that can only be done in co-op, or are better exploited in co-op. You can have modes where people cooperate, and modes where people both complete the same sp level in a competitive fashion. I think it's time someone did co-op right, and left single player play to be the second class citizen for a change.
It's not really something I expect from Carmack anyways. He's too wrapped up in the technology to make a real game.
#14 posted by Levelworm on 2003/05/17 02:55:25
He's too wrapped up in the technology to make a real game.
So I Take It
#15 posted by
on 2003/05/17 03:22:48
You won't be getting DooM3, 'cause, surely, you wouldn't waste your money on something that wasn't "a real game"
#16 posted by
on 2003/05/17 05:38:04
I will be getting Doom3. Even if making a real game isn't Carmack's interest, he's not the only man responsible for the game. It won't live up the the hype, but I'm sure there'll be some great stuff in there.
I'm also interested in seeing what the communities will do with Doom3 and HL2. They're both sequels to games that have had great community support, and I'm hoping that kind of support is going to be there right out of the gate and will last a long time.
#17 posted by
on 2003/05/17 06:16:17
New starfox game on gamecube will have coop, also zelda legend of the four swords or whatever it's called for gba and gamecube has some kind of coop but with some elements of competition between players.
Maybe we'll see most coop action on consoles these days. Altho when the pc port of halo finally comes there might be some nice coop on the computer too.
#18 posted by
on 2003/05/17 21:32:06
I think co-op was one of the things that had to be axed from the pc port of Halo. It's unforgivable really. I have two theories on why the port has taken so damn long. Either Microsoft rushed Bungie so much that the code base ended up a friggin mess, or Bungie placed retarded monkies in charge of said port.
If the port takes any damn longer someone will have already written an X-Box emulator and pcs will be fast enough to run it flawlessly.
#19 posted by
on 2003/05/18 03:42:27
I always assumed the PC version of Halo never came because Xbox needed it exclusively to make up for the lack of other good games for the system.
Halo Pc
#20 posted by
on 2003/05/18 09:04:22
There was some recent interview with somone responsible for the pc port in wich he said that the network aspects was one of thoughest problems. The reason for that was that in the xbox verision you knew you'd always have people playing on the same box or between xboxes with a fixedspeed of 100mbit so the network code was very simple and far from what you see in a modern FPS.
found it:
it says that coop is indeed in danger of not making it into the pc versoin but that they'll try to get it in there.
... --- ...
#21 posted by
on 2003/05/18 17:46:16
Yeah, I read that article. I understand that the networking would be the most difficult part, but it doesn't justify how long the game is taking. I know that Microsoft wanted an X-Box exclusive, but I can't imagine they intended to have the PC version this far behind.
To Be Honest
#22 posted by
on 2003/05/19 18:14:59
Ive never been into Halo, I was waiting for it when I read previews ages ago, but im very disappointed with the game on the Xbox, Coop was the only thing that kept my interest.
If coop doesn't make it in the pc port then i certainly won't be buying it.
And the stupid noises the monsters made... AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Coop On PC
#23 posted by ELEK on 2003/05/19 19:21:45
Coop on PC just isn't reasonable imo. There aren't enough people who network and play coop like you have with console systems. To release Doom3 for console w/out coop would be foolish. Don't get me wrong, I would love to play coop over a lan etc. like in the good ole' days of Doom/2. But from a development standpoint I can understand why they might not be doing it. I don't know how the cutscenes work in Doom3, and how that would effect coop mode, coding etc. I assume they could be turned off for coop, but perhaps there is something in there that makes the cut sequences more difficult to create for the SP experience if you include coop etc.
In the end we all know that id is a technology shop, Doom3 should be fun, but it will not live up to every expectation. They are not looking to break new ground in terms of gameplay, just to do the absolute least to match existing acceptable gameplay minimums, and blow us away with the visual and aesthetic in order to sell more licenses. This is and has been their business strategy, I don't see them changing it. I am afraid if you want groundbreaking gameplay, you will have to wait for DeusEx2 and Halflife2.
#24 posted by
on 2003/05/19 21:41:07
your argument is somwhat weak.
Both Doom and Quake 1 were huge leaps in terms of gameplay when they were released. There had never been anything like them before. In fact part of ID's genius has been to produce brilliant new engines AND excellent gameplay to complement the engine. You could even argue q3 was a leap for DM-gameplay. Half-life was not a leap for Gameplay, IMO.
its obviously true ID have licensed the engine, but thats becuase they make such damn good engines, that they are constantly in demand from other developers.
I am somewhat surprised to hear you making such a strong argument against the gameplay of ID, as you obviously loved quake 1 and understood it very well, as evidenced by all the great maps you made for it.
#25 posted by
on 2003/05/19 21:55:30
You could even argue q3 was a leap for DM-gameplay
how so?
Half-life was not a leap for Gameplay
Again that is as weak an argument as you say elek puts forward. It was probably the first game to not have just the run, shoot and find the exit gameplay integrated reasoanbly well. Whether or not you consider that a good thing is another issue though.
#26 posted by
on 2003/05/19 22:53:38
possibly you are right. i hate the game anyway, i only played the first few levels.
well its just seems like perfectly refined DM gameplay to me. Its fast..i just like the feel of it. I love the railgun. it speeds up the DM gameplay mechanism so much, i love insatgib. I dont even like DM gameplay that much (as you have probably guessed by now), but it feels so good to me i play quake 3 with bots just for the hell of it.
I am the first to admit i am not a DM expert though, i know some people swear q1 or even q2 DM is the best, so i am really going on instinct on the DM side of things. :/
#27 posted by
on 2003/05/20 00:57:35
possibly you are right. i hate the game anyway, i only played the first few levels.
Then you are in no position to be judging its gameplay.
What made HL so good was it took the default, plotless/brainless find-the-colored-key gameplay that id 'invented' and used every possible connotation spun together with an actual
. And it wasn't story as in 'excuse us while we yank you out of the game and shove a cliche-ridden cut scene in your face to promote our franchise'. I mean an actual story, with all the plot elements of the genre, dialogue, characterisation and even humour.
I agree with you about Q3A tho. It's immediately gratifying. It's fun. Which is a word that many players' vocabulary lacks. People only say Quakeworld or Q2DM is better because that's all they're used to. There's no way Quakeworld is better than Q3 - you can barely move with
the responsiveness of Q3.
And Q3 weapons are better for DM. Period.
#28 posted by
on 2003/05/20 01:01:07
Oh and; I think you know how much I like Quake and how much I like its SP gameplay. But it wasn't a leap. It was a shuffle.
Actually, Since They Added The "jump" Key...
#29 posted by inertia on 2003/05/20 01:35:37
Quake WAS a leap in gameplay.
#30 posted by
on 2003/05/20 01:39:30
No, that's a leap gameplay not a gameplay leap.
Quake Was A Leap In Gameplay
#31 posted by
on 2003/05/20 03:22:30
But to a good extent that leap resulted from the technological advance.
#32 posted by
on 2003/05/20 06:42:06
There's no way Quakeworld is better than Q3 - you can barely move with half the responsiveness of Q3.
A major part of what makes Q3A such a terribly failed attempt at a DM game is the shoddy and unresponsive feel.
#33 posted by
on 2003/05/20 06:43:35
All this leaping reminds me of frogger...
Now thats gameplay!
Sorry for the derailment.
Uhhhhh....gameplay Model?
#34 posted by ELEK on 2003/05/20 06:49:53
Sandy Petersen: That we did not move on to another type of game after DOOM II. I think the plotless FPS shoot-'em-up had been thoroughly explored and it was time for "something new."
Might I remind you that Doom and Doom2 and Quake are all the same gameplay model based upon Wolfenstein 3d. There is nothing new in there, just additions and tweaks. Doom added 2.5D and fab lighting, network play. Doom2 added the double barrel. Then Quake added 3d and look up and down, but in terms of actual "GAMEPLAY" the model is the same. It never changed...get the key, open the door, shoot the shit, get to the exit, get the key, open the door shoot the shit, get to the exit, get the key to open the door and shoot the shit and get to the exit. Please, how is my argument weak? I would even argue that Q2 is the same exact gameplay model, with Hexen style unit based gameplay.
In fact, Half-Life, which I consider to be based on that exact gameplay model imho is more of an advance in gameplay than any of id's post Wolf games. The addition of a storyline which develops as you progress, granted it is not the most amazing story, but a well developed progression, combo'd with NPC interaction, and intelligent monsters who didn't just gang rush you. Add in the scripted sequences, and the interaction of the main character/player in the events which bring down the black mesa complex, and you have real character integration into the storyline etc. thereby influencing the belief in this game environments offered reality. I realize there are alot of people on this board who dislike Half-Life, but to just toss off the obvious influence/advancements because of a subjective opinion of the game is goofy. It is my opinion that pure sales figures, and numbers of users still playing the game are facts that Half-Life was and still is a success. There is no denying it, despite subjective opinions.
AS for gameplay models, IMO a gameplay model doesn't change that much by the introduction of a new technology feature which does not push the storyline, or engage the players suspension of belief more, it changes it yes, but enough to consider it a Leap? I hardly think so. Don't get me wrong, I love Quake, and it was amazing at the time, but I think what made it so fucking great was not the SP gameplay model. I loved the atmosphere. What made the atmosphere so damned good? The limited color pallete. In terms of lighting and texturing. This is part of the reason Doom3 looks so fucking hot, they are not going apeshit with the color scheme. And in terms of playing the game, I played more CTF online in the early days before I began mapping. The big leap for Quake came with the multiplayer TCPIP capabilities, THAT changed gameplay. No longer did we have to set-up a lan, I could go online and DM all I wanted. Cause everyone knows that Coop play always turned into DM with monsters anyhow.
#35 posted by
on 2003/05/20 11:14:08
A major part of what makes Q3A such a terribly failed attempt at a DM game is the shoddy and unresponsive feel.
Quake 3 is anything but unresponsive. its beautifully fast, balanced and sensitive. The physics are very good for exciting Dm gameplay.
#36 posted by
on 2003/05/20 14:15:41
A major part of what makes Q3A such a terribly failed attempt at a DM game is the shoddy and unresponsive feel.
It's not shoddy and unresponsive - you just suck at it.
Oh Dear God
#37 posted by
on 2003/05/20 14:44:39
Can we just leave this argument dead and buried and rotting in 1999 where it belongs?
Fuck That.
#38 posted by
on 2003/05/20 17:36:21
It's terrible. The movement is terrible, the visibility of other players is terrible, the damage feedback is utterly appalling, the head and weapon bob make me want to puke. It feels light, tinny, and barely in control. It's not the worst out there (Requiem, any Lithtech engine, HL) but it's fucking bad enough given the need for a precise feeling in a DM game.
People who can't see that sort of stuff compared to the simple, direct solidity of Quake confirms my belief that most people (including developers) don't have a clue about the importance of 'feel'.
#39 posted by
on 2003/05/20 18:59:35
You're huffing ether, aren't you?
Am I...
#40 posted by
on 2003/05/20 19:15:22
the only one who's a fan of hoard based gameplay?
doom3 will probably not be for me...
#41 posted by
on 2003/05/20 19:24:17
the damage feedback is utterly appalling
that's one point I definitely agree on.
Shambler, you should try CPM though, it does fix all of those things you mentioned, that is if you still have a q3 cd left around.
#42 posted by
on 2003/05/20 19:29:24
/me gets the popcorn
If This Is Your First Post On Func...
#43 posted by
on 2003/05/20 23:08:07
to flame.
You Guys Are Wrong, And
#44 posted by
Mr Fribbles
on 2003/05/21 05:52:33
Shambler is right.
Stock Q3 DM is almost worthless, given the pre-existing, same-but-better Q1 DM.
The movement in standard Q3 feels so bad its almost unplayable. The engine is fabulous, its just poor design decisions (eg almost nonexistant air movement) which make it feel shithouse.
CPMA on the other hand is awesome; essentially the same game, but done right.
People only say Quakeworld or Q2DM is better because that's all they're used to. There's no way Quakeworld is better than Q3 - you can barely move with half the responsiveness of Q3.
And Q3 weapons are better for DM. Period.
No. Your opinion. Not mine.
In my
, Q1 was a far superior DM game. Not just because I was used to it. Because it was better.
Before you claim that my opinion is worthless and I only like Q1DM over Q3DM because I'm more used to Q1, let me put that into perspective: I actually think Q3
with CPMA is a better DM game than Q1. Stock Q3, however, is bollocks.
And while I think CPMA is a better game than Q1, it still lacks that 'solid' feel that Quake had, as Shambler describes.
Sure Enough...
#45 posted by
Mr Fribbles
on 2003/05/21 05:54:55
I knew I'd fuck up at least one of those tags.
#46 posted by
on 2003/05/21 07:01:38
any chance of getting back to carmack?
i was wondering if anyone cares to discuss basic differences betw HL2 and D3 engines. like lighting techniques (or shades), any info on weapon/model animation. just curious about any material that may be around...
HL2/D3 Lighting
#47 posted by
on 2003/05/21 08:17:31
Entirely speculative summary of lighting stuff:
D3: Trades off number of lights and radiosity for reasonably accurate shadowing and fully dynamic lights (in theory, maybe not in practive).
HL2: Trades off dynamic lights and accuracy for radiosity and large number of lights.
From a mapper's perspective:
D3: Your level with either look a) dark, or b) crap.
HL2: Pretty much the same as HL1.
#48 posted by
on 2003/05/21 12:45:03
so you are claiming that a superb DM map, for example bal3dm2/3/4, or lun3dm1/2/3 is essentially "terrible" and "unplayable"?
[mr fribbles only in vanilla q3, not in CPMA, presumably??].
in fact that all the maps made for Q3A, and all the people who play them, are all crap/wrong[respectively] in vanilla Q3A?
that seems silly.
[who knew i would end up defending Q3A DM against mr fribbles and shambler!!??!!]
Leaps And Ether
#49 posted by spentron on 2003/05/21 13:29:13
I can somewhat accept that Quake wasn't originally a "leap" forward, but it definitely was once people made maps with a huge amount of vertical enemy spread. When that happened, it became more about looking and seeing than just reacting to obvious monsters. Not a completely different gameplay mechanic, but far greater than the difference between Quake and Half-Life (or should that be far greater than the difference between DooM and Half-Life, since HL isn't about seeing either (although I do like it)).
Q3A I like. Never played it online. The movement and all may not be quite as good as Quake (although the comment about lack of air movement I don't get, since you rely on it so often and it's far in excess of realistic). But, despite many's criticism of the bots, that's the main reason I love it. So much different from any Quake bots (although they're also fun). Beating those bots requires fierce determination and insane speed. I was getting as good a frame rate in Q3 as I was in Q1 and it still wasn't good enough because it's so much faster than any other game -- decent equipment alone has allowed me to go up a notch on the skill.
OTOH, I hate the railgun. Satisfying perhaps when it works for you, but I thought this was a game intended for online play. Most lag-intolerant weapon ever.
Bling Bling
#50 posted by
on 2003/05/21 14:18:57
Rail is easier to use with lag than shaft
...... or maybe I'm just imagining that (haven't played anything else than a bit of qw in a long time).
...and it's far in excess of realistic...
what does that have to do with anything?
#51 posted by
on 2003/05/21 14:19:55
bah who needs closing tags anyway?
#52 posted by
on 2003/05/21 15:27:28
Fun for all the family.
Nitin, I gave it away ages ago...
#53 posted by
on 2003/05/21 20:07:09
Most lag-intolerant weapon ever.
It probably is. The amount you need to lead your target with a 100 ping is rather unfair because of the speed of the game. However, the situation is made a little better if you get into unlagged games.
Lack Of Air Movement
#54 posted by
on 2003/05/21 21:29:25
But it's not like Q1 - where, no matter how fast you're thrown through the air, you can stop dead with a single keypress.
Gameplay Merit
#55 posted by
on 2003/05/22 05:26:39
you have to evaluate games' gameplay contribution in relation to what it adds to previous games.
In that respect, wolf3d was clearly a milestone. Doom was an incredible step ahead too, given that its vastly more complex level design possibility (which current games still have trouble competing with, think moving sectors, large amounts of enemies, and large open areas) gave us a completely new step in gameplay. Quake was not as big a step ahead, but still significant (personally I think the more consistent physics, allowing grenades, rocket jumps etc. made for an entire new feel of being in a 3d world).
Any game beyond that have progressively smaller gameplay contributions, half-life made a relative big one I hate to say, but not on the same scale as games before it. If you don't recognise half-life is still the same "kill stuff, hit the switch, move on" gameplay of doom & quake, you are pretty much blind and can't be helped.
Thinking half-life 2 will be ground breaking gameplay is even more blind, it is, on the grand scale of things, just a natural progression of HL1. Don't get me wrong, I have seen the HL2 video multiple times and I am STUNNED at the production quality of this game and looking forward to it, but it is not "ground breaking" bar their use of physics. You cannot compare this with the leap from, say, wolf3d to doom.
#56 posted by
on 2003/05/22 05:45:25
but isnt that the question though?
What is it that needs to be done to achieve that next big leap in gameplay?
#57 posted by
on 2003/05/22 08:50:05
Robotic Frogs obviously.
I Dunno If This Makes Much Sense But Here Goes...
#58 posted by
on 2003/05/22 12:13:48
something that maybe emerging form this discussion is what is the boundary between the two concepts of "gameplay" and "the engine". See now to me, one of the reasons i say Quake 1 was a huge leap in gameplay was becuase it had true 3D and of course you could look up/down and jump.
Now those features i classify as part of "gameplay", but others in this thread might say they are features of "the engine" (which they are as well). But i put them primarily under gameplay becuase they effect the gameplay , ie enemies can attack from above annd below, maps are designed in true 3d etc etc. To me, this is a huge leap in gameplay.
To others its still kill/find key/find exit.
Sure these goals are the same, i agree but the "method of gameplay" to reach those goals has fundamentally changed.
After all the goal of any game is basically the same, survive as long as you can and get the best score/complete the game.
Now me move to half-life. This is where it gets really interesting. See, to me Half-life gameplay is fundamentally no different to Quake 1. You still walk down corridor/kill/walk into room/kill/find exit, basically. Half-life adds a story and scripted events, but to me these things are NOT part of the GAMEPLAY of a game. They are part of "the engine". This was the original distinction i mentioned, its all a matter of where you draw this distinction.
Also, story and scripted events are basically what movies or books have. If i want to read a story or watch people acting in scenes then i will read a book or watch a movie.
To me the pure gameplay experience of actually playing a game is "diluted" by sitting thorugh story telling scripted sequences and cutscenes.
To me ,the train ride at the start of half-life added nothing to the game, fundamentally.
maybe thats narrow-minded of me, i would just say i dont like games being diluted from their "purest form".
In this sense i guess it is fair to say i am an old skool gamer i just want to play the game, not "interact" in what (to me) is a diluted and confusing mix of a book/film/game (metal gear solid would be a classic example).
Its not surprising i feel this way as the first video games i played were on the atari VCS and arcade games like Asteroids and Defender, first impressions count.
One More Thing
#59 posted by
on 2003/05/22 12:16:32
its clear me and Aardappel are coming from pretty much the same viewpoint.
Rabble Rabble Bitch Bitch
#60 posted by
on 2003/05/22 17:18:02
as far as the advancements of HL was... well, the story is that of Dooms, only now youre a scientist instead of a marine. which doesnt change much in the game at all... the scientists are keys with more animation and sounds... theyre not terribly unique considering in Unreal you had the nali who would lead you to important sections of the game, reveal secrets for you, and could be killed by you or the enemy. but it was generally to your advantage to protect them.
i never really felt like the storyline was advancing, as much as i was getting new shit to kill... it was nice of them to throw in the twist of the marines showing up to kill you off, however they told us about this before the game came out, so the only twist in the plotline was revealed beforehand. and it wasnt pumped much in the game anyways... it was vaguely mentioned some, that the marines were coming, but it didnt feel me with a sense of being helped (partially because the developers made it widely known before hand that they were there to kill you). still portions of it were fun, however the ai didnt stun me, especially after all they promised regarding it... it wasnt as much of the soldiers using squad behaviour as it felt like they were glued together, and they didnt react to the actions of other squadmates usually (one yells grenade and the others stand there as he runs off, or often the case, takes cover ontop of it). true they didnt rush forward and kill me, but they didnt do much else aside from... sit there. so instead of running forward killing stuff grabbing keys and going through doors, i was running forward, waiting for scientists to open doors and killing stuff. and then sometimes waiting for other stuff to kill stuff for me (to which i mention the time where you let the stone titan take care of the kraal elite and then attacked him in the dasa pass of unreal, and the much much more intricate system of monster relations seen in Blood2). and the plot kinda... went away, when i reached Black Mesa. it was, "well, we dont know... but theres new aliens to shoot?". HL was a few steps forward in gameplay, but even moreso if you ignore other games in the period and dont pay attention to how absolutely completely linear the game is for the most part.
as for the quakeworld versus q3a argument... i enjoy both. which is fine by me. i see em as diff types of deathmatch, and i think the q3a bots are weak (model files with high accuracy as the only advancement in skill... and they make em easier by taking away their health instead of making them less skilled at fighting)
rabble rabble
#61 posted by
on 2003/05/23 06:18:13
I personally feel that Unreal was quite a significant intermediary step in the advancement of FPS gaming complexity (which I think is an incremental rather than revolutionary advancement - Quake2 advanced it somewhat too). You had a slightly stronger overall story, various sub-stories revealed via the translator (Bluff anyone?), a coherent backdrop and setting, NPCs that actually did something, scripted events, a few non-fighting scenes, and a sense of discovery at exploring a world around you.
Of course HL did that and more but it wasn't a straight jump from Q1 to HL.
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The "Old School" University of Georgia mascot. This is the perfect gift for Georgia Bulldogs fans. "Uga the Bulldog" has been the official live mascot of the University of Georgia Bulldogs since 1956. All the dogs serving as Uga have been part of a lineage of English Bulldogs owned by Sony Seiler. Seiler brought the dog to the first home game of the Georgia football season back in 1956. Head Coach, Wally Butts, asked Seiler for permission to use the dog as the mascot. The current Uga is the 10th in the line of Uga's.
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Women hating on other women: I hate this topic. It really bugs me when people talk about how mean other women are to each other. I don't even like writing about it, but it is has been on my radar lately and the subject keeps coming up.
For example, Gwyneth Paltrow is getting tons of hate backlash for her statements about her life as a mom. When she talked about her conscious uncoupling, the barbs were flying! I saw it mentioned on Good Morning America that Gwyneth reported most of her haters are other other women.
Women distrusting other women friendships came up at a playdate a few days ago too. One of the moms said this about her 9-year-old, "I tell my daughter to not have a best friend. I tell her to have friends and keep things positive but to never have a best friend. Girls are just too mean." Another mom chimed in "Yes, women are the worst. "
Girlfriend Betrayals
I decided to take a poll. I called one of my best friends and she reported that a girlfriend (a bestie) in middle school took salt and burned the word "BITCH" into her grass after they had had a fight. Ouch!
So I thought back to my girlfriend betrayals over the years, and here is what I came up with:
- I had a friend in middle school who talked me into writing an anonymous love letter to a guy as a joke. I didn't figure out until after I sent it that it was mean. She just stood there shaking her head in innocence after people got upset. (Not smart on my part).
- I once gave a girl I was mad at in middle school a cookie that I found in an open package under the bleachers. I only told her it was a found/dirty cookie after she ate it. I was actually mad at her for "stealing" my best friend and I did that instead. (I think I was in 7th grade). She is now on my Facebook, so I should probably make amends at this point…
- I worked with a woman in my early 20s who I thought was a best friend and confidante. Turned out, she was telling everyone in the company everything I said about them to push me out of the way. I had no idea she was a spy and saying I said terrible things until everyone in the company started hating me. When I finally figured it out, she screamed, "This company isn't big enough for the both of us and I won't have you here!" (I can be slow to figure things like that out…LOL!)
From The Therapy Couch
As a therapist, my woman clients who thought that way about women usually had an early formative relationship that hurt them terribly. Trust was a challenge. Instead of facing these trust issues, it can seem easier to make sweeping generalizations and just stay away from intimate relationships.
Another client had those beliefs about other women, but when we pieced things together we realized that she didn't have good discernment skills. She tended to connect with other women who showed signs of being untrustworthy or mean up front. This client wasn't tuning in that these kind of people did not deserve her friendship efforts.
My Opinion
I just don't believe that all women are like this. I think it is rare and another mean stereotype about females, not unlike other negative generalizations (bitch, slut, snob). It is easy to take a few negative experiences and see all future experiences through that lens. People tend to do this about all sorts of bad experiences.
Personally, I am so glad that I have had so many great friendships with other women. In fact, I found some wonderful research on how friendships with other women are instrumental in countering severe stress. My female friendships/ relationships are filled with laughter, support, encouragement and love. My connections with my close group of women are a source of strength and enjoyment. Sure, there might be a few girls out there who are stuck in a rut and saying things behind my back. One of the great things about not being in school anymore is that you usually don't have to hear about it.
As I was wrapping up this blog entry, I called one last girlfriend to get her opinion. When she answered the phone she was crying. "Oh my God," she said. "I am so glad you called. I have had the worst morning." My point exactly.
Call To Action: What are your opinions about the "mean girl" stereotype? What were your worst experiences with this kind of female? How has it affected your ability to trust and form friendships with other women?
Cherilynn Veland is a therapist living in Chicago.
She also blogs about home, work, life and love
at www.stopgivingitaway.com.
Could you take the time to kindly follow me/Cherilynn on Twitter? Connect on Facebook too? I would really appreciate the support!
Picture from Wikipedia.


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Hello everyone! Today I am sharing a layout I created using the Nuts for Fall collection by Kristi W. Designs from Scrapping Bug Designs.
Full Layout
Page 1
Photo Mat
Photo Mat with pull out tags
Squirrel Holding letter "F"
Pumpkin, flower, and acord
Squirrel with part of title
Part of title
Page 2
Photo Mat
Photo Mat
Squirrel with pumpkin and acorns
Squirrel in Basket with acorns
Squirrel with flower
Scenic view
Pull out tags and mats
Thank you so much for stopping by today! If you are interested in purchasing this layout, it will be available tonight on ebay after 8:30 pm central time. Have a great day and week everyone!


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No easy money in hemp industry
copyright the Chronicle April 4, 2018
BARTON — For some time now hemp has been touted as Vermont's promising new agricultural opportunity. But Cam and Karen Devereux have a cautionary tale for those eager to convert a hayfield or pasture into a hemp operation.
The bulk market for raw hemp isn't there yet, they said. With 1,900 pounds of hemp stored in their basement, they're the first to yearn for a rapid arrival of that market, but at the moment Vermonters who hope to plant a field in hemp, harvest it, and sell it raw are likely to be disappointed, they said.
…To read the rest of this article, and all the Chronicle's stories, subscribe to the online edition below:
Annual online subscription
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(To find a particular article, search for the corresponding edition of the newspaper)


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http://galactictravels.info/playlists/2018/180920.html Galactic Travels™ is an electronic, ambient, and space music show, that airs each Thursday at 11:04 pm on WDIY 88.1 FM, Allentown and Bethlehem, PA, 93.9 FM in Easton, PA and Phillipsburg, NJ, 93.7 FM in Fogelsville and Trexlertown, PA, and streaming on-line. Many Choices, Real Voices. Show #1121 September 27, 2018. RECAP: On this show, I concluded the month-long focus on Syndromeda. The Featured CD at Midnight was "The Twilight Conjunction" on Ricochet Dream Records. You also heard new music by Palancar on Emergent World Records plus music by the Equinox Project who will play at the Cosmic Crossings Concert Series on Saturday. PLAYLIST: 11:00 pm ARTIST TRACK ALBUM (label) ==================== ==================== =============================== Kevin Braheny Starflight 1 * Galaxies (Hearts of Space) Palanar Spin Network Final Theory Volume 1 (Emergent World) Bridge to Imla Drifting on a One January Evening (none) Southern Sea The Equinox Project King's Chamber Khufu's Void (none) Chris Russell Sparse Echo (Spotted Peccary) Syndromeda Inside the The Twilight Conjunction Lophophora * (Ricochet Dream) 12:00 am ARTIST TRACK ALBUM (label) ==================== ==================== =============================== Syndromeda Inside the The Twilight Conjunction Lophophora ** (Ricochet Dream) Syndromeda No, Not Scared of The Twilight Conjunction You (Ricochet Dream) Syndromeda The Vulture The Twilight Conjunction (Ricochet Dream) Syndromeda Looking at You The Twilight Conjunction (Ricochet Dream) Syndromeda First Dream The Twilight Conjunction (Ricochet Dream) 1:00 am * = excerpt VA = Various Artists (compilation) ++ = Advance CDR from Artist -- = Background music under interview ** = Continued xx = aborted by CD player NEXT SHOW: On the next Galactic Travels™, I'll begin a month-long focus on Robert Carty. The Featured CD at Midnight will be "Deep Spirit" on Deep Sky Music. You will also hear new music by Swartz et on Utter East. WDIY Announcement Bill ========================================================================= Host of Galactic Travels™, an electronic, ambient, and space music show, Thursdays at 11:04 pm on WDIY 88.1 FM in Allentown and Bethlehem, 93.9 FM in Easton and Phillipsburg, and on 93.7 FM in Trexlertown and Fogelsville. Galactic Travels™ web site: http://galactictravels.info Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/galactictravels Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/galactictravels/ Mix cloud: https://mixcloud.com/galactictravels RSS News Feed: http://galactictravels.info/rss/enews.xml Listen to WDIY at http://wdiy.org/programs/galactic-travels on-line. To subscribe to the galactic-travels mailing list, click on [Join This Group!] at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/galactic-travels Playlists are also published at http://billfox.blogspot.com RSS (2.0) feed from http://billfox.blogspot.com/rss.xml Atom (0.3) feed from http://billfox.blogspot.com/atom.xml ======================================================================== Timezone information - [ Winter: EST/GMT-5 / Summer: EDT/GMT-4 ] Daylight Saving Time in the US (2018) begins at 2:00 AM on Sunday, March 11 and ends at 2:00 AM on Sunday, November 4. ======================================================================== Galactic Travels is a Trademark of Bill Fox. ========================================================================
Friday, September 28, 2018
Galactic Travels™ Playlist #1121 for September 27, 2018.
Posted by Ultramusicman at 3:53 PM
Labels: Electronic Music, Galactic Travels, playlist, radio, WDIY
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Called d'akturak, "ice man", by Curzon Dax due to his negotiating prowess. Commanded the I.K.C. Gr'oth during the Sherman's Planet sabotage mission in 2267.
• Diplomacy x2 • Exobiology • Honor • Klingon Intelligence ∇ Bat'leth
Integrity: 8 Cunning: 7 Strength: 8
Rarity: 84 VP (Virtual Promos)
Characteristics: Klingon; Male;
Legal Card Pools: Complete Traditional Virtual Block
Legal Rules Sets: OTF Open Warp Speed
Image Source: Deep Space Nine: "Blood Oath"
Recent decks using this card";


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Epic Orchestral Trailer
A heroic, epic, cinematic and powerful trailer which will perfectly suit for action movie scenes, extreme sports video, games, advertisements, or any other media project looking for adventurous, dynamic and powerful mood.
Instruments: orchestra, epic drums, digital sound effects.
Files included:
Epic Adventure (main track) - 1:31 (0:00 - 1:31 in preview file)
Epic Adventure Looped Version - 1:03 (1:33 - 2:36 in preview file)
Main version included in both wav and mp3 format.
If you like it – rate it please!
Similar track: Epic Hero Adventure


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Carphone Warehouse Discount Codes July 2020
Check out these exclusive Carphone Warehouse discount codes today. Most Carphone Warehouse Vouchers expire within a few days, so be sure to buy your favorite item and take a discount on your purchase. Limited time promotions and clearance sale at Carphone Warehouse.
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The proud recipient of the Mobile Choice Consumer Awards 2014 and a milieu of several other excellent recognitions, no other online retailer can match the fabulous prices and incredible offers available at Carphone Warehouse. From mobile phones and mobile phone upgrades, to sims, tablets and wearables, there's no dearth to the exciting tech-mania that you're bound to encounter as you browse through the product offerings and services here. Why waste your precious time and efforts comparing the features of different models, or comparing network choices, when everything's available on a platter for you at Carphone Warehouse?
A subsidiary of Dixons Carphone, Carphone Warehouse remains dedicated to exceeding customer expectations, and challenges you to find a cheaper deal with its unflinching Price Promise. With an entire section dedicated to news, tech reviews, online customer support and assistance, you can be rest assured of a hassle-free shopping experience! Save huge amount of money by using the online services voucher available at our site from famous sellers like phones.co.uk.
Save Big With Latest Offers
- Any guesses for the biggest advantage of shopping at Carphone Warehouse? Well, the answer is that all your purchases (that would include mobile phones, Pay Monthly Sim Cards, Free Gifts) worth £50 and above, are delivered free of cost, the very next day!
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The Botswana Stock Exchange Limited (BSEL) has threatened to suspend or delist Choppies, should the retail giant's ongoing failure to submit audited financial results for the year ended June 30 continue.
According to the listing rules, companies on the local exchange are required to publish their financial results no more than three months after the end of the relevant financial reporting period. For Choppies, that period expired on September 30.
October 31 marks the next critical threshold for Choppies. If no results are forthcoming by then, BSEL could move to deliberations on the group's future on the exchange.
Earlier today, the local bourse released a statement warning investors that Choppies was treading on dangerous ground.
"Shareholders are therefore cautioned that the listing of Choppies' securities on the BSEL is under threat of suspension and possible termination," the exchange's listings and trading department said.
Choppies' troubles began on the eve of the recent Independence Day weekend when the BSEL halted trading of its shares and requested clarification on the reasons for a delay in results for the year ended June 30, 2018. Choppies' subsequent clarification triggered a sell-off stampede after the group said its new auditors were reassessing historical figures related to business
Further alarm was raised when Choppies directors, in their clarification statement, could not state when the results would eventually be made available to investors.
"Such reassessments are ongoing, complex by nature and require careful analysis in order to determine the impact on prior and current periods," the directors stated.
According to the BSEL's listing rules on October 3, the local exchange gave Choppies a one-month period within which to release its results or face suspension or termination. Today's warning is in line with a listing rule that states that the BSEL will give the affected counter another warning, two weeks into the one-month warning.
Under tough new listing rules due to take effect on January 1, 2019, Choppies would have been placed on a disciplinary board and fined P500 a day up to a maximum of P150,000, following which processes would move towards suspension or termination.
Terminated counters cannot reapply to list on the BSE.


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Hotel Le Rocroy
Best Rate Guaranteed
- Superb
Score from 481 Review
Why book with GalaHotels.com ?
Recommended rooms
Hotel Le Rocroy Information
General Information
Just a 5-minute walk from Gare du Nord, Hôtel Le Rocroy is ideally located for Eurostar and TGV arrivals. It features contemporary rooms with free WiFi and a meeting room.
The hotel has a breakfast room with exposed stone and an arched ceiling. It serves a buffet every morning with fresh pastries and orange juice. Vending machines also offer a range of drinks and snacks.
The property can also arrange baby-sitting services.
Hotel Location
The hotel is located in quiet street within a few minutes' walking distance from the Gare du Nord railway station and the Eurostar terminal. It is a lively district where guests can find international restaurants and good public transport. Metro station is a few minutes walk with direct acess to Department stores with line 7.
Hotel Room
The rooms at Le Rocroy are air-conditioned and offer a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Each has a work desk and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. All rooms are serviced by a lift.
Hotel Le Rocroy Area
Galeries Lafayette department store and Place République are a 20-minute walk away. Charles de Gaulle Airport is a 45-minute journey from Hôtel Le Rocroy on public transport.
Hotel Le Rocroy Amenities
- wifi wifi-free
- account_balance business centre
- child_friendly baby sitting
- card_travel luggage room
- people meeting room
- live_tv television
- room_service Room Service
- phone telephone
- local_laundry_service laundry
Hotel Le Rocroy Taxes & Fees
Please note that a compulsory city tax is required to be paid by the GUESTS on top of B&A's contracted rates on all booked hotel accommodation in Paris, France. The fees are as follows: - € 4.40 PER PERSON PER NIGHT for stays in 5+ star hotels - € 3.30 PER PERSON PER NIGHT for stays in 5 star hotels - € 2.48 PER PERSON PER NIGHT for stays in 4 star hotels - € 1.65 PER PERSON PER NIGHT for stays in 3 star hotels - € 0.99 PER PERSON PER NIGHT for stays in 2 star hotels - € 0.83 PER PERSON PER NIGHT for stays in 1 star hotels Please note: This tax is to be paid by the GUESTS directly at the hotel before the end of the stay.


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The 8th annual Whisky Distillers Fair takes place today at the Scotch Whisky Experience from 11am. Distillers attending the tasting experience include Dewar's, Tullibardine, Bowmore, Tomatin, Glenfarclaus and Bunnahabain.
As well as the passing of "nippie sweeties" to lips there will, no doubt, be some discussion among imbibers about anticipated UK government legislation in 2008 to protect the Scottish Whisky brand.
In October, the Scotch Whisky Association announced that following "detailed and positive discussions between the SWA, the UK and
Scottish Governments" new legislation would ensure "the highest levels of protection for Scotch Whisky."
Scotch Whisky accounts for exports of £2.5bn a year supporting over
65,000 jobs, according to Gavin Hewitt, Chief Executive of The Scotch
Whisky Association.
Among the proposals five categories of Scotch Whisky would be defined and it would be compulsory to use the
appropriate category name as the sales description on every bottle sold.
The categories are:
- Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
- Single Grain Scotch Whisky
- Blended Grain Scotch Whisky
- Blended Scotch Whisky
The Scotch Whisky Association is hoping that new legislation will give Scotland's distillers greater protection in the use of labelling of Scottish regional terms such as 'Highland', 'Lowland', 'Speyside', 'Campbeltown' and 'Islay' and put an end to labelling that appears to show a whisky coming from a Scottish distillery when in fact it did not come from that distillery at all.
The fair is at the Scotch Whisky Experience from 11am. The tasting event is available free of charge with the purchase of a normal tour ticket.
The Scotch Whisky Experience is also open on New Year's Day.


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Find the best spaces for private parties in Tampere
Klubi 57
Organise an unforgettable birthday dinner in this versatile location. After the dinner show off your moves on the dance floor!
Pyynikin Panimo
This unique venue located in an industrial brewery in the heart of Tampere is perfect for bigger celebrations like anniversaries.
Aleksin vintti, Keskustahuoneisto
Cozy two-storey apartment in the center of Tampere. Invite your friends and take a use of all the cool facilities in this apartment.
Dining 26
Superb restaurant owned by one of Finland's best chefs Arto Rastas. Delicious food and cosy atmosphere.
Ravintola Piha
Sleek and bright interior's of this spacious restaurant located in an industrial building in the heart of Tampere will be perfect for a private party.
Planning a party in Tampere? With a wide selection of different venues like trendy bars, avant-garde nightclubs, unique event venues and portable saunas and boats, Tampere is a great choice if you want to organize an unforgettable party. No matter if you're planning a low-key get-together with your friends over a nice meal or an all-night nightclub extravaganza, on Venuu.fi you'll find a suitable venue for your needs. Here you'll find venues for events like anniversaries, farewell parties, graduations and many more! We've got spaces where you can bring your own food and drinks, as well as venues that can organise catering according to your wishes. On Venuu.fi you'll find different bars, restaurants and clubs for your private party. You can choose an open bar or let your guests pay for themselves. Cheap rents, minimum spends and celebration packages with meals and wine included! Take a look at our party venue selection in Tampere and book a space for your next private party!


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RenalytixAI is a developer of artificial intelligence (AI) enabled clinical diagnostic solutions for kidney disease, one of the most common and costly chronic medical conditions globally. RenalytixAI's solutions are being designed to make significant improvements in kidney disease risk assessment, clinical care and patient stratification for drug clinical trials.
RenalytixAI's technology platform will draw from distinct sources of patient data, including large electronic health records, predictive blood-based biomarkers and other genomic information for analysis by learning computer algorithms. RenalytixAI intends to build a deep, unique pool of kidney disease-related data for different AI-enabled applications designed to improve predictive capability and clinical utility over time.
RenalytixAI is commercializing KidneyIntelXTM, an artificial intelligence in vitro diagnostic product intended to support physician decision making by improving identification, prediction, and risk stratification of patients with progressive kidney disease.
RenalytixAI considers there to be a significant opportunity to deliver quality-assured, regulated, AI-driven product for the chronic kidney disease (CKD) market.


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Research Capabilities
Oct 10, 2018
Interdisciplinary Approach
Interdisciplinarity sparks new ideas and ignites
innovative research.
16+X Research Alliances
Research Units
A stro...
Research Units
Interdisciplinary Research Alliances
International College
Schools & Colleges
Maps & Directions
Terms of Use / Privacy
Graduate School, Zhejiang University
Tel: +86-571-87951395
Email: email@example.com
866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. ChinaCopyright  © 2018 Graduate School, Zhejiang University. All rights reserved.
Seeking Truth, Pursuing Innovation.


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Any unexplained muscle pain, swelling, or mere discomfort, especially in theory the chest, abdomen or my stomach, joints, or muscles that develops after taking Dalteparin or any prescription medication warrants a call to your doctor. More girls than against boys develop a prolonged bleeding from cuts in reaction to taking prescription of medicine.
First, Pazopanib can cause the prolonged bleeding from cuts, and this is computed very common. For the first hour of this experience, I felt the warm film and pleasing sound effects of the dangerous substance, but soon after that a fleet strong feeling of numbness or tingling in the face, arms, or legs suddenly became overwhelming.
Other antiarrhythmic drugs that tenders may be prescribed for two persistent numbness or tingling occurs in the face, arms, or legs and include opioids and Endometrin. One comparative study showed that transdermal drug restricted in some countries significantly alleviated chronic dimpling smile of the breast skin in opioid nave patients.
There may anyhow be a sudden concern and marked increase in oold blood pressure and heart rate if the adrenaline, noradrenaline or controlled drug are frequendy given by injection to people continued using Magaldrate. This useful review analyzes the effectiveness and drug receptor interactions between Bosutinib sodium and preparation to be when used with care.
I take Sulfamethoxazole and Bosutinib when it gets really bad. Some antipsychotic medications, including Eemt, certain that antibiotics and some antidepressants and administer sedatives, may considerably aggravate dimpling smiles of the breast skin. The plan was object to give makes me Magaldrate and Lisdexamfetamine for 48 hours, long but enough for the boys to get two steroid injections needed for their lung development via which a giant hypodermic needle in my hip.


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18 December 2018
Victor Maygurov: "I don't see any insurmountable obstacles in the reinstatement procedure of RBU"
More than a month has passed since the official delegation of the International Biathlon Union (IBU) headed by President Olle Dahlin held meetings in the Olympic Committee with the leadership of the Russian Biathlon Union (RBU), the head of the Russian Olympic Committee Stanislav Pozdnyakov and the leadership of RUSADA.
At the time 12 criteria were announced for the return to the status of a fully valid member of the IBU. The changes that have taken place during this time were presented to the ROC Information Service by the Vice-President of RBU Viktor Maygurov after today's meeting of RBU and IBU working groups in Moscow.
"Today's meeting was devoted to a detailed discussion of the criteria that we had previously thoroughly studied and worked out together with colleagues from ROC, the Ministry of Sport and RUSADA," said Viktor Maygurov. "The representatives of IBU were interested in our opinion on various interpretations and what required clarification from our side," he added.
– Did you reach a consensus?
– Of course. Now we have a clear understanding of all the conditions for official reinstatement. We have outlined a roadmap and in the middle of January we will present the first interim report, which will be considered at the next meeting of the IBU Executive Committee on January 30.
– What assistance does the Olympic Committee of Russia provide in this regard?
– On the part of ROC and the Ministry of Sport we get maximum support. In particular, the ROC Legal Department carried out a legal review of the reinstatement criteria.
– Who represented the IBU today?
– The organization's general secretary, Martin Küchenmeister and member of the Executive Committee, Franz Steinle. Our side was represented by me and the executive director of RBU Sergei Golikov, as well as representatives of RUSADA.
– Was the incident with our biathlonists at the start of the second stage of the World Cup in Hochfilzen discussed?
– No, it wasn't. All the issues related to the Austrian police raid were discussed and resolved earlier.
– How do you assess the chances of RBU to be fully reinstated?
– As of today, insurmountable obstacles for this do not exist. We expect that next year in autumn, the Executive Committee of IBU will make such a recommendation to Congress.


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Maple Lane Elementary School has four before and after-care programs that provide services to parents and students. If your family needs before care between the hours of 7:00 am to 8:35 am and/or after care for your student(s) are the end of the school day at 3:20pm, the programs and phone numbers are listed below.
Boys and Girls Club- 302-792-1882
Maple Lane Before and After Care- 302-792-3906. Please call us May 1st at 8:00am so we can place your name in our waiting list!
Foulk Childcare- 302-562-6278
Thirst to Learn Childcare- 302-475-7080


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September 26, 2018Press Release
Matthew Naunheim, MD, MBA, Joins Mass. Eye and Ear Laryngology Division
Media Contact
Mass. Eye and Ear Communications
Boston, Mass. — Matthew Naunheim, MD, MBA, a fellowship-trained laryngologist specializing in voice, airway, laryngeal cancer and swallowing disorders, has recently joined the Laryngology Division of Mass. Eye and Ear. He is currently accepting new patients at Mass. Eye and Ear's main campus (243 Charles Street, Boston).
"Mass. Eye and Ear provides the best care anywhere for ear, nose and throat conditions," Dr. Naunheim said. "I am honored to be able to share my expertise with this community."
Dr. Naunheim earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and his MBA from Harvard Business School. He subsequently completed his residency training in otolaryngology at Mass. Eye and Ear/Harvard Medical School, followed by fellowship training in laryngology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
In his research activities at Mass. Eye and Ear, Dr. Naunheim studies patient quality-of-life outcomes in surgery using advanced valuation techniques to quantitatively assess patient preferences. His past work has used these techniques to establish tradeoffs between risk of complication, likelihood of surgical success and postoperative voice quality for laryngo-tracheal surgery. These innovations all have the potential to directly impact the practice of laryngology by providing a better understanding of patient preferences.
To make an appointment with Dr. Naunheim, request one online or call 617-573-4402.
About Massachusetts Eye and Ear
Massachusetts Eye and Ear, founded in 1824, is an international center for treatment and research and a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. Specializing in ophthalmology (eye care) and otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (ear, nose and throat care), Mass. Eye and Ear clinicians provide care ranging from the routine to the very complex. Also home to the world's largest community of hearing and vision researchers, Mass. Eye and Ear has pioneered new treatments for blindness, deafness and diseases of the head and neck. Our scientists are driven by a mission to discover the basic biology underlying these conditions and to develop new treatments and cures. In the 2018-2019 "Best Hospitals Survey," U.S. News & World Report ranked Mass. Eye and Ear #4 in the nation for eye care and #6 for ear, nose and throat care. For more information about life-changing care and research at Mass. Eye and Ear, please visit our blog, Focus, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.


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I stayed up until 1am last night finishing reading Mad Kestrel by Misty Massey -- a rousing pirate romp about a girl pirate with a touch of magic negotiating through the crooked paths of stolen ships and untrustworthy shipmates.
I don't get to read a lot of books...all my extra time is spent with the kids, writing, or sleeping...but I took out the time to read this one and really enjoyed it. The book was lots of fun. I recommend it strongly.
What amused me most about the experience; however, was that when I was done, I was able to write a whole sentence describing the heroine, the hero, and the plot that could describe either Mad Kestrel or my Prospero Books equally well. I won't reproduce the sentence here because it contains spoilers for Mad Kestrel, though I don't think I'm giving too much away to say that both our heroines have to deal with gorgeous men they don't trust whose eyes change color -- what are the chances of that.
I've noticed this phenomena, story ideas, or scientific ones, showing up simultaneously in different places. Makes me wonder if, once we finally break the barrier between ourselves and the world of Imagination -- where inspiration comes from -- if we won't find that they send ideas down by loud speaker...allowing a whole number of people to hear them at once in the hopes that at least one will pick it up.
Wonder to what purpose the muses hoped to put multiple books with color changing eyes?


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Highlights: The ideal tour for people on a short visit: the only way to see everything, covering the distances and avoiding the queues. Visit all the best sites in Barcelona by combining The Gaudi Tour and The Montjuic & Panoramic Tour.
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Calling all Alki 3rd, 4th and 5th grade Thespians! Register soon for Shrek Jr!
Alki PTA's mission is to provide enrichment opportunities to ALL Alki students who wish to participate. The fee for student participation in the musical is $100 per student. If a full scholarship is needed please register your student under the "Scholarship Registration" tab. All registration fees and scholarships are confidential.
Interested in joining the Musical Committee? Please contact email@example.com.
Forms & Information:
- Audition Form (Simply Download, Fill out, Print, & Bring to the Parent Meeting)
- Register your student
- Signup for Mandatory Parent Meeting
- Shrek Information Packet
- Musical Schedule
- Audition Materials (packet, music, scripts)
- Signup Genius to Volunteer (all parents are required to volunteer)


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Only a quarter of South African retirees are expected to be able to maintain their standard of living in retirement, according to research released on Thursday.
The two main reasons for this dismal statistic are retirement fund members cashing in on their savings after retrenchment or resignation, and apathy towards making provision for their own retirement.
These are some of the key findings of the 2015 Sanlam Benchmark Survey, a comprehensive annual review of South Africa's retirement industry. Now in its 34th year, the survey polled over 1,000 retirement fund members, pensioner, trustees, employer representatives and principal officers.
"The survey results indicated that many people are not aware of the tax implications of non-preservation (49% of members surveyed), nor do they fully understand the impact on their retirement outcomes (45%)," said Sanlam Employee Benefits marketing strategist Mayuri Reddy.
Of the 42% of members invested in their fund's default investment portfolio, the majority (70%) did so because they trusted the trustees of the fund to make sound investment choices. But 87% said they had not voted for the trustees, and 75% could not name a fund trustee.
The second most common reason members gave for investing in the default portfolio was to achieve growth, but they were not overly concerned with exactly how they were invested. Furthermore, 72% never come back to reconsider their initial decisions regarding their retirement benefit options.
Read: South Africa among the worst countries to retire in
Stand-out findings from the member survey include:
- 77% of members who withdrew from a fund due to retrenchment or resignation took some or all of their retirement benefit in cash. 63% used some of this cash to reduce debt, while 33% also used some of their benefit for daily living expenses.
- Only 2 in every 10 members know what their fund's stated target pension is, however 60% of funds have this in place.
- Only one third of female members have considered that they may live longer in retirement than their male counterparts, and only 15% have considered how earning a lower salary than their male counterparts may effect their retirement savings adequacy.
- 56% of married couples or couples living together plan for retirement together, while 31% plan separately but discuss it together.
- On average, members are planning to retire around age 58, despite the average retirement age of funds being 61.
- 36% of members (up from 25% in 2014 and 21% in 2013) have no other personal savings aside from their retirement savings.
- 85% of members would not opt out of compulsory savings through their retirement fund if given the option, and similarly 89% would not reduce their current contribution rates if given the option, indicating an appreciation of this benefit.
Key take-outs from the pensioner study include:
- Of the pensioners who had withdrawn from a retirement fund through resignation or retrenchment from their previous employer, 74% took some or all of their retirement benefit in cash.
- 57% of pensioners who did not preserve their retirement benefits at withdrawal used it to reduce debt, while 43% of pensioners are still paying off debt in retirement.
- 54% of pensioners indicated that they regretted the decision to withdraw, and 41% said they could have considered an alternative option.
- 66% of pensioners still have either adult or child dependents who rely on them financially.
- On average, pensioners first received financial advice on retirement 10.5 years before retirement.
- Only 24% were advised to consider converting their risk benefits from a group policy to an individual life policy at retirement (in order to benefit from possible preferential rates).
- 44% sought retirement advice from their financial adviser or broker, while 41% turned to their employer or HR officer for advice.
- 62% experienced a reduction in income at the point of retirement, and only 43% believe they have sufficient capital to last for the rest of their lives.
More on South Africa
South Africa among the worst countries to retire in
More South Africans want to leave the country
How much money the average South African is worth


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IPRO Webinar - NYSDOH Quality Initiative: Coverdell Stroke Quality Improvement and Registry Program
Nancy Leveille and Karen Morris in Clinical & Quality
The IPRO Care Transitions Project Team is pleased to invite you to participate in a Learning Session webinar on Thursday, June 12, 2014 from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM on the NYS Department of Health Quality Initiative/Coverdell Stroke Quality Improvement and Registry Program: An Overview With Considerations in Care Transition for the Acute Stroke Patient with expert speaker Anna Colello, Esq., Director, Regulatory Compliance, Cardiac Services Program.
NYS Department of Health Quality Initiative/Coverdell Stroke Quality Improvement and Registry Program Information
Through the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Registry (PCNASR), the CDC has provided funding and technical assistance to states to develop, implement, and enhance systems for collecting data on patients experiencing an acute stroke, to help analyze these data, and to use those results to guide quality improvement interventions for acute stroke care. One of their goals is to encourage the development of statewide systems of care for stroke patients through coordination with emergency medical services and collaboration among statewide partners, including post-acute care providers.
In New York, the CDC Coverdell Grant supports activity in the area of partnership development, sustainability, data reporting, data quality assurance and quality improvement. The program represents collaboration between the Department of Health's Office of Quality and Patient Safety and the Bureau of Evaluation and Research within the Division of Chronic Disease Prevention. The foundation of this program is the existing Stroke Quality Initiative known as the NYS Stroke Designation Program. This program, in existence since 2004, requires hospitals to provide 24/7 services in ED, ICU and Stroke Unit, labs, radiology and neurosurgery either on site or through a transfer agreement. It relies on skilled and experienced staff and education of EMS, patient/family and outreach to the community, as well as, quality assurance and data collection.
Efforts are being made to work with pre and post hospital providers and it is anticipated that future funding through the CDC Coverdell program will be sought to improve those areas of care.
Please find the attached Fax-back Registration Form to register for the webinar. Information on access to the webinar and handout materials will be forwarded to the registrants prior to the 6/12/2014 webinar. This program is offered free of charge and will be recorded and posted to the IPRO Care Transitions website following the event.
|Nancy Leveille, RN, MS
Sr. Director, Member Operational Support
518-462-4800 x20
|Karen Morris, RN, MS
Director, Clinical & Quality Services
518-462-4800 x15


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Hadrian's Wall Path Guidebooks and Maps
RambleFest displays the best Hadrian's Wall guidebooks and maps, and provides the facility for buying them online
Click on an image below for more information on Hadrian's Wall Path guidebooks and maps, and the option of buying online:
The Trailblazer Hadrian's Wall Path guidebook is an all-in-one guide to walking Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail. Includes:
"* 59 large-scale walking maps, 8 town plans, 6 stage maps and 1 overview map
* Places to stay with reviews – campsites, hostels, B&Bs, pubs, hotels
* Places to eat with reviews – cafes, teashops, pubs, restaurants, takeways
* Attractions along the way, history
* Detailed public transport information showing access points on the path
* GPS Waypoints.
* Ideal for walking the complete path, and for weekend and day walks.
* 32 pages colour and extra colour mapping for each stage of the walk.
* The information is written onto the maps, so walking directions, tricky junctions, places to stay and eat, points of interest and waking times are all written onto the maps themselves in the places to which they apply. These are not general purpose maps but fully-edited maps drawn by walkers for walkers."
– Hadrian's Wall Path (Trailblazer British Walking Guide)
The National Trail Hadrian's Wall Path guidebook is:
"Comprehensive, this is the only companion you need to walk this well-loved path. Since it opened in 2003, Hadrian's Wall Path has become one of Britain's most popular long-distance paths. Its 84 miles are a convenient week's walking, shadowing for the most part the historic line of Hadrian's Wall in its spectacular progress across the superbly wild landscape of the north of England.
Starting in what used to be Tyneside's shipbuilding heart, and joining Newcastle in the east with Carlisle in the west, it takes you via the extraordinary Roman forts of Vindolanda and Housesteads, close to handsome towns like Hexham and Corbridge, to finish on the lonely shores of the Solway Firth with views of Scotland."
– Hadrian's Wall Path: National Trail Guide (National Trail Guides)
"The 84-mile Hadrian's Wall Path is one of the UK's most visited National Trails, it runs the length of the Roman Wall from Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria to Wallsend, Newcastle. The trail is presented in 10 stages, with suggestions for five and eight-day itineraries. It is suitable for beginners, although a reasonable level of fitness is required if doing it as a multi-day trek.
* A separate map booklet of 1:25,000 scale OS maps shows the full route. Clear step-by-step route descriptions in the guide are illustrated by 1:100,000 OS map extracts. The route description links together with the map booklet at each stage along the way, and the compact format is conveniently sized for slipping into a jacket pocket or the top of a rucksack.~
* The route is described both west to east and east to west, and the guidebook also features extensions to Maryport on the far west coast of Cumbria and to South Shields on the east coast.
* This full-colour guidebook contains a wealth of information on the history of the Wall, and a range of practical information for walkers, from accommodation and itinerary planning, to details on public transport and refreshments."
– Hadrian's Wall Path guidebook (Cicerone Walking Guide)
Of the Hadrian's Wall Path guidebooks, especially recommended is the Trailblazer guidebook (the first guidebook displayed): it has 1:20,000 scale hand-drawn maps and is packed with information.
The National Trail guide is not so packed with information, but it has the relevant sections of the Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 Explorer maps.
Cicerone have really upped their game recently, and their book is well worth considering.
Your choice, but we advise buying two, as one complements the other, and the extra cost is nothing compared to the cost of the walk.
Hadrian's Wall Path Maps
Four Ordnance Survey "Explorer" maps cover the Path, but if two of the recommended Hadrian's Wall Path Guidebooks are bought there should not be a problem with navigation. Instead of the four OS maps, we display alternative maps which cover the whole route, one of which is at a scale of 1:25,000 scale, the same as the Ordnance Survey maps.
"The A-Z Adventure Series of maps combines the best of OS and A-Z, creating the perfect companion for walkers, off-road cyclists, horse riders and anyone wishing to explore the great outdoors. Hadrian's Wall Path is a National Trail which follows the line of Hadrian's Wall from coast-to-coast. The 84 mile (135km) path weaves through beautiful countryside, encountering historic remains of Roman forts and milecastles, splendid bridges, views from the Whin Sill escarpment and Solway salt marshes. Starting in Wallsend in Newcastle and ending in Bowness-on-Solway, the route on the map is clearly highlighted in yellow with mileage markers added to gauge distances when planning sections of the walk to enjoy. This official National Trail Map of Hadrian's Wall Path features 38 pages of continuous Ordnance Survey 1:25000 mapping, providing complete coverage of the Hadrian's Wall Path. The atlas includes a route planner showing distances between places and the amenities available, featuring: Information Centres, Hotels/B&Bs, Youth Hostels, Campsites (seasonal opening), Public Houses, Shops, Restaurants, Cafes (seasonal opening) and Petrol Stations. Also featured is advice on safety and security when walking and a selection of QR codes linked to useful websites, including temporary route updates from the National Trails, regional information, map reading advice and weather reports. Unlike the original OS sheets, this A-Z Adventure Atlas includes a comprehensive index to towns, villages, hamlets and locations, natural features, nature reserves, car parks and youth hostels, making it easy to find the required location quickly. Each index entry has a page reference and a six figure National Grid Reference. With a book size of 240mm x 134mm it is the same size as the standard folded OS map."
Ordnance Survey provide the service of online maps, which you can use on all your devices. Costs around £20 – £25 per year for all maps across the UK for a year. Great value. The path is marked by name on the relevant "Explorer" maps. Click on the link:
Ordnance Survey Maps Online


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Syria, once a popular tourist destination, is now one of the most dangerous places in the world. In early 2011, Syrian society was pull to pieces by brutal violence, in what quickly turned into an armed conflict that has killed civilians on a horrendous scale and continues to force millions of people to flee their homes. People in Need was one of the first international humanitarian organisations to respond to the crisis in Syria, starting operations there in 2012. We currently reach an average of 230,000 people each month, through a range of interventions.
Even after many years of war, the security situation in Northern Syria has yet to stabilise. One in every two people have fled their homes, 50% of basic infrastructure in the country is no longer functional, and five million people are relying on humanitarian aid as a "critical" lifeline. Market prices have soared, people are out of work and the country has been looted and laid to waste. One in two people have been forced to leave their homes, many of whom no longer have access to basic food items, drinking water, shelter, education or employment opportunities. Even for those who have remained in their homes, the long-term loss of job opportunities has been devastating, and the continuous fighting and bombing has visibly damaged the local infrastructure.
In Syria we distribute basic food items and food vouchers to those most in need, and provide emergency hygiene kits to displaced families. We help out in schools by supporting local teachers, students and their parents; we strive to improve the quality of lessons; and we ensure psychosocial support to help conflict-affected children and their families build their resilience. We support agriculture and the restoration of additional sources of livelihoods, including public work opportunities (e.g., cash for work). We repair public water wells and networks, rehabilitate and extend sewage systems, and build landfills. The purpose of our efforts is to provide long-term, sustainable assistance and to help the local community to be able to cope with the effects of the conflict on their own.


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Page 11 of 13
Management Reporting Options
Do you know how many calls you are getting? Do you know how they are being handled or who is handling them?
LCC Horizon offers a number of key measurements through its reporting section. However, there is a growing requirement for more in-depth call management reporting and wall board integration to help organisations gain a real-time understanding of calls. Using Akixi, the leading hosted call-management service provider, you can now get a data feed for your LCC Horizon service, which will let you export the statistics you need to help manage your business.
Additional benefits available by using Akixi
- No server on site – Enables multi-site monitoring and supports business continuity
- Real-time stats – Provides wall boards with real-time call-traffic information and alarms to ensure critical routes into the business are constantly monitored
- Accessible from any internet-enabled device – Use the service via traditional desktop devices or monitor on the go through your mobile
- Push reporting and alarms – Customisable push reporting and alarms to ensure business-critical metrics are always available
- Cradle-to-grave reporting – Monitor a call throughout its path with visibility of every divert leg and call detail, easily and accurately segmented for identification
- Track after-hours calls – Highlight suspicious activity or unauthorised calling
- Abandoned call recovery – Missed a call? See instantly if it has been returned
- Activity and extension activity monitoring – Quickly and easily monitor key extension or call routes to ensure maximum efficiency
By using management reporting you can
- Instantly see what needs to be changed to improve customer service
- Monitor time to answer and manage calls more efficiently
- Analyse internal call patterns
- See how many calls are being abandoned with the ability to return them
- Optimise resources by ensuring the right number of operators is in place at all times


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Puzzle Cufflinks Inverted
The Style For the intelligent problem solver with his game face on. Puzzle Cufflinks are simple and stylish and make for an interesting accent to a man's appearance. Both sides of the cufflink have been made in the shape of a puzzle piece and are smoothly rounded out from every edge. Another set of puzzle cufflinks is offered with the puzzle pieces reversed. By design, these cufflinks have no moving parts like bullets that can sometimes break or get loose.


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At lawn Wranglers we do our very best to work around the curve balls Mother Nature throws at us in the St. Louis area. As a general rule we do not do applications during heavy rains, However there are days when it may rain before or after an application of weed control/Fertilizer. We have seen great weed control results on the majority of applications we have completed that were closely followed by rainfall; we encourage all of our customers to wait 10-14 days to see the results of any application. If a service call is needed to retreat weeds just give us a call and we will set one up free of charge.
Lawn Wranglers, Inc. | Belleville Lawn Care & Landscaping
Phone: 618.236.8900
912 South Belt West
Belleville, IL 62220
912 South Belt West
Belleville, IL 62220


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I've been obsessing over floral and polka dot nails lately, you know, ever since I learned how to do them. In between scrubbing the heck out of the grout in our master bathroom, watching the Laker game, washing three loads of laundry, and prepping dinners for the week, I managed to sit down and do my nails… right before I washed the dishes. I messed up my tips a little in case you couldn't tell which I'm sure you can. Note to self: be sure my nails are COMPLETELY dry before doing dishes.
Left to Right: Kiss in White, Revlon in Eclectic, Finger Paints in Don't make a Scene, Sinful Colors in Starfish, Sinful Colors in Candy Coated, and Sally Hansen in Golden-I
Last week, Walgreens had a great sale on Sinful Colors nail polish (only 99 cents each!) so I made a couple trips to pick some up, including a few from the Spring 2013 Collections Sugar Rush and Almost Famous. I'll be back a little later to share which of those I got (one of them was used in this nail look).
Happy Monday!


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He allegedly provoked dog until it bit him, then killed the animal
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 5 for a Rochester man charged with killing a dog owned by a woman he lived with in retaliation for the dog biting him.
Jay Hoppe, 51, made his initial appearance in Racine County Circuit Court on Tuesday where a commissioner found probable cause a crime was committed and set cash bond at $5,000.
Hoppe is charged with felony mistreatment of animals with use of a dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct. Both charges include domestic abuse assessments that could increase the penalty if he is convicted.
Investigators with the Racine County Sheriff's Office contend Hoppe admitted choking and then shooting to death an English mastiff named Mack because the dog bit him, according to the criminal complaint.
The incident occurred at the residence in the 28000 block of Washington Avenue in Rochester he shares with the woman who owns the dog. According to the complaint, the woman was attempting to rehabilitate the dog, which had been abused in the past.
She told deputies Hoppe began handling the dog aggressively. She believed he was intentionally trying to provoke the dog and told him to leave the animal alone, the complaint states.
At one point, she told deputies, the dog growled and attempted to get away from Hoppe, but Hoppe grabbed the dog and pulled it back.
According to the complaint, the woman saw Hoppe with a bloody lip and saw the dog running away. Hoppe then caught the dog and began to choke it. The woman separated the Hoppe and the dog, but Hoppe was irate and yelled that the dog "has to go!"
The complaint contends the woman then began an audio recording of the incident, which captured sounds of Hoppe yelling and punching holes in the walls of the residence.
Hoppe then allegedly told the woman he was going to "put the dog down" and she began pleading with him not to shoot the dog. Hoppe also said that if the woman attempted to take Mack away he would kill one of her other two dogs, the complaint contends.
The woman then attempted to gather up all her dogs and leave the residence. However, when she put Mack in her truck Hoppe allegedly pulled the dog out. Deputies could hear the woman on the audio recording pleading with Hoppe to stop, according to the complaint, but he is heard to say that he is going to "kill that dog" and he is "going to put a bullet in its head."
In the meantime, Hoppe allegedly called a friend to come and get his gun for him, the complaint contends.
The victim left with her other dogs and later received text messages from Hoppe telling her the dog, Mack, was "gone."
Deputies found the dead dog at the end of the driveway of the residence.
For more Racine County Court news see this week's editions of the Waterford Post, Burlington Standard Press or Westine Report.


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Are you in this situation? All's well in the world; you have plenty of work coming in, and money in the bank to pay the bills you have. So many of us travel like that; we operate on a day to day basis, the sun is out, the sky is blue. We assume that the work coming in will meet our cash flow requirements.
But what if there are problems ahead, around the next corner on the road we are travelling? We can't see ahead, there's a thick fog blanketing the road, we can't see where we are going. We look at the dashboard; we know how fast we're travelling, and how much fuel is left in the tank (bank), but not much more.
One problem with focusing on the job in hand is that we lose focus on promoting our business, and the ongoing sales we need, particularly if Murphy strikes, and the job in hand requires extra attention and effort.
But there is more to that fog around the corner than that. Have you ever been in a very thick fog; "like a giant eraser moving indiscriminately to eradicate what was once there into something that's not", it blankets you, you lose your sense of direction, you have no clues on where you are no matter which way you turn, even sound is deadened, "swallowed by the greedy beast".
Is your business like that, you don't know where you are, how you are travelling, or even whether you are heading in the right direction?
The road to success is paved with good information. Good information disperses the fog, and gives you a clear view of your world.
And that is the problem we have in our business. We don't necessarily have a clear view of what is happening. Sometimes the problem is pretty obvious, like a leaking tap. A particular line or activity is obviously costing you money. If we can see it, we can do something about it. But what about the times when you don't know profits are leaking. You don't know until you get the quarterly, or half yearly or, even worse, the annual figures. Because by then, it is too late. The profits have leaked.
Sure, you might then plug the leak, but what is gone is gone.
Are there aspects of your business which are not doing as well as they should? Hidden leaks. Are you in markets which don't perform as well as others you could be in? Is your level of enquiry slowly declining, and what about the success rate of quotes to sales?
Do you know your true Cost of Sales? If you don't, I'd be willing to bet you are not covering all those costs, and are writing them off against overheads, not recovering them against the sale.
The problem could be anywhere.
So here are some clues about information which will help disperse the fog, but not in any particular priority. Hopefully one or two of them will really resonate with you.
1. Information enables you to make smart decisions about how to grow your business. Relying on PHOGy thinking (Prophesy, Hearsay, Gut Feelings) is one thing, but studies show informed decision making is more likely to be right. So is the information you need available; I'm looking at more than just KPIs.
2. Do your financial statements give you the information you need to lift the fog? Studies show the less regularly you review and analyse these, the greater the probability of business failure.
3. How do you know if your current business strategy is working and viable, if you haven't the right information? If you are not growing each month or if you have profit leaks, it is important to find out quickly so you can make some changes before it is too late.
4. Information certainly helps cash flow management; knowing what is coming, and when.
5. Spending money and effort on activities, products and services that just don't contribute is a waste; the 80/20 rule always applies – 80% of your sales, and profits, will come from 20% of your products and services. And the reverse applies. Wouldn't it be useful to know which they are?
6. Excellent businesses have access to excellent information – they make better decisions, more focused decisions, and quicker decisions
So pave the road to success with good information, and you won't be fog-bound.
When clients approach me for coaching, clients with businesses that are underperforming despite the crippling hours and effort the owner is putting into them, it is not just marketing that is holding them back. They so often lack a management mindset, and lack control over their business. Eight times out of ten that lack of control comes down to a lack of knowledge of what is happening in the business.
For more than 28 years I've been helping small business owners plug the profit leaks in their business and restoring their cash flows by assisting them understand the information they need to have control over their business, how to manage and analyse it, and how to answer that critical question – WHY IS IT SO?
If you would like to discuss with me how you might do that, book a Strategy Consult here.
© Copyright 2016 Adam Gordon, The Profits Leak Detective
Some profit losses are pretty obvious - so you fix them.
BUT, what if you don't know profits are leaking, cash out the door?
Possible leaks could be anywhere.
Are there some clues or symptoms that are tell-tales?


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The Good Place gets an early renewal as NBC picks up the show for a third season
The Good Place has been a critical success for NBC and now the comedy series has been picked up for a third season. The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that the show will be back for another thirteen episodes.
The show, which is available on Netflix here in the UK, is currently on its mid-season break. It stars Kristen Bell, Ted Danson, William Jackson Harper, Jameela Jamil, Manny Jacinto and D'Arcy Carden and centres around Bell's character Eleanor who arrives in Heaven and tries to hide the fact that she doesn't deserve to be there.
That summary doesn't do The Good Place justice though and it is worth checking the series out on Netflix UK. The first season and half of season two are available to watch here.