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With Vancouver coming to Rio Tinto Stadium tomorrow, Real Salt Lake will be looking to establish a strike partnership to carry forward with Alvaro Saborio out with injury.
Striking up a partnership: Olmes at the core
Leading scorer Alvaro Saborio is out for at least a few weeks, and that's certain to add a bit of stress to the RSL strike force. As a result, it's important that a partnership be struck up between the strikers available — whether this is Olmes Garcia and Devon Sandoval or Olmes Garcia and Joao Plata is difficult to say. It seems likely, though, that Olmes Garcia is at the center of considerations at this point, such have been his displays in this still-early season.
He presents different advantages with each option: Alongside Sandoval, Garcia could play a little deeper and more central, picking up on balls shook loose by the big man. Sandoval's also a disruptive figure, and we've seen him getting some joy with his ability to hold off an opponent. Alongside Plata, Garcia could be a more central figure around which Plata would pivot. The options are boundless.
There's always a chance Garcia doesn't get the start, but if he's fit, the odds seem pretty good. He's the most flexible option of the three potentially available, and with RSL's attack still developing and building anew, that flexibility may be enough to sway considerations. He's also the only one of the three with a goal, and in every match he's played, he's looked dangerous and likely to score further goals.
We're not unfamiliar with how Vancouver Whitecaps FC is looking this season, largely because we played against them only — what — three weeks ago? It's a funny thing, this somewhat-randomized intra-conference play. As a result, there shouldn't be any real surprises — and hopefully no strangely decided penalty kicks with which to contend. This should be particularly useful when considering Vancouver's attacking options. Truth be told, RSL looked pretty good against Vancouver, but improving on that will be a high priority.
First to the gates
Something like that, right? The onus is on Real Salt Lake to control the proceedings and to score first. It's an obviously desirable thing, but as we've seen, this side has trouble breaking down teams defending deep. Particularly without Alvaro Saborio out there to disrupt defenders through hold-up play, there's an inherent difficulty in breaking down those walls — unparking the bus, as it were. Scoring first and early forces Vancouver to abandon any designs to sit back and defend.
A regular contributor to RealSaltLake.com, Matt Montgomery runs the SB Nation blog RSL Soapbox. Follow Matt on Twitter @TheCrossbarRSL
It would be painfully easy to focus on the very poor start to the 2-0 loss against LA Galaxy on Saturday night, but what's tactically more interesting (and less depressing) is the nature of RSL's response to the challenge.
Three at the back
It's not the first time we've seen Jason Kreis shift things around for a three-man back line, and there's something slightly worrying about the necessity of that trend — but when it came time for, as he called them, "desperate measures," there wasn't a moment of hesitation.
But if we look at the Opta chalkboards, we see that it might be more accurate to call it two at the back — Tony Beltran essentially played as an attacking winger, mirroring Ned Grabavoy on the pitch and getting involved in much action. Of course, it's difficult to derive positional arguments out of the late harried action on Saturday night, but there's something to be said for your right back dictating play on the attacking flank.
Beckerman pushed up
Rather than looking toward a nominally more attacking 3-4-3, Kreis went toward a 3-5-2 that saw Kyle Beckerman pushed further up the pitch than usual. Yordany Alvarez came on — essentially for Lovel Palmer, although the order of substitutions speaks ever-so-slightly differently — and was deployed centrally in a vaguely anchoring role. Beckerman moved further up, and given his work rate and energy on the night, it's hard to fault Kreis. It was a strong response late on from the captain, and he covered an immense amount of ground as desperation set in and LA Galaxy sat deeper and deeper.
Dealing with the bus
Real Salt Lake have obviously problems when 11 opponents are sat in the defensive end of the midfield, but they're hardly alone in this. Breaking down a well-organized side like LA Galaxy is difficult on any given match day, but it's rendered tougher when the opposition is handed an early lead to protect.
It should be said, though, that RSL had a great response to that defensive challenge, and with two players hitting the woodwork in the final 30 minutes and five shots blocked — three of which were in the box — it doesn't seem so much a matter of figuring out how best to break down a deep, dedicated defensive line, but how to finish around them. There's certainly some reason for encouragement in that respect.
A regular contributor to RealSaltLake.com, Matt Montgomery runs the SB Nation blog RSL Soapbox. Follow Matt on Twitter @TheCrossbarRSL
LA Galaxy have started their season off with some style, but there's plenty of opportunity for RSL to find success against them on Saturday night like they have so often before.
Stopping the midfield
First, the midfield's got to be stopped — Juninho and Marcelo Sarvas are an efficient pairing in the middle of the park for LA. Snuffing out their threat means we've got to keep our outside midfielders narrow, ready to pick off passes and prevent chances from being created. Additionally, they'll need to be aware of the defensive strength of Sarvas in particular. It's illustrative that he was successful in 10 of 13 tackles against Sporting KC last week. Stopping the midfield means both preventing attacking threats and avoiding defensive threats.
Constant vigilance
Second, the defense has to be constantly vigilant with Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan, should they play — and it's hard to imagine they wouldn't for a match like this. Donovan has wasted no time since returning to action, grabbing a goal and an assist last week. Still, the options LA Galaxy have up top aren't endless, and without both Keane and Donovan, it could be tempting for the defense to relax. This would be a mistake, especially with the set piece and long shot prowess of Juninho and the persistence of one Mike Magee.
Being afforded possession
Third, the whole of the side has to be prepared for a team that's willing to sit back a bit and let play develop. LA defeated last season's defensive standouts Sporting KC last week, winning 2-0 — this, despite completing considerably fewer passes and losing the possession battle. It's surprising for a team that has generally controlled possession in 2013, but it shows a willingness to adapt to the opposition that makes them a dangerous side to face. It's easy to imagine the Galaxy sitting back a little bit, picking their chances, and snuffing out ours — it wouldn't be the first time, and it won't be their last time. Playing around them will require some real control and skill on the ball — and it'll take our best passing and possession-oriented skills to ensure we don't allow silly chances.
A regular contributor to RealSaltLake.com, Matt Montgomery runs the SB Nation blog RSL Soapbox. Follow Matt on Twitter @TheCrossbarRSL
Two similar sides faced off at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday when Real Salt Lake defeated Chivas USA 1-0, with a crowded midfield dominating the match's narrative.
Yordany Alvarez, in for Kyle Beckerman and his dislocated rib, had a fine night as a defensive midfielder, breaking up play — evidenced by his five interceptions — but also making a delible impact on the match with efficient passing. His only unsuccessful passes (he went 42/51 on the night) were either long or at the edge of the Chivas box.
Where Alvarez controlled the defensive portion of the midfield, Javier Morales controlled the attacking end. His goal made the biggest impact on the match, but with four key passes, he had some real success as a distributor. Of course, it's hard to look past that goal — a fine effort he started off with a 60-yard run into the area.
Considering the midfield glut present throughout the match, the successes of these two is of real note.
It goes rather without saying that there were some areas in which Real Salt Lake looked less than optimal. Chief among those was failing to deal with the high amounts of pressure being put on the midfield.
The players who started on the side of the diamond fared with the pressure differently: Luis Gil wasn't heavily involved (13/15 in passing), while Ned Grabavoy completed only just over half of his passes (19/37) through the match. It would seem to be down to the opposition and the high pressure, but it's also worth noting that Chivas USA had a hard go of things in their midfield as well, completing only two-thirds of their passes in the middle third. Of course, 75 percent of Chivas's passes came in the middle third.
It was a match described most readily by a crowded midfield — when two remarkably similar dominant-midfield sides are up against each other, perhaps that's inevitable.
After all the talk of Chivas USA deploying in a 3-5-2 or something approaching it, we were left with something that looked more akin to a more defensive diamond 4-4-2 — imagine Real Salt Lake's approach with Kyle Beckerman more readily dropping into a center back role rather than pushing forward. It's a matter of semantics, and not an entirely important one, but it's worth discussing.
A regular contributor to RealSaltLake.com, Matt Montgomery runs the SB Nation blog RSL Soapbox. Follow Matt on Twitter @TheCrossbarRSL
Essentially all sides in MLS (18, if we're to be precise) generally play with a four-man defense, and it's very much the accepted tactical outlay across world football. As such, modern attacking formations are based heavily on attempting to exploit the vulnerabilities and spaces between the two central defenders and the full backs. Chivas USA, as has been oft-discussed this season, has been playing with a three-man back line under Chelis, which presents some interesting options for Real Salt Lake.
The midfield attack
It becomes a rather simple equation — though not an entirely accurate one — when we talk about the three central defenders facing two strikers: 3v2 would seem to give an advantage to the defense, but not because of pure numbers. It simply allows for more defensive flexibility in covering an attacking midfielder — a Javier Morales, say — when he's playing centrally. In this case, you'd have both strikers covered and a third attacking player, and your wide midfielders are covering the flanks.
This is where it gets a bit tricky: If Javier Morales makes his diagonal runs toward touch on either flank, he opens up different sorts of space that the 3-5-2 might not accommodate readily. If the third central defender pulls off with him toward the channels on either side, a run is opened up for a deeper-lying midfielder. If the defender stays, he's forced to decide between covering for a wider central defender, who might peel off to cover Morales, or to simply cover dangerous spaces at the back. Whatever the defense does to attempt to cover the danger Morales provides, options should open up for midfielders.
The strikers
The strikers might be more efficiently covered, doubling the importance of midfield attack. Any disruption that can be offered — while avoiding too much opportunity for Chivas USA to counter — will play into RSL's hands. A quick turn could see the defense presented with three, four or even five attacking options. Imagine, for example: Saborio, Findley, Gil, Morales and Grabavoy all moving toward goal, and rather narrowly at that. Quick runs past the defenders could see Findley perfectly poised to cause significant trouble.
The wide areas
Chivas USA are likely to control the wide areas with either wing-backs or wide midfielders patrolling the flanks. If Real Salt Lake surrenders them, as so often we do out of tactical necessity, our fullbacks will need to be actively communicating with the midfielders to handle any danger on the flanks. Obviously enough, this will require a bit more communication across the board, as it would be rather disastrous to allow free runs in the middle from a creative side.
A regular contributor to RealSaltLake.com, Matt Montgomery runs the SB Nation blog RSL Soapbox. Follow Matt on Twitter @TheCrossbarRSL
Real Salt Lake relied heavily on Nick Rimando to take a result on the road despite taking heavy fire from Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday, but the influence of Olmes Garcia is hard to forget.
On the road (again)
We could harp on about refereeing inconsistency and bad penalty calls, and maybe there's a place for that, but it stands to reason that allowing 16 shots on Saturday — 7 on-target, 7 off-target, 2 blocked — meant Real Salt Lake was dangerously closing to suffering from a less controversial decision. But for incredible goalkeeping from Nick Rimando, RSL would be walking away with zero points. Now, road matches are always going to be difficult in MLS, and there's plenty to be happy about from Saturday, but allowing repeated opportunities puts a side in real danger.
It's difficult to pinpoint a specific problem point, though — whether it's a problem that might be solved by the return of Chris Wingert is difficult to say, but playing a young center back in Chris Schuler alongside a young or inexperienced left back doesn't always lead to fantastic team defending. Wingert's arrival back to action — he went 90 minutes for the reserves — could add some essential stability.
Defending the flanks
It's fair to say that Real Salt Lake's weakest defensive position is left back, and as such, it stands to reason that teams will try to seek out any inconsistency in the position. Lovel Palmer was targeted — much as Mansally was last match — and did well, but not without the help of his teammates. Yordany Alvarez covered well when needed, Ned Grabavoy put in an efficient effort on the left, and Chris Schuler stepped over when Palmer went forward to build in attack.
Schuler's ability to step left and defend the flanks is perhaps in part a result of his deployment in 2011 and 2012; it's not his natural position, but when RSL is in possession and our left back pushes forward, having an able body to shore things up can make a world of difference.
Decisions, decisions
Olmes Garcia's goal marked a lot of things: The sighting of potential, the excitement of youth, the unyearning need at Real Salt Lake for players who step up and make a difference. Jason Kreis will be delighted by what he saw: After only an hour of playing time with Real Salt Lake, the exciting kid from Colombia made his first major impact on a match.
But Kreis is continually faced with one bigger thing: Who starts, and who makes the bench? Once Robbie Findley returns to fitness, the fight for minutes starts in earnest: Alongside the speed demon, Plata, Garcia and Sandoval have each shown well; Plata has two assists and has looked dangerous, Garcia scored that brilliant goal and has looked freakishly talented otherwise, and Sandoval seems to be shaping into a real rookie surprise.
A regular contributor to RealSaltLake.com, Matt Montgomery runs the SB Nation blog RSL Soapbox. Follow Matt on Twitter @TheCrossbarRSL
Both Real Salt Lake and Vancouver are battling poor form heading into Saturday's matchup (2 p.m. MT; ABC4), but if Jason Kreis's side doesn't adapt and learn from recent failures, they'll be getting in just enough of a mess as to be irritating.
Midfield control
With the news that Sebastian Velasquez is set to miss the match after suffering a broken hand, Real Salt Lake is certain to see yet another altered starting midfield four. It'll be the fourth different midfield lineup — in seven matches. This lack of continuity is inevitably difficult for a side to deal with, but if Javier Morales is ready to start, it'll start to take on a more definitive appearance.
A disjointed midfield makes Kyle Beckerman's job as captain and general midfield organizer that much more difficult, and the list of fully fit players is small: Beckerman, Grabavoy, Gil, Alvarez, Martinez, Stertzer. Three of those players would expect to start most matches; the drop-off toward the end is a bit severe as experience is concerned.
Defensive focus
Individual mistakes have proven costly for Real Salt Lake in 2013, which is likely a function of the relatively low cooperative inexperience of the group, which is to say that they haven't been together for long enough. Extra focus to cut out these mistakes will be essential, especially as Martin Rennie might be instructing his players to target those specific weaknesses. Clearing balls on first opportunity, stepping up during the offside trap, and making immediate, simple passes will be necessary if RSL is interested in clearing up the errors that have plagued these early matches.
We saw last week that Colorado took very specific aim at RSL's left side and Abdoulie Mansally; whether he is a defensive liability or not — and that's very much up for discussion — it's hard to deny that other coaches seem to think so. When one player is targeted frequently, they're more likely to make costly mistakes; Mansally and his teammates will need to be wary of the modes of attack employed.
Finishing chances
Despite the uncertainty created by an ever-rotating cast of midfielders, Jason Kreis's side have made creating chances look a bit easy. His squad's averaged a surprising 14 shots per match in the early weeks and attempting more forward passes per match (175, if you're wondering) than any side, excepting Portland.
Robbie Findley's still out, so he doesn't get a chance to finish; Joao Plata may be close to a return, and Alvaro Saborio is still recovering from knee swelling. With the two fully healthy forwards remaining — Devon Sandoval and Olmes Garcia — rather untested and still learning the system, the midfield will need to step up in creation to an extent not seen in some time.
A regular contributor to RealSaltLake.com, Matt Montgomery runs the SB Nation blog RSL Soapbox. Follow Matt on Twitter @TheCrossbarRSL
Real Salt Lake's errors against Colorado were many and frequent, but the sole goal scored was less a tactical failure and more a series of individual mistakes.
What happened?
Aside from the fairly obvious answer — Real Salt Lake conceded an early goal and couldn't recover — there's something more interesting to be taken from the goal scored. Three things happened, and only one of those could rightly be blamed on Abdoulie Mansally. Nat Borchers allowed Edson Buddle to hold up the ball deep in the box, Schuler slipped, allowing his man through and disrupting the defense, and Mansally left his man to attempt to correct for the individual mistake, giving former RSL man Atiba Harris a clear opportunity.
Why'd it happen?
Does Abdoulie Mansally allow for a weakness in Real Salt Lake's defense? Mansally is obviously an attacking full back, and as such, sides may feel they have good opportunities at RSL's wide left position. This seems fairly obvious, the slightly left-leaning bent of RSL's central defenders corrects for that in some important ways. Although he — and plenty of others — were culpable in that early goal from Colorado, it was because of several individual failures in defending and less because of a systemic tactical failure.
How can it be corrected?
It's difficult to tactically correct for individual errors, save for a defensive strategy that provides more defensive cover in all areas. This is fundamentally in conflict with Jason Kreis's strategy for the side, although certain sorts of players can provide some types of fixes. Take, for example, Jamison Olave, whose ability to recover and prevent an attack was used as a solution to this problem. But without a player like Olave, the defense is often left in a situation where a greater responsibility from everyone is required. Single mistakes are inherently more likely to be punished.
A regular contributor to RealSaltLake.com, Matt Montgomery runs the SB Nation blog RSL Soapbox. Follow Matt on Twitter @TheCrossbarRSL
Real Salt Lake faces Colorado on Saturday for the second time in less than a month, and although most of the squad is returning to fitness, there remain questions across the board.
With Javier Morales approaching full fitness, Jason Kreis is set to make his first big decision of the new-look 2013 lineup. WIll Luis Gil drop to the bench, with Morales taking his place? Or will Velasquez go to the bench, with Gil dropping deeper in midfield? Will Javier Morales even start on Saturday? While that one seems a bit of a doubt, but it's worth consideration.
Let's talk hypothetically. If Gil stays on, he drops into a position he hasn't played yet this season, but RSL gets a more seasoned player on the pitch. If Velasquez stays on, he continues in his position, building on strong performances there. Experience with Jason Kreis might lead one to believe that Gil stays on, given Kreis's preference for continuing with veteran players, but the fight for places is as big as RSL has had in a while.
Robbie Findley is likely to miss Saturday, which means Alvaro Saborio will again be partnered by somebody in the rotating cast of characters that is the RSL forward line. Joao Plata, should he recover sufficiently, is the most natural big-man-little-man fit, but he's apparently been struggling with a hamstring strain. Devon Sandoval has worked hard, presents some interesting options, but might not be the most natural fit next to Saborio. Olmes Garcia is full of raw, unmistakable talent, but he's just that: Raw.
Sandoval seems the most likely pick: Risking Joao Plata at this point might not be the most unreasonable thing in the world, but there's little chance he goes for a full 90 minutes with injury concerns close by.
Sandoval up top alongside Saborio would be a tactically interesting move. The two are both in a strong mold, work well with their backs to goal, and will help bring the midfield into attack; with two hold-up players, more attacking opportunities for players like Velasquez, Gil, Morales and Grabavoy emerge. Likewise, with two stronger forwards, defenders are forced out of their "cover Saborio endlessly" mentality, and when he he's got room, goals are scored. Additionally, the opportunities at set pieces — at least to distract the defending side — emerge with two dangerous players in the box.
Last time we played Colorado — a scant few weeks ago — Deshorn Brown found himself breaking past the defense time after time after time. Chris Schuler and Kwame Watson-Siriboe struggled as a pair that night. With Colorado at their home ground, they're likely to be continuing on a more attacking bent, but having Nat Borchers back in the side could make a bit of difference.
The fullbacks will need to be extra aware: Mansally and Beltran should continue to trade attacking moments, with one of the two deeper at any given moment. This will allow them to tuck in a bit (but not much) more centrally to help defend the counter.
A regular contributor to RealSaltLake.com, Matt Montgomery runs the SB Nation blog RSL Soapbox. Follow Matt on Twitter @TheCrossbarRSL
Real Salt Lake took down Seattle 2-1 on Saturday, scoring two goals from set pieces and looking rather like the well-oiled machine that seemed absent through most of 2012. It's hard not to focus on those two goals, because they're indicative of something the squad's been missing for some time.
Set pieces
It's just as Alexi Lalas says: "Set pieces." I'm sure there's more to that statement, and it probably relates to what we saw on Saturday. Luis Gil scored from a corner, and Robbie Findley scored from a throw-in. The nature of their goals being as different as they were — one a well-planned attack that caught a defense ball-watching, the other a quick finish that came from awareness up front — it's easy to see how important set piece planning can be.
If there's been a major criticism of Real Salt Lake in attack this year — and perhaps longer than that — it's been a lack of threat from set pieces. Saturday changed that, but it came from a shift in mentality. The first goal saw Tony Beltran thrust a ball into the mix from a throw-in, and the strength of Devon Sandoval kept Seattle from making an easy clearance. Robbie Findley's awareness paid dividends, and not a moment too soon, as he was taken off injured hardly minutes later.
For the second goal, rather than sending a corner straight into the center of the Seattle box, where they were well covered, a touchline-searing ball from Velasquez to Grabavoy set up Luis Gil for a strong header to the far post. Too often, defenses can crowd Real Salt Lake in the middle of the box, but creative play and danger from multiple areas will give defenses pause for thought.
It's perhaps no surprise that Jason Kreis confirmed that more time was spent on set pieces than in the past. When it becomes less about power and strength (particularly with the departure of Jamison Olave) and more about finesse, Real Salt Lake, with its array of short midfielders, will be a natural benefactor.
Narrow defending
It's difficult to say what the proper tactical approach would have been in the second half, but with Seattle putting RSL on the back foot for the first 15 minutes of the second half, Abdoulie Mansally and Tony Beltran tucked in to cover runs from attacking midfielders. On the conceded goal scored by Brad Evans, the defense had become so narrow as to allow Seattle right back DeAndre Yedlin all the time in the world to cross, and as such, a goal was scored.
The return of Javier Morales and the rise of Sebastian Velasquez
Javier Morales looked closer to the Javi of bygone days than he has in some time. Claims that he's a slow, old player are overblown: The breakaway, on which he should have been awarded a penalty kick after being hauled down by Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, showed that.
Whether it was planned that Luis Gil would come off for Morales or not, there was something incredible about seeing the playmaker-in-chief lining up with the talented Sebastian Velasquez for 30 minutes. Whether that continues depends on how Luis Gil fares in training sessions, but it seems Kreis has every reason to be impressed with the rat-tailed kid. He's been one of RSL's best players in the early days of the season, and his hard work is a sure factor in that.
A regular contributor to RealSaltLake.com, Matt Montgomery runs SB Nation blog RSL Soapbox. Follow Matt on Twitter @TheCrossbarRSL


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Matthew 5:39:
But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
What does this mean? Not to fight evil? Does that mean to ignore evil?
Matthew 5:39:
What does this mean? Not to fight evil? Does that mean to ignore evil?
It does not mean:
Look at the context in which the passage is found:
Jesus here rejects conventional wisdom to return evil with evil, and to hate one's enemies. Instead, he says we should be humble and love (will the good of) those who do evil to us.
Try the ASV: "resist not him that is evil." In the KJV, "evil" seems to mean "evil actions directed toward you" or "evil in others."
Hold on it does mean do not defend yourself!
Sir you have twisted the verse to take away it's true meaning
Mathew Ch5
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Christ told his followers to accept suffering and oppression and murder all in his name for the kingdom of God so that they would be have great treasure in heaven, and by doing this they would be God's children. The whole sermon on the mount testifies to that! Reread mathew ch5 (kjv).
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Did Christ defend himself? Did Paul defend himself? Did Peter defend himself? Nay, but they all followed their lord to the cs to the glory of God!

subset: commoncrawl


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I took two MLS virgins to the game on Saturday night at Toyota Park. Takeaways the night of: Modelo and Tyskie were a plus, Section 8 is loud, my stadium blanket is missing a button or two.
But when I asked them about the game last night, the takeaways were different. "It's like they were snakebit," one of them said.
Snakebit is probably too kind. Cubs-related words start to come to mind when you miss the chances the Fire missed in the second half before Jeff Larentowicz finally scored in the 83rd.
Andy Greunenbaum was on fire, ok, and obviously if the finishes were a wee bit more clinical the Fire could've made it a laugher, but in the moment, in the stadium, freezing, it felt like the goal would never come.
Section 8 and the rest of the fans were torn between encouraging the team and letting out some boos (and grunts and groans and other moans) of frustration. In my section, a kind of supporter dichotomy emerged throughout the second half as one fan stood to admonish Chris Rolfe after a second half miss, while a soccer team sized group of young girls cheered Rolfe on, assuring him he'd get the next one.
But Gonzalo Segares had a shot from 10 feet right at the keeper in the 49th minute and Larentowicz badly sliced the follow up, Austin Berry was robbed in the 75th, Patrick Nyarko was blocked in the 51st and 54th, and Rolfe in the 56th and 75th. The crowd was exasperated and freezing and desperate to figure out what to make of the game.
Every good passage seemed to be punished or mercilessly ignored by Greunenbaum, who was scarily springy. Every time Nyarko's hustle was rewarded with space behind the Crew or the decisive pass (which seemed like every time he was near the ball), nothing. Every time Rolfe turned his man, he booted the finish. That was what was most frustrating - it was like the game was ignoring how well the Fire were playing. It all felt sort of cruel.
And so it makes soccer-perfect sense that the goal didn't come from a measured through ball or some quick passing, nor did it come from the high pressure that harassed Columbus all game. It came on a basically ugly long throw and an industrial finish from Larentowicz.
The game ran out of ways to keep the Fire from scoring, and the team reacted - erm, celebrated - with as much an exhale, like, "Finally," as hysterical exuberance. Look at the gif above. After his goal, Larentowicz barely smiles!
But the game doesn't care. In the end my friends had witnessed a fairly good introduction to Toyota Park. The game was exciting, the Fire won the day, and maybe most important, the cheering dilemma in my section was definitively decided in favor of the encouraging girls.
Between the Lines is a weekly column from Chicago-Fire.com contributor Ben Schuman-Stoler. Follow him on Twitter @bsto.
Some of the best tweets in the lead-up to, during and after Saturday's 1-0 victory over the Columbus Crew...
Select shots from the Fire's 1-0 win over the Crew
Get to know this year's version of the Fire's long-time foe.
Check out the MLS scouting report below, for a technical break down of both sides.
The Fire return to Toyota Park to take on the Columbus Crew Saturday (LIVE 7:30pm CT on MLSsoccer.com) with no points to show after an encouraging performance last weekend against the Dynamo. But for a few mistakes, the result could have been a lot better for the Fire, but the team is certainly improving.
Columbus come to Chicago on a four-game unbeaten streak and have picked up two wins on their travels this season. Here are a few things to look out for from a tactical perspective.
Getting the ball wide – creating 1v1 situations with the Columbus outside backs
Looking at the Columbus defense, Chad Marshall has been a rock for 10 years in the middle and the addition of the Brazilian Glauber means the Crew has one of the strongest center back pairings in the league.
On the outside however, there are some weaknesses, particularly on the left. Against Montreal last week, the Crew stuffed the middle of the field when the Impact had the ball in an attempt to prevent Felipe from creating. This meant there was a lot of space on the wings and when the Impact actually got the ball to the outside, they created chances.
WATCH: CHIvCLB Match Preview
If the Fire are going to try and single out Tyson Wahl and try and get in 1v1 situations with him, Patrick Nyarko might be the best player for the Fire to deploy on the right hand side. Bringing in Nyarko would mean either dropping or shifting Daniel Paladini, the Fire's standout player so far this season.
Another issue to deal with on the left hand side for the Crew is the presence of Eddie Gaven. Though Gaven has left his left back Wahl exposed on more than a few occasions this season, his attacking play makes up for it.
In any case, I expect to see a lot of activity on that side of the field and those battles should be fascinating to watch.
Dominic Oduro – not letting the former Fire player get in behind
The Fire traded Dominic Oduro to the Crew in the offseason for Dilly Duka and the Ghanaian has notched three goals for his new club this season. The Fire defenders will know all about the pace of their old teammate and the runs he tends to make, but they still need to be very cautious and the back line must work as a unit.
The danger of playing a high line against Oduro is that he can make runs in behind, whereas if the defense drops too deep, it allows the Crew to pile on the pressure and keep the Fire pinned back in their own half. Another, less reported danger from Oduro's runs in behind is the second ball opportunities they create.
When balls are being played through to Dom, oftentimes defenders are stretching to cut them out, or just turning and blindly kicking the ball away, resulting in second ball opportunities. Columbus are very good at getting men forward to pick up on these second balls, with players like Higuain and Viana looking to do so whenever possible.
This tactic worked well for Columbus against the Impact last week. The emphasis will be on the Fire midfielders to track their runners and not allow Columbus to create chances from the second balls on Saturday night.
Defending set pieces – beating a dead horse but a noteworthy point
Watching the Crew's last few matches reminded me again of how good Federico Higuain's deliveries from dead balls are. His corners and free kicks, from any distance, cause havoc in the box.
Against Houston last week, the winning goal came off a badly defended set piece all around for the Fire. Brad Davis was allowed to put the ball in under no pressure after playing the free kick short and then the Fire's back line and goalkeeper all froze, allowing the ball to bounce straight into the net.
It's difficult to blame one person for the goal, but it was a very soft one to give up. That being said, I would like to see goalkeeper Sean Johnson start to come and claim more corners and crosses, especially with his size, but doing that brings about the risk of not getting to the ball and allowing easy goals to be scored.
In any case, allowing free headers against Columbus is unacceptable and picking up a clean sheet for only the second time this season would be welcomed by fans and technical staff alike.
Prediction: 2-0 Fire with goals from Chris Rolfe and Joel Lindpere.
Stephen Piggott is a contributor to Chicago-Fire.com. Follow him on Twitter @irish_steve.
It's Tues... no it's actually Wednesday, but we still feel the need to entertain you with our awesome GIFs.
So instead of GIFTuesday, it's GIFWednesday's featured GIF, Chris Rolfe's 49th Fire goal across all competitions. As you can see below... it was quite a shot.
We got some great news today that Saturday's match vs. Columbus will be carried LIVE and for FREE on MLSsoccer.com as the el Jimador Tequila MLS Stream of the Week.
A few notes in order to watch on Saturday...
* The stream is available only at MLSsoccer.com and fans must use a device with Adobe Flash player.
* The stream is available to fans inside the U.S., Canada, and Mexico
* An MLS Network account is required. Register at MLSsoccer.com or at the top left of Chicago-Fire.com
Saturday's game will be carried on television in Chicago with a carrier announcement to come on Thursday.
By way of introduction, hi. I'm Ben. I've been with the Fire since the day they were born, through their first kiss with Stoitchkov, their Toyota Park Bar Mitzvah, up into their pimply stage today. I look at a lot of art and I watch a lot of soccer. I prefer when it works out that both happen at the same time; when they're the same thing.
This space will discuss those moments, those tiny moments that define games. It'll also chronicle what happens when you watch games with people across the art-culture-sports spectrum.
A quick word about Boston. Although it was under horrible circumstances, yesterday showed one of the reasons people come together and sacrifice money and time for something as meaningless as sport. The messages of support from the soccer community were uplifting (all this on top of the day we remember Hillsborough).
The euphoric addiction of following a team is matched in effect perhaps only by the relationships the sport engenders. It's a terrible point to make, but I can think of few better examples of soccer's significance as a cultural entity, which anyway will be the point of this column.
On Sunday, the Fire went to Houston to try to turn the momentum from their first win of the season into a win against a team that's basically unbeatable in their sweltering orange greenhouse of a stadium. Manager Frank Klopas hinted at the strategy going in: "Dealing with the temperature was the one thing we wanted to focus on. We wanted to be better in possession and not make a really high tempo game because that would affect us."
In other words, Klopas wanted to avoid the kind of game that would tire out his players.
How do you control the pace of a game in soccer? In football you can run the ball. Some basketball sets are built to use up more of the shot clock. But soccer's different. You can either sit back and try not to chase, or you can hold the ball as much as possible.
Trying not to chase is a dangerous game, and anyway a team that sits but doesn't want to alienate the world with the worst kind of 0-0 games eventually has to counter attack, which means quick sprints upfield, exposed space behind the sprinters, and a game that can fly open into a reckless track meet.
That actually sounds kind of fun, but it's not a good strategy away to Houston, so Klopas wanted to hold the ball. It's a funny thing: Chasing another team around is exhausting, but you don't get tired when you have the ball even when you're running to receive the ball, create space, etc. It's one of the great psychosomatic mysteries of the game.
But another mystery is attacking confidence. How do you slow down pace without affecting the fearlessness necessary to attack without hesitation?
There was a great moment in the first half on Sunday: The Fire defense collects the ball and Logan Pause gestures to the team to take it easy, to slow down (see the GIF below). It was the captain being the coach's representative on the field (Klopas on Pause's return against New York two weeks ago: "You can just see today my voice is a lot better than it was in previous games because he does a lot of that."), but did it work?
The intangible variances of soccer mean that a team visiting a place like Houston has to find the right balance between controlling pace without losing the pace necessary to attack. It's an extremely delicate use of resources.
Did the anti-fatigue strategy make someone less willing to burst forward to join a counter attack? Or, did it take the kind of attacking risk in the final third that's necessary to create scoring chances but which can also result in an exhausting recovery sprint (like how Houston's Andrew Driver came out after a series of runs in the second half)?
Maybe, maybe not. I'm not sure there's enough evidence that Houston's goals and Fire's lack thereof had anything to do with fatigue, and it's not like the Fire lined up defensively or were perceptibly so afraid to go forward. Pause's gesture was, in the end, a moment in a game that may or may not have made a crucial difference, but it was the kind of moment that gives the game its complexity and its mystery.
Find me on Twitter @bsto or at Cleo's on Chicago.
There are many words to express what the Trib's Sports Section did today...
To the people of Boston and our friends at the New England Revolution, we're with you.
Select shots from the Fire's loss to the Dynamo


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Look at the AFC, it's horrible. The Colts (who are an average team that can't win on the road at all) are the #1 wild card team at 6-3, the Steelers are also 6-3 but they're probably cooked without Big Ben, and beyond those two teams NO OTHER WILD CARD CONTENDER IS EVEN AT .500! The Chargers are going to lose in Denver on Sunday to go to 4-6 and I see them finishing 8-8 again, Cincinnati might make a little run but I don't see them getting to more than 8 or 9 wins, Tennessee is atrocious defensively, and Buffalo can't beat anybody half decent either. If we were able to go 9-7 against this easy schedule that we have this year then we would have made the playoffs relatively comfortably, instead we blew close games due to bad defense and a crappy kicker (ARI, NYJ games) and threw three straight stinkers against (at best) average teams in the last 3 weeks. Looking at our remaining schedule, I'm not even sure that we'll get to 6 wins, what a joke.
I understand that Tannehill is a rookie, but in today's NFL with how easy it is to pass there is no excuse for him to play as poorly as he has in the last 3 weeks, specifically against those 3 God awful defenses. I also get that Philbin is a first year head coach, but guess what? Jim Harbaugh won the freakin coach of the year award in his first year, John Harbaugh took the Ravens 11-5 and crushed us in Miami in '08 during his first year, and fat douche Rex Ryan went to the AFC title game with a rookie QB in his first season as a head coach. Like I've said previously, I'm willing to be patient with Tannehill and Philbin beyond this first season, but if they don't make significant improvements next year they should both be on a ****in short leash. Sick of losing.


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The only names on this list are those that ring a bell with me. Thousands of people who were notable in their fields of endeavor, but unknown to me, have been excluded.
The legal troubles for Sen. Bethany Hall-Long's husband, Dana, continue this week with a possible arraignment in a different court.
After almost 3,000 people were killed on September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush told world leaders that they either supported terrorism or opposed it.
How old do you feel? Think carefully — the answer might help predict how much longer you'll live. That's according to British research posing that question to about 6,500 adults. Those who felt younger than their real age lived the longest...
Dave Granlund cartoon about Christmas season.
Once Upon a Time�loves their happily ever afters, but what's a dream wedding without a dream...
The 5-foot-9, 165-pound senior running back rushed for 1,488 yards and 21 touchdowns on 163 carries this past season.
- Events Calendar


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Don't you love priorities? The Washington Post reports that cancer treatment has been halted for many people because of the federal shutdown. The cancer patient interviewed for the article says, "I want to tell them that lives are at stake. This isn't just a matter of inconvenience. This is a matter of life or death. I'm not just doing this for myself. There are 200 people that are trying to get into clinical trials each week. I want to speak for all of us."
Thankfully, at least some important wellness needs aren't being neglected. ThinkProgress is now reporting that even as many functions of government have been shut down, the exclusive gyms used by members of Congress have remained open:
"According to the aide, the decision to keep the gym open — even while other critical government services were shelved — came directly from Speaker Boehner's office. Meanwhile, the staff gym available to Congressional staff has been closed."


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Media Center – APP in the news
For media inquiries and information, please contact Kristina Scott, Executive Director: email@example.com or 205-939-1408
Mobile poverty jumps almost 2 percent; poverty rises elsewhere in Alabama, Press-Register, 9/23/2011
"'With higher poverty and lower median household income, Alabamians have diminished economic opportunities,' said Kristina Scott, executive director of the Alabama Poverty Project"
Hunger Hits a New Target, WBHM 90.3 Alabama Public Radio, 9/8/2011
"Kristina Scott is executive director of the nonprofit organization Alabama Poverty Project. She says lack of access to healthy food and unhealthy habits can lead to a dangerous cycle."
Bob Blalock: Wayne Flynt keeps the faith, and provides it, The Birmingham News, 7/28/11
"He did it himself to an adoring crowd of about 100 at the dinner hosted by the Alabama Poverty Project, which Flynt helped found."
Alabama Voices: Flynt has been state's conscience, The Montgomery Advertiser, 7/22/11
"Using his skills as a historian, and a disciplined analytical mind, Wayne has chronicled not only the effects of poverty, but also its sources"
TEDx attendees, organizers hope to forge Birmingham's future, The Terminal, 5/20/11
"The seven original 18-minute presentations made during the evening (including talks by James Spann, Alabama Poverty Project executive director Kristina Scott and Jefferson County EMA's Mark Kelly) will soon be available for viewing at the event's official website."
Poverty Conference, Good Day Alabama, 5/19/11
"Partners for this project include Arise Citizens Policy Project, Alabama Poverty Project, Low Income Housing Coalition of Alabama , Alabama Commision to Reduce Poverty, Alabama Asset Building Coalition and Alabama Appleseed Center for Law & Justice."
Auburn Relief Efforts, Auburn University Office of Communications and Marketing, 5/17/11
"The Alabama Poverty Project/Alabama Possible Initiative, an advocacy group founded by former Auburn professor Wayne Flynt and former president Wilford Bailey, has compiled a list of relief options across the state allowing students and alumni many ways to give, volunteer and advocate for friends and neighbors across the state."
Viewpoint Alabama, 105.5 WERC, 5/15/11
"Our guest on Viewpoint Alabama is Kristina Scott, who is with the Alabama Poverty Project."
"High Povery Counties Hit by Tornadoes" – Alabama Rural Ministry, 5/4/11
"Natural disasters hit high poverty communities the hardest," says Kristina Scott, Executive Director of the Alabama Poverty Project (APP). "They are more vulnerable to personal injury and property damage when a storm hits, have fewer financial resources and are more likely to experience severe mental health impacts, including post-traumatic stress disorder."
"Alabama Poverty Project discusses storm victims in poverty" – Good Day Alabama, 5/4/11
"Kristina Scott from the Alabama Poverty Project came to the studio to discuss storm victims in poverty. 30 of the 36 counties declared part of the disaster have poverty levels above the national poverty rate."
"Find out how to help in aftermath" – Victor Lukerson, Crimson White, 4/29/11
"Robyn Hyden, Communications and Development Director for the Alabama Possible campaign operated by the Alabama Poverty Project, saw a need Thursday morning and reacted. By Thursday afternoon, Alabama Possible had distributed a comprehensive list of how people can help in the aftermath of the tornado."
"UFWH News and Upcoming Events" – Global Health News, 4/5/11
"Alabama ranks number one in the nation for households experiencing hunger, according to the USDA. That's why the Alabama Poverty Project seeks to foster collaboration among universities and colleges across the state to address develop comprehensive solutions to food security and hunger."
"Faith Communities – Impact on Hunger" – The Hunger Forum, 2/28/11
"Last June, Alabama Possible hosted a hunger workshop called "Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread" in Mobile, AL. It was attended by over 50 members of the greater Mobile faith community and boasted a number of speakers including those from Angel Food Ministries and Providence Farm Community Gardens."
"Alabama Poverty Project on a quest to turn ideas into reality" – Kara Kennedy, B-metro, 2/16/11
"Kristina Scott, the Executive Director of the Alabama Poverty Project, spends most of her waking hours thinking about poverty"
"Film shows history of school lunches" – Patty Vaughan, Tuscaloosa News, 2/12/11
"The Alabama Poverty Project will sponsor a showing of the documentary "Lunch Line," a film about the history of the national school lunch program, at the Bama Theatre from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday."
"Editorial: The Birmingham News" (PDF) – The Advisor, February 2011
"As Kristina Scott of the Alabama Poverty Project points out: 'A jar of peanut butter may be the same price in Alabama and Florida, but it's 10 percent more in Alabama because of the sales tax on food.'"
"Birmingham Area Nonprofit Organizations Receive Grants" – Alabama Civil Justice Foundation, 2/4/11
"The Alabama Civil Justice Foundation is pleased to announce its grant awards to Birmingham area nonprofit organizations whose programs and services assist communities, children, families and seniors. Birmingham area grantees are the Alabama Association of Nonprofits, the Alabama Center for Law & Civic Education, the Alabama Gospel Music Cultural Arts Center, the Alabama Poverty Project…and Workshops, Inc."
"Barbour County's children most affected by poverty" – Tiffiny Woo, The Eufala Tribune, 1/18/11
"Barbour County's poverty rate increased significantly between 2008 and '09, from 24.5 to 32.8 percent. That's nearly double the rates reported by surrounding counties such as Henry (18.7 percent), Houston (17.7 percent) and Russell (19.9 percent). 'We knew that the recession hit Alabama hard and deep,' said APP executive director Kristina Scott in a news release. 'This new data helps us paint a picture of where poverty has increased the most and where the needs are the greatest.'"
"On the Move" -The Birmingham News, 12/21/10
"The Alabama Civil Justice Foundation's board of directors approved $210,000 in grants to organizations across Alabama, including 15 Birmingham area nonprofits that received $91,500 in grants. Among the Birmingham area grantees were the Alabama Center for Law & Civic Education ($3,000), the Alabama Gospel Music & Cultural Arts Center ($3,000), the Alabama Poverty Project ($4,500) and Alabama Women's Resource Network ($5,000)."
"Report: Poverty rose in Mobile, Baldwin counties in 2009" -Mobile Press Register, 12/10/10
"Poverty rates in Mobile and Baldwin counties rose in 2009, according to a report from the Alabama Poverty Project. About 18.7 percent of Mobile's population lived in poverty in 2009, up slightly from the 18.6 percent who did in 2008. Baldwin County's rate jumped higher, from 9.9 percent in 2008 to 13.3 percent."
"Poverty level up in Morgan, Limestone counties; down in Madison County" – Budd McLaughlin, The Huntsville Times, 12/10/10
"We knew that the recession hit Alabama hard and deep," said Kristina Scott, executive director of the Alabama Poverty Project. "This new data helps us paint a picture of where poverty has increased the most, and where the needs are the greatest."
"Author Flynt says poverty debate is poor on facts" – Mike Odom, Baldwin County Now, 12/7/10
"There are more references to the poor in the Bible than any other subject except idolatry," said Flynt, who is also a Southern Baptist preacher, during a lecture that wove together stories, facts, and an appeal to join the Alabama Possible campaign. That program was launched in 2009 by the Alabama Poverty Project, a nonprofit group Flynt helped found in 1993. "I got really tired of people talking about the problem (of poverty) without information but tons of opinions," he said, as one of the reasons the Alabama Possible campaign was started."
"Our View: Hunger report more ammo in grocery sales tax fight" – Editorial Board, The Gadsden Times, 11/28/10
"The Alabama Poverty Project says food prices may be a factor, in no small measure because of taxes on groceries."
"Our View: Alabama has too many adults and children who are going to bed hungry" – Editorial Board, The Birmingham News, 11/26/10
"As Kristina Scott of the Alabama Poverty Project points out: 'A jar of peanut butter may be the same price in Alabama and Florida, but it's 10 percent more in Alabama because of the sales tax on food.'"
"Report: Ala. has highest rate of hunger in country" – Associated Press, 11/20/10
"Kristina Scott of the Alabama Poverty Project said she blamed the state's nearly 17 percent poverty rate and food sales tax for the hunger problems."
"Hunger in Alabama is the highest in the U.S." – Mary Orndoff, Birmingham News, 11/20/10.
"While Alabama's high poverty rate of 16.6 percent is certainly to blame, the price of food also may be a factor, said Kristina Scott of the Alabama Poverty Project."
"Hunger and Food Security Initiative seeks to enlighten campus" – Sally Sperling, UAB Kaleidoscope, 10/18/10.
"Some of the community partners involved in the cause are Greater Birmingham Ministries, P.E.E.R. Inc., Magic City Harvest, Jones Valley Urban Farms, Greater Community Food Partners, Bread for the World, Alabama Poverty Project, Better Basics, West End Community Gardens, HUMC Five Points South, and Fairfield Robinson and Donald Elementary Schools."
"Alabama's Poverty Rate is Up" – Linda White, NBC 13 news, 9/16/10
"Church continues celebration" – Dekalb Times-Journal, 9/16/10
"Potts has served as Judson College president since 1990. He received a doctorate of philosophy from the University of Alabama in 1989, a masters of science in education from Samford University in 1978 and a bachelor of arts from Samford in 1972. He currently serves in capacity on several boards of directors, including the Alabama Independent Colleges Association, Marion Academy as treasurer, Alabama Poverty Project as chairman, Sowing Seeds of Hope as secretary, Vaughn Regional Medical Center and the Black Belt Action Commission health committee."
"AUM to host statewide higher education summit" – Matt Okarmus, Montgomery Advertiser, 9/9/10
"The annual conference of the Alabama Poverty Project's Higher Education Alliance will focus on making college more accessible, student retention and service-learning."
"On the Line: The Price of Poverty" – Bradley George, WBHM 90.3 FM, 8/27/10
"What are the essentials of life? Food, water, and shelter. And to get those you have to have some kind of paying work or be enrolled in a government assistance program. But for the working poor (many of whom don't qualify for government assistance) even the basics can be too expensive. They often cost more for working poor than for middle class people. We'll explore this today at noon on WBHM's On the Line: The Price of Poverty with Dr. Mark LaGory, an urban sociologist and human ecologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Kristina Scott, executive director of the Alabama Poverty Project."
"Lunch leaders: Alabama Poverty Project hopes documentary will bring about change" – Cory Bordonaro, Birmingham Weekly, 8/26/10
"This coming Saturday, The Alabama Poverty Project will team up with several other local non-profits interested in poverty's ties to food insecurity and obesity, to host a screening of the documentary film Lunch Line at Bottletree."
"Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread" – Religion Calendar, Decatur Daily, 8/26/10
"Hunger Workshop, The Lincoln Village Church, 2103 Virginia Blvd. N.W., Huntsville, Tuesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Speakers from Alabama Poverty Project and other organizations."
"School lunch film to premiere" – Amy Jones, Shelby County Reporter, 8/18/10
"According to a press release from the poverty-fighting organization Alabama Possible, the film is intended to spark discussions about child nutrition and how school lunches are essential in making sure children have enough to eat daily."
"State's Black Belt remains troubled"– Editorial Board, Montgomery Advertiser, 8/24/10
"According to the Alabama Poverty Project, the poverty rate for each of the counties is Bullock, 33.6 percent; Choctaw, 22.9; Dallas, 29.9; Greene, 30.3; Hale, 26; Lowndes, 25.4; Macon, 30.5; Marengo, 22.6; Perry, 31.7; Pickens, 25.6; Sumter, 32.9; and Wilcox, 30.2."
"Finding balance with yoga" – Michelle Williams, Birmingham News, 8/22/10
"Representatives from the Alabama Poverty Project (APP) and Yoga in Action Birmingham, a program under Off the Mat, Into the World, came together to raise awareness of poverty in Alabama."
"Kristina Scott, Executive Director of Alabama Poverty Project, to Speak at One Huntsville" – Interfaith Mission Service, 4/20/10
"On Tuesday, April 20 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Tin Tin Restaurant, One Huntsville will host the following presentation during their monthly gathering: Alabama Possible: Discovering Intersections of Poverty, Faith, and Social Justice. Be a part of better unifying the work of our community as we link with many other just communities in the 'New Alabama.'"
"Your Views: Aiding Poor" – Norma May Isakow, The Birmingham News, 2/4/10
"Will it take an earthquake or a Hurricane Katrina to shake us up into the realization we need to be caring for those right here in need? The Alabama Poverty Project, Alabama Arise, Greater Birmingham Ministries and the YWCA are excellent ways of caring by contributing."
"Payday Lending: A Burden on Working Families" – Kristina Scott, The Anniston Star, 11/22/09
"Consumer experts say that capping interest at 36 percent — the same rate that banks and other lenders can charge — would be a start. Well, let's get started. Kristina Scott is the executive director of the Alabama Poverty Project, a nonprofit organization that educates and equips Alabamians to eradicate poverty."
50 in 52 Journey Interview Kristina Scott, YouTube, 9/30/09
"High Cost Credit Summit: Alabama Groups Target Predatory Lenders" – Markeshia Ricks, Montgomery Advertiser, 9/25/2009
"The Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice Inc., Arise Citizens' Policy Project, the Alabama Poverty Project and AARP Alabama joined forces Thursday to sponsor a summit on the high cost of credit for low-income residents in the state and what can be done to protect consumers."
"Homelessness Rising in Etowah, Calhoun Counties" – Megan Nichols, Anniston Star, 9/18/2009
"Kristina Scott, executive director of the Alabama Poverty Project, said poverty in Alabama is largely generational, meaning people from poor families are likely to remain poor. She said the state needs progress in health care, education and other areas to change that pattern."
"Writer Rick Bragg Addresses Constitutional Reform Group" – Patricia C. McCarter, Huntsville Times, 8/28/09
"Also recognized at the ACCR's third annual luncheon were…Partner of the Year: the Alabama Poverty Project."
"State's Moral Progress Will Be a Topic at Fellowship" – J. Sawyer, Mobile Press Register, 7/10/09
"Black will discuss possible ways to engender civic engagement and commitment to moral progress… He is on the boards of the Alabama Civil Justice Foundation, Voices for Alabama's Children and the Alabama Poverty Project."
"Community Foundation Awards Grants" – Staff reports, The Birmingham News, 6/4/2009
"The Alabama Poverty Project: $2,100 toward hiring a Faith and Community Partnership Coordinator for the Faith Outreach Program to promote poverty issues within the faith community, including outreach and education tools for the faith community."
"Alabama Commission to Reduce Poverty to Study Which State-Supported Programs Work " – David White, Birmingham News, 5/29/2009
"Commission members also will include appointees of the Alabama Poverty Project, Alabama Arise, Alabama Community Action Agencies, the Low Income Housing Coalition, and VOICES for Alabama's Children."
"At Least It's A Start: Another Go At Reducing Poverty" –Editorial Board, Anniston Star, 5/22/09
"The Legislature created the Alabama Commission to Reduce Poverty and charged it to 'study and evaluate … state-supported programs that serve those living in poverty.'…Those decisions are sound and warranted, but most of this information already exists. It has been collected by groups such as the Alabama Poverty Project, which have spent years pointing out the very conditions that this commission is suppose to 'study and evaluate.' "
"Alabama Possible: A Journey to the Black Belt," Religion Events, Birmingham News, 3/28/09
"Levite Jewish Community Center: 'Alabama Possible: A Journey to the Black Belt,' a daylong trip to the Black Belt of Alabama, sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Committee of the Birmingham Jewish Foundation and the Alabama Poverty Project, Sunday, 10:30 a.m., 3960 Montclair Road."
"Thomas Corts, former Samford University president, dies" –Thomas Spencer, 2/5/09, The Birmingham News
"Dr. Corts led Samford through one of the brightest periods in its 167-year history…He was also a director of the Alabama Poverty Project."
"Upcoming Seminar in Birmingham Aims to Help Faith Communities Battle Poverty" – Brett Buckner, The Anniston Star, 1/24/09
"Sponsored by the Alabama Poverty Project and the Alabama Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, the Jan. 31 meeting in Birmingham's Civil Rights District will feature 13 education programs presented by some of the state's most respected scholars, advocates and religious leaders."
"Young Professional Leaders Hope to Capitalize on Change" – The Huntsville Times, 1/4/09
"Elizabeth Dotts… Civic or volunteer activities: At the state level, a member of the Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform Foundation and Alabama Poverty Project."
"Poverty Awareness Week Trains Future Educators and Counselors" – Auburn University, 11/5/08
"The week will begin with an open forum entitled "Understanding Poverty in Alabama," scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in room 2216 of the Student Center. State Sen. Ted Little will attend the session, which will also include Dr. Cindy Reed, director of Auburn University's Truman Pierce Institute, Kristina Scott from the Alabama Poverty Project, Linda Tilly of Voices for Alabama's Children and Shakita Jones and Melissa Oliver from Alabama Arise."
"A Mighty Tall Stack of Turtles" – Susan Pace Hamill, The Huntsville Times, 11/30/08
"The Alabama Poverty Project is conducting a series of events to provide information and resources about poverty to local faith communities across the state. At the Huntsville forum I commented on the history and current state of poverty in Alabama and shared my thoughts on the important contributions that must be made by the faith community…"
"Faith Community Can Do More to Help" – Earla Lockhart, The Huntsville Times, 11/21/08
"I attended an Alabama Poverty Project Symposium on Monday. Along with approximately 75 other members of the faith community, I listened intently as Susan Pace Hamill, an Alabama law professor and strong advocate for Constitutional reform, and members of the clergy community expressed concerns on the failure of the faith community to be effective proponents of change. I was both convicted and convinced that I am 'guilty as charged.'"
"Symposium Eyes Poverty, Church Actions" – Kay Campbell, Huntsville Times, 11/21/08
"The half-day symposium of the Alabama Poverty Project at First Baptist Church was sponsored by Huntsville's Interfaith Mission Service's Faith Coalition for Poverty and Public Policy, a group which seeks ways to eradicate systemic injustices that increase poverty."
"Auburn University's Poverty Awareness Week to Include Public Forums" – Auburn University Press Release, 11/5/08
"The opening forum, 'Understanding Poverty in Alabama,' is on Monday, Nov. 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in room 2216 of the Student Center. Participants include Cindy Reed, director of Auburn University's Truman Pierce Institute, Kristina Scott from the Alabama Poverty Project, Linda Tilly of Voices for Alabama's Children and Shakita Jones and Melissa Oliver from Alabama Arise."
"Alabama Poverty Project Aims to Solve Poverty" – Religion Briefs, The Huntsville Times, 10/31/08
"The Alabama Poverty Project, a partnership with local faith communities, faith leaders, and faith cooperatives, brings a free symposium to Huntsville Nov. 17."
"College of Social Work Names Dean" – University of Kentucky News Release, 10/23/08
"James P. 'Ike' Adams Jr. has been named dean of the University of Kentucky College of Social Work pending approval by the UK Board of Trustees… Adams has also served on the board of the Alabama Poverty Project and as a research associate for the Kettering Foundation."
"President's Distinguished Scholars Lecture on Southern Culture" – Palm Beach Atlantic University press release, 11/22/08
"Palm Beach Atlantic University hosts its annual President's Distinguished Scholar Lecture in October with Dr. J. Wayne Flynt, expert on Southern culture and award- winning author…An active member in his community, Dr. Flynt serves on the board of directors for Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation and Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform. He is the founder and director of the Alabama Poverty Project and a founder of Sowing Seeds of Hope, a 30-year initiative to address poverty in one of America's poorest counties, Perry County, Ala. Dr. Flynt previously served as the president of the Southern Historical Society Association…"
"Bailey Thomson Award Evokes a Tale of Two Alabamas" – Kristina Scott, Mobile Press Register, 9/19/08
"Numerous Alabamians who were present at the award ceremony on Aug. 28 rejoiced at Dr. Flynt's many accomplishments and contributions, including being one of the founders of the Alabama Poverty Project, an organization that collaborates with many others (including ACCR) to reduce and eventually eliminate poverty in Alabama."
"Scott Named Poverty Director" – Greg Garrison, Birmingham News, 8/23/08
"The Alabama Poverty Project , a faith-based organization founded by the Rev. Earl Potts and historian Wayne Flynt, has named Kristina Scott as its new executive director."
"Birmingham-Southern Hess Center Fellows Include First International Internship" – Birmingham Southern Press Release, 5/28/08
"Eleven students will spend eight weeks this summer working with local and state organizations on various advocacy issues including constitutional reform, empowering women, the environment and federal hunger legislation. Laura Buckner, a junior interdisciplinary sociology/psychology major from Hendersonville, Tenn., will work with Alabama Poverty Project, Birmingham."
"University of Alabama Alumni Association Recognizes Top Award Recipients" – University of Alabama Press Release, 5/14/08.
"The 2008 Distinguished Alumna Award winner is Mary Allen Jolley of Moundville… In her community work, Jolley serves on the board of directors of the Alabama Civil Justice Foundation, Voices for Alabama's Children, Alabama 4-H Club Foundation and the Alabama Poverty Project."
"Charity is Good, but Justice is Better" – Nick Foster, Mobile Press-Register, 4/6/08.
"Faith plays a powerful role in day-to-day Alabama life. If poverty is to be ended here, those who live by faith will have to step up, learn the truth and then act. With that in mind, the Alabama Poverty Project will offer a forum for clergy and other faith leaders in Mobile on Thursday at Spring Hill College."
"Constitution Reform Gathers Steam" – Michael Maetz, Birmingham News Editorial, 3/9/08
"The Alabama Poverty Project and Greater Birmingham Ministries are intimately familiar with the unfair, highly regressive system of taxation in Alabama that is embedded in the constitution, a system that hits lowest-income citizens the hardest and hinders economic development in the state."
"Poverty Project Talk" – Judy Haise, The Birmingham News Social Column, 1/23/08
"Tax reform is an important key to addressing poverty, the former Baptist minister told the women meeting at Independent Presbyterian Church. 'Charity is good, but justice is better,' he said."
"Religion Events" – Birmingham News, 11/10/07
"Poverty Project Forums – Guest Speaker Wayne Flynt"
"Politicians' Anti-Poverty Efforts Lost in Translation: Impoverished Backgrounds Don't Help" – Lukata Mjumbe, Mobile Press-Register, 10/14/07
"Any effort at eliminating poverty that does not include poor people themselves is doomed to fail. Politicians and middle-class think tanks, by themselves, will never fashion real solutions for poverty in our state."
"Panel to Fight Alabama Poverty" – Bob Johnson, Associated Press, 10/10/07
"Nick Foster, director of the Alabama Poverty Project, said he hopes the committee will dispel some common misconceptions about poverty, such as that 'people are poor because they are lazy.'"
"Breaking the Cycle" – Editorial Board, Birmingham News, 10/4/07
"But there will be no expensive study paid for by taxpayers, or anybody else, Todd says. That's why groups such as Alabama Arise and the Alabama Poverty Project are involved – they already have more data than the task force needs."
"Colleges, Universities Come Together at University of Alabama for Statewide Conference on Service Learning, Poverty" – UA Press Release, 9/26/07
"The Center for Ethics & Social Responsibility at The University of Alabama, the Alabama Poverty Project, Impact Alabama: A Student Service Initiative, and the UAB Center for Urban Affairs are presenting 'To Whom Much Is Given,' a statewide conference on service learning in higher education…"
"Conference Explores Higher Ed's Mission" – Stephen Black, The Birmingham News, 9/23/07
"The Alabama Poverty Project, the Center for Ethics & Social Responsibility at the University of Alabama, Impact Alabama and the UAB Center for Urban Affairs will host a statewide conference, 'To Whom Much is Given,' on service learning in higher education Sept. 27 and 28 in Tuscaloosa."
"Community Foundation Distributes 2.4 million" – Anne Ruisi, Birmingham News, 9/19/07
"The Alabama Poverty Project [received] $7,000 to support the Faith Initiative in informing and encouraging Alabama faith leaders in seeking solutions to poverty in the state."
"Hopeful Immigrant Children Left Behind" – Isabel Rubio, Mobile Press-Register, 8/12/07
"As the executive director of the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama and as a board member with the Alabama Poverty Project, I am deeply troubled by the nearsightedness of our elected officials in not making this connection. Currently, Alabama has a poverty rate of over 15 percent, with a rate of child poverty at almost 25 percent."
"1901 Constitution: Winners & Losers" – Mark Berte, Huntsville Times, 5/27/07
"The work of the Alabama Poverty Project demonstrates that the 1901 Constitution conspires against the estimated 700,000 people who live in poverty in our state. Alabamians start taxing a family of four when they make just $12,600 even though the federal poverty line is $20,615. We also have to rely heavily on sales taxes which, as explained in Lewis Lehe's 'It's a Thick Book' video, are extraordinarily regressive."
"Corley Tapped to Head New Honors Program" – UAB Press Release, 5/9/07
"Active in leadership roles throughout his career, Corley serves on the Alabama Poverty Project Board, serving as board chair from 1997-2004, the Cahaba River Society Board, serving as its current president, the Leadership Birmingham board and executive committee and the Region 2020 Board."
"Poverty Task Force, Established to Assess the Current and Future Impact of Poverty on Residents in Alabama" – Alabama State Legislature, HJR320, 4/12/07
"BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That there is hereby created the Poverty Task Force. The task force shall consist of the following members…(8) A representative of the Alabama Poverty Project."
"Alabama Affordable Housing Task Force, Established" – Alabama State Legislature, 4/12/07
"The task force shall be composed of the following appointed members… (8) The Alabama Poverty Project shall appoint one member."
"Your Opinions: Being Born Into Poverty Shouldn't Shorten Anyone's Life" – Brandy Duncan, opinion page, Birmingham News, 2/22/07
"Recently, the News featured an essay written by a member of the Alabama Poverty Project that highlighted the 'link between our wellness and our economic conditions across our lifespan.' Poverty and healthcare issues are strongly related and need to be addressed as such."
"Dire Numbers Describe Poverty of State's Residents, Project's Director Says" – Melanie Smith, Decatur Daily, 1/19/07
"Nick Foster of the Alabama Poverty Project said the statistics may be 'mind-numbing,' but they are important in getting people thinking about how to eradicate poverty in the state."
"History and Hope: Grieving – and Rejoicing – Over the State of Alabama with Wayne Flynt" – Phillip Jordan, The Birmingham Weekly, 1/18/07
"A co-founder of the Alabama Poverty Project and Sowing Seeds of Hope, he most recently assumed the title of editor-in-chief of the online Encyclopedia of Alabama."
"Little Known of Status of Ex-Welfare Clients" – Mike Cason, Birmingham News, 7/29/06
"Richard Crow, professor emeritus of social work at the University of Alabama and interim director of the Alabama Poverty Project, said it's harder for people in poor, rural counties to find the entry-level jobs that most welfare recipients can perform."
"Alabama Constitutional Reformer to Deliver Bloom Lecture at University of Alabama's Blount Undergraduate Initiative" – UA Press Release, 3/30/06
"Hamill also serves on the board of directors of the Wesley Foundation at UA, the Alabama Poverty Project, and Turning Point, an organization dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in West Alabama."
"State Needs Rural Center" – Mobile Register, Jim Aucoin, 2/8/06
"For example, the Alabama Poverty Project at Auburn University, Montgomery reported that poverty levels dropped in Alabama's cities during the 1990s, but remained steady at over 30 percent in many rural areas."
"6 to be Inducted into Hall of Fame: Kiwanis Club Honors Business Leaders" – Birmingham News, 9/20/05
"Corts is director of the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama that he helped form. Boards he has served on include the Alabama Poverty Project, Birmingham International Festival and Children's Literacy Guild."
"Black to Speak at Unitarian Fellowship" – Religion Digest, Mobile Register, 8/19/05
"Black will discuss how our 'values voters' shape our political identity on the state level. These voters say that "moral values" is the issue that matters most to them in deciding how to vote… He serves on the boards of the Alabama Civil Justice Foundation, Voices for Alabama's Children and the Alabama Poverty Project."
"Weighed Down: Alabama is Held Back by Unresolved Issues of Poverty, Race and Taxation" – Wayne Flynt, Mobile Register, 6/5/05
"That is the primary task of the Alabama Poverty Project, which seeks to bring together people of faith to end poverty. The state simply will not be able to compete if apathy and neglect continue to characterize the response of most affluent citizens toward the poorest."
"Shelby, Hoover Non-Profits Get $200,000 in Grants" – Jon Anderson, Birmingham News, 5/27/05
"Other agencies receiving grants from The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham:… The Alabama Poverty Project, $6,000 toward publication of the second edition of 'The Picture of Poverty in Alabama,' a databook reflecting poverty and other measures of economic conditions."
"Alabama is No. 1: When It Comes to Having an Unfair Tax System, Alabama Still Leads the Nation" – Kimble Forrister, Mobile Register, 4/24/05
"Some statewide coalitions, including Alabama Arise, VOICES for Alabama's Children and the Alabama Poverty Project, are trying to improve the public's basic tax literacy. An informed public can discern the values that underlie policy decisions about tax fairness and adequacy."
"Group Rallies Against Poverty" – Rosa Ramirez, Birmingham Post-Herald, 4/20/05
"Of the estimated 4.4 million Alabamians, 16.1 percent live in poverty, according to recent study by the Alabama Poverty Project, a nonprofit group in Birmingham that aims to reduce poverty in the state."
"Consumer-Driven Faith" – Stephen Foster Black, Mobile Register, 4/3/05
"We at the Alabama Poverty Project seek to reform certain institutions, change specific policies and work to pass needed legislation. But we also strive toward a larger goal – that of changing minds and opening hearts."
"State of Poverty – There's new hope for an old problem in Alabama" – Susan Pace Hamill, Mobile Register, 2/6/05
"The Alabama Poverty Project, a nonprofit organization led by Dr. Wayne Flynt, is committed to providing a holistic effort to identify and fight the causes behind the tragedy of poverty in Alabama."
"Living Wage? Researchers Document Plight of 'Wage Gap' Families" – Robin Oliver, Birmingham Post Herald, 6/4/04
"The low family assistance payment guarantees that anyone who can work will do so rather than living off welfare. Jo Dohoney, professor of sociology at Samford University and former director of the Alabama Poverty Project, said she doesn't consider that such good news."
"Tax Plan: Alabama Partnership Grows With New Members" –The Associated Press, Birmingham Post-Herald, 7/23/03
"The Alabama Partnership for Progress announced Tuesday that it had added 10 members: the Children's Trust Foundation, Region 2020, the Alabama Heart Association, the Alabama Soft Drink Association, the Alabama Residential Childcare Association, the YWCA of Central Alabama, One Montgomery, the Alabama Historic Ironworks Association, the Alabama Poverty Project, and Citizens for Responsible Government."
Education Briefs, The Birmingham News, 7/29/01
"Samford University's Alabama Poverty Project will sponsor a statewide conference, 'Confronting Poverty: Making Change II,' Sept. 15 at Judson College in Marion."
Obituaries, The Birmingham News, 10/9/00
"Bailey, Dr. Wilford S., age 79, died Saturday October 7, 2000… In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine…the Alabama Poverty Project…or the East Alabama Medical Center Foundation."
"Leaders, An Essay: Look for Leadership Close to Home, Not Down the Road in Montgomery" – Wayne Flynt, The Birmingham News, 10/17/99
"Alabama Arise, the Gift of Life Foundation, Success by Six, A+, Voices for Alabama's Children, the Alabama Poverty Project and Children First are just a few of literally hundreds of local initiatives to make Alabama a better and more just place to live."
"Survive and Prosper – but 1998 Was Not a Great Year for our Future" – Editorial, The Birmingham News, 1/1/99
"Meanwhile, the state did practically nothing about the kinds of problems outlined in an extensive study by the Alabama Poverty Project."
"A Tale of the Season" – Wayne Flynt, The Birmingham News, 12/20/98
"As we indulge ourselves this Christmas, this new publication of the Alabama Poverty Project should haunt all of us. If the banquets and plentitude leave us feeling physically bloated and spiritually empty, perhaps our unease is God's gift to us this season."
"Meeting Here: A Renewed Look at Inequality" – Peggy Sanford, The Birmingham News, 10/15/98
"Alabama sponsors of the Birmingham assembly include Alabama Poverty Project, Alabama Power Foundation, BellSouth Foundation, Biracial Study Group of Dothan, Civic Entrepreneurs of Greensboro, Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham and Innerchange Project of Montgomery."
"Poverty Group Tabs Corley" – Birmingham News, 7/21/97
"Robert Corley of Birmingham has been elected chair of the executive committee of the Alabama Poverty Project board of directors."
"Samford Hosts State Poverty Meeting" – Jeff B. Hansen, Birmingham News, 8/18/96
"Poor in Alabama is the first of a planned annual meeting sponsored by the Alabama Poverty Project."
"News Briefs" – The Birmingham News, 8/14/96
"Replacing poverty myths with realistic ideas to help poor people will be the focus of the 10 a.m.-4:40 p.m. event, 'Poor in Alabama,' sponsored by the 3-year-old Alabama Poverty Project."


text:
If you can dream it, you can do it. -Walt Disney
Quality is a great business plan. -John Lasseter
Let's make some funny pictures. -Tex Avery
I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend. -Howard Zinn
When critics sit in judgment it is hard to tell where justice leaves off and vengeance begins. -Chuck Jones
And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? -Jesus
A man should never neglect his family for business. -Walt Disney
What's most important in animation is the emotions and the ideas being portrayed. -Ralph Bakshi
Once you have heard a strange audience burst into laughter at a film you directed, you realize what the word joy is all about. -Chuck Jones
Before enlightenment: chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment: chop wood, carry water. -Buddhist Proverb
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Video Game Concept Art
Showcase your drawings, illustrations, video and media.
8 posts • Page 1 of 1
Video Game Concept Art
hi again...I've returned seeking some feedback on some character stock art I've done for a game I'm designing. the idea behind the game is to pay homage to as well as give an examination of video games from the 1990s (specifically platformers but there's really a mix of everything), and thus the art represents that. some of you might notice it bears a resemblance to the old programmer art of the classic Pokemon titles on the Game Boy...this is intentional. while I originally didn't have access to real watercolours myself, I developed in a style that tributes that as well as provides something unique in its design. I like it so much I've decided to stick with it. anyways, enough rambling - here's the art. let me know what you think (organized from oldest to newest):
Hero Characters
Tim the Flazo (Apr 2012)
Tim prepares a fireball attack (Nov 2012)
Enemy Characters
Hukatop, spinning defender of Sun World (Apr 2012)
Needle, prickly nuisance of the Wayward Forest (Apr 2012)
Nijitori, discreet pilot of the Thunder Cloud (Nov 2012)
Twistere, mighty guardian of the Thunder Cloud (Jan 2013)
i'm eager to hear what you think. if you're interest I can provide more - plus some details on the game itself. cheers
Re: Video Game Concept Art
Hi cifala. Thanks for posting to AN's Gallery. You can improve your designs by taking the time to learn a little more about character design. Some basic fundamentals are missing from the work you have displayed. Important aspects of the art such as construction and ways to enhance the appeal of the designs. Although the concepts are interesting and have potential they lack the dynamics of a professional presentation quality. If you research character design on the Web I'm sure you'll find some helpful information and tips. Improving the presentation quality of your work draw more attention and enthusiasm to to your project, pun semi intended. Good luck and follow up with us on the next pass and as you continue to progress with your project.
Daily Z
Re: Video Game Concept Art
thanks for the feedback. i found a couple of resources I'll be examining before I start up again. in the meanwhile, here's a new character I designed last week. let me know if it's any improvement.
Treed'oh, first miniboss of Axle City (Jan 2013)
Re: Video Game Concept Art
There is an improvement. The design is better and reads as a stronger graphic overall. It's important to have your character designs at a professional level if you're looking to attract a broad audience and you want your project to be taken seriously.
Daily Z
Re: Video Game Concept Art
Your drawings remind me of Pokemon.
Re: Video Game Concept Art
awesome, that's the look I'm going for with these. homage and all etc.
anyways, here's a new character. took some time to detail the outline a bit better. happy with everything except for the tail (too angular):
Drakey, pursuitant of the Sun World Fortress (Feb 2013)
Re: Video Game Concept Art
The drawing looks a bit better than the others. On the hands you should work a bit more and the mouth looks kind of funny. I find the neck too thin for its length, but that's just my own opinion. One can see the reference to Pokemon in any case. How many creatures do you want to invent?
Re: Video Game Concept Art
I'm going to be doing at least 25 characters, some related to others, mostly all unique though. Here is a new one I did early in the month:
Friginaut, the ice ogre (August 2013).
8 posts • Page 1 of 1


text:
Kosher Appetizers
|Matbucha - Tomato & Pepper Salad
Adapted from original recipe by Devorah Schecter, Camp Yavneh Meat Chef
10 soft tomatoes
Dice peppers into medium to small pieces. Slice spicy peppers into rings and garlic into halves. (I chop the hot peppers into tiny pieces and chop the garlic as well.)
Heat oil. Cut tomatoes into medium to small pieces and add to peppers. Add spices and bring to boil and lower heat. Mix constantly until most of the liquid evaporates. I like to add a bit of tomato paste for color. It also helps to thicken the matbucha.
Taste and adjust any of the seasonings. In Israel, and at camp, Matbucha is used as a dip or as a first course along with hummus, eggplant salad, etc. It can also be used as a shmear for oven baked fish!
Recipes: Appetizers, Vegetarian, Parve, Kosher


text:
Minnetonka Fringe Bootie
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Item # 254700
This fringed bootie from Minnetonka is right on trend and super cute for fall! The moccasin inspired look gives you casual and cool all in one.
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text:
When I send a photo to a friend via iMessage and not MMS, will the geotag location be sent along with the photo? If so, is there any way to remove the location before the photo is sent for privacy reasons.
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Ask Different is a question and answer site for power users of Apple hardware and software. It's 100% free, no registration required.
The location data is definitely sent with images sent over iMessage; I've saved an image sent by another person and itappeared on the "Places" tab in Photos. A trick you could use to remove the location data is to open the picture, take a screenshot (press home and sleep together) and then send the screenshot. The downside though is that it might be lower quality.