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All our special stamp sets availabe to order or buy now
Beautifully painted by David Miller, the Mint Stamps feature ten sustainable fish species: Herring, Red Gurnard, Dab, Pouting and Cornish Sardine; and five threatened species: Common Skate, Spiny Dogfish, Wolffish, Sturgeon and Conger Eel.Code AS07A
The Mint Stamps feature six contemporary photographs of Working Horses performing therapeutic, ceremonial, environmental, draught and police duties; all brought to you in pristine condition. Code AS968
The six Spring Blooms Post & Go Stamps are printed in a vertical strip and overprinted with First Class values. They are brought to you on a carrier complete with fascinating facts about each of these beautiful but in some cases declining species.Code ZS027
12 Mint Stamps , each one featuring original images from our chosen TV programmes. Made even more charming and collectable by the fact that each character is breaking out of the standard stamp format.Code AS953
The third and final set of the Post & Go British Farm Animals series takes a look at cattle and features six breeds.Code ZS017
Printed in a sheetlet and overprinted with First Class values, the Stamps come to you on a card complete with details of each breed.Code ZS005
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Your location is set for Ashburn, VA,
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Owning a condo or a townhome can be a rewarding experience, but sometimes things can go wrong. Your pipes can freeze. Your toaster oven can catch fire. And there's always the possibility of theft.
That's where Allstate Condo Insurance comes in. We help protect you, your belongings, and your friends and family.
Make sure you've got the right protection. Make it Allstate.
Allstate's Condominium Insurance provides coverage that protect you, your condo or townhome, and your belongings:
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Safeguards the possessions inside your condo or townhome, such as furniture, electronics, clothes, and more.
Liability Protection
Helps cover you if someone sues you after being injured on your property.
Guest Medical Protection
Helps if someone incurs medical expenses from an injury suffered on your property.
Reimbursed Living Expenses
Helps you recover money for living costs if a covered loss makes your home uninhabitable. Such expenses typically include food, a temporary place to live, and more.
Building Property Protection
Covers belongings such as cabinetry and appliances that aren't typically considered personal property. (Talk to your agent to calculate an appropriate amount of coverage.)
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Protects you for the purchase price of lost items at the time of the claim.
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Helps pay for your share of a loss assessment if your condo association imposes an assessment on all unit owners.
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Customers often have questions about Allstate Condo Insurance. Here are some answers for the most common questions.
Protecting your family and assets is a top priority, which is why people have insurance. But what happens […]
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According to FEMA, fire deaths in the United States have been declining steadily over the course of the past […]
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Home » Software Development » Tool & Editor » 8085 simulator 3.0.1 » Free Trial Download
Top downloads of Tool & Editor
8085 simulator 3.0.1 - Free download
8085 Simulator has a very user friendly interface and Now the ver 3.0.1 is out
Downloading locations for 8085 simulator 3.0.1
- Vbs To Exe 1.1Vbs To Exe converts VBScript files into executables.
- Form Extractor 1.5A decompiler tool for any application created using Delphi or C++ Builder.
- Freeware XMLFox XML Editor 5.1.19XMLFox is a validating XML editor, available as a desktop application
- Guiffy SureMerge Windows 9.6Guiffy is a visual file compare, diff merge and folder compare tool for Windows
- PilotEdit Lite 6.2.0An amazing file editor capable of editing large files
- Help Generator for Visual Studio 2008 4.0Help Generator and help editor to add Help to your applications easily.
- VS.Php for Visual Studio 2005 126.96.36.19928VS.Php is the php editor for Visual Studio 2005 developers
- BitDiffer 126.96.36.199Assembly Comparison Tool for .NET DLL and EXE files to compare builds
- GPS-Simulator 2.2simulates GPS NMEA 0183 data via serial port, bluetooth or network
- NDRZilla NDR viewer 1.5NDRZilla, NDR viewer, Open Rave NDR files, view, print and export NDR files
- Freeware Visual Studio 11 NET Obfuscator 5.2.07Freeware Visual Studio 11 .NET Obfuscator is free .NET code protection tool
- CodePorting C#2Java Visual Studio Addin 1.0Using CodePorting Visual Studio Addin allows converting C# code to Java.
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- Guiffy eXpert Linux 10.0Guiffy is a visual file compare, diff merge and folder compare tool for Linux
- Guiffy eXpert MacOS X 10.0Guiffy is a visual file compare, diff merge and folder compare tool for MacOSX
- » Software Development
- » MP3 & Audio
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- » Desktop Enhancement
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CrossFit HQ Level 1 Trainers Certification
September 28, 2013 – September 29, 2013 all-day
via CrossFit.com
"The Level 1 Trainer Certificate Course introduces the mechanical, conceptual, and theoretical foundations of CrossFit. Additionally, there will be "break out' sessions for demonstration and practical application of the 9 Foundational Movements. The lectures, demonstrations, presentations, and breakouts all serve to indoctrinate participants with CrossFit's conceptual underpinnings, while the workouts serve to reinforce/drive home the application. Events rotate approximately hourly for the duration making for two long days."
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Welcome To Spirit HalloweenX
Thank you for signing up to receive Spirit Halloween emails!
You will now be eligible to receive special email offers and discounts.
So Much Fun It's Scary! - Only Days Until HALLOWEEN!
Officer Armbiter Adult Womens CostumeLay down the law while you can in this Officer Armbiter adult womens costume. The tan police-inspired button-front dress of this womens zombie costume features blood-spatter and tatters. A black tie and black fingerless gloves complete this womens cop costume.
Average Rating: 4.2
(11 Reviews)
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Aisha's Q & A
If you could do a shot of Jose Cuervo with anyone -- dead or alive -- who would it be?
Tequila makes my clothes fall off! Seriously though probably Siddhartha Gautama. But I don't think he drank.
Favorite Sport/Team
Favorite Movie/Actor
Movie - Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Actor - Jason Statham
Go-to karaoke song
anything country
My first job
Basketball coach
Piercings/Tattoos (How many? Where?)
Ears pierced once, tattoo on inner lip - "AH-SHUM" (awesome)
Mac or PC?
Definitely a mac! I don't understand how anyone could use anything else.
Nintendo, Xbox 360, PS3, or don't game?
Wii! Wii fit is probably the most amazing invention ever...it's how I stay flexible and do my yoga :)
What fun fact, talent or superpower of yours should guys know about?
I love cats. I love every kind of cat. I just want to hug all them, but I can't. :(
What's the most memorable pick up line you've ever heard?
Are you a terrorist? Cuz you're the bomb!
What's the craziest thing you've ever done?
Crazy is in my nature so I could list so many things. I guess the most impressive would be drunk skinny dipping at night across an entire lake to get to some cliffs to jump off of. I suck at swimming so I thought I was going to die. We finally made it and realized we landed at some random dangerous rocks and not the cliffs we were thinking of. I almost died again. Needless to say some sketchy fishermen got quite a show that night.
What's the most unusual place you've ever hooked up? How'd it go?
A lady doesn't kiss and tell ;)
What's in your purse or pocket right now?
Wallet, tampons...the usual girly stuff.
What do you feel most comfortable wearing?
Nothing!! I wish I could be naked all the time! Anyone who says different is a liar.
Would you rather have boring sex all the time or an amazing romp once a year?
Amazing romp once a year! If it's not mind blowing I'm better off with myself.


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Arrives FRESH in a gift box, ready to enjoy. Smiles shipped to their door. Details
Whether it?s brightening up the garden or bringing added curb appeal to the block, the Redbud is one of the most striking of all flowering trees. In early Spring each limb will be covered in blankets of rosy pink and magenta blooms, which later morph into rich bronze to reddish-purple leaves. A truly original gift for milestone celebrations like new babies, birthdays, anniversaries or remembrances.
Due to state agricultural restrictions, this gift cannot be shipped to Arizona or Hawaii.
This tree will thrive best in the following areas of the United States
About the Grower
Seeds of Life
Seeds of Life was established to serve clients with elegant gift trees as beautiful and meaningful gifts to celebrate life?s most special occasions. They grow each tree with care to ensure a healthy, vigorous tree arrives as a gift to be planted to honor that special friend or family member. Each gift tree will arrive ready to thrive and matched according to the recipient?s growing region. Thousands of trees are sent out each month to every state in the US and all of them arrive beautifully packaged with an accompanying customized message and care directions.
Many publications have taken notice of Seeds of Life, as their products have been featured in: Brides magazine 2008, Southern Living Holiday Gift Guide 2009, Martha Stewart Wedding Guide 2008, The Oprah ?O List? gift guide 2008, The Southern Living Gift buying guide 2011, The Oprah ?O List? gift guide 2011, and Brides Magazine June 2012. Some of the tree gifts have been sent to institutions like The Denver Botanical Garden, The Smithsonian Institution and The White House.
Starting with the right tree - The Seeds of Life professional tree staff starts the growing process right by selecting from a wide variety of tree stock to identify unique attributes. Traits such as flowering sequence, flower color, bloom fragrance and disease resistance are just a few qualities that add to the beauty and longevity of these wonderful gift trees. Many of the trees are patented varieties because of these aspects, and it adds to the beautiful gift to be grown and enjoyed for decades or even centuries.
Superior Root System ? A superior root system is essential for vigorous growth. Vital for successful planting and growth, the Seeds of Life gift trees have healthy root systems that provide an opportunity for the trees to quickly penetrate the native soil to soak up moisture and nutrients. Each root system is inspected and manipulated to grow by pruning or physically pulling on the roots to encourage healthy root growth. These root improvement steps give each tree the best opportunity to grow laterally and become established quickly with a foundation anchored in strong roots.
Packaged with Care ? Every Seeds of Life gift tree is beautifully packaged in a 100% natural jute bag and accented with an elegant silk ribbon. At that point each gift tree is secured into a customized gift box with an accompanying personalized gift card, individual care card and watering tool.
Professional, Caring Staff ? The Seeds of Life team cares about their clients and their success in planting and growing gift trees. The importance of service is rooted in the foundation of Seeds of Life, and their customers? success is vital, as their gift trees represent thoughts of hope, encouragement and love ? elements worth growing everywhere!
Sign up to receive special offers and promotions from 1-800-FLOWERS.COM
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Welcome To GMTruckClub.com!
The #1 Chevy Truck Forum Online
Online since 2004, we are the #1 Chevy Truck & SUV forum and user community. If you have any questions about your Chevy or GMC Truck, SUV or Crossover, or just want to connect with other GM owners and enthusiasts around the world, you've found the best place on the internet to do that.
Join Today ~ It's Free
Registering is Free and Easy! Hope to see you on the forums soon!
Don't ya just hate that!
Discussion in 'Chevy Silverado Forum (GMC Sierra)' started by moogvo, Nov 28, 2012.
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This is a poster about radiation in space. Learners can read about the Van Allen belts and how NASA's Van Allen Probes are investigating the influence of the Sun's energy on Earth. The activity version also includes math problems, a vocabulary... (View More) matching game, a communication research challenge, and a toolbox of web resources. (View Less)
Materials Cost: Free per group of students
This lithograph features an image of the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite. The back provides an overview of the mission and an explanation of how it builds on the work of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM). Also included... (View More) are details on the Core Observatory satellite and the role of the partner satellites making up the constellation, a description of the mission's science and its applications, and a list of partnering agencies. (View Less)
Materials Cost: Free
This is a software package about space weather: what it is and what it does in space and here on Earth. The disc includes software that displays movies and images of the aurora and of the Sun in various wavelengths from the ground and from orbiting... (View More) NASA spacecraft; a tutorial about what space weather is and how the aurora is formed; and more. Users will also find real-time space weather conditions from current satellite missions and can download the latest data without leaving the Space Weather application. A TicTacToe game is also included that tests space weather knowledge. The disc contains many other Space Weather resources, programs, sounds, and games for use at home or school, and there are several educational websites included in full on the disc for offline viewing. In addition there is an exhaustive list of links to a variety of space weather resources available online. The disc is available for free from a number of sites if downloaded. (View Less)
This poster features NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission. The front features an image of the GPM Core Observatory satellite along with the constellation of satellites that will accompany it. Background information is provided on... (View More) the reverse side of the poster, including an overview of the mission, details of the satellite, the science and applications of the mission, and information on the constellation missions with which GPM will partner. Also included on the back is a multi-age educational activity on freshwater availability. See Related & Supplemental Resources to download a PDF of the poster. (View Less)
Materials Cost: 1 cent - $1 per group of students
This is a set of instructions for building a physical model. The model simulates the Sun's paths across the sky at summer solstice, winter solstice, and the spring and fall equinoxes. A bead simulates the Sun, moving along a cord, from rising along... (View More) the eastern horizon to setting on the western. The bead can be moved from path to path to demonstrate solar alignments, the solstices, and equinoxes. The model is created to be unique to the user's latitude, and is useful for including in lessons that teach about the seasons or archaeoastronomy. (View Less)
This is an engaging comic book about light and color. Two comic characters, Camilla Corona, a rubber chicken, and Colours O'IRIS, a peacock, explore questions relating to colors of light from the Sun.
This is an activity about magnetic fields. Learners will use various magnets, magnetic film, and a compass to see and illustrate what magnetic fields look like. This is the fourth activity as part of the iMAGiNETICspace: Where Imagination,... (View More) Magnetism, and Space Collide educator's guide. Instructions for downloading the iBook educator's guide and the associated Transmedia book student guide are available at the resource link. (View Less)
This is a culminating activity for the MMS Mission Educator's Instructional Guide. Learners should complete the four previous activities in the guide before moving to this activity. Learners will choose and complete three activities about the MMS... (View More) mission. Activity formats can include creating videos, composing songs, developing written materials, constructing models, investigating current events, utilizing mathematics to explain concepts, and more. Depending on the project(s) chosen by a student, the project activity may require student access to internet accessible computers. This is lesson five as part of the MMS Mission Educator's Instructional Guide. (View Less)
This poster highlights a variety of Earth science careers, featuring short biographies from 13 NASA Earth explorers, including scientists, engineers, educators and more. The poster also includes information about NASA's unique perspective on the... (View More) Earth, one educator's story about how he uses NASA Earth science data and materials in his middle school classroom, and a collection of classroom activity suggestions. (View Less)
Materials Cost: Free
This is an online Flash-based interactive tool kit that provides access to illustrations, visualizations, videos, and near-real time images of the Sun from a variety of NASA spacecraft missions. Learners can access this information to supplement... (View More) other materials related to the Sun and heliophysics. (View Less)
Materials Cost: Free


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This tree-topper showcases the artwork of renowned holiday artist Thomas Kinkade as Santa spins 'round the crown of a Christmas tree. Suspended by a golden spring, eight reindeer draw Santa's well-laden sleigh in circles around an illuminated eight-point star that rests atop the tree. The richly detailed sleigh is brimming with toys, and all eight reindeer blankets bear a rendition of a classic Kinkade holiday painting, visible on both sides. The tree topper can plug into the end of a light strand so its light and motion activate whenever the tree is lit. Each handcrafted and hand-painted tree topper is numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Power supply plugs into AC. 7 1/2" H x 7" W x 9 3/4" L. (6 oz.)
Lifetime Guarantee
The Thomas Kinkade Revolving Christmas Tree Topper comes with The Hammacher Schlemmer Lifetime Guarantee at no additional charge. If this product ever disappoints you, for any reason, you may return your Hammacher Schlemmer purchase for exchange, credit, or refund.Should you have any questions, we are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please call 1-800-321-1484 to speak with a product specialist or email us at email@example.com to receive a response within one hour.
May we recommend:
(based on 29 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
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(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
Kinkade Revolving Christmas Tree Tooper
By Jean
from Buffalo, New York
It is very different.It was smaller than I was hoping for.The delivery service could not have been any faster or better.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- flag this review
Share this Review
By Sarah
from Calgary, AB
It's a gorgeous piece for your Christmas tree. It is very well crafted and looks beautiful. Absolutely love it. Also love that it moves, so it looks like santos sleigh is flying around the Christmas tree.
By lw28
from Flint, Mi
The tree topper is very pretty and is fun to watch spinning around the tree.
really cute, but could be better
By tara
from ny
it is adorable, but I know of three major flaws that could be improved: (i) the star lights up a dull yellow and it should be a bright white, (ii) it goes off after a couple of hours, but it should work as long as the tree is plugged in, and (iii) the screw holes didn't match and we had to re-drill in it to put it together
Hammacher Schlemmer Response: At Hammacher Schlemmer, our goal is for you to be delighted with our products and our service. However, it is clear that this item fell far short of your expectations and for this you have our sincere apologies. Please remember that we back our merchandise with a lifetime guarantee. Should you ever find that an item doesn't perform to your satisfaction, our customer service team is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-321-1484 to assist you with returning it.
Worked once
By Melissa in NH
from New Hampshire
It looks really nice, & I enjoyed watching it the first night it was on the tree. What I didn't realize is the Santa stops going around after 3 hours & the star is no longer lite. We have a 12 ft tree & it is not convenient to try & turn a switch every 3 hours. I thought that if we shut off the tree & turned it back on the Santa would start turning again, but no! The star comes back on but not Santa, we have to look at it but I think where half of it works but not all of it, it may need to be returned.
Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Hammacher Schlemmer Response: Please remember that we back our merchandise with a lifetime guarantee. Should you ever find that an item doesn't perform to your satisfaction, our customer service team is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-321-1484 to assist you with returning it.
I would recommend this company!
By Carrie
from Grand Blanc, MI
Product is extremely detailed. This tree topper will be the best part of the tree.
absolutely beautiful/details beautiful
By Nanie
from Bloomingdale, IL
this is so beautiful..the detail is exquisite..it is so beautiful to just stand their and enjoy!
Fragile but wonderful!
By A Discriminating Shopper
from Florida West Coast
I ordered three as gifts for members of my family. All love them, noting the especially bright star that's perfect to top a Christmas tree. The children find this magical, and now I wish I had one for my tree!
Tree topper is the tops!
By nana
from Jefferson City, MO
The grandchildren are so enthralled with this--they can't wait to see it on the tree and I don't think they will ever 'outgrow' it.
kinkade for sure
By santaelf
from Las Vegas
the mini pictures of artwork, the little antlers detail, the way it moves around the star topper.
COPYRIGHT © 2014 HAMMACHER SCHLEMMER & COMPANY, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. W100HAMMACHER SCHLEMMER • 147 E. 57th ST • NEW YORK, NY • 10022 • 1-800-_321-1484


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Choose the right business partner.
Find out how the range of BlackBerry® 10 devices helps you and your business take charge.
Manage your device from one place—whether updating, syncing or switching to a new device—using BlackBerry® Link software.
Learn about the software that lets you transfer your media files wirelessly from your BlackBerry® 10 smartphone, and more.
Learn about key steps for saving previous data (pictures, contacts and more), whether you're new to BlackBerry or not.
Make sure you have the latest smartphone software—use BlackBerry Link to update.
Software updates are free, generally take under 15 minutes to complete and can be downloaded over a Wi-Fi® network or mobile network. Updates over a mobile network might be restricted due to file size and additional charges might apply. You can also update your software through BlackBerry Link on your desktop.
Find out how to connect your BlackBerry 10 smartphone with your BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet using BlackBerry Bridge.


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Join Life Extension
Help extend the healthy human lifespan by joining today.
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Welcome to Life Extension®
Life Extension's mission is to help you stay younger and healthier longer.
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If you missed this year's Fall Skin Care Sale, don't worry. Become a member today and enjoy an incredible 25 to 50% discount on all our vitamins and supplements all year long!
In addition to the huge savings on all our products, you'll receive:
Every time you purchase a product from Life Extension you support valuable research. Research supported by The Foundation has documented the value of various anti-aging supplements and hormones in preventing and reversing cell damage caused by oxidation. This type of research is leading to the ability to save the lives of millions of people who would otherwise die, and to improve the quality of life of all of us as we grow older.
When members buy products from the Life Extension Buyers Club, they have assurance that the quality of the product is backed by the organization's commitment to achieving an indefinitely extended life span. Members receive significant discounts that enable them to purchase top quality nutritional supplements at prices below those charged by most other companies.
The discounts available to Foundation members enable them to purchase high quality nutritional supplements at prices that are substantially lower than most other companies. In addition to the 25 percent membership discount on all retail prices, volume discounts are available for a large number of supplements, resulting in even greater savings.
Join Now


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INGLEWOOD, Calif. (May 15, 2009) — Church Service, second in the inaugural Breeders' Cup Marathon in 2008, will carry high weight of 120 pounds in Sunday's second running of the $100,000 Gallant Man Handicap over 1 5/8 miles on Cushion Track at Hollywood Park.
Mike Mitchell, the trainer of 6-year-old Church Service, saddled Big Booster to win the first running of the Gallant Man, which was introduced in 2008 as a prep to the Breeders' Cup Marathon.
Church Service, claimed for $50,000 in January of 2008 by Robert Tjosvold, was pulled up in the San Juan Capistrano while making his most recent start. He will be making his first start on the main track since finishing second — beaten a head by Irish-bred Muhannak — in the 1 ½-mile Breeders' Cup Marathon at Santa Anita.
Church Service, a winner of four of 27 starts for earnings of $496,800, will concede from one to eight pounds in the Gallant Man, which lines up as follows from the rail out:
Kizzy's Chaos, with Martin Garcia up, carries 112 pounds; Medjool, Michael Baze, 114; Isipingo, Joel Rosario, 114; Lockford, Jose Valdivia Jr., 112; Church Service, Rafael Bejarano, 120; Power Blitz, Alex Solis, 113; Stream Cat, Joe Talamo, 119, and Romp, Tyler Baze, 112.
Stream Cat, from the Patrick Biancone stable, won the 1 ½-mile Tokyo City Handicap by a head over Big Booster in March. Medjool, who subsequently finished seventh here in the Inglewood, was 2 ½ lengths back in third.
Kizzy's Chaos led entering the stretch before tiring and finishing fifth in the Tokyo City; Isipingo makes his first start for trainer Doug O'Neill since being claimed April 10 for $40,000 while winning at 1 ½ miles on turf; Lockford steps up after finishing second in a turf allowance at one mile here May 9; Power Blitz aims for his third win in eight starts, and Romp tries to improve after being beaten a head by Isipingo at Santa Anita.
The Gallant Man will run as the eighth race on Sunday's nine-race program at Hollywood Park. First post time is at 1 p.m.
Copyright © 2009-2014, Hollywood Park. All rights reserved.


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Yesterday: Boyden High School pep rally, 1957
Bill Monroe of Salisbury, who graduated from Boyden High School in 1958, bought this photograph at an auction several months ago. It was among several other old photographs, and although Monroe is not in the picture, most of the students shown are from his class. Monroe guesses it was a pep rally from 1957, but the photograph was not in any of his yearbooks. "I had never seen it before," he says. Monroe adds that Boyden High had pep rallies for its sports teams many times during a school year — usually on Fridays.


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Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Isopropyl Alcohol, Trimethyl Pentadiol Diisobutyrate, Triphenyl Phosphate, Butyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Red 7 Lake, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Ferric Ferrocyanide, Red 34 Lake, Bismuth Oxychloride.
Use as you would any fine nail polish.
Keep out of reach of children. As with all dietary supplements, consult your healthcare professional before use. See product label for more information.


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Coming soon: 'Branded' air tickets
"Brand" is the latest buzzword in airline pricing. Pioneered by American Airlines, the idea gets high praise from some of the airline marketing mavens. And if it seems to work for American, you can bet other lines will quickly copy: After all, "Me, too" is the most important principle in airline long-range planning. Here's how it works:
-- The airline establishes three or more fare "brands" encompassing different bundles of base fares with ancillary services such as baggage check, advance seat assignment, early boarding, meals, in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi, and possibly access to the extra-legroom, semi-premium economy seats.
-- Like typical cable or satellite TV offerings, the lowest fare "brand" is the rock-bottom price: If you want any additional features, you may either have to pay for them separately or, more likely, move up to a higher-level brand.
-- Fare levels in all brands are capacity controlled, with the lowest fares selling out first, then moving to successively higher fares. But regardless of the fare level, all brands will remain available for sale until flight departure.
American's system uses three brands in economy: "Choice," the lowest; "Choice Essential," that adds one checked bag, no change fee, and early boarding; and " Choice Plus," which adds no-charge, same-day flight change, same-day standby, a premium beverage, and a 50 percent frequent flyer bonus. Pricing is designed to make moving up-brand attractive: For a nonstop round-trip New York to San Francisco itinerary in May, the bare bones price is $396, the midmarket price is $464, and the top price is $484.
Clearly, American could add many more levels. Levels including seats in the "Main Cabin Extra" semi-premium section, one-day entry to the Admirals Club lounge, and Wi-Fi would seem likely candidates.
Although this sort of bundling might sound familiar, it's more comprehensive than the similar "fare families" approach that several other airlines use. As with branded fares, various amenities are linked to fare levels. But with the families, as the lowest fares sell out, consumers no longer have the option to stick with a bare-bones or a lower-level bundle. The two big Canadian lines -- Air Canada and WestJet -- pioneered this system.
Most other lines stick with strict "a la carte" pricing for ancillaries. That way, you add what you want and forget what you don't want. But the only way to get some of the more attractive alternatives is to buy a higher fare.
The airlines and their marketing consultants see three big benefits to branded fares:
-- The brand price levels are set up to make moving to higher levels look like good value to consumers.
-- They're revenue-positive, because the incremental costs of many of the ancillaries are close to zero and almost always well below the price premium.
-- They draw travelers to booking through the airlines' own websites -- both a big revenue plus and a marketing advantage.
And it's that last point that has some big players in the industry in turmoil. Right now, the big online travel agencies (OTA)/price-comparison websites and the global distribution systems that feed them pricing data are not set up to handle fare brands. When I checked my sample American Airlines itinerary on Expedia, for example, all I found was the bare-bones fare level plus a pull-down menu for baggage charges. Parenthetically, I found lower nonstop fares on JetBlue and Virgin America, options American would prefer I not see and would not see on American's website.
Corporate travel managers are also worried about losing complete fare transparency. Branded fare might also be a benefit, however, in that they could avoid endless hassles about covering expenses for ancillaries if they specified the brand employees should use.
If, as I suspect, other airlines will jump on the brand bandwagon, I see a big struggle coming up between airlines and third-party OTA and fare comparison sites. Consumers, too, are in danger of losing the ability to compare fares from many different airlines on a side-by-side basis. I think the OTA will rise to the occasion, but they face a big challenge.
(Send e-mail to Ed Perkins at eperkins(at)mind.net. Perkins' new book for small business and independent professionals, "Business Travel When It's Your Money," is now available through http://www.mybusinesstravel.com or http://www.amazon.com)Copyright © 2014, Sun Sentinel


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Log in
Year end brings a time of reflection. As I look back on 2012 for the library, many events and milestones immediately come to mind.
We were honored to be awarded a Citation of Excellence for superior customer service from our state librarian at our annual conference. It affirmed our commitment to superior service with a can-do attitude in a cost effective manner.
Our 140th birthday celebration with author Susan Orlean was a highlight of the year and we were pleased it was one of the top entertainment events on MLive.
We launched First Saturday @ KPL, a monthly program for school age children last spring, hosted all KPS first-graders twice this fall, and kept kids reading over the summer through our summer reading games. Through these efforts, kids checked out 19% more books this year than the year before!
We bonded with author Luis Urrea when he visited as our Reading Together author, launched our Geek campaign in the Do-Dah Parade, graduated the first class of our Nonprofit Leadership Academy through ONEplace.
Of course we continued to provide materials for reading, viewing, and listening and assistance at a variety of public service desks at Central and branches.
It was good year at the library and we are ready to move on to 2013.
Best wishes for the new year; come visit soon.
It is the time of year when we all receive many requests for donations from a wide variety of local, regional, and national organizations.
The library does not conduct an annual fundraising campaign nor send out a solicitation request. Our only fundraiser is our annual Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee to raise funds to buy books for distribution through our Ready to Read program.
Of course donations to the library are always welcome and greatly appreciated.
A donation can be designated for a specific collection, such as large print or children's; a location, such as your neighborhood branch; or a service such as Local History, Teens, or Ready to Read. Undesignated gifts are directed where they are needed most.
And don't forget our good Friends; your donations of gently used books and audio visual material are always appreciated.
We appreciate if you think of the library when you are considering your year-end giving.
My Ideal Bookshelf was recently published. We have it in our collection, although it is checked out and I haven't yet seen it. I have read about it, however.
The premise is that the books we keep, let alone read, say a lot about who we are and how we see ourselves. The author asked dozens of cultural figures – authors, filmmakers, chefs, architects – to select a small bookshelf worth of books to represent themselves.
What books would you select if you had been asked? I'm still pondering this for myself. As I look around my bookshelves at home, I see favorite novels, biographies of presidents especially Lincoln, memoirs by women, some autographed children's books. I'm not sure these are the ones I would select to say who I am but for various reasons and at various times, those are the books I have chosen to have on my shelves.
What's on your shelf that says who you are? If you can't select the entire shelf, how about one title?
The library and Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS) recently partnered to bring children's book author and illustrator Patricia Polacco to town for a day and what a day it was!
This was not her first visit to KPL – she's been here several times since publishing her first book, Meteor!, in 1988. We consider her a very good friend of ours as well as the children of Kalamazoo.
Patricia spoke to 4th and 5th graders at Washington Writers Academy and Milwood Elementary schools and to more than 200 children and their families at Central Library, but she is much more than a "storyteller."
Her presentation as well as her 85 books(!) dealt with her learning disabilities, her family, heroic teachers in her life, the pain she suffered from being bullied. She revealed very personal emotional issues and kids totally related to her. As she signed books after the presentation, she listened to tens of children tell her their stories, how they relate to her story, and how meaningful her books are to them. The book signing line moved slowly but no one complained. They waited patiently for their turn.
Her books are available in the children's area at Central Library and all branches; there is a message for children that can also be appreciated and understood by adults.
Thanks for visiting KPS and KPL, Patricia. Come again soon.
Photos by Andrea Vernola: (top) Washington Writers' Academy with Dr. Michael Rice, (above) Central Library, Van Deusen Room.
I'm pleased to share some good news… KPL was one of three libraries in the state to be recognized for excellence in customer service by our state librarian at last week's state conference in Detroit.
Hopkins District Library joined us in receiving "Citations of Excellence." A middle school library in the Howell Public Schools won the "State Librarian's Excellence Award."
Our recognition was based on our Customer Service Plan set in 2007 and sustained by a staff committee that continues to define, measure, recognize, and reward staff for excellence in customer service. We most recently revised our plan to include a "Code of Service" that outlines and defines the level of service expected from our staff.
An important dimension of our customer service is our collaboration and partnership with other community organizations, especially Kalamazoo Public Schools. All KPS first graders visit a KPL location three times during the year, "First Saturday @ KPL" encourages families to make library visits part of their weekend routine, and "Lift Up Through Literacy" includes education and literacy initiatives for families.
We are honored to be recognized for this state honor.
I admit I seldom borrow an audiobook, don't rent library meeting rooms, check out a CD only occasionally, BUT I do check out tens and tens of books and many movies, and I download ebooks through OverDrive. I live in the KPL district and I get my money's worth with my library card.
Given the purchase price for a hardcover book, the cost to use a computer at a copy center, and fees to attend a class, the library is a good value for those who even use our services a few times per year.
How much would you pay out-of-pocket for library services? Try our library value calculator. I hope the library is a good value for you.
The Michigan eLibrary, known as MeL, just celebrated its 20th birthday.
MeL was launched in 1992, just as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was funding computers for libraries and internet became affordable through the e-rate program. MeL provided the content.
MeL's centerpiece is a collection of databases that support homework, small business, job searches, and general informational inquiries. There are now over 1,000,000 full-text article retrievals each year.
MeLCat, the state wide catalog for interlibrary loan, includes the holdings of 415 participating libraries. Each year, there are also over 1,000,000 requests for materials to be shared statewide, by sending the item to a user's home library or by sending the user to the home library of the item, if it cannot be loaned.
Our statewide system is considered a model of efficiency in the tech world. MeL users consider it a model of the good use of federal money to benefit library services.
Happy 20th birthday to MeL from the 140 year old KPL! It's a month of library birthdays.
Most every day, week, and month has some designation, many of them somehow related to libraries, books, or reading. This week, October 21 – 27 is "National Friends of Libraries Week."
The Friends of KPL are members of United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association for trustees, friends, and advocates of libraries. Their mission is to support citizens who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for all types of libraries.
As I have often written here, KPL is fortunate to have very good friends. They contribute $50,000 - $60,000 per year to the library, all from the proceeds from their bookstore. A lot of used books pass through their hands.
Their contribution funds our summer reading games for all ages and provides support for many ongoing programs including Global Reading Challenge, Reading Together, and our recent 140th birthday celebration.
One of their goals for the year is to increase their membership. Please consider joining at modest fees that range from $5 for students and $15 for a family, to $100 for a benefactor.
Happy "National Friends of Libraries Week" to our good friends, the Friends of KPL.
It's TEEN READ WEEK! This week, October 14 – 20, libraries, schools, and bookstores will celebrate Teen Read Week, with events and programs aimed at encouraging teens to read for pleasure and to look to the library for free reading materials. Many studies have shown that teens who are regular readers and library users achieve more in school.
The spokesperson this year is John Green, author of many teen books, most recently The Fault in Our Stars. John visited here several years ago and we feel a special bond with him; I imagine every library he has visited and every teen he has talked to feels likewise….he's that kind of guy!
KPL will celebrate with a Teen Read-a-Thon on Saturday, October 20. Teen will be gathering pledges of food items for Kalamazoo Area Loaves and Fishes as they read up to six hours at the central library.
If you want to sponsor a teen reader, contact our teen service desk at 553-7807. It will be a win-win event….teens reading leisure materials to benefit our local food bank.
KPL is celebrating its 140th anniversary this week with an appearance by literary journalist and author, Susan Orlean. What better way for a library to celebrate than to bring a best-selling author to town for a free public appearance.
Orlean's most recent book is Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend, just out in paperback. It tells the story of Rin Tin Tin's journey from a puppy on the WW I battlefield to movie star. An earlier book, The Orchid Thief, was made into the Oscar-winning movie, Adaptation, starring Meryl Streep. She has also been a staff writer for The New Yorker.
I hope you will join us Friday night, October 12, 7 pm, Kalamazoo Central High School Auditorium for this free program to celebrate our anniversary. A selection of her books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.
KPL will join libraries, schools, and bookstores across the country in celebrating the freedom to read during "Banned Books Week," September 30 – October 6.
Bill and Judith Moyers are this year's honorary chairs. In this video essay, Bill Moyers talks about how libraries provided his first opportunity to indulge his love of reading and learning and shares his dismay over efforts to remove books from schools and libraries.
This week is an opportunity to remind us all that the ability to read, speak, think, and express ourselves freely is a right, not a privilege. Libraries often lead the efforts to speak out for the right to read; without the help of outspoken supporters, books are still being removed in some communities.
KPL and the American Civil Liberties Union will celebrate our right to decide for ourselves what to read, listen to, and view with a "Readout" on Thursday evening. Local literacy celebrities will read from frequently challenged books.
Join us at this event; celebrate and appreciate your freedom to read, listen, and view.
Bill Moyers on Banned Books Week from BillMoyers.com on Vimeo.
One of our staff recently gave me an editorial on the importance of "every word." The author wrote of "pockets of language poverty," a phrase I had not heard before. One example he wrote about is when parents are unemployed, kids lose the secondary benefit of casual access to workplace words. Hearing the terms that are part of the workplace enhances a child's understanding of the world.
Increasingly kids are not hearing and learning the words they need to be successful. Reading is one way to learn new words and be transported to different times and places; learning through conversation can be equally important.
This is a good reminder to all of us who work with, live with, know kids…..read with them, encourage them to read, talk with them, share your experiences. We all have a part in giving kids the many words they need to make their way in the world.
September is "Library Card Sign-up Month." 2012 marks the 25th anniversary of this monthly designation during which libraries across the country remind parents that a library card is the most important school supply of all.
The honorary chair this year is two-time Super Bowl champion Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers. You can see him on our website holding a KPL card!
Once again, we will be issuing library cards to all 1st graders in Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS) who do not already have one. All 1,100+ first graders will visit a KPL location twice this fall. We will have library cards ready for them; they will select a book to take home and check it out on their library card. A few weeks later they will come again to return the book and check out another. We hope this will establish a routine for regular family visits.
If you know a KPS 1st grader, later this month ask them about their library visit and ask to see their library card. Even better ask any student you know to show you their card and if they don't have one, encourage them to visit any of our locations to register for a card as the first step in becoming a regular library user.
I'm always sorry to see summer and beach reading days come to an end. I admit to having spent many hours sitting on the beach reading this summer BUT not necessarily reading "beach reads."
"Beach reads" has a bad rap. One definition I saw recently: breezy, lightweight for pool or lakeside reading." Well, many of the books I read this summer at the Lake Michigan beach do not fit this definition. Among others, I read and recently blogged about The President's Club. I read The Tiger's Wife for August book group; Canada, Richard Ford's new book; A Hundred Flowers; Destiny of the Republic; By the Iowa Sea; The Snow Child; among others, all from our collection.
Although I am hoping for at least one more weekend of beach reading, I'm moving into another season of reading—primarily in my living room instead of the beach—but my book choices aren't going to change.
What did you read this summer? Do your reading choices vary by season?
What a summer for readers!
We celebrated a strong summer of reading with a concert in Bronson Park on Saturday featuring Milkshake, a high energy, rock and roll band for kids. We tossed around a big globe, shared baseballs, and spread some sunshine. I hope you were there; no matter what your age, it was fun.
Kids have attended many fun events over the summer but most importantly, they've been reading. The reading game was based on reading 20 minutes per day with prizes at 20, 40, and 60 days. So many kids read so many days that we ran out of prizes. What a good problem to have—we were happy to order more.
We had a 25% increase in registrations and a special emphasis on KPS first graders, all of whom visited the library three times during the school year and were preregistered for summer reading. It is especially important to maintain newly acquired reading skills over the summer for that age.
Thanks once again to our very good Friends for sponsoring our summer reading games!
I hope you had a good summer of reading and that back-to-school goes smoothly for all the kids in your home or life.
photos: Kim Howard
Much to our surprise, we recently learned Kalamazoo Public Library was selected one of five "exemplary public library websites" for our Support the Library section.
In a recent issue of Public Libraries, a publication of the Public Library Association, "The Website Clinic" author examined the fifty-five websites listed on the "Library Website Hall of Fame." Of those, he selected five to propose as models for fundraising through library websites.
We're thrilled to be third in his list of five public libraries, which includes Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Enoch Pratt Free Library of Baltimore, New York Public Library, and High Plains Library District in Colorado, as model websites, "worthy of emulation."
The author proclaims the information on our Support the Library pages to be "valuable and intelligently presented. Nice work." As he noted, you can easily donate to KPL using the Donate button, just one click away from KPL's homepage.
Our year ended on June 30 and it was a very good one!
Circulation of print and AV materials was up 21% over the previous year. Not surprisingly, the percentage increase was greatest in ebooks – from about 3,600 to over 17,000. Our total circulation was over 1.6 million so ebook circulation is still small in comparison to print and AV.
Program attendance was strong also, especially for our programs for children and teens; attendance at youth programs was over 37,000 for the year. We have increased our emphasis on programs for these ages, both in the library and around the community, in support of our priority of "creating young readers."
Computer use, number of cardholders, and hits to our website are all up for the year, too.
Come visit soon, in person or through our website... check out an item, attend a program, find information on our website.
I have often written here about our very good friends, The Friends of the Kalamazoo Public Library. I am writing about them again to share their goal of increasing their membership. The Friends goal is 150 or more (!) new members. That's a very reasonable goal for a community our size with a strong history of support for the library.
Once again this year, the Friends are funding our summer reading games for all ages: the game cards, programs, prizes, the end of summer concert – about $25,000 worth – and that's only about half of their annual gift to the library.
Selling gently used books, gently priced in their bookstore is their major source of income. Memberships provide a secondary source of revenue.
Membership brochures are available throughout the library and in the bookstore, of course. You can also join through our website.
Please consider joining; membership levels range from $5 - $100 and are tax deductible.
I like lists, especially lists of books. The Library of Congress recently selected a list of 88 books they judge to have shaped America. All the titles are by American authors; Benjamin Franklin is the only author with multiple titles on the list…..he has three.
The list includes a wide variety of titles and has generated some interesting online comments: thin on books from the 60s; what, no John Updike or Maya Angelou; few writers of color.
The books are on display at the Library of Congress through September. They also have an online survey on their website.
What do you think of the list? What's missing or shouldn't be included?
If you have children in your life, you might know about the TumbleBook Library but if not, here is a brief overview with a link to our website for more detailed information.
Kids and tweens can listen to or read along at their own pace to animated, talking picture books, read-alongs and ebooks on a computer or ipad. In addition to books, there are videos, puzzles and games, and language learning. All are available through our website. A good starting point is the virtual tour for an overview of the various features.
The books range from picture books, easy readers, chapter books, teen fiction, and graphic novels. Suggested grade level is included.
Children learn in various ways and many of today's kids learn best in an online environment or as a complement to print learning. We'll have books in both print and online format for many years to come.
It has been widely reported in the media, that science fiction writer Ray Bradbury passed away earlier this month. Most of the articles included that he was an ardent library fan, that he had done much of his writing in libraries, and that he was very outspoken about the proposed closing of the Long Beach (CA) main library to help balance the city's budget.
I'm quite sure many libraries feel a connection to him; KPL does.
His often banned book, Fahrenheit 451, was our first Reading Together title. When we launched our version of the "community reads" model in 2003, we were looking for more than a good book. We were looking for a title that would engage the community in a meaningful dialogue. With that goal, we chose his book at the height of the national discussion over the US Patriot Act. It was a good choice, good timing.
Mr. Bradbury did not travel much by then and he did not come to KPL. He did, however, "appear" by phone and we had a good two-way discussion with him. That was before the days of Skype and this phone conversation was a well-attended program that year. His book and this phone conversation was the start of a successful, still going strong, Reading Together program for KPL. Since then, most of the authors have come to Kalamazoo.
Farewell, Mr. Bradbury. Thank you for your support of libraries, your many books that have become favorites of readers, your visit by phone to KPL.
A recent library publication included some statistics to show "its's an 'e' world". Some of them seemed worth sharing:
• 2,267,233,742 - Internet users worldwide
• 644,275,754 – number of websites as of March 2012
• 47,097 – magazines, newspapers, newsletters, TV/radio transcripts around the world that offer online full text, up from about 5,500 in 2000
• 112 – number of e-mails sent and received each day by the typical user
• 183% - increase in public library e-book collections in the past year
Of course KPL's holdings reflect this shift to an 'e' world also. These statistics are from our annual report to the Library of Michigan submitted earlier this year:
• 1,352 – downloadable audio items
• 4,184 – e-books available
• 16 – database subscriptions
Most of our holdings are still in "physical units": print books, DVDs, CDs, but we are increasingly moving to the 'e' world also.
Come visit soon – through our website for e-resources or any of our buildings.
School will be over for area students on Wednesday, June 13. It is no coincidence that we kick off summer reading games the same day.
Research shows that students, especially those from low-income families, lose more than two months of reading achievement over the summer and that the loss is cumulative. More than half of the achievement gap between lower and higher-income youth is due to unequal access to summer learning opportunities.
KPL, like most all public libraries, is hard at work creating summer programs to keep children reading and learning. All first graders in KPS have been preregistered for our summer reading game. KPL staff handled out 100's of brochures outlining the games during the DoDah Parade; we've had information on our website, have distributed informational materials through KPS, and are promoting it as families have visited one of our library locations.
Our goal is to keep children reading over the summer and especially to help level the playing field for children without opportunities for summer learning.
Please help us by bringing or encouraging all the school-age children in your life to sign-up, to read 20 minutes per day, to attend programs, and even earn some cool prizes! Ask them what they are reading and listen as they tell you – share their summer reading enthusiasm.
We are aiming for record-breaking summer reading games participation, but that's not really what it is about…..it is about maintaining reading skills over the summer and having fun!
Just sharing some miscellaneous info...
• Our summer hours are now in effect….we close at 6 pm on Thursdays and are closed Sundays. Winter hours will resume after Labor Day.
• Summer reading games for all ages – youngest to oldest – begin on June 13, last day of school for Kalamazoo Public School students.
• Our popular First Saturday @ KPL program will continue through the summer along with many programs for school age children.
• We are beginning to consider suggestions for next year's Reading Together title and would welcome your ideas for a title, author, or theme. Just add yours as a "comment" to this blog.
• And speaking of Reading Together, did you see the heartfelt letter this year's author, Luis Urrea, sent us?
• You can now search the Kalamazoo Telegraph, a local newspaper from 1863 – 1913, through our website. It's interesting reading even if you aren't a local historian or genealogist.
• If you missed "Michigan at the Exposition: The 1893 Chicago World's Fair," it is on our website, along with many other programs.
• There are some online audio books, always available, you can download through our website. It makes exercising more enjoyable if you can listen to a good book at the same time.
• KPL staff blog about books they have recently read and particularly enjoyed. Our reading tastes vary greatly; we invite your comments and welcome an online discussion.
• We've added ebooks for kids to our website. Some reluctant young readers who have access to an ereader, but be enticed to read more in this format.
Come visit soon…..Central Library, branches, or through our website.
This final week of May and first weekend in June is a busy time for downtown Kalamazoo, as well as for the library.
On Wednesday, we will celebrate our 15th annual "Party in the Park." You may have seen photos from previous years on our website. What a fun event for preschoolers and a feel good event for the adult participants—so rewarding to see the excitement in these young children as they hear a good story, sometimes even being read by a famous storybook character!
Friday night is Art Hop all over the downtown area including Central Library and the Barnabee Gallery at Powell Branch Library. Central Library will be displaying art work by children from Nebbi, Uganda, created with art supplies donated by Kalamazoo area residents; the Barnabee Gallery displays works created by WMU journalism students. Saturday is the Friends of KPL sidewalk book sale; books for 10¢ each or $2 for a bag full – what a bargain! KPL staff, friends, families and even a few pets, will march in the DoDah Parade. Look for us in our black t-shirts as we encourage participation in our summer reading games and launch a new awareness campaign.
And Saturday afternoon is once again "First Saturday @ KPL." This month our partners are KPS, NAACP, and Northside Ministerial Alliance. Sid Ellis is the guest storyteller. Sure to be a fun afternoon!
Stop by when you are downtown this week – it will be a busy, fun one as summer kicks off.
Bobbe Luce, the director of ONEplace@KPL, our nonprofit management support center, was honored last week as one of five 2012 YWCA Women of Achievement. Congratulations on this well deserved recognition, Bobbe.
Bobbe joined the KPL staff about 3 ½ years ago to establish this resource center with the goal of "developing and operating a nonprofit management support center designed to address the capacity-building needs of the nonprofit organizations in Kalamazoo County." Although part of the library organizational structure, the service is funded by local foundations, primarily the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation.
100% of survey responses from nonprofits who have participated in educational programs or networking opportunities, used the resources on the website, checked out materials from the collection, or received one-on-one assistance rate the service as "very satisfying" or "excellent." Clearly this service is meeting a community need.
On behalf of the library, thank you, Bobbe, for leading this community service.
As I have previously written, KPL has many partners. One of our expanding partnerships is between our Oshtemo Branch Library and Oshtemo Township.
Over the years, we have had some joint programs, most recently the Earth Day concert in April. Our partnership will reach a new level however, with the dedication of the new Oshtemo Township Park on Saturday, May 19, at 2 pm.
KPL provided a right of way for the park and a path will connect the library and the park. We look forward to family outings with visits to the library and the park, and we foresee more joint programming in this new outside space.
In addition to this partnership centered on the township park, we worked together to have directional signs to the library, the township offices, and the park installed east and west of our buildings on M-43, and Oshtemo Branch will be a voting location for an Oshtemo Township precinct beginning with the August election.
Good partners: Oshtemo Township and KPL.
I have often written here about opportunities as well as limitations for ebook use through public libraries. Now I want to call your attention to two ebook features on our website.
First is a short video (1 minute 14 seconds) explaining publisher limitations on ebook availability through public libraries. Along with the video is an online petition to make your voice heard. I urge you to watch the video and sign the petition. You'll find links on our home page and on our eBooks page.
Second is a Pew research study about ebook use. The results of this study will help libraries and publishers better understand the use of ebooks through libraries and, I am hoping, strengthen the library argument for ebook availability. I urge you to complete this brief survey. There's a link on our eBooks page.
Ebooks lending through public libraries is an evolving service for us, an evolving market for publishers. Let your voice be heard, your opinion counted through this petition and research study.
Frequently I write and talk about our good friends, The Friends of KPL. Well, we also have good partners.
Each year we update our list of partnerships. We currently have some type of partnership with close to 100 organizations, schools, government agencies, other libraries, and businesses, and we probably overlooked a few.
Not surprisingly, Kalamazoo Public Schools is a major partner in many of our youth and family programs: Summer Reading, Global Reading Challenge, and our newest one, First Saturday @ KPL.
We have a changing multitude of partners for Reading Together, depending upon the theme of the book. This year's book, Into the Beautiful North, led to some new partners including the Immigration Assistance Program, Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, and Sierra Negra. Some partner with us every year, regardless of the book choice: WMU, area public libraries, Michigan News Agency.
ONEplace@kpl partners with many local and regional organizations: the Arts Council, the Nonprofit Alliance, Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, Kalamazoo Community Foundation among many others.
And just to name a few more: Rave Motion Pictures, a partner in the Teen Filmmaker Festival; the ACLU a Banned Book Week partner; Public Media Network to film events; Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra for Music and Make Believe; Kalamazoo Juvenile Home for author visits; and Kalamazoo County Tax Counseling Initiative to offer tax assistance.
We know we are all stronger and able to provide more services when we work together. We are fortunate to have good partners, and we hope they feel likewise about us.
Last week was a celebration of our good friends, the Friends of KPL.
The Friends held their annual meeting on April 14. A record breaking crowd of about eighty, celebrated a year of strong book sales in the bookstore as well as at several special sales and enjoyed retired KPL librarian Margean Gladysz talk about her book The Spy on the Bus.
On Wednesday, our Friends, along with tens and tens of community organizations, were honored at the STAR Award Breakfast to celebrate volunteers throughout the greater Kalamazoo area. Even though it was a week of celebrations and recognition for them, they continued their work on behalf of the library – they held a book sale at Oshtemo Branch on Saturday and as usual, staffed the bookstore at central, Wednesday through Saturday.
Last year the Friends funded our summer reading games for all ages, contributed to Reading Together events, and supported the Global Reading Challenge, general adult programming, and staff recognition.
As I say often and mean sincerely, KPL is fortunate to have very good Friends. You can support them and the library by becoming a member and shopping at their bookstore.
Many "best of" and "book winners" are announced at year-end so announcing winners at this time of year caught my attention and is probably a good marketing strategy.
The American Booksellers Association recently announced the winners of the "2012 Indies Choice Book Awards" with the following description: "after a month of voting by the owners and staff at independent bookstores across the county, we have an outstanding list of winners that reflects the types of books independent bookstores champion best."
And the winners are….
The full list of winners, 2012 Honor Award recipients, and Most Engaging Author Awards designees are listed on their website.
Readers can support independent booksellers by purchasing these titles or any books, of course, or borrowing them from the library. Independent booksellers and public libraries are good partners in promoting books and reading.
Every week is an occasion to celebrate something. This is the big week for libraries. It is National Library Week!
This annual national observance was first sponsored in 1958 by the American Library Association as a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support for all types of libraries.
Within the week, there are some special designations: Tuesday is National Library Workers Day; Wednesday is National Bookmobile Day; Support Teen Literature Day is Thursday.
We appreciate the attention this week brings to libraries and the celebrity endorsements that go with it. This year's theme is "You Belong @ Your Library."
Here's a good reminder from author Brad Meltzer, honorary chair of 2012 National Library Week. Come visit this week or any week and happy National Library Week to you.
April is "National Poetry Month" as first designated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996. The goal is to celebrate poetry and its place in American culture. Libraries, booksellers, and literary organizations highlight poetry through displays, programs, and readings.
The website of the Academy suggests thirty ways to celebrate the month, ranging from the predictable "read a book of poetry" to "integrate poetry with technology" and "visit a poetry landmark." Their website also has a search function to locate a poem by title, poet, keyword, form or theme. That's very handy if you vaguely remember a poem and want to locate it.
We have a large poetry collection, particularly at Central Library. Most is classified in the 811s. Some are compilations, others are the works of one poet.
And happy National Poetry Month to you.
Last week I wrote here about the evolving ebook market.
I shared that libraries were bracing for a price increase for ebooks from Random House publishers. Indeed the recent increases are double and triple the prices we had been paying. As an example, one recently released title had been $40 for the ebook version; it increased to $120 as of March 1. The print version, with the library discount, is a little over $20.
Basically, the new Random House prices for ebooks to ebook distributors, not directly to libraries are
In spite of these hefty price increases, libraries welcome that Random House continues to offer titles in ebook format to libraries.
Again, as I wrote previously, Penguin Books are not available in ebook format to public libraries. They publish many bestsellers and we, like all libraries, regret we cannot provide them to our users.
Bottom line: please know we will continue to provide ebooks as they are available and affordable for public libraries. Some titles we cannot provide at all, due to publisher restrictions, others we may not be able to provide until several months after their initial release.
The market continues to evolve.
Most libraries, including KPL, experienced a strong increase in the circulation of ebooks after the holidays. Obviously readers were a popular holiday gift. Ebook users have learned how to download books from OverDrive through our website and many have attended our training or Q & A sessions.
In addition to titles available through the OverDrive consortium, we purchase additional copies of popular titles available to KPL resident cardholders. However patrons often ask why a particular popular title isn't available in ebook format.
All publishers will sell us print copies, but not necessarily ebook copies. Their policies and approach vary considerably:
Bottom line: the availability of a popular title in ebook format through a public library depends upon the publisher. Ebook lending through public libraries is still evolving and the specifics change frequently. Be assured, however, that we continue to follow the market closely and purchase popular titles available to us. Even if we don't have the title in ebook format, we will have it in print.
Last week we kicked off this year's Reading Together with a discussion of the book and the issues it raises led by Dr. Karen Vocke, associate professor of English at WMU. Almost all attendees had read the book and we had a spirited discussion interspersed with Dr. Vocke's experiences working with the migrant community and her literary insights.
This week we welcome the author Luis Alberto Urrea to Kalamazoo. He will speak Tuesday evening, 7:00, at Kalamazoo Central High School. There are many other community events through early April, all described on our website.
Last week we launched a new initiative: First Saturday @ KPL. We encourage families to make a visit to the library part of their regular routine and on the first Saturday of each month, we'll entice children with storytimes, fun activities, and special guests. Families who visit during First Saturday @ KPL are eligible to win door prizes. We were thrilled with the turnout at this first one and look forward to it growing as we partner with other community organizations. The next one is Saturday, April 7, 2 pm – 4 pm.
This week we have family storytimes, toddler talk, baby talk, and reading with Bailey.
Last week was the Teen Filmmaker Festival; this week tweens and teens can take their cartooning skills to the next level with comic master Kenjji Jumanne-Marshall.
And for adults, in addition to Reading Together events this week, we'll offer tax help and Ask a Lawyer. See our website for eligibility for these two programs.
Come visit soon, either to attend a program or to find something good to read, view, or listen to.
Join us on Saturday, March 3, for the start of a new initiative: First Saturday @ KPL.
Make a visit to the library part of your family's regular routine! We'll help you entice your children by offering impromptu storytimes, fun activities, and special guests on the first Saturday of each month in the children's room at Central Library.
Families who visit during the First Saturday program time, from 2 pm - 4 pm, may win door prizes! This March, the prizes include Meijer gift cards for $100, $50 and $25.
We expect a growing list of partners to help KPL staff plan and carry out First Saturday events. Our partners currently include Kalamazoo Public Schools, the NAACP, the Northside Ministerial Alliance, and the Hispanic American Council.
Of course in addition to enjoying activities, we encourage you and your family to check out books, movies, and music, and to read every day. We'll be glad to sign you up for a library card if you don't have one.
See you on Saturday!
This is the week of the 9th annual Teen Filmmaker Festival; Sunday, February 26, 2:30 pm at Rave Motion Pictures in downtown Kalamazoo.
As in years past, we put out the call for teen-produced and directed films by Michigan teens from 13—18 years old. Films from the finalists will be shown at this special event, open to movie fans of all ages.
Prizes will be awarded for best film, best animation, best experimental film, best documentary, best short film, best technical merit, best music video, and judges' choice; the people's choice award will be chosen by the audience.
If past years are any indication, there will be a wide variety of creative films with interesting technical effects, some funny, some serious. I expect to once again be amazed by what these teens have produced.
Although the festival is free, tickets are needed. The Rave will be distributing tickets on a first-come, first served basis on Sunday, the day of the festival, beginning at 11 am when they open.
See you there.
The availability of e-books through public libraries is ever changing.
Libraries, including KPL, offer downloadable e-books through a vendor–OverDrive. Publishers offer their titles to OverDrive, libraries purchase titles in e-book format through OverDrive, patrons download e-books to their device through their home library using the OverDrive technology.
Three of the major publishers have not allowed their titles to be purchased by public libraries through OverDrive: Macmillian, Simon & Schuster, and Hachette. Just this week, Penguin announced they too will no longer offer their titles in downloadable format for public libraries to purchase. (Read more)
With this move, Random House is the only big-six publisher allowing unrestricted access to its e-books through libraries. HarperCollins does work with libraries, but has implemented a limit of 26 uses or checkouts of the title before it must be "repurchased."
If you don't find a particular e-book title available for download though our catalog, quite likely it is from a publisher who will not sell to public libraries.
The American Library Association is continuing to talk with publishers about the future of e-book availability for lending through libraries. We, along with the entire library community, share your frustrations with this ever changing e-book situation, both the availability of titles and the process of downloading to various devices. Stay tuned.
There's a new look in Teen Services on the lower level of Central Library.
Teen patrons and our staff in teen have long wished for an area separate from the rest of the lower level to allow for teen programming and discussions there without disturbing others. We now have it, along with a bright, fresh look.
We've installed a divider between the teen area and the AV collection. Large windows provide an open feeling but create a separate area. Computers have been moved to a counter mounted on the divider to free up space for a programming / discussion / hang-out area for teens.
Along with the divider, we have bright, 2012 colors thanks to our Facilities Management staff.
You don't need to be a teen to stop by for a look. You might wish you had had a teen area like this when you were in middle and high school though – I do.
…… the county Law Library is located on the lower level of Central Library?
……all KPL locations have paper and reproducible tax forms and information about free tax preparation clinics?
……eBooks and eaudiobooks are available through our website?
……our librarians will be glad to suggest books based on what you have read and enjoyed?
……KPL staff share their favorite books, music, and movies on our blogs?
……if you missed a concert you enjoy it on YouTube?
……there is a printable calendar of all the library activities for kids on our website?
……there are some amazing teen filmmakers in Kalamazoo?
……many photos of historic Kalamazoo are posted on our website?
……Luis Urrea, this year's Reading Together author will be here on March 6?
……there are used books for sale at Central Library?
……you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter?
The Friends of KPL will hold their winter "Bag Sale" on Saturday, January 28 from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm in the Van Deusen Room on the third floor of the Central Library.
As in past years, books are 10¢ each OR a whole grocery bag full for $2.00. What a bargain!
I see the bags and boxes of good books that are dropped off at the library for the Friends. The Friends ad for this sale is correct: the sale is "featuring exceptionally good stock!"
Thousands of books will be available when the sale begins at 9 am and Friends volunteers will restock during the day as space allows.
This is an easy opportunity to support the library and build your home library….or a classroom library.
Thanks to our good friends, the Friends of KPL, for sharing / recycling books through their bookstore and these periodic booksales.
Last week I wrote about our recent birthday party to celebrate the 115th anniversary of Children's Services at KPL. I also wrote that 2012 is a milestone year for many of our services with more celebrations ahead.
Well, I didn't have in mind that January 10 was the 7th birthday for MeLCat, our statewide shared catalog and the basis for interlibrary loan. Each month we borrow about 1,300 items for our patrons from other libraries AND we loan about the same number to other libraries across the state. A delivery service moves the items within days to wherever they are needed, then back to the home library.
Patrons can place their own holds and be notified when the item is ready to be picked up at their home library. If we don't have what you need, it may be available through MeLCat.
Happy 7th birthday MeLCat!
We had a birthday party at KPL last week! We celebrated the 115th anniversary of Children's Services with special storytimes and cupcakes….it's not a birthday party without cake….and we gave the gifts: a coloring book "Celebrating 115 Years of Reading at Kalamazoo Public Library." The story coloring book was created by Janie Bynum, local author and illustrator.
In December 1896, KPL dedicated a room for exclusive use by children, one of the first ten libraries in the country to do so. Now, 115 years later, early childhood literacy and preparing children to learn to read, remain our highest priorities.
The story coloring book follows Grandpa and Little Bear as they visit the library each week to borrow books, use the computers, attend storytime, make crafts, and play in the puppet theater. It's a fun look with an underlying serious message: the importance of regular library visits and reading to children.
Interestingly enough, 2012 is a milestone for many of our services. We are planning more celebrations this year, including a big one for the entire library in the fall.
Happy birthday, children's services!


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Team Alpha (A-Fore)
Linda Anagnostopulos
There is no better feeling in the world than to help another person achieve their goals and dreams in life. Working as an Admissions Counselor gives me the opportunity every day to assist students who are interested in pursuing their goal of earning a degree. It's great coming to work every day knowing that I can make a difference in someone's life. That's probably why I've worked at Excelsior College for over 25 years. We help make the world better, one graduate at a time!
Excelsior College is right for you because…
Flexibility. Excelsior College is an incredibly generous institution regarding the transfer of college level credit into one of our degree programs. I earned my bachelor's degree from Excelsior College in 1996 after attending 3 different colleges and taking a few examinations for credit. The flexibility offered at Excelsior College enabled me to combine those credits toward a degree program that best suited me. Excelsior College offers both on-line courses and examinations for credit. Our courses are offered 6 times a year and examinations are offered all year long. With this flexibility, anyone can reach their educational goals!
Laurie Engel
The most rewarding aspect of my job as an Admissions Counselor is advising the adult learner. My hope is that by sharing my knowledge of Excelsior's programs, understanding your strengths and weaknesses and helping you overcome the preventable obstacles in your life from meeting your educational goals, we connect in a way that gives you the confidence to pursue a degree at our affordable and innovative institution.
Shortly before my 40th birthday, I enrolled full-time into a university to complete a Bachelor's Degree that I had been working on in fits and starts for almost 20 years. Although having a degree was something that was very important to me, until then it was not a priority. I was a part-time worker and a full-time mother of four children unable to find the right combination of time, motivation, money and opportunity.
While in school, I was usually the only student in the classroom that wasn't 20 years old. I willingly made concession's; ignored piles of laundry, neglected household chores and missed important time with my kids. I knew, however, that working hard and earning good grades validated my efforts and proved my dedication to earn a degree.
Excelsior College is right for you because...
It is the perfect fit for the adult learner. There is no commute to a campus, no need to re-arrange everyone's schedule to make it to a class on-time and less time spent away from home and work because you are studying at home. You are setting your own schedule as you pursue your goals and obtain the education you need to begin or advance your career. You will meet many other adult learners through the Excelsior College Peer Network and class discussions who are just like you; disregarding some household chores to accomplish and succeed in an educational environment that works hard to assist you on your journey and applauds your accomplishments!
Gregory Eckl
I am most passionate about…
History. Understanding "the human experience" and the challenges overcome by individuals who faced great odds is something to be treasured. I think many people today have lost touch with the universal notion that we are all human beings; the feelings experienced by those who have come before us are the same feelings you and I experience every day. I use the successes and hardships of the individuals in history as a motivator in my own life. If Abraham Lincoln can conquer the odds and pull a divided nation back together in just four short years, what can you do to make a difference?
Excelsior College is right for you because…
Accessibility. Excelsior is America's oldest, accredited, non-profit institution serving students at a distance. The learning experience attained from online class discussion is second to none and can be accessed anywhere in the world. Our examinations are offered in all fifty states, six days a week and in countries around the world to assure students the best opportunity to earn college level credit without detracting from life's surprises and personal responsibilities. What an incredible opportunity!
In my lifetime, I hope to…
Run a marathon. I enjoy running and exercise and a marathon presents a huge challenge! I believe that with the right mindset and training, I could make it happen.
Bigotry is the disease of ignorance, of morbid minds; enthusiasm of the free and buoyant. Education and free discussion are the antidotes of both.~ Thomas Jefferson to John Adams at Monticello, August 1816
Valerie Hettie
I am most passionate about...
Continuous learning. I believe that no matter what age you are, you should try to accumulate as much knowledge as possible. This passion has helped me realize that I truly enjoy helping others reach their academic goals. It is a great feeling to know that I have contributed to someone else's path to success.
Excelsior College is right for you because...
Our college allows you to balance your personal life, your career and simultaneously meet your educational objectives. I never thought I would be able to work full time and go to college. Excelsior College has provided me the flexibility to earn my Associates, Bachelors and Masters Degrees, all while working full time. Excelsior College's support throughout my experience was vital to my success and the learning experience was nothing short of excellent.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family.
Toll free:
888-647-2388 ext. 2
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Excelsior College Admissions
7 Columbia Circle
Albany, NY 12203-5159
518-464-8500 ext. 2
888-647-2388 ext. 2
Step-by-step Assistance
Our admissions team can help you apply to Excelsior College. Contact them for help in:
- Finding the right degree program.
- Submitting transcripts and other paperwork.
- Getting transfer credit for previous college work, military training, or other experience.
- Understanding the application process.


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Celebrate the Thunder's 2012 NBA Western Conference victory as they get ready to battle for the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy in the NBA Finals with this Locker Room cap by adidas. It features the same style graphics worn by your favorite OKC ballers after their big win!
- High-quality team graphics
- Officially licensed NBA product
- One size fits most
- Six panels with eyelets
- Structured fit
Thunder Customers also liked:
Special event items are produced by manufacturers only after the outcome of a game or event. These are advanced sale items and will ship immediately after they are received in our warehouse.
Manufacturer direct items are shipped directly from the manufacturer. These items are not available for international or expedited shipping.
Customized items can be personalized with options such as your name, your favorite number, and/or designs. Some options may be limited by league rules.


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Air Jordan 1 Retro High – Obsidian – Gym Red – Elephant
October 23rd, 2012 by Aaron Hope | 2 comments
Sneaker News started the week off with a bang by showcasing the retros on tap from Jordan Brand for SS13, but you don't have to wait until January's 'Nike Air'-tagged edition to get in on the model that started it all. Coming up next month is a new Air Jordan 1 High Retro that opts for a USA-ish colorup featuring the legendary Elephant print on red heel and toe sections. The use of Elephant, nubuck and plain leather along with a contrast stitch on the Swoosh gives this simple colorup an added punch, which they'll most certainly need during JB's most prolific holiday season yet. There are a ton of AJ1s (both Retro Highs and Phat Mids) on tap between here and next summer, so have a closer look at these before you let us know where they rank and stick with Sneaker News as we approach the November 10th drop.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High
Obsidian/Sail-Gym Red
i dig them
steve nash it


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Full Description
Built with a whopping 9,420 cubic inches of capacity, hardly any load on a canoe trip is too big for this giant of a pack. From the 18-ounce canvas to the double bottom, everything about this canoe pack is heavy duty. One-inch wide leather flap straps, a tumpline, map pocket, side slip pockets with weep holes and sturdy leather shoulder straps all come standard on the Paul Bunyan. If you can't get all of your gear into this pack, maybe you just have too much stuff! Pack includes thick replaceable poly liner. Made in USA.
Technical Specifications
Item No. S-130 Paul Bunyan Pack
- Dimensions: 29H x 28W x 6D
- Capacity: 9,420 cubic inches : 154.37L
- Construction: 18 oz canvas, box pack design, double sewn side seams, double bottom, leather reinforcements for all rivets and high stress seams, three 1-inch wide leather flap straps, high quality roller buckles, includes M-215 poly liner
Craftsmanship and Guarantee
All of our handmade packs and bags are built to last in Duluth, Minnesota, USA. Our factory, where we have been building our products since 1911, is home to an extremely talented group of sewers, riveters, and leather craftspeople. Each piece of Duluth Pack gear is painstakingly built by hand with the attention and detail that only a true artisan can provide. We stand behind our work and are proud to offer a lifetime warranty covering all craftsmanship and hardware we use in the construction of our products. Craftsmanship includes our sewing and riveting. Hardware includes all zippers, buckles, D-rings, snaps, and any other parts utilized in the manufacturing of our bags. If at anytime during the life of your Duluth Pack product you have problems in these areas, return the product and it will be repaired free of charge. If the product cannot be repaired due to a defect in craftsmanship or faulty hardware, we will be happy to replace the item at Duluth Pack's discretion. While your Duluth Pack item is designed to provide you with many years of use, Duluth Pack is not responsible for common wear and tear or misuse of your product and is therefore not covered by our warranty. Of course, damages not covered under warranty can usually be repaired at a minimal cost. We sincerely value your patronage and will always do our absolute best to go the extra mile to ensure that you are happy with every Duluth Pack purchase.
Customer Reviews
3 Item(s)
- Excellent
- Rating
Couldn't do a trip without this pack. It's perfect for 2 people and all food and clothes for any number of days or 3 people's clothes. Love it.
Posted on 8/4/2011 by House
- A must for your trip!
- Rating
I've had this bag for 7-8 years and have never been disappointed with it's performance. Straps are secured with spot on riveting and seams have held tight no matter how we load the bag. You can always put another leaf in this bag! For the "sherpa" of the group it's been a challenge that we talk about each trip. I would highly recommend this bag
Posted on 7/16/2010 by Jim
- Want to take everything with you?
- Rating
This is one great pack! When I went to order this pack, it wasn't being made anymore. I became worried how I was going to manage a 10 day trip without some extra goodies to make life a little more comfortable. Well, they still make it and I purchased one. If you need some comfort but can't squeeze it in some of your smaller packs, this is for you. I find it best to put the lighter weight loftier items in this one. It still has great balance even when this one is stuffed full, and that's alot of stuff. Heavy duty and will last for ever.
Posted on 5/11/2009 by Todd
3 Item(s)


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|Have You Played Atari Today?
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We've returned from the Portland Retro Gaming Expo, where we released four new games (three for the 2600 and one for the 7800). We've now added these new games to the store! Each game is complete with a high-quality box, manual and label. Details below:
You can find these new games and other recent releases here!
We've just added several new Atari 2600, 7800, and Jaguar homebrew games to our store! Here's a list of what's new, and you can scroll down for more details about each game:
One day Blinky finds himself at the bottom of a dark dungeon and there's only one way out... up!
Blinky Goes Up is an original platform game for the Atari 2600 by Jan Hermanns. Your goal is to ascend through each level in this vertical scrolling platformer, collecting every gold nugget along the way. You'll receive an extra life for every four told nuggets you collect. And you may need them, as there are villains working to block your path: Tooby, Bolly, and Shooty. To compound matters, if you fall or jump from a platform and don't land on another, you'll lose a life!
Armor Attack II is a continuation of the exciting and addicting arcade game made by Cinematronics in 1980. Like the original, this is a one or two player battle-action game where your jeeps (equipped with rocket launchers) defend war torn landscapes with 16 different terrains that are randomly chosen at the beginning of each level.
The play field is a top view of cities with road and building areas defined. Players (jeeps) and enemies (tanks) can only maneuver on the roads, however the enemy helicopter can go over buildings and roads. No shots by anything can go through buildings, as they are only valid over road areas. Debris left by tanks is sometimes destructive, so make sure to shoot them from a safe distance!
The object is to accumulate the maximum number of points possible. In a two player game, both players play simultaneously and neither player can shoot the other. The player(s) must avoid being shot or run over by the enemy tanks, and avoid being shot by the helicopter. If a player shoots a helicopter, the bonus level is incremented by 10 points. When the fifth helicopter is destroyed an extra jeep is awarded to the player who shot the helicopter the fifth time. (Bonus Levels: +10, +20, +30, +40, extra jeep and reset to zero). The player's turn is over when he/she gets shot by the tank or helicopter. In a two player game, the level does not reset and the player does not return (if he/she has any lives left) until both players are shot.
Crazy Otto was developed as an enhancement kit for Pac-man cabinets by General Computer Corporation (GCC). GCC also created an upgrade kit for Missile Command titled Super Missile Command, for which they were sued by Atari, but the suit was dropped and the two companies entered into a business arrangement. GCC went on to develop the arcade games Fight and Quantum for Atari, as well as games for the Atari 2600, 5200 and 7800 game consoles.
As a drop-in upgrade for Pac-Man, Crazy Otto brought many changes to the game, although basic gameplay remained the same. Most notable is the main character (Crazy Otto) had legs and blue eyes. The monsters also have feet, as well as animated antennae. Other changes included new mazes, music, sound effects, and bonus fruit. Otto and his female counterpart were featured in three new intermissions, the last of which shows the arrival of baby Crazy Otto, "Junior".
Crazy Otto now lives on the Atari 7800, thanks to the efforts of Atari 7800 developr Robert DeCrescenzo
"Flying through space is no picnic. Commanding an intergalactic space vessel isn't all plaid blankets and wicker baskets. All manner of peculiar happenings might ruin one's day. Take planets for instance. They're big. Really big. Often rather solid, too. For these reasons alone, it's usually advisable not to involve yourself in any sort of altercation with one, particularly when travelling through hyperspace.
This was now something Space Corps Commander Gwyn Williams knew only too well, as, from his vantage point high in the upper atmosphere, he observed the fragments of his vessel scattered over the surface of this particular example of Big Solid Planet. Sliced into three sections with the ship's cargo falling from orbit all around him, he wondered how this day might possibly get any worse... Ah! Of course! An onslaught of deadly rocks - simply perfect!"
Full Circle: Rocketeer is an old-school arcade shooter featuring 16 unique levels covering four worlds. Full Circle: Rocketeer is a new 50/60 fps arcade shooter for the Atari Jaguar console, featuring 16 unique levels over 4 worlds. Full Circle: Rocketeer utilizes Reboot's Raptor Engine, and supports the regular Jaguar joypad as well as the ProPad controller. Other features include MemoryTrack saving, 8-channel digital sound (for music and effects), collectible bonus items, and online high scores.
Jagware Collection 1.0 is a collection of games from four different groups, presented by Jagware. The games iuncluded in this collection are: Do The Same from Cerebral Vortex, Diamjag by Orion, Atomic Reloaded from The Removers, and Beebris by Reboot. All four games support online scoreboards. Also included is an exclusive early look at the alpha build of Project II, an upcoming scrolling shoot'em up from Reboot.
With each team offering one of their titles, this collection is not only a great way to own some of the Jaguar's best visceral experiences, but also an opportunity to say thanks to Jaguar hardware developer SCPCD, creator of the JagCF and Jagtopus 4-cart programmer. Profits made through sale of this collection go directly to SCPCD to help further Jaguar hardware development.
Xu approached the balcony of his presidential suite in his usual calm and purposeful manner. This time was different, however. As he looked out to the stars for what was sure to be the last time, he knew he had only one card left to play and that it offered no realistic hope of success. The Ebil Alliance was determined to take the whole galaxy... their invading forces too great in number and their simultaneous attack on all four worlds impossible to defend. As he raised his finger and gestured towards the hangar below, signaling the launch of the Tetrad's prototype warp ship, he knew his coalition of the last four free worlds in the system could not hope to survive such an onslaught.
Kobayashi Maru: Final is a 50/60 fps rotary action shooter for the Atari Jaguar games console and was written utilizing a version of the new Raptor Engine by Reboot. It can be played with either a rotary controller (such as Chaos Reins, Tyrant or Jonathan Ascough pad) or a regular Jaguar
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