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Have I been excited for weeks on end when I heard Matt Lewis co-owner of the infamous Baked NYC bakery in Brooklyn, NY AND cookbook co-author of Baked: New Frontiers in Baking AND Baked Explorations: Classic American Desserts Reinvented said YES to a guest post for moi?
Ohhhh you betcha.
I've known and adored him for years. He thinks I'm super creative (blush) and I think he's god-like creative! I've lost count on how many times I asked him to marry me (but I think he's kept count, sadly).
You have to be living under rock or hanging in Tibet, not to have seen the creative duo that is matt lewis and renato poliafito: aka modern day bakers with ingenious twist on modern day baking. Have you seen them on The Cooking Channel Unique Sweets? Oh they are so cute--talking heads. OK, I know they're guys, but they are just so fun to watch; I mean they are so at ease, chill kind of guys with a huge passion for baked goods. Who doesn't love a man with a huge passion for all things cake, cookies, pies, etc...?
And book 3? There is a book 3? Yes. Thank goodness! Book 3 is almost done, I've asked him about it in the interview (below). These guys never stop to rest. Where their energy comes from I haven't a clue; they must have a fountain of creative youth stashed away in the Baked Laboratories, somewhere in Brooklyn....I am heading to NYC this summer and I will report back on where that fountain of youth is. Promise.
Matt was kind enough to answer some really good, inquisitive questions I had and a couple from the fans. Shall we? (and there is a giveaway too...read on thru to find out about it!)
click me will ya?
Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito left their day jobs in advertising seven years ago to open their bakery, Baked, in Brooklyn, NY, to immediate praise from fans across the country. The authors have been featured on Oprah, the Today show, the Food Network, and Martha Stewart. Their first book, Baked, was an IACP award nominee.
And recently they've teamed up with Williams Sonoma to sell their infamous baked brownies, brookies, sour cream coffee cakes, and red velvet whoopie pies—all in ready, simple, luxurious ready to make mixes.
How do you sum up their style/twist on baking? Classic American desserts reinvented with a modern/kicked up twist.
I love that they think of themselves "dessert experts" as stated on their "about us" page at bakednyc.com. Stating they "…are blessed with a highly (almost holy) developed sense of taste and smell…."
A little history of Matt and Renato:
"….. Matt, a producer, spent his days hidden away in a cubicle stuffed with spreadsheets, post-its, and relentless voice mails, while Renato spent his time in the more rarefied field of graphic design (i.e. making things look beautiful so people would buy them). Their thoughts were never too far from cake and coffee. Coincidentally, Matt and Renato met at a glitzy, high-profile ad agency, and slowly (even unbeknownst to them) the idea for Baked was born.
Matt wanted to open a bakery that celebrated American desserts beyond the cupcake, and Renato had always been hankering to open a neighborhood cafe, so together they scoured New York City for the perfect location. They found a small, storefront church in the largely industrialized section of Brooklyn, and together with Rafi Avramovitz, set about building their inspiration. Finally, after many long delays, they opened Baked in 2005 on the shores of Red Hook, Brooklyn with just a few ovens, some mixers, and an espresso machine…"
click on us too!
Interview Questions:
So I hear Book 3 is done, passed in and soon will be in print? Is this true?
Well, almost done. Unfortunately, we like to tinker right up to the last moment (and it drives our editors crazy) but for all practical purposes it is finished and it will be out in September or October.
Tell us a little about Book 3, and how can you ever top your first two books? I mean those were just amazing—one can only imagine what book 3 will be like?
Book 3 is a slight departure for us in terms of design, styling, etc...It is still very much a "Baked" book, but it centers more on our favorite ingredients as opposed to bakery best-sellers. And yes, there is a chapter devoted to boozy sweets.
You know I've been dying to know for a while now, what was the feeling you had when Oprah dubbed your brownies as one of her favorite things? It must have felt amazing.
I guess, in the food world, being included in Oprah's fave things is like winning an Academy Award. It still makes us giddy.
And you've been on the Martha Stewart show a few times; do you get nervous, still?
I could barely speak the first time we met (dry mouth, shaky hands)- I wanted to work for Martha right after I moved to the city, so in a sense it was like meeting an idol. Honestly, Martha is kinder and funnier and smarter than one can imagine. She really knows the ins and outs of baking...like REALLY KNOWS...and she has a wicked sense of humor.
The new talking/reporting gig you have on The Cooking Channel's "Unique Sweets" has got to be fun? What's not to love: travel, eat and report.
It was so much fun to be part of, though I really had a craving to go on a juice cleanse post-wrap taping.
I know you're going to roll your eyes with this one, since I ask you all the time when we talk, but how do you stay so thin with all the baked goods that you sample, and all the recipes you try?
We get asked that a lot. Honestly, I have learned to sample and disburse. I take one bite, Nato takes one bite, then we wrap what is left and give it away to customers, neighbors, friends and if it is bad...enemies :). I still gain about 15lbs during book testing, but work hard to shed the weight as soon as I am done.
Coming up with new recipes: do they just come to you, or do you do a little research to get some inspiration going?
We get most of our inspiration from fever dreams, old magazines and books, travel, and grandmas. Grandmas in the mid-west happen to have the best recipes in the world IMHO. At the moment, all I can think of is something called a Kermit Cake. Not sure what it is going to be yet, but that is the perfect idea of a recipe we start riffing on when all we have is just a name.
Where do you think your love of creating good food stems from?
I have always had a rabid sweet tooth...heavily skewed towards chocolate desserts. Blame my mom.
Did you grow up in a "foodie family"? Were your parents foodies? Or in your case "sweet tooth aficionados'?
My family was not a foodie family. My mom's mom is an amazing Italian cook, but my mom never really took after her. We ate out a lot... Much later in life, my dad become really interested in food, but growing up it was all about "where we going to eat tonight"?
If you were stranded on a desert island with fresh water, and only had a choice of one of your favorite comfort foods, what would it be?
A jar of peanut butter and good bread.
If you could go to any country just for their food which one would you choose?
I love Paris, but I think Rome is hands down a better food destination. It's an overused stereotype but true - You can't get a bad meal in Rome. And anyone that says otherwise, is a snob.
If you could invite any three people to dinner (living or dead) who would they be and what would you make?
I know I should invite a bunch of interesting, artistic and impressionable historical masterminds, but part of me just wants to invite Ryan Gosling, Carol Burnett, and Charles Dickens.
In your downtime, when you're not researching and testing new recipes what do you do to relax?
I love the beach.
I gotta admit, what drew me to you and Renato was your devotion to ALWAYS use quality ingredients and to never ever cut/trim your creations for the sake of saving money. I can't tell you how many bakeries do this over time, to save a buck, and then wonder why they went out of business. I imagine this was a dual-promise you and Renato had from the beginning: quality ingredients, equals quality products. Right?
Absolutely. We figured our bakery was all about quality ingredients. The best cocoa powder, the best chocolate...If we couldn't use what we wanted, our vision just didn't make sense.
Any tips or advice for people that want to open their own bakery? I know location is key, having a good product is utmost as well, anything else?
Hire great people. Be aware that you won't make as much money as your friends at Facebook or Apple or etc..- EVER! And treat your customers with respect.
See what I mean? They are just fabulous people. I love them. Thank you so much Matt and Renato! You both are a huge inspiration not only to me, but to many others out there, starting out in the baking/bakery industry.
I also wanted to mention, if you've been following along with my blog lately, I've been taking the Baked Brownie mix and creating new recipes with them.
You can find this brownie mix, along with their infamous "Brookster" mix, red velvet whoopie pie mix, and the sour cream coffee cake mix--all at Williams Sonoma.
So far with the Baked brownie mix (which btw is VERY versatile to create "kicked up" brownies) I made:
Peanut butter cookie crusted brownie
Peanut butter & Fluff swirl fudgy brownies with salty cookie crust
Brownie bundt with coconut-cream cheese filling (Yes, you can bake a brownie in a bundt pan!)
And lastly, my personal favorite, is a mocha-almond ice cream with brownie chunks. I've waited for the right time to try and recreate a childhood favorite of mine: Brighams Mocha Almond ice cream. Always wanted to do it with a twist. And this was my lucky chance.
You have to know, I did have all intentions of freezing little brownie chunks for this ice cream, I truly had no idea how well they tasted when frozen. Never ever had brownies taste so good frozen. Most were always too hard or too gummy like. Not these. Perfect little frozen treats, even if you don't make the ice cream, just make the brownies and freeze them into little chunks for snacking.
mocha-almond ice cream w/ Baked brownie chunks
print recipe
1 cup whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
Just under 3/4 cups sugar
4 egg yolks
A tiny pinch of salt
½ TB of double dutch cocoa powder
1 Starbuck Via (Columbia or other "mild" flavor) Can use espresso powder, maybe ¾-1 TB
1 – 1 ½ cups of frozen Baked brownie chunks (cut in ½ inch cubes/squares)
½ - 1 cup of salty, roasted almonds, rough chop (use as little or as much as you desire)
Cook notes: if you don't have a starbuck via, you can easily use espresso powder, maybe ¾ - 1 TB? Do ¾ TB first then taste test, see if it needs more. Remember that using double dutch cocoa powder is strong, so you only need a little bit ( ½ TB) if you feel it needs more then by all means go ahead.
Make up a batch of the Baked Brownies. When they are cooled take about half of the brownies, ut into little chunks of ½ or so, and freeze them. Of better yet, freeze them all, these brownies are amazing frozen!
In a medium size saucepan, over medium heat, heat up the milk, sugar, and salt; stirring occasionally. You want this hot, but not boiling.
In a medium bowl, beat the egg yolks until well combined. Slowly add (a couple tablespoons at a time) of the hot mixture to the egg yolk mixture, all the while stirring/whisking constantly. Keep doing this until all the egg yolk mixture is well combined with the hot milk. (you'll use about half the hot milk mixture).
Then pour the warmed up yolks into the saucepan, and heat over medium-low heat; constantly stirring until the mixture thickens up a bit. Add in the dutch cocoa powder and the Starbuck Via. (taste test, and see if you need more of anything, might need a pinch more salt, but when we ad the salty, roasted almonds to the mixture the salt from the almonds will fix that).
You know the ice cream custard is done when the custard thickens, and easily coats a spatula.
Might take about 15-20 minutes to get to this point; make sure to keep stirring!
Take off heat and pour into a bowl, cover tightly and chill at least a few hours (or overnight) before churning.
When ready to churn, use your ice cream manufacturer's directions to churn. At the last 5 minutes of churning add in the brownie and almond chunks.
Remove ice cream from churner and place into glass or ceramic bowl, cover tightly and into the freezer to continue setting up.
Makes about 1 & ½ quarts.
The giveaway! The Baked Boys are very generous. And thank you guys for this!
They are giving away TWO SETS of:
Cookbook 1: Baked: New Frontiers in Baking
Cookbook 2: Baked Explorations: Classic American Desserts Reinvented
2 boxes of Baked Deep Dark Chocolate Brownie Mix
Seriously! I kid you not. All you have to do to enter is:
o leave ONE comment telling us if you think the Baked Boys should venture on to a cookbook #4 AND what baked treats would you like to see new or old or kicked up?
Be creative here kids!!
o please have a valid email in your signature or comment.
o No anonymous comments please.
o It would be nice to LIKE Baked NYC on Facebook, to stay in top of the arrival of Book 3 and other events. They might have more giveaways when Book 3 arrives!
We'll do the drawing on Friday April 27, 2012! Good luck!
And lastly, congrats to the winners of the Nick Evans cookbook "Cornerstone Cooking" drawing: #16 JRoberts and #43 WinterSundays. Please email me your shipping address!
guest post: matt lewis of BAKED NYC (plus giveaway!)
Have I been excited for weeks on end when I heard Matt Lewis co-owner of the infamous Baked NYC bakery in Brooklyn, NY AND cookbook co-author of Baked: New Frontiers in Baking AND Baked Explorations: Classic American Desserts Reinvented said YES to a guest post for moi?
95 comments:
they should definitely make a cookbook!!! and how about some of your creative genius on infamous slutty brownies???!? love those things!ReplyDelete
Hooray - I love Baked! I adore their recipes and the cute Red Hook bakery. As long as they keep cranking out good recipes, I'll buy EVERY cookbook they put out.ReplyDelete
I just got an ice cream maker so I'd love to see some more of your fun recipes. Plus anytime you do anything with the peanut butter cups I get excited.
Yes! Fruitcake!ReplyDelete
I love ice cream recipes...Since I got the attachment for my KA Mixer, I can't stop! :) Would love to win!!!ReplyDelete
LOVE BAKED. Have the cookbooks and one of my favorite recipes is the crumb cake.ReplyDelete
I would love to see another cookbook, one can not have too many.
I am game for trying any new recipes they come up with.
Thanks for the chance.
- Cori4/20/12, 3:15 PM
I'm always ready for a new cookbook, so yes! Maybe they could make some more savory style sweets, mmmm.ReplyDelete
I would like to see a banana or coconut cream pie kicked up, but still semi-easy to make. Those are my favorites.
They would be crazy not to do a cookbook!! Peanut Butter Truffle Brownies would be delicious!ReplyDelete
- gail4/20/12, 3:24 PM
Yes, they should definitely do a fourth book. A trendy thing now is cake pops. Maybe include that?ReplyDelete
- dave4/20/12, 3:26 PM
A fourth cookbook would be great! Macaroon recipes would be goodReplyDelete
WOW! So there is a baked in Charleston and I haven't been! I know- what am I thinking? I think I need to go tomorrow!! I'd love to win. I think they should play with favorites like dirt !ReplyDelete
- Anonymous4/20/12, 3:34 PM
To say I LOVE these guys is an understatement - - I ADORE them to bits. Not only are they baking master minds, but they aren't to shabby on the eyes either. I can not wait for the release of the 3rd book - - I know it's going to be great :)ReplyDelete
I think they should make a 4th book ... and a 5th ... and a 6th - - can you tell I'm a bit of a fan :P I would honestly purchase anything these men create
I would love to see them re-vamp their burnt sugar bundt cake - - it's already pretty amazing, but I know they can work their magic and take it out of this world
The ice cream willl be a perfect antedote for this weekend 100s here in AZ!!ReplyDelete
Baked is such an amazing destination. I discovered their genius first in Charleston, SC
their second location & have been hooked all the years later.
#4 should be go but what...it's hard to say since I haven't seen #3 but 50 state recipes could be fun using local ingredients. I'd love a prickly pear fruit & cocoa recipe.
i love their cookbooks even though i have yet to own one. i just tend to oooo and ahh over them when i see them. they're on my wishlist.ReplyDelete
i would love to see what they could accomplish with some of the gluten free ingredients, in particular things like almond meal/flour and coconut flour. those are my new baking ingredients and it's tough trying to make the things i love with different flours.
- Brandy J.4/20/12, 3:48 PM
I heart Baked! Please keep up the cookbooks. I love everything I've had, but my two faves have to be the hummingbird cake and this Cherry Almond muffin I got one saturday morning... I still think about this muffin regularly and I had it in February. Sitting in the bakery, eating that muffin and listening to Morrissey playing in the shop... Amazing! I'm kind of happy I live 5 hours away b/c I could get into trouble :)ReplyDelete
Sure! Why not make a kicked up chocolate eclair cake? You know the ones made with graham crackers and pudding.ReplyDelete
mrsblocko at hotmail dot com
I'm all for more cookbooks, so of course venture on to #4!ReplyDelete
As a HUGE fan of the first 2 books (and eagerly awaiting they 3rd), I think they should def make a 4th. It would be cool if they took on international desserts, tweaking them in that oh so special way they are so good at. I would love to see their take on a tres leches cake or flan (I'm Puerto Rican, so those are the first 2 that came to mind).ReplyDelete
fabulous! I can't think of one good reason theses guys should stop writing books. I have a terrible sweet tooth too, but I'm not so good at the bake and disburse method. I love the mid-west granny inspiration, I think that should be the theme of the next book. I have some great church cookbooks you could be inspired by!ReplyDelete
Thanks for the giveaway~!
jbhtranslation (at) gmail.com
Totally new to the Baked boys...but it is never a bad thing to have a million cookbooks, they should totes make a 4th...Maybe they should look into all the blogs that are baking their way through Baked cookbooks and tackle the twists those people have done to their recipes...could be interesting, never really seen a cookbook that is inspired by other recipes inspired by their old recipes (maybe that's a little too Inception-esque but whatevs)ReplyDelete
They have to keep doing more books! A gluten free one could be worthwhile...ReplyDelete
Heck yeah! Unfortunately I've cut back on sweets. All your ice cream recipes make my mouth water especially!ReplyDelete
They should absolutely make a number 4:) why stop with a good thing! I LOVE brownies so anything with brownies sounds good to me in a new cookbook!ReplyDelete
Why stop at 3? Do #4 and 5!!!ReplyDelete
Of course they need to do a fourth book! I'd love to see a recipe for banoffee pie.ReplyDelete
Yes to book #4! I've haven't tried their recipes but I've heard so many great things about them, I've added their books to my wish list. :)ReplyDelete
I would love to see their spin on a traditional favorite here in Hawaii, the malasada (a Portuguese sweet that's kind of like a doughnut without a hole that's rolled in sugar).
Yes they should definitely continue on with a book 4! I would love to see some vegan and/or gluten free recipes!ReplyDelete
I am absolutely in support of another cookbook. I love the first one. I would love something with maple and walnut!ReplyDelete
Definately do a 4th cookbook. Also, I'd like to see a kicked up version of a coconut cream pieReplyDelete
I would be in line to get a cookbook. It all sounds so delicious.ReplyDelete
I love brownies but I love cherries in things too like cheesecake.
msgb245 at gmail dot com
Yes, definitely make a 4th book! I love rice krispie treats, so maybe a new spin on that.ReplyDelete
They should definitely do a fourth book. Why stop a good thing when they're one a roll. I also have to say I made the brooksters from their mix sold at Williams Sonoma and the family loved them! firstname.lastname@example.com
YES TO A 4TH BOOK. I'm so obsessed with these dudes.ReplyDelete
I would say, a new spin on crema catalana. yuuuuuuuuuuum
YUM book 4!!! I enjoy all of the amazing pictures and the directions are so detailed everything I have made has come out fantastic!ReplyDelete
I'm always looking for more ways to incorporate booze. I also love real surprises when baking, like the olive oil-rosemary cake. Just off-the-wall stuff!ReplyDelete
- Amy M4/20/12, 6:26 PM
Go straight pass "3" and collect $200! On to Book #4!ReplyDelete
How about "kicked up" vanilla caramel brownies . . . yum!
Amy M
one can never have too many baking booksReplyDelete
how about using fresh fruit? or dried fruit in things?
candies would be good...........
thank you ♥
ooh totally!! maybe something of the booozy variety!?ReplyDelete
I adore the Baked Boys! In fact, I participate in an on-line group called "Baked Sunday Mornings" (http://bakedsundaymornings.com/) - and we'd love to have you join us! Right now, we bake from Book 2 every other week, but have already agreed to mix in recipes from all 3 books once the third one comes out.ReplyDelete
I absolutely would love to see Book 4! Being at the slight disadvantage of not seeing what's in Book 3, I'd like to see a book that has recipes from each state - like Warren Brown's "United Cakes of America." Think of how fun that would be to research & write!
Thanks for a great interview! I love their cookbooks, can't wait for number 3 and of COURSE they should do a fourth!ReplyDelete
For me it's all about sweet and salty combos - I'd bet they can make a whole cookbook with that as inspiration, no?
a fourth cookbook would be great. i would like to see some recipes with pineapple and cinnamon.ReplyDelete
Cookbook #4 would be great! I think someone mentioned "50 states recipes" which would be really great for Baked style I think. If not, something a bit different: something like "Baked explores the globe" with some worldwide recipes, though it seems like Baked is more for American recipes at heart. Either way, another cookbook would be glorious :)ReplyDelete
I could always learn more sweet treat recipes, so the more Baked books, the merrier!!! I would like to see maybe some gluten free recipes too...I have a few family members and it is difficult to show my love to them (because I always bake for my friends and family just because I love them), so that would be super awesome!!!ReplyDelete
Yes!!! Book 4: ice cream.ReplyDelete
A la perfect scoop. Their toppings, must include peanut butter sundae sauce!
I think they should do an international dessert book for #4. I would love a kicked up biscotti recipe.ReplyDelete
Hey, keep the books coming! How about a kicked up Christmas stollen? Have they done that?ReplyDelete
- Karen4/21/12, 12:44 AM
Anything they do is great. Maybe they can apply their creativity to creating some awesome ice cream recipes?ReplyDelete
I think another cookbook would be awesome. I'd like to see kicked up versions of pumpkin-y desserts.ReplyDelete
I'd love to see a holiday cookbook from the Baked guys. One of my favorite cookies is gingerbread and I'd like to see how they would kick up that cookie to make it different from a regular gingerbread cookie. Chocolate and candied ginger?ReplyDelete
Wow, a 4th cookbook would be so awesome. I love the story behind baked because it is so cool to see people really take a chance and follow their dreams. It gives inspiration to us all. I think it would be cool to see some vegan recipes. But I'm also really partial with anything combining peanut butter and chocolate, so I couldn't say no to any of those.ReplyDelete
- Diane4/21/12, 8:01 AM
Another cookbook would be great! I would love to see more recipes using whole-wheat flour.ReplyDelete
Yes they should make another cookbook. I will always be haunt by a creamy peanut butter cup where the filling was made with mellow roasted garlic. Lets see some twists on savoury sweets.ReplyDelete
We definitely need the 4th cookbook! Go for it!ReplyDelete
I think they should definitely go for a 4th! I love cheesecake and I think they should do kicked up cheesecake recipes. My e-mail is email@example.com
YES on a 4th cookbook! Can't wait for the 3rd to see what they have come up with. I'm not so great at coming up with the amazing combinations - and I can only imagine what they have coming!ReplyDelete
Eep, no need to enter me in the giveaway, but holy hell, that ice cream! Saving to Pinterest immediately.ReplyDelete
Definitely a number #4 book. I am saving up to buy their books, unless I win? Yes!ReplyDelete
I grew up outside NYC, so I would love to see more of the older German bakery items redone and boosted: crumb cake, jelly doughnuts, and like that.
Oh my a 4th cookbook, that would be great. Recipes using caramel, peanut butter, chocolate.ReplyDelete
Would love to see a 4th cookbook. I like anything with extra chocolate.ReplyDelete
I would love to see a 4th book! desserts from different parts of the world would be fun!ReplyDelete
- Anonymous4/21/12, 9:03 PM
oh certainly a book 4. i would like to see "fruits" featured.ReplyDelete
jacquieastemborski AT comcast DOT net
- Anonymous4/21/12, 9:45 PM
Of course they should do a 4th book! I love anything involving spicy desserts, like carrot cake, not so much chiles, even though that can be a good time too. However, I liked an earlier suggestion of throwing in some booze. I love giving things a little added kick.ReplyDelete
A huge yes for book 4! I love Baked. Their recipes to me are such a treasure. Everything tuns out perfectly and so interestingly. We don't have anything like this around at any bakery and yet everyone loves it. Greetings all the way from Lithuania! :)ReplyDelete
Vote yes for a book #4! I'd love to see some salty/sweet desserts.ReplyDelete
I love BAKED recipes and not just the sweets. Not knowing what they've included in book 3, a GF book would be good, or their take on international favorites such as alfajores, tres leches, sticky rice with mangoes, etc. I make BAKED brownies including bacon and bourbon, also use their brownies cubed in Junior's Cheesecake. Now I'm hungry. :-)ReplyDelete
lfmelcher at gmail dot com
Totally they should go for book 4. I say work on something that can incorporate goat cheese in with chocolate. Rich and off the hook!ReplyDelete
Great interview Dawn and I loved the brownies in the ice cream!!ReplyDelete
Great interview and yes, they definitely need a fourth book! Love their treats!ReplyDelete
Wow, awesome! Chocolate anything chocolate. Maybe a recipe for a from scratch fudge brownie. I have yet to master that one.ReplyDelete
I love the Baked guys and I've been dying to try one of their mixes from Williams-Sonoma. I whole-heartedly vote for a #4 book. I'd love to see more peanut butter recipes... I'm in the market for a peanut butter cake recipe. :)ReplyDelete
... are you crazy? ... of course, there should be #4! Could you duplicate a Tasykake Butterscotch Krimpet - thus a jelly krimpet as well!ReplyDelete
Would like to see more ice cream recipes. Would love to win!ReplyDelete
I'd love to see them make another cookbook. I would love to see more dessert bar recipes.ReplyDelete
family74014 at gmail dot com
Never heard of the Baked Boys until 23 seconds ago. Now that I have, I think that exposure would be the reason to write a fourth book. I am a brownie/molten chocolate/peanutbutter cookie fan. I bet they have written about those already. I will know when you send me the books and the mix!!!ReplyDelete
Hey, if cookbooks 1-3 are so great, of course they should do a 4th! I'd love to see pies amped up a bit. :)ReplyDelete
- Anonymous4/23/12, 1:09 PM
I have only read book number one, but it was enough to say that or course number four should be written! I'm not sure what is in books two and three, but I too am a fan of anything made with chocolate. Perhaps some of those molten chocolate cakes with different middle choices (rich chocolate. kahlua chocolate, and peanut butter) for book number four?ReplyDelete
Great post AND giveaway! Another cookbook would be excellent - I am always looking for more cookie & bar recipes.ReplyDelete
A gorgeous ice cream! So scrumptious looking.ReplyDelete
They should definitely consider printing another cookbook. Recipes are delicious!!! Perhaps one on all varieties of cupcakes.ReplyDelete
i think they should tour the us and highlight regional treats. road trips, desserts, and fans everywhere--what could be better?ReplyDelete
A fourth cookbook would be wicked awesome. Holiday classic treats.ReplyDelete
- Kendra4/23/12, 5:28 PM
Sure they should write a 4th cookbook but maybe explore something alittle different. Maybe something more simplier for moms' like me with 4 hungry boys.I suggest recipes that are on the simplier side with ingredients that you can pretty much find in every kitchen and ones that are quick and old fashioned.Maybe a 1950's themed mom in the kitchen kinda book.ReplyDelete
Dawn - how fun! Don't enter me, I have both of those books and love them to pieces. Just wanted to say good for you for securing such a great interview. I loved reading it!ReplyDelete
yes a 4th cookbook! i think more fruity recipes should be included.ReplyDelete
I have a zillion baking cookbooks. Guess what? The two "Baked" cookbooks by Matt and Renaldo are both ones I would grab if my oven caught on fire after a bad caramel fiasco. Next book: if not diner desserts reinvented or Southern desserts re-imagined, go international, home baked Italian and FrenchReplyDelete
Of COURSE there should be a book 4. BAKED foods rock! I'd love to see some Christmas cookies or maybe even dessert pizzas.ReplyDelete
- Chrissie4/24/12, 12:10 PM
Yes to another cookbook--you can never have enough dessert recipes.ReplyDelete
I'd love to see a new spin on pizzelle.
chrissied AT gmail DOT com
ooh, what a great interview!! i would love to see one featuring uncommon ingredients in baked goods, you know, like wasabi, saffron, lavender, asparagus. haha :-PReplyDelete
Definitely another cookbook. Maybe holiday treats for all different holidays throughout the year.ReplyDelete
- ten b4/24/12, 8:57 PM
most assuredly there should be a #4 cookbook. i think salty / sweet would be a good theme, but i'm game for anything. 10750coupons at gmail dot comReplyDelete
I don't have either of these cookbooks yet, but I have heard wonderful things. Great giveaway! I think they should absolutely go for cookbook 4... I think it would be fun to feature unusual/creative flavors and textures. And maybe some macarons?!ReplyDelete
What a fantastic giveaway Dawn! After reading your review/recipe using the Baked Brownie mix last week, I can't wait to get to WS to get some!ReplyDelete
I don't own any of their cookbooks but I've made some of their recipes before and they were great. Cookbook#4- why not?! I'm on a pie kick, so a book of pies would be awesome!
Thanks for the giveaway!
I say, yes yes yes! Another cookbook, please.ReplyDelete
I would love to see a kicked up version of Boston Cream Pie (being a Boston girl myself.)
Wow - that ice cream looks delicious! Of course another cookbook would be a good idea. What I'd like to see is a whoopie pie. I'm not that familiar but have tried a couple and they were too sweet. Wonder what a good quality whoopie pie with ice cream would taste like.ReplyDelete
It's so awesome you got them to do an interview, Dawn. I LOVE them, I'm one of their biggest fans. I saw them feature a few of your recipes on their FB and did a lil happy dance each time for you.ReplyDelete
I totally think they should make cookbook #4, as long as they have the idea and vision for it. Never ever dilute your brand, that's what I feel.
- Anonymous9/28/12, 1:48 AM
thanks for posting.ReplyDelete


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The Ohlone Wilderness 50k, always arduous but strikingly beautiful, is a classic point-to-point course travelling from Fremont to Lake Del Valle in Livermore. The terrain of this part of the Diablo Range is characterized by gorgeous grassy hillsides, heritage oaks, and gray pine forest. The high ridges leading up to the 3,817 ft summit of Rose Peak offer spectacular views of the Bay Area and surrounding mountains. With around 8,000 feet of often steep climbing and equally steep descending, it's a real test of toughness, both mentally and physically. Last year I was able to run solid throughout and post a nice time of 4:16:28, breaking my own course record from the previous year by over 13 minutes. I had set the bar high and was eager to see if I could go even faster this year. I went out aggressively with exactly those intentions, but for a combination of reasons described below I wound up with epic cramping in the last seven miles of the course and came up short of this goal coming in at 4:31:20. Nonetheless, I am extremely proud of winning this awesome event for the third consecutive year and, as always, it was pleasure to run through the trails of the Ohlone Wilderness.
Finishing up, tiiight legs. Photo credit Agnes Pommier.
Ascending Rose Peak. Photo by Jørgen Randrup.
There are some valuable lessons to take away from this experience to improve for the future. Obviously something went wrong in my execution to have such severe cramping requiring walking some of the downhills in the last few miles. I think there are three factors that contributed to the cramping episode, all equally important to take into consideration for next time. First, I started out much too aggressively. I describe the first steep climb up 2,517 ft Mission Peak and then down to Sunol (9 miles) as an appetizer for the rest of the course, so I should know better, right? Well, I failed to heed my advice and extended myself too much on this portion. I gambled in my attempt to improve on splits from the start, came in to Sunol a couple minutes faster than last year, but I would pay for it later on. Second, the relatively cool weather belied the need for hydration in the early stages and I was disappointingly complacent with hydration and nutrition. I only started drinking and eating adequately after the cramping began to set in. I have done enough ultras to understand that retroactive does not work, especially on a course like Ohlone with its relentless steep climbing and descending. Third, I had run the Quicksilver 50 miler three weeks prior (my first 50 miler) which took a lot out of me. While I felt recovered in training, the Ohlone course is much more intense in terms of climbing, duration, and energy expenditure than my normal training routes, ultimately manifesting some latent fatigue. Once the cramping set it, I instantly realized improving my time from last year would not be possible. Instead, I focused on fighting through the adversity and getting to the finish while listening to my body and taking a conservative approach to the situation – I felt there was no need to extend myself further potentially causing a tear or strain. In the end, I was extremely grateful to push through the adversity, avoid strains, and win this classic event for the third time.
Top three. Photo credit Agnes Pommier.
The start. Photo credit to Agnes Pommier.
This year only four participants dipped under the five hour barrier. Jesse Haynes was second in 4:46:18, Jean Pommier was third in 4:55:35 (Jean has placed in the top three for five consecutive years with wins in 2007 and 2008!), and Scott McClennan was fourth in 4:58. The top woman was Keira Henninger in 5:38:10 and 2nd through 4th place women were separated by less than 3 minutes! A huge thanks to the race directors and volunteers for putting on another flawless event. Every year I'm always amazed at how well this event is organized despite the logistical issues encountered on this point-to-point event that travels through remote wilderness. Everybody from the race check-in, course marking, aid station crews, and finish line staff did a fantastic job. The BBQ at the Lichen Bark picnic was delicious as usual and it was great to chat with fellow participants and the legendary Dave Scott (aka Mr. Ohlone) who won this event eight times over a ten year period between 1989 and 1998. Thanks to everyone who helped organize this race and congratulations to all the participants!
Complete results HERE.
Photo credit Chihping Fu.
Lots of climbing. Photo credit Keith Blom.
Spectacular scenery. Photo credit Keith Blom.
Post-run relax. Photo credit Chuck Wilson.
Running the gorgeous green grassy hills of the Ohlone Wilderness. Photo credit Keith Blom.
Sweet view of the Ohlone 50k course as seen from space by Joe Swenson and annotated by me (click for larger version).

subset: commoncrawl


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Bibendum producers hailed in South Africa report
In his 2015 South Africa report, Tim Atkin was full of praise for Sijnn, Newton Johnson, Steenberg and Creation. South African wine is becoming a serious proposition for UK consumers and Tim emphasised the diversity and quality available in this country.Read More
Seriously cool: the allure of cool-climate wineCool-climate wine is, well… cool. Changing temperatures and rising levels of carbon dioxide are gently moving the best, most interesting, coolest vineyards further north – in the north – and south – in the south. Read More
Two new South African producersThis spring we've added two new producers from one of the most exciting New World countries of the moment: South Africa. Read More
Forces of nature: winemaking in the face of climate changeIf you glanced through the biggest and most glaring headlines of 2017 you would be forgiven for thinking the world was going through the earliest stages of the apocalypse. Particularly as it seemed whole parts of the world were being ravaged by uncontrollable fires, devastating floods and the worst frosts experienced in 50 years. Read More
Harvest 2018: South Africa
This year's struggles in South Africa should come as no surprise to the wine trade – with serious drought in the Western Cape affecting both natural supplies of water and government allocations.Read More
Sustainability at SAAM Mountain Vineyards
Focusing on ways to reduce their impact on the South African environment.Read More
Stellenrust Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
Produced by one of South Africa's largest Fairtrade certified single wine estates, this isn't any ordinary Chenin Blanc.Read More
Springfield Estate Vivid Profile
Sustainable winemaking at Springfield Estate.Read More
Waldo Van Zyl introduces Sijnn Wines, South Africa
Sijnn Wines is a collaboration between winemakers, Waldo van Zyl, David Trafford as well as Bibendum's own Simon Farr.Read More
Sijnn Low Profile
A special delivery, exclusively for our independent customers.
Read More
mytaste with Erika Obermeyer
We take Erika Obermeyer, winemaker at Graham Beck, on a tour of London.Read More
Friday Quiz: South AfricaCould you point to Stellenbosch or Walker Bay on a map? Test your knowledge in this week's quiz... Read More
What's in a blend? The world's most famous grape marriages
Single-varietal wines are popular with consumers: it can be easier to pick out a grape name you know, than to try and decipher a regional label. So what exactly is a Rhone blend when its at home?Read More
Sommelier Wine Awards 2017: the lowdown
Our fantastic producers have won a host of awards this year - check them out.Read More
Harvest 2017: Southern Hemisphere round-upThe grapes are in! Read More
Biodynamic and Organic Wine: A Grower's Perspective
We caught up with Clare Allan from Huia, one of our organic and biodynamic growers.Read More
Wine, But Not as You Know it
Four approaches to 'low-alcohol' that you may not expectRead More
A Tasting on Thin Ice: Gruner Veltliner vs. The World
A tasting with the effervescent Lenz Moser provides some talking points, springs a few surprises and leaves a pleasant taste in everyone's mouth.Read More
Brazil... Here we Come!
With the Rio Olympics just around the corner, Brazil will be firmly in the limelight in 2016. To make sure that you can add some truly Brazilian flair to your wine list, we have some exciting new wines to introduce from Miolo Wine Group.Read More


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Amanuensis Monday: Western Union Telegrams by John Newmark at TransylvanianDutch Genealogy and Family History. A lovely look at how the little things can add perspective and define our ancestors' lives.
The Georgia Archives recently introduced Georgia Non-Indexed Death Certificates, 1928 – 1930, which I found via a blog post on the Columbus Public Library Genealogy and Local History blog. The site includes step-by-step instructions for searching death certificates from this period. See also: Georgia Death Certificates, 1919 – 1927.
Blount County Articles from TN Genealogy Society and Index to 1795-1819 Deeds by TNGenWeb-Blount County, Tennessee. It's always nice to hear about new online records and indexes, especially in counties where my ancestors lived!
16 Great-Great Grands of Carol Yates Wilkerson from iPentimento. This is both an interesting and fun way to highlight a certain part of the family tree.


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Former Husker Johnson Earns Spot on Team USA
Former Nebraska bowling All-American Kayla Johnson earned a spot on Team USA Sunday after finishing second to Carolyn Dorin-Ballard at the United States Bowling Congress Summer Team USA Trials at the International Training and Research Center in Arlington, Texas.
The top two players in each division after 15 games earned the automatic spots on Team USA in 2014. The remainder of the Team USA roster will be determined and announced at the 2014 USBC Team USA Trials in January.
Johnson, a native of Washington, Ill., posted a 15-game total of 3,193 behind tournament champion Dorin-Ballard's dominating 3,407 score. Johnson edged out former Husker All-American andnational champion Shannon Pluhowsky by 10 pins to seal second place, earning a spot on the upcoming 2014 Team USA.
In an interview after competition with Bowl.com, Johnson was ecstatic with her performance and can't wait to be a member of Team USA.
"I don't even have words because it is everyone's dream to make Team USA," Johnson said, "I'm super excited for the learning portion of Team USA. I can't wait for the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest coaches in the game."
Current Husker Elise Bolton, a member of the Junior Team USA finished 16th with a 15-game total of 2,901.
The Summer Trials featured a 59 person field, including 31 men competitors and 28 women competitors.
Bowling Jun. 30
Bowling May. 24
Bowling May. 17
Bowling Apr. 23
Bowling Apr. 13
Bowling Apr. 12


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The last month of autumn is here! Despite the impending cold, we have exciting events to look forward all around South Africa.
Catch us at the 2012 Indaba Expo at the Albert Luthuli Convention Centre in Durban, between the 12th & 15th May, were we will be showcasing our various offerings.
Cape Town International Convention Centre hosts the ever popular Good Food & Wine show between the 24 – 27 May & the informative Marketing Indaba on the 10th May.
Excitingly, in April 2012 SAA announced their support of the South African Olympics teams. In celebration SAA has launched a "Paint the plane of Team South Africa" competition. The winner of the competition will win an all-expenses paid trip to the Olympic Games in London.
Go to flysaa.com to enter. Read more about the sponsorship below.
Undoubtedly even in the icy cold, South African rugby fans across the country will have their braais ablaze in support of the various rugby tournaments happening.
If you have not yet booked your ticket, to see your favorite sporting, commercial or entertainment event, or if you need some inspiration for a mid-year break, be sure to see our South African & African specials.
Until next time, travel safe!
Landing in Buenos Aires, you will be immediately captivated by the striking architecture for which the Argentinian capital city is renowned.
The legacy of a fascinating colonial history, it mirrors the built-in diversity of the people. French, Italian and Spanish immigrants together with the Portenos (locals) give the city its multi-cultural vibrancy. It explains the visible trimmings of European sophistication such as opera houses, art spaces and pavement cafes.
Then there's the Latin passion: Learn the rhythm of the sensual tango or watch a game of football with the people who have perfected the sport.
Join us on our journey and exploration of one of the most alluring and passionate countries in the world armed with spectacular natural beauty.
Non-stop flight SA226 departs Johannesburg every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 09h50 and arrives in Buenos Aires at 16h10 local time the same day.
SAA's return non-stop flight from Buenos Aires departs every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 18h10, returning travelers to Johannesburg at 08h15 the following day.
SAA operates the Airbus A340-300 on the route, with individual, on-demand touch-screen entertainment systems, a pillow, blanket and amenity kit in every seat.
South Africa specials
Cape Town
* Above fares are on a return basis, inclusive of all taxes and are subject to change due to currency fluctuations.
Terms and conditions apply.
Number of seats : 25 271
International specials
Number of seats : 4 458
Book now on www.flysaa.com or through the SAA Call Centre on 0861 606 606
For Call Centre bookings, please quote booking code: mn26Apr12
For special fares from other departure cities click here.
Superior service from take-off to landing... and now beyond!
With South African Airways, your complete travel experience is our priority.
Business Class travellers flying to London will be issued with a voucher onboard, enabling them to bypass the normal customs queues, getting you to desired destination, faster!
When you book your flight to Durban, you're booking a flight to a place unlike any other. Home to the busiest port in South Africa, Durban boasts a lively atmosphere that you can't help but want to be a part of. The minute you set your eyes on the Durban's beachfront skyline, you'll know you've arrived.
Be sure to experience uShaka Marine World who boasts a host of exotic marine animals and the best dolphin show in Southern Africa. If shopping is more your style, you are in for a treat, Gateway Theatre of Shopping is one of the biggest & most popular malls in Africa.
Book your seat with us and take flight on an adventure to the exciting, sophisticated cosmopolitan city of Durban, a place under which beats the pulse of Mother Africa.
SAA Partners with SASCOC to Ferry Team South Africa to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Johannesburg, 10 April 2012 – South African Airways (SAA) on Tuesday announced its support and sponsorship of Team South Africa who will partake in the upcoming London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games.
The announcement, which comes close to 100 days before the start of the Games, was made at a signing ceremony jointly hosted by the SAA and the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) at a South African Airways Technical hangar at the OR Tambo International Airport.
Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the SAA Board of Directors, Cheryl Carolus, said: "SAA, as a national carrier, has a long standing history of supporting various national activities. This agreement is another significant contribution to our national efforts and our company's mission of bringing the world to Africa and taking Africa to the world. As the national carrier, we are thus honoured to support Team South Africa by flying them to London – backing them all the way in true South African style," Carolus said.
The sponsorship comes in the form of the issuance of air tickets which allows participating athletes and officials to fly the national carrier for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. The occasion was attended by a host of dignitaries including the Minister of Public Enterprises Malusi Gigaba as well as the Minister of Sports and Recreation Fikile Mbalula.
Addressing guests at the event, Minister Gigaba alluded to the significant role that state owned companies such as SAA can play in the developmental endeavours of the country. "This partnership attests to SAA's commitment and unquestionable support to the South African brand and the country's broader objectives. I am confident that this collaboration will spur on our athletes and encourage them to bring home the gold," Gigaba said.
Speaking on behalf of the Confederation, SASCOC President Gideon Sam thanked SAA for coming aboard for this exciting Olympics and Paralympics journey.
"I have to say that patience is indeed a virtue. We have been 'courting' SAA for some time now although we were obviously mindful that the current economic situation worldwide is impacting on all businesses.
"A chance meeting with the SAA Chairperson created that gap for us to raise the matter again. She was adamant that it would be over her dead body that the pride of South Africa must be transported to and from the Games on a foreign carrier. The rest is history and here we are today to say thank-you to a most welcome new partner.
"All South Africans will no doubt join us in thanking SAA for being so kind as to partner the sports movement in general and our athletes in particular."
SASCOC CEO Tubby Reddy also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to SAA. "It make perfect sense for the cream of our country's athletes to be flown by our world renowned national carrier and we are extremely grateful for SAA's involvement in this regard particularly in these tight financial times. And hopefully there will be additional extra baggage on the return journey in the form of some medals won by Team SA."
"The injection of cash and kind support in anyway necessary to help Team SA to perform well in the 2012 London spectacle, is welcomed. For Team SA, to make the country proud we need big business, state owned enterprises and all interested parties to invest their time, energies and trust in the team to bring us those medals. We are hopeful that by the time the departure day comes, we would have had many companies knocking at the Team SA door to inject more resources.". Minister Mbalula said.
Minister Mbalula further stated that all athletes must understand that they are our ambassadors and must focus their energies on ensuring that they sharpen their tools to represent the hopes of millions of South Africans.
About SAA
South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 20 destinations across the continent, as well as major destinations within South Africa, from its hub, Johannesburg. Owned by the South African Department of Public Enterprises, SAA is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA's core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its four wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low cost carrier; Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA and South African Travel Centre (SATC). SAA CEO Siza Mzimela is the first woman to be appointed into the IATA Board of Governors in its 67 year history. SAA is the winner of the 'Best Airline in Africa' Award in the regional category for 9 consecutive years and the winner of 'Service Excellence Africa' for two consecutive years. Mango and SAA hold the number one and number two successive spots as South Africa's most on time airlines.
About SASCOC
SASCOC is South Africa's national multi-coded sporting body responsible for the preparation, presentation and performance of teams to all multi-coded events, namely the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games, World Games, All Africa Games, Olympic Youth Games, Commonwealth Youth Games and Zone VI Games. SASCOC also looks after all our various National Federations who are affiliated to us, together with the various provincial sports councils. They are responsible for the awarding for National Protea Colours to athletes/officials who have met the criteria to represent South Africa in different sporting codes and arenas and also endorse the applications for Bidding and Hosting of international events, providing these criteria are all met.
School children and students, between the ages of seven and 21, are invited to allow their creative talents free reign and come up with an Olympic-themed design for one of our Airbus A340-600 aircraft.
This aircraft, on which the winning design will be painted by SAA, will proudly carry Team South Africa members to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games to be played from 27 July to 12 August 2012 in London, followed by the 2012 Paralympic Games from 29 August to 9 September 2012.
The winning entry will win an all-expenses paid trip to the Olympic Games in London.
How to enter: School children and students wishing to enter, can visit the airline's website at flysaa.com.
The Europcar and www.flysaa.com partnership has offered an remarkable reservation facility for several years. At the heart of the Europcar offer is the promise of outstanding customer service and an excellent fleet of vehicles to choose from. SAA customers can receive a car rental quote for travel with a flight or if they simply need the wheels. Through a dynamic pricing model, best available rates are offered for each quote request.
Click here
Hyatt hotels and resorts
We are a global hospitality company with widely recognized, industry leading brands and a tradition of innovation developed over our more than fifty-year history. Our mission is to provide authentic hospitality by making a difference in the lives of the people we touch every day. We focus on this mission in pursuit of our goal of becoming the most preferred brand in each segment that we serve for our associates, guests, and owners. We support our mission and goal by adhering to a set of core values that characterizes our culture.
We manage, franchise, own and develop Hyatt branded hotels, resorts and residential and vacation ownership properties around the world. As of December 31, 2011, the company's worldwide portfolio consisted of 483 properties.


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Anthony Kuhn
International Correspondent Anthony Kuhn official base is Jakarta, Indonesia, where he opened NPR's first bureau in that country in 2010. From there, he has covered Southeast Asia, and the gamut of natural and human diversity stretching from Myanmar to Fiji and Vietnam to Tasmania. During 2013-2014, he is covering Beijing, China, as NPR's Louisa Lim is on fellowship.
Prior to Jakarta, Kuhn spent five years based in Beijing as a NPR foreign correspondent reporting on China and Northeast Asia. In that time Kuhn covered stories including the effect of China's resurgence on rest of the world, diplomacy and the environment, the ancient cultural traditions that still exert a profound influence in today's China, and the people's quest for social justice in a period of rapid modernization and uneven development. His beat also included such diverse topics as popular theater in Japan and the New York Philharmonic's 2008 musical diplomacy tour to Pyongyang, North Korea.
In 2004-2005, Kuhn was based in London for NPR. He covered stories ranging from the 2005 terrorist attacks on London's transport system to the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles. In the spring of 2005, he reported from Iraq on the formation of the post-election interim government.
Kuhn began contributing reports to NPR from China in 1996. During that time, he also worked as an accredited freelance reporter with the Los Angeles Times, and as Beijing correspondent for the Far Eastern Economic Review.
In what felt to him a previous incarnation, Kuhn once lived on Manhattan's Lower East Side and walked down Broadway to work in Chinatown as a social worker. He majored in French literature at Washington University in St. Louis. He gravitated to China in the early 1980s, studying first at the Beijing Foreign Languages Institute and later at the Johns Hopkins University-Nanjing University Center for Chinese and American Studies in Nanjing.
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ContactMike Bennett
Email Click to Show Email
Coach We coach at the highest levels
SeasonWinter, Spring, Summer, Fall
TryoutsDrop In
Travel RangeOvernight
GamesTwice per Week
PracticesThree per week
PhilosophyWe're teaching experienced players the skills they need to play at higher levels. We understand there is more to life than just our sport, but do expect a pretty substantial commitment. Playing time must be earned at this level.
Team BioClub soccer strives to create a soccer environment that enables athletes to become complete soccer players. The technical and tactical aspects of soccer are taught in an enthusiastic and challenging atmosphere, while enhancing the physical and mental capabilities of the player. Each player will be afforded the opportunity to compete at the highest level that their ability will allow. Club Soccer is not rec soccer; it is for those that are ready for the next level and beyond. You can expect the best coaching available in the area.


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ESPN's Buster Olney states that the Red Sox made a 1/5 offer to Roy Oswalt and a similar pitch to Edwin Jackson (although the Jackson offer may not have been official). Olney says the Red Sox
don't want to get locked into any long-term deals ... [I]f they can get an Oswalt or a Jackson at their offer price, they're OK with that. If they can't, I think they're OK with that too considering they have other alternatives at this point with the rotation.ESPN's Gordon Edes takes a wider look at the rumours and reports.
Andrew Bailey avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract worth $3.9 million, with another $100,000 in incentives. There are two arbitration cases that remain unsettled: David Ortiz and Alfredo Aceves.


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Tuesday, January 17, 2012
media web build apps on your phone or laptop with TheAppBuilder - then publish to all app stores http://bit.ly/ygGswr
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Matthew David is Chief Digital Strategist for CW Professional Services. Over the last three years, Matthew has consulted on mobile strategies with companies such as MillerCoors, Dole, Adobe, & Academy of Art University. Mr. David is a published author of more than 10 books, including HTML5 (2nd Ed), HTML5 for Mobile Web Sites and Flash Mobile.
Matthew's books include:
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His professional resume is updated on LinkedIN.
And, yes, he really loves classic Rock.


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Thursday, February 12, 2009
[Druid] Armor as sacred cow?
I've been reading and posting on the main tanking forums more, especially now that there's news of a new mechanic in 3.1. There's quite a few good posters and good players there, and it's nice to be able to talk with other tanks in a sort of free flow of information that isn't quite so moderated as EJ.
At the same time, there are a ton of druids that are irrationally afraid of what's in store. And one of the things I keep seeing is this basic idea:
"Don't nerf our armor, you've already nerfed our armor twice already!"
"Predictable mitigation is ALWAYS better than RNG mitigation or avoidance!"
I don't want to talk about the incorrectness of the latter; the math has been demonstrated, and it's clear from simple examples that this is going to depend on a lot of things. What struck me as odd is how the identity of the druid tank really seemed to be wedded to having high armor. It didn't matter that things like crushing blows were removed or that bears were given protector of the pack. It doesn't matter that right now, druids are the least spiky they've ever been in the history of WoW (better magic mitigation, usable barkskin in forms, no crushes, PotP, and use of consumables in forms all attribute to this).
All that seemed to matter is that they have huge armor.
I guess I can see that; armor was a huge deal in TBC after all, though avoidance became a lot more important when we could stack 80% of it. But I never really thought of it as my identity. Though to be fair I don't tend to think of myself as a druid or a bear anyway; that's just the toon I play on WoW. But when I think about druids and druid tanking, the thing that I think of first is something I've mentioned before.
To me, playing a feral meant being able to tank in some places and DPS in others. It meant being able to pull using ranged aoe spells and build extra aggro via healing myself. It wasn't in the bosses that I could tank or fights I was more advantaged on, and it certainly wasn't about my gear or the specific values on that gear. Honestly, it's tough for me to imagine any druid identifying with much in the way of gear since itemization was so ass for such a long time; should you identify with the Pillar of Lol? How about that awesome Badge of Tenacity?
No, to me it was about experimentation. About thinking about approaching things differently, figuring out ways to work around disadvantages (like pvp gear or intervenes on shears), to take certain problems (not using potions in bear) and making them advantages (getting 40% more health with a pot drinking macro). For me, that's basically morphed into figuring out what gear and spec I can use to be a great tank and a good DPS at the same time, or how I can tank Sarth without using anyone else's cooldowns.
Nothing intrinsic to feral playing has really changed thematically. Only the specific problems to be solved have. That's a good thing too; I like solving new problems. I like having to figure out new ways to do gear and specs and encounters. That's where I get a lot of pleasure from WoW.
I think that if they made ferals ridiculously rigid - akin to prot/other specs in the other tanking classes - that would make me seriously consider another class. If they made it so that the stats that bears use for tanking and DPSing were hugely different (which is close to what TBC was like) and the spec was hugely different - so much that you could not do decent DPS as a cat while bear-specced - would make me want to switch.
I'm curious though - what do you all think about this? Is being the high-armor, big physical hit tank what being a feral means to you? If you lost all your extra armor and had exactly the same armor that you do in cat but nothing else changed, would that bother you? If you were forced to spec into cat or bear so that you really couldn't do much in the way of damage when bear-specced, would you care?
What's your concept of a feral druid? And what would make you not want to play a feral any more? What's your sacred cow?
32 comments:
- Jacemora said...
I play WOW because I like both the cooperative and competitive nature of the game.
I chose a Druid because of the versatility of the class and my knowledge going in that the majority of my time would be limited to playing and leveling 1 toon.
I think what we ask as Druids is to allow us to perform at the same level as other classes when we play our characters at the highest level.
When the best Balance or Feral Druid plays perfectly yet we have trouble keeping up with the Agro or DPS or whatever measurable competitive statistic with other classes is I think when people get upset. (note I left out the Resto tree that kicks all the healers butts)
I personally pride myself on the numerically unmeasurable.
Knowledge of the game, understanding of my class, helping my friends and guildmates, preventing a wipe by going bear or shifting out of bear with the right cooldowns up to throw a BREZ or Innervate.
I am lucky, my guild compliments me on my gameplay but not everyone that plays is so lucky.
- February 12, 2009 at 4:11 PM
- Karthis said...
>What's your concept of a feral druid?
Same as yours - versatility. I love finding a way to use all aspects of the class in a raid.... or even better, in a single fight. Or figuring out how to battle res while main tanking, or stepping out of cat form to heal when things get silly.
- February 12, 2009 at 6:17 PM
- Marino said...
I started out as Resto. Being at that point the only class I liked, knowing how rare druids were in the beginning and how much healers were wanted. Purely to serve the guild I would eventually be in. I leveled to 60 as resto.
About a year ago I went offspec feral and liked it and in WotLK I am full feral. Though I do know there might be a point where I am bored with my current play. So my decision... Stick with my druid.
The great thing about druids is that you can do every aspect of the game. Ranged and melee dps, tanking and healing. No other class can do that and I have a nearly full balance set though trying it questing for 3 days. only thing I can say is that balance bores me very much! But you never know...
There is pure tanking spec, and there is "good enough" tanking spec that leaves a bit of room for some, pretty crappy, dps.
A hybrid spec is good enough to raid but still I feel already that I might not be doing the best I can. Especially being the only feral druid in the guild I have no one to compare my dps to. DPS is always bad in hybrid spec. I don't know if I am doing a good job or acting like a 100% noob. No bothering checking stats after the fight. I suck, and there is no need or way to see how I can improve.
For feral druids it is now really time dual speccing was implemented. I already have 2 completely different sets of gear for tanking and dps (only share 1 trinket). Now it is time for 2 specs and 2 glyph sets.
Also; at the moment I am trying full dps spec and now I can somewhat compare my dps to other classes and it is not bad. Lack of a history of doing dps on fights prevents me to see how my dps is in relation to gear, class and experience.
Also not having an arms warrior makes me include glyph of mangle, replacing my glyph of maul. Conclusion: as cat you are really bad in tanking!
Spec wise it is either one or the other. That was my first conclusion seeing the WotLK feral talent tree for the first time. No longer will 1 spec be enough. Druids have not 3 but 4 roles, and also not 3 but 4 talent trees.
What I think of a feral druid? There is no feral druid. Not since 3.0. It is either a tank or a dps druid. People who had not realised that still call us multi-use. Tank and dps. And though we are a better choice then a prot warrior going dps, until dual spec hits, we are crappy at best. No whole instance can you be effective unless you are Tanking or dpssing all the time.
On the other hand, when dual spec hits, druids loose the unique multi-use ability. A prot warrior in dps gear switching to fury spec can take our role while we tank every fight. Might become boring...
- February 12, 2009 at 7:08 PM
- Shamad said...
For me, the druid is just a means to an end. If feral gets fucked up, I've got gear ready to switch to resto or a holy priest alt who I can pick up as my main instead.
Now having said that, I do tend to identify quite heavily with any character I play for a longer period of time. It's also partly why I'm concerned about the future of it. I've seen too many issues crop up with other classes I've played in the past which have rendered them crippled for long periods of time. The current system isn't going to hold into T9 content, but then I'm not sure Savage Defence is going to do so either. I fear that we'll be stuck with a inferior mechanic that's going to relegate us to being the the tank class that's theoretically useful, but which no serious top guild will use. If that's the case, I'd rather respec resto than try to convince my guild to take what I feel is an inferior tank into the raid. We've got warriors, paladins and DK's to take my place, what's important is that the guild keeps progressing
- February 12, 2009 at 10:37 PM
- Frédéric said...
I play Druid since TBC at a VHL content (Kil jaeden down ;) ) I was playing as a tank and a very few time as a dd because of the uselessness of the feral druid as a dd in TBC.
Since LK, feral druid are able to be in the top5 dd in about all the content. All 3 feral druids in my guild perform this.
More over, with a good spec/stuff, everything can be tanked easily, even sartha3D with a phat stam gemming!
But what Felhoof told about a dps/tanking stuff/template make me reconsider things!
Almost everything can be tanked expect sartha3D because of the need of stamina.
And it is really fun to get almost 3K dps on Patchwerk (10k tps oO).
And it will be better with savage defense. (with about 8k pa with dd trinket up => 2K shield ^^).
I think feral druid will still have a good tanking skill.
I enjoy TC and taking time on how to improve my druid.
To conclude, I find logical that a tanking druid can't heal, or dps less, this is the only way to be competitive in the spec we choose
- February 13, 2009 at 2:11 AM
Can I give you a big amen here?! I absolutely love the versatility of my class. It is the main reason I love and play a druid. I only have enough time for one main. Being a druid offers me so much in variety that I don't miss having 2 or 3 other top level characters. I can tank instances when I feel like it or I can relax and just dps or I can go solo dailies/quests.
WOTLK has made that even better. In BC I raided 70% of the time as a bear, but now 80% of the time I go kitty and am in the top five of the total dps output. I confess I enjoy cat even more because it allows my versatility to shine. Doing the Heigan dance we lost the MT about midway. The OT was a pally tank who was tasked with cleansing and additional healing. I bear'd up and helped finish the dance. Another time I brezzed the MT after he went down, dying in the process, but again saving a raid wipe. Being able to go from dps to tank in a blink or bring back a critical member and help save a raid is exactly what I love most about my class.
I do love the high armor and the gasps at how much health I have when I go full tank. But it isn't class defining. It is class characterization.
- February 13, 2009 at 6:22 AM
- Sassafras said...
Armor+Stamina. I strive to be an effective tank. I don't want to be decent. I want to awesome. Bear iz 4 Tank! (Cat iz 4 quest)
And I don't identify my bear with my armor as much as others do. When you are tanking for people who have no real understanding for what bears should and should not have, they just ask about armor, (and if I am uncrittable! *eyeroll*).
- February 13, 2009 at 6:28 AM
- Ylee said...
Versatility. I like being able to help the raid at any time. Need a tank, got it. Need dps, I'm there. Need a battle rez and innervate, done. I like all the different hats a feral druid can wear and still be a contributing member of the raid!
- February 13, 2009 at 6:55 AM
- Karthis said...
"DPS is always bad in hybrid spec."
Uh - I beg to differ. Unless 3500+ dps is "bad" in your books. I run hybrid tank/dps and do just fine when I'm called on to kitty form.
The feral hybrid is alive & well.
- February 13, 2009 at 6:59 AM
- Marino said...
It all depends on experience as dps (don't have that much since I mostly tank)
Trying to max dps rotation on a boss ?? level dummy I do 2.7k dps selfbuffed over a 10 minute period. In raid I ended up being nr 11 in damage done (though nr 1 in dps on a boss where I was unable to dps constantly so nergy regen helped me there).
This all was full cat specced. When I am hybrid specced I end up only outdpssing newbies that have just gotten their chars to 80.
It might have something to do with my guild farming Naxx 25 since week 3 of wotlk and having a LOT of good gear. Since I not often dps rogues and hunters have priority over me on dps gear. So my gear is lacking a bit.
It also depends on what kind of hybrid spec you talk about. There is I think about a 400 to 500 dps difference between full cat spec and my hybrid spec. I can not see how you can ever compete on dps if you have 400 dps less then when full cat.
- February 13, 2009 at 8:28 AM
I love the driud versitility for sure; that's why I originally chose it. I'm glad we tank equivalently (no, better!) to the other tanks, and yes I was pushing 3.5k dps on a straight up cat dps 10 man loatheb (no spores) It was a perfect demo of what a tank specced/glypded druid can do with a change of gear.
I also enjoy rolling with the changes... and I'm able to do that. Back when "top" players fussed that crit & attack power had nothing to do with time to live or effective health - therefore proof that Blizzard had "messed it up" -I always believed Blizzard when they said the tanking current could be shifting towards damage. And now look at what's planned for mitigation scaling.
I've met enough "top" players now to know that you cant always trust their opinions. Just because you're in a guild that farms sarth+3 on you alts, doesnt mean you have anything useful to contribute to the conversation. The opposite is very true too of course. Those are the people you want to listen to. Like Kalon - he's aweomse !!!! (jk,jk)
You will find crazy "top" players on the forums. The fact that they've beaten all the content makes them believe they've "beaten" all the blizzard staff too. I wasnt aware we were at war with Blizzard but anyway... just one of my pet peeves.
Character idendification happens a lot - I think that depends on the person. My druid is a toon I play, and though I love him to bits, he's not "me" - and I'm absolutely not confused about the difference. So I can deal with "my" armor changing, "my" mitigation mechanics changing. "My" health changing. I can deal with it, because I love playing video games and I trust the designers. They've done such a good job consisently for so long, and they're always improving.
I apologise for being so optimistic and having so much fun with my druid. I have resisted the pressure to become miserable, suspicious and cynical, and I will continue to resist that pressure, no matter how hard people try to force me. Good luck to you too Kalon!
- February 13, 2009 at 9:07 AM
- Karthis said...
You can look me up on the wow armory: Karthis, Garona-US. I'm in my DPS gear, and my hybrid spec. My guild, like yours, has been farming Naxx forever.
> It all depends on experience as
> dps (don't have that much since I > mostly tank)
Sure - but you claimed that hybrid DPS was bad, period. If you have little experience DPSing then you'll put out poor numbers regardless of what class you play - never mind spec. =) (And remember - all ferals had to learn the new rotations with WotLK.... our DPS cycle in nothing like what it was in TBC)
- February 13, 2009 at 9:16 AM
Haha kalon, I just read some of the threads on the offical forum re savage defence. The best comment in there, as usual, is from GC "its not a buff or a nerf per se....we want to make gearing as a bear tank more interesting"
That whole argument you're having about math? The simple thing your wife came up with? You've got to remember that although they teach this stuff in 4th grade, by the looks of it, many posters are getting a lot more wow-time than school-time. I could use the word "irrational". But after reading some of these posts, I'd rather describe it as "uneducated rambling".
- February 13, 2009 at 11:37 AM
- Oiysters said...
I chose my druid originally because I only wanted to level one toon and have the potential to play any role in a raid.
My concern with the upcoming tanking change is that for the first time in my WoW career I'm the go-to tank in the guild rather than the tank people will settle for if the warrior or the paladin isn't around. I love the comments I get because of how little damage I take from Patch while soaking hatefuls. I love how my healers jokingly complain about being bored healing me when I catch them dps'ing in Naxx. And in all honesty I'm loathe to give that up.
My guess is that some of the fear and loathing being directed at Savage Defense is a direct result of the fear of a large percentage of the bear tank population of being forced out of the MT positions in progression raids that it feels like we just won.
It does seem that Savage Defense has the potential to be a great change and provide for some fun gearing options, so I'm hopeful. But if they miss the mark and I'm forced back into perma-OT status a la TBC I'll be sorely disappointed.
"But Prot dps sucks and even in full bear spec when you go cat you do 1k like more dps and you do take more damage now after all...it's just better for the raid if you're OT." Bah. Time to reroll if I want to tank full time.
- February 13, 2009 at 1:51 PM
- Kalon said...
Jacemora - thanks as always. And I really liked this line:
I personally pride myself on the numerically unmeasurable.
That's an awesome description.
Karthis - I kind of figured that. I think that I tend to underemphasize the cat aspects compared to you and Flyv, but it's still there.
Marino - my findings and yours are different. Perhaps your guild has absolutely excellent DPS across the board, but I think being able to do 5k+ on Patchwerk and 4k+ on Maexxna is not bad.
Shamad, I do share your concerns. I don't think that Blizzard has ever had a really good idea of where druids fit in in the tanking pantheon, and a lot of the big decisions over the last few years have been to try and badly rebalance it. TBC could be summed up as 'trying to keep the bear down' - and failing at it. I think that SD is a step in the right direction because it's an inherently more stable solution to balance based on more stats and give them less weight. But it's not a guarantee that things will work out. Hopefully folks like you will be around to show them when they're wrong in a way that can make it right.
Frederic, I'm glad you're having a good time. You really should try cat dps with a few less talents in bear; it's surprisingly awesome and fun.
Willowbear, I liked this too:
But it isn't class defining. It is class characterization.
Sassafras - so are you saying that if stamina and armor values went away but you got something that would make you awesome in another way, it'd be a deal breaker?
- February 13, 2009 at 2:17 PM
People I run with when I'm tanking, especially naxx, always call out "Druids are the best tanks for this" or what ever. And it's an easy conclusion to jump to when I'm sitting there raid buffed up to 40k hit points. And yet, we as a group were still wiping. A lot. I had my gear up to very nice "starting Naxx level", and I was running with a friend of mine on his DK as the other tank. Both of us are very capable of doing this. But as a group, the pug we put together was not. Several weeks in a row.
The thing I love about being a feral druid, the thing that defines the class to me, is that I always seemed to be picking up a piece of healing leather here or there while in heroics and in naxx. Because nobody else could use it, period. This week, while putting together the pug for naxx I decided to switch it over to resto, and see if I couldn't do a better job then the pug healers we were getting. I had already gotten all the gear enchanted and bought the glyphs, so I figured why not. And I melted the other healers face with my heals. We progressed much farther and faster in one night then we ever had before.
Being a Druid to me means being able to switch roles and perform very well. Yeah we get beat around wit the nerf bat sometimes, but over all now that I've put the work into heroics and raiding and professions and such, I can go into the hardest places in the game and perform any role very well. I can't wait for dual specs so it's not such a pain in the ass to change around. Being able to do either of the two roles that are hard to find people for will be very nice for me personally.
- February 13, 2009 at 2:41 PM
- Marino said...
Checked your armory. You got better dps gear in almost every spot.
The difference in spec is that you don't have improved mangle in hybrid and have predatory instincts instead. I think i'll do that too then. You might even have an arms warrior in your raids.
Still nothing changes in the fact that there is no need in comparing my dps to others when I am not in my optimal dps spec. Like comparing apples and oranges.
- February 13, 2009 at 3:47 PM
The reason I hate armor nerfs is really simple... every patch from just prior to WOTLK to now has had an armor component to it and changed the itemization that was optimal for druids... I want to have a reliable set of clear guidelines for selecting gear that isn't going to change patch to patch.... just stop patching already... It isn't giving me more choices to have to bag gear I've already got in order to have to work on new gear. It's not really the armor its the constant change... I can't feel like I have a goal if I continually have to go to theory-crafters for the next list of gear nerfs.
- February 13, 2009 at 5:38 PM
I love that i can be in a full bear spec then swap my gear and do decent dps just spamming mangle :)
Duel spec will most likely mean i have a bear/heal spec..damm raid leader >< Id luv to be able to have a full cat spec for when i dps on boss.
My druid started it life in BC as a heal and i can say i was quite good out healing many fully epic healers in kara with all blues but i tried feral for a bit and liked it so much that come toward the end of BC he was my 25 man raids backup tank and i got to tank a lot of BT/MH while our tanks had breaks etc.
I have since droped the rogue at 70 and the Druid is one of my guilds 3 main 25man tanks.
As most have said its the versatility i love.
- February 13, 2009 at 5:39 PM
Ive played Feral as my main ever since i changed guild at the latter stages of TBC and they were in need of a good tank. Ever since then ive been in love with the class. It was the first tanking character i had played and since then tanking is what i find to be the ultimate satisfaction in wow.
The versatility of a Feral, particularly since wotlk, is unparalelled. What other class can main tank a raid boss and with a carefully timed cast battle res the noob healer that died to a flame wall? Or in the same scenario throw an innervate to that awesome dps lock who is causing the healers too much stress with their inopportune lifetapping?
Is there any other class that could be a solid DPS on boss then rescue the raid by instantly switching to a solid tank when the MT repaints the floor with his face?
Hell we can even main tank Sapphiron then go hide behind an iceblock and pop a nice tranquility to help out the raidhealing then go right back to tanking.
Druid tanks are simply the
most flexible class in the game right now and i love that fact, its what makes a druid tank worth playing over say a prot or a pala.
That being said if blizz were to get things horribly wrong and these proposed changes were to make us yet again 'inferior' tanks that would only be used in the absence of a warrior, then yes i would have to reroll. i dont want to be a tank if im second choice and it is not based on my ability, just the limitations of the class i choose to play. and lets face facts its not beyond belief for blizz to make such an error in judgement is it :p
that being said its an exciting time to be a feral, lets relish it!
- February 14, 2009 at 12:04 AM
Well, just remember blizzard did post recently that it's understandable that tanks are worried they may loose their MT role with future changes. That may have been in a druid discussion... or it may not have been. Understand that warrs, palls, druids to a lesser extent DKs all share the same worry: "no more MT for me, some other tank is going to overtake me." That should give us cause to relax, knowing that NOT allowing a tank class to fall behind the others is very high on blizzards agenda.
- February 14, 2009 at 2:39 AM
- Frédéric said...
I use to change my template between tank and dps, so I know how powerful can be kitties :p thanks kalon ;)
here is my actual template :
Template Zheb :)
It a a really good compromise between tanking and dd.
With the stuff equiped on the armory, I am able to tank everything expect sartha 3D (lack of stamina.... but with a full stam gemming, it is still possible :) with a good management of raid cooldown)
- February 16, 2009 at 1:06 AM
"should you identify with the Pillar of Lol?"
Don't you DARE diss my sparkle-stick!
As for my sacred cow... I don't suppose I have one. I just want the tools to do my job. I think it's fun to be able to figure out new things when they change.
WoW is a changing, evolving enviroment, I think that's part of its charm.
- February 16, 2009 at 1:11 PM
- Nav said...
Playing the druid for me is all about flexibility and options. I'm very excited about dual-specs since I could do any role: tank, heal, ranged dps, melee dps. It's great.
People tend to react negatively to change because it puts them out of their comfort zones. So unless the changes are straight-up buffs, people will QQ one way or another. Many of them are pretty apocalyptic about it too, saying things like nobody will EVER take druids anymore, etc. I'm personally looking forward to the changes.
Having said that, Blizzard indeed have been fucking things up a LOT with Wrath. If they fuck druids up, I have other toons that I can switch to.
- February 17, 2009 at 8:43 AM
- Sassafras said...
A deal-breaker? Possibly. It would depend on what it was replaced with. I guess it depends on what one would consider awesome.
But in all likelihood, no, I'd keep playing my druid. She might end up as a tree, but I would still play her.
- February 17, 2009 at 12:34 PM
What Oiysters said. I agree with him completely. I managed SWP as a Feral and I had 3 gears and was constantly swapping around Feral Tank,DPS and Heal whatever was required. DPS was my weakest part even though I had the strongest gear of all 3. Tanking and Healing performed better. Tanking only performed very good until 3.0 hit. Then after slowly getting pushs to be on warrior level in post T5 at post BT/T6 I was happy with how it was, but no... soon there came the nerf.
Blizzard is incompentet to do good content
Blizzard is incompetent to do larger amounts of content
Blizzards earns millions of dollars and cannot hire some dozens of developers to get on and QA, fix overbuffing, fix overnerfing, do real content (housing, RvR, feral forms, a new approach to PvP as Arena and personal rating just sucks as permanent farming in AV sucks)
It is just annoying, and you know it too. Let's hope (for you and my friends still playing) that 3.1 content will be great. My tip don't be too sure that tanking or DPS will scale far into T8/T9/T9.5
- February 18, 2009 at 8:38 AM
- Marino said...
I'll keep playing my druid though ;) Nearly 500 achievements done. Not gonna do that again.
Anyway I laugh too hard being druid. Today (not using flask of stoneblood) I was for the fun wearing my polar gear. With survival instincts I had 66.9 k health raidbuffed. I would have never laughed so hard playing any other class!
- February 18, 2009 at 4:35 PM
I enjoy being able to do my best. Being a feral druid lets me do that both as a tank and a dps, which increases my chances for enjoyment (particularly when I need to do both in a single fight).
I don't care what they do to the specifics of our tanking or dpsing, so long as we remain viable at them.
- February 19, 2009 at 9:46 AM
- Nav said...
@ Three posters up (Anonymous):
I couldn't agree more. It just seems to me that ever since the original designers, lead by the great Bill Roper, left Blizzard to form Flagship (and Hellgate: London), WoW's quality has had an overall downward trend.
Releasing Naxxramas AGAIN because "it fits the lore very well" is total bullshit. The real excuse is more along the lines of "we've got neither the resources nor the vision to create new content." I don't want to pay $15/mo to redo content I farmed two years ago.
PvP is a mess. It's been a mess since Wrath beta and many top-notch players voiced reasonable concerns (often with math to support) and potential solutions. What we've been hearing regarding the problems so far has been:
"They'll be fixed for release,"
"they'll be fixed once you hit 80,"
"they'll be fixed when you have 900 resilience,"
"they'll be fixed in 3.0.8,"
"they'll be fixed in the next major content patch,"
and now according to blue:
"We're working to get 3.1 up soon. It won't have all of the class changes in it initially though."
It's taking way too long to get it right. What baffles me even more is how Blizzard basically releases beta-quality content that they "plan" to fix shortly. It's as if they have become a schedule-driven company, rather than the quality-driven company we've come to know. I remember how I found it very refreshing when they said they won't release TBC until it's deemed ready. WotLK didn't quite follow the same pattern and has been a failure IMHO.
- February 19, 2009 at 2:01 PM
- Marino said...
To give an answer... armor was not sacred for me. Stamina was. Now they are nerfing stamina from heart of the wild I think i'll focus on dpssing rather then tanking. Who wants a druid tank now anyway?
- February 27, 2009 at 6:31 AM
Dont care about numbers, dont care about stats, dont care about other tanks, dont care about Ulduar or Sarth 3D - whats more sacred than anything to me about being a bear is the unique characteristics of the form - it's a big, bad, angry and vicious creature, giving it a little magic bubble (is it going to be pink with little ribbons on aswell?) to defend itself with is just lame, stupid, and unwelcome.
- March 4, 2009 at 4:17 AM
- ionas_82 said...
I am the anonymous from February 18, 2009 8:38 AM ....
@ last post: you mean the open mouth that looks like the bear is kind of brainsick and mentally stupid?
besides that, I am happy that I did not continue with WotLK - I would be really really pissed right now. I mean if SD was really really great (active or just better in another way, just reducing dmg statically and scaling with ap and agi) and if there where HUGE HUGE HUGE PVP buffs like old shapeshifting (1sec immunity) and shapeshifting gcd going for 0.5sec as well as mana drain/leech... I'd consider ... but this is just fucked up feral now - 3.1 is a big laugh
- March 4, 2009 at 1:29 PM


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Below are some related questions which may help you to further understand and follow this rule:
1. Why do we have this rule?
We have this rule to maintain a pleasant environment in our games. For many people it's not much fun playing if there is someone else being rude or offensive, so please consider others when chatting. Also please remember that not everyone playing is the same age or from the same background, so they may be more offended or upset than you expect.2. What do you mean by offensive or inappropriate language?
This includes (but is not limited to): discussion of recreational drugs, sexually explicit language, solicitation, racism or other prejudice, threatening, blackmail and swearing. It's simply a matter of common sense - try not to say anything that someone might find offensive.3. Is it okay to ask for a boyfriend or girlfriend in the games?
No, that is solicitation and is not allowed at all. This is to ensure the safety of all our players.4. What about mis-spelling an offensive word to disguise it? Is that okay?
No, please don't do this. In fact, mis-spelling an offensive word or using symbols to replace letters to avoid the chat filter is considered even worse.5. I was called a 'noob'. Is this offensive? Should I report this player?
Calling other players a 'noob' is quite common in most online games. It's not something to worry about as it means 'new player'. Every player has to be a 'noob' at some point. The best thing to do is to ignore it.6. What is flooding the chat window?
Spamming/flooding the chat window is to fill the chat window with unnecessary text. This is an offence and is disruptive and unfair on other players, as it makes it more difficult for them to communicate and trade with each other.
To keep FunOrb enjoyable for everyone, please observe and follow our rules. We will not tolerate disruptive players, and if you break our rules your account is likely to be banned or muted. Members who are banned or muted for breaking our rules are not entitled to any sort of refund.
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