text:
The end of AIDS is within our reach. But as the authors of a new special supplement in the August, 2012 Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiencies (JAIDS) point out, new financial investments - and renewed commitments - from countries around the world will be critical to fully implement proven treatment and prevention tools already at hand and to continue essential scientific research.
"Only then will an AIDS-free generation be possible," write the supplement's editors -- Richard Marlink, Wafaa El-Sadr, Mariangela Simao and Elly Katabira - in their introduction. **
"Are we willing to pay the price to turn the dream into a reality?" they ask.
Dr., Marlink, Executive Director of the Harvard School of Public Health AIDS Initiative, is available for media interviews on the recommendations in the special supplement, which are the outgrowth of an international conference on AIDS convened at Harvard School of Public Health in December, 2011. The conference brought together more than 200 global experts in the field from academia, government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector in anticipation of the upcoming International AIDS Conference in Washington D.C. being held July 22-27, 2012.
The supplement may be reviewed online at http://journals.lww.com/jaids/toc/2012/08012 .
Entitled "Engaging to End the Epidemic: Seven Essential Steps Toward an AIDS-Free Generation," the supplement identifies the seven key areas where money and political will must be focused to end AIDS. These include:
- The promise and challenges of using antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) to prevent HIV transmission
- New AIDS treatments, improving the ARV pipeline to treat those infected, and working toward a cure
- Enhancing the role of government leaders, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations (NGOS) in driving local and national responses to the epidemic
- Narrowing health disparities in preventing and treating AIDS caused by economic disempowerment, discrimination, and stigma
- Preventing AIDS transmission from mothers to babies in low- and middle-income countries where access to prevention services are most limited, but where new drug interventions show AIDS could be virtually eliminated in infants and children
- Funding the pursuit for AIDS vaccines, which are necessary to actually eliminate the disease
- Maximizing and growing current investments in the global AIDS response, rather than decreasing funding. In addition to its humanitarian impact, money spent going forward is a good global and local investment because improving and sustaining people's health enables them to be productive members of society contributing to the growth of their nations' economies.
Each article provides a unique assessment of progress and a specific plan for moving forward. Dr. Marlink is available for interviews to discuss these assessments and plans. Interviews with other contributors to the supplement can also be arranged.
**Richard Marlink: Harvard School of Public Health, and Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation; Wafaa El-Sadr, Mailman School of Public Health and College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment (ICAP) and Harlem Hospital Center; Mariangela Simao, Rights, Gender and Community Mobilization Department, UNAIDS Secretariat; Elly Katabira, International AIDS Society, and Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala Uganda


text:
Eureka wrote:A related question is; does [face=SPIonic]ou][/face] become [face=SPIonic]ou]x[/face] before words begining in [face=SPIonic]r9[/face]?
annis wrote:I believe the current consensus is that the aspiration mark on the rho indicates that it's voiceless, not that actual aspiration is involved.
Miltiades wrote:What i'm trying to say is that we cannot exclude the possibility that rho had an aspirated pronounciation at the beginning of a word.
The neighbor dog seemed quite entranced
Is it before, during, or after the rho?
This intrigues me. When I saw it on this site it seemed far fetched, so I thought it was a mistake.annis wrote: rough breathing (or an H in non-Attic scripts)
Eureka wrote:This intrigues me. When I saw it on this site it seemed far fetched, so I thought it was a mistake.annis wrote: rough breathing (or an H in non-Attic scripts)
Anyway, so if outside of Attica "H" meant rough breathing, how did they write eta? (Double epsilon perhaps?)
I also can't see any reason why the Attic meaning of "H" would take precidence over the rest of Greece when the Koine was formed. After all, the inability to write down the aspiration would have been a considerable disadvantage.
Eureka wrote:Anyway, so if outside of Attica "H" meant rough breathing, how did they write eta? (Double epsilon perhaps?)
annis wrote:Miltiades wrote:What i'm trying to say is that we cannot exclude the possibility that rho had an aspirated pronounciation at the beginning of a word.
Well, I've just spent a few minutes sitting here, with my windows open, trying to make an aspirated rho. The neighbor dog seemed quite entranced.
In any case, trying to aspirate rho regularly leaves me with a voiceless rho. When I make a voiceless rho, the result is pretty breathy. Rho isn't quite like other consonant sounds, so I'm not too worried about the idea that the rough breathing (or an H in non-Attic scripts) was used to mark a voiceless rho.
Edit:: Ack! that should say or an H in non-Ionic scripts.
total lack of aspiration
1%homeless wrote:total lack of aspiration
Well, if you mean aspiration as in a fricative or "rough breathing," I don't see how this is possible. I mean you need a certain amount of air to have that toungue vibrating. Without enough air you just get maybe a flap or something. It's like the wind blowing on a flag, if not enough air is blowing on it, you don't hear it flapping. So regardless if it is voiced or not, is it actually possible to have a non-"aspirated" rho?
I always assumed that the reason O and E had two different letters each was to distinguish the subjunctive from the indicative, in thematic verbs. I'm suprised to hear that most dialects only had one letter for each.annis wrote:Before Athens took the Ionic script eta was written with an epsilon, and omega with omicron. The length wasn't indicated. (There might be sporadic exceptions to that, but I don't have my references handy.)
Speaking as an Australian, we hardly pronounce the "r" at all. In fact, the letter "r" most often acts as a modifier.Miltiades wrote:The greek rho is very sharp (it's similar to the way russians pronounce the english r if that helps...) In my opinion, that's a non-aspirated rho. I think it's a matter of personal perception of sounds varying from language to language. For example, if u hear the word "romance" from an english person and compare it to the way a greek says it, u can't miss the difference in the rho, which rough in the first case, at least that's the way i hear it.
Miltiades wrote:Well u have a point there but have u ever thought that you, i mean native speakers of english, may use the rho (r in english) with an aspirated tone in all cases?
P.S. Hey i've spent a month in WI and i've visited Madison. Great place!!!!
This makes complete sense. After all if [face=spionic]r9[/face] was "rh" when the alphabet was developed, you'd expect it to have had a letter of its own (equivalent to [face=spionic]x[/face], [face=spionic]f[/face] or [face=spionic]q[/face]).nefercheprure wrote:I was told that ``aspirated rho'' was first sounded as `hr' which was changed later to `rh' and to `r' even later.
The theory is not far fetched considering the evolution of English.
HWAET > WHAT > WAT (though still written what)
HW > WH > W in English
HR > RH > R in Greek
As I said above, the Greek "r" is completely different from anything in Australian English, so it should be easy.nefercheprure wrote:As for your attempts: I have found out that the most difficult sounds of any foreign language are those, which can be perceived similar to the sounds present in your mother tongue.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
It looks like Verizon has a serious case of the "leakies." Somebody inside the company just leaked a supposedly official roadmap of the company's upcoming devices. The roadmap extends all the way from September to January of next year. If we're to believe this leak, Verizon will release a total of 9 new Android devices in that time frame. Let's take a look.
- Droid Bionic — September 8th — We know all about the Droid Bionic at this point. All that's left to do is wait one more month.
- Samsung Stratosphere — September 8th — Word on the street is the Stratosphere will replace Verizon's Fascinate. It will launch with 4G LTE support and Android 2.3.
- Motorola XOOM 4G LTE — September 8th — Nothing to report here. It's just the Xoom with 4G support.
- Samsung Illusion — September 29th — A 3G device running Android 2.3, most likely aimed at the low- to mid-end section of the market.
- HTC Bliss — September 29th — Another Android phone powered by Gingerbread. However, this will one will supposedly be marketed to women.
- HTC Vigor — October 6th — It looks like the HTC Vigor will replace the HTC Thunderbolt.
- LG Revolution 2 — October 20th — You guessed it! This one will replace the LG Revolution.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab P8 — November — A 4G LTE tablet that could very well be the Galaxy Tab 8.9.
- Samsung Plato — January — This is one quite interesting. The device was, for some reason, pushed back to January. Last time I checked, Ice Cream Sandwich will be released this Christmas. So, the Plato will be either one of the first Android devices to run ICS or it will be outdated at launch. Humongous difference between the two.
There you have it. A total of nine Android devices, all coming out over the next few months. I fear my wallet won't make it through this Christmas shopping season.


text:
Ralph Johnson, Joe Armstrong on the State of OOP
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Bio Ralph Johnson, one of the GoF behind the Design Patterns book and behind the creation of the original Refactoring Browser, is now at the CS dept. at the UIUC and the leader of UIUC Patterns/Software Architecture Group. Joe Armstrong is the principle inventor of the Erlang programming Language. He has worked for Ericsson where he developed Erlang and was chief architect of the Erlang/OTP system.
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1. If you look back at where object orientation came from with Smalltalk-80 with message passing, and look at the current state of inheritance and things like that, have we gone down the wrong path? Should we go back to basics?
Ralph Johnson: One of the things that always happen when you get an idea and it comes out and it's too radical for most people. Most people don't adopt the whole thing, they take a piece of it and then you get this approximation. I can remember a time when people refused to use Smalltalk because it had garbage collection and it had this virtual machine bytecodes and a virtual machine and who would want to use something that was so inefficient, everything needed to be compiled. Those sort of claims are gone.
Nobody says, there are certainly special cases where garbage collection gets in the way if you are doing low level or real time embedded programming, but by and large, people can see the value of that. Now thinking of Java I think the static type system gets in the way and people are putting templates in to make the type system more powerful. So all this is getting more and more complicated. It always happens, you pick a language and if it's a little bit too restricted then you have to keep loosening it up and you go down a particular road that fits their strategy.
C++ of course has had that same thing, it was important to be compatible with C and that really was more compatible with the C way of thinking than it was compatible with a particular C compiler. In that sense it has been successful and it has stayed compatible with the C way of thinking. But, as a person who is not a C++ programmer looking at it, it is incredibly complicated. They made this horribly complicated language but the people who use it are happy with it.
As an outsider to complain about it, is sort of pointless, because it's not my language, but I see things like Ruby are a lot closer to Smalltalk.
2. What Smalltalk got right/wrong?
Ralph Johnson: Again, I was sort of thinking of Smalltalk as the ideal, one of the things occurred to me a few years ago where I think Smalltalk made a fundamental error. I think it's hard for people who aren't Smalltalk programmers to appreciate this, but when you are programming in Smalltalk, when you are debugging in Smalltalk, you are debugging the whole system.
The debugger is just an application that's running inside, there is a compiler, there is all this, you got the collection classes, you got all these things. When you are debugging, what you are doing is editing objects. The program that there is no standard way to print Smalltalk code on paper. Smalltalk code is the object. It's like this guy who edits the Postscript. That seems really bizarre to us, but that is in fact what Smalltalk programmers are doing. It's just that it's easy to understand in Smalltalk.
We've got all these tools to present it and make that really nice interface. Smalltalk programmers often make complaints like "These people who think you want to store code in file systems, store it as text files. How antique and 20th century! In fact that so 1970s we would say, because in 1980 we had better ways of doing that. But there is a downside to that, which is that it encourages people, whenever they want to add something, you just make the image bigger. The image gets bigger and bigger.
What occurred to me was there was at the same time the Smalltalk came out on the Xerox Machine they had another operating system and when you would debug it was more a pascal-ish type operating system. When you debug on this operating system, you'd say "Debug", it would save all the memory to the disk and it would reboot the operating system with the debugger, but then you would be single stepping through your code, you'd be in the debugger doing everything on the disk image.
You had that image and if you decide you debug the debugger, you'd hit the button again, you'd push the debugger out on the disk, you'd pop up another image and now you'd be running your debugger on the debugger on the original program as many times as you want. You got obviously slower every time you did that, but the fact was it was easy to keep track of the difference between, if I have a new version of the debugger I of course have to debug it with my old debugger and on my application it's easy to keep track of all of these things.
Because in Smalltalk you have everything in the image. You can't keep track of the versions between the old and the new one - it's a pain in the neck but also now we are going to this distributed computing or parallel programming. People say "We want to have multiple threads inside Smalltalk." No, you don't want to do that! Because you are just getting back to all those problems. What you want to do is have multiple images in sending messages back and forth if you want fault tolerance.
It started years ago more but because we had this way of doing things, we just put everything in one image and there is also the issue of complexity. You build a system, so it gets to the limit of what a few people can do and there Smalltalk doesn't work too well. If it actually took 20 people to build your system, Smalltalk is not very good. If you could build it with 4-5 people, fine. They all sit in the room and Smalltalk is just fabulous and you could build with 4-5 people something that would take 50 people in Java, but what if it would take 200 people in Java?
You're not going to do it with 4-5 people in Smalltalk. It gets to this point where it's really designed for smaller systems, small being relative to good programmers who are programming at really high speed. But still there is that limit and if instead we were doing it by having multiple images and we're doing message sending, it would not just deal better with fault tolerance, Joe is an expert at that, but I think it leads to larger groups because this is an issue there and it would help some of the tool problems.
I can look at Smalltalk and think "Here is something that's wrong", but by and large, the dynamic nature of it I love, the ability to change things so easily, the reflective nature of it is really powerful that you do all sorts of things. By and large, when I look at the rest of the world, what I think is "They are slowly catching up". Looking at Ruby which has a lot of stuff, but for some reason the Ruby people don't believe that tools are important, which is just an odd thing to me. Anyway, there are a lot of good things going on out there and people are gradually catching up - that's my feeling.
Joe Armstrong: Smalltalk got a lot of the things right. So if your question is about what I think about object oriented programming, I sort of changed my mind over that. I wrote a an article, a blog thing, years ago - Why object oriented programming is silly. I mainly wanted to provoke people with it. They had a quite interesting response to that and I managed to annoy a lot of people, which was part of the intention actually. I started wondering about what object oriented programming was and I thought Erlang wasn't object oriented, it was a functional programming language.
Then, my thesis supervisor said "But you're wrong, Erlang is extremely object oriented". He said object oriented languages aren't object oriented. I might think, though I'm not quite sure if I believe this or not, but Erlang might be the only object oriented language because the 3 tenets of object oriented programming are that it's based on message passing, that you have isolation between objects and have polymorphism.
Alan Kay himself wrote this famous thing and said "The notion of object oriented programming is completely misunderstood. It's not about objects and classes, it's all about messages". He wrote that and he said that the initial reaction to object oriented programming was to overemphasize the classes and methods and under emphasize the messages and if we talk much more about messages then it would be a lot nicer. The original Smalltalk was always talking about objects and you sent messages to them and they responded by sending messages back.
But you don't really do that and you don't really have isolation which is one of the problems. Dan Ingalls said yesterday (I thought it was very nice) about messaging that once you got messaging, you don't have to care where the message came from. You don't really have to care, the runtime system has to organize the delivery of the message, we don't have to care about how it's processed. It sort of decouples the sender and the receiver in this kind of mutual way. That's why I love messaging.
The 3 things that object oriented programming has it's messaging, which is possibly the most important thing. The next thing is isolation and that's what I talked about earlier, that my program shouldn't crash your program, if the 2 things are isolated, then any mistakes I make in my program will not crash your program. This is certainly not true with Java. You cannot take 2 Java applications, bung them in the JVM and one of them still halts the machine and the other one will halt as well. You can crash somebody else's application, so they are not isolated.
The third thing you want is polymorphism. Polymorphism is especially regarding messaging, that's just there for the programmer's convenience. It's very nice to have for all objects or all processes or whatever you call them, to have a printMe method - "Go print yourself" and then they print themselves. That's because the programmers, if they all got different names, the programmer is never going to remember this, so it's a polymorphism. It just means "OK, all objects have a printMe method. All objects have a what's your size method or introspection method."
Erlang has got all these things. It's got isolation, it's got polymorphism and it's got pure messaging. From that point of view, we might say it's the only object oriented language and perhaps I was a bit premature in saying that object oriented languages are about. You can try it and see it for yourself.
Ralph Johnson: The thing about Erlang is that it's in some sense 2 languages, at least you program it 2 levels because one is the functional language that you use to write a single process and then there is what you think about all these processes and how do they interact, one process is sending messages to the other. At a higher level, that Erlang is object oriented, at the lowest level it's a pure functional language and that's how it got advertised for a long time.
At a higher level, when you are looking at it more from an architectural and high level design it is quite object oriented. I think you are redefining isolationism. It's all running on one computer and if one process goes wild, it hogs the processor. I think they look more like the importance of garbage collection so that you don't have to make sure that you agree on how you're releasing things. The only way in Smalltalk to interact with an object is send it a message, but the issue is what message do you have. It's the same thing in Erlang.
If you allow a huge number of messages that allow, return all the values of your local variables and that everybody's send you messages and you'll set the values of your local messages, if you did something like that, you'd basically lose a lot of the value of the isolationism. That's why you have to design things properly. The language offers some mechanism.
Joe Armstrong: It's useful when we've got million core computers.
4. The role of OOP over the past decades and in the future.
Ralph Johnson: When you actually start having multiple processors you really want that. Looking at how a new idea comes in, Jim Coplien today said something about object oriented programming not being a real paradigm shift, because it's all something you can do in Pascal. I don't know why he says that, because he was around watching people struggle where the paradigm shift comes from how people think and a new way of thinking. It takes a very long time.
I remember I was at the very first OOPSLA, which was in '86 and one of the things people discussed there was "Will there be a 10th OOPSLA" and we sort of decided there wouldn't be, because one of 2 things would happen. One, object oriented programming was as great as we thought it was, in which case the whole world would be doing it 10 years later. Having an object oriented programming conference would be about as silly as having a structured programming conference. We all do it, so why have a conference on it?
The other was of course, that it wasn't so good, we were deluded, in which case it would go away. Of course, neither one of those things happened, they actually decided last year would be the last year the big conference was going to be called OOPSLA and they were going to have a different name the next year. That was 25 years of it just took, it was a lot harder for it to spread out. It just takes a long time for ideas to spread. We all like to think we learn stuff so quickly, everybody else is going to learn it so quickly, new ideas are just going to spread across the world like that. Not true at all! It takes a very long time for even good ideas to spread.
Joe Armstrong: They spread inside their little community, but not outside. Smalltalk is an example - lovely stuff, 20-30 years ago.
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News Flash!
Matt Giacomini
I actually really like Joe, just thought I would poke fun ;)
This is unexpected...
Eric Aguiar
I guess the article title
gauthier segay
Re: News Flash!
Paul Beckford
The bigger issue is the fact that the dominant crop of OO languages aren't actually OO, and very few people recognise that fact.
Joe is also wrong for claiming that Erlang is the only true OO language out there. One of the goals of Alan kays team was uniformity, where the language consists of message sends all the way down (in Smalltalk a character literal is an object capable of receiving messages). Erlang is sort of two languages as Ralph describes.
For a true successors to the Smalltalk OO crown, try looking at Self, or better still Newspeak from Gilad Bracha. Newspeak builds on Alan Kays vision and extends the idea of uniformity into beyond classes with architectural modules which are themselves literal objects.
And it's not just a research toy. Gilad has focused on making Newspeak production ready whilst fixing many of the design flaws in Smalltalk (including the reliance on a single monolithic image as mentioned by Ralph).
OOOA/OOD/OOP crap
Denis V
Simula is a name for two programming languages, Simula I and Simula 67, developed in the 1960s at the Norwegian Computing Center in Oslo, by Ole-Johan Dahl and Kristen Nygaard. Syntactically, it is a fairly faithful superset of ALGOL 60. [1]:1.3.1
Simula 67 introduced objects[1]:2, 5.3, classes[1]:1.3.3, 2, subclasses[1]:2.2.1, virtual methods[1]:2.2.3, coroutines[1]:9.2, discrete event simulation[1]:14.2, and features garbage collection[1]:9.1.
When thieves came out in the early 90's to inflate the .COM bubble and later steal 25% of all saving the Americans had accumulated since the First Great Depression -- something around 5 to 10 trillion USD -- some of the scammer hijacked the original OOP terminology. Remember Uncle Grady's "OOA/OOD" book which was published almost 20 years ago -- in January, 1990? Claim after claim, without any theoretical foundation.
Watch how the OOP scam is implemented:
As we talk about this, as people talk about this, in the context of our object-oriented programming, they typically will talk about it in terms of message pass, a message passing metaphor. I want to mention it's just a metaphor, just a way of thinking about it, it's not anything very deep here
So, according to them, sending a message is "just a metaphor", i.e. a sequential call (not even a synchronous, obviously there are no timers involved). LOL. Joe was right when he came up with a notion of the agent-oriented programming, since the original OOP needed to be separated from the "modern OOP", which is one of the corner stones of the .COM bubble. There is no benefit to the "modern OOP", other than adding another level of modularization in a form of the class.
Here is a rule of thumb: if some "technology" is not based on any sound theoretical foundation, just ignore it or at least don't take it seriously, since it's there for a different reason -- it's a kick-back- and greed-oriented pattern. Say, Ted Codd on his own created the relational model of data (actually, relational theory of data) which is based on the predicate logic, when the so called networking and hierarchical "models" started failing. And what do we see now? We see morons talking about XML data management (i.e. going back to the hierarchical model). It's not crazy, it's just sickening.
Do yourself a favour and learn lambda-calculus, combinatory logic and start using functional programming, since everything else is just anti-scientific pile of crap.
And yes, they started teaching Scheme at MIT again -- based on the best CS books of all times: mitpress.mit.edu/sicp/full-text/book/book-Z-H-4...


text:
If it sounds like I'm pleading with you to respect the
tight end, I may just be. When a team gets a great one, it is
amazing the impact that he can have. The most recent examples
are Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez, who despite averaging receiving
corps at best, were able to help their respective teams to feature
two of the highest scoring offenses over the past few years. And
it has held up over time – especially recently – that
unless that his team favors a very heavy run-oriented offense
(i.e. Alge Crumpler, Todd Heap), tight ends who put good numbers
tend to lead their offenses to high-scoring seasons, sometimes
regardless of the receivers who line up with them. Think about
it though…why wouldn't they do well? Even if a defense
double-teams a TE, how may LBs and safeties can jump up with a
6-5 TE that a defender is not allowed to contact down the field?
They present big targets and the good ones have such big hands,
it would almost be a crime not to give them a chance to end the
drive for the offense in the end zone.
At just about every position, a below-the-radar (and sometimes
undrafted) player gets "it" for a season and goes
from waiver wire hopeful to the final piece in your run for a
fantasy title. This position is no different. Last season was
a pretty fair season for the position in that regard, as Chris
Cooley, Kellen
Winslow and Desmond
Clark all emerged from late round or undrafted obscurity to
second-half starters on teams that ignored the TE position in
their draft or fell victim to the disappointment of Jason Witten.
In 2005, Heath Miller and LJ Smith were good, low-end #1 TE options.
However, with a full plate of responsibilities to learn –
just like a QB that switches
teams – TEs don't generally have huge seasons
in their first season after a move as they spend a lot more time
thinking about their assignments than they are used to, almost
like going back to being a rookie in some respects. Unless they
are already familiar with the system or moving from run-oriented
team to a pass-heavy offense, it's more often wiser to opt
for the player who stays put.
All that being said, there are a few TEs making the move this
season who fall under the guidelines just mentioned in the preceding
paragraph. In order of projected fantasy impact, let's take
a look the TEs who switched teams this offseason and their chances
for fantasy success…
Randy McMichael
(From MIA to STL)
In his attempt to bring together as many members from the 2005
Miami Dolphins (signing backup QB Gus Frerotte last year and adding
backup RB Travis Minor this offseason) as possible, HC Scott Linehan
and the Rams� front office added a third ex-Dolphin to the fold
this spring and possibly their most important former Miami player
in McMichael. Even though he was only a fourth-round selection
five years ago, most people would tell you he has underachieved
and, to a certain degree, those critics would be right because
of his incredible athleticism. However, for pretty much the first
time in his professional career, McMichael will have a very good
supporting cast AND a very accurate QB AND he will not be the
#1 or #2 option that defenses will game plan for each week.
The immediate downside to that fact is that the Rams have so
much offensive skill-position talent that he may get lost in the
mix from time to time. Nevertheless, the former Georgia Bulldog
standout had his best season under the tutelage of Linehan in
2005 (as did Chris Chambers), making possible the likelihood that
McMichael can come close to doing it again in St. Louis. At this
early stage, I look for the 28-year-old to grab around 60-65 balls
and score 5-6 times, making him well worth a starting spot each
week and a seventh-round selection in 12-team leagues. (He may
actually go lower because his value will have dipped after a poor
season, at least by his standards.) So, even though Daniel Graham
signed for the most money at the position in the offseason, I
expect McMichael to have the most fantasy numbers at the TE position
of any of the TEs that switched teams this season.
Marcus Pollard
(From DET to SEA)
This is one signing that went much more unnoticed than it should
have. Pollard is nearing the end of what has been a pretty solid
NFL career. That is not to suggest he is merely collecting a check
though. His numbers largely disappointed last season as Detroit
OC Mike Martz treats tight ends more like a necessary evil than
a viable option. (Remember, he hauled in 46 balls and three scores
in 2005 under Steve Mariucci�s watch.) Despite the depth of talent
in the Seahawks� WR corps (even minus Darrell Jackson), QB Matt
Hasselbeck has shown he will hit a TE that he knows will hold
on to the ball. And Mike Holmgren does run one of the purest forms
of the West Coast offense, meaning if the TE will be involved.
(And one look at the Seahawks� roster reveals Will Heller, Bennie
Joppru and Leonard Stevens�if anyone is going to catch the ball
at the position, it will be Pollard.)
Pollard is no longer worth a late mid-round pick like he was
in his heyday with the Colts, but figure he will get every one
of now-Buccaneers TE Jerramy Stevens� two-catches-per-game average
plus some of former Seahawk Itula Mili�s receptions. As a result,
it is entirely possible for Pollard to reach 40-45 catches with
five touchdown grabs assuming he plays all 16 games. That not
only makes him draftable, but it likely makes him a viable low-end
#1 or top-end #2 fantasy TE. Just like with all late picks in
your fantasy draft, he does have a big question mark � he is 35
� so he is bound to, at some point, lose that step that he had
on linebackers and safeties his whole career.
Daniel Graham
(From NE to DEN)
To be quite honest, Graham in Mile High country made all the sense
in the world until one of their offensive assistants mentioned
he would be in line for 50-plus catches this season. The question
with Graham has never been the ability to catch that many passes,
it is more that he tends to drop way too many catchable balls
and that he tends to do it in critical situations. Pair that with
the continued maturation of second-year TE Tony Scheffler, who
showed very adept hands toward the end of the season and appeared
to be then-rookie QB Jay Cutler�s favorite receiver. When I first
discovered the Graham signing, I visualized a poor man�s version
of Shannon Sharpe and Dwayne Carswell circa 2003 with Scheffler
playing the role of Sharpe�s hard-to-guard receiving TE and Graham
in place of Carswell, living up to his reputation as one of the
league�s best blocking TEs.
But as tends to happen, money talks and young talent may have
to take a back seat for now. Graham is getting paid way too much
money � in the $6 M/season neighborhood � to serve as an extra
tackle in the run game, thus relegating both Scheffler and Graham
to #2 fantasy TE status. This is certainly one of those moves
that will benefit the Broncos much more than it will any fantasy
team. I suppose that is par for the course from one of fantasy�s
biggest enemies, head coach Mike Shanahan. Perhaps we, as fantasy
players, should take as a sign that Shanny is going easy on fantasy
owners as he is getting older, as he has seemingly cleared up
that RB merry-go-round by signing Travis Henry. Expect Scheffler
to be the more fantasy-relevant TE this season, but expect a 45-30
split at best for Scheffler-Graham, respectively, with the younger
TE more likely to fail to hit 45 than the former Patriot to come
up short of 30. Both are draftable this season as #2 TEs, but
with the number of quality options there are at TE this year,
I would pause if I had to start either one regularly whereas before
Scheffler would have merited low-end #1 fantasy TE status.
David Martin
(From GB to MIA)
Martin will be the first of two deep sleepers at this position
I will discuss that have been beset by injury. A former college
receiver, Martin has sometimes flashed the ability that you would
expect from someone with his background, but it seems as though
anytime he may be getting on a roll, he is not on the field. In
Miami, he joins a TE roster that he should easily beat out in
training camp. With new QB Trent Green quite used to finding the
TE, Martin could be one of those pleasant surprises that will
likely go undrafted in 12-team, one-starting TE leagues. However,
don�t make the mistake of looking too deep into Martin either,
as he has played a full slate of games just once in his six-year
career. And certainly don�t make the mistake of saying since Green
found Tony Gonzalez on a regular basis and HC Cam Cameron coached
Antonio Gates that Martin will be a hybrid of those two fantasy
studs. I do expect, however, for Martin to play 12-14 games and
have a 35-40 catch season, which would be a career high for him.
From a drafting perspective, let him go undrafted but be sure
to monitor his progress. It always feels great to be able to snag
that one undrafted fantasy TE that seems to pop up every year
and makes himself into a starting-worthy player.
Eric Johnson
(From SF to NO)
Most of us already know Johnson would not be moving to The Big
Easy if he could have stayed healthy in San Francisco. For a short
while as a 49er, he was the only legitimate receiving option his
quarterbacks had. Right along with David Martin, Johnson as a
Saint is probably the most intriguing under-the-radar TE prospect
to me heading into the season. For as electrifying as the New
Orleans offense was last season, it lacked a commanding, short-yardage,
sure-handed presence like Johnson in the middle of the field.
Much like McMichael and Martin before him on this list, he does
come into a situation where he will be fairly low on the pecking
order. That said, QB Drew Brees has shown no disdain for spreading
the wealth to each of his receiving options, meaning Johnson �
barring injury, always a big if � might end up being a pretty
fair fantasy backup worthy of a roster spot � if not spot starts
� along the way. If you are the type of owner who does not like
spending even a mid-round pick on a TE and would rather roll the
dice on a late-round option at the position, you could do much
worse than Johnson.
Jermaine Wiggins
(From MIN to JAX)
This was a very curious signing, in my opinion. Currently ahead
of the well-traveled Wiggins on the Jaguar depth chart is George
Wrighster and 2006 first-round draft pick Marcedes Lewis. Even
more curious was bringing in Wiggins a few months after locking
up Wrighster to a five-year contract. However, it does make sense
on a couple levels. (1) The one-year contract Wiggins signed reunites
him with the coach that he experienced his career year with, Mike
Tice, who now serves as the assistant head coach for the offense.
(2) He has long been a dependable route runner that is a solid
move-the-chains type of receiver on a team that does not have
many players who do just that. Look for him to carry that same
role with his new team. Perhaps, in the process, he will be able
to share his wisdom with his younger teammates about how to do
just that.
Kyle Brady
(From JAX to NE)
Raise your hand if you knew Brady was still in the NFL�in
all seriousness, the ninth overall pick by the Jets in the 1995
NFL Draft has carved out quite a lengthy career for himself in
this league. Since his 64-catch season with the Jaguars in 2000,
though, Brady has struggled to be fantasy-relevant. And that will
not change in New England where he won�t even the most prominent
Brady on the team. Brady, whose stats have disappointed for a
player that was picked so high, has made his professional career
by being a very good blocker, a trend that will continue with
his new surroundings as a Patriot, where he will likely fill the
Daniel Graham role in the offense. Expect very little contribution
from Brady in the passing game, considering he is the third-best
receiving option at his position on the team. Add in all the receivers
New England signed and you have enough ammunition to look elsewhere
for a sleeper TE this season.
The following are a few more notable free agent acquisitions
at tight end this offseason. However, each was brought on to their
respective teams strictly as a reserve, and you should not consider
selecting any of them on draft day, even if the players listed
ahead of them on the depth chart falls to serious injury at some
point in training camp or early in the season�
Visanthe Shiancoe (From NYG to MIN)
*I, for one, think that Shiancoe is one of those players that
people will joke about his name but who could pleasantly surprise
this season. However, the same thing that will help him �
a young QB who will look for a safe route underneath more often
than forcing it down the field � may be the same thing that
keeps him from being fantasy roster-worthy this season. Shiancoe
certainly has enough talent, but will likely end up only as a
bye-week option in 2007.
Jerramy Stevens
(From SEA to TB)
*At his best, Stevens would give fellow teammate Alex
Smith a run for his money. However, if he were at his best
more often, Seattle never would have allowed their former first-round
choice to leave in the first place. His new coach, Jon Gruden,
will be less tolerant than Mike Holmgren was, if for no other
reason, because he doesn�t have a high draft pick invested in
him. It�s a darn shame that Stevens� head isn�t as full of possibilities
as his body is, or else fantasy owners would have yet another
TE to spend a mid-round draft choice on, knowing we could get
near Pro Bowl-type numbers out of him. So unless Stevens� move
to Tampa matured him, it�s just as well that you don�t invest
a pick in him in your draft.
Tony Stewart (From CIN to OAK)
*The drafting of Zach Miller and the presence of Courtney
Anderson makes it highly unlikely Stewart will have any fantasy
impact this season.
Fred Wakefield (From ARI to OAK)
*The drafting of Zach Miller and the presence of Courtney Anderson
makes it highly unlikely Wakefield will have any fantasy impact
this season, if he even makes the team.
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FFToday.com is a member of the Fantasy Sports
Trade Association.
Partner of USA TODAY Sports Digital Properties.


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It's been a long while since I bought my Rico Creative Cotton. It took me a long time to find a project which I felt showed off the colour range to it's best. I settled on simple stripes in a sort of rainbow order. The project? A cushion for Andy. Andy hates the feel of wool, or anything fibrous like that, but he DOES like cotton. Cotton/bamboo mix is also acceptable, and also Rialto is apparently ok too. Expensive tastes or what!
That photo made it onto Explore on Flickr, by the way, something that made me jump up and down and grin with excitement. I saved the link and emailed it to all my family (who weren't bothered.)
I worked in straight rows using UK htr (half treble) stitch. I think I'm going to photograph a tutorial of how I work in straight lines as I've had a few questions about it and honestly, it took me an embarrassingly long time to be able to crochet in a straight line that I feel I should help people if I can. Wonky sides are very frustrating.
Along the sides I worked two htr stitches into the side of every other stitch. If you look at the photo above, you'll see what I mean. I then worked 3 (not sure if it was trebles or half trebles actually) half trebles/or trebles into the spaces of those clusters, like you would in a granny stripe. I didn't make chain spaces between the clusters of 3 stitches.
I made sure that I did the same on both edges of the crochet, and exactly the same (including obsessive counting of stitches) on the other side of the cushion cover.
I joined the two sides leaving a deliberate ridge on the outside by joining using the back loops only while holding the crochet wrong sides together. The cushion I used is a feather one so it's nice and sturdy.
I'm really happy with how it turned out and am tempted to make another one using the same yarn but a different colour combination. I'm stocking all my crochet cushions up in the spare room, just waiting for the far off, shiny happy day when we buy sofas for our completed living room :-)
Oh … and it looks rather smart with the hexagon blanket … which is good.


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David London, magician
At 7 years old, David London "discovered" he was a magician. "I was invited to a family event," he says, "A black tie function. While I was at the tuxedo rental place I insisted on getting a black top hat and a white-tipped cane." When his family was called up on stage to be recognized, London lingered, and when the crowd's attention was fully his, he says, "I pulled a rabbit out of my hat." Now, London performs for a variety of audiences, and his tricks have evolved beyond cliche -- consider the one in which he proves the psychic potential of his uncle's collection of six celebrity toenail clippings (from Bob Barker, Mick Jagger, Richard Nixon, Sally Struthers, and both Danny and Marie Osmond). London has recently launched his own circus company, Circus of Wonders, which he calls "a one-stop circus for hire," featuring Dai Andrews, as well as Bubble Fairy Jennifer Stephens, Goblin Wedji Tucheeks, Middle Eastern Dance, the didgeridoo, and Ambush, "a mobilized posse of shrubbery with a mind of its own." London hosts the three-day "David London's Weekend of Magic" at Theatre Project January 11 to 13, which will feature performances, workshops, and special guest appearances.
Copyright © 2018, The Baltimore Sun, a Baltimore Sun Media Group publication | Place an Ad


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Search Maps
Map[A portolan chart of the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent continen... Also shows the southeast Pacific Ocean, the southwest Indian Ocean, as well as the continents of South America, Africa, Europe, and portions of North America and Asia. Relief shown pictorially. Title supplied by cataloger. LC Nautical charts on vellum, 16. LC Luso-Hispanic World, Vellum Chart 16 Pen-and-ink, watercolors, and colored pencil, matted and mounted between panels of transparent Lucite plexiglass; the panels are riveted...
- Contributor: Roiz, Pascoal
- Date: 1633


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Lightning F Thompson suspended 2 games
New York, NY – The National Hockey League handed down a two- game suspension to Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nate Thompson on Saturday.
Thompson was not penalized for delivering what was later deemed an illegal check to the head of New Jersey Devils forward Matt D'Agostini in the second period of Tampa Bay's 5-4 shootout win on Friday.
The 28-year-old native of Alaska will forfeit $9,729.72 in salary, which goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
He will be eligible to return on Apr. 6, when the Bolts play at Uniondale against the New York Islanders. Thompson will miss games with Florida and Carolina while serving his punishment.


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Compare cheap flights from Singapore to Delhi
When is the cheapest time to fly to Delhi?
Things to do in Delhi
Delhi is India's capital territory, and its mystic appeal makes it one of the top tourist destinations in the country. It has some of the best relics of the old world, rich culture, great food, and wonderful scenery. You won't find it hard to love the heart of India.
Do you call yourself a history buff? Check out the famous lost empire of Red Fort which is made of beautiful red sandstone. Be greeted by the Delhi Gate, and marvel at all the sights inside like the Diwan-i-Aam audience hall, the Khas Mahal, Rang Mahal, and the Mumtaz Mahal.
Head straight to the fort's Lahore Gate so you can go to the domed shopping area of Chhatta Chowk. Spend your Indian Rupees on fine silk, jewellery and other luxury items that will make you feel like royalty, and if you're good at haggling you can get better deals.
If you want to shop till you drop, Delhi is heaven for bazaar shoppers. Bargain with the shop owners at Chandni Chowk, Jhandi Market, and the underground Palika Bazaar. Feeling peckish right about now? Visit Kamla Nagar for its spicy street food and a favourite of college students.
Other must-see sights you should include in your pictures are Delhi's India Gate, Lodhi Garden, Jantar Mantar, the Lotus Temple, and Akshardham temple. Have you always wanted to see the Taj Mahal? Then visit Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site and also the inspiration for the Taj Mahal.
There are also museums so you can know more about Delhi's history and culture, like the National Museum, National Handicrafts and Handlooms Musuem, Kiran Nadar Museum of Art.
Delhi's festivals are also some of the most joyous and colourful in the word. Join their fun at the Holi Festival, Kite Flying Festival, and the stunning Festival of Lights or Diwali. To know what else you can find or where to eat in the city, check out this list of 25 things to do in Delhi.
What you should know
The best time to visit Delhi is from February to March and October to November when the temperature is friendly. And when you visit, remember that the locals speak some English but Hindi is their official language. So bringing a phrasebook is a good idea.
Secure your tourist visa or your eTourist Visa online before flying to India. Check out the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore for more info.
Travelling to and around Delhi
You'll be flying to Delhi through the Indira Gandhi International Airport, and from there you can reach by bus or taxi. Then start wandering the city by Delhi Metro, train, public bus, Hop On Hop Off bus, taxi, auto rickshaw, and cycle rickshaws.
Go and be delighted by Delhi! So pack your bags and let's book your Delhi flights now.
Temperature average in December
Rainfall average in December
8.6 mm
Cheapest time to fly to Delhi (DEL)
All prices refer to return flights to Delhi and include taxes and charges.


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(CNN) — A civilian breached security and boarded a U.S. Navy destroyer at Virginia's Naval Station Norfolk Monday night, where he fatally shot a sailor on the ship before security personnel shot and killed him, a U.S. defense official said Tuesday.
The Navy earlier confirmed that two men, a civilian and a sailor, were killed in a shooting Monday night on the destroyer USS Mahan.
The incident took place at Pier 1 around 11:20 p.m., according the naval station's Facebook page. No other injuries were reported, and the names of the people involved were not released.
Naval Station Norfolk was briefly locked down.
The civilian had some type of proper identification to get onto the base, but he breached security to get onto the destroyer, the defense official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. It's not known how he got access to the pier where the ship was docked. The pier has additional security to prevent unauthorized personnel from boarding ships, the official said.
Once on board, the civilian grabbed the service pistol of a petty officer who was standing guard, the official said. Two other security sailors arrived, and the civilian fatally shot one of them, according to the official.
Navy spokesman Jim Moir said the civilian suspect was shot and killed by Navy Security Forces.


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September 30, 2007
My spirituality
I consider myself to be a spiritual person, not a religious person. I have a real problem with dogma. I don't believe in Genesis, I don't believe God/dess told Moses it was okay to conquer people and take all the girl children who had never known a man for themselves much less to kill all the girl children who had known a man, I don't believe God/dess turned Lot's wife into a pillar of salt. I'm not sure I believe there ever was a Sodom and Gomorah. I don't believe in the Great Flood, or that Noah's descendants populated the Earth. (After all, who would his sons have mated with?) Personally, I believe that Moses wrote the ten commandments himself. Not that that makes them bad laws to live by, it's just that there is no commandment against lying, slavery or rape. Which, it seems like to me, that there would be, had they come from God/dess.
I believe that God/dess has a male and female aspect. The only God/dess I worship is love. I do believe God/dess is Love. The Spirit is Love.
I think the Bible is full of fiction. I believe sometimes people hallucinated God or heard the devil instead of God. I do believe in the devil. I do believe I heard him call me a "sh*thead" and "sh*t for brains." I don't believe he's capable of doing more then talking to people inside their heads, but still he orchestrates wars, racism, and rape. All of those things are anathema to my God/dess. I don't understand why people would worship the devil. He doesn't create; he only destroys through others. I don't understand the romanticized notion that he's a gambler who makes bets. I don't believe he's in charge of Hell, like most people do.
I read an interesting anecdote once that described Hell as a vast desert. In charge of the water was a ten foot tall black angel who wouldn't give water to anyone in Hell unless they asked, nicely, for water. I believe that rapists, child molesters and serial murderers end up there. I believe you have to do something seriously evil to end up there. I believe that angel is God. I don't believe that people who commit suicide or refuse to atone for their "sins" end up there. Rape and child molestation is a more serious offense than a "sin." I honestly believe that God/dess hates rape and sexual abuse. There is no rape in Heaven, or the Summerland, as the Wiccans refer to it. I firmly believe that child abuse is a sin. I don't think God meant for us to hit our kids. If you look at what Solomon said more objectively then just believing it because it is in the Bible, you'll see that most of it is nonsense. Jesus never hit kids.
I believe God/dess has helped build all the great societies in the world today. Our leaders no longer kill their subjects (with certain rare exceptions). Christianity made murder wrong. Wicca is trying to outlaw violence in any form, and if you think about it Jesus was a pacifist. He never struck anyone. Not even Peter, whom He referred to as "Satan." I also like shamanism. Jesus followed a classic shamanic path to enlightenment. In my humble opinion, the only thing worth listening to in the Bible is what Jesus said, and anything that promotes civil rights and respect for the Earth.
I believe God/dess has many names. God/dess has been there for people since the dawn of time. I believe God/dess will answer to any name you give him or her. That's why it seems like there are so many different gods. God/dess has communicated with people in various ways. I respect people that talk to their ancestors. I believe firmly in life after death, and that the dead can hear the thoughts of the living. I believe they can even communicate with the living if God/dess allows it. I believe those ancestors are what the Christians call angels. Most people become angels when they die.
I believe love is everywhere.
I don't understand all the conflict, really. I don't understand rigid dogma. I don't understand why certain religions believe they have all the answers. There are many paths to finding love.
In my opinion, friendship is peace. They are one and the same. We have to appreciate the love and peace in our lives. In spite of all the violence today, it is still a less violent world then it used to be. I don't believe in Revelations. I don't believe the world is going to end like that. I believe science, that the world is going end when the sun novas. I don't really understand the conflict between science and religion. Science proved the concept of sacred spirals. We have them in our DNA, in our solar systems, in our molecules and atoms. Scientists wonder what dark matter is. I say it is Spirit. We have miracle drugs now because of science. God/dess even works through scientists.
Many people base their religion on the premise that God/dess is perfect. I don't believe this either. I believe God/dess makes mistakes. Our genes have defects. Only an imperfect God could create defective genes, like those that cause schizophrenia and other diseases. I think it's amazing a living being could create genes in the first place. Why does God/dess have to be perfect to create life? I think God/dess is like us in that way, S/he strives for progress not perfection. Life is amazing enough, why should life be perfect? There is no doubt in my mind that there is a living God/dess in our universe.
I swear I heard God/dess tell me "We miss you up in Heaven." It was the most beautiful, gender-neutral voice I've ever heard. It might have been a hallucination, but I doubt it. To me, this is proof that God/dess can talk to people, if S/he wants to.
I find myself wondering about demons and casting them out. Is it true that Jesus worked with the mythology of the day when He healed people? Are demons and bacteria or viruses the same thing? The truth will prevail. People did not and would not have believed in tiny "bugs" back then. If the devil himself was talking, people would have heard demons talking. I don't believe that the devil has an army of "spirits" at his command.
I am an ordained priestess. I refer to myself as a bard, as I sing, write poetry and occasionally song lyrics, and play the drum. I'm rather fond of shamanism, or more specifically Celtic Shamanism or druidry. I follow Martin Luther King Jr.'s example. I use my spirituality to promote civil rights for kids and adults alike. I believe that God's will is for a more civil world without so much oppression. Racism is not only practiced by white people (in other countries, it's different). White people are people of color, too. Me personally, I consider myself to be red, white, and blue. I have red lips, blue eyes and "white" skin. I am very colorful. So, in my opinion, referring to non-caucasian people as people of color is not very politically correct. I think that people need to keep in mind that caucasians have tribes too. Certain tribes are more warlike and more responsible, in ancient history, for wars between races. I'm not Anglo-Saxon, and it isn't my tribe who is trying to make every country a piece of the UK. I'm not Spanish, whatever tribe they are, and it wasn't my tribe that conquered the modern day U.S.. I'm predominantly Celtic American, to be p.c. about it, and about one quarter Frank.
I believe dogma has done more harm then good. Some people hate the "perfect" vengeful creature that the Bible has made God out to be. In my experience, God/dess is very forgiving except of sexual predators. I believe that God/dess particularly hates those who prey on children. Hate is a natural emotion. Many people believe hate and love to be opposites, yet they can coexist. To me, therefore, they can't be opposites. This would explain the vengeance that Goddesses like Kali and Hecate show. There are some things that God finds intolerable.
Spirit does not look like us, either, so saying that we were created in God's image has to be false. Spirit is pure energy.
Many people like me don't believe in God/dess. To me atheists are as hard to hang around with as fundamentalist Christians. If you look around, you'll find that life is just too abundant and varied just to have happened out of nothing. The universe is just too orderly. I think the premise that God/dess is perfect has driven more people away from God/dess and love, then any other premise. Obviously, the creation is not perfect. Wouldn't perfection create more perfection? "Nobody is perfect" comes from God/dess and S/he includes him or herself. That doesn't mean that love should not rule. Why do we constantly seek perfection in our leaders. Love is a process and a state of mind. It can save your life. Love is about civil rights and respect, including respect for our environment.
One should not just assume the world is going to end, therefore we don't have to try to make it a better place. Revelations was not written in stone.


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Car Comparison
2013 Ford Fusion vs. 2013 Kia Optima
Ford got plenty of attention for the redesigned 2013 Ford Fusion, which stood out in stark contrast among family sedans even though other heavy hitters in the segment -- such as the Chevy Malibu, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima -- were also completely redesigned for the 2013 model year.
Revamped Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat models went on sale last year and a brand-new Mazda6 will be arriving for 2014, thereby transforming the Kia Optima from one of the newest midsize sedans on the market to one of the oldest. A groundbreaking design when it debuted for the 2011 model year, the Optima is largely responsible for taking Kia from zero-to-hero status in just a few short years.
Given that both the Optima and the Fusion are among the most attractive family cars available today, we thought we'd compare them on their practical merits in this installment of This or That. First, let's get acquainted with the contestants.
2013 Ford Fusion Highlights
Totally redesigned and equipped with a face strongly reminiscent of an Aston Martin, the 2013 Fusion is available in S, SE and Titanium trim levels, with a choice between five powertrains, including a traditional hybrid model and a plug-in hybrid model. All-wheel drive is also available.
2013 Kia Optima Highlights
Kia Optima buyers choose from LX, EX, SX and SX Limited trim levels, and between three powertrains including a hybrid model. A luxury-themed turbocharged sport sedan, the SX Limited (SX-L), is new for 2013. Kia also upgraded the Optima's hybrid powertrain for 2013.
Fuel Economy
Because Kia does not offer a manual transmission, all-wheel drive or a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the 2013 Optima, discussion of fuel economy will focus on those powertrain combos shared between the Ford Fusion and the Kia Optima.
With that in mind, the 2013 Fusion's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy ratings range from 26 miles per gallon in combined driving with the standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder or the available turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder, to 28 mpg for the available turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder and an automatic transmission.
This matches EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2013 Optima, which returns 26 mpg in combined driving with the available turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine and 28 mpg with the standard 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine.
If the Optima demonstrates a fuel economy benefit when comparing the standard engines, big differences exist between the hybrid versions of each car. The Fusion Hybrid returns 47 mpg in combined driving, while the best the Optima Hybrid can muster is 38 mpg, and that's in base trim without any extras.
When it comes to fuel economy, the Fusion reigns supreme when comparing hybrid powertrains, while the Optima provides an edge when comparing standard 4-cylinder engines. Pick the most powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder and the Ford and Kia are tied.
As is expected when a vehicle is completely redesigned, the new 2013 Fusion offers a long list of safety-related features. Standard equipment includes eight airbags, an SOS Post-Crash Alert system, MyKey programmable safety features and SYNC Bluetooth connectivity with 911 Assist service. A reversing camera with rear cross-traffic alert, a blind-spot monitoring system and a lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist system are optional, along with a drowsy-driver monitoring system and an adaptive cruise-control system with forward-collision warning with brake-support technology.
Now, compare that list to the Optima. Kia supplies nothing more exotic than a reversing camera system for its family sedan. Even the optional UVO infotainment system lacks the automaker's latest eServices technology, which includes a 911 Connect feature similar to Ford's 911 Assist service.
That said, the Optima receives slightly better ratings than the Ford when it comes to crash protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives both cars a Top Safety Pick Plus rating, and each model rates Acceptable in the new small overlap frontal-impact test. Similarly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives both cars the highest possible overall crash-test rating of five stars. Note, however, that in the NHTSA side-impact test both cars provide unimpressive 3-star protection for the driver. Also, the Fusion gets a 4-star rating for front-passenger protection in a frontal-impact collision, while the Kia delivers 5-star protection.
In terms of crash protection, the older Kia Optima design performs at a slightly better level than the newer Ford Fusion design. However, the new Fusion is offered with a number of safety-related technologies that can keep a crash from happening in the first place and which can speed assistance right after a collision if necessary.
That's why we're calling the Fusion the safer of the two sedans.
Despite its impressive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, the Optima has historically delivered average reliability, according to Consumer Reports. Since the car was redesigned for 2011, it has performed better in this regard, but still isn't a sure bet. By contrast, the previous-generation Ford Fusion was highly ranked for reliability by Consumer Reports, especially in Hybrid format. However, Consumer Reports makes no reliability forecast for the new 2013 model.
Let's take a look at what J.D. Power found in its latest Initial Quality Study. This year, the Optima was rated above-average for quality, while the new Fusion received an average rating. It is worth mentioning that Ford's performance in past J.D. Power quality surveys has been hampered by usability problems with its MyFord Touch technology.
In predicting reliability for the Fusion and Optima, J.D. Power expects the Fusion to prove more dependable than the Optima over time, but this rating takes into account the historical performance of each model and is not limited strictly to the current version of the cars.
Based on available data, the Ford and Kia are equally likely to deliver long-term reliability, with the Optima's warranty serving as an extra insurance policy, just in case.
A new Fusion S starts at $22,695. Select the Fusion Titanium and check all the option boxes and the sticker jumps to $39,365. The Fusion Hybrid SE starts at $27,995 while a loaded Hybrid Titanium runs $38,510.
Kia prices the Optima LX from $22,125. Select the Optima SX Limited and the price rises to $35,625 with the few options offered on this new luxury-themed model. The Optima Hybrid's base price is $26,700, but most have the EX trim level and a price tag of $32,750. With every option, the Hybrid EX still costs less than $33,000.
According to ALG, the new Fusion has a 4-star retained value rating, while the Kia is rated at 3 stars. But then there's the Kia's excellent warranty and roadside assistance program to consider.
Though the Fusion offers midsize sedan buyers greater variety in terms of option and color combinations, and holds its value better over time, we think the less expensive and better-protected Optima provides midsize sedan buyers with better value when new.
Whether talking about safety or infotainment systems, or the sophistication of their optional hybrid powertrains, it doesn't take long to realize that the new 2013 Fusion is more technologically sophisticated than the Kia Optima.
AutoTrader's Advice
Choosing between a Ford Fusion and Kia Optima really comes down to four things. First, which one looks better to you? Second, do you want a hybrid or not? Third, how important is cutting-edge technology to you? Fourth, is annual snowfall measured in inches, feet or yards where you live?
If you answered "Fusion," "yes," "very" and "yards" to these questions, get the Ford. If you're attracted to the Optima's design, lower price tag, generous warranty and slight crash-test advantage, get the Kia. Either way, these two models represent excellence among midsize sedans.


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product description
Related Products:
O'Malley, Daniel
RyuSen Damascus
Fixed Blade Knives
Blade Style - San Mai
Chef Knives & Santoku
Japanese/Asian Knives
Sheep Horn
Stainless - Damascus
Stainless Steel
Antler & Bone
Maker: RyuSen & O'Malley (collaboration) (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 90034
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***Blade length: 6.50 in.Total length: 11.60 in.Blade height (at heel): 1.80 in.Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.10 in.Item weight: 6.50 oz.Blade: Stainless damascus san mai blade with a VG10 stainless steel core (Hrc 60 - 61)Handle: Sheep horn set with a mosaic pin
Description: The santoku is the traditional Japanese chefs knife. This comfortable design is a fantastic multipurpose chopper. The Santoku style has quickly become the new favorite for chefs in the West.
Construction of the blade began with bundles of special alloy stainless steel wire which are repeatedly folded together and forge-welded by hand. This time consuming process creates a Jigane (the outside layers of the blade) with a beautiful Damascus pattern. The maker than begins preparation of the Hagane (the middle layer of the blade) by hand forging high carbon steel, alloyed with cobalt. The basic construction of the blade is competed by forge-welding the Hagane between two layers of Jigane. Following in the best tradition of knife making, a steel ferrule is forge-welded to the tang to ensure that food particles can not become lodged between the tang and the handle.
The handle was formed by bladesmith Daniel O'Malley from sheep horn. Not only does sheep horn have tremendous resiliency, but this dramatic material also has the unique quality of becoming grippy when it gets wet. With proper care, hard-wearing horn will hold up well in the demanding environment of either a commercial or home kitchen. A single piece of horn is cut so as to have the hair-like grain pattern travel across the tang. Mr. O'Malley has profiled the handle to be very comfortable and provide the chef with a secure grip. Two stainless steel hidden bolt rivets and an elegant stainless steel and copper mosaic pin secure the scales to the tang. The rivets have been profiled to match the horn - the seam is imperceptible. This is a knife both high-performing and elegant!
Availability: Not currently available


text:
Every morning, as my father leaves for work, I worry that something bad will happen to him. This fear is not irrational. Since September 2001, Sikh men, like my father, have been the targets of verbal and physical assaults due to their appearance.
One of the tenets of the Sikh religion requires men to maintain their beard and hair, which is covered by a turban. This is the identity of a Sikh—an identity that is all too often mistakenly connected to terrorism.
The news of the Sunday, Aug. 5 shootings at the Sikh temple in Wisconsin only elevates my fear. Recent events have shown us that terrorism does not have a specific identity and can originate closer to home than we might have thought imaginable. The shooting reminds the Sikh community of the numerous individuals we have lost due to misplaced hate crimes.
Today, there are about 700,000 Sikhs in the United States and the Washington, D.C. Metro Area is home to a significant portion of this population. Sikh men have been serving in the Armed Forces since World War 1 and are buried alongside fellow Americans at Arlington National Cemetery. Despite being a part of this nation for over 150 years, we are seen as outsiders. In a country of freedom, we fear for our own freedoms.
Sikhs came to this great nation looking for all it has to offer. They were attracted to the opportunity for work, the chance to provide more for their children and the religious freedom.
For too long, Sikhs have faced the choice between their religious identity and integration in society in a country that claims to offer both. This country has made a great stride in allowing Sikh men to serve their country while maintaining their identity, but cases of discrimination and threats are still too common.
Everyday, the identity of Sikh men is challenged in the schools and streets of America. It is unfortunate that it has taken a tragic mass shooting to bring this issue to the nation's attention.
I ask you, my community, to remember the victims of this event, including the courageous policemen who defended their local community members. I ask you to recognize the contributions of Sikhs in our area so that one day, my family and I can feel safe in the nation we call home.


text:
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text:
Another Holiday weekend is upon us. I'm planning to work at getting Rifts® Lemuria closer to finished, while relaxing a bit.
The New Year always seems to bring about a certain amount of nostalgia for the past and reflection about the future.
I won't lie to you, I do not know what lies ahead for Palladium. Our pool of talented creators – writers and artists – have never been better and we have a million ideas for great new product.
My personal and professional goal remains to get Palladium in a position to release one or two new books every month. I know, I talk like that every year, but this year I really think we have things in place to pull it off. If we do finally succeed in pulling off one or two new releases month after month, we will need YOUR support by purchasing them and spreading the word to encourage others to try our games and supplements. The last two years, we have seen a lot of new gamers join the Palladium family. With your help we can continue to grow that audience and bring Palladium back to its former days of glory. Wouldn't that be nice? I say let's do it!
I was feeling a bit blue earlier this week. I think it was brought on by the disappointment of the post-Christmas drop in sales (frustrating) and missing the people I've lost in recent years, most notably my Dad, Erick Wujcik, and Mrs. Bartold just a few weeks ago. I've also been worrying about my dear, sweet friend, Kathryn Kozora and her battle with cancer, Madman Mike in the aftermath of his bone-breaking car crash, and a few other friends struggling with health or financial issues. Makes me angry to see these good, kind people struggling or suffering. With any luck, 2012 will be a happy, healthy and prosperous year for us all.
I couldn't stay blue for too long, though. Not with the deluge of telephone calls, text messages and emails from a great number of friends and loved ones the last few days. Besides, I'm excited about the new year and brimming with ideas about, well, everything.
On a personal note, I got big news on Christmas Day: I'm going to become a Grandpa in 2012! My daughter Monica is pregnant with her first child. They don't know if it's a boy or girl (they want it to be a surprise, which I think is cool) and both Monica and her husband Steven are overjoyed. When I got the news Christmas morning we were all laughing and squealing like idiots. Wow. Congratulations Monica and Steven! Thanks for waiting and making the good news part of Christmas. :D
My thanks to the many friends and fans for your warm holiday wishes. I trust everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend.
More Murmurs from the Megaverse® and posts on Palladium's Facebook Page. Both have been seeing increased activity as I've gotten back into posting more frequently at both web locations as well as interacting more on Facebook. I will continue to do so into the new year.
Online Video Programs for Palladium Books® are coming in 2012.
It looks like we'll have some new video offerings online soon.
I plan to do some online video chats, interviews and presentations to post online starting next year. You know, short, fun stuff maybe 5-10 minutes long every week or two. Haven't decided what to call it yet. Conversations with Kevin Siembieda or Kevin on Gaming, or . . . heck if I know. I'm open to suggestions. I'll keep you posted on that front.
Carmen Bellaire is also planning on starting his video review show of Palladium products called From the Rifts®. He expects the first several reviews to be posted on YouTube sometime in January, 2012. I know he's done 6-8 videos already, but has to edit them.
2012: Plans for new product. I'll go into our plans for 2012 and start talking about the 2012 Palladium Open House (coming up FAST) in the next Weekly Update.
UPDATE: Online Sales. Though we didn't break a record with last week's sales, we came close to tying one. I was delighted with sales up through Christmas Day, then they plummeted. And I mean dropped like a rock. Yeesh. Talk about soul crushing.
All I can figure is people were out taking advantage of "After Christmas Sales" at retail stores and having too much holiday fun to be ordering Palladium products. Still, the precipitous drop was startling and worrisome. We saw sales rebound Wednesday night, but they were sluggish again last night. If sales follow the trend of previous years we should see sales shoot back up this weekend and through the next couple of weeks. The extension of the Christmas Surprise Package offer (you only have a couple weeks to still get one) should help on that front. I sure hope so as I was rather hoping for strong sales to rocket us into the New Year. I'd love to start the New Year off strong and kick it into high gear as we approach the 2012 Palladium Open House (May 3 VIP Night, 4, 5 & 6).
Palladium's Christmas Surprise Package is the best deal of the holidays and it has been extended for about two weeks. $80-$90 (sometimes more) worth of Palladium Books product for only $38 plus shipping and handling. What are you waiting for?
BIG SALE on Kevin's Online Toy & Collectibles Store. Speaking of sales, just about everything in my online store is selling at a 30% discount! That includes the toys and Palladium collectibles. Plus, I think I'll have Alex and I put a couple dozen new "Palladium" items (books, proofreader copies of books, original artwork, prints, and other rare stuff) into the store in a day or two and maybe more next week. Alex has already added a bunch of new toys. All items are from my personal collection and are generally in very good to mint condition. The store's current sale started yesterday and ends January 9, 2012. Check it out.
UPDATE: Rifts® Path of the Storm™ remains the Number One requested specific product for Surprise Packages in the month of December. The Palladium Bookmarks, Set One is the other hot new release, along with Robotech® The New Generation™ Sourcebook. As you might expect, Rifts® is the most requested product line, but we are also seeing a lot of interest in Dead Reign™ (zombies), Heroes Unlimited™, Palladium Fantasy RPG® and Nightbane® as well as Chaos Earth™.
UPDATE: Rifts® Lemuria. Work on the writing and editing has been slow the last several weeks with the holidays and Grab Bags, but it is now my top priority! I worked on it a little yesterday and quite a bit today. Will continue to do so until it goes to the printer. This is a January release and you are going to love it.
UPDATE: The Rifter #57. Most of the artwork has been assigned and the book is being edited right now. It is another great issue with a bunch of monsters and strange animals for Palladium Fantasy® and tech stuff for Rifts® among other things. See the description elsewhere in this Update. January release.
UPDATE: Dead Reign™ Sourcebook 3: Endless Dead™. I finish this frightening addition to the Dead Reign™ RPG series next. The 96 page sourcebook presents zombies like you have never seen them, 7 new types of them, 5 new survivor O.C.C.s including the Wheelman and Zombie Hunter, vehicle armor rules, many encounter tables, adventure tables, what the military is doing and more. A February release.
UPDATE: Rifts® Vampires Sourcebook. I'll be diving into this book right after Endless Dead. Looking at a February release.
UPDATE: Robotech® Genesis Pits. I spoke with Irvin Jackson last week and he's working away on the manuscript with an eye to see this baby out no later than March.
UPDATE: Rifts® Northern Gun™. Matthew Clements has been writing away on the two Northern Gun books and he has more surprises in development. I want both Northern Gun™ books out before the Open House.
UPDATE: Other Titles. Like I mentioned earlier, I'm going to save the info on the rest of our line up for 2012 till next year. ;) But it includes Megaverse® in Flames, Beyond the Supernatural™, Palladium Fantasy™, Chaos Earth™ and other good stuff. I plan to make 2012 a year Palladium fans will never forget!
Happy New Year's. Have fun, relax, buy a Palladium Surprise Package, be safe and have a wonderful New Year's holiday. May the new year be a happy, healthy and prosperous one for us all.
– Kevin Siembieda, Publisher, Writer and Game Designer
During the holiday season, we like to let you see some of the many comments we get with the Christmas Surprise Packages. It's a nice way to acknowledge some of our fans and to share with you the words we hear from gamers throughout the world. We show only the person's initials as some people would rather keep their identity private. Our thanks for your kind words of appreciation and encouragement. We're happy to see so many satisfied customers and the rampant enthusiasm.
Extended till January 15, 2012. A I usually do, I have extended the Christmas Surprise Packages offer so that everyone who wants one has a fair chance at getting one. There will be no other extensions. You are down to your last two weeks or so to get a Surprise Package.
The Surprise Packages are our way of giving back to you, our wonderful fans, and saying thank you. Keep those imaginations burning bright. I'll let fan comments from Surprise Packages take it from here. – Kevin Siembieda
N.K. in Lyndell, Pennsylvania, writes: Thanks for extending the X-Mas Grab Bag deal! Have a Merry Christmas!
J.C.Z.P. in Iquique, Tarapaca, Chili, writes: My English it's not good. Last year I was buy a X-Mas Surprise Package for first time, only I can say is WOW THANKS. Now for second time I will send my Christmas letter to Santa Kevin and hope he can send me a Surprise Pack and make me happy again. :D I live far away in South America and I have only one chance a year to buy your products. I have been saving money all the year to pay expensive shipping cost. I want to give you my congratulations because you do an excellent job. Palladium is my favorite game company. I hope Palladium Family have a Merry Christmas and have a great new year. I hope Mike Leonard get a soon recovery. Thanks to all and I give you a big hug from the distance.
J.W. in Barrie, Canada, writes: As a Canadian fan, the X-Mas Surprise Package is a great opportunity for me to get some recent books and save on shipping costs. It's great that you extended the deadline!
D.S. in Leander, Texas, writes: Just wanted to say Palladium is awesome! I have really enjoyed playing Rifts® over the last decade and watching the world of Rifts® expand and mature. Thanks for the countless hours of fun and the springboard for many a legendary character. Keep up the fantastic job!
S.S. in Clifton Park, New York, writes: Thank you for the memories of good times I have had playing your games.
A.S. in Missoula, Montana, writes: Just got my kids playing my old TMNT books. They are loving it! Thanks for all your hard work over the years!
M.M. in Las Vegas, Nevada, writes: Rifts® is the greatest RPG out there! Keep up the good work!
R.F. in Willow Springs, Missouri, writes: Palladium Fantasy® is by far my favorite role-playing game. Thanks for the hard work.
J.S. in League City, Texas, writes: My compliments on the Heroes of the Megaverse® concept. A fantastic way to say thank you. And as the maker of one of my favorite games, I thank you for persevering.
D.F.C. in Lawrence, Kentucky, writes: I've been a Palladium fan for 20 years now, dating back to my first RPG ever, Robotech®. Thanks for the years of fun!
S.H. in Roy, Utah, writes: I can't believe it's been more than two decades that I have stuck with Palladium, now. From high school to college, through personal good times, tragedy and recovery (well, almost). Other games make good products and fun adventures, but no one else truly tries to make "worlds!" My characters in other games are cool, but my characters in Palladium get "stories." Wonderful times and memories, and even sometimes help to get through tragedies. Best wishes of the season to ya!
J.M.H. in Watertown, Massachusetts, writes: Thank you very much for bolstering my Christmas cheer with these [Surprise] Packages. I always love them!
C.M. in Magna, Utah, writes: Would not mind another signed copy of Path of the Storm™ as it is a great read and I would like to put one up as a collector item.
A.S. in Piscataway, New Jersery, writes: I'm new to all of your products, please do your best to show me what you're all about and surprise me! Also, like I said, the only thing I really want from Pallasanta is Rifts® Ultimate. Thank you.
L.D.N. II in Mary Esther, Florida, writes: Thank you for 10 plus years of great gaming. Through these rough last few years, you make dreams come true month after month. I lost my father to cancer this past May. Your products [have helped me] to get away from it all, and reading about how you have pushed on week after week have helped me do the same.
J.G. in Hurst, Texas, writes: Merry Christmas K & Company! Thanks for yet another year of awesome memories.
You can continue to order the Palladium Christmas Surprise Packages into the first two weeks of the New Year. But then the deal is gone until next Christmas. Don't wait, order NOW! Please spread the word to other gamers. This is your last chance to get the 2011 Surprise Package.
$80-$90 worth of merchandise (sometimes more) for only $38 plus shipping and handling, is one of the best holiday and post-holiday deals anywhere. And you also get autographs in every book if you want them and the element of surprise with your wish list. Heck, the Palladium Christmas Surprise Package may be the "very best gift" money can buy, period! At least for gamers. Buy one or several as gifts for your friends or for yourself.
We want EVERYONE to have a chance to get and enjoy at least one Surprise Package filled with joy, autographs and hours of gaming pleasure for the long winter.
Remember, Surprise Packages make great gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, housewarmings, graduations, and other gift-giving occasions – especially if they are coming up in January, February and March, heck, even this Spring. Not to mention it is a nice opportunity to fill in your own collection or try new game settings, or get back issues of The Rifter® or original art, art prints and autographs.
Surprise your fellow gamers with one choice book or a big pile of books for that special occasion. Can you imagine the look on your friend or loved one's face when you hand him or her a pile of role-playing products or original art worth $80-90 . . . and with autographs? And you only paid $38 (plus shipping and handling)? Word your wish list right and you may get a Surprise Package that has enough items to give to two or three friends.
The Winter is long. Fill your nights and weekends role-playing with the new books you get in a Surprise Package. For a lot of people this is the only way to get books signed by some of the creators and Palladium staff. What are you waiting for? Time is running out, so order yours today. There's no better way to start the New Year.
Click here to order yours today.
To make sure you get your Surprise Package, PLEASE make sure your Surprise Package Wish List/Special Wants are clear and numerous, include 8-12 currently available books/items, and make certain your address is complete and correct. We MUST have a complete street address including Apartment Number to ship via UPS. UPS cannot ship to a P.O. Box (see Priority). If you give us the wrong or incomplete address and the order gets lost – the loss is yours. Palladium cannot replace the order as a result of your mistake or omission. Remember, we are packing Christmas Surprise Packages full, often with $85-$100+ worth of product, and Palladium cannot afford to send the package out twice due to your mistake. We hope you understand. Likewise, numbered, limited editions and original artwork can NOT be replaced if lost. BE CAREFUL, send your complete, current address – including your apartment number – and use a reliable, trackable and insured method of shipping like UPS.
Note to Customers Outside the U.S.A.: 1. You, the customer, are responsible for any and all duty, taxes or Customs fees. Books have the lowest fees and duty, but they can still be costly (typically around $20-$30). 2. Palladium Books is not responsible for any delays at Customs. We cannot guarantee time of arrival, so give yourself a few extra days. International Priority Mail should arrive within 5-7 business days, but give yourself a little extra time to be safe. 3. Palladium charges you ONLY for ACTUAL postage plus a small handling fee. We are a small company and can not offer the low or no shipping that big companies like Amazon are able to provide. We hope you understand.
Rifts® Ultimate Edition is a beautiful, 376 page, hardcover role-playing game waiting to be your first step into the amazing Rifts® Earth setting®, for only $39.95 retail. It contains everything you need to start playing except dice, friends and imagination.
Rifts® is the ultimate, multi-genre setting that combines science fiction and fantasy with horror, adventure, and superheroes in a plausible and compelling post-apocalyptic setting unlike anything else on the market. It provides avenues of adventure you've never imagined, challenges the imagination and is fun, fun, fun.
Magic and super-science coexist in a wild post-apocalyptic setting where humans and alien life forms clash, and magic and technology collide. Thus, dragons, demons and monsters walk alongside giant robots, cyborgs and augmented warriors. High-tech warriors and tech-based mutants are pitted against (or working with) mages, creatures of magic, Faerie Folk, powerful psychics and alien beings from beyond the Rifts.
The Rifts are tears in the fabric of space and time that allow "things" from an infinite number of worlds to travel to Rifts Earth. This includes alien people and explorers, to mythical beings like dragons and Faeries, to dinosaurs, demons, ancient gods and unimaginable monstrosities. Those adventurers with the knowledge or the right connections can also travel through the Rifts to other places on Earth in the blink of an eye, as well as to an array of alien worlds and dimensions
Any adventure conceivable is possible in Rifts® where players are limited only by their imaginations.
I just want to reiterate that we have no intention of raising the cover price on most of our other books. However, we may increase the price of some core rule books, such as the Dead Reign™ RPG, Palladium Fantasy RPG®, Heroes Unlimited™, and others by a couple dollars as they go into new printings. In this tough economy, we want to continue to keep our prices low and the entry level for Palladium's games the most affordable on the market. Spread the word.
The Rifter® is your doorway to unlimited imagination and numerous Palladium role-playing worlds. It offers new heroes, powers, weapons, magic and adventure for your games. It presents new villains, monsters and dangers to battle, and new ideas to consider.
This issue is jam-packed with monsters, weird animals, and other wild things to make your games more fun and unpredictable.
This sourcebook is epic in scope and opens up an entirely new range of game play by allowing mecha and O.C.C.s from all eras of Robotech® in one setting.
For the first time ever, Veritech Fighters, Destroids, Battloids, Hover Tanks, Cyclones, and something called "Frankenmecha" – giant mecha amalgamations that combine the limbs, weapons and body parts of two or more mecha. There are also rules for creating Frankenmecha, new weapons and vehicles, seven new resistance fighter character classes, Invid Hives, key characters from the TV show, world overview and more. 8½ x 11 book format (not manga size), 96 pages.
The battle for the liberation of Earth starts here. For the first time in its history, the Earth has been invaded and occupied by alien invaders – the Invid. The Invid think they have won, but Freedom Fighters, UEEF soldiers and other heroes continue to fight until they win.
Everyone wants to know what's going on with the Rifts® movie. Well, this book presents an insight and behind the scenes info on that front by Kevin Siembieda, plus an entire screenplay written on speculation by Matthew Clements as well as game stats and artwork for major characters in the script. Kevin was so impressed with the writer's screenplay that he had Matthew make changes and improvements and sent the second draft to Jerry Bruckheimer Films for their consideration. Meanwhile, Matthew and Kevin hit it off and the next thing he knew he became Palladium's new staff writer.
We thought it would be fun to let Rifts® gamers and Palladium fans see the type of Rifts® movie we at Palladium Books would like to see made. So we are presenting Matthew's screenplay as a proposed Rifts® movie script and Rifts® sourcebook. The screenplay is a fast, fun adventure story that is sure to please Rifts fans. To make it more fun, the author has statted out the key characters in the script and gamers can use the heroes, villains and story ideas in their own campaign should they choose to do so.
This is a unique product and a fun read that should appeal to all Palladium fans. After all, it lets the reader step behind the veil and see what goes on behind the scenes.
The power, secrets and magic of the underwater realm of Lemuria revealed. Player characters can use symbiotes, magic and technology to breathe underwater and spend time below the waves.
Lemuria is more than an underwater civilization of aquatic beings. They can trace their lineage as far back as the Atlanteans and can survive on dry land as well as underwater. In fact, their greatest secret is that there is no one resting place for the Lemurians, their great cities are always moving. Learn about the people of Lemuria, new Biomancy magic and weapons, Biomancy engineered riding animals, sea herbs, new powers of healing, sea monsters, and more. Epic adventure awaits.
As time goes on, the zombie hordes only grow in number and strangeness. This book contains horrifying new zombies to haunt your player characters along with new O.C.C.s and tons of tables for detailing Survivors' Hideouts, Safe Haven Communities, Death Cults and more. Survival is not enough. Now is the time for the war against the Endless Dead™. This book is going to be epic. Kevin and all the Palladium creators are pushing the envelope with each and every book they work on.
The ultimate Zombie Apocalypse T-shirt: The front depicts a woman armed with a shovel standing on the roof of her car as a massive horde of zombies swarm around her. The front of the shirt reads: "Ever have one of those days?" Below the art is the Dead Reign™ logo and the words "The Zombie Apocalypse." Printed white on a black T-shirt. Art by Amy Ashbaugh.
The back of the shirt is red on black and says, "Relax, it's not like it's the end of the world or anything." - but most of that statement has lines crossing it out, leaving only the words "it's the end of the world." Under it is a Nick Bradshaw zombie silhouette and a small version of the Dead Reign™ logo. Funny, poignant, awesome!
A zombie horde stumbles toward you, but these aren't ordinary zombies, they are the Palladium staff and freelancers! That's right, this horrifying mash of zombies includes Kevin, Wayne, Alex, Kathy, Julius and Matthew, as well as Kevin Long, Ramon Perez, Freddie Williams, Mike Mumah (the artist), Mark Dudley, Chuck Walton, Nick Bradshaw, Carl Gleba, Jason Richards, Brandon Aten, Greg Diaczyk and many, many others (36 monstrous faces total). Available in two sizes, both signed by the Palladium staff.
This is a great resource for getting out of print Palladium titles and other select books. We've made 90 titles available as PDF digital downloads from DriveThruRPG.com. This is a great way to try Palladium products and get access to out of print RPG source material. Some notable titles include:
© Copyright 2011 Palladium Books Inc. All rights reserved.
Rifts®, The Rifter®, RECON®, Splicers®, Palladium Books®, The Palladium Fantasy Role-Playing Game®, Phase World®, Nightbane®, Megaverse®, The Mechanoids®, The Mechanoid Invasion®, Coalition Wars® and After the Bomb® are Registered Trademarks of Palladium Books Inc. Beyond the Supernatural™, Chaos Earth, Coalition States, Dead Reign, Heroes Unlimited, Ninjas & Superspies, Minion War, Mysteries of Magic, SAMAS, Thundercloud Galaxy, Three Galaxies, Vampire Kingdoms, Warpath, and other published book titles, names, slogans and likenesses are trademarks of Palladium Books Inc., and Kevin Siembieda.
Robotech® and Robotech® The Shadow Chronicles® are Registered Trademarks of Harmony Gold USA, Inc.
This press release may be reprinted, reposted, linked and shared for the sole purpose of advertising, promotion and sales solicitation.