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Photo: istolethetv via Flickr
During the holidays, it's natural to want to give the world to those we love.After all, nothing is too good for our parents, siblings, spouses, and dear friends. But a smart shopper never financially overextends himself at the holidays.
So how exactly can you impress your giftee without blowing your entire budget? It's all about perceived value, sentimentality, and need.
These notions are subjective of course, but we've found that the following gift ideas have the ability to make your giftee think you splurged on their holiday present, when you really just shopped wisely.
The whole idea behind high-end designers producing an accessibly-priced line of products available through a mainstream channel like Target or Sephora is to make money off the cachet attached to the brand name.
And it works, as exemplified by the immense popularity of Target's designer capsule collections. Currently, the retailer is promoting its exclusive Neiman Marcus collection, which includes wares from designers such as Marc Jacobs, Lela Rose, Oscar de la Renta, and more.
Many of the price tags however are a bit high to be considered inexpensive, but a few items are priced just right. Like this Tory Burch Lunch Box ($19.99 with $5.18 s&h), which can serve as a makeup bag and will delight any fashion-loving lady on your list.
Regardless of how easily this gem is now produced, the pearl still exudes an air of class and elegance over other jewelry.
(For some though, it might just seem stuffy, so make sure you know your audience with this one.) We periodically see inexpensive options -- like this 9mm White Freshwater Pearl Necklace ($14.99 via coupon code 'dealnews25' with free shipping, a low by $9) -- that still have the luster and weight of pearls that the average person will associate with a much pricier product.
Considering how much we rely on portable music these days, extra pairs of headphones are always appreciated.
But if you can't afford to spring for an acclaimed pair of Bose or Diddybeats ear phones, you can at least opt for something snazzy; Skullcandy regularly discounts its brightly-coloured headsets to well under $20 via its eBay store, and the everything-but-standard-black hues will make these phones seem like a special purchase.
Currently you can score the Skullcandy Lowrider Headphones($15.99 with free shipping, a low by $7) in purple.
Sometimes the material of an item alone is enough to suggest a level of quality.
As far as budget leather accessories go, it's best to stick to simple styles, which makes this a particularly fitting option when buying for men.
This Joseph Abboud Men's Leather Passcase Wallet ($9.99 with free shipping, a low by $4), for example, is consistently available for under $10. The wallet section at Wilsons Leather, too, iswell-stocked with cheap options, and also sees regular sitewide coupons, so make sure to look for one before checking out.
This bath and beauty store's Signature Collection of lotions, body wash, and scents can be rather expensive if bought one at a time, since prices start at $11 a pop.
But if you opt for one of Bath & Body Works' frequent buy one get one sales, the per-unit price drops by almost half. And while such sales are far more common at Bath & Body Works, we found a similar sale offered at The Body Shop as well.
Stock up on several bottles of sweet-smelling beauty goods, then divvy them up into your own DIY gift sets.
While doing your shopping in general, be on the lookout for retailers and restaurants that offer free gift cards with minimum purchases.
For example, REI currently includes a $20 gift card with orders of $100 or more.
The deal is probably meant to be a nice extra for the person placing the order, but you could always include the freebie with a gift to make it seem all the more valuable. Just be aware that some stores will offer this freebie as an eGift card, which is more difficult to pass on.
Although Groupon and LivingSocial frequently offer credits to local merchants or online stores that you may not be familiar with, we sometimes see noteworthy offers from retailers like Old Navy, ShoeMall, or Threadless.
You can use such a credit to purchase your gift, thus allowing you to buy a more valuable item than your budget would otherwise allow.
You can also give the promotional value as a gift without the recipient knowing what you paid for it. (Bonus points if you manage to recommend a friend to the deal site, score a referral credit, and use that to buy the store voucher.)
We were inclined to title this option 'something from ThinkGeek,' but really, anything that has a high quirk factor will work, since the coolness of the gift tends to override the actual value of the item.
Got a friend who loves photography?
Try getting one of those travel mugs that looks like a telephoto lens, i.e. the Camera Lens Mug ($15.99 with free shipping via Prime, a low by $4). You might have to expend a bit more creative energy than usual though, since this type of gift works best when it really fits the personality of the recipient. But if they happen to like Star Wars or Dr. Who, you're pretty golden at ThinkGeek.
A sentimental connection to an item is the easiest way to give it transcendental value, and these days, it's easy to find a wealth of products that play upon our 'good old days' memories.
Urban Outfitters shills many such wares, but we also love all the retro kitchen appliances from Nostalgia Electrics; some are just fun, while others like the Nostalgia Electrics 4-Pretzel Soft Pretzel Maker ($19.99 with free shipping, a low by $5) can genuinely tap into past memories of whiling the hours away at the mall and living off of Auntie Anne's and Orange Julius smoothies.
You could even convince a depressed Hostess fan that the pictured Nostalgia Electrics Cream-Filled Mini Cupcake Maker ($19.99 with free shipping, a low by $5) can recreate their favourite CupCakes.
This option works for the same reason that leather accessories do: the material alone connotes value.
Naturally, the least expensive cashmere items are probably going to be a cotton blend, but they'll still carry the cashmere cachet.
Kohl's frequently has inexpensive styles, and currently there are several Apt 9 women's sweaters on sale ($33.99 via coupon code 'THANKS2677' with $6.95 s&h, $91 off) that should fit a tight budget.
Typically, only family members will see the value in the portrait option.
But if you live far away from your parents and extended relations, and you happen to have some doe-eyed offspring in your brood, a photographic memento can be particularly effective.
Skip the professional sitting and instead ask a friend with a decent digital SLR to take a more natural-looking photo of your family at home. Then, use a photo print deal like to make copies. Right now you'll get two 8x10 photos for $3.99 with free in-store pickup at Rite Aid.
The best way to give someone a gift that seems more expensive than it really is? Buy something at a significant discount!
That's exactly what you'll find in our Editors' Choice section, as it's filled with all-time low prices and rare sales. Some of the items will still fall into the upper levels of your budget, but it's an excellent, fool-proof guide to getting your dollar to stretch its furthest. And lower-priced goods make for excellent stocking stuffers!
There's no shame in shopping with a budget this holiday season. In fact, knowing your limits before you start punching in your credit card info will help prevent excessive spending. The items above will help keep your expenditures down while still making your loved ones feel appreciated. If there's someone on your list however that just won't fit any of the options above, make sure to keep an eye on our constantly-updated gift guide tab for more ideas.
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Will the Whitecaps live happily ever after?
"Once upon a time, in a Magical Kingdom, a multinational media conglomerate decreed that a soccer tournament be held upon their verdant fields and that the winners of this tournament be awarded with a gleaming trophy.
Now it so happened that among those who challenged for this gleaming trophy was a poor little team from the Pacific Northwest and all the other teams laughed at this little team because they knew how bad they had been in the previous year.
But what those other cruel teams didn't know was that the little team from the Pacific Northwest had been practising very hard on things like defensive discipline and closing down the opposition.
And so it came to pass that this lowly little team did win the gleaming trophy without conceding a goal and there was much celebration in the Pacific Northwest and much gnashing of teeth in the other lands."
That is a contemporaneous report from the Whitecaps victory in the 2012 pre-season "Walt Disney World Pro-Soccer Classic" in Orlando in which they displayed many of the strengths that they are going to be relying on for the playoff game against the LA Galaxy on Thursday.
The most recent trial run for this revitalised approach came against Real Salt Lake where they defended solidly and, at least in the second half, showed that they can occasionally break with pace as well as pose some problems from set-pieces.
It's somewhat ironic that the perceived story of the season decline has been the loss of creativity (aka Davide Chiumiento) when the loss of defensive discipline has been, at the very least, equally as damaging.
The way that the Whitecaps played in Orlando back in February was the foundation for a series of close home wins and, more importantly in the current context, a series of performances that produced decent results away from home.
That kind of defensive tactic will never allow a team run away with a game and it can be hugely problematical to change gear once a goal is conceded but, when it works, if frustrates the opposition to the extent that they lose track of the basics of their own game.
So when the Whitecaps play in Los Angeles on Thursday expect to see lots of pressing, a solid back-four protected by an equally solid midfield and the faint hope that the pace of either Mattocks or Richards can spring a surprise and hit the Galaxy on the break.
If they play as they did in Utah then the Whitecaps certainly won't disgrace themselves but it's also highly unlikely that they will come away with a win.
Unless we really do believe in fairy tales?
You can follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/squadplayer

subset: commoncrawl


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Why do girls seem to shy away from engineering? They may not even know what it is until later in life! Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, a part of Engineers Week, is dedicated to combating this. Our female engineers at Prein&Newhof do us proud every day: Ariana Jeske, P.E. is taking traffic safety by storm. […]Learn More >
Engineers are changing the world—all the time. We dream up creative and practical solutions and often team with other innovative professionals to better serve our clients. The things we design matter. We at Prein&Newhof are excited to celebrate Engineers Week by recognizing our own engineers. Some of the infrastructure we use every day has been […]Learn More >
GRAND RAPIDS. Prein&Newhof, a Grand Rapids-based civil engineering company that's been serving airport clients in Michigan for 30 years, has selectively grown its airport team in the last two years. In 2011 Prein&Newhof acquired Peckham Engineering in Traverse City, hiring its employees including company founder Robert Peckham. Prein&Newhof President and Senior Airport Project Manager Jim Cook […]Learn More >
The latest Michigan Chapter of ASCE's press release highlights and responds to Snyder's State of the State's infrastructure points. Our own Dan Lewis is the current president of the Michigan Chapter. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 29, 2013 Lansing, MI – As stewards of our state's public works, the American Society of Civil Engineers is proud of the […]Learn More >


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Bed & Breakfast
A dinner is finished in style with a night in one of our design suites.
All the luxury rooms are fully equiped with comfortable double box-spring beds, plankets and pillows made of Texel wool. Luxury bathrooms with double rain showers (with or without a spacious bathtub), flatscreen television, free wifi and of course an irresistable minibar featuring Nadine's favorite champagne.
Jef's breakfast awaits in the morning; a procession of original warm and cold dishes such as home-made buns and local treats, seasonal fruits, fresh juices and a glass of refreshing bubbles. A better way to start the day is hard to imagine.
All the hotel suites can be booked per night including breakfast or in combination with a dinner package at the restaurant.
See 'Arrangements' for prices and attractively priced arrangements.
The price is per night exclusive city tax and based on double occupancy.
The price includes Jef's indulging breakfast.
|Junior Suite 40m2
|Suite 50m2
|Sunday until Thursday
|€ 245,00 p.n.
|€ 295,00 p.n.
|Friday, Saturday and holidays
|€ 275,00 p.n.
|€ 325,00 p.n.
|Baby bed
|Kids 4-12 extra bed
|€ 42,50 p.n.
|€ 42,50 p.n.
|Kids 12-18 extra bed
|€ 67,50 p.n.
|€ 67,50 p.n.


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The Vehicle Integration for C4ISR/EW Interoperability (VICTORY) initiative began in an effort to resolve US Army vehicle troubles created by "bolt on" field equipment. Through use of VICTORY, tactical wheeled vehicles and ground combat systems may recover lost vehicle space, weight and power. The implementation enables platform systems to share information. VICTORY architecture implementations provide an integrated picture to the warfighters. Through use of open architecture, platforms can accept future technologies without significantly re-designing platform systems.
The initiative is developing a framework for integration electronic mission equipment including C4ISR and Electronic Warfare system on ground platforms. The framework includes: an architecture, a standard specification, and reference designs. The architecture includes definitions of common terminology, systems, components, and interfaces. The specification provides technical specifications for the systems, components, and interfaces identified in the architecture.
The VICTORY technical approach includes: a "data bus-centric" design; sharable hardware components; open standard physical and logical interfaces; a shared set of data bus services; and shared hardware and software information assurance (IA) components. The shared hardware components enable the deployment of software additions without adding additional hardware. The standard physical and logical interfaces enable system and C4ISR/EW components to communicate with each other. The shared hardware and software IA components allow systems integrators to build security designs to protect and control access to information
Resource : Military & Aerospace Electronics
Full Article & Details


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Pippa Middleton, the younger sister of Kate Middleton, England's Duchess of Cambridge, spent part of Labor Day weekend in the Hamptons.
Toronto TV morning-show host Melissa Grelo spotted the royal sibling at Shelter Island's posh Sunset Beach hotel with André Balazs, whose company owns the Shore Road establishment as well as six other luxury hotels nationwide.
"Just another day in the Hamptons," Grelo tweeted early Sunday afternoon with a photo. "Pippa Middleton here at Shelter Island as a guest of hotelier Andre Balazs." MTV Canada host Aliya Jasmine Sovani -- who was dining at the hotel and, like, Grelo, has reported for the Toronto news channel CP24 -- tweeted a photo of Grelo "taking a picture of Pippa Middleton walking into our restaurant."
Sovani told Us Weekly Monday that Middleton, who "was very low-key" and "didn't have security" as she enjoyed a two-hour meal with friends, had gone unnoticed until being recognized as she waited to use the ladies' room. "She got really embarrassed when some people recognized her while she was in line," Sovani said. "She actually turned bright red!"
"Note to celebs or near-royalty who visit Sunset Beach," Grelo tweeted jokingly. "You will have to wait in line for the bathroom like the rest of us commoners."
Sovani also told Us she later saw Middleton outdoors "walking around with bare feet, holding her wedges in her hand."
People magazine said Middleton and two friends had eaten at the seafood restaurant Catch, in Manhattan's trendy Meatpacking District, on Saturday before she took a seaplane to Shelter Island.
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11 key markets in Asia Pacific are highlighted, examining the relationship between branded hotels and their independent counterparts. Who has the most successful brands? Who is growing the fastest? Which market has the least amount of hotels connected to a brand? Who has the most?
Click here ( Adobe Acrobat PDF file) to download the complete article.
Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.


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Shih Tzu Shop
Multi-functional Three-Use Shih Tzu Bed - 100% Cotton - Kennel House
Sale price $34.99 Regular price
This bed suits puppies, kittens and dogs cats.
Cotton material is soft and cozy.
The bone design is cute and lovely., dogs love it.
This is a multi-function kennel: It can be a dog house or small sofa when you press down on the roof.
It can prevent your pet from cold moisture of the land.
It can provide your pet with private space,meet the nature of pet.
It can be also a part of beautiful furniture in your house.
Detachable cushion, easy to clean the bed and give your pet a comfortable and fresh environment


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By Tami Heim
God's Word not only transforms your life, it transports you back in time. The consequences of sin, brokenness, and repentance unfold by book, chapter, and verse. These themes repeat and God's faithfulness in every circumstance trumps them all.
You live in a time where digital power allows you to bring others to wherever you are to experience whatever you're doing. If you frequent any number of social media platforms, you may be living out your life and not even aware of how it is impacting someone else. When the Spirit of the living God's is alive in you, your influence serves a higher calling and what you share penetrates the stream with life-changing possibilities. Other's have a chance to see God's faithfulness at work in you.
Your life may be the only Bible someone ever reads ~ Anon
As this blog post publishes, I sit under the star-filled sky of Jeremie, Haiti. I am on a mission trip with 17 other people. We stay in a small missionary guesthouse that is approximately 1200 square feet in size. We sleep on wired bunk beds and pray the electricity holds on through the night. Rest is important because 183 orphans are ready and waiting each day to consume all we've got to give and then fill us with more than we can hold.
It was the twitter feed from my pastor, while he was here with a team doing earthquake recovery, that brought me here. Because he took me with him during the tragic aftermath, it awakened my desire to come. My first time to serve in Jeremie was June of 2010. God infused in my DNA an infectious love for this place, the people, and His heart for both. When I arrived, God breathed life into me and into the Words,
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. ~ James 1:27, NIV
I get it now with everything that is within me. When you tend to the things center to the heart of God, His love leaves no room for the pollution prevalent in the world. Obey part one and part two takes care of itself.
This week our team uses social media to tell the stories of Haiti. We share our individual impressions on Twitter and Facebook. We pin on our Pinterest boards images reflecting what we feel when the words are too hard to come by. We take turns documenting the activities of the day and then feed them into the Long Hollow Baptist Church – Lot Of Love blog.
Go to the mission blog and you can join us. Experience how we live out our faith through the words, pictures, and videos we share. And by the way, while we share from Haiti, it just so happens there is another team in Uganda doing the same. United in purpose and heart, our church has two mission teams book-ending the world with the Gospel of grace and the love of God. There may be 7,195 miles physically separating us, but the Internet enables us to hear the beat of each team's heart in real-time.
God gives each of us the opportunity to share online with the whole world what He's doing in our lives.
You may not be on a mission trip in another country, but make no mistake, if you're reading this post, then you're already on a mission field. It's filled with the lost and hurting. Voices cry out and wonder if anyone will listen or respond. Will you let the story of your life take them to the only place where their souls will find redemption and rest?
- How will you use your digital power to take someone on a journey of faith with you?
- What will you share right now for His glory?
Post / Tweet this:
Let your words and life be a blaze of glory in honor of the Holy God you serve. Show others how to walk His way. #LiveSticky
Tags: Caribbean, Facebook, God, great commission, Haiti, James, Jeremie Haiti, Long Hollow Baptist Church, Mission trip, Organization, Port-au-Prince, twitter


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How Long Do Horses Live?
Have you ever thought about how long do horses live? Just like humans, if a horse is well taken care of with thoughtful care and proper medicine, the lifespan of the horse will increase. Horse enthusiasts have claimed that horses that are well taken care of can live up to 30 years. Since their average age is about 28 years, advance care can add up to 5 year or so. And many horses live up beyond their typical years.
On the other hand, ponies also are more likely to live longer among them. Ponies and horses can live up to the age of 40s or more. In history, the oldest horse that was recorded to live longer was 52 years old. Normally, smaller breeds of a horse such as the Arabians live longer than the bigger breeds like the draft breeds.
However, there is always the exemption to any rules. People who have experience in taking care of horses believed that with good care of the horses, even old horses can live longer and healthy life. Horses need a maintenance and basic care in their daily life which includes basic dental care, healthy foods and hoof maintenance.
Horses are classified into three groups: the "hot bloods" that have all the strengths and endurance. Second is the "cold bloods", these groups of horses are usually the draft horses and ponies. Lastly the "warm bloods", they are crossbred between both hot bloods and cold bloods. And these are the types of horses you see in the street of Europe for riding purpose.
In most competition horses, they count the age of the horse every January 1 in the Northern Hemisphere, regardless of its birth day, and on each August 1 in the Southern Hemisphere. The horse keeper will decide if the horse is fit for a competition based on the horse's definite chart age.
Learn MORE at Getty Images
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Pygmalion Essay – Appropriationof a Key Text from the Past.
Extracts from this document...
Pygmalion Essay - Appropriation of a Key Text from the Past Appropriation of texts has occurred for centuries, as stories have been adapted to contemporary situations that are relevant to its audience. The Myth of Pygmalion is one such case. George Bernard Shaw and Garry Marshall have taken the ancient Myth of Pygmalion and transformed it using language, form and values to reflect the context of their times. The play Pygmalion appropriates characters, social context and values to present the transformation of Eliza Doolittle from a flower girl to a lady whilst Pretty Woman uses filmic devices to present Vivian's transformation from a prostitute to a rich woman. In George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion, the artist figure of the Myth is represented by Henry Higgins, now transformed into an enthusiastic phoneticist. This is appropriate to the social context of the time, as an individual's speech determined their social class and status. Like a sculptor, Higgins moulds Eliza into his image of an ideal middle class woman by changing her speech, hygiene and social etiquette. The play confronts serious issues that were present in England during the early 20th century. Poverty and class divisions are presented in a light-hearted way through the use of humorous scenes such as Eliza first taking a bath and refusing to remove her clothes. Accepted behaviour and morals between the classes are explored. ...read more.
Whereas Pygmalion is a social critique of its time, Pretty Woman falls under the genre of a Romantic Comedy. Set in Hollywood in the 1990s, it no longer has the English class divisions of Shaw's Pygmalion, as the division now lies between the wealthy and the poor. The opportunity for wealth and a better life is available for those who are determined, such as Vivian, a prostitute on the streets. Vivian's transformation begins with Edward Lewis, who requires a female partner for business purposes. He does not hesitate to allow her to fulfill that role, despite the fact that she is a prostitute. This would not have happened in earlier times and clearly reflects open, late 20th century values and changing morality. In Vivian's case, prostitution is where intimate sexual relationships are cheapened and commercialized. The importance of relationships is further diminished by suggestions in the film that relationships are secondary to money and business. In the film's opening scene at Edward's party, money is part of a magic trick. This gives the impression of modern society involving wealth, business and the tricky associated with the two. The setting of Hollywood Boulevard is dramatically contrasted to Edward's world of money and business. An example is the black hustler in the streets who hollers, "This is Hollywood where people come to fulfill their dreams!" ...read more.
Despite her prostitution, Vivian is an independent woman and it is she who gives Edward directions when he is lost and drives his car to the hotel. Vivian is an example of the changing role of women in a modern society, and her character allows audiences to understand social context of the film. The form of each text also reflects the context of each composer's time. Shaw's Pygmalion is in the form of a play, to be performed in theatres to the middle and upper classes as entertainment. On the other hand, Pretty Woman takes the form of a Hollywood romantic comedy and its medium is film. By doing this, many visual aspects are used to reflect the appropriated elements from the Myth such as Vivian's transformation. Its suitability for a modern, visually attuned audience reflects the culture of today. Film also allows meaning to be conveyed through sound. An example of this is their opera night, and the song 'Fallen' by Lauren wood accompanies their trip by plane. This not only sets the romantic atmosphere by also reflects context. Shaw's Pygmalion and Pretty Woman by Garry Marshall are both texts appropriated from the Pygmalion Myth. Written almost a century apart, there are significant differences in terms of language, form and values. Each of these has been used to convey values and attitudes relevant to the culture of that time, so that their audience readily relates to and accepts them. Despite using some elements from the Myth, each has been uniquely appropriated by the composer to reflect its context. ...read more.
This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Sociology section.
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Baseball's Johnson Named AACBL Pitcher of the YearAugust 01, 2014Hampden-Sydney rising junior Reggie Johnson earned the All-American Collegiate Baseball League (AACBL) Fireman Award given to the league's top pitcher.
Hamlett, Wiles Named Third-Team All-RegionMay 20, 2014Christian Hamlett (Midlothian, VA/Cosby) has been named Third-Team All-South Region by D3baseball.com and Spencer Wiles (Belmont, NC/South Point) was also named Third-Team All-South Region by the American Baseball Coaches Association.
Gray Named Academic All-DistrictMay 02, 2014Junior first baseman Jeff Gray has earned Capital One Academic All-District honors as announced Thursday afternoon by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
Tigers Fall in Tourney Heartbreaker, 4-3 to Macon in 11April 25, 2014The Hampden-Sydney baseball team took a heartbreaking 4-3 elimination loss to second seeded Randolph-Macon in 11 innings in the second day of the 2014 ODAC Baseball Tournament. The Tigers exit the tournament at 27-15 on the season.
Five Tigers Earn All-ODAC, Hamlett and Carneal First TeamApril 25, 2014Five Tiger baseball players were honored with All-ODAC awards, including junior left fielder Christian Hamlett and sophomore second baseman Lee Carneal who were named to the First Team.
Baseball Falls 7-1 in ODAC Tourney OpenerApril 24, 2014The sixth seeded Hampden-Sydney Tigers took a 7-1 loss to top-seeded and 14th ranked nationally Shenandoah in the opening game of the 2014 ODAC Baseball Tournament. With the loss, the Tigers fall to 27-14 overall and will play in the Tournament's first elimination game at 11:00 AM tomorrow.
Tigers Set to Face Hornets in ODAC Baseball TournamentApril 22, 2014The field has been set for the 2014 ODAC Baseball Tournament and the Tigers will join five other teams to round out the six team, double elimination tournament to take place from Thursday, April 24 to Sunday, April 27 at Lynchburg City Stadium in Lynchburg.
Tigers End Regular Season with 7-6 Win Over GreensboroApril 21, 2014The Hampden-Sydney baseball team tied a school record, winning its 27 game of the season, defeating Greensboro 7-6 in the Tigers' regular season finale. The Tigers, standing at 27-13 overall and 10-10 in the ODAC, will enter the ODAC Tournament as the sixth seed and will face top-seeded Shenandoah at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 24 at Lynchburg City Stadium.
Tigers Improve Streak to Three, Sweep WaspsApril 19, 2014Hampden-Sydney baseball ended its ODAC slate on a strong note, taking decisions of 5-4 and 9-4 to sweep Emory and Henry to finish 10-10 in conference. The Tigers improve to 26-13 overall.
Baseball Downs Jackets 5-2April 17, 2014Hampden-Sydney returned to win column with a crucial 5-2 win over Randolph-Macon. With the victory, the Tigers improve to 24-13 overall and 8-10 in ODAC play; the Yellow Jackets fall to 19-13 on the season and 12-6 in the ODAC.
Lewis Breaks Hits Record, Tigers Fall 3-2 to VWCApril 16, 2014Senior third baseman Hunter Lewis went 3-for-5 in the Tigers' 3-2 loss to Virginia Wesleyan, breaking the school record for career hits with 172 to his name.
Baseball Weekly Preview: April 14-20April 14, 2014Preview Hampden-Sydney's week in baseball with the Tiger Weekly Notes. This week, Hampden-Sydney hosts Virginia Wesleyan on Wednesday and Randolph-Macon on Thursday, and travels to Emory & Henry for a double header on Saturday.
Tuesday's Baseball Game Pushed to WednesdayApril 14, 2014With rain in the forecast for tomorrow, Hampden-Sydney baseball's game with Virginia Wesleyan has been moved to Wednesday, April 16. First pitch at Ty Cobb Ballpark is slated for 4:00 pm.
Baseball Splits with Generals in Double HeaderApril 12, 2014The Hampden-Sydney Baseball Tigers split its Saturday double header with the Generals of Washington & Lee, dropping the first game 6-5 before taking a 9-8 victory. With the split, Hampden-Sydney stands at 23-12 overall and 7-9 in ODAC play, and the Generals are 14-9 on the season and 7-7 in conference.
Schedule Set for Baseball Alumni DayApril 09, 2014For those attending Baseball's Alumni Day this Saturday, April 12, the itinerary for the day has been set, beginning with golf and an alumni game.
Hot Bats Lift Tigers to 12-4 Win Over MarlinsApril 09, 2014The Hampden-Sydney Tigers had a big day at the plate, using 12 runs on 16 hits to take a 12-4 decision over Virginia Wesleyan. With the victory, the Tigers improve to 22-11 on the season and 6-8 in ODAC play.
Baseball Weekly Preview: April 7-13April 08, 2014Preview Hampden-Sydney's week in baseball with the Tiger Weekly Notes. This week, the Tigers travel to face Virginia Wesleyan on Wednesday and host Washington & Lee in a Saturday double header for senior day.
Eagles Take Two from TigersApril 05, 2014Hampden-Sydney had late runs in each of its two games, but could not overcome the Bridgewater College as the Eagles took both decisions in the Saturday double header. Bridgewater took game one 9-6 in ten innings and the second 9-5.
Tigers Take 4-3 Loss at R-MCApril 02, 2014The Hampden-Sydney Tigers fell 4-3 at Randolph-Macon in a close fought game. Junior Christian Hamlett extended his school-record hit streak to 25 with a 2-for-5 day at the plate.
Tigers Fall 3-0, Hamlett Ties Hit Streak RecordApril 01, 2014LYNCHBURG, VA-While Hampden-Sydney and Lynchburg scored a combined 19 runs in the two teams' first meeting this season, the game at Lynchburg proved to be a very different style with the Hornets prevailing 3-0 in a pitcher's duel.
Baseball Weekly Preview: March 31-April 6March 31, 2014Preview Hampden-Sydney's week in baseball with the Tiger Weekly Notes. This week, the Tigers travel to Lynchburg (4/1) and Randolph-Macon (4/2) before hosting Bridgewater on Saturday for a double header.
Tigers Sweep Guilford in ODAC DoubleheaderMarch 30, 2014Hampden-Sydney claimed a big sweep of ODAC-foe Guilford College on Sunday, defeating the Quakers by scores of 5-4 in ten innings, and 15-4 to improve to 21-7 on the season and 5-4 in ODAC play.
Baseball Double Header at Guilford Pushed to SundayMarch 28, 2014With rain being called for on Saturday, Hampden-Sydney baseball's double header at Guilford College has been moved to Sunday, March 30. First pitch for game one is slated for 1:00 PM.
Comeback Falls Just Short, Lynchburg Outlasts Tigers 10-9 in ExtrasMarch 26, 2014Hampden-Sydney used seven runs in the eighth inning to take a late lead over Lynchburg College, but the comeback fell just short as the Hornets outlasted the Tigers 10-9 in ten innings of action at Ty Cobb Ballpark.
Golf Available for Baseball Homecoming DayMarch 25, 2014For those attending Baseball's first ever Homecoming Day on April 12, golf will be available for anyone who will not be playing in the alumni game. Golf will start roughly at 8:00 AM on Saturday at the Farmville Municipal Course. Those interested in playing need to RSVP to head coach Jeff Kinne at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Baseball Weekly Preview: March 24-March 30March 25, 2014Preview Hampden-Sydney Baseball's week with the Tiger Game Notes. The Tigers host Lynchburg on Wednesday (3/26) at 3:30 pm and travel to Guilford on Saturday (3/29) for a double header starting at noon.
Tigers Split Sunday Double Header with StevensonMarch 23, 2014The Hampden-Sydney baseball team wrapped up its week with a 4-1 record after splitting a Sunday double header with Stevenson University. With an 18-3 victory and 6-3 loss, the Tigers stand at 19-6 overall and 3-3 in ODAC play.
Tigers Sweep Eastern Mennonite in ODAC PlayMarch 22, 2014The Hampden-Sydney baseball team picked up its third win in as many days, sweeping Eastern Mennonite in a Saturday ODAC double header. The Tigers took decisions of 5-4 and 5-1 while improving to 18-5 on the season and 3-3 in conference play.
Kinne Earns Most Wins in School History as Tigers Outlast Frostburg StateMarch 20, 2014Head coach Jeff Kinne became the Tigers' all-time winningest coach with 226 victories as the Tigers outlasted Frostburg State 14-13 in a back-and-forth battle. With the win, the Tigers improve to 16-5 on the season; the Bobcats fall to 10-3.
Tigers to Host Frostburg State on ThursdayMarch 18, 2014The Hampden-Sydney baseball team has added a game to its schedule and will play Frostburg State at Ty Cobb Ballpark on Thursday, March 20. First pitch is set for 4:00 PM.


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You may believe what you are about to read or you may think that I simply need medication. I'm not writing this to convince anyone either way. This is simply my life as I remember it. Whether you believe this is true or not, it has shaped who I am today and continues to drive the way I think and act in the world. My only hope is that you keep an open mind when reading about my journey beyond the "Twilight Zone."
One of the wisest statements I've ever heard was from an elderly man in India who was chronicling his extraordinary life. He said, "We are born into this world because we have not yet learned how not to be." Those words rang true for me. So, here I am. I have not learned how not to be here.
Remarkably, I remember my birth. Later in life, I was surprised to find out that other people didn't remember being born. The first memory I have is of watching my seventeen-year-old mother struggling to bring me into the world. I heard the doctor say, "She's breach." He then turned and said something to a nurse.
I watched, but not from a physical form. I seemed to exist in a nebulous state that could observe from many viewpoints in the room at once. I was near my mother and up in the corner of the room, behind the doctor and next to the nurse. There was a lot of activity as they tried to turn the babe around in my mother's womb. I guess I was stubborn because they gave up and I was pulled into the world feet first. Oddly, I have never been able to stand on my head or do cartwheels. Coincidence? Maybe.
As the doctor and nurse fussed and worked with the efficient skill that comes from experience, my awareness was jolted and in a flash I found myself focused on a tiny body being held up by the feet. I saw the doctor slap the baby's behind. I heard her take in a sharp breath and start to cry. I thought, Oh my, here we go again then felt delicate tendrils of myself flow from my existence in the room to the little girl who came into the world wrong side up.
My consciousness was in both places now. I sensed what she sensed, saw what she saw, heard what she heard. At the same time I was separate and keenly aware of my existence as a person who had experienced being born a multitude of times. I felt both sad resignation at being here, yet again, and excitement at the possibilities of making this life different.
The next recollection I have is of being warm and comfortable in my mother's arms. I saw my father bending over me smiling and saying, "She looks like a monkey." I felt his fear at becoming a father at nineteen. I was small, red, and wrinkly when first born—not a cherub with pink cheeks and rosy skin. I looked at him and thought, I don't know you.
I remember feeling my mother's love. As I looked into her large, dark eyes, I tried to tell her mind, "I promise to make it right this time." I so desperately wanted to avoid the mistakes of the last time we met when I let her drown because my skirts caught in the rowboat and I couldn't save her, She was my daughter then. I spent the rest of that life immersed in guilt.
Over the next few months, I slowly integrated myself into the new body and began to forget who I was before this birth so that I could concentrate on my new life. The funny thing is I never completely forgot my other trips around the sun. Shadows of past sojourns into this world danced in my mind.
My Odd, Odd Childhood
After I grew old enough to express with words, I would tell my mother about the time I was a great lady in a beautiful, big house with three daughters and a husband who went off to war. I told her how I would dance in satin slippers. I remembered that tobacco was our crop and that we lived in a place called, "N'awlins." I was four when I remembered this.
When I was five, I started to recall a few words in French. I talked to my mother about the many times I lived in distant lands in different bodies. I talked about them to my mother, because, somehow I sensed that she was the only one who knew it was true.
Although my father was an alcoholic and our home anything but peaceful, my mother was always nurturing and understanding of my "specialness." I saw spirits as if they were regular people, knew what our pets were thinking, and sensed when things were about to happen. But, this came at a price. I also sensed the darkness around our home, as well as the light. And, darkness was there in abundance.
Because of my father's drinking, lost souls gathered around him. There were troubling and dangerous forces at work in our home. I learned to surround myself with the brightest light I could to ward off the heavy, invasive dark souls that hovered around us. I learned to call on angels and beings of glowing light to chase away the frightening things.
Before I was five years old, I was having visions, out-of-body experiences, and could see things that the other children could not. Some of the children I knew believed me when I told them what I saw. Others ran home and told their parents, who then labeled me as a troubled child or Satan-possessed. I learned to keep my visions and oddness to myself and share only with my mother.
Arthur Comes Calling
Although I am sure that many things in my early childhood have been forgotten, a few things stand out. The first spirit I remember seeing and talking to appeared to me when I was four. We lived in Spokane, Washington, in an ancient, two-story house that had been split into two apartments. We lived upstairs.
On the day the talking spirit came, Mother was visiting with the woman who lived downstairs. I sat on the floor of our living room, playing with a now forgotten toy. I heard, "Hello, can you see me?" I looked up, and standing in front of me was a tall, muscular man wearing a short, leopard-skin tunic, white tights, and leather boots that laced up the front. He had bright red hair and a handle-bar mustache. His eyes were vivid blue. Now, I know he was dressed like a 19th century circus strongman.
"Hello," I said. "I can see you. What's your name?" I think back at my lack of fear and wonder at the simplicity of a child's acceptance at what is instead of what it all means.
He smiled and said, "Arthur."
"Oh," I remember saying. "Mother is downstairs." I wanted to get back to my toy and was hoping this grown-up would go away and leave me to it. Just then, I heard my mother's footsteps on the stairs outside, and the man disappeared.
From Earth to Moon
I was a quiet child and liked to just sit and ponder the things in my head. I think if mother understood that a quiet, thoughtful child was not the norm, she might not have had my hellion of a brother, but that's a story for another time.
One early afternoon, when I was four, I was standing on the couch looking out of the window. I liked to see the sparkling lights that danced in the clear, blue Spokane sky. I don't know how, but suddenly, I found myself floating in dark space, looking back at the Earth. It was shining, blue and white—not like any drawing I had seen in my picture books. This was the most beautiful sight I had ever seen. I don't know how long I stayed there, but in a flash, I found myself back in the living room, standing on the couch. I heard Mother calling out from the kitchen that lunch was ready.
I carried that vision with me into adulthood. When, in 1969, I saw a picture of what the Earth looked like from the Moon, I held my breath. It was exactly what I had seen as a child.
Ouija Gets Mad
It seems that everyone has a spooky Ouija Board story. So, I guess in that sense, I am normal. When I was five, my mother taught me how to work the board. One spring day when my baby brother was sleeping on the couch in the living room. Mother and I sat in my bedroom with the board on our laps.
This was a really good Ouija. It answered questions about all sorts of things. But, if we started to ask silly questions, or joke around, the planchette would circle the board three times, skim across the "Goodbye" at the bottom, and refuse to work the rest of the day.
On this particular day, the subtle energy feel of the Ouija was different and, it started saying scary things and predicting world apocalypse. Then it threatened us. When we asked, "Who are you?" the room grew icy, and the curtains covering my closet blew out with a cold wind. Mother, not one to be intimidated, said something like, "We'll see about that!" She took the board, broke it into small pieces and stuffed into the big, iron pot belly stove we had in the living room. Thinking that was that, we went about our regular day.
That night, we were startled from our sleep. BANG! BOOM! THUD! We ran to the living room to see that the stove had blown the door off its hinges. It had been flung across the room. Ashes covered everything.
The really odd thing, though, was that the stove was cold. It had not been lit that night. My eyes were drawn to movement on the ceiling. An inky-dark blob slithered across the room to the far corner and disappeared.
Mother knew what had happened, but my father just stood there scratching his head and muttering, "What the. . . ?
Little Green Men Come Calling
When I was six years old, we moved to Los Angeles. My father, mother, baby brother and I all piled into our 1951 Green Hudson Hornet (I thought it looked like a big watermelon) and hit the open road. I don't remember if we had a trailer for our "stuff" or what. Probably, we left everything behind and only brought our personal belongings and household necessities like dishes, sheets, towels, and such.
We settled in Tarzana, California and rented a little house in the woods. When it became clear that my brother was allergic to pine sap, we moved to the Wyvernwood Garden Apartments in Boyle Heights, a suburb of Los Angeles. In the 1950s these were first-rate apartments in a town with good schools and safe living. The apartments are still there and according to current marketing, remain in top shape.
The apartment building we lived in faced a wide expanse of lawn. Another building faced us from a low hill. I slept in the living room on an army cot. My mother, father, and baby brother slept in the bedroom. One night shortly after going to bed, I was startled by bright lights shining through the windows. Curious, I got up and looked out.
There, between the two buildings and just above the rooftops was a large, shining, saucer-shaped, flying object. Though I had never read about or knew anything about ETs or UFOs, I was fascinated. It had bright colored lights around the bottom that circled in flashes of red, orange, green, and yellow. There was a clear dome at the top—or maybe it was just windows with a solid top. I don't remember. I could see shadowy figures of people with large heads moving around inside. After a few seconds, it zipped upward and disappeared.
I don't remember my parents waking up to see it. Odd. Maybe they didn't see the lights because they kept their windows covered with heavy curtains and a shade.
The next day, the newspapers reported a UFO sighting in Los Angeles.
When I was eight years old, we moved to a larger apartment so my brother and I could share a bedroom. That's when the fun really started. One night, I was shaken awake by an invisible hand. I heard the words in my head, "Get up. NOW!" When I opened my eyes there was no one in the room but a light was streaming in through the window.
I looked across the room at my brother. He was sound asleep. I climbed out of bed and looked out the window. There was another UFO—much bigger than the one I had seen before. Something made me turn around and walk down the stairs and out the front door.
I'm not sure how, but in the blink of an eye, I was moving up a beam of light into an opening at the bottom of the "ship."
Inside, a tall man with blond hair and blue eyes greeted me. He wore a white jumpsuit. "Take my hand. I'll show you around," he said in a gentle voice. Seeing nothing to be afraid of, I did. We walked around a circular corridor that was flanked with divided stalls. Each stall had one or two animals in them. I remember a zebra, horse, and tortoise, but there were dozens more.
I became concerned that these animals were going to be harmed, but he assured me that they wouldn't be. They were taking them back to his home-world to help repopulate the animal kingdom there. I asked him why and he told me, but that memory has gone away.
After my tour, he knelt down to my eye level and asked me if I understood. I guess I did because I nodded.
I haven't a clue why this occurred. I was returned to my front porch by the beam of light. When I turned around, the ship had slipped quietly into the night sky.
I'm an animal lover and have been known to "go to the mat" for their rights. Maybe this has something to do with that experience. I don't know. I had several more visitations but was never again shown animals.
Growing Up Weird
Throughout my childhood and teen years, I continued to have strange and sometimes frightening experiences. In school I always stuck out as different, or weird. No matter how I tried, I could not fit in with most of the other kids. the friends I had were like me—misfits, odd, and in touch with the invisible world.
As an adult, I dedicate my life to helping others with my "specialness." I studied, sat with gurus, meditated, learned to sing and chant in Sanskrit, learned every spiritual and metaphysical tool I could, including hypnotherapy, astrology, NLP, Tarot, numerology, yoga, tai chi, Kriya, and so much more.
Since I made the choice to remain a non-mother in this life, my life has been my own to shape, and take the time to indulge in my passion for learning.
Even through my wild and wooly twenties, when I indulged the wild and wooly barbarian in me, I never completely ignored my differentness, and distanced myself from most people living "normal" lives, dictated by fears, social rules, and religious doctrine.
Now, well into my "geezerhood" years, the drama of who I am has mellowed and I accept it with comfort and grace. It's easier that way. I surround myself with like-minded people but am at ease around normal folk, too.
Any wierdness in your life? How do/did you deal with it?


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Protecting yourself from infringement claims, part 2
@8778 There are plenty of twists and turns when it comes to software legal issues. In part II of this interview, attorney Bruce Sunstein, co-founder of Bromberg and Sunstein, LLP, talks about the various legal strategies companies can use to protect their software and predicts that cross-licensing is the wave of the future for software companies.
Microsoft has announced that it will indemnify its customers against intellectual property (IP) claims. Why might they have chosen this strategy?
Normally indemnification is the rule with products. What this does with software is to put it on the same footing as other products. As software gets to be more mature, we're going to see more of this because it's something consumers want to expect. Why might a customer of a company such as Microsoft worry that they will fall prey to IP claims? Aren't Linux users the ones with cause for concern?
Another aspect of the maturation of the software industry is that people are getting patents that cover software. Every day you can read about software manufacturers getting sued for patent infringement. If the software vendors can be sued for patent infringement, so can the users. If you have a high enough profile of a user, there is definitely some vulnerability.
Cross-licensing is another thing that we're going to see more of. In the consumer electronics industry, for example, cross-licensing has been around for many decades because so many companies held patent rights in so many areas that few of the companies were able to come out with products without being sued, potentially, for infringement. With cross-licensing, major companies can swap rights to their perspective patent portfolios and come out with products that compete with each other. Indemnification is only part of the story; cross-licensing is also part of it. Do companies need to purchase IP insurance?
There are a couple of different kinds, and none of it is particularly cheap. One kind will allow you to defend against claims of patent infringement. Patent insurance is a funny beast. You can actually get patent insurance working in the other direction. You can buy insurance for that instance when you might be asserting a patent downstream. Typically you can get insurance like this by interacting through the company with a patent lawyer or two and an insurance company that knows about it. But companies that know about this are few and far between. And even when they do know about it, it tends to be relatively expensive stuff.
What we have to do is find out why they're worried about being sued. Is it because of a product they bought? Is it because of a product they're making? Say it's a product they bought. What then?
If it's because of a product they bought, as long as they buy from big companies, those companies will often stand behind them. If I buy Norton Utilities from Symantec, that's a pretty big company these days. If I'm sued for patent infringement because I'm running Norton Utilities, I'll call up Norton and say, "guys, I need some help here!" I think it wouldn't be unlikely that they would come to my rescue, because if it's a problem for me, it's going to be a bigger problem for somebody else. Over the long term, it's going to be a problem for them. Would I buy insurance for that? Nah! What if it's a product they're making?
Now, if I'm a company in the computer industry… maybe I'm making a router. Hopefully, I've worked with patent lawyers and they've been talking with me as I developed different parts of my router. Maybe we notice there's a big company that has a patent on routers. Maybe I'm worried about a particular couple of patents Cisco has. I can consult with my patent lawyer and assess what that risk is. It sometimes happens that a patent lawyer says, "We don't think you're infringing this patent, but we think you'd benefit by having a legal opinion that you're not infringing." How does the customer benefit from a legal opinion?
If the infringement is determined by a court to be willful, then the amount of damages the patent owner get can be multiplied up to three times. If you have a letter from a lawyer on this subject, you can more effectively defend against the claim that your infringement has been willful.
Maybe by working closely enough with the patent lawyer, I've been able to design a product where it's not going to be likely that Cisco will sue me for infringement. That's not the same as insurance, but sometimes it's even more important because it goes to the guts of how my product is going to be received in the market. He can help me design my product in a way that can lower its profile in the gun sights of any patent owners. How important are patents?
Patents are all about leverage in business. If a patent is really well crafted, and if the company's technology is good enough, a patent can give disproportionate leverage to a company and its business. A well-crafted patent can make a big difference. How are IP conflicts most often resolved?
You give each one a sword and let them battle to the death. Well, most cases are not litigated absolutely; they're settled by doing a license deal that everybody finds okay.
Click here to read Part I of this article, in which Sunstein explains why indemnification has a different meaning in the software world than it does in traditional markets.


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Scattered flurries and snow showers. Some mixed winter precipitation possible. High 26F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 30%..
Overcast. Low 9F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph.
Updated: December 13, 2019 @ 1:00 pm
Dec 1, 2019
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Game: A Bird Story by Kan Gao ("Reives")
Summary: This ambitious interactive story is worth the journey.
The last "bird story" I told was when someone cut me off on the highway.
Newcomers to RPG Maker may not know this, but Kan Gao (aka Reives) of Freebird Games is one of the community's biggest success stories. Members of previous RM forums likely remember his early projects like Quintessence, which demonstrated his skill for projects with a heavily cinematic atmosphere. In 2011, To The Moon became one of the earliest, and still one of the most successful, RPG Maker games to go commercial. His long-awaited follow up, A Bird Story, is much shorter but possibly even more ambitious. It tells a (sometimes) interactive story totally without dialogue. Speaking from experience, doing that in RPG Maker can be very challenging.
However, this approach plays to Gao's strengths as a developer. The lighting, screen tone and spriting are all executed with exacting precision, and the participation of Jordan "Euphony" Baer means the sprite movements are top notch, which is essential for a wordless story. Just about every sprite movement is accompanied by a little whooshing sound effect, a good example of how much care has been put into the details. The lack of text doesn't prove to be any sort of handicap to A Bird Story and most of the emotion is driven home by the phenomenal music, which Gao composed himself.
Honey badger don't care. "Whoa, watch out!" says that bird!
This is not the direct sequel that To The Moon's most avid fans have been waiting for (although I'd advise those people to watch the scene after the credits). It starts out like an RPG Maker version of The 400 Blows, depicting a lonely child who spends his days being either ignored or pushed around by other people. One day, he rescues a bird and takes it home, leading to increasingly surreal adventures. However, neither he nor the bird can escape the realities of life forever.
There are brief moments of interaction here, mostly walking from one place to another or performing actions with certain buttons in a way that reminded me of the work of Quantic Dream (Heavy Rain). These sections aren't always great for the pacing, however. With the slow movement of the character and the often lingering pauses, the game can feel a bit languid, particularly in the early scenes where a gloomy sepia filter covers everything. But it's worth sticking with the story for the high points, including a breathtaking sequence where the boy and the bird fly over a variety of landscapes on a giant paper plane. The ending scene is also exceptionally well done – moving without being too corny or grandiose.
Okay, which National Park is this and how do I get there?
I may wind up in the minority, but I actually think this is my favorite Freebird Games release. It feels more personal than To The Moon and more consistent in tone (except for the "Benny Hill" bit, that was totally out of the blue). I'd recommend this to all RPG Maker users as an example of the engine's potential for non-game storytelling and visual power. Our hometown boy done good.
Has anyone played this game? What did you think of its dialogue-less execution? Are you excited for the To The Moon sequel? Tell us in the comments!


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Eimskip has acquired all shares in Seatours (Sæferdir ehf.) in Stykkishólmur, Iceland. Seatours offers sea-related tourist services and operates the boats Baldur and Særún in Breidafjördur. By the acquisition, Eimskip is taking steps in further strengthening its sea-related tourist services, but the company has in recent years operated the ferry Herjólfur on a time charter for the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (IRCA), serving sea transportation and tourism between the Westman Islands and the main land.
In 2014, Seatours invested in a new and larger boat which enlarged the capacity for passengers and vehicles and increases the company's opportunities for further growth. The company's total revenue in 2014 amounted to ISK 560 million, corresponding to EUR 3.6 million.
The acquisition is subject to approval of the Icelandic Competition Authority.
Gylfi Sigfússon, President and CEO of Eimskip
I am pleased to have finalized the negotiation of acquiring Seatours, a company with great future opportunities in tourism and transportation in the western part of Iceland. Eimskip will ambitiously do its best to continue to further improve both transportation services to the residents of the area and the tourist industry in good cooperation with the local people and will continue providing outstanding services to the company's customers.
Páll Kr. Pálsson, Chairman of Seatours
We are pleased to sell the company to Eimskip. Seatours will without doubt continue to grow and prosper in the hands of the new owners since both companies have a strong group of employees.
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Access Counseling Services was designed with you, the client, in mind. We give our clients access to the areas most seasoned, clinically qualified therapists. We offer a diverse range of services that include psychiatric therapy, medication management, play therapy as well as social skills groups, anger management, substance abuse, family therapy, couples and school-based counseling, domestic violence treatment and a wide range of other mental health services. With no long waiting lists and a client-centered environment, we are sure you will find our services to be exceptional. Let's open the door to your better, brighter, future together.
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Phone: 513-649-8008 Fax: 513-649-8004
Client Rights Officer (CRO) - Deanna Proctor
Copyright © 2018 Access Counseling Services. All Rights Reserved.


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Pic of the day: Monkey and Cats, by Yu Yuangji (11th century)
Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.
Albert Einstein
Viddy of the day: Albert Einstein Radio interview 1940
The mindset spoken of in this video in general, and in particular beginning around the 4th minute of this video seems to be missing in America nowadays. But then again, people and times have changed. We have become more selfish, less good to one another.
Just, tolerant, and reasonable; to use the phrase at the end of the viddy, that is what we were, and what we must be again if we are to regain our greatness as a nation. It is doable. And I think we will, but it will take time and patience on the part of those of us who believe in that vision of America to get those who want to divide us to stop being divisive and work for the greater good of America, and not just the selfish aims of selfish individuals.
Just thinking out loud…
Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously and honestly.
Albert Einstein
That's it from here, America. G'night.


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Blazer: Thrifted/Lacroix, Denim shirt: La Redoute, Sweater: ASOS, Jeans: La Redoute, Shoes: Very, Belt: ASOS similar, Sunglasses: Therapy at House of Fraser, Floral necklace: Gift, Watches: Both gifts, Silver fingertip rings: ASOS, Diamanté ring: Unknown, Blue bracelet: Debenhams, Silver bracelet: F+F, Nails: No.7 Union Blue (old) similar: 290 Sing the Blues
Thanks to everyone who's commented so far on whether they think Twitter is worthwhile… you can still vote (see my sidebar) and comments are still welcome (click here)!
So as I still have a head full of cold today I'll mostly let the outfit do the talking. It was about time I wore my thrifted Lacroix blazer again – the find of the century! – but I was actually finding it hard to style differently to the way I wore it here. So I just went with jeans as the starting point, then added enough layers to keep me warm in the form of my go-to denim shirt and a sale bargain sweater from ASOS. And wearing more than one watch? I saw Jessie from Style & Pepper wearing watches like bracelets – that girl can do no wrong in my eyes so that was good enough for me!
I also haven't worn these heels in a long time – it's as if they were made for this blazer. I forgot how pretty they were 😉
Hope you all had/are having a lovely weekend!
Linking up to:
Thursdays are for Thrifters at Spunky Chateau


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Client Handbook
This is a collection of notes for clients to guide them through the website design and development process. Whether you use us or another company, we hope that this provides you some insights into the process. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us and schedule a free consultation.
Consult & Educate
Every project begins with a phone call or in-person meeting. We discuss the project with you and answer any questions you may have.


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June 27th, 2015
Well its been ages since the last GG blog. To be honest I've been too busy to spend time on't t'internet blogging, but needs must and whilst 10 Payroll Union album covers engrave away I might as well do a bit of what needs to be done. Mainly bragging about how well things are going!
The glasses caddy on the right is one of the few bits of product development I've had time to do. Normally these come with space for 4 glasses, but how often do you invite 3 folks around then a fourth shows up? Now your sorted. Bottle of nice wine with all your glasses in one hand and your posh cheese board in the other.
I've also been working with local businesses such as Spinning Disks on Chesterfield Rd engraving their fine new album dividers. A tricky job as they already had the dividers made and I had to register the lettering carefully in the tabs at the top then add the logo. Scary as one mistake and a whole set is destined for the bin!
Now that Hybrid Studios where I am based is fully open, I have been involved with sorting out the studio signage (when I get time!). We've got the loo and studio 3 (or is it 1) fully signed up.
Coasters and coaster box gift sets seem to be going down well with clients as diverse as cafes rugby clubs and individual bespoke wedding gift orders coming thick and fast.
Well the Easter hols have come and gone. With one thing and another its been a busy old time at Gilman Graphics Towers. Taken delivery of new industrial chiller unit from the nice chaps at www.justaddsharks.co.uk. Very nice folk to deal with and now the laser can run at full production levels without worrying about over heating.
Just delivered a batch of cool coffee mug coasters to Cafe#9 in Sheffield along with a nifty dispenser. They seem to be going down quite well judging by the number of folks saying they want to nick one. This week has also been an interesting one involving some cool collaboration work with a Sheffield based graphic designer and artist to rework some of his nice designs in engraved wood. More on that if it pans out.
The arrival of summer has also meant the revival of the mountain bike season. Things didn't go so well first trip out. A promising ride in the Clwydian range of hills in North Wales turned into a nightmare carry fest! Fortunately two chilled rides back in the Peak put that hideous memory to bed.
Busy busy and famous folk...
Danny MacAskill, world famous trials rider and maker of cool YouTube films comes to ShAFF and shows us all his films in the open air Cityscape cinema. Along the way he obliges with a bit of ShAFF publicity with one of my signs. Donated to ShAFF by Gilman Graphics. This cropped up all over the place during the weekend.
Since ShAFF Gilman Graphics has been getting loads of interesting enquiries for work from Woodland trusts wanting Treasure chests engraving with woodland flora and fauna to cd shaped business cards for DJs. Looking forward to getting on with it. In the meantime its onwards with the ShAFF peoples choice award trophy design...
Well ShAFF has come and gone. As have nearly 400 of the ShAFF key rings I made and over 40 cool laser-cut business cards. It was a fantastic weekend for a number of reasons. Firstly it was great to be involved volunteering at the event and catching some great showings along the way.
Secondly, the key rings went down a storm with loads of interest in what we do. Fielded two enquiries already. Highlight for me was sitting in the sun in T-shirt for the first time this year enjoying Danny MacAskill's Q&A session while we watched all his amazing Bike stunt videos.
I am really grateful to ShAFF and Matt at Heason Events for all the exposure this weekend has generated. In the ten years that ShAFF has been going it has developed into lots more than just another Adventure Film Festival.
Once the post late night finishes malaise has worn off I now need to get working on a sample pack to send out to potential clients. Busy! Busy!
Now off to set up Twitter for apparently one is nothing without a Twitter account these days!
Follow me @gilmangraphics if you haven't anything better to do!
New stuff and nearly moving...
A couple more products added to the rolling gallery. These are my business cards cut from 1.5mm birch ply. Not cheap, but they really stand out in a wallet full of dog-eared standard card affairs.
Working on new designs for coasters for a local cafe. The move to plush new premises looks like it will be happening within a couple of weeks. Looking forward to taking up residence at Hybrid3studios. Should be a really cool place to work with loads of creative stuff happening. Not far from the Brothers Arms pub either. Not that I'll have time to drink...
British No1 and World No2 bouldering champion Shaunna Coxsey shows off her winners medal at this years CWIF (Climbing Works International Festival). Medals manufactured by Gilman Graphics at short notice and delivered ahead of schedule. Enjoyed the competition. Some very strong folks on show. Maybe next year I can make the trophies too instead of that standard looking cup.
Its been a hectic couple of weeks for the fledgling Gilman Graphics. Things seem to be taking off rather faster than I thought. If you are reading this then you will obviously realise that I've finally got round to sorting the website out. Its not the all singing, all dancing Wordpress job that I intended to do, but just haven't had the time to sit down and learn it so this is one hosted by Weebly.com. Its simple, but should do the job until I can get around to making something a little more professional.
Well it's two days to go until S.H.A.F.F. hits the Showroom again. This year they are celebrating 10 years of the event. They have 400 of my birch ply SHAFF key rings to give away. Look for them in the neato Gilman Graphics designed dispensers.
Norman Gilman
June 2015


text: Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc., the US subsidiary of Jena-based Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, has expanded its offerings in surgical ophthalmology with the purchase of Aaren Scientific Inc. of Ontario, a manufacturer of intraocular lenses (IOLs). The purchase price was not disclosed. The majority of Aaren Scientific's shares previously were owned by a private investment company and other investors, including its CEO and co-founder, Rick Aguilera. Aguilera and the existing management team will remain with the company after the transaction, Zeiss said. "Aaren's world-class line of intraocular lenses perfectly augments Zeiss' renowned ophthalmic, diagnostic and surgical product portfolio," Aguilera said. "This is an excellent and sensible partnership for both companies, and we encourage all involved to view this as we do — a major turning point in our companies." Aaren Scientific will be integrated into the Strategic Business Unit (SBU) Surgical Ophthalmology of Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc., and it complements the existing Zeiss IOL development and manufacturing sites in Berlin and La Rochelle, France. IOLs are most commonly used in cataract surgery. Although the vast majority of IOLs implanted to treat cataracts are monofocal lenses, Zeiss' multifocal intraocular lenses offer vision at near, intermediate and long distances. For more information, visit www.zeiss.com


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Jupiter turns Retrograde
Jupiter turns retrograde in Virgo on January 7th where it will continue its backward journey until May 9th.
Jupiter Retrograde can have a Positive Effect
Jupiter, that big, fat, gaseous giant of the solar system, is retrograde about one-third of the time. Both the retrograde and direct stations — the points at which Jupiter seems to turn around in its orbit — occur when the Sun trines Jupiter, which is considered to be a favorable aspect. This leads us to suspect that, unlike the common perception of other planets' retrograde periods, Jupiter Retrograde can have a positive effect. During Jupiter Retrograde, the Sun opposes Jupiter. At that time, Jupiter rises exactly at sunset and grandly marches across the sky all night long. It is very bright and close to the earth during this time.
Jupiter Rules Expansion and Exaggeration
Since Jupiter rules expansion and exaggeration, these regular turning-back periods are kind of like a self-cleaning oven: They keep things from getting out of hand. Retrograde motion slows down Jupiter's tendency to make things bigger. It's almost a sort of automatic braking system.
Belief Systems
Jupiter is very much about our belief systems, and when it's retrograde, we are more likely to follow our own path rather than be led by others. It's an excellent time to clarify within yourself where you stand on any particular issue, and also to develop personal faith, self-reflection and independent learning.
Avoid Long-Distance Travel or Legal Appointments
At the times when Jupiter turns in either direction, it's best to avoid long-distance travel or legal appointments, if possible. Jupiter's energy is strong at these times, and you may find headlines that reflect Jupiterian themes.


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By Carl "CatLord" Rosa II, 03 November 2017
British Versus Pirates (BvP) is a tabletop board game designed by Apollo. The game is designed for two players, although with the package included for the layout below there are expansions for other factions.
The game is designed around the premise that players will take up the sides of the British Navy or a Pirate Fleet. Included in this review is an expansion for Spanish Armada, and yet other nations are represented in further releases. Displayed below is the combination of the core set and the Spanish expansion as this was the delivery on a Kickstarter campaign.
- Within the core set you receive:
- 3d12
- 36d6
- One Wind Vane ship figure
- Twenty ship miniatures
- Twenty ship cards
- Two skill decks
- Ten captain cards
- Nine sea tiles
- Rule Book
- Mission Book
- Stretch goals included:
- Four more ships
- Four ship cards
- Two captain cards
- 18d6
- Within the Spanish Armada expansion:
- 18d6
- Seven ships
- Seven ship cards
- Five captain cards
- Spanish skill deck
A spread of both boxes and everything included
Fresh out of the box there's a lot to work with. A literal fleet of ships, a fistful of dice, pretty sharp art, and a sturdy game board. As a cross-platform gamer, even if interest in the game rules diminishes, these pieces are prime to use in other games, such as 7th Sea. One of the ships arrived separated from its base, although this seems like the glue didn't fully hold. The depression for the piece allowed it to be affixed.
Setting up the game requires all players to pick a minimum of two captains and two vessels from the same faction. Every captain has a Crew Morale rating that starts at maximum by placing a die with that side facing up. They also have ratings for Grapple and Repel, and a skill depending on the size of the ship they are assigned.
Each ship requires 5d6 to show the current ratings (starting/maximum indicated on the space) of the different sides of the ship and its core Structure, the array of cannons available, and the speed of the ship given the direction of the wind.
At the center of the game area is a map tile called "Wind Vane", where a blue marker indicates for all which direction the wind is blowing. Around the center tile, depending on the game mode and number of players, other map tiles will be placed. For a simple two player skirmish to the death, there is an extra tile on opposite sides of the Vane to start each player's forces.
Above does not include the wind vane, and for the test run only one ship per side was used, the captain was later changed to match the ship size for the HMS Guardian.
At the start of the turn, a given player refreshes their hand of skill cards to three, and increments their Crew Morale for each captain if below maximum. Each ship that player controls then takes its turn. One turn consists of one movement and one attack in either order.
Moving allows the ships to move directly forward a number of hexes up to the speed dictated by the wind vane and the facing of the ship. Before or after this movement, but not during, they can turn up to a number of times equal to the Pivot rating. Larger ships tend to have lower Pivot scores, and smaller profiles where they can get higher speeds based on the wind direction. Otherwise, the ocean is clear beyond the islands within the tiles.
Additional aspects of movement are "stealing wind" and minimum movement optional rules. Employing the "stealing wind" rule, any ship upwind of another will not only block line of sight for attacking, but can reduce the speed of another ship leeward. This allows for damaged ships to play a part in the active round. Lastly, there is an optional rule that any ship must move at least one hex to prevent camping.
To attack, the ship must decide between cannon fire and boarding. Boarding can only happen if the ships are adjacent. Both sides roll 1d12 and add their current Crew Morale. The attacker adds their Grapple, and the defender adds their Repel. Whichever side rolls lower reduces their Crew Morale to 1, and if it's the defender damages the Structure by 1.
A volley of cannon fire depends on the number of hexes between ships to determine the number of d12 to roll, and what the starting bonus to hit is. The number to cause damage is equal to the current value of the die for the side being hit and the defense bonus printed on the sheet. Any dice showing this number or greater reduce the die by 1, and if the die is removed it moves on to the structure.
Boarding holds two advantages over cannons. First, is that boarding can be done as long as the two ships in question are adjacent, regardless of facing. Cannons are a bit more restricted, and must fire through a side that isn't the bow or stern. Second, boarding can be done through a side without structure, as either the starboard or port cannons may only fire if they have one or more structure.
Skill cards can be played when appropriate. They are categorized by color so the rules can say "only yellow can be played during another turn". Each skill has a minimum morale to use, which can be as low as zero, but offers a reason to keep Crew Morale high if you wish to play a ranged strategy.
Unfortunately, skill cards are where the balance tips to the favor of ships specializing in cannon fire. Some cards say things like "on a successful cannon attack, deal two damage to the opposite side". This particular card seemed to mark the end of the test game.
In the test game, the frigate had the right range to have all three dice, with a +2 Accuracy, and the captain was a blanket +1 accuracy. Defending was a sloop with full structure after some skill card repairs. The shot went through the bow of the sloop, which offered a total defense of 6 from a base of 3, +3 for the remaining hull on the bow. In the end there were 3d12 each trying to roll a three or higher, which boils down to about 83% hit chance for each die. Needless to say, the sloop was done after three damage crippled the bow, and the skill card depleted the stern (which started with 2 hull). Five damage was dealt in one action, and the sloop had its movement and pivot reduced to 1 – neutralizing its only advantage against the frigate. The devastation came after a successful boarding action from the sloop, the damage from which did not impose any real penalties when the frigate had a morale restoration card.
Positive Aspects
The mechanic is both simple and moderately easy, and everything to be kept track of can be done visually. Additionally, ship "health" is not just one linear number with no real bearing as long as it stayed positive, unlike other games or RPGs out there.
As a personal note, the inclusion of the d12 is always a plus, and getting a brick of d6's will never lose points.
From box to table, the game can be figured out on the fly by new players, and positioning makes a great deal of difference beyond sprinting to a zone of interest.
The skill cards are small enough not to break the game, yet retain enough impact to stop it from becoming one-sided.
Ship and captain pairings make size mismatches more balanced. In the 1v1 death match used to sample the game, the smaller ship was able to dog the larger one's blind spot and continually board until skill cards allowed the larger ship to escape and make a crippling shot. Also, having a fairly large starting fleet to choose from each side was refreshing, as many games start with just enough for one player.
Last but not least, the art and model design is quite impressive.
British vs Pirates draws its greatest mechanical strength from making movement the key to the game. A destroyed side, the wrong wind, or poor maneuverability can make or break a strategy. Most games tend to assume positioning, or use grid based systems that are not very robust.This is not the game to play for pieces/units/characters to bum rush the center to grind out repetitive, bland combat.
Negative Aspects:
Only one problem sticks out at significant. When a player's turn begins, they may use all of the ships they control. Dogpiles are a likely issue, where one side is able to attack with two or more ships simultaneously before the defender can react.
Beyond that the issues are more quirky than inhibiting.
The map scale is a bit small, as a determined ship needs only two or three moves to cross from one edge to the other. This also made it fairly easy to pin a ship between the edge of the map and an island.
Two players with their own copies of the game could be handy, as every ocean tile is open water on the reverse side, opening the door for some larger and more playable terrain, meaning more interesting games and a removal of the above tactic.
While the two attack methods play to different strengths, a ship optimized to board needs no less than six successful attempts to sink any enemy where the cannon volleys can destroy the largest of foes in two volleys with the right skill cards.
Skills also seem weighted to cannon advantage (and the above denotes some of those advantages), although a successful boarding will minimize the Crew Morale which could disable skill cards. There are also more skills to restore Morale than Structure/Repairs, which seems negligible but when a ship loses its bow or stern, positioning for boarding is all but impossible.
Finally, as more of a gameplay area issue, there are six dice that must remain stable on flat, glossy cards for each ship in play. This makes them easy to disturb, and could potentially cause spatial issues at a smaller table.
All in all, BvP has a small learning curve, a good variety of starting choices for players, a catchy theme, and skirmish level gameplay. Despite how much is in the box it still feels minimalist and doesn't include more than you need for a game with depth. The drawbacks are some minor mechanical issues and spatial awareness both in and out of game, although they do not remove from the overall experience.
The first test game was 1v1, and a mismatched pair to intentionally stress test mechanics. There is definitely a reason more than one ship is required to begin play, and larger scale battles can easily encounter slippery slopes.
Final Score? Four Buns. There is argument for more, but with other expansions already in the works, there could be a future review for fudge factor and rule clarification.
Reviewer's Note: It should be noted that I have been following this game since early development, and have a "Supporter" acknowledgement for feedback on the game's earlier editions.


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|Kill [80+] Coren Direbrew.
Direbrewfest is related to the seasonal event Brewfest. Completing this achievement is also an objective of the meta achievement [Brewmaster].
Locations Edit
[80+] Coren Direbrew can be found in Blackrock Depths during Brewfest.
See also Edit
Patch changes Edit
- Patch 3.2.0 (04-Aug-2009): " Coren Direbrew is indeed being updated to level 80, with appropriate rewards." (Source) 2009 Brewfest event.
External linksEdit
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.


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Hey AniTAY! Time to get you Thinking Hats on! Because we will be watching Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva, on Friday Sept 9 at 10 PM EST. Please come out and Join us!
If you want to join us, find a copy of the movie to watch at home, then join our AniTAY Movie Discord Chat here: https://discord.gg/0nSQ1qoaqLFYX1… We press Play on the hour so don't be late!
Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva
Layton and Luke are caught up in an adventure, when a masked figure steals an entire opera house and forces those in attendance to play a high-stakes game. The winner will receive eternal life, but it could mean death for the losers.- IMDB


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National Center Praises Bipartisan Passage of Legislation to Keep Government Funded
Published May 5, 2017
MESA, ARIZONA – Chris James, president and CEO of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, issued the following statement highlighting the impact on Indian Country in the bipartisan deal to fund the federal government through September 30th. The Senate passed the legislation today by a bipartisan 79-18 vote, which will avoid a government shutdown through the rest of the fiscal year. The President is expected to sign H.R. 244, or the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017, before the current continuing resolution expires Friday night.
"The National Center commends Members of Congress from both parties for recognizing that a government shutdown is unnecessary and wasteful, abnd working together to reach and passing a deal to fund the government through September 30th. For Indian Country, the budget deal means the Indian Loan Guarantee program will receive a small but important increase, Indian Energy Programs will be fully funded, and both entrepreneurial development programs and the Community Development Financial Institutions fund will continue to provide important support to American Indian and Alaska Native entrepreneurs.
"We look forward to working with Congress over the coming months to ensure the funding needs and priorities of Indian Country are fully met in the fiscal year 2018 Appropriations process."


text: In this third issue of Ligature Journal we take a look at the hand, the human hand, in design. It used to be that all design was all done by hand but the penetration of technology into the various design disciplines has changed all that. Today some designers are still very hands on, for others it part of the process only, and others, outside the process but still informing it, and yet others it plays very little part. The hand in design has not so much declined as diversified.


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Schedule/Results | 2016 Statistics | Highlight Video | Single-Game Highlights
For the fifth time in the previous six years, Franklin & Marshall's football team concluded its season with a winning record, when the Diplomats once again contributed to that sum in 2016 by rolling to a 7-4 overall mark and a 6-3 Centennial Conference (CC) record.
Click here to watch a highlight video of the 2016 F&M football team.
F&M reached the postseason for the first time since 2013, earning a spot in the second annual CC-MAC Bowl series, but coming up just short in a 28-23 loss against Albright on Nov. 19.
The regular season opened with wins in five of the Diplomats' first six games with F&M winning by double-digits in five of those victories, including a 30-6 bashing on Lebanon Valley in the season opener on Sept. 3.
Through the course of the year, the Diplomats went 2-0 in a pair of much-anticipated rivalry games with F&M bringing home the Wagon Trophy after downing Dickinson by a 20-10 score (Oct. 1), as well as the Lincoln Trophy with a 28-21 defeat of Gettysburg to close out the regular season (Nov. 12).
A staunch defense and efficient running game keyed the Diplomats' success and were on full display in the Conference's final statistical rankings. F&M led the CC in time of possession (33:46 minutes per game), total sacks (33), and least amount of opponent first downs allowed (183), while placing second in rushing offense (181.5 yards per game).
Twelve members of the team earned their way onto the All-CC list, the most for the program since 1996. All four first-team nods came from the defensive unit as Joe Granahan '19, Steve Elf '17, Vincent Moffett '18 and Brendan Daly '17 garnered top honors.
Mark Opaliski '17 joined Michael Sullivan '18 and Luke Foukas '17 on the Second Team, while Taalib Gerald '18, Matthew Hlavinka '17, Jon Naji '17, Billy Zwicharowski '17 and Cody Hubbs '17 all received Honorable Mention recognition.
Additional postseason awards included Granahan and Daly being named to the ECAC South All-Star Team, as well as Zwicharowski and Hubbs landing on the Academic All-Centennial list. Hubbs continued to be recognized for his work in the classroom, earning a spot on the CoSIDA Academic All-District 4 Team.


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A group of friends with the same love of photography was the beginning of this blog............it had been very quiet for a long time so now I just do it on my own.........not to many words just pics................ Enjoy your time visiting......
Friday, July 30, 2010
I have had a couple of attempts at taking a picture of my small native flower, and discovered todays pics also had a small raindrop hanging from a spiderweb
Photos snapped & Posted by Cubby House Crafts at 7:05 PM 8 comments:
Snappy Labels: cubbyhousecrafts, Lisa, photochallenge.small
Struggling to be inspired for "small" so here we are with a "it will do" post.......
.....small geranium flowers and I played with the shadows and darkened the back ground.
what do you think??
"Truck" next week so should be able to come good with something for that one...............
Snapped by Chookyblue
Photos snapped & Posted by Chookyblue...... at 6:36 AM 3 comments:
Snappy Labels: Chookyblue, flowers, photo challenge
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
youth sewing...........
...........if they could learn a few life skills I would be very happy............and they are
having so much fun............
Snapped by Chookyblue
Photos snapped & Posted by Chookyblue...... at 8:36 PM 2 comments:
Snappy Labels: Chookyblue, photo challenge, Youth
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Photos snapped & Posted by Annie at 10:48 PM 1 comment:
Snappy Labels: FlowerGarden
My youngest, miss 8, exploring the beach...so much to do...climb rocks, find shells or build sandcastles! Lisa
Photos snapped & Posted by Cubby House Crafts at 10:11 AM 2 comments:
Snappy Labels: cubbyhousecrafts, Lisa, photo challenge, Youth
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text:
- Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt (The Dark Knight Rises), Bruce Willis (Die Hard), Emily Blunt (The Adjustment Bureau) and more.
- Directed by: Rian Johnson (Brick)
- Synopsis: "In the futuristic action thriller Looper, time travel will be invented – but it will be illegal and only available on the black market. When the mob wants to get rid of someone, they will send their target 30 years into the past, where a "looper" – a hired gun, like Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) – is waiting to mop up. Joe is getting rich and life is good… until the day the mob decides to "close the loop," sending back Joe's future self (Bruce Willis) for assassination." (-Collider)
- Rated: Rated R for intense bloody violence, strong language, drug use and brief scenes of nudity and sexual content.
- Trailer:
Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as Bruce Willis and Bruce Willis stars as Joseph Gordon-Levitt in director Rian Johnson's amazingly done scifi thriller, Looper. (Oh, and Emily Blunt and Jeff Daniels are in the movie somewhere too!)
First off, let me tell you that I had some pretty high expectations for this time-travel thriller prior to seeing it. After learning that director Rian Johnson pitched the script to Gordon-Levitt over seven years ago while filming Brick, and that Emily Blunt signed on after reading not even half of the script and not even knowing about her own character, I could not WAIT to see it.
Looper did NOT disappoint!
Creative! Original! Exciting! Thrilling!
It is easy to understand why so many people are hailing this film as the "scifi flick of the year." So many elements make this film what it is, and they do it successfully. From the cast to the story to the special effects and more, it is superb. Rian Johnson, please make more films like this.
In most science fiction films (or any movie where the events are taking place in a different time, universe, etc), the rules of operation are often thrown to the audience all at once in a rush at the beginning, and sometimes in a rather confusing manner causing the rules to be forgotten as the movie progresses. Johnson wisely introduces the viewer to the world of the story and eases in the important rules, physics, and laws not only at the beginning, but reinforces them throughout…strengthening their impact in the events of the film. Not abruptly and all at once, in a way that adds to the storytelling itself.
And what a story it is! With a few twists and unexpected turns that, when they come, are more accepted as a result of the smart setup that Johnson does through his storytelling. Almost…dare I say…Nolan-ish. Truly enjoyable in its level of unpredictability and keeping the thrill of the excitement of the uncertain future in such a mesmerizing manner.
But, the meat and potatoes (as they say) of this movie is the performances themselves. Bruce Willis is, of course, great at doing Bruce Willis…but Joseph Gordon-Levitt is uncanny in his "Bruce Willis-isms". Wow! The emulation is surreal. JGL plays the "younger" Joe that we are first introduced to. Living the rockstar life of drugs, sex, booze, and riches, he seems to have it all except direction. (He doesn't just look like a younger "Bruce Willis"-performed Joe…he acts like him too!)
In stark contrast, "Old" Joe ends up in the past with drive, direction, passion, and experience and seeks to secure the future he knows, regardless of the cost. This is where Willis' performance shines as he emulates JGL's character through a darker than usual path that Willis usually takes. Both Willis and Gordon-Levitt work phenomenally mirroring one another that it is almost freakish.
I couldn't help but laugh when reading somewhere online this week where someone said "I just hope that Joseph Gordon-Levitt doesn't look like Bruce when he gets older in real life." hahaha
Looper has a few unexpected yet acceptable twists (acceptable as a result of the amazing setup story work) throughout that keep you on your toes, and ends in a rather satisfying way that oftentimes most scifi films do not. Filled with elements of humanity: messages of self-preservation, discovery, and worth: the value of friendship and sacrifice, and the importance of family, this is a science fiction film that ties in more than just action, flux capacitors, photon torpedoes, and Klingons.
Yes, there is plenty of action, explosions, but the more captivating parts of this time-travel thriller are story and performances. The action is a fun bonus to the characters in the film as you sit there with eyes wide open in amazement, anticipation, and excitement as the story continues to unfold.
Johnson's Looper is character-rich, story-rich, action-rich, and excitement-rich. Being compared to films such as Blade Runner and The Matrix, Looper's originality keeps it fresh and up to expectations! Go see it!
I'm not ready to call this the "Best movie of the year" yet…still have 3 more months. But, it's definitely one of the TOP!
Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars for Looper
Thanks for reading! Happy Watching!
–T, The Focused Filmographer