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Thursday, October 21, 2010
The Temptation of Thinking Someone Has Made It
Examples include King, Stephen; Rowling, J.K.; Meyer, Stephenie.
There's a temptation to think that once an author has "made it" and made it bigger than anyone else, this author will have achieved boundless happiness and contentment and couldn't have a thing to complain about.
In the comments of my recent "When Dreams Become Expectations" post, as Ermo pointed out, people tended to think of true satisfaction always being perennially elusive, unless you're a Rowling and King. Then, it seems, people believe that would be completely satisfying.
I don't know these mega-authors personally, but signs point to this not being the case. In the recent Oprah interview, Rowling said, "You ask about the pressure... At that point, I kept saying to people, 'Yeah I'm coping…' but the truth was there were times when I was barely hanging on by a thread."
Not the sound of someone who feels like they have it made in the shade. I personally doubt Rowling would trade in her success and the sheer level of love for her books for anything, but I also don't think there's anyone who ever feels total and perfect contentment and satisfaction with their station. We keep striving no matter how high we've climbed, even those who have climbed the highest. Pressure can cut into satisfaction, and the spotlight can be uncomfortable.
It all reminds me of the speed of light (or at least my own understanding of the speed of light, which is likely wildly flawed). The way the physics of light works is that no matter how fast you personally are traveling, from your perspective a beam of light will still look like it's traveling at the speed of light. You can't travel alongside a beam of light. There's no catching up.
And I think there's actually something great about that. There will always be something to chase, always something to strive for, always another horizon to pursue. Who wants to be perfectly contented? Where's the excitement in that? There will always be something great to chase around the bend.
Photo by Mila Zinkova via Creative Commons
101 comments:
- Chris Phillips said...
I get what you are saying. There is always going to be a higher summit or something else to achieve. On the other hand I had a chance to meet Gordon Korman this week. He was published by his freshmen year of hs when he mailed his book into scholastic himself and how has 71 books in print. To me, while he still has writing to achieve, he has also surpassed my wildest dreams with his accomplishments. To me that guy and the guy who wrote Jacob Wonderbar are living it up on Easy St.
- October 21, 2010 at 3:14 PM
- Yamile said...
If there's nothing to reach for, there would not be a point in living. Imagine a life without goals, without hope and excitement. Nice speed-of-light metaphor. Great post, Nathan.
- October 21, 2010 at 3:14 PM
- Dolly said...
I think people sometimes forget that even those who have "made it" are still human. They have their own insecurities and issues that will keep them striving. And chasing that light is a good thing, otherwise after a point, we will just be stagnant.
- October 21, 2010 at 3:15 PM
- Tahereh said...
absolutely brilliant. i couldn't agree more.
- October 21, 2010 at 3:15 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
Ha - the street I live on is named after a fruit.
- October 21, 2010 at 3:16 PM
- You know who said...
So true! What's the point of life if you're not working toward someting, striving to be a better person?
And, isn't the next book always in the back of your mind, anxiously waiting to get out?
- October 21, 2010 at 3:20 PM
- Jewel Fern said...
I think you have to find a balance of being content and having that drive to keep wanting to go further. We seem to focus so much on what can be. It's hard to live in the moment and say "I'm happy with where I am right now." I'm not saying that you stop at that point, but learn to have moments where you can appreciate where you are. Then push forward to create even better work the next time.
- October 21, 2010 at 3:28 PM
- Ramsey Hootman said...
If you haven't, Nathan, you should watch Millennium Actress.
- October 21, 2010 at 3:31 PM
- Steven Brandt said...
Your statement about the speed of light is correct, btw.
- October 21, 2010 at 3:33 PM
But you're talking about two different things, though. Life and writing.
I think they have made it -- not in terms of life itself, because life, no matter who you are, is very messy. Confidence ebbs and flows. Relationships are tough.
But in terms of the book industry, they've made it. My definition of making it would be if, no matter what you wrote, someone would publish it, fervently, and give it a huge marketing campaign, without even knowing what it was about. And readers would make it an instant best-seller, too, again, without even having to know what it was about. So by that definition, yes, they've "made it."
- October 21, 2010 at 3:34 PM
- Joseph L. Selby said...
I don't follow the connection between contentment and the absence of aspiration. I have goals I have not achieved, but that does not make me discontent. I have a great wife, a great home, and a great job. I work hard, treat my neighbor well, and have fun with friends. This is a terrific life.
I'll still find things to complain about. :) And I will always have a new goal to work toward, even if I'm a trillionaire.
- October 21, 2010 at 3:38 PM
- The Invisible Writer said...
As Langhorme Slim sings: "You've got to learn to get happy along the way."
If the end goal is the only place you think you will be happy, you will always be miserable.
- October 21, 2010 at 3:40 PM
- Caroline said...
And this is why I sometimes imagine my life is being written by an unseen author. There is no story without conflict, escalation of the stakes, and a goal to chase, even among the "greats." We all have something to fight and something to lose.
Lately, I think my imaginary author's been watching too many soap operas...
- October 21, 2010 at 3:41 PM
There's a difference between...
Contentment: Being able to do what you love for a living and pay the bills with it, not having to force yourself to get up in sickness and pain and do a job that is thankless and filled with people who could care less you exist.
Aspiration: I have several ideas for books that could have sequels assigned to them. I get inspired by a lamp in an antique store. I constantly find things to write about, even while writing about other things, but am focused to see those things through.
I see your point, but being able to live your dream, and just stare at it are two different things.
- October 21, 2010 at 3:48 PM
- M.A.Leslie said...
I received a positive reply to a query the other day and put all of the work in question together, submitted it, and then proceeded to chew at my fingertips until I couldn't type. Unfortunately, the response that I received was a quick rejection. However, it was the first time that I made it to that step.
Honestly Nathan, if it hadn't been for my constant stalking of your blog and pilfering your great advice, I may have just sulked about the experience, possibly gave up. Instead I am still celebrating my almost not a rejection and I am using it to charge my writing forward in a stronger direction. Basically, in my own delusional way I feel as though temporarily I have it made. I made that first step.
Like many others that read along with me HOOKED ON PHONICS didn't work. We prefer HOOKED ON NATHAN.
Thank you for always keeping it in perspective.
- October 21, 2010 at 3:55 PM
- Avery June said...
Isn't it a relief to know that "making it" is only temporary?
How many times have I wiggled out of my sleeping bag while I could still see my breath, and hiked to the base of a climb with my gear clacking around on my harness like I've been badly costumed for a futuristic hula, and finally flopped down on the endless slab hours later with one side of my body sunburned and my lips so chapped I can't smile? Well, more than a few. And, my God, it feels so good every time I make it.
- October 21, 2010 at 3:56 PM
I love the speed-of-light metaphor. It rings true for me.
I tend to dreaam it up with "if only" alot, but I always come back to the things I always wanted and have already gotten, and how the happiness spike always came back down (I think you've addressed this in another post).
When I was a girl, I always thought, "When I get married, then I'll be happy."
And I got married. And yes I'm happy, but life didn't stop, and I didn't achieve some sort of nirvana.
Then I said, "If only we can get our own apartment, then I'll be happy."
So we got our own apartment. And I'm happy. But life didn't stop, and I didn't achieve some fairytale state-of-mind.
So now when I find myself saying, "When we buy a house... when we have a baby... when I get published... then I'll be happy," I try to remember how life doesn't stop, and I'll never have a perpetually blissed out state of mind.
And how that's okay.
Great post, as per usual. LOVELY having you back!
- October 21, 2010 at 3:57 PM
- Vegetarian Cannibal said...
Good post! I think many writers "lose their way" in the quest to achieve "Rowling-greatness" as opposed to being happy in their own achievements.
I'm happy that I've been published at all. I'm 21 yrs old with "professional" publications. No, that doesn't make me a Stephen King but it does make me happy that when I put my mind to something and work really hard, I can succeed. (Even a small success is a success worthy of feeling good about!)
- October 21, 2010 at 3:58 PM
- Matt said...
This is a great point. I find myself looking up to others as if their life is perfect. I think we'd be better off, happier at least, if we'd look back at where we've been, as well as those who do not have all we have. We always want what we don't have rather than appreciating how fortunate we are.
- October 21, 2010 at 3:59 PM
- Tracy said...
I would think, for me, having "made it" would add it's own pressure. Sure, I'd likely always be able to find an agent/publishing house to pimp my work...but at that point you no longer have to strive to get to the top, you have to fight like hell to stay there.
At that point, critics and fans alike are going to be seeing if you can capture your magic again. Lots and lots of pressure! I still wouldn't mind experiencing it for myself though.
- October 21, 2010 at 3:59 PM
- D.G. Hudson said...
We all make choices in life which affect what we perceive as success. It depends on what is most important to each of us -- fame, family, money, love, career, etc.
The only trouble is success as we 'envision' it isn't always the success we achieve.
I find it hard to be sympathetic to very successful people who whine about their privacy, or media attention. Fame comes with a price tag, as does many of our 'wants'. What a person chooses to sacrifice for these goals will indicate what's really important to them.
Interesting post, Nathan.
- October 21, 2010 at 4:01 PM
- Katherine Hyde said...
No matter how much success we achieve in the eyes of the world, we always have the challenge of writing the very best book we can possibly write. That book is always the next one, never one that's already finished.
- October 21, 2010 at 4:03 PM
- Sara Flower said...
I like your perspective! It's so true - things get boring when you become content.
- October 21, 2010 at 4:06 PM
- Ben said...
I guess a good example of what you say is Dennis Lehane, who started in crime fiction (Kenzie series)...to move on to more of a literary drama (Mystic River/Shutter Island, with crime/noir influence still) and now with a full blown literary epic "The Given Day"
Am I understanding this properly?
- October 21, 2010 at 4:06 PM
- Julie Kingsley said...
Zen post... but, I've just come home from yoga. Yes, I agree, but wouldn't it be cool to have the power to promote reading at the level of King, Rowling, and Meyer? Yes, I'm writer, but more importantly I'm a lover of books. I'd be psyched to influence the masses, but I realize that I need to create my own happiness and try to respect the journey (Notice what hot yoga does for me? I'm so relaxed, for a change.) Thanks!
- October 21, 2010 at 4:12 PM
- Chris Phillips said...
King is a bad example IMO. Any author who has made a cameo on Sons of Anarchy as a biker who specializes in body disposal has "made it" in spades.
- October 21, 2010 at 4:23 PM
- Josin L. McQuein said...
I can definitely see what Ms. Rowling meant by the pressure she was under. When your star climbs that high, you don't only have the expectation of those who expect (read: demand) the next book to be bigger and better. but the eager snapping jaws of those waiting to shred it for the smallest fault - real or otherwise.
That's the point they cease to be merely writers and become brands. Others can glom on and grab a little fame just by trying to defame someone who's work is well known and well liked.
There is no "it" to make. There are levels, and within those levels their are tiers.
You can climb from one to the other, and you can fall back into one you've left, but so long as there is the desire to push forward and create, you never get to "it".
Even if you die at the pinnacle of your personal success, someone else can surpass that level, and though that might be their own "it", once they get there, they'll realize they haven't reached the end of anything.
That's why records continue to be broken - there's always an exceptional someone out there who will blow through them.
Besides that, "it" is completely subjective. Is "it" monetary success? Is "it" winning a Pulitzer? Is "it" writing the definitive novel of a generation? Is "it landing on the high school reading list of every public school nationwide (or perhaps their banned list)?
I hope Sherry Lewis will forgive me for this:
This is the goal that never ends. Yes it goes on and on my friends.
Some people starting seeking it - thought hey knew what it was.
And they'll continue seeking it forever just because...
This is the goal that never ends...
- October 21, 2010 at 4:29 PM
- Seabrooke said...
You can watch the whole JK Rowling and Oprah interview here:
Rowling makes a few comments to what it's been like dealing with her success. One, she compares her sudden fame to "like being a Beatle", except that there were four Beatles to lean on each other, and she only had herself, so it was really stressful. Two, that having come from a life of poverty, even though she's the world's richest author she still worries about money.
And three, she says that in the first book, Dumbledore says the happiest man in the world would look into the mirror and see only himself... and she feels she's pretty close.
Everyone will have stresses, of course, and future goals and aspirations, but they're not bad things as long as you can be happy with where you currently are, at the same time.
Personally, I would never want Rowling's career. All the baggage that goes along with having all that money and fame... no thanks. I'd rather make enough to live comfortably, to be able to make a career out of it. Sure, there'll be worries about whether the next book will sell, etc. But I'd prefer that to being stalked by paparazzi.
- October 21, 2010 at 4:30 PM
- Amy said...
I'll admit, there are times when I've thought something along the lines of "Golly, they've got it good." and then wondered why I thought that...
I've long since realized that I will be content even if none of my work gets published. I am but a writer and a writer I shall remain regardless of what comes of my work. And I will be content in this.
- October 21, 2010 at 4:34 PM
- Yat-Yee said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- October 21, 2010 at 4:40 PM
- Yat-Yee said...
No longer having a goal is a sad place to be. When I got my black belt in TKD recently, I was on cloud nine, but somewhere at the back of my mind, I knew I'd have to find a new goal.
I do envy the authors who have made it, but I don't assume they are content with what they've achieved. Anyone who have achieved any kind of success has a drive and need to work. Take away a worthwhile reason for their drive, and they won't know what to do with themselves.
- October 21, 2010 at 4:43 PM
- Emily White said...
It seems to me that stress would rise as success rises. People who achieve Rowling, King, Meyer status are EXPECTED to continually perform at their utter best. In fact, they are expected to surpass their best with each new work. I would imagine that would be horribly stressful.
Can you imagine if King produced a work that was just plain awful? I mean so awful that even his most devout fans would have to admit his talent might have peaked. I would imagine it would be as devastating and career damaging as when Michael Jordan decided he wanted to play baseball.
- October 21, 2010 at 4:46 PM
- Martin Kozicki said...
For me, there's a big difference between feeling satisfied in achieving a goal, and feeling universally satisfied. As long as I'm breathing, I'll always believe the latter is impossible. But I accomplish the former every day.
- October 21, 2010 at 4:51 PM
- T. Anne said...
I guess most writers are passionate almost to a fault and the drive to succeed is so powerful I can only assume it's impossible to turn off like a light switch. I can see where the highlight of their fame can feel surreal and perhaps something they cannot embrace all together. Each book produce by such authors only lasts so long on the book lists, then the world waits to see what happens next. Contentment in the literary world seems to be ephemeral like everything else.
(Nathan, the post on my blog today is concerning a certain author who wrote a certain book that we agreed to disagree on. Just saying ;)
- October 21, 2010 at 5:04 PM
- Melissa said...
Great post.
"Someday, when I'm famous . . ." is the name of my blog. Of course I meant it as a joke, but it's fun to pretend what could happen if I were ever to become a famous author. Usually it runs along the lines of, "Someday, when I'm famous, I'll live in a house with more than one bathroom." Yeah - I dream big.
But yikes! I would *not* want to be Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, or Stephenie Meyer. Success isn't all good. Just give me an agent, a publisher, a decent following, and time to write each day. I'd prefer NOT to have the negative fame.
- October 21, 2010 at 5:13 PM
Spoken like a true aspirant still on the nether side of 50 and still climbing the hill of life.
Ah, to be so young again ...
- October 21, 2010 at 5:36 PM
- Juliette said...
Very true. It's also worth remembering that poor Stephanie Meyer is absolutely hated by a lot of people and there is some really nasty stuff levelled at her. I'm sure her riches more than make up for this but still, that's not nice. All three of those authors have some strong critics out there, and I bet even after all that success - and even bearing in mind you're never going to please everybody - knowing some people hate your stuff that much can't be pleasant.
- October 21, 2010 at 5:40 PM
- Marsha Sigman said...
If you started a cult, I would totally follow you...wait, is that what's happening?
Awesome post!
- October 21, 2010 at 5:51 PM
- T. Anne said...
Oh Nathan, I heart you. And yes, when people love those books it makes things a lot less bizarre and a lot more interesting at the same time. I guess whether or not the emperor is wearing new clothes is in the eye of the beholder. Some readers see the beautiful garments, and some people are shocked at how flaccid and doughy he looks in his birthday suit. I'm going to give the emperor's other books a try. I heard he wore garments to be admired there too.
- October 21, 2010 at 5:54 PM
You actually can catch up to the speed of light, you just cannot surpass it.
- October 21, 2010 at 6:00 PM
- Kristi Helvig said...
I think this blog demonstrates that Nathan already is a cult leader. I completely agree and follow the 'it's the journey, not the destination' line of thinking. I've felt happy and fortunate while pursuing various dreams over the years. Each time I attain a dream goal, I choose another because if I'm not stretching myself and growing, I feel stagnant. Great post!
- October 21, 2010 at 6:03 PM
- Jenny Woolf said...
Interesting. I used to interview high achievers in all kinds of fields - sporting, artistic, business, creative. And one quality the very top people shared was that they never rested on their laurels.
- October 21, 2010 at 6:13 PM
- Ted Fox said...
I'm not really an Oprah fan, but that interview with Rowling was pretty great. In addition to her talking about the pressure she felt, I really loved it when she said something to the effect of: "I didn't have a lot of confidence in myself, but the one thing I knew I could do was tell a story." That's a writer.
- October 21, 2010 at 6:16 PM
- David said...
No matter how much success these writers achieve, they're always going to carry some insecurity, some deficit. King complains that no one ever asks him about "the language," and in many circles he'll never be given the respect he deserves. Same for Rowling. Some look at her success and say "so what, she's just a kids' author." No one's ever going to be loved, admired, and respected in every circle (except Nathan of course).
"Making it" really is an illusion. You have to define it for yourself and be prepared to redefine it constantly. Today "making it" is making my 2000 words. Next month "making it" is finishing a novel in 4 weeks.
The one immutable law of the universe is change, and that means changing what each of us means by "making it" word by word, day by day, book by book.
- October 21, 2010 at 6:16 PM
- Maggie said...
I think she means pressure as in, "The next HP book better be awesome or the mobs will kill me." I don't think she means pressure as in, "Will I sell another book? Will I be able to pay the rent?"
I'm sure she has aspirations in life. I think we all have those until we die, but as far as the book publishing industry goes, I'd say she's definitely made it.
When you think of all the people who try for years and still don't sell a book, or sell a book but it goes by largely unnoticed, it's hard to think of these caliber of writers, like Rowling and King, as not having "made it". At least professionally, they have.
Maybe their personal lives are a mess or maybe they have a host of other problems, but if you're strictly talking publishing, I think it's safe to say they're good.
- October 21, 2010 at 6:32 PM
- Theresa Milstein said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- October 21, 2010 at 6:32 PM
- Theresa Milstein said...
This reminds me of the "30 Rock" episode. Liz Lemon considers quitting her job when she meets a bunch of women in her building who spend days taking yoga and getting pedicures. After a few days of bliss, LIz discovers the women beat one another up to feel alive again.
We must always strive to feel alive. Coasting is stagnating.
- October 21, 2010 at 6:34 PM
- www.TimMaurer.com said...
Great post, Nathan, and one that has universal application regardless of one's vocation. The verb "striving," can be dangerous, because it is very close to "chasing," as though we're a hampster trying to get to the end of our wheel. Contentment, on the other hand, gets a bad rap... as though it means complacent or apathetic. But I believe contentment can take on a broader, richer meaning, because the ultimate contentment--at the end of a day's work or the completion of a book or other project--is inherently coupled with a desire to reach that state again.
- October 21, 2010 at 6:39 PM
- David said...
I've known many people who've "made it" in various industries (mostly show biz though), and I've got to say that several who made it to the top of their field continued to carry with them those same neurotic securities that drove them to achieve that success in the first place. THE most successful are sometimes THE most messed up.
- October 21, 2010 at 6:40 PM
- Kay Elam said...
I learned a long time ago no matter how great (or how badly) I'm doing there's ALWAYS someone who's doing better and ALWAYS someone who's doing worse. Wishing I could be in his/her shoes (the better, not the worse) is a waste of my time when I could be working on being the best I can be. When I achieve MY best and feel good about myself...I've found my personal success.
- October 21, 2010 at 6:41 PM
- Kay Elam said...
I learned a long time ago no matter how great (or how badly) I'm doing there's ALWAYS someone who's doing better and ALWAYS someone who's doing worse. Wishing I could be in his/her shoes (the better, not the worse) is a waste of my time when I could be working on being the best I can be. When I achieve MY best and feel good about myself...I've found my personal success.
- October 21, 2010 at 6:41 PM
Love the photo! 'Just a walk in the park, you said. You forgot to mention it's a NATIONAL park, and this part is tilted at nearly ninety degrees!'
But seriously, Nathan, you're right. It's not enough that I achieve a level of success that is unsurpassed, boundless happiness and contentment, and true satisfaction. EVERYONE ELSE MUST FAIL!
Just as well we can't travel as fast as light. Think of the jetlag THAT would produce.
What do people do when they've made it? They start making another one.
- October 21, 2010 at 6:49 PM
I am willing to role the dice on making it and not being content. It beats not making it and not being content.
- October 21, 2010 at 6:51 PM
Kathleen is right. Money may not buy you happiness, but it can get you a better class of misery.
- October 21, 2010 at 7:01 PM
- Kristin Laughtin said...
Even those who have made it to the top have to worry about falling (or being pushed). There's enormous pressure to duplicate past success, and when your past success was phenomenal, any shortcomings in your later efforts will just be magnified.
It's best to learn to be content with what you have while still striving for something greater; that way, you (hopefully) grow but aren't disappointed with what you have been able to achieve.
- October 21, 2010 at 7:01 PM
- Marilyn Peake said...
Interesting Blog post. I agree with the basic sentiment, that you should strive to be happy wherever you are in your writing career. And there are so many ways to be happy as a writer today. For many, being an indie or self-published author can be glorious because, even though no real money might be made, it's possible to belong to the wonderful online world of writers. And, in the case of Paul Harding, his indie-published novel TINKERS won the Pulitzer Prize (Pulitzer Prize!) in Fiction, and that's a glorious thing. Really, in today's electronic world, all things are possible in the world of writing.
On the other hand, I feel for writers and everyone else who's out of work, homeless, seriously ill, or at a point in their lives in which they are unable to work toward making their dreams come true because hardships have made that too difficult to even consider. Physical health and having enough money to get by definitely allow people to achieve a degree of contentment that keeps real despair at bay.
I also think there are people for whom the simple joys of daily life are enough and, given good physical health and a dependable income, probably achieve contentment much more easily than writers or other artists do. Artists tend to suffer through a great deal of existential despair.
- October 21, 2010 at 7:05 PM
- Bane of Anubis said...
We all just need to find our wormholes (i.e., devices that allow us to travel faster than light ;)
- October 21, 2010 at 7:13 PM
As Hilary Mantel said of winning the Man Booker, "it has to be seen as an event in your career rather than an event in your writing, your writing life goes on."
I think of happiness as the waves on the ocean. They change direction, height, frequency and is unreliable. But contentment is deeper, underlying, like the steady swell of transatlantic currents which isn't much affected by weather.
Whilst I agree that the temptation of thinking someone else has made it may corrode your own self esteem and cause you to think of "true satisfaction always being perennially elusive", I am not sure how much of a link there is with achievement. There is a lot to be said for being happy with being and not with doing. Happiness comes from what and who we are, not from what we do. Yes, we may feel elation or pride or contentedness through achievement, but as you say, because (virtually) every achievement can be surpassed your goalposts are constantly moving and everyone's expectations and measures of achievement are different. Being happy for me, is an appreciation of life as it is, in the moment. I look forward to things, and I look back on much, including achievements, with anticipation or recollection of happiness, but a state of contentment cannot be pursued through achievement, in my opinion.
"Who wants to be perfectly contented?" I think everyone does. People who are intrinsically unhappy don't want to be. Being content in oneself, doesn't have to mean you are complacent or lazy. There can be plenty of excitement in looking ahead to new challenges and chasing new dreams, but my core level of contentment will not be affected by their achievement.
- October 21, 2010 at 7:20 PM
- Linda Gray said...
I went to Bouchercon last week in San Francisco. It was fabulous, and HUGE. 1,400 people there, including over 350 published authors in mystery/suspense/thriller/noir. Those published authors were working hard, doing panels and presentations and encouraging apprentice writers. I think even the greats--David Baldacci, Lee Child, Laurie King, Denise Mina and so many others-- were buoyed by digging in and being part of the writing tribe, the one that is always striving for great writing.
- October 21, 2010 at 7:24 PM
- Stephen Prosapio said...
Great blog post. I was just considering this recently. Spooky too about Rowling because I was thinking -- "What *does* she do next??"
A few weeks back I signed my first contract with a very small (but real) publishing house. My mind's first reaction was "there must be something wrong here" my second was "yeah but I'm going to have to work that much harder to make the book a success" and I stopped myself before my third negative thought. I realized precisely what you wrote: there will always be something else. So I took the time to just sit back and ENJOY what was happening.
Key to happiness isn't getting what you want, it's wanting what you have.
- October 21, 2010 at 7:40 PM
- Tara Maya said...
There was some study which I'm too lazy to look up to cite properly, but I believe it was in the field of the "study of happiness" which looked at how happy people said they were a year after something horrible, like losing their legs. Turns out: about as happy as they were before losing their legs. Same with a "happy" event, such as winning the lottery. People tend to return to their baseline levels of happiness.
- October 21, 2010 at 7:48 PM
- Adam Heine said...
"You can't travel alongside a beam of light. There's no catching up."
Nah. I have proof we'll be traveling at the speed of light by the year 2050. Coincidentally, that's also the year I achieve perfect happiness.
- October 21, 2010 at 8:22 PM
- Mira said...
When J.K. Rowling was working on the last book of her series, I remember wondering how anyone could possibly survive that pressure! I so admire her for writing with the whole weight of the world's eyes on her. I can't think of any other author who has had to deal with that kind of public pressure. Personally, I would have cracked. I suck at pressure.
In terms of never being content, what you say is very wise, and I believe a Great Truth, Nathan. In fact, there's a whole religion based on the reality that desire never ends - Buddhism. Personally, though, I don't agree with the Buddhist conclusion that desire is therefore the root of suffering, and one should detach from desire, and the world, to rise above it(although I greatly admire Buddhism and agree with many of the teachings, just not that one). I think it is in the striving and the journey where the real gold lies.
I believe there is a reason humans were created to constantly yearn and strive, and never quite arrive for more than a few moments.
It's our fate - tragic, comic, always noble, and perhaps divine - that there is always another mountain.
(Not that resting isn't important too. Rest is good. Resting between steps.)
But, anyway, don't take my word for it. As proof, I submit to you this very wise song. I remember I deleted it the last post, and I'll post it here again because it fits just as well. Sung by Ms. Miley Cirus, written by Jesse Alexander and Jon Mabe:
"There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb"
- October 21, 2010 at 8:27 PM
- Kristy said...
I absolutely agree that it is human nature to keep striving.
- October 21, 2010 at 8:38 PM
- Elizabeth O. Dulemba said...
Well said Nathan. I completely agree. e
- October 21, 2010 at 8:51 PM
- Maureen said...
Nathan - Wonderful blog. First time I've had to comment. As I read your words I thought of my favorite passage from John Nichols in "On The Mesa."
He wrote, "We are touched my magic wands. For just a fraction of our day life is perfect, and we are absolutely happy and in harmony with the earth. The feeling passes much too quickly. But the memory-and the anticipation of other miracles-sustains us in the battle indefinitely."
- October 21, 2010 at 8:57 PM
- wendy said...
I saw that interview with Oprah and J.K. It was very interesting and confirmed my opinion that it's all about perception and beliefs. J.K. said that she found it difficult to believe in herself, but she always believed in her writing ability and the future success of the first Harry Potter book. I feel her relationships would be more challenging for her than her work, despite the pressure, as her confidence doesn't lie in this area.
Oprah, on the other hand, came across as a force of nature. When I checked her past accomplishments, what she'd achieved by the age of twenty one was incredible.
- October 21, 2010 at 8:59 PM
- Hollie Sessoms said...
This is universally true. It's the basis of economics—there are unlimited wants and limited means. Thank God! How boring would it be to have nothing to look forward to, nothing to make you try harder?
- October 21, 2010 at 9:16 PM
- Marilyn Peake said...
Forgot to mention that I loved your mentioning speed of light theories! My favorite part of doing research for my sci fi novel was reading physicists' theories about the possibility of time travel as related to speed of light. As the velocity of an object approaches speed of light, time slows down. Turns out that scientists have noted that even astronauts traveling in the space shuttle – which moves incredibly fast, but nowhere near the speed of light – moved forward in time by a few nanoseconds. Time distortion occurred for those astronauts – only by about 0.001 percent, but enough to prove Einstein's theories correct. Also, scientists were surprised to discover that inside the Bose Einstein condensate, light slows down and stops, and now some physicists are thinking that this discovery could possibly lead to the development of a time travel machine. Pretty weird and fascinating stuff. Hope I didn't wander too much off-topic. It is very cool that you included a mention of speed of light in your Blog post today.
Talk about reaching for a huge goal – physicists who are actually developing and testing theories related to possible time travel are fascinating to read. They are incredible dreamers, and their books are filled with inspiration.
- October 21, 2010 at 9:18 PM
- Mira said...
Oh, I also like your underlying point (I think) about envying a hyper-successful author. They've acheived something, but it is transitory, and has to do with their journey, not ours.
It's not like they've achieved the end-all and be-all of existence. They are still struggling like the rest of us. So jealous - although very hard to escape...is probably abit misplaced. Much better to concentrate on our own journeys.
Great post, great discussion. Thank you.
- October 21, 2010 at 9:31 PM
- Michelle @ The True Book Addict said...
Thank you for this thoughtful post. I think all of us who write secretly hope (I know we do) that we will end up like King or Rowling. At this point in my life, I'm so far from contentment, it isn't even funny. But I keep striving and like you said, it's the striving that keeps us going.
- October 21, 2010 at 9:57 PM
- Susan Kaye Quinn said...
People don't realize how difficult success can be - sometimes even more stressful than failure. After all, we can always blame that on someone else.
Success brings expectations, and that is often the hardest thing to deal with. That being said, people who are successful at being successful - I want to be one of them. :)
- October 21, 2010 at 10:00 PM
- maine character said...
Striving is the drama of life, but often what we treasure most are the things we already have.
Sebastian Junger put it this way:
If you haven't crossed over, you think the people that are well known have got something you want. And then when you get over there, you realize the things that give you pleasure are still all back there on the other side.
- October 21, 2010 at 10:34 PM
I've just finished reading about some of Rowling's plagiarism suits, and I'd think that having to constantly fend off grasping/greedy/delusional lawsuits would take at least a bit of the shine off world fame and fortune. Everybody has their crosses to bear.
- October 21, 2010 at 10:55 PM
- Donna Hole said...
I think the next novel idea is always just around the bend, waiting for an Author to chase it down.
I imagine once the high of accomplishment - after each successful completion - lasts only so long before a new project is needed to fill the void.
I hope someday I get to test that theory . .
- October 21, 2010 at 11:10 PM
Love your blog--great post
This kind of reminds me of one of my favorite quotes:
"We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us really happy is something to be enthusiastic about." --Charles Kingsley
Melissa D
- October 21, 2010 at 11:16 PM
- Old Salt said...
Let me share a secret with you. After you've lived an exciting life, been around the world two or three times, and are satisfied that you don't really have anything left to prove, it wouldn't take a lot to become truly contented...and there's a lot to be said for contented. Getting just one piece published would just put the icing on the cake. Ambition's for the young. Great post.
- October 21, 2010 at 11:34 PM
- Debbie Haughland Chan said...
We create our own happiness. Contentment and happiness can be attained whether the world inhales our every word or spits it out with distaste. Thanks for the reminder.
- October 21, 2010 at 11:37 PM
- wordsareforwriting said...
Great post and I love the photo.
Yosemite National Park?
- October 22, 2010 at 4:03 AM
I feel perfectly contented when writing.
- October 22, 2010 at 4:39 AM
- Draven Ames said...
Thank you for the good post again Nathan. Hearing about Rowling feeling that way is amazing. There will always be more for us to do, no matter how far we make it. I think it is true for most people.
In meeting a lot of authors, I've noticed that none of them have a lack of things to do. We have so many stories in our head, it would be impossible to write them all. There is no end to our imagination. If all of the world is a dream, then our dreams may be a world; what are books, but dreams?
Thank you for another wonderful read.
Draven Ames
- October 22, 2010 at 4:55 AM
Excellent post. In my journalist work I have met several celebrities and what always struck me, no matter what their field of fame, is that they are just people too. They have their everyday worries and cares - theirs may be different that ours but they have them just the same.
Thinking that those who have reached a higher pinnacle of success than the common folk are happier is giving into that old "grass is alwsays greener on the other side of the fence" philosophy or falling for the notion that money can buy happiness when, of course, it cannot.
- October 22, 2010 at 6:32 AM
- Ermo said...
Is it wrong that I feel like I've "made it" by being referenced in Nathan's blog?
In another life, I covered sports. One thing I noticed about all successful athletes is that there was no greater pressure than the pressure they put on themselves. It worked for and against them, helping them achieve their goals but leaving them unsatisfied that they weren't the greatest ever (or some other nonsense). Still, like many have said, what's life without goals?
- October 22, 2010 at 10:17 AM
- Mary Aalgaard said...
Great words of inspiration, Nathan! It gives meaning to the unsettled feeling that we get. It means we still have so much more to do on this Earth. The race is not over - keep on running!!
- October 22, 2010 at 10:48 AM
- Ishta Mercurio said...
I like what jewel fern said about striking a balance. you don't want a life without goals, without something to strive for. But a life in which you are always striving and never accomplishing is equally empty.
I think the pressure of living up to an expectation of maintaining a level of greatness that one has achieved pretty early in one's career must be very daunting.
- October 22, 2010 at 10:57 AM
- Peter Dudley said...
Who wants to be perfectly contented? Where's the excitement in that? There will always be something great to chase around the bend.
Trust me. This is not a sentiment to share with your wife.
- October 22, 2010 at 11:55 AM
- RK said...
Writers like Stephen King and Jay Lake impress me because they keep writing no matter what life throws at them. King is going blind and Lake is battling cancer.
They refuse to be content with what they've done, but keep thinking about, working on, what could be next.
- October 22, 2010 at 11:57 AM
- Teri Bernstein said...
King says in his memoir/essay On Writing that he writes 2000 words per day, 6-7 days per week. He may have "made it" but his daily approach is "chop wood, carry water." Writing is what he does. "Being a writer" is not what he does. IMO.
- October 22, 2010 at 12:17 PM
- PJ Lincoln said...
I think it kind of comes under the category of, "I'll be happy when..."
I thought like that for a long time in many areas of my life. I'll be happy when I have a cool girlfriend. I'll be happy when I make xxxx amount of money. I'll be happy when I have big muscles and a six pack of abs.
The only problem with that kind of thinking, is that you miss out on the great things that life has to offer each and every day. It's a no-win, self-defeating mentality.
I applied it to writing, too. I'll only be happy when I'm published by a traditional publisher. I'll only be happy when I get critical acclaim as a writer. I'll only be happy if I can peck out 1,000 words per day.
The funny thing is, writing wise, when I removed all of those restrictions and expectations, writing became fun again. I actually wanted to do it and didn't feel disappointed or overwhlemed.
- October 22, 2010 at 12:20 PM
- Tess Cox said...
There is an ancient scripture that says "...but I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content."
This blog was an important reminder to me.
While being constantly drawn toward the Porch Light of "getting published" like a bug on a Summer's night, I must also avoid the "zapper" of unrealistic expectations that would leave me lying dead and underfoot on the porch as others fly by me on their way upward.
I must find balance between my inward and outward journeys in order to maintain my sanity! (and a stable day job.....) I must find my sweet spot where writing is for the joy of it, and not for it to feed me!
thanks, Nathan. And I enjoyed the guest posts last week. Saved some of them, too!
- October 22, 2010 at 12:23 PM
- Roxane B. Salonen said...
Excellent post, Nathan. I haven't been by in a while but a friend pointed me to you today, and boy am I glad she did. Wise words indeed!
- October 22, 2010 at 12:32 PM
- Perry said...
I think yearning for some higher goal (my fingers keep typing gaol - hmm what does that mean about me?) keeps successful people sharp.
How often have you read the latest book from a 'made it' artist and wondered why they are just phoning it in.
No one is guaranteed that next book - maybe King and Rowling level authors get the next book, but if it's not great, they don't get another.
What I think is, if I get into the 'made it column' I would be considering retiring at the top, or finding a way to keep my ego hungry.
Thanks for the post
- October 22, 2010 at 1:04 PM
- lotusgirl said...
Before success the pressure is applied by yourself and after it's applied by everyone else. Just a thought.
- October 22, 2010 at 1:04 PM
- Steppe said...
Reality verses Illusion.
The Wave verses The Point.
That's why the art and business of writing can never be separated. Even the unpublished writer has to be clever enough to pay the rent and buy groceries.
I never met a rock star movie star or writer that wasn't struggling through that particular day I met them; whether fretting over the creative process or protecting their ability to engage in it by securing their economic priorities.
I pursue the Great American Novel.
I may never actually catch up to it similar to the beam of light allegory but the chase is a good and engaging kick that keeps me focused on thinking feeling growing and learning ever more precise ways of stating and achieving life portraits in words and thought-scapes.
"Some of us pursue perfection and virtue and if we're lucky, we catch up to it. But happiness can't be pursued. It either comes to your or it don't. You can always say, if only this and if only that, but if only is a state of mind that we get into when we feel deprived."
Jack Fate - Masked and Anonymous 2003
- October 22, 2010 at 4:09 PM
- Steppe said...
Cool. My new icon showed up.
That's a Blobfish. Not a Starfish or a Tuna.
- October 22, 2010 at 4:11 PM
I hope to write a great book someday. What aspiring writer does not? I wrote my first novel five years ago.I'm still learning the mechanics and rules of writing. of course I think my novels are interesting. Good?maybe. Great?possibly. I'm too close to tell.maybe if you have to ask,you aren't. I love to write and weave a story and I guess when all is said and done,that is what counts the most. However,I would be a liar if I said I didn't want to be as good or even better than Roberts,King,Poe,Rowling.Bottom line is A writer is judged by how many books they sell.They don't have to be a literary genius to write a bestseller or a technically perfect writer.But,they have to tell a damn good story. I will keep butt in chair,keep learning, and maybe someday Nathan will be commenting on my bestseller.
- October 22, 2010 at 4:18 PM
- Sierra Gardner said...
I personally think it would be a little terrifying to be so successful - EVERYONE will notice if you mess up or write something sub-standard. As for being perfectly happy having 'made it,' I think writing is a bit like falling in love. It's tempting to think that the perfect person is going to 'fix' everything and make us happy. But it never works that way. If you can't be happy as an obscure, unpublished writer chances are that fame and success aren't going to change anything.
- October 22, 2010 at 4:22 PM
- kea said...
I recently read that we need to remember that our leaders, idols and great writers are just people. When we make them more than that we are taking away the possibility that we could ever achieve their success.
- October 23, 2010 at 6:23 PM
- Idem said...
Yup, you're right about the speed of light (I'm a physicist). As long as you are in an inertial (nonaccelerating) reference frame, you will always measure the same speed of light as anyone else in an inertial reference frame. Nice analogy!
- October 24, 2010 at 1:02 AM
- Douglas Adams said...
Its the journey not the destination that brings happiness.
- October 24, 2010 at 4:01 PM
- Meghan Ward said...
This post reminds me of the book Stumbling On Happiness by Daniel Todd Gilbert. What you THINK will make you happy often is not what WILL make you happy, so we end up striving for the wrong things, including book publication!
- October 28, 2010 at 2:08 AM


text:
Andy Murray's management company has signed a deal which could see the US Open and Olympic champion playing in a future IPL-style tennis tournament.
XIX Entertainment announced the new partnership with Globosport, a company run by the Indian doubles specialist Mahesh Bhupathi.
Bhupathi revealed earlier this week he is seeking to sign up the world's top players to take part in tennis tournament across Asia over three weeks at the end of the season.
XIX's founder Simon Fuller recently agreed a major deal for his client David Beckham to become an ambassador of the Chinese Super League.
Murray said: "I believe a mix of Simon's experience and Mahesh's understanding of the sport will create the perfect team for my off-court interests and will allow me to continue to dedicate myself and focus on my
goals on the court."

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Lab-Created White Sapphire Infinity Necklace in Sterling Silver
Item# 19748730
The Peoples Difference
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Treat her to a look that says "I'll love you forever". Fashioned in sleek sterling silver, this delightful infinity loop necklace is adorned with a glistening array of radiant round lab-created white sapphires. A meaningful look, this 18.0-inch style is polished to a bright shine and secures with a spring-ring clasp. A gift this beautiful is the perfect expression of love. View product details.
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Typographic errors are subject to correction. Merchandise enlarged to show detail and may not always be exactly as pictured. Promotions, prices, styles and availability may vary by store and online.


text: I'm putting up my Cobb ap up for sale since I'm not doing any more performance mods and plan to get a protune. I won't need this anymore so I'm selling it for $480 shipped anywhere in the 48 states. I'm Las vegas so local pick up for those in vegas. I'm Paypal verified. It's still in great condition and I will include the Perrin stage 1 map for 09+ wrx with it. The model number is ap-sub-003 so it will fit other models than just the 08+ wrx/sti. It's best to contact me via email@example.com or pm here.


text:
Chocolate Pate with Cranberry Coulis
Chocolate Pate with Cranberry Coulis is a terrific choice when you are looking for a dessert that is delicious, beautiful and different.
- 1 1/2 cups OCEAN SPRAY® Jellied Cranberry Sauce
- 3/4 cup OCEAN SPRAY® Cranberry Juice Cocktail
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream
Directions, Reviews, Nutrition
PLACE cranberry sauce, cranberry juice cocktail and lime juice in blender; cover. Blend until smooth. Refrigerate. Makes 1 3/4 cups.
LINE 8 x 4-inch baking pan with plastic wrap. Combine 1/4 cup whipping cream and egg yolk in small bowl.
COMBINE morsels, corn syrup and butter in heavy-duty medium saucepan. Melt over lowest possible heat. When morsels begin to melt, remove from heat; stir. Return to heat for a few seconds at a time, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat. Add cream mixture to saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat for 1 minute. Let cool to room temperature.
BEAT remaining cream and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until soft peaks form. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold chocolate mixture into the whipped cream. Pour into prepared pan. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight or freeze 3 hours.
TO SERVE, spoon Cranberry Coulis on a dessert plate. Place a slice of Chocolate Pate on plate. Garnish with whipped cream.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.
What did you think? Share Your Review »
8 Reviews
Thank you for reviewing this recipe.
This is wonderful. Fantastic taste and beautiful presentation. (I used small ramikins rather than the loaf pan.) Rather than cranberry coulis I made a raspberry coulis, a little sharp but not as sharp as the cranberry. (I did it for mothers day and since I am the Mom and I like raspberry flavor...:)
Excellent Dessert
This dessert is just excellet in all ways, taste, appearance, presentation, etc. I have been asked to make it for several people {although I have offered them the recipe}. It is such a delight and there is never any left!
Chocolate Pate with Cranberry Coulis
I wanted to make something different for my family so tried this last night. It was very unique and tasted great!
Yummy and Different
What a great dessert. I was greated with raves and requests for adding this to my regular desserts.
Chocolate Pate with Cranberry Coulis
Very elegant presentation, exceptionally lite and yet dense.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1/10 of Recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 10
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories: 490
- Calories from Fat: 270
- Total Fat: 31g (47% of DV)
- Saturated Fat: 19g (94% of DV)
- Cholesterol: 90mg (30% of DV)
- Sodium: 85mg (4% of DV)
- Carbohydrates: 51g (17% of DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 2g (10% of DV)
- Sugars: 39g
- Protein: 3g
- Vitamin A: 15% of DV
- Vitamin C: 10% of DV
- Calcium: 4% of DV
- Iron: 0% of DV
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.


text:
"Child Abuse on the Internet. Ending the Silence"
November 23, 2001 -
Child pornography and the sexual abuse of children through misuse of the media and the Internet are complex yet closely related issues. Not only do they necessitate complex solutions, they also demand a social response from all sectors of society. This volume records the response of these various sectors and shows how individuals and organizations can cooperate effectively. It describes the major work being carried out in some African countries, in Albania, Brazil, Guatemala, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka, and shows the efforts being made to share information and build networks. A reference section provides the site locations of organizations that have made significant advances in protecting children online. In addition, this book offers an action plan to encourage cooperation with others in the fields in a coherent and coordinated manner.
Table of content
Full Title: Child Abuse on the Internet. Ending the Silence . - Edited by Carlos A. Arnaldo. Introduction: Maldwyn Jones . - Paris : UNESCO Publishing / Berghahn Books, 2001 / ISBN 92-3-103728-5 / 156,00 FF / 23,78 Euros (
Order online
Information Society Observatory
Action Plans - Policies
Content Regulation
Privacy and Confidentiality
Access to Public Domain
Events and Conferences
UNESCO Libraries Portal
Libraries Websites
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Preservation and Access
Education and Training
Library Issues
Online Resources for Librarians
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UNESCO Archives Portal
Primary Sources Online
Education and Training
Preservation and Conservation
International Co-operation
Conferences and Meetings
Internet Resources
University Library
of Vilnius
Archives Nationales
National Museum
AVICOM - Faimp
CDyA, Paraguay, Asunción


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text:
LOL! Ya'll know what I picked!
From the main page of He-Man.org! (if you aren't checking the main page daily, be sure to subscribe to the RSS feed if you have a news reader!)
With the latest news that Mattel will pulling back on 200x design elements and there will be no more 200x head sculpts,
we here at He-Man.org wanted to hear what you think.
Since all other vintage styling eras still appear to be included in MOTUC, we are running our own poll to hear if fans want 200x in MOTUC or not.
Your choices in the poll are:
- Yes. MOTUC should have all eras of MOTU and POP represented.
- No. I just want MOTUC to be vintage (pre 200x) inspired.
- It doesn't matter to me. I'll buy MOTUC no matter what eras are included.
- I don't care. I have no interest in buying MOTUC and would prefer a completely different MOTU toy line.
He-Man.org recognizes that there are many 200x fans out there. so we wanted to get an idea of just where fans stand on the issue across the world.
So please vote in our He-Man.org fan poll and spread the word to other fans! :-)
This poll ends on September 20th! So you have about a month to vote.
If at some point you change your mind, then have no worries! Just come back and vote again. It will overwrite your previous vote.
Also, please don't get your friends and family to vote. Let's keep this poll as honest as possible. Please only vote if you are a fan interested in buying new MOTU toys. Thanks!
We will reveal the results after the voting has ended. Until that time, we're keeping the votes under wraps in order to avoid any competition between groups of fans.
So what are you waiting for?
Click here and cast your vote today!
Once again, this is all about style inspiration and head sculpts,
not the characters themselves.
Folks, don't get hung up on the characters.
This is all about sculpting style.
Think of the voting options like this, if you want:
Option 1: You want 200x stylization elements (both in body in additional head sculpts)
Option 2: you want it all to look vintage (classic MOTU) in stylization
Option 3: You don't give a rip either way, you'll buy whatever they produce.
Option 4: You ain't buying the line because you don't like either of those.
LOL! Ya'll know what I picked!
The Official 200X Sorceress vs 200X Evil-Lyn 2 Pack Support Thread
The Blonde Teela Thread
Sagitar (Jetlag) Azdar Belzar Chazdar 200X Evil-Lyn 200X Teenage Prince Adam 200X Teenage Teela 200X Sorceress General Rattlor (MYP) 200X King Randor and Queen Marlena 200X Battle Armor King Randor and Battle Armor Queen Marlena Ice Armor He-Man WMD Roboto
I think the Four Horsemen should have the freedom in this line to take the best elements from each era when sculpting and crafting action figures, heads, and accessories. The line is selling like hotcakes, there's no reason for corporate to crack down and put limitations on anything.
Yes. MOTUC should have all eras of MOTU and POP represented.
i'll add NA and some MO2K in that list. For me it's not about not representing an era, i like them all. but these guys need to match up. Classic style without the hyper anime.
MANGLORD'S most wanted MOTUC, GWILDOR and the rest of the 87ers.
I agree with Carkrash on this one. so in a way my vote is YES or 1, if you choose. I believe options are always the best way to go. With figs packed out with a good mix of vintage and 200X is the best option. Grizzlor would have been the best example of this.
Just to clarify: Option 1 is for all MOTU (vintage & 200x) & POP and Option 3 is all MOTU & POP plus NA right?
I voted Option 1. I don't understand the recent no classicized 200x 2nd head decision. It makes no sense, especially given we will still get 100% 200x figures (i.e. Carnivus & Faceless One).
My ONE BIG ASK of MOTUC is that the FILMation and 2nd series mini-comics canon gets better representation in MOTUC bio-canon ... even if the FILMation characters are off limits.
Grayskull needs its Cardboard Spacesuit MOTUCized
Voice your support in the Cardboard Spacesuit/Robot thread:
My vote has been cast.
I'm really not sure what to pick. I wish there was one more option. I want some 2002 characters sprinkled into the mix ala Carnivus and Count Marzo, but at the same time, I don't care about not getting a second head with 2002 influence.
You'd pick option 2, since you don't care about the 200x styling inspiration.
This poll is about styling inspirations and head sculpts,
not the addition of the characters themselves, since Scott has said that 200x characters are now going to be vintage style inspired (which I have to admit, totally confuses me... how can a 200x Evilseed be vintage styled? )
This is a hard one for me based on the options. I don't care if 200x design elements are are included or not on the vintage characers BUT I require POP and NA and unique 200x characters to be included or I'll stop buying (basically exactly where the line has been and will be going minus Whiplash's and maybe Grizzlor's extra heads).
Can someone help me out with which one describes me?
I haven't voted yet because I can't decide what fits my choice. I'd like an option that says something like-
All eras included, but revised to match the vintage style. No "hyper-anime detailing" or revisions of classic elements to incorporate the 200X look into a character's first release. Characters and character revisions introduced in 200x, etc handled as entirely separate releases to their vintage counterparts (i.e. Zodak).
That's what I'd be down for. All these figures need to look like they are from the same line. No "extreme" detailing in this line for me...
I chose just vintage MOTU/POP (pre 200x) purely based on the fact that the Webstor figure was spoiled by those awful 200x extra arms. Just don't want those elements on figures that are meant to be based off the vintage designs.
So I'm happy we will be getting less 200x elements. Sorry 200x fans!
Once again, this is all about style inspiration and head sculpts,
not the characters themselves.
Folks, don't get hung up on the characters.
This is all about sculpting style.
Option 1: You want 200x stylization elements (both in body in additional head sculpts)
Option 2: you want it all to look vintage (classic MOTU) in stylization
Option 3: You don't give a rip either way, you'll buy whatever they produce.
Option 4: You ain't buying the line because you don't like either of those.
See my reply to Tallstar.
Actually, i just wanted to vote but i didn´t...
i don´t get the problem here, all the designs are made by the 4 Horsemen, they redesigned the 200X looks after the vintage looks but made them for TV in 2000-most-wanted anime style but even in the comics from 2002 the characters didn´t look the same(some looked even better...but what the heck...)
What i´m trying to say is, who needs extra heads when we can get a great combination of all the areas and times.
I´d say:
Trust the 4 Horsemen.
Personally, I WANT 200x to be officially part of MOTUC (except for the endless variants and repaints).
200x-inspired heads, faceplates and accessories should be (re)integrated in MOTUC !
Vintage 80's MOTU should remain the main source, but 200x should be considered as a pleasant addition. 200x unique characters (such as Evilseed, Prahvus, Lord Dactys etc.) should be part of MOTUC as well ! MOTUC should celebrate ALL eras of MOTU and related universes (POP, NA, and... YES, even FILMATION) !
I casted my vote! No limitations!
PS4 contact: Petruk1976
mikethedrummer's feedback thread: http://www.he-man.org/forums/boards/...d.php?t=181087
I want 200x inspiration and characters in the line. It makes the line more interesting and expands the MOTU universe. I'm on board with maintaining a classic look for all the figures and I want 200x inspired heads and weapons like we are getting with Whiplash. I have real reservations about what Mattel just released in the way of 200x information. I don't understand how they could have a problem with what has been produced as if some characters are too hyper anime like Count Marzo as an example. The 4H did a marvelous job with Marzo effectively bringing him into the Classic look from a hyper anime look. I don't know exactly how Mattel works or exactly how decisions are made but I'm guessing the brand manager is responsible for working with the 4H on a design that's in line with what the top dogs decide on. Pardon me, but I am skeptical of the "top dogs" and their decision making. They need to let the brand manager and the 4H do their job. It seems like they, or somebody are micro-managing the situation from a lower plane of fandom with a generic business model in place that doesn't take into account the multiple challenges associated with turning a hyper anime character into a classics character. Just what will suit the powers that be if Count Marzo and Whiplash have too much hyper anime detailing? We were sold on a business plan that allowed for the mixture of the two types of styling and then we hear Mattel pull back on that idea, the extent of which has to be entirely unknown because every figure is different, and all this after the subscription sales close which is predictable. Mattel brass sounds like a politician at this point and all they need to do is look at Gallop or Rasmussen to find out how that style of business is going. Mattel is only complicating the process. This line isn't about producing what a bunch of corporate executives want! Its about producing what the fans want! And I think the fans have spoken with their hard earned money about what is wanted. I just don't want to see hard headed bureaucracy get in the way of delivering what fans want. No limitations beyond the classics standard buck and figures from the MOTU universe all.
Last edited by Jedi_Master_Jeremy; August 19, 2010 at 11:26am.
It's all about being polished when it counts!
If it's just based purely on style inspiration and head sculpts,
not the characters themselves then my vote has been cast.
option 2
Folks, don't get hung up on the characters.
This is all about sculpting style.
MANGLORD'S most wanted MOTUC, GWILDOR and the rest of the 87ers.
The die has been cast. Evil has made its mark...
"Wheresoever on earth he dwells, man is prey to two weaknesses: the need to pray and the need to love."-Marquis de Sade
"It is not by reasoning or by our understanding that we have received our religion; it is by external authority and command."-Michel De Montaigne
Heretical Vintage Purist and Non-Fan Extraordinaire!
Let the Horsemen ride free!!! Option A.
Your support means more research for the Myostatin-challenged.
Okay cool... Chose option 2. I don't mind 200X stuff, as long as it matches the vintage styling.


text:
As Donald Trump barreled toward his next test of strength in the Republican nomination fight, the billionaire confronted two top US companies, a popular pope and virtually anyone else in his way.
It was just another day on the campaign trail for the Republican front-runner.
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Pope calls Trump 'unchristian', Trump responds
Pope Francis says US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is "not Christian" because of his views on immigration, Trump responds by talking about IS attacking the Vatican.
The real estate mogul's most dramatic move Friday was to call for a boycott of Apple, following the company's refusal to cooperate with a judge's order to assist law enforcement in unlocking the iPhone of a California suspect in the San Bernardino shooting rampage that killed 14 people in December.
"Boycott Apple until they give up the information," he said at a rally in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. "The phone is owned by the government."
Trump singled out Apple chief executive Tim Cook, saying he's "looking to do a big number, probably to show how liberal he is." Trump later tweeted that he'd stop using his iPhone -- and only use a Samsung device -- until Apple cooperates with authorities.
Boycott all Apple products until such time as Apple gives cellphone info to authorities regarding radical Islamic terrorist couple from Cal— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 19, 2016
His remarks came on the final full day of campaigning ahead of two key presidential contests that will shape the tone and duration of the Republican and Democratic races. The six remaining Republicans face off Saturday in South Carolina's primary, while Democrats Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders will compete three time zones to the west in the Nevada caucuses.
A senior Apple executive told Reuters that Trump's attack put the tech giant in a line with "other good people he has criticised".
Boeing's turn
At an earlier stop, Trump suggested that one of the state's top employers could lose jobs if he isn't elected president because, he claimed, no one else will be as good a negotiator with the Chinese.
"Boeing is building massive plants in China," he said at a rally in Myrtle Beach. "You have a beautiful plant. Be careful because when they cut the value of their currency, in two years after their plants are built, and you find out you're losing -- not going to happen if Trump is president, that I can tell you - -but be careful."
Boeing Co.'s 787 Dreamliner assembly plant came on line in 2011 in North Charleston and employs about 8000 people in the region, part of a manufacturing renaissance the state has enjoyed - in part because of its mostly non-unionised workforce.
Boeing doesn't build jetliners outside of the US, although it unveiled its largest industrial investment in China last year: a new plant to finish work on planes before they are delivered to local carriers. "Boeing is committed to South Carolina, our workforce and the local community. We have invested more than $US2 billion in the state since 2009,'' Elizabeth Merida, a company spokeswoman, said in an e-mail.
Trump, who holds a commanding lead in South Carolina polls, also went after Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, his nearest rival, for being "the biggest liar I have ever seen," and took credit for bringing Senator Marco Rubio of Florida into the fight.
The latest Trump antics came after the New York real estate billionaire a rare criticism of a White House candidate by a pope.
Condemning Trump's hardline immigration agenda, Pope Francis singled out the New York real-estate developer and suggested that he "is not Christian" because of statements he's made about building a wall on the Mexico border. Trump responded by calling the pope's actions "disgraceful."
At a CNN town hall held hours later in Columbia, South Carolina, Trump softened his tone."I like his personality," he said of the pope. "I like what he represents. And I certainly have respect for the position."
Known for its beaches, boiled peanuts and barbecue, South Carolina has a reputation for picking winners on the Republican side. It's also the first test for candidates in a diverse state and in the solidly Republican southern US, so its results could be predictive ahead of contests in March when southern states will host a large proportion of the primaries and caucuses.
A Trump win in South Carolina, a state known for dirty politics and late decisions by primary voters, would be a significant boost for his prospects of winning his party's nomination.
A Bloomberg Politics poll of likely Republican voters in South Carolina released Wednesday showed Trump leading the field with support from 36 per cent, followed by Cruz at 17 per cent, Rubio at 15 per cent and Bush at 13 per cent.


text:
added a ton of pics to my flickr stream from the Eames/LACMA exhibit.
they start about halfway down this page and go backwards:
I was born in early 1952. My parents were upper middle-class and had some disposable income that they spent furnishing their home in MCM furniture. This picture was taken in 1954 and is very deceiving. Many have said that I look like I'm 4 in the picture, while I was only a little over 2. That deception is two part. The scale of the Eames shell chairs is quite small, and I was quite tall for my age. I had a head start as I was 24" long at birth. I understand that that's pretty rare.
When my folks split up my mother got the chair. She seemed to move every six months and the chair got lost along the way. I have an original green shell, but no rocker base.
I'm in a little bit of help sourcing something for my Eames office armchair. I've got an old Eames armchair pictured just like the rocker chair above, but with the 4 office leg configuration. It used to have a soft loos cushion padding, but can't seem to find mine anywhere. Hadn't had any luck finding any place online that offers or even knows about this... anyone here might know?
mine looks almost like this except on caster wheels. Same Alex Girard fabric, but in orange.
I'm looking for that loose cushion piece preferably black, but any color should do. Thanks!
seems like something any local furniture upholstery place can make for you pretty cheap. Plus, you could probably do a cool MCM fabric too if you wanted.
More eye candy.....
Pasinetti House - Beverly Hills 1958 by Architect Haralamb Georgescu
Quincy A Jones 1973 Holmby Hills Ca.
The Chicago suburb of Lincolnwood has been awash in Mid-Century Modern up until very recently. An anomaly for a suburb that literally boarders the city, Lincolnwood was built for the upper middle-class in the mid-50's through early 70's (most other boarder suburbs are usually Victorian, and were filled up by 1955).
Purple Hotel
Sadly, many of these structures are actually endangered. The Purple Hotel has lain vacant for a few years, and developers are clamoring to replace it with mixed-use garbage.
A lot of new-money suburbanites are also replacing the original owners of these Mid-Century homes in Lincolnwood, and doing tear-downs, face-brick and all:
The faded blacktop driveway also is another clue the original owner might be occupying this one.
More Lincolnwood gems:
My cousin's ex-bf actually lived in this complex above. Inside was the epitome of mid-60's luxury. Mirrors, high ceilings, suspended lanterns, and glitzy bathrooms in weird colors.
Last edited by Maggiolone; 12-06-2011 at 07:14 PM.
Bump with some Palm Springs - 1950's Alexander (William & Krisel) eye candy goodness....
Last edited by RENOG; 12-08-2011 at 09:20 AM.
Entry divider that continues past the window giving the feeling of bringing the outdoors in.
Groovy in-wall fireplace
I have a ton of pics from our Honeymoon when we spent a couple day in Palm Springs, I'll have to dig them up and post them.


text:
This is a very clean Fresh Water Undercover 360 Sundancer with only 531 hours on Mercruiser 8.1l MPI Horizon V- Drives. It is equipped with Generator; Air/Heat; Raymarine 72 Mi Radar with Color Chart Plotter and Auto Pilot; Bottom Painted with Barrier Coat in 2013; TV/DVD; AM/FM/CD Player; Camper Canvas; Cockpit Cover; SHOWN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, PLEASE.; Located Off Site.
Erwin Marine Sales of Huntsville
28601 US Highway 431
Grant, AL 35747
United States


text:
One day after standing in front of a sold-out crowd of his constituents and professing the changes for the better he's seen in McCracken County during his tenure, McCracken County Judge-Executive Van Newberry stood in his office reading a grand jury indictment with his name on it.
The matter first came to public attention after Washburn discovered that property he owned had been rezoned without the required legal notice and governmnt approvals. Further research by Washburn led him to the conclusion that hundreds of county parcels had been illegally rezoned. County Attorney Mike Murphy reviewed Washburn's work and concluded there were irregularities. That led Murphy and other county officials to ask the Kentucky Attorney General's office to investigate. Lyon County prosecutor G.L. Ovey was then appointed to investigate the matter. Ovey presented the results of his investigation to the grand jury, which returned the indictments this this afternoon.
This is a developing story. Check Paducahsun.com or tomorrow's Paducah Sun for further details.
Check out these recently discussed stories and voice your opinion...


text:
A company's ratio of debt to equity should support its business strategy, not help it pursue tax breaks. Here's how to get the balance right.
The McKinsey Quarterly, McKinsey & Co.
March 13, 2006
The article is a very good reference for finance professors and a great reading for corporate finance students
Posted by Jaideep Pandit | November 28, 2006 10:47 pm© CFO Publishing Corporation 2009. All rights reserved.


text:
Android 4.4 KitKat KRT16M Release
The time has come! The newest iteration of our favorite mobile operating system is here, and it's now available for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus in Shiny ROM form. It seemed for, at least a moment, that the Galaxy Nexus was doomed as it received its EoL from Google. Of course, thanks to the developer community, that is not true, as we are about to see.
Android 4.4 KitKat has brought a multitude of changes to the OS. It'd be silly for me to try to list them all, so instead I'm just going to suggest that you check out either Droid-Life or AndroidPolice's comprehensive coverage of the update. If you haven't been following Android news lately, I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised.
For changes across builds of the ROM, head to the download post and checkout the changelog there.
This build is pretty much bone stock - in fact, it is odexed, so mods will not be compatible for the time being. No mods will be available for it right away, but information about mod availability will be out soon. Please do not flash mods for older builds with Android 4.4.
You can continue to use SuperSU 1.65 to enable root in Android 4.4. The installer for this build will not keep root to avoid issues, so you will need to reinstall the SuperSU root package if you want to be rooted.
Please note, if you are install the 11/5 build or later of Android 4.4 KitKat and you were previously rooted, you should not need to reflash the SuperSU root ZIP.
Installation Prerequisites
The following information details what you must do prior to installing Android 4.4 KitKat. Failure to follow these instructions may result in a failed installation.
Please install this build only from ClockworkMod Recovery 188.8.131.52. You can flash ClockworkMod Recovery 126.96.36.199 using the flashable ZIP provided in the OP. You can flash it in any custom recovery like any other ZIP. After flashing it, reboot into recovery mode again.
Installation Recommendations
The following information outlines some actions that you are recommended to take before installing the build. These are not required, but may reduce the amount of problems you run into.
- Only install to a device with sufficient battery power.
- Install the latest Verizon Galaxy Nexus radios before flashing.
- Install the latest Galaxy Nexus bootloader before flashing.
- Back up all app data you wish to keep
- Back up your system in recovery before modifying it
The following instructions are specific, step-by-step instructions for installing the build from internal storage, provided you have fulfilled the prerequisites above. (You can also install via ADB sideload, simply use that method instead of choosing from the sdcard.)
- Copy the ROM and any other required packages (such as SuperSU) to the root folder (/) of your internal storage.
- Reboot into ClockworkMod Recovery 18.104.22.168.
- (This step deletes all of your app data - make sure you back it up if you want to keep it. Your internal storage will not be affected.) Select 'wipe data/factory reset' then select 'Yes - Wipe all user data'
- Select 'wipe cache partition' then select 'Yes - Wipe Cache'
- Select 'advanced' then select 'wipe dalvik cache' then select 'Yes - Wipe Dalvik Cache'
- Return to the main menu by selecting '+++++Go Back+++++' then select 'install zip' then select 'choose zip from /sdcard'
- Select '0' and then select 'baldwinguy77_toro_aosp_110513-015450-signed.zip'
- **For root** repeat steps 6 and 7, but select the SuperSU installation ZIP instead of the ROM ZIP
- Return to the main menu and select 'reboot system now'
- **IF** ClockworkMod recovery prompts you with any questions, select 'No'
The only major bug right now involves an interaction between the new webviews and OpenGL. In some apps (e.g. the AOSP browser, Google Search) there are black boxes rendered randomly throughout the content. This is a consequence of incompatibility between our outdated GPU drivers and new surfaceflinger code. It is being actively worked on.
Another, more inconsistent bug, is a random reboot issue. This is 99% likely related to the bug above, so fixing that one should fix the reboots for the most part. As an aside, I had 3-4 reboots annoyingly close to each other at first, but once I got everything installed and just allowed the device to "rest" for a little, it seems to be very, very smooth.
As always, please report any and all bugs that you find! If you are having an issue that seems to be isolated to your device or setup, please consider PMing me in addition to posting in the thread. I may not catch all posts in the thread due to logistical shortcomings, but I will certainly read and respond to all PMs.
Lastly, I highly recommend that you add any bugs you consider to be significant to this Google Drive document (huge thanks to user xolanir!) so that we can keep some sort of list going. For now, you'll have to request permission to access via your Google account to post to the document. I'm hoping to get some sort of more systematic method up and running, but I'm juggling a lot right now. Thanks to everyone for your patience and understanding!
ROM Download
baldwinguy77_toro_aosp_110513_015450-signed.zip - 344 MB (Mirror #1) MD5: 8a3dcd32b509d6a9c50017f42f087e7d
baldwinguy77_toro_aosp_110213-212710-signed.zip - 335 MB (Mirror #1) MD5: 52368a5eb76d87472df78915e9fb4f96
Edited by baldwinguy77, 09 November 2013 - 09:15 PM.


text:
Its model number might indicate that Microsoft's Wireless Mouse 5000 sits somewhere between the cheaper 3000 and 'top-of-the-line' 8000 wireless mice. However, due to its use of the company's new BlueTrack sensor technology, it actually has a significant advantage over its higher-numbered but older peers which use laser sensors, in that it will track across almost any surface.
Together with the Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000 and 6000, it is also one of the few rodents in Microsoft's arsenal which are completely ambidextrous, so southpaws rejoice.
The 5000 is a nice-looking device, combining a piano-black top and base with rubberized, textured sides. We like the soft-touch part, but though it looks good the glossy finish picks up fingerprints far too readily - kind of a problem for a device you're constantly touching. Note to all manufacturers: do not use glossy plastics in fingerprint-sensitive areas!
We've yet to come across a symmetrical mouse that's as comfortable as one sculpted to fit a specific paw, but nevertheless the 5000 lies nicely enough in the hand. Because of its low profile and gentle slope it doesn't quite give enough support to your palm - especially after extended use you'll notice the difference between this and a dedicated, contoured right-hander like Logitech's MX1100 or even Microsoft's own Laser Mouse 6000. However, even after lengthy sessions the 5000 doesn't cause actual discomfort.
Microsoft's ambidextrous design also affects the button-layout. It's still a five-button mouse, but rather than the usual two thumb buttons on the left, here we have a single button on each side. This has advantages and disadvantages over the traditional layout: it's more difficult to press whichever button happens to be under your little finger rather than thumb, but at the same time there's no chance of pressing the wrong one, which can be fatal after having just spent ages filling out an online form or during a gaming session.
On the topic of gaming, the BlueTrack Mouse 5000 is not going to be any gamer's weapon of choice. Quite aside from the ergonomic disadvantage, the scroll wheel doesn't offer notched feedback; an essential feature for any serious fragger. It's a choice Microsoft seems to be implementing on all of its non-gaming mice and though it does make scrolling through documents more effortless, it precludes casual gamers from getting the best experience.
Aside from this the only issue we have with the soft-touch four-way scroll wheel is that it doesn't feel particularly sturdy. In fact, when pushing the wheel left or right using just the rubber middle section, it comes away from the thin grey plastic sides, which isn't exactly reassuring. At least its action is smooth, with both sideways-presses and clicks being nice and crisp. Likewise the rest of the mouse's buttons offer positive feedback, but then that's no less than you would expect from one of the biggest players and pioneers in the mouse market.
MICROSOFT X820593-005 Model 1387 Bluetrack Wireless Mouse 5000 + Receiver$34.99 View Item
Microsoft Wireless Mouse 5000 Blue Track #1387 (No Reciever)$14.01 View Item
Microsoft Wireless Mouse 5000 Model 1387 w/USB Receiver, Genuine, Works!$32.50 View Item
Microsoft Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000 Keyboard and Mouse B564$49.99 View Item
More information -
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text:
Steamboat bands headline Jamnesty fundraiser
May 1, 2012
Steamboat Springs — It was the uprisings throughout the Middle East during the Arab Spring that first inspired Steamboat resident Molly Goldberg to get involved with the Amnesty International Club at Colorado Mountain College's Alpine Campus.
"That was inspiring for me to see people united together for a common cause," said Goldberg, who now is the president of the student-led Amnesty chapter.
On Thursday, the group will host a fundraiser alongside the Steamboat Springs Amnesty International chapter, which also will unite for a common cause fusing live entertainment and a message on global human rights issues.
Jamnesty takes place at 7 p.m. Thursday at The Tugboat Grill & Pub featuring local bands Simple Deckadence, Jebus and Waterbear.
The cost is a $5 donation at the door that will benefit both local Amnesty clubs, helping to send members to conferences and to fund events and educational activities. There will be raffles, giveaways and drink specials, as well as educational videos and talks about issues such as the death penalty and immigrant rights.
"I think it's going to be really fun, and it's going to be a good way to end the semester on a positive note and have everyone come out for a positive cause to celebrate our accomplishments," Goldberg said.
CMC faculty member Bob Gumbrecht first introduced Goldberg to the club and has been the organization's faculty adviser for six years.
He said that music and Amnesty International have been intertwined for more than three decades through large-scale fundraising productions and collaborations between musicians and the worldwide human rights nonprofit.
"They've mixed the idea of entertainment and that serious social message," he said. "There's been some big tours sponsored by Amnesty. The Jamnesty thing is a more local way of continuing that tradition, and it's an easy way to have a way to promote Amnesty's message and get people active and involved in community."
Gumbrecht also happens to be the bassist for local rock band Jebus, who will be reuniting for this show after a nearly two-year hiatus.
Hip-hop group Simple Deckadence also features a CMC faculty member in Cody Perry, and Waterbear is a local jam rock band.
Gumbrecht said that from planning an event like this to visiting politicians in Denver, the club members are exposed to a variety of educational experiences.
"I think they just learn a lot more about the world, and it's a real consciousness-raising thing for students to get involved," Gumbrecht said. "And it really helps students really connect their life to the bigger world and can help them figure out how to be citizens, and global citizens at that."
For Goldberg, who still has several more years of school to go, her involvement in the club is snowballing. On top of school and work, Goldberg also is working as the Colorado Student Activist Coordinator for Amnesty.
She even is incorporating Amnesty into her post-school plans.
"I think I want to work for them after I graduate," she said.
To reach Nicole Inglis, call 970-871-4204 or email email@example.com


text:
Leprechaun Hunter
By Radiant Apps LLC
Open iTunes to buy and download apps.
Celebrate your favorite holiday by hunting Leprechauns. Fight through ten challenging levels of fun.
What's New in Version 2.0
Added 3 exciting levels of fun!
iPhone Screenshots
Customer Reviews
You have to get it! If you don't like it you are crazy!!!!!
Love it!!!!!!
It is so awesome! If you don't like this game you are SO wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do not get
This is one of the worst apps ever. You play five slow boring levels and then start over. What fun is that? It's so lame!!!!!!😑 It's like a piece of 💩!!!
Customers Also Bought
- Free
- Category: Games
- Updated: May 26, 2010
- Version: 2.0
- Size: 4.8 MB
- Language: English
- Seller: Radiant Apps LLC
- © Radiant Apps
Compatibility: Requires iOS 3.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.


text:
Research, CUDA, cuDNN, GeForce, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Higher Education / Academia, Image Recognition, Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence
Researchers from King's College London developed a deep learning system to measure brain age using raw data from an MRI scanner that can help reveal the onset of conditions such as dementia. Using CUDA, TITAN X GPUs and cuDNN with the Torch deep learning framework, the researchers trained their models on 1,600 MRI brain scans
Read more
Research, CUDA, cuDNN, GeForce, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Higher Education / Academia, Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence, Signal / Audio Processing
Researchers at Ohio State University developed a GPU-accelerated program that can isolate speech from background noise and automatically adjust the volumes of each separately. Less than 25 percent of people who need a hearing aid actually use one – with the greatest frustration among users is the hearing aid cannot distinguish sounds that occur at
News, Research, CUDA, cuDNN, Image Recognition, Internet / Communications, Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence, Media & Entertainment, Tesla, Video Processing
Artificial intelligence startup Sightengine developed image analysis technology to detect if images and videos contain offensive material, such as nudity, adult content or suggestive scenes. Using CUDA, Tesla K80s and cuDNN with the TensorFlow deep learning framework, the startup trained their deep learning models to determine whether or not an image is safe content and
News, Research, Cloud, CUDA, cuDNN, Image Recognition, Internet / Communications, Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence, Media & Entertainment, Retail / Etail
Engineers at Yelp, the popular crowd-sourced business review site, developed an algorithm that understands and determines which uploaded image should be a restaurant's cover photo. In the past, cover photos were chosen by calculating a function based on votes, likes, upload date and image caption – but the system was highly subject to selection bias.
GameWorks, GameWorks Expert Developer
Linux Graphics Debugger is a 3D graphics development tool that allows developers to debug and profile OpenGL 4.x applications. This must-have tool allows developers to get the most out the latest NVidia GPUs on a variety of Linux distributions. Release 2.0 brings frame debugging and profiling support to the NVIDIA Pascal GPU family and a new range profiler to view how your application utilizes the GPU.