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Bill Clinton coming to Altoona on Friday
Clair S. Coho
Feb. 13, 1936 Nov. 18, 2013
Clair S. Coho, 77, Altoona, died Monday at Select Specialty Hospital, Johnstown, after an extended illness.
He was born in Altoona, son of the late Walter and Hazel (Forney) Coho. He married Margery A. Weigand on Sept. 29, 1956, in Altoona.
Surviving are his wife, Marge; a son, Daniel O. "Troop" (Charlene) of Bellwood; three daughters: Debra Wood (Ronald) of Salisbury, Md., Brenda "Tuffy" Snyder (Curtis) of Tipton and Penny "Dummy" Neff of Altoona; nine grandchildren: Christopher, Amanda, Danielle, Rebecca, Chad, Tyler, Samantha, Jared and Taylor; a great-granddaughter, Mia Clair; two brothers: Walter and Dennis, both of Altoona; and a sister, Joyce of Greensburg.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Ronald.
Clair was a 1954 graduate of Altoona High School. He retired from the U.S. Air Force after 20 years of service, having served as an atomic war veteran. He also worked as a mechanic for the U.S. Postal Service in Roaring Spring and Johnstown.
Clair enjoyed hunting, working on Studebakers, puzzles, pouring concrete, yard work and feeding birds.
Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, 2013, at The Stevens Mortuary Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. in Stevens Memorial Chapel by Pastor Mark Rhodes. Interment will be at Blair Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, in memory of Clair.


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From Live from the Artists Den:\n
Since the 2002 release of his intimate debut album\, The Creek Drank The Cradle\, Sam Beam — who records and performs under the name Iron and Wine — has established himsel f as one of the preeminent storytellers in music. His 2004 sophomore album \, Our Endless Numbered Days\, was a critical success and led to a busy 20 05\, in which Beam released two EPs (including one with fellow Artists Den alums Calexico). In 2007\, The Shepherd's Dog was in the Top Ten of Paste Magazine's list of the year's 100 best albums. January 2011 saw the relea se of Iron and Wine's fourth album\, Kiss Each Other Clean. The effort is Beam's first with Warner Bros Records\, and continues Iron and Wine's evol ution from its lo-fi roots to an expanded sound\, featuring a full seven-p iece band accompanying Beam's signature understated vocals.\n
For more on Iron and Wine visit www.ironandwine.comDTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20131110T020000 LOCATION:The Midland by AMC @ 1228 Main Street\, Kansas City\, MO 64105\, U SA SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Iron and Wine URL:http://www.kcpt.org/event/iron-and-wine/ X-INSTANT-EVENT:1 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR

subset: commoncrawl


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Game 2 of a doubleheader Sunday in Albuquerque
Zephyrs 7, Isotopes 4
Game Keys: Jason Alfaro hit two home runs including a seventh inning grand slam as the Zephyrs swept a doubleheader against the Albuquerque Isotopes. Alfaro drove home a game high five RBIs. The Z's broke a 2-2 tie in the top seventh with a Ricky Ledee RBI single scoring Fernando Tatis. New Orleans loaded the bases against former Zephyr Roy Corcoran and Alfaro drilled a grand slam over the left field wall. Alfaro homered in the fourth inning to give the Z's an early lead. The two teams battled back and forth with the Z's scoring a run in the top of the inning and the Isotopes answered in the bottom of the second and fourth. The Isotopes hit three home runs.Ivan Maldonado won his first game of the season and Nate Field suffered the defeat. The first place Zephyrs moved a half game ahead of Albuquerque.
Coming up: The Zephyrs and Isotopes meet in the final game of the five-game series at 9:05 today. Jason Vargas pitches for the Z's, and Daniel Barrone starts for the Isotopes.


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Pope retires, leaves Vatican in helicopter; greets crowd at Castel Gandolfo
Thursday, February 28, 2013 4:01 PM
Nuns wait for the beginning of a thanksgiving service for outgoing pope Benedict XVI. at the St. Hedwig cathedral in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013. At 8 p.m. sharp, Benedict will become the first pontiff in 600 years to resign. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
Related articles
- In final message, Pope Benedict XVI says he's a simple pilgrim (photo gallery) February 28, 2013, 1:33 PM


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Grayson County Juvenile Alternatives, Inc.
Rating: 5 stars 3 3 reviews 1,111
P.O. Box 1625 Sherman TX 75091 USA
North Texas Youth Connection was founded in 1979 (under the name Grayson County Juvenile Alternatives) by the community to provide opportunities to enable youth and families to develop a positive, healthful lifestyle by promoting their safety and well being.
Target demographics:
Youth ages 0-21
Direct beneficiaries per year:
Geographic areas served:
North Texas
Emergency shelter and counseling for youth in trouble total clients served- 5,899 total days of care in shelter- 5,774
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Reviews for Grayson County Juvenile Alternatives, Inc.
4 people found this review helpful
I have had the oppertunity to visit the shelter several times over the past few years delivering Christmas gift and my son has spent time with the kids at the center through the fellowship of his church group. The shelter provides a valuable service to the children who pass through its doors. The staff is loving and kind.
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
The staff at the shelter are some of the biggest hearted people I have had the oppertinity of meeting. They make each child feel special as they are having to deal with a very difficult time in their lives.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
7 people found this review helpful
For the past 7 years, I have worked closely with NTYC with our overlapping cases. The staff goes above and beyond for the kids. Plus I have seen the kids thrive in the positive atmosphere of the shelter. If kids have to be in a shelter NTYC is one of the best.
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If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Not only provide a shelter and transitional living center but also expand to residential treatment centers which are greatly needed in our area.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
8 people found this review helpful
North Texas Youth Connection has helped so many youth and families over the past year. They share donations of food through the second harvest program with other area shelters and foodbanks. They shelter homeless teenagers and go above and beyond to really make a difference in their lives. They provided free counseling to my son and our family, and we saw his grades and performance in school increase dramatically. Since then I've become an occasional volunteer and donor, and see the good use that they are putting my help to, helping so many others in the community.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
seeing the direct impact on the kids.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
very professional, knowledgeable and helpful. They all went above and beyond to help my family, even referring us to other agencies for things that they didn't handle.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
dramatically change the lives of thousands upon thousands of children in a large portion of North Texas. They are already a cycle breaker, ending child abuse and homeless, but would be able to do so for many more youth.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?


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Sep 13, 2013
06:30 AMConnecticut Politics
Tom Foley Says Primary Results in Bridgeport, Stamford Symptomatic of Gov. Malloy's 'Shameful Performance'
Jennifer Swift/Connecticut Magazine
Tom Foley announces he has formed an exploratory committee on Sept. 10, 2013.
In a race in which Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's endorsed candidate was defeated, the loss can be attributed to Malloy's abysmal record, according to potential gubernatorial contender Tom Foley.
But when it comes to a race in which Malloy's endorsed candidate earned nearly double the amount of votes as the runner-up, it's questionable if the governor deserves any of the credit, Foley says.
In a statement following Tuesday's primaries, Foley pointed to results in Bridgeport and Stamford as a sign that even fellow Democrats are fed up with Malloy's "shameful performance", further reducing his political clout as a politician.
In Stamford, where Malloy served as mayor for 14 years, Board of Finance member David Martin beat state Rep. William Tong, who Malloy had endorsed. (Malloy's support for Tong angered some Democrats in his home town because the city's Democratic Town Committee had endorsed Martin.)
In the primary for Bridgeport's Board of Education, challengers defeated the party's endorsed candidates.
Foley said that was further evidence of Malloy's lack of clout.
"Last night's Democratic primary results represent more evidence that Governor Malloy's poor public policy choices and his dismal record of economic mismanagement have made him very vulnerable," Foley said in the statement.
Asked Thursday, Foley said it's possible voters chose Tong over Martin and Malloy wasn't a factor. But, he said, "I think the fact that in Stamford Gov. Malloy was mayor there for 14 years, and if he can't get his candidate over the line, that says something."
The inability of a top leader in a political party to have voters vote by his suggestion is symptomatic of the much bigger issue of Malloy's time in office, Foley said.
"Even the Democrats understand an 8.1 percent unemployment rate and two consecutive years of negative economic growth under Malloy. Having the worst economy in the entire country is a distinction that resonates across all Party lines. Malloy has been tossing around some phony job numbers lately – but it appears those numbers are unconvincing even to his fellow Democrats."
But one of Malloy's endorsed candidates, state Sen. Toni Harp, D-New Haven, took nearly double the amount of votes as the runner-up in the primary for Mayor in New Haven.
Malloy not only endorsed Harp, but also visited her on primary day in New Haven and was in attendance at her victory party along with Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman.
But in this case, Foley questions whether Malloy had anything to do with her win.
"I don't know how much Gov. Malloy helped her to get over the line—whether she would have gotten over the line with or without him, I don't know," he said.
Malloy spokesman Andrew Doba declined to comment, saying via email, "There are at least five Republicans running for Governor, and we're not going to respond to each and every one of their outlandish accusations."
Tom Foley Says Primary Results in Bridgeport, Stamford Symptomatic of Gov. Malloy's 'Shameful Performance'


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Aikido for all or one...
View Single Post
"Just a thought"
IP Hash: 032e2419
Anonymous User
Re: Aikido for all or one...
My solution would not to make a hasty decision of walking away. I hear you saying ideally you would like your sensei to give you the ok to train elsewhere. At the same time allow you to continue training with him or her. I agree you need to first talk to your sensei and work something out first before bolting out the front door.
Before you talk to your sensei put yourself in his or her shoes. I don't think your sensei is a control freak. Let's consider there is a very good reason why he or she disapproves training outside the dojo. Here is one of many concerns I would think your sensei has, when going else where learn something different in a different way than what is taught in the class consider the impact it on his or her teaching credibility. Undermining a teacher purposely or not, when bring in different information, approaches, theories, or techniques needs to be considered by you. Put yourself in your sensei's shoes, understanding his position.
If you work something out where you don't effect your sensei's teaching and knowledge credibility in his class, maybe you don't have to leave. Give it time, don't expect it to happen in one meeting. You may have to meet several times over a period of time. Be patient, understanding, and willing to work something out.


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Four Biglerville residents took three young children along on a shoplifiting spree at the local Wal-Mart, Carlisle police said.
The adults were apprehended by store security Wednesday night as they tried to steal more than $330 worth of items, including toys, cosmetics and baby clothes, police said. They said the children were turned over to a grandparent.
Police said those charged with retail theft and conspiracy are Travis Lauck, 20, Heather Lauck, 19, Kimberly Lauck, 24, and Angelea Rowe, 19.


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The governor of Pakistan's North West Frontier Province has been quoted as saying that there are 15,000 militants in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
Pakistan: Now or Never?
Biden in Pakistan: Where's the baseline?
U.S. Vice President-elect Joe Biden held talks in Pakistan as part of a regional tour expected to focus on terrorism and tensions between Pakistan and India following the Mumbai attacks.
Why India can't do a Gaza on Pakistan
India continues to turn up the heat on Pakistan for the Mumbai attacks, declaring once again on Wednesday that all options were open to disrupt militant networks operating from there. And this, a day after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said official agencies must have been involved in an operation of such sophistication, a serious charge by a head of government against another state.
Curbing militants in Pakistan; a trial of patience?
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has urged Pakistan to cooperate "fully and transparently" in investigations into the Mumbai attacks, while U.S. Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell has pointed a finger at Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Pakistan-based Kashmiri militant group.
Taliban ready to defend Pakistan against India
By Robert Birsel and Zeeshan Haider
Pakistan's Taliban have indignantly criticised what they said were India's "unfounded" threats against Pakistan in the wake of the Mumbai assault and they vowed to rally to the defence of the country in the event of an Indian attack.
"If they dared to attack Pakistan then, God willing, we will share the happiness and grief with all Pakistanis," said Pakistani Taliban spokesman Maulvi Omar.
"We will put the animosity and fighting with the Pakistani army behind us and the Taliban will defend their frontiers, their boundaries, their country with their weapons.
Pakistan:reasons to be anxious or reasons to be alarmed?
The International Institute for Strategic Studies released a note this week looking at the security, political and economic crises afflicting Pakistan.
CAP report revives focus on India-Pakistan relationship
Of all the reports I have read recently about what the United States should do about Pakistan, none so forcefully puts it in the context of its relationship with India as this latest study by the Center for American Progress (see the full pdf document here).
Israel and India vs Obama's regional plans for Afghanistan
Will Israel and India — the first the United States' closest ally and the second fast becoming one of the closest — emerge as the trickiest adversaries in any attempt by the United States to seek a regional solution to Afghanistan?
Will Obama's victory boost democracy in Pakistan?
In his new book about the Pakistan Army, "War, Coups and Terror", Brian Cloughley recounts how the British general, the Duke of Wellington, responded to democracy in his first cabinet meeting as prime minister: "An extraordinary affair. I gave them their orders and they wanted to stay and discuss them."
Wedding deaths in Afghanistan; a challenge for Obama?
The war in Afghanistan-Pakistan is really the central front in the fight against al Qaeda and the Taliban, U.S. President-elect Barack Obama kept saying throughout his campaign, and within hours of his famous victory, he seems to have been thrown a challenge.


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Slow then fast with depletion of glucose stores during the slow part and anaerobic for the fast part. No eating or drinking anything but light water during the at least 1 hour previous and 2 hours post work out.
Slow workout = heavy lifting, yoga, walking, cardio(where you can easily sing call me maybe)
Fast workout = you can barely say the word call


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Ched Gaskin blasted a two-run home run in the first game and a grand slam in the nightcap Sunday as the Muskegon Community College baseball team swept host Jackson, 3-2 and 13-1.
Gaskin, a sophomore catcher from Brighton, has nine home runs on the season.
Tom Tullar was the winning pitcher in the first game, Colton Satterlee picked up his 14th save and Brad DuBois ripped three hits.
In Game 2, Troy Stango hurled a three-hitter in the five-inning win.
Tom Darner and Billy Duddle each had three hits for MCC (26-12, 10-6).


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Integrated mobile identification system with intrusion system that detects intruder
Browse recent Honeywell International Inc. patentsHow KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents
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text:
Rating: 5 stars 1 1 review 278
PO Box 201 Tahoe Vista CA 96148 USA
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Reviews for NORTH TAHOE HEBREW CONGREGATION
NTHC is North Tahoe's Reform Jewish congregation. Guests and vacationers are welcome to attend our services. Our congregation is always happy to see new faces and welcome them to our services, events or even a pot luck dinner. If you are visiting Lake Tahoe and would like to come by please feel free to do so.
NTHC means so much to me and my family. We moved to Truckee from the bay area. We found a great home with NTHC. Our kids love Religious School, both my husband and I are active members volunteering our time and energy to a variety of activities at the Temple. The Temple is truly a center of community for Jews from Truckee, West Shore, Tahoe City, Kings Beach, Tahoe Vista and into Nevada's Incline Village.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the experience and impact NTHC has on my family. My children are developing a strong sense of Judiasm.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Encourage even more people to attend.


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Archbishop Mitty
- Collin Chiverton - 17 pts, 4 reb in 26 minutes
- Drew Gordon - 16 pts, 8 reb, 2 ast in 25 minutes
North Eugene
- Brian Conklin - 24 pts, 6 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl
- Markus Baker - 11 pts, 1 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl
AM 61, NE 55 - FInal: Weber hits both at the line, and Laird will turn the ball over to AM on a pass that just sailed out of bounds. Weber goes back to the line as he is fouled off the inbounds... He hits both. Tyler Brown hits a three, but this one may bee a bit out of reach for NE. Chiverton goes to the line and he drains a pair and Markus Baker hits the three and is fouled on the other end. What a shot! Free throw is good, and time expires in the quarter as NE tries for the steal.
AM 55, NE 48 - :29.7, 4th: Conklin swats Scott on the attempt, but the ball rolls off Conklin's foot to AM out of bounds. Weber is fouled off the inbounds, and will shoot 1 and 1. He hits the first, misses the 2nd. NE will get a couple of shots at the basket, but the long ball won't drop.. Weber is fouled bringing the ball up. 1 and 1... he hits the first.. and the second. NE tries another 3, but again it's around and out. after another hard foul on Weber at midcourt, NE calls time.. Free throws when we come back.
AM 52, NE 48 - 1:47, 4th: Gordon picks up his 4th after Caloario hit that last bucket for AM. Conklin will go to the line, and Gordon looks really frustrated as he can't figure out how to stop him. He hits both from the line. NE forces a miss on the other end, but they can't capitalize and they throw it away, out of bounds to AM.
AM 48, NE 43 - 2:26, 4th: Conklin scores right out of the timeout with a power dribble, a spine and a finish at the rim. Scott responds with a jumper from the elbow, but Conklin strikes again with a jumper of his own... NE trying to stay with the Monarchs... They force the bad shot and get the rebound, Conklin goes up with it, but his shot is around and out.. rebound to Mitty.
AM 48, NE 43 - 4:37, 4th: AM looks to set up a play, and they get it to Gordon with some great passing, and Gordon is fouled almost immediately. He goes to the line for 2 and hits both. The lead extension forces NE to call time.
AM 44, NE 43 - 6:11, 4th: Gordon makes a statement to begin this quarter as he hammers down the put back dunk off a Brandon Scott miss. However, Markus Baker gets to the line at the other end to get those points back. Conklin will go to the line as well as Gordon picks up his 3rd foul. Conklin can't hit the first of a 1 and 1, so Am controls.


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U.S. Forest Service interpreters are on hand this summer to lead tours of Timberline Lodge, hikes into the Mount Hood National Forest and other programs designed to educate and entertain visitors.
No matter how many times you have been inside Timberline Lodge, you're likely to learn something new during an escorted tour. Watch out if you join the 11 a.m. tour, because walking past the desserts in the buffet line outside the Cascade Dining Room may make you want to stay for lunch.
Tours are often led by the forest's team of summer interns. Alli Yamnitsky was on hand to lead a tour last week. She grew up in nearby Welches and has been visiting Timberline Lodge since she was a baby, so she has first-hand knowledge to go with her Forest Service training.
With the busy summer travel season at hand, the tour schedule is planned but you might want to check for specific details at the national forest's website under "Learning Center."
The tours of Timberline Lodge are a long-time staple and meet at the Forest Service info station in the main lobby daily during summer at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Just show up to learn about the lodge. You're welcome to drop in and out as you please.
The tour features the art, architecture and history of the lodge, which was built in the 1930s by the Works Projects Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps labor during the Great Depression. You can stand on the terrace where Franklin Roosevelt dedicated the lodge on Sept. 28, 1937.
Other tours planned for this summer: alpine ecology at noon, followed by a hike on the Mountaineers Trail at 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays; a hike to Paradise Park on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. (beginning July 22); appearances by Woodsy Owl and Smokey Bear in the campground amphitheater at Timothy Lake at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays; a hike to Ramona Falls (meet at Old Maid Flat trailhead) on Fridays at 10 a.m.
Note: The trail to Paradise Park still has too much snow for a guided hike, though experienced hikers are making their way through. The famous wildflowers don't peak until late July and early August.
Call the Zigzag Ranger Station at 503-622-3191 to confirm the hike schedule.
The popular tours on the Hood River side of the mountain at Cloud Cap Inn are delayed this summer due to an ongoing closure of the access road for a tree safety/salvage project.
Other events happening at Timberline Lodge this summer include a star party called "Evening Under the Stars" in the Salmon River parking lot on Saturday, Aug. 2, and the big annual Labor Day Mountain Music Festival, all day on Sept. 1 with free live music.
The Hood to Coast Relay Race starts at Timberline Lodge on Thursday, Aug. 22.
-- Terry Richard


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SAGINAW — About 2,000 families received free food during a the "Super, Mega Food Giveaway" at the SVRC Industries parking lot Thursday afternoon in Saginaw.
Hosts were the faith-based community organization Parishioners On Patrol in partnership with Hidden Harvest, Greater Coleman Temple Church of God, New Faith Temple Church of God, Saginaw County Community Action Committee, and SVRC Learn to Earn Academy.
The Rev. Larry D. Camel, co-founder of Parishioners on Patrol, said that this was the largest food drive yet, with 30,000 pounds of food provided by the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. Camel said that the location was chosen to allow students at the academy to volunteer so could learn valuable lessons in teamwork and how to give back to their communities.
"There's nothing more satisfying than helping put food in people's mouths," said George Rutherford, 18, a student at SVRC.
More than 80 volunteers showed up from participating churches and organizations help with the drive. While gospel music played over the loudspeakers, volunteers helped to divide tomatoes, corn and dry and canned goods into boxes to distribute to those in need, while others directed traffic or broke down and recycled discarded cardboard boxes.
"We're serving twice as many people than ever, and the need in Saginaw County is great," Camel said.


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This is a crazy promotion -- call your Pizza Hut to confirm participation -- the corporate Pizza Hut Facebook page just posted this:
Sport a jersey numbered 8, 10 or 12? Today through Sunday, wear it to Pizza Hut and score free Breadsticks when you buy a Pizza at our new menu prices! No number 8, 10 or 12? Iron-on numbers or duct tape will get the job done. Share your pictures & tag us!
Don't believe me? Go here to see it.
Print their status update and take it with you or bookmark it on your phone to show the cashier.
The offer is good today through Sunday!


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Tiger fans by the hundreds crammed into Champions Square on Saturday evening as the Superdome tailgating spot, normally filled for Saints games, opened for the first time for an LSU game. Many fans said it was an appropriately grand setting for the highly anticipated Big Game against Alabama.
"I didn't get the 10 grand everyone said they were getting for tickets," he said, laughing.
The Mercedes-Benz Superdome glowed with purple and gold lights in the background as fans watched the game on the square's huge video screen.
LaBauve, an LSU graduate, and his wife and their friends took a group photo the minute they entered the square, and LaBauve ticked off the myriad superstitions he has maintained for the past six years on game days.
He always wears the same LSU polo shirt, always shaves in the morning and always has to sit on the left side of his wife.
He is also a big believer that if everyone stays in the same place throughout the whole game, LSU can't go wrong. "I will get upset if people move and the other team scores," he said.
Greg Grace, Lynette Jackson and Verdell Evans said they came down from Shreveport for the Saints game today and decided to head to Champions Square for the game Saturday as well.
"We just wanted to be with the crowd," Jackson said.
Jackson was LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne's English teacher at Fair Park High School, and Grace was his track coach in middle school. The teachers said they wanted to come out and support him.
"He deserves everything he's got," Jackson said.
Bryan and Kim Driscoll of River Ridge also said they came to Champions Square to watch the game with a huge crowd. They got a room at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and said they were happy to support the city.
Superdome officials said Saturday's game was the best day to test the square's potential as an LSU tailgating spot.
"This is much larger than your average sports bar," making it an ideal place for large groups of fans to gather, said Doug Thornton, senior vice president of SMG, the company that manages the Superdome.
Thornton and Alan Freeman, general manager of the Superdome, said they have been slowly testing Champions Square's potential as a venue for various events.
Since the square opened last year, it has hosted celebrations for the Sugar Bowl, Bayou Classic and Tulane University's homecoming game.
"People have fun here on Saints game days, so why not offer other things here?" Freeman said.
Katie Urbaszewski can be reached at email@example.com.


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Very extremely intense. Kick-ass when Elena and Katherine got into each other. What a great finale.
Warning: The following recap contains major spoilers from Thursday's season finale of The Vampire Diaries. Proceed at your own risk!
If there's one thing you can count on from a Vampire Diaries season finale, it's a crazy-unexpected cliffhanger. And this year's conclusion — featuring a humdinger of a twist that might even eclipse Elena becoming a vampire — did not disappoint.
RELATED | May Sweeps Scorecard: Who Died? Who Broke Up? Who Got Engaged?
Let's review the major bombshells:
DOUBLE TAKE | After appearing as many different incarnations, the gang's immortal foe Silas finally reveals his true self, and hey, he sure looks a lot like… Paul Wesley! As Stefan prepares to dump Silas in the ocean, he finds that the baddie has broken free of his stone prison. The spell that bound him was performed by a living witch, and now that Bonnie's a goner, he's free. Taking on…
View original post 653 more words


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At its first March 2013 meeting, the Slidell Toastmaster Club had two well-prepared speakers. Sanjay Raina and James McGlynn both gave speeches from the Competent Communicator Manual, which each member works through to improve their public speaking and leadership skills.
The members voted Sanjay Raina the Best Speaker for his persuasive speech titled, "Stop Smoking for the Health of It."
Each speaker was given constructive feedback by another club member.
Edward Gordon and Colleen Dale gave excellent, well thought out critiques.
Edward Gordon was voted Best Evaluator.
Deborah Meagher led the Table Topics portion of the meeting, challenging selected members to defend living next to some undesirable places.
Table Topics Responders have no time to prepare, and must speak extemporaneously for one to two minutes. Boni Johnson was voted Best Table Topics Responder.
Toastmaster of the evening was Matthew Watson, who entertained members with facts about the origins of the English language and provided introductions of each meeting segment.
If you've always wanted to improve your communication skills, or if you dread speaking in public, then Toastmasters is the answer. Members give prepared speeches at their own pace and receive constructive, supportive feedback from assigned evaluators. There is also an extemporaneous speaking session at each meeting to give members an opportunity to practice speaking without preparation.
Visitors and guests are invited to attend meetings which are held the first and third Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce Building, 118 West Hall Ave., Slidell,
For more information, contact Art Weller at 649.5698 or Colleen Dale at 847.1714, or visit www.toastmasters.org.


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Rack of Lamb Korma
Submitted by: Alex Ong
Rack of lamb with a raisin-based Korma sauce spooned on top. It's great with Indian Buttered Rice and Malaysian Pickles.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil, divided
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 2 racks of lamb, 8 chops each; fat trimmed, but not frenched
Korma Sauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups sliced shallots
- 1/2 cup grated gingerroot
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 3 green cardamom pods
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
- 2 whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 cup water
- 12 fluid ounce (3/4 cup) canned coconut milk
- 1/2 cup California raisin paste*
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Lamb Marinade
Combine 1/4 cup oil with spices and rub all over lamb. Allow to marinate in self-sealing plastic bag in refrigerator overnight.
Korma Sauce
At least one day in advance, heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in saucepan and sauté shallots and gingerroot. Reduce heat to medium. In another pan, mix and toast spices for about 10 minutes over low heat. Combine spices with shallots and ginger; mix well. Continue to cook about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in water, coconut milk and raisin paste; heat and simmer for 15 minutes more. Turn into blender and purée. Cool.
Preheat oven to 400°F. Drain lamb, discarding marinade. Heat remaining 1/4 cup oil in heavy pan and sear lamb. Transfer to oven and roast at 400°F for 15 minutes until medium (160°F).
To Serve
When lamb is done, let stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Reheat sauce over low heat to slow bubble; finish with salt and lemon juice. Slice lamb and arrange on serving platter. Spoon Korma Sauce over all. Serve with Indian Buttered Rice (Nasi Biryani) and Malaysian Pickles (Achar).
Note: Commercially prepared California raisin paste is available from foodservice and industrial suppliers. To make your own paste, grind or process in a food processor California raisins equal to twice the amount of paste (1 cup natural raisins) until very finely chopped and smooth.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Calories 870 (76% from fat); Total Fat 74g (sat 31g, mono 30g, poly 8g, trans 0g ); Cholesterol 165mg; Protein 38g; Carbohydrate 16g; (Dietary Fiber 2g; Sugars 12g; ); Iron 5mg; Sodium 1310mg; Calcium 62mg; Potassium 727mg
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February 2014
Hailing Mays, anticipating Bonds
Saturday, Feb. 22
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — At about 12:35 p.m. local time Saturday, the pulse of the Giants began beating a little louder and faster.
That's when Willie Mays returned for his annual Spring Training visit.
Mays, the greatest Giant of them all, needs no introduction. Certainly not here, definitely not among Giants fans and especially not in the San Francisco clubhouse, where seemingly everybody — from rookies to veterans, from reporters to team employees — suddenly wore a smile just because an 82-year-old walked into the room.
An exultant Mike Murphy, the venerable equipment and clubhouse manager, reveled in Mays' presence. Crowed
Murphy, "Spring Training's complete now! Willie's here!"
Drawn to Mays as if the Hall of Famer were magnetized, Angel Pagan was the first player to greet the legend. Pagan, the current heir to Mays' center-field throne, sat with the master for several minutes as they conducted an earnest conversation.
More Giants will approach Mays in the coming weeks. Or at least they ought to. Widely renowned as the
quintessential five-tool player, Mays possesses wisdom that would help any ballplayer. Even pitchers can benefit from talking to Mays. He, as much as anybody, knows how a formidable hitter should be set up, having been one himself.
This is a man with more to offer than a handshake or an autograph.
Mays' godson, Barry Bonds, surely will command attention when he serves his first guest-instructor stint with the Giants next month.
Say what you want about Bonds and whether he used performance-enhancing substances. The man prompts
widespread respect among contemporary ballplayers. He'll find numerous would-be pupils eager to hear his hitting philosophies. And as for the steroid stuff, Mark McGwire broke the ice by becoming a full-time batting instructor. Bonds, baseball's all-time home-run leader, is a potential asset.
As is the case with Mays, Bonds' singular skill makes him valuable. As many of you can recall, he frequently received only one pitch to hit in any given game. He often drove that single pitch over the outfield wall. Bonds knew, and presumably still knows, exactly what kind of swing to put on a pitch to hit it effectively.
The Giants should hope that Bonds brings his attitude with him. A former hitting coach for a National League team (not the Giants) recently told me that his role was "to make sure that each hitter feels tough when he finishes batting practice." The coach actually used a much more colorful term than "tough." But you get the idea. Bonds almost always played and hit with a swagger that insisted, "I'm better than you." Conveying that mindset to the Giants' hitters will help them considerably.
— Chris Haft
Lincecum 1, Landlord 0
Thursday, Feb. 20
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Giants right-hander Tim Lincecum recorded his first victory of the year when it was announced Thursday that he and a former landlord agreed to a $100,000 judgment in his favor. The development cleared Lincecum of accusations of property damage to the San Francisco townhouse where he resided during the 2010 season.
Mindy Freile, the landlord, sued Lincecum for $350,000 in damages. Lincecum denied her accusations and countersued.
In a statement released by Lincecum's representatives, the Beverly Hills Sports Council, his attorney, Peter M. Bransten, said, "It's clear from the landlord's agreement that a judgment be entered in Mr. Lincecum's favor that her claim to have sustained hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages was baseless. Regardless of the amount in issue, Mr. Lincecum will aggressively defend himself against all meritless claims."
Lincecum said in the statement, "I am pleased with the result and believe that this was an attempt from the very beginning on the landlord's part to take advantage of my public profile for financial gain. She kept the balance of my security deposit while making unsubstantiated claims of exaggerated damage. While litigation is something you always want to avoid, I will always defend myself against frivolous lawsuits."
— Chris Haft
Hudson aches along with Mulder
Sunday, Feb. 16
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Empathy was etched on Tim Hudson's face Sunday as he spoke of his friend and former teammate, Mark Mulder.
Inactive since 2008, Mulder was attempting a comeback with the Angels. The left-hander's dream was dashed Saturday when he ruptured his left Achillies tendon as he was about to throw his first bullpen session. Mulder hopes to try again in 2015, but that prospect appears dim at this moment.
So Hudson is the only remaining active pitcher among the Oakland A's superb core of starters — himself, Mulder and Barry Zito — who dominated the American League from 2000-04. He wishes he weren't alone.
Hudson sent Mulder a consoling text message. "I'm sure he's dealing with a whole lot right now," said Hudson, who signed with the Giants during the offseason. "I hate it. It makes me sick to my stomach. He's really worked hard to try to get back."
Praising Mulder's gallant effort, Hudson concluded, "Not a lot of people could be in position to come back after five years of not playing the game."
It's worth recalling the greatness of Hudson-Mulder-Zito. Yes, "great" is overused. But the term applied to this trio.
Hudson joined the A's in 1999; Zito performed for them through 2006. From 2000-04, when they occupied Oakland's rotation together, they combined to post a regular-season record of 234-119. That's a .663 winning percentage. During this span, they each won 20 games once and made the AL All-Star team twice. Hudson finished second in the AL Cy Young Award voting in 2000, Mulder did the same in 2001 and Zito won it in 2002.
Justifiably so, Hudson treasures his Oakland memories, judging from his reaction to Mulder's misfortune. The fondness with which he spoke of Zito a couple of days earlier underscored his appreciation for his A's days.
"He was a great guy and a great teammate when I was with him and everybody around here still has a lot of great things to say about him," Hudson said of Zito. "I wish him the best. Man, I wish he was still here. If he were still here, I don't know whether I'd be here. But it would have been awesome to be teammates with him one more time."
— Chris Haft
Sandoval passes eyeball test
Thursday, Feb. 13
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Pablo Sandoval was in a hurry due to a personal appointment and politely declined an interview request Thursday afternoon. "I owe you one," he said before leaving the Giants' Scottsdale Stadium clubhouse.
You owe me nothing, Pablo. Just play hard. And he looked ready to do just that.
Sandoval's well-documented struggles with his weight may have ended. Make no mistake, he's still a big guy. But the oversized gut was gone. His clothes seemed to fit smoothly. Those positive reports on social media about Sandoval's off-season conditioning appear to have been valid.
Did Sandoval firm himself up because he's eligible for free agency after this season and wants to cash in big by getting in shape for a productive year? Or was he tired of underperforming (.280 batting average, 26 home runs in 249 games from 2012-2013) and used professional pride to stoke his desire to improve?
We may never know the true answer. Moreover, we won't know until the season unfolds whether Sandoval's exercise program truly worked.
But on this day, at least, he passed the eyeball test. Let's see how he does with his legs, a glove and a bat.
— Chris Haft


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FORT WAYNE, Ind. (21Alive) -- An SUV is overturned at Illinois and Magnavox Way.
The eastbound lanes of Illinois were shut down for a time. The crash happened around 4 p.m. Friday.
We will have more information as it becomes available.
What are your thoughts CLICK HERE to leave us a "QUESTION OF THE DAY" comment.
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Press Room
Association News
Sep 30, 2013
The effective date for the National Credit Union Administration's new loan participation regulation...
Sep 30, 2013
Recently, the NCUA published a letter to federal credit unions addressing what was perceived as...
Sep 29, 2013
On September 10, credit union supporters sent Congress over 4,800 tweets in support of the credit...
Sep 23, 2013
The National Credit Union Administration approved a final version of fixed-asset regulation changes.
Sep 23, 2013
Small and low-income credit union supervisory committee members have a new resource to help them...
Sep 19, 2013
Your Association is excited to offer Equipment Management Solutions through Great American...
Sep 16, 2013
NCUA Board of Directors held its monthly meeting on September 12 where they approved one final rule...
Sep 14, 2013
The Federal Reserve Board announced on April 24 that the redesigned $100 note will begin...
Sep 13, 2013
Two-part session: CFPB Regs on Ability to Repay and Qualified Mortgages & 2014 NCUA Fair Lending Examinations
Are you ready for the new underwriting requirements for first mortgage loans? Do you have...
Sep 8, 2013
On September 5, Maryland & D.C. credit union CEOs and members rallied in support of the...
CU News
Oct 25, 2016
Register now to attend, and gain insight & ideas from industry leaders.
Oct 21, 2016
Employees discuss CU's "authentic difference" with members.
Oct 19, 2016
Andrews Federal Credit Union is teaming up with its community partner, Liberty Tax Service, to co-...
Oct 19, 2016
Carolinas Foundation: Grants available to CU members affected by Hurricane Matthew.
Oct 19, 2016
Evonne Smith's first job as a teller may well have been the most important for her career.
Oct 19, 2016
Maria J. Martinez Recognized for Wide-Ranging Accomplishments as CU Leader with 2017 Herb Wegner Memorial Award
Foundation Recognizing Martinez with Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement.
Oct 19, 2016
Montgomery County Employees Federal Credit Union to Cut Ribbon Marking Completion of Rockville Branch Renovation Project
Credit Union Upgrades Original Branch to Better Serve Members.
Oct 19, 2016
Financial Education Clubs On Target To Double In Number.
Oct 19, 2016
On Saturday, October 15th, Securityplus Federal Credit Union hosted its seventh semi-annual shred...
Oct 14, 2016
Democracy FCU assists victims of flooding with their generosity.
RSS News
Jan 9, 2015
Credit unions share the benefits of their cooperative structures year-round with their member/...
Jan 9, 2015
It's official. Credit unions will get their first look at a revised regulatory risk-based...
Jan 9, 2015
The $2B credit union-sponsored fashion show features students wearing clothing designed with...
Jan 9, 2015
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (1/9/15 UPDATED 1:22 p.m. ET)--CUNA requested and the National Credit Union...
Jan 9, 2015
Registration is now open for CUNA's risk-based capital webinar, which will take place Jan. 26.
Jan 9, 2015
Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) among those backing disparate impact provision as a means to provide fair...
Jan 8, 2015
Jake Robinson to lead $188M credit union in Canton, N.C., after several internal promotions.
Jan 8, 2015
A two-part video on combating fraud, scams and other cyberthreats is available from the National...
Jan 8, 2015
Coopera and the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions have launched a national...
Jan 8, 2015
CUNA is currently seeking comments on a proposed same-day automated clearing house transactions...
No news found.


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Cherry Blossom Fireworks Cruise With National Ferry Corporation
* Additional fees apply. No coupon or promo codes necessary to enjoy the displayed discount price.
The last date listed for Cherry Blossom Fireworks Cruise was Saturday April 4, 2015 / 7:00pm.
Venue Details
Reviews & Ratings
Featured review from Ben Austrin-Willis
view more less of this review
No frills, just fun. Boat is 87' and mostly indoors. Lower deck's room has the cash bar (one bartender) and buffet (long line for hot dogs, cheese & crackers, cold vegetables, grapes). Brief tour commentary on ride out followed by mostly '70s American pop soundtrack the rest of the night. Lights are turned off during the fireworks show, except decorative string lights in cabins; be aware they'll remain on & visible for the duration. Decks get crowded, especially during the fireworks (crew strives to keep one side of boat facing fireworks).
star this review starred report as inappropriate
Loved the fireworks; but food could have been better...


text:
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Authorities have identified a man killed early Wednesday in a crash on Interstate 59.
The Jefferson County Coroner's Office identified the victim as Mitchell Ray Toombs. Toombs, 23, was from Ashville.
The crash happened about 3:30 a.m. in the southbound lanes between Roebuck Parkway and First Avenue North. Authorities said Toombs' vehicle left the roadway and hit a guardrail.
He got out of his vehicle and was walking around looking over the damage when a second vehicle struck him, police said. That vehicle also hit the victim's already-wrecked vehicle.
Toombs was pronounced dead on the scene at 3:41 a.m.


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The 10 biggest gaming franchises
Lists, lists, lists. They can be, and frequently are, a cheap and cynical shot of content - but none the less they can also make for surprisingly compelling reading. So, after a booze-fueled debate reached no natural conclusion, we thought we'd let the Play.tm team lay-down the evidence for their favourite gaming 'IPs', and let you, our beloved reader, decide. What do you think is the most important gaming franchise? Have we missed out anything? Bring out the witnesses!
Martin Gaston: Gran Turismo
As I write, Gran Turismo 5: Prologue has shipped 2.23 million units worldwide. You've got to tip your hat to Polyphony Digital for creating a franchise so beloved that people are prepared to spend money on what amounts to little more than a beta. Gran Turismo is revered, with good reason, for sucking you inside its world of statistics, numbers and times and weaving the illusion of reality with an ineffable alacrity.
There's not much wrong you can say about the series, to be honest. It was, without a doubt, the first racing game I took seriously. For me, it opened the door to an entire genre in ways that Ridge Racer and Virtua Racing never could. You can question its status as a 'real driving simulator' all you like, but if you've never felt oddly euphoric as you scramble around High-Speed Ring, desperately trying to beat your best time, then you'd be lying.
Its real power, however, comes from the attachment that festers towards you and your garage. Starting the game with a measly amount of credits, you end up meticulously tweaking and modifying some of the world's most incredible cars to reach dazzling speeds. There's a definite sensation of bliss in doing this, and to this day I have never quite worked out why. Gran Turismo's success, however, is undeniable.
Richard Nolan: Mario
Ever heard of this guy in red and blue overalls with a moustache? Just in-case you're a freshly arriving time-traveller from the 1970s, I think they call him Mario, and he's cheated at this whole "best franchise" thing. He's cheated because not only does Mario have his somewhat massively popular niche in the platform genre, he's also been known to drive karts, play tennis, invent his own board-game, host golf-tournaments, rip-off Tetris, gain experience and level-up; and he's done most of these various activities on numerous systems in numerous different releases.
Mario is the bestselling video game series of all time. He has transcended his meagre primitive roots as "Jumpman" from the 1981 arcade and NES title Donkey Kong, and now flies around brilliant 3D environments in a next-gen universe; unlike his somewhat fondly remembered but obviously lesser rival - a blue spiky weasel who was really good at doing forward rolls or something...
Consensus states the Super Mario Bros., the original, must be loved, but based mainly on nostalgia value. You can still play it, you can still love it, and you still appreciate the frustrating physics and jumping challenges, but it's not magical aside from the nostalgia. SMB 2 is magical, but Nintendo pulled a real fast one with this title – they bought an almost unknown title called "Doki Doki Panic" and then replaced some of the graphics with Mario paraphernalia, and then sold the game as SMB2. SMB3, for me, is where the real magic of the Mario series took off. Carrying shells, flying about gun-ships, the Koopa kids, awesome themed lands, item shops and mini-bosses? That is truly awesome. Super Mario World is just another step in that brilliance – a huge boost to the number of enemies and even more creatively themed environments, with an impressively large quantity of secret worlds and levels to discover.
The question is, how long can Mario really go on for? If the market-storming success of the Wii is any indication of the future of Nintendo's celebrity mascot then I'd guess that he's got some way to go. So not only has the Mario franchise dominated the last 25 years of video gaming, even conservative estimates would have to agree that Mario is going to live on for a long long time to come.
Stevie Smith: Resident Evil
A videogame audience growing numb to blood and gore may means that Resident Evil (a.k.a. Biohazard) is no longer able to loosen bowels or shock critics the way it once did, but there's little argument that Capcom's white-knuckle series remains the first-choice purchase for those gamers looking to secure genuine high-quality videogame thrills and chills.
The roots of success attributed to Resident Evil are furrowed deeply within Capcom's ability to constantly evolve the surrounding survival horror experience, create new and eerie narrative environments, and provide the assurance of recognisable character anchors that remain faithful to the series' lore.
More often than not, Resident Evil has whisked these contributing elements into a symbiotic videogame relationship ensuring a sense of in-game familiarity that weaves seamlessly with the often cloying claustrophobia and visceral panic felt by the player as they creep forward through the oppressive dark.
While the odd series spin-off has failed to convincingly project the Resident Evil effect into a separate gaming genre (i.e. Resident Evil: Survivor), the most recent ''true' Resident Evil episode, Resident Evil 4, marked a critically acclaimed step forward for the series and has subsequently provided Capcom with the perfect platform to launch its hotly anticipated Resident Evil 5.
Expected in early 2009 on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, Resident Evil 5 will arrive as only the second series offering that takes the zombie-killing action outside of the United States, thrusting original series protagonist Chris Redfield into the blazing hot climes of Africa, the very source of the horrific outbreak.
Based on existing trailer and gameplay clips, the effects of which are hugely magnified by the pure power of the host consoles, Capcom's Resident Evil 5 might well arrive as the first series entrant since the original game warranting the purchase of industrial-grade rubber underwear, the presence of a family member while playing, and enough accompanying house lights to guide in a fog-bound airliner.
Jennifer Allen: Final Fantasy
The Final Fantasy series, owned by Square Enix, has been around for over 20 years now and encompasses an increasingly large variety of game genres. Initially and most famously, the Final Fantasy series has been known for its console based RPGs. Each RPG is entirely independent from its predecessors (excluding Final Fantasy X-2) but with many of its gameplay elements used throughout the series such as the turn-based battle system persist, and this has been used in many other RPGs games too. They aren't for everyone, some people can still find the battle system in particular a turn off, but no one can doubt the influence of these games on the industry nor the strength of the stories that they tell. Europe unfortunately missed out originally on many of these epics until the release of the seminal Final Fantasy VII, and its huge success, encouraged the future release of the first six games onto the PlayStation and subsequently the GameBoy Advance and Nintendo DS.
Final Fantasy 6 and 7 were arguably the best of the series so far (Final Fantasy 13 is currently in development for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360) both with gripping stories and the ability to make even the hardened gamer shed a tear at certain moments within the games' unfolding stories. Both games offered memorable characters (who could forget Kefka and Sephiroth?) as well as unsurpassed battle systems and minigames ensuring that the titles were not just interactive stories, but truly epic games. Personally I still don't think either of these games have been surpassed by any other Japanese RPG, but I dearly hope one day Square will reach this high point again.
Besides the core games there have also been a range of spin off games such as the Crystal Chronicles series, Final Fantasy Tactics and Kingdom Hearts which features a number of the Final Fantasy characters. Throw in the various anime such as Final Fantasy Unlimited, and the films The Spirits Within and Advent Children; and this franchise is frankly phenomenally successful. Even the soundtracks of the games have managed to sell well thanks to the impressive talent of composer Nobuo Uematsu and his distinctive style. In summary, Final Fantasy is a truly pivotal franchise which alongside the Dragon Quest series (which never quite broke the US and European market as well as Final Fantasy) has changed the RPG market hugely in its time and will hopefully continue to do so.
Gary Flavell: Call of Duty
No other franchise has dragged a gamer through the emotional trenches of WWII onwards with such aplomb than the Call of Duty franchise. Whether creating entertainment from the devastation of the Second World War is ethical is another argument, but Infinity Ward's recreation of Allied/Axis conflict is as accurate to the conflict since our grandfathers actually went trudging around the world, rifle in tow.
Call of Duty was never enjoyable in the traditional sense of the word. Screaming 'headshot!' after putting a bullet your enemies' nut wasn't what CoD was about. The set pieces could never be compared to those of Crysis and Half Life because the narrative was based on fact. It was real pain, real blood, real lives being lost albeit transcending down through the history books and films and into our hands. If you didn't perform, the people around you died – just like then.
It wasn't until Call of Duty 4: Modern Combat (we can forget number 3 as the exception that proves that CoD is the quintessential franchise) that we were released from the shackles of a war that still affects us today. That isn't to say that Modern Combat isn't political, it is, but, perhaps, ignorance allowed this to be a more traditionally enjoyable game.
For those that read the papers we were taken through the life of Coalition forces in the Middle East as they fight today. One particular level stands out. You provide air support from an AC-130 (you might have seen videos on YouTube of a camera mounted with a machine gun shooting people). The level is particularly easy, you're in no danger, the ammunition is practically limitless, and your missiles blow infantry to bits. This level isn't seamless with the rest of the game and isn't a particularly amazing piece of game development; instead it demonstrated the power of modern weaponry and the frailties of human life in comparison. Infinity Ward could have not bothered included this mission and CoD 4 would have remained immense. Its inclusion is testimony to the ingenious thought that runs throughout the Call of Duty franchise.
Most will probably feel that the quality of CoD lies in its playability and not in the admittedly awkward opinions expressed above. If so then the fact that the original Call of Duty multiplayer servers are still brimming with players is evidence to how playable these games are. So deep and rich is CoD's design that it has never lost it's appeal and remains from the very first incarnation, a truly brilliant game, if not a history lesson in itself.
Thomas Ryan: Zelda
The Legend of Zelda series has spawned 14 official titles across most of Nintendo's platforms (Virtual Boy never got a Zelda) and has captivated the imaginations of millions over the past 22 years. Most of the games have received massive critical acclaim with highlights from the series being 'A Link to the Past', 'The Ocarina of Time' and 'Twilight Princess'. The Ocarina of time still stands as one of the greatest games of all time with a metacritic rating of 99 (based on 22 reviews). There have been countless spin offs throughout the years including games and cartoons all with varying degrees of success, however it's with the official line-up where the true magic lies.
With such engrossing and evocative story-telling the Legend of Zelda series stands at the top of many gamers' lists and has stood the test of time as the series' structure has always stayed true to itself. Nintendo found a winning formula and has stuck with it over the years, creating some true masterpieces that many RPGs still try to live up to today. If you have never played a 'Legend of Zelda' game then you really are missing out on some gaming greatness, go and buy an N64 and a copy of 'The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time' and immerse yourself in a new land.
Paul Govan: Bubble Bobble
Many of the other Play.tm writers have no doubt been waxing lyrical about their favourite game franchises. But for me many of the modern day franchises smack of too much marketing budget and sequels that rehearse the same game over and over. Accordingly, my favourite franchise is Bubble Bobble. The first game emerged in the 90's before gaming had gone mainstream and become the glove puppet of the marketing department.
Bubble Bobble was an unassuming platform game that took two dinosaurs (Bob and Bub) and placed them in single screen levels that had to be cleared by blowing bubbles around each enemy and then popping them. The genius here was the variety of interactions with the different types of bubbles. Air currents wafted uniquely around each level, creating all sorts of quick routes to completion. Chain reactions enabled you to set up strings of bubbles that could be popped to release hard to reach water and fire specials, or gain score multipliers by simultaneously popping multiple enemies. Bubbles could be fired to capture enemies, block aliens, jumped on as movable platforms and even nudge the other player out the way. 100's of collectables and power ups were provided via strict rules, and each had their distinct properties. The result of all this was a world that was fun to spend time in.
This prestigious start would be enough for the Bubble Bobble series to get my vote. But they didn't rest of their laurels. Subsequent games in the series took the risky step of moving on from the bubble mechanic. Rainbow Islands created a nuanced and varied rainbow mechanic that was just as fun to use as the bubbles. Parasol Stars extended this further, enabling its Parasol weapon to be used to control your fall as well as attack enemies. We could go on to mention the numerous intervening outings for the series, or the impressive Puzzle Bubble spin off. Even without these periphery releases, Bubble Bobble will always have a special place in my gaming cannon and is easily one of the best gaming franchises of all time.
Paul Newcombe: Football Manager (previously Championship Manager)
There can't be many gaming franchises that have been going strong for over fifteen years so for that alone Football Manager (formally Championship Manager) deserves praise. Its even more impressive when you consider that over the years the series has spawned nine full games (not to mention countless annual updates) each of which has managed to improve the experience with not a single dud release among them.
As every football fan knows half the fun of supporting a club is having an opinion on what you'd do with the team given the opportunity, Football Manager is perfect because it gives you that chance to live out your dreams. While other games have often done the same thing, prettier, offering fancy 3D match engines and all kinds of graphical bells and whistles, FM has always revelled somewhat in its reputation as a glorified spreadsheet.
Perhaps most importantly is the way it feels, how it all hangs together. There's no greater tool than the player's imagination and Football Manager knows exactly how to stimulate it. What it lacks in on screen flash it makes up for by creating a living, breathing football world that feels perfectly real. Players take on personalities in your head inspired by some quirk of the stats or one too many Roy of the Rovers comics, your managerial career becomes fleshed out with all the stories of each season, the highs and the lows combining to create a footballing life that seems more like true role-playing than most RPGs out there. If I could only play one game for the rest of my life it'd be a Football Manager game and I honestly don't think I'd mind.
Sam Gibson: Civilization
I was a WoW addict for almost two years. I plowed through the massive Baldur's Gate games and their expansion packs. Rivulets of moisture appear when I consider the Shock series. Yet no other series of games has enforced such devotion in me as the Civilization franchise. After first seeing the original game bleeping slowly through the ages on a friend's EGA PC, I found myself literally counting the days till it was ported over to the Amiga. I then found myself counting the days again at the inception of each new attempt to become master of all humanity as the game engine struggled to create a new world on such aging hardware. After a few hundred years of progress I could easily expect the computer to take five, six maybe ten minutes to grind through the AI turns. What did I care though, for I was suffering yet another mystery illness which forced me to spend a week off from school lying in bed with the computer trolley parked at its edge like some cut price Habitat life support machine. Over the years and sequels and bastard children born of licensing squabbles I was always fairly content to wait for each turn as in Civilization I felt I had found gaming heaven.
First released back in 1991 the original Civilization was an ugly and bland affair. Over hundreds of individual turns the player would move unit tiles over terrain tiles and onto other unit tiles while advancing his or her capabilities through the pursuit of scientific research and the construction of numerous buildings and wonders of the world. As the years ticked by the player would try to expand over as much of the globe as possible - either by means peaceful or violent – while the AI would valiantly cheat its way out of difficulty. Victory was a hard fought affair with games often taking many days to reach their conclusion. As the sequels began to appear numerous improvements were introduced, from the concept of special resource tiles to religions, from multiplayer, (first to appear in the hideously arcane CivNet) to civics all while adding many new units, buildings and nations to lead. As a result of legal wrangling over the rights to the Civilization brand two titles which had nothing to do with the original's much lauded creator Sid Meir appeared. The Call to Power games were a slightly different riff on the familiar tune yet not as much as the less-then highly regarded CivCity: Rome spin-off. One should also never forget Alpha Centauri, the first game from Sid's studio Firaxis which took the Civ concept and transplanted onto a planet orbiting our third nearest star, which also happened to be the destination of those who achieved a Space Race victory in the Civilization games. There's even an unofficial opensource version called Freeciv.
Many people consider the first sequel to be the finest pure game of Civilization to be had while those of a less spartan disposition recognize the fully expanded version of Civ IV to be the current zenith of the god game genre. Whichever game you prefer there's no denying the utterly captivating gameplay and the near-irresistible urge to start a new game immediately after guiding humanity through 4,000 plus years of progress. Across the Earth and through the years, millions of dawns will have been met by Civ players convinced that after they have researched the next advancement or taken that stubborn enemy city under siege that they will go to bed.
The Civilization series is on the verge of making the leap to consoles in the form of Civilization: Revolution, which should hopefully introduce millions more gamers to this utterly engrossing and compelling series. In Civilization Sid Meir and his co-workers have built an empire that would stand the test of time.
Richard Bright: Warcraft
Warcraft: Orcs and Humans may not have been the first real-time strategy game, but it cannot be denied that it, and the series, has been one of the most (possibly even the most) influential. The first two came in quick succession within two years in 1994 and 1995, and provided a fantasy alternative to Command & Conquer. A bit of tongue-in-cheek humour and some graphics rather ahead of their time helped catapult the gameplay to the forefront of the genre.
Many years later, Warcraft 3 came along in 2002 and updated the core fantasy strategy with added RPG elements and more playable races, along with (of course) extremely improved graphics (often cited as the reason for the long development time). The expansion, Frozen Throne, along with the easily accessible online play through Battlenet set the game up for years of multiplayer, and it is still going strong online.
Of course, in 2004 World of Warcraft was launched and brought MMORPG to the masses. It was the first such game where casual players could come close to competing with the hardcore players. Good thing or bad thing? Either way, it has cemented the franchise's place in gaming history.
Blizzard have stated that there won't be any further strategy games set in Azeroth, but are committed to WoW. Graphical upgrades are promised soon, and with a new expansion pack out this year Blizzard look like they are very much setting up for the long game on this one.
The series' space spin-off, Starcraft, also has a sequel coming out and the anticipation around this sister series is yet another reason why Warcraft needs to be in this list.
So, you've heard the evidence. Who do you concur with? Who needs to be found in contempt of court? Did we miss out something entirely? Should Sonic or Doom or Quake or Tomb Raider make the cut? What about C&C? Half-Life? Halo? Let the debate commence.
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The college scholarship offers continue to pour in for West Linn sophomore Payton Pritchard, who Monday added Indiana and Butler to his growing list.
Pritchard spent the weekend in Indiana playing in a youth basketball tournament for AAU Team Fast, then visited both campuses Monday.
Pritchard, Oregon's Class 6A player of the year for the 2013-14 season after the 6-foot-1 point guard led West Linn to its second consecutive state championship, has offers from Oregon State, Arizona State, Washington, Oklahoma and Wisconsin in addition to Indiana and Butler.
Pritchard recently told The Oregonian "it would be cool to stay (in Oregon), but I'm looking for the best fit." Pritchard added that he'd like to make a decision by the end of his junior season.
Last week, Pritchard's West Linn teammate Anthony Mathis accepted a scholarship offer to play at New Mexico.
Twitter: @nickdaschel


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