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The UK coalition government published its mid-term review on Monday of this week. It is not the intention of this article to carry out a detailed analysis: I am interested mainly in the way England is treated, or rather is not, in the document.
At first sight, for a document produced by the UK government, it is remarkable how many times the words 'England' and 'English' actually appear: 15 and six respectively. However, most of the references to 'England' are of two related types: 1) where it is necessary to spell out that certain facts or policy proposals relate to England only in order to avoid misunderstanding, and to prevent people living in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland from thinking they are affected by them; and 2) to make sure that credit can be claimed for England-specific achievements for which the coalition parties hope to be rewarded by English voters at the next election.
Examples of the first type of reference occur on page 26, where the document refers to a number of policy proposals in the area of personal care as being specific to England, such as rules regarding eligibility for care and the introduction of a Deferred Payment Scheme designed to prevent people from having to sell their homes in order to pay for care. Clearly, these are important statutory and financial matters, and it is necessary to make it clear to non-English readers that they affect only people living in England.
Examples of the second type of reference are:
- "We have provided the resources to help local authorities in England freeze their council tax for three years in a row" (page 14): Tory policy – please vote for us, England. (What are these 'resources', though? I thought local-authority funding in England was being cut, and the council-tax freeze was just a statutory, central government-imposed diktat. Do they mean local-authority funding is being cut by less than it would otherwise have been if authorities had been allowed to increase council tax willy nilly?)
- "We have brought in the Protection of Freedoms Act to limit the retention of DNA samples in England and Wales in line with practice in Scotland" (page 37): Lib Dem policy – look, we actually do care about you, England, at least in the lofty area of British civil liberties if nothing else.
The first type of reference to England described above has the character of a legal declaration of 'territorial extent', along the lines of when cereal packets make it clear that a competition is limited to Great Britain and does not include Northern Ireland. And indeed, the whole document is circumscribed by a legal disclaimer of this sort covering territorial extent, which appears right at the end:
"As a result of devolution, many decisions made by UK Ministers or in the Westminster Parliament now apply to England only. The Northern Ireland Executive, the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government make their own policy on these devolved issues. This document therefore sets out the agreed priorities for the Coalition Government in Westminster."
No clarification as to which policies "now apply to England only", of course! Is the general public just supposed to know what they are, as the document certainly doesn't make this clear to the reader as it goes through the different policy areas, apart from the few exceptions I have already mentioned? But throwing in a disclaimer like this means the government can essentially cop out of providing a detailed break-down and say: 'look, we've acknowledged that some policies are England-only, and anyone interested in those particular policies will know whether they're England-specific or not'.
This is simply not good enough, although it is par for the course. We've come to expect from Westminster politicians and the UK government that they will avoid referring explicitly to 'England' as much as they possibly can, and will do so only when it is necessary to avoid factual misunderstanding and harmful political consequences, in the ways outlined above. But their unwillingness to acknowledge a country called 'England' to which so many of their policies relate means that Westminster politicians cannot and do not hold themselves properly accountable to the 'nation' and people affected by those policies.
This fact is evident in the evasive manner in which many of the policy 'achievements' and remaining objectives of the coalition are described; and in many instances, the evasiveness relates directly to the suppression of references to 'England'. For example, the document never makes it explicitly clear that when it discusses 'the NHS', it means only the NHS in England. This helps it gloss over the fact that the coalition has legislated for a massive reform to the NHS that will alter it – in England only – quite radically from the institution created by the post-war Labour government. And yet, the government still has the gall to refer to it as "one of our great national institutions", as if the NHS it presides over is still fundamentally the same old British NHS, which it no longer is (at least not in England).
So suppression of the England-specific nature of the NHS reforms goes hand in hand with evasiveness about the scope and nature of those reforms. For example, the document says: "We have improved the NHS by . . . starting to devolve commissioning of most health services to GP-led clinical commissioning groups". But what it doesn't say is that these changes are limited to England and that the said commissioning groups are statutorily obliged to consider bids from private health-care providers even if the services they provide are initially more expensive than those of existing, public-sector NHS providers.
A more honest account of the government's measures would be explicit about both their England-specific character and their ultimate guiding principles, and would be expressed something like this: "We have reformed the NHS in England in such a way as to create a competitive health-care market in which private companies will increasingly take over the provision of publicly funded services". This is actually intended to be an ideologically neutral statement of what the government has done: it has marketised the health-care sector in England, whether you believe that's the most effective way to deliver health care or not. So why should a Tory-led government not trumpet that achievement? Well, because it suspects, probably correctly, that if English people knew what had been done to 'their NHS' (but not to the NHS's in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland), involving changes that were not set out in any manifesto or in the Coalition Agreement, they'd probably violently object. So instead, the coalition pretends that 'the NHS' remains fundamentally the same – a primarily public-sector and 'British' institution – neither of which is true any more: in England, that is.
The same analysis could be made of many, many other parts of the document that discuss England-specific policies and legislation while avoiding clarifying either that they relate to England only or that they are driven by an ideological bias in favour of private enterprise and markets at the expense of the public sector and, arguably, the public interest – in England. Another brief example – one among many – is where the document says: "We have introduced a presumption of sustainable development in the National Planning Policy Framework, which includes protection of the Green Belt, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Sites of Special Scientific Interest". How disingenuous can they be? What this really means is: "We have prepared legislation to make it easier to obtain planning permission for major developments in England's countryside, with only Green Belt, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Sites of Special Scientific Interest retaining the previous level of protection". So England's green and pleasant land can be concreted over under the pretext of driving economic growth, in the British national interest, regardless of the very passionate interest the English public has in protecting its countryside and natural heritage.
The identity of the 'nation' on which this concept of the 'national interest' is predicated is quite nebulous in the Mid-Term Review, as indeed it was in the original Coalition Agreement. This is quite simply because, in so many instances, the nation concerned is in reality England, but the government will not and cannot acknowledge this fact. This is rather damaging, as the very raison d'être of the coalition, then as now, is to govern in the 'national interest', as the title of the Mid-Term Review makes clear: "The Coalition: together in the national interest". But whereas the phrase 'national interest' is adduced as justification for the coalition's existence or for certain key decisions on five occasions in the document, the word 'nation' is used only once: "In 2012, the nation came together to celebrate the success of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Diamond Jubilee".
Three of the references to 'national interest' relate to the formation and continuance of the coalition, based on pulling the UK round from a dangerous financial and economic crisis; one to supporting the work of the Airports Commission, which could lead to controversial approval for, say, a new terminal at Heathrow or a new runway at Stansted (i.e. more environmental degradation in England "in the national interest"); and the other reference deals with the decision to opt out of, or in to, various EU police and criminal-justice measures. In other words, 'national interest' is very narrowly defined in terms of a small number of strategically important reserved policy areas – the economy, air transport, foreign policy and security – whereas large parts of the document deal with devolved policy areas, i.e. with those affecting England only or mainly.
Are these English measures also being introduced in the 'national interest'? It's hard to believe they are given the unwillingness of the government to connect the phrase 'national interest' with the specific nation, England, concerned? And if they're not being carried out in the English-national interest, in whose interest are they being done? The interest of the government's ideological, commercial and financial bedfellows (its corporate sponsors and partners, and its financial creditors)? The interests of the UK state and establishment, and their preservation from an economic meltdown that could have accelerated the centrifugal, nationalist forces challenging their continuing existence? Or the interests of the coalition parties themselves, who want to come out of the five-year relationship claiming they have fought their corner and followed through on their manifesto pledges – irrespective of the fact that many of the measures they've introduced were never outlined in detail and in some instances were flatly contradicted by their manifestos and by the Coalition Agreement, such as the [English] NHS reforms or the Higher Education policies (especially the massive hike in tuition fees for English students)?
But these questions, as indeed the English Question itself, are completely sidelined by the Mid-Term Review. After all, the Coalition can hardly be expected to hold itself accountable to an entity such as 'the English people', can it, if its remit is to govern in the British national interest?


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Home > News & Events > Wayland Press Release Archives > 2001 Press Releases > October 2001 > Lubbock native spends summer loving orphans in Romania
Lubbock native spends summer loving orphans in Romania
Despite lots of tears and struggles, Jodi Henderson wouldn't hesitate to repeat her summer experience.
"It was the hardest and most heartbreaking summer, but it was the best," she said. "I'd go back in a heartbeat if God provided the way."
A senior at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Henderson spent two months this summer in Targu Mures, Romania on a mission trip through Buckner Orphan Care International. One of five 10-person teams sent to Romania, she was a member of a team that worked in Romanian orphanages.
Henderson said the daily routine was simple: teach God's love, then show it. The team would spend the mornings teaching Vacation Bible School in a special needs orphanage for children ages 4-8. In the afternoons, they would visit infant orphanages and "love on babies."
"These babies weren't being picked up all day long. The little ones have stiff backs and the older ones are developmentally delayed," she said. "The number of orphans in Romania has doubled and the ratio of caregivers to babies is 11 to 1. They spend the entire time just feeding and changing diapers. There's really no time to love on the babies."
Henderson said it wasn't uncommon for orphan babies to either get attached easily to the visiting missionaries or not at all. Many have also instinctively developed the "orphan rock" in which they comfort themselves by rocking alone.
Crowded orphanages are also not uncommon in Romania, Henderson said. The country closed itself to international adoption last year to work on improving their system. Since most families live in poverty, the chances for Romanians adopting additional children are slim. A foster program is getting underway in an attempt to alleviate the crowded conditions.
While in Romania, the teams did not do outright evangelism as much as they just showed God's love on a hands-on level. By teaching the children basic Bible stories, verses and songs, Henderson said the group laid a foundation for others to present the gospel down the road. Since none of the team spoke Romanian, the group depended on interpreters but also found that in some instances it wasn't necessary.
"God just took over the language barrier and showed us there's no barrier he can't break down," she said. "The kids there are so hungry for love and that's what we were giving them. They were easy to love and they seemed to come a long way during the summer."
Henderson said she first learned of the mission opportunity from her mother Karen, who traveled to Romania for a week last year with First Baptist Church in Lubbock. After her daughter sat in on a meeting about upcoming trips, she said she felt God calling her to go as well.
The Lubbock native admits she had no idea what to expect, but had seen television documentaries about the country. The reality of the orphan situation hit her hard.
"I had to depend on God to get me through the days. I was so heartbroken for the kids that I'd be sick at my stomach. I realized my love wasn't enough for them," she said. "You realize you have too many clothes, too much to eat and, if it's possible, too many people to love you. You just want to share everything with them."
Henderson said she found peace and comfort in several Bible passages during her time in Romania. Specifically, she mentioned Mark 10:14, in which Jesus said, "Let the little children come unto me," and First Corinthians 3:7, which states, "Neither he who plants or waters is anything, only God, who makes things grow."

subset: commoncrawl


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I am a Principal Researcher at Microsoft Research, Cambridge, in the Machine Learning and Perception group. My main research interests are machine learning, machine vision and computational biology.
Previously, I was a Ph.D. student in the Inference Group at the Cavendish Laboratory, supervised by Chris Bishop and David MacKay. I have also been a member of the Signal Processing Group at the Engineering Department and the Learning and Vision Group at the MIT AI Lab. My undergraduate degree was in Electrical and Information Sciences at Cambridge University.


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Feb. 20, 2008
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -
The Schedule
Friday, February 22, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs. San Jose State Spartans At the Spartan Courts, San Jose, Calif.
Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs. Santa Clara University Broncos At the Degheri Tennis Center, Santa Clara, Calif.
Battle by the Bay
The UC Santa Barbara women's tennis team will head up to Silicon Valley this Friday for a pair of matches against San Jose State and Santa Clara University. UC Santa Barbara will play San Jose State on Friday at 1:30 p.m. and then make the short trip to Santa Clara to battle the Broncos on Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
The Competition- San Jose State
The Spartans enter Friday's match-up with an overall record of 1-1 this season. After defeating Sonoma State 7-0 to open the season, San Jose State struggled in its next match at UC Davis, losing 7-0. The Spartans match scheduled for Tuesday, February 19th was cancelled against UC Santa Cruz due to inclement weather. The Spartans and Gauchos have met twelve times with UC Santa Barbara holding a perfect 12-0 mark all-time over San Jose State.
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara has faced staunch competition this season already playing matches against four ranked opponents. The Broncos are 1-6 this season, with the lone victory coming against UC Santa Cruz. The Gauchos posted a 6-1 victory over Santa Clara last year, and lead the all-time series 8-1.
Double your Pleasure
The Gauchos like competing in pairs so far this season having accumulated a 10-2 record in doubles play. UC Santa Barbara swept the doubles point in its first three matches before dropping two at UC Irvine. However, the No. 1 senior duo of Marta Simic and Charlotte Scatliffe continue to overwhelm the competition and are 4-0 at the No. 1 spot for the Gauchos this season.
Looking Ahead
After their pair of matches this Friday and Saturday in Northern California, UCSB will return home to host Eastern Michigan on Monday, February 25, 1:30 p.m. at the UCSB Tennis Stadium.


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Or download our app "Guided Lessons by Education.com" on your device's app store.
Play Terrific Tens Go Fish!
Make practising addition facts more fun with this spin off of the traditional "Go Fish" game. As you work with your child on his maths facts, it will be helpful to find tricks and strategies to help him build his confidence and skill. One way to do this is to have him learn the combinations of numbers that add up to ten. This game is an exciting way to practise that strategy. And he'll be building skills that he'll use for years to come.
What You Need:
- 48 index cards
- Marker or crayon
- Lined notebook paper
- One pencil per player
What You Do:
- In order to play this game, you will first need to prepare your number cards. Using your marker or crayon and index cards, you will need to make a deck of number cards. You will need four cards each of the numbers 0-10 and four "WILD" cards, for a total of 48 cards.
- Simply write the numbers or the word "WILD" on each card making sure that the numbers cannot be seen on the other side.
- The object of the game is to get as many pairs of cards as you can that total 10. The winner of the game is the player with the most pairs of cards that equal 10.
- Each player is dealt five cards. The remaining cards are placed face down in a deck in the centre of the table or play area.
- If you have any pairs that total 10 in your first hand, put them down in front of you and replace those cards with cards from the deck.
- As you find combinations of numbers that equal 10, each player will use a pencil to write that addition problem on his or her own lined sheet of paper. Place all of your combinations of ten in one pile after you have written that combination on your paper.
- Take turns. On a turn, ask one of the other players for a card that will go with a card in your hand to make 10. (Note: a "WILD" card can be whatever number you would like it to be to make a pair that adds up to 10.)
- If you get a card that makes 10, put the pair of cards down. Then take one card from the deck. Your turn is over.
- If you do not get a card that makes 10 because the other player did not have the card you asked for, take a card from the deck. Then your turn is over.
- If the card you take from the deck makes 10 with a card in your hand, put the pair down and take another card.
- If there are no cards left in your hand but still cards in the deck, take two cards.
- The game is over when there are no more cards left unpaired. Whoever has the most pairs of tens at the end of the game wins!
This is a great maths game that the whole family can play!


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Jump to navigation Jump to search
Microsoft QuickBasic and QBasic (Quick Beginners All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) are very popular programming languages for beginners. While its lack of power makes it unsuitable for many of today's applications, it is an invaluable learning tool. View this Wikibook in full book view.
This book will cover the usage of QBasic and most of its functions. While most of the text discussed will work under QBasic, that version of the Basic interpreter has limitations and certain advanced commands will only work under QuickBasic.
- Text Output Learn to control text based output.
- Basic Input Get input from a user.
- Basic Math Shows the proper method of performing basic calculations in QBasic.
- Flow Control This section shows how to control the flow of a program.
- Advanced Input Get more precise and real-time input from users.
- Subroutines and Functions Explores the uses of Subroutines and Functions in QBasic.
- Arrays and Types Introduction to data structures in QBasic.
- Files Read and write to files allowing for data storage.
- Advanced Text Output More advanced features of displayed output.
- Sound Use the computer to make noises and incorporate them into output.
- Graphics Draw images on the screen
- Advanced QBasic Incorporate many of the concepts into larger programs.
- Advanced Graphics Store images, recall images and generate seamless animation.
- 3D Graphics Explore 3D equations in QBasic.
- What Next Where to go from here.
- Appendix An Appendix of commands and source code.


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East Texas 3-Year Old Killed By Accidental Gunshot
A 3-year old boy from Nacogdoches was fatally shot Monday at a home in Eureka, about 15 miles southeast of Corsicana.
He was visiting family at the time. The family had just finished eating breakfast when the boy went outside to play with his older cousin, and then they heard a gunshot.
WFAA TV out of Dallas is reporting the shooting appears to be accidental, according to Sheriff's deputies, and that 3-year old Braison Howard was killed instantly when a 20-gauge shotgun was fired.
Deputies think the boy's 8-year old cousin fired the shot and that it was a tragic accident, but they're interviewing witnesses now and trying to piece together exactly what happened.
The boy has two older siblings.


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Depression is an illness that causes you to feel sad, to lose interest in activities that you've always enjoyed, to withdraw from others, and to have little energy. It's different from normal feelings of sadness, grief or low energy. Depression can also cause people to feel hopeless about the future and even to think about suicide. If you are experiencing depression, there are many ways you can get help.
The categories below can help you find the information you want.
print close directions


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U.S. Sailor from East Texas Named in Japan Sexual Assault Incident
A U.S. Sailor from East Texas is one of two men accused of raping a woman on the island of Okinawa.
The Navy identified the sailors as Seaman Christopher Browning of Athens, Texas, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Skyler Dozierwalker of Muskogee, Okla. Both are assigned to the Naval Air Station at Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base.
Base spokesman Don Ray says both are 23 and enlisted in 2008. They were assigned to the Fort Worth base the same year.
According to Japanese media, they had been drinking before they attacked the woman, in her 20s, who was on her way home before dawn Tuesday.
The two were in Japanese police custody.


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Land Rover built its reputation on superior off-road capabilities and over the decades has added incredible refinement and luxury to its vehicles. In 2015, Land Rover introduced the Discovery Sport, a premium compact SUV that builds on these traditions.
The Discovery Sport is powered by a turbocharged 237-horsepower 2.0L engine, with 250 lb-feet of torque. New for this year is a more powerful version of that engine making a total of 286-horsepower. The all-alloy engine features direct injection and variable valve timing and is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, borrowed from the Range Rover Evoque. The second-gear ratio is equivalent to first in other transmissions and is used to start the Discovery Sport from a stop. The ultra-low first gear can be selected manually during maximum acceleration or during difficult off-road instances. The circular gear selector rises from the center console on startup, while steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters provide the ultimate in driver control. Land Rover claims the Discovery Sport will hit 60 mph from a standstill in 7.1 seconds, with a top speed of 124 mph, while the more powerful Si4 version will do the same feat in 6.3 seconds with a top speed of 137.
Full-time all-wheel drive is standard on the Discovery Sport and long-travel suspension lends itself to increased articulation (13.4 inches) in challenging situations. The all-wheel drive system continuously varies torque between the front and rear wheels for great handling in all conditions, and the electronic Haldex center coupling is far more responsive than a traditional mechanical coupling. Land Rover Terrain Response includes settings for General driving, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud and Ruts and Sand. Each mode precisely adjusts the Discovery Sport's 4-wheel drive and suspension settings, with near-instant terrain-directed updates to throttle response, gearbox, center coupling, braking and stability systems. Hill-wise, the Discovery Sport can handle gradients of up to 45 degrees.
The Discovery Sport is a capable on-road performer as well, thanks to an excellent suspension system that utilizes aluminum components for reduced weight. Aluminum is also used in the hood, front fenders, roof, and tailgate -- away from the center of gravity, which helps in the realm of agility.
Three trims are offered: SE, HSE and HSE Luxury. Base models include 18-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlights, power adjustable heated exterior mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, partial leather seating, cruise control, 2-zone climate control, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and audio streaming, an 8-inch color infotainment touchscreen, first- and second-row USB charging ports, a 60/40 folding second-row seat and a rear camera. HSE adds Xenon headlights, front and rear fog lamps, a fixed panoramic roof, grained leather seating, power 10-way front seats, Homelink universal garage door opener and a powered tailgate. Finally, the HSE Luxury includes features like 19-inch alloy wheels, Windsor leather seats, configurable mood lighting, an 11-speaker premium audio system, SiriusXM satellite and HD radio and navigation.
Options on the SE include 19-inch wheels, with a gloss-black choice that must be paired with the Black Design Package, which adds a black roof and grille to the Discovery Sport. A Vision Assist Package on the HSE adds adaptive Xenon headlights, blind spot monitoring with perimeter sensor, and a surround camera system. A 20-inch Black Design wheel package is also available. Optional on all Discovery Sports is a 2-passenger third-row seat.
Safety systems on the Discovery Sport include hill descent control to keep a constant speed on steep inclines, roll stability control, dynamic stability control and traction control. Also, standard are driver and passenger front airbags, knee airbags, side curtain airbags and thorax airbags.
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|2010-09-08, 08:16
|Link #301
Join Date: May 2004
Location: New York City
Make an SE account here: https://secure.square-enix.com/account/app/svc/register
Apply to beta here: http://entry.ffxiv.com/
How to enable hardware mouse here: http://www.ffxiah.com/forum/topic/13...mouse-lag-fix/
Each FFXIV update breaks the fix, just go to the link to update.
|2010-09-14, 11:02
|Link #302
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Miracle Patch for Retail.
|2010-09-14, 13:06
|Link #304
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
|2010-09-14, 16:26
|Link #306
Join Date: May 2004
Location: New York City
Great video explaining exactly how the "Fatigue" system works.
Eorzea Prelive Event Report
Some key points from the above link:
- Hardware Mouse
- UI improvements
- Guildleve cooldowns/improvments
- MP regen
- Retainer search/auction house system
Recommend that you read all of it, lots of new information.
|2010-09-14, 17:24
|Link #308
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
|2010-09-14, 17:26
|Link #309
blinded by blood
This game really shouldn't be called FFXIV, it should be FFXI v2.0.
It's basically FFXI with shinier graphics, all the names changed, the maps changed, a pseudo-FF13 Paradigm Shift system bolted onto FFXI's Job System.
There's nothing new, really. Square utterly failed at their assertion to make FFXIV "grind-free." It plays just like every other MMORPG since FFXI and WoW. Click monster. Autoattack monster. Drop cooldown abilities as they become available. Kill monster. Loot monster. All bow down to Random Number Generator, our lord and master.
Can't we get something a little more interactive than WoW? Would prefer a TES/Fallout 3 sort of system. RNG controls fine-tuning, but the basic aiming, dodging and suchlike is done by the player.
|2010-09-14, 20:59
|Link #310
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
@ synaesthetic
I'd look into The Secret World, Tera Online, and Perpetuum Online's current development phases. They inherently seem to be deviating from the normal cast of MMO's, specifically Tera Online in this case. Perpetuum has been taking a Eve like approach to those who are in the beta and tell me about it, Tera Online is similar in aspect to Demon Soul's for the PS3 and is generally given fairly positive criticism but there is still skepticism, The Secret World offers 3 factions and starts the game at end-game; it's done by Funcom if that rings a bell, and I'm not sure how it's latest developments are going but its success depends once again on meddling executives.
I haven't played FFXI, but from talking to players it seems that there have been new changes that is making FFXI pretty enjoyable; at the same time FFXIV seems to be deviating from similar original inane design philosophies, and the developers actually admitting The Vision is greatly flawed has earned some meager respect from its anticipated player base.
Regardless, FFXIV seems to have a positive outlook with the sole exception of Civ 5 coming out the same day (assuming FFXIV isn't pushed back, which it honestly should be to beta test its new changes).
|2010-09-14, 21:07
|Link #311
Tastes Cloudy
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Snake Way
Age: 30
|2010-09-14, 22:25
|Link #313
Tastes Cloudy
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Snake Way
Age: 30
Bland looking terrain? dull looking monsters? what level did you get too? because you obviously didnt get to lvl20 apparently. and the battle system is better than any other MMO i played. and the controls take effort to get used too.
you asked me soo many questions online and now your ripping on it.
|2010-09-14, 22:37
|Link #314
blinded by blood
Battle system is boring. It's ripped straight from WoW. Click monster, start autoattacking, fill in space with cooldown specials. All events are calculated via ability scores and random dice rolls.
What is this, 1990?
It's not hard as fuck to make a real-time active combat system into an MMO. It's already been done with Planetside and Huxley, two MMOFPS games. Don't tell me bandwidth limitations make it impossible, because both of those games work just fine.
The reason nobody does it is because of Blizzard, WoW and the game's ludicrous level of success. WoW is the reason that all MMORPGs made after WoW are basically ripoffs of WoW with slight variations. Fortunately it's becoming apparent to everyone that WoW's success is utterly anomalous and will never happen again.
No MMORPG can kill WoW, because its success is a freak accident, and Blizzard is going to be in for a rude awakening when it's time to retire the game and whatever they try to follow it up with doesn't get 10 million subscribers.
I hope that FFXIV, TOR and any upcoming WoW-alikes fail hard, just to get any new developers interested in making an MMORPG to step the fuck away from the WoW model and try something new and innovative.
Perhaps Interplay and Bethesda will deliver with Project V13... but I almost dread its creation, as Blizzard has shown us very clearly how badly an MMORPG can mangle the lore and reputation of a series.
|2010-09-14, 22:57
|Link #315
Tastes Cloudy
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Snake Way
Age: 30
/sigh Screw it, just dont fuckin play that game, I could use two less people lowering my FPS get the hell out of the forum and stop complaining about it. Since you clearly only see WoW when its ANTHING close to it. FFXIV's battle system is way more closer to FFXI's with the TP and positions agenst the enemy. you clearly cant see how its diffrent from WoW, which is sad.
golly gee, I hope Guild wars 2 isnt a WoW Rip off
but no really, if youre gonna say crap like "I hope ___ fails hard for coping WoW" Then just the the hell out of this topic.
I Do hope you find that one MMORPG that satasfies your needs.btw Huxley and Planetside BLOW
|2010-09-14, 23:09
|Link #316
Army of One
Join Date: Apr 2007
|2010-09-15, 04:16
|Link #317
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Somewhere between heaven and hell !
|2010-09-15, 07:19
|Link #318
Tastes Cloudy
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Snake Way
Age: 30
you get a since of accomplashment when making your own armor. Besides... if you freakin wait a while Im sure people will sell armor in the Auction house.
|2010-09-15, 07:29
|Link #319
Join Date: Oct 2007
It really is just XI 2. A shinier version for a new generation who demand the eyecandy (though honestly aside from character models, the graphics are underwhelming. Armour designs for characters leaves a lot to be desired, too. At least what's available in beta. Maybe there will be pretty stuff later...)
XI was based heavily on EQ, which was developed in the mid 90s (released in... 98?) so was based on an entirely different mindset. I'm incredibly disappointed XIV -didn't- learn from WoW which has set the benchmark of modern MMOs. It'd do a damn sight better if it was more WoW-like.
Anyway, ultimately the console interface is what really lets it down. Console JRPG players may be used to the clunky menu system, but PC MMOers certainly are not. The PS3 version should have its own UI, PC shouldn't be burdened with that.
|2010-09-15, 09:04
|Link #320
Tastes Cloudy
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Snake Way
Age: 30
Oh my god, enough of this crap.
Obviously ffxi and ffxiv arre just too much for casual gamers. That's ok, there are plenty of easy games like WoW or Aion for that kind of gamer.
Last edited by Kyero Fox; 2010-09-15 at 09:28.
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Marrowbone, Caramelized Onions, and Chimichurri
As I've mentioned before, I am a huge fan of Vinny Dotolo and Jon Shook, the chefs at Animal in Los Angeles. They showed me that not only do I love pork, I love the bits of pork I never even considered. Their Fried Pig Ears with Chili-Lime Vinaigrette rocked my world.
I was thrilled when I bought the Made in America: Our Best Chefs Reinvent Comfort Food cookbook last month (by Lucy Lean) to find they had contributed another bit of unexpected deliciousness to the mix. Bone Marrow, anyone?
I never knew how much I loved bone marrow until the first time I tried it while staging at the Herbfarm in Woodinville. One of the chefs made French Dips for family meal one night, served with fried bone marrow chips. They were orgasmic. Since then I've been a bone marrow pig. (I don't know why it's so hard to diet in this house.)
This recipe isn't very complicated, but does involve some work a day ahead to get the marrow ready. Not a ton of work—you just need to salt them overnight. Calm down. We always have caramelized onions in the fridge (see above regarding difficulty dieting), so the actual assembly is pretty quick.
In my last post I talked about my fun day last month with Matt Wright, working on food styling and photography. This was one of the four dishes we prepared and it was the unexpected surprise in the mix. It is absolutely, spectacularly delicious. Creamy, beefy marrow with sweet caramelized onions and zingy chimichurri. How could you not love this? Well, unless you're vegetarian. Or vegan. Or stupid.
This cookbook already contains many anal-retentively filed bookmarks and references for me to come back and try other recipes. Usually, a cookbook needs 3 or 4 good recipes for me to buy it. Made in America far surpasses that. I'm always rambling on about not dumbing down restaurant recipes. This one doesn't. It's the real deal.
I hope you enjoy this as much as we did.
Marrowbone, Caramelized Onions, and Chimichurri
Adapted from Vinny Dotolo and Jon Shook of Animal, Los Angeles
3 center-cut veal marrowbones, 6 inches long, split down the middle (6 halves)
NOTE FROM MARC: My butcher was not able to cut the bones when I came in, so I bought bones cut vertically. They still worked as intended so don't get too hung up on the size. (Mark this date as the first time those words have come out of my mouth)
Chimichurri Sauce:
1 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh oregano
1 whole jalapeno (leave some seed and membrane for heat), worked to a paste
¾ cup distilled vinegar
7 cloves garlic, worked to a paste
1 tablespoon hot red pepper flakes
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil or grapeseed oil
Caramelized Onions:
1 ½ tablespoons grapeseed oil
2 small diced white onions
To Serve:
Chimichurri Sauce
4 tablespoons Caramelized Onions
6 pieces Marrowbone
6 slices pain de mie or good quality white bread (NOTE FROM MARC: As always, you can make this gluten free by omitting the bread and replacing it with a large piece of tree bark)
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter
Serves 6
To Prepare the Marrowbones:
- Heavily salt the marrowbones the day before and refrigerate for about 20 hours.
- The next day, preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
- Wash off the marrowbones and pat dry.
- Place the marrowbone, uncovered and face up, on a sheet pan. Transfer to the oven for 4 to 6 minutes, depending on the size, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Farenheit all the way through.
To Make the Chimichurri Sauce:
Combine all the ingredients in a nonreactive bowl, and set aside.
To Make the Onions:
Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and add the grapeseed oil; it should slide across the pan with ease. Add the onions. Cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes until the onions start to become translucent. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook until the onions are deeply caramelized, about 30 minutes.. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Use immediately or refrigerate.
To Assemble and Serve:
- Heat the caramelized onions in a pan until hot.
- Meanwhile, cut six 2-inch slices of pain de mie (or bark), butter both sides of the slices, and toast in a pan over medium heat. Remove the marrowbones and divide among six plates. Divide the caramelized onions equally among the six marrowbones and spoon on top of each. Spoon some chimichurri sauce on top of the caramelized onions. Cut the toasted pain di mie in half diagonally and place to the side of the marrowbone.


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Horatio Alger & the Half-Blood President: Asks if the inclusion of minorities at high levels of government – Barack Obama, Condaleeza Rice, Sonia Sotomayor – indicates greater equality for blacks and Latinos in domestic and foreign policy. Cites statistics on black men in prison vs. college in 1980 and 2000. Reviews Sotomayor's voting record on immigrants and racism claims. Quotes Derrick Jensen on the Horatio Alger myth. Reviews the book The Post-American World by Fareed Zekaria, challenging his facts, market-driven bias, and conclusions.
- Jean Burden, "Query"
- Wislawa Szymborska, "Utopia"
Songs and/or Music Videos:
- Mogwai, "Local Authority"
- The Police, "Murder by Numbers"
- Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, "When Your Mind's Made Up"
- Peter Gabriel, "Biko"


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Michaele Salahi was just kicked off "Celebrity Rehab" ... TMZ has learned.
Sources on the set tell us Michaele was asked to leave because she has "no addiction," and thus had "no reason to be there."
Over the weekend we got Tareq Salahi out in Los Angeles who told us that Michaele's only addiction was "probably to chocolate."
Wouldn't you think the show would have figured that out before they cast her?
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December 3, 2012 9:35:07 AM
STARKVILLE -- One counter attack can change a match.
For most of the past nine seasons, the Mississippi State University women's soccer team tried to become a program that did more than bunker in and absorb pressure. While MSU had admirable success in non-conference games, it often opted to play a more defensive style against Southeastern Conference opponents. That brand of soccer is what then-coach Neil Macdonald felt gave his team its best chance to be successful.
Unfortunately, MSU had only 17 SEC victories in that time, which in October paved the way for Macdonald to be removed as head coach and re-assigned within the athletic department.
On Tuesday, MSU unleashed a counter attack it hopes will transform the program. Aaron Gordon comes to Starkville knowing MSU has had only five winning seasons in its 18-year history. The last time the Bulldogs qualified for the SEC tournament was 2004. Although the top 10 teams now advance to the league tournament, reaching Orange Beach, Ala., the site of the annual event, figures to be a little tougher given the introduction this season of the University of Missouri and Texas A&M University.
But Gordon is familiar with the success of Texas A&M. He spent the past six seasons as an assistant and associate head coach at Texas Tech University. In that time, he helped coach Tom Stone build a program that peaked this season with a school-record 16 victories, its first trip to the NCAA tournament, and its first NCAA tournament victory.
On paper, coaching at Texas Tech appeared to be an ideal situation. The Red Raiders figured to lose only five seniors from the best team in program history, they were playing at a $5M complex with a locker room, team lounge, and athletic training facilities, and opened a 37,8000-square foot soccer specific indoor complex earlier this year.
Gordon was frank, though, when asked why he decided to leave all of that and take the MSU job.
"I want to run my own program," Gordon said. "Tom Stone and I are great friends. When he hired me, he knew I wanted to do this. Could there be a better chance? I don't know. I was a finalist for (the University of) Arkansas last year and I didn't get it. I went through this process with two or three schools last year. The timing wasn't right, and this one just felt right. Five years ago, if you had come to me and said, 'Would you go to Texas Tech?' People would have said you are crazy to go out there. We did it and things fell in place. That story doesn't mean it is going to happen exactly the same, but it doesn't mean it can't happen here. That is why I am not really afraid of it."
It will take someone with drive and ambition to transform MSU's soccer program. Gordon made the point his decision was based in part on the fact MSU is "relevant" because it is in the SEC. That is true, but history shows MSU is nowhere near the same level as the University of Florida, Texas A&M, the University of Tennessee, Auburn University, just to name four of the league's top programs, and lags behind others with more tradition.
Gordon will have to work hard to change the perception and reality that surround MSU. He will have to work even harder behind the scenes to build financial support that could help him and the program realize other amenities.
Gordon's résumé shows he has the contacts that could give him an advantage in recruiting. He has extensive experience as a club coach in the state of Texas, one of the biggest hotbeds for talent in the country. He has professional experience from the time he spent with Stone as a coach with the Atlanta Beat of the Women's United Soccer Association, a defunct women's league. He also was director of coaching for Major League's Soccer FC Dallas from 2003-07.
"Relationships are where recruiting goes," Gordon said. "I can't expect friends to just give me players, but I certainly think we'll be in the conversation where Mississippi State probably wasn't before."
Gordon's drive will be crucial to locate unknown talent or players who, for whatever reason, failed to be recruited by other Division I schools. A new coach can inject fresh energy into a program and help change the thinking of a program that has fallen into familiar patterns.
Gordon will face his next challenge when he brings those players to MSU. He admitted Tuesday MSU's soccer facilities don't compare with most of the teams in the SEC. Instead, he said MSU's facilities compare more favorably to teams like Oklahoma State, the University of Kansas, Iowa State University, and Baylor University in the Big 12. All of those programs have advanced to the NCAA tournament at least once since 2005.
When it comes to facilities, Iowa State opened its $13M Cyclone Sports Complex in 2012, Oklahoma State had a new multi-million facility in the works, and Texas Christian University finished a 5,000-square foot addition to its complex in 2010. MSU doesn't have a locker room for the players at its field. The players use Humphrey Coliseum, which is adjacent to the MSU Soccer Field, as their dressing room.
"Success helps," Gordon said. "Our facility at Tech helped, but to get us on the roadmap, we didn't have a building to show them. We just had a drawing. The building came later, so I hope that happens here. I know we are at the stage where it is a priority and we want to get better. The thing is in the SEC it is not going to take an overwhelming bump to be relevant from a facility standpoint. The press box is nice, the setting is beautiful. If we can get that done (at MSU), which I am hopeful and we have talked about it, it can be the final piece that really gives it the big bump. The other ones, honestly, made them without any consulting soccer people what it was. Some architect put it together and now they're living in it and they're not very functional. At Tech, we designed it from beginning to end. It is insane. Going to work every day was pretty easy, even though we played on Astroturf."
Gordon's comment makes it more telling about what he has the potential to build at MSU. Consider that Texas Tech is one of 20 Division I programs in the state of Texas. While the school's soccer facilities rank with the best in that group, Lubbock isn't the first school you think of when you list the state's best schools.
That perception is similar to the one Gordon faces at MSU. While MSU has made inroads in recent years attracting some of the state's top talent, it still fights the perception that it is, to coin the phrase of a former SEC women's soccer coach, trying without really trying, emphasis added on really, to be a player in women's soccer.
MSU Director of Athletics Scott Stricklin didn't give that impression when he announced Macdonald was being re-assigned and said he wanted leadership that was going to help the program win consistently and compete for championships. He elaborated on that comment Tuesday when asked about the qualities Gordon brings to Starkville. He said he was impressed by Gordon's recruiting contacts, club and professional experience, and knowledge of the game. Does Gordon know more about the game than Macdonald? I don't know. Does Gordon offer a fresh perspective of the program? Yes. Will Gordon have more weapons at his disposal for recruiting than Macdonald? Stricklin said time will tell.
"We need to make some more of a facility commitment there," Stricklin said. "That is one of the things we talked about on his visit. We have got designs in place for a team clubhouse/locker room facility that I think is the next piece from a facility standpoint. We have re-done the surface. We have done the press box, the stands, the dugouts. Having a clubhouse for our ladies right there on site is the next piece."
Stricklin said MSU is "committed" to taking the next step in upgrading the soccer facility. He said there isn't a timetable for the project to be finished. He said he will sit down with Gordon and get his input so he can tailor designs of the next phase to the needs of the program.
"Among our Olympic sports, just because the clubhouse impacts the student-athletes, and right now our soccer players locker at the (Humphrey) Coliseum, and they have to walk a third of a mile every day back and forth from their locker room to the playing field. It is a student-athlete experience welfare issue. That moves that piece up the priority list from an Olympic sport facility issue."
Stricklin's comments sound like MSU is going to sit back and wait for the right time to counter attack and capitalize on Gordon's success, if he can make it happen. Granted, the national and local economy and MSU's current construction plans might not allow it to break ground on facility upgrades tomorrow, but how long will the program have to wait? Looking back to 2001, when the program became the school's first women's team to win a SEC title, opportunities have been missed to make MSU women's soccer into something bigger. Improvements have been made, but so many programs in the SEC and across the nation have passed MSU that it remains to be seen if it can make up the difference.
That's where Gordon comes in. His experience transforming a program breeds confidence. Texas Tech finished below .500 in his first two years at the school before it went 8-8-4 in 2009. Three years later, the Red Raiders were in the NCAA tournament. Gordon hopes he will get enough time to engineer a similar turnaround. It remains to be seen if he will revert to familiar ways and counter attack or if his teams will play with the confidence that bigger and better things are yet to come on and off the field.
Adam Minichino is sports editor of The Dispatch. He can be reached at: [email protected]
Adam Minichino is the Sports Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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1. New Hope rallies to beat Sumrall in series opener HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
2. Big bats power MSU over Gamecocks, 24-7 COLLEGE SPORTS
3. Tennessee tops Ole Miss baseball in Game 1 in Knoxville COLLEGE SPORTS
4. Peters remains on the Bowerman watchlist following SEC Championship COLLEGE SPORTS
5. Small works through early deficit on mound COLLEGE SPORTS


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Miley Cyrus Was Not Pregnant Nor Did She Try to Trap Liam Hemsworth
The end of Miley Cyrus' engagement to Aussie actor Liam Hemsworth is the hottest topic in the gossip media, so it's not shocking that there's a story floating around that the 'Wrecking Ball' singer tried trap her fiance into marriage with a pregnancy.
Neither claim is true.
OK! published a cover story capitalizing on the Cyrus-Hemsworth split, claiming that she tried to ensnare her man as the relationship was crumbling by saying she was preggers.
The mag suggests that the 'Hunger Games' star wanted to split with his fiancée in the spring but a positive pregnancy test halted those plans. The false positive will get you every time!
An insider said, "Miley thought she was expecting and wanted to announce it to the world, even before she went to a doctor to verify the results." But Hemsworth asked her not to go public since "he was emotionally out of the romance for months by that point, though he was still sleeping with her."
That's why the mag claimed that Cyrus tried to trap him, promising to tell the world he left her at an inopportune time.
This sounds like an episode of 'All Miley Children' and totally un-Miley-like, since she is very careful about her image in the media and it's doubtful that she would just tweet that she was el prego before getting the word from a doc!
Her rep shot the story down, telling Gossip Cop "There is absolutely no truth to the story," calling it "a complete fabrication." Hemsworth's rep concurred.
Besides, if Miley was writing a breakup song that is likely about Liam in February, as she told Fashion in her cover story, wouldn't that negate the "facts" in this story?


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Demonstrated by Michael Gannon and photographed by Graeme Montgomery, this handy poster of the primary series folds into thirds and may be hung or used interactively: When performing standing asanas, fold the bottom panel up to reveal details about suryanamaskara and the standing sequence. When finishing the practice, fold the top panel down to show details of the backbending and finishing sequences.
Features: Primary series asanas with names in Sanskrit; inhale/exhale instructions; opening and closing mantras; technique tips for jump-backs, chakrasana, breath, bandhas, drishti and vinyasa; specific asana benefits.
Size open 14 x 26.5 in. (36 x 68 cm), folded 9 x 14 in. (23 x 36 cm).


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Worcester County home sales climbed in 2013 to the highest levels since the last recession as the broader Massachusetts housing market continued to improve, according to data released Wednesday from two groups that track the state's home sales.
Prices also rose in Worcester County and across the state, and Realtors said one of the issues they face in some areas is too few properties to show prospective buyers.
"I think everyone's very positive about 2014," said David W. Stead, a Realtor and broker associate at RE/MAX Advantage 1 in Worcester. "We're coming around the corner."
A total of 457 detached single-family homes sold during December in Worcester County, up 2 percent over the same month a year earlier. For the full year 2013, a total of 6,523 homes sold, up 5 percent over 2012 sales, according to The Warren Group, publisher of the trade journal Banker & Tradesman. It was the largest annual sales total since the 2007-2009 recession.
The Warren Group counted 107 condominium sales in Worcester County during December, up 15 percent over the year, and 1,438 condo sales during the full year, up 11 percent over 2012. Condo sales levels remained well below the 1,965 condos sold during 2007.
Prices for both single-family homes and condos rose during 2013 in Worcester County but remained below 2007 levels.
The median December home price of $215,000 was up about 4 percent over the same month a year earlier, the Warren Group said. For the full year, the median price of $226,000 was up nearly 14 percent. In 2007, as the nation plunged into recession, the median price was $269,100, according to Warren Group data.
The median price of a condo in Worcester County hit $175,000 in December, up 3 percent over the same month the previous year. The 2013 median price of $179,255 was up 12 percent. In 2007, the median condo price was $205,000, Warren Group data showed.
Statewide, 2013 home sales were up 5 percent and median home prices were up 10 percent to $320,000. Condo sales jumped 7 percent, and the median price was up 7 percent to $296,000, the Warren Group said.
The housing market has been on the mend since the last decade when a wave of improper and sometimes fraudulent mortgages swamped the nation's financial system. Realtors and others in Central Massachusetts said they are seeing signs of continued improvement in housing � more people taking home-buying courses, buyers showing up with larger down payments than in the past, prices high enough to encourage homeowners to list their properties for sale and fewer distressed properties hitting the market.
By this time next year, distressed properties will likely account for 3 percent to 4 percent of housing sales, down from levels that reached 30 percent in 2010, said Realtor Nilton Lisboa of Lisboa Realty in Marlboro, which specializes in selling bank-owned properties. That could mean less property for investors who seek out foreclosed homes at rock-bottom prices to renovate and rent or resell.
"2013 was the last year for the investor, in my opinion," Mr. Lisboa said. "Investors cannot compete with homebuyers because homebuyers are willing to pay a little bit more."
The Massachusetts Association of Realtors, a trade group that also tracks property transactions, said single-family homes stayed on the market an average of 99 days in Massachusetts during 2013, down from 126 days in 2012.
Interest rates remained low during 2013, which helped buyers, said Stephanie Pandiscio, a Realtor with Foster-Healey Real Estate Inc. in Athol and Leominster, and central region vice president of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors.
"They could be fine with not having to worry about the rates going up," she said. "They had a lot of inventory out there to look at, because the sellers were more comfortable. I think the buyers were ready."
The average monthly inventory of homes for sale in Massachusetts during 2013 was down 18 percent from 2012, the Massachusetts Association of Realtors said. For some brokers, the supply of homes for sale dwindled too much. Mr. Stead, the Worcester broker, said he recently struggled to find two to three homes for sale in communities under consideration by some Texas buyers who were in Massachusetts to house hunt.
"There are buyers out there that want to buy stuff, but there isn't the right inventory for them," Mr. Stead said.
Contact Lisa Eckelbecker at firstname.lastname@example.com. Follow her on Twitter @LisaEckelbecker.


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We Are Millers Game
The cast of CBS's new comedy "The Millers" go head to head with the ladies of THE TALK in a trivia game where they need to name famous celebrities with the last name Miller, Thursday, October 3, 2013 on the CBS Television Network. JB Smoove, from left, Nelson Franklin, Jayma Mays, Margo Martindale, Beau Bridges and Will Arnett, shown. Photo: Lisette M. Azar/CBS ©2013 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved


text: With its elegant décor, seasonal menu and well-trained staff, Esquire Grill is the ultimate in downtown Sacramento dining. Sip a cocktail in the bar or on the open-air patio. Clever takes on American cuisine are prepared using fresh, local ingredients, making Esquire Grill one of the best downtown Sacramento restaurants.


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Landowner of the Year 2003 - Verline Chervenka
For his extra efforts towards wildlife habitat management,
Verline Chervenka was named the 2003 Oklahoma Landowner of the
Year by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
(ODWC). Chervenka was recognized for his outstanding
contributions towards the enhancement of wildlife habitat that
is benefiting a number of wildlife species.
For the past 15 years, Chervenka has farmed and ranched on 1,240 acres in Beckham County. He has a cow/calf operation set up on a rotational grazing program. His grazing rotation is designed to promote adequate ground nesting habitat for upland game species and to ensure a healthy native plant community. Chervenka's property is located in a drought prone area and his grazing system provides him flexible grazing distribution during extended drought periods. Interior fencing was completed on the ranch averaging 40 feet from existing fence lines that were already in place. This is a very unique way of protecting native grasses to ensure adequate nesting cover is available during extended drought periods.
Chervenka still maintains approximately 95 acres of crop ground planted to a variety of forages beneficial for a variety of wildlife species. The crop fields are smaller in size and are protected from livestock grazing. The remainder of his cropland is planted to native grass, forbs, and legumes. Additionally, Chervenka was approved for the Conservation Reserve Program to obtain cost-share assistance for planting less productive acres to native grasses, forbs, and legumes. Herbicide spraying of weeds (forbs) is not an option for this landowner. Instead, Chervenka actually increases wildlife-friendly forbs by strip disking during the winter months. He also provides emergency food resources in the late winter months via wildlife feeders.
Given the drought prone nature of his area, Chervenka has also constructed emergency watering sources in times of high stress. For example, Chervenka hauls water to specific watering locations built in the ground for wildlife. These locations are away from watering facilities used by livestock. Chervenka has also ensured adequate water resources for wildlife around all of his windmills by letting the water overflow into a small earthen pit pond next to the stock tanks. The windmills are left to run year-round, even when livestock are rotated out of the pasture.
Chervenka's property also contains the unique "shinnery oak" habitat which has been treated or removed in much of its native range. He knows the importance of this woody species for wildlife and manages his grazing program to conserve this species. He has also sculpted the brush plant community to enhance the amount of edge for wildlife species in his shinnery oak habitat.
Rio Grande turkeys are one of Chervenka's favorite game species. To enhance his roosting sites, Chervenka has planted a variety of turkey-friendly hardwood tree species along a riparian area. One field border was also planted in a variety of hardwood tree species for additional cover and food resources.
Additionally, Chervenka has addressed a significant problem associated with turkey roost habitat throughout western Oklahoma. The spread of Eastern red cedar (ERC) is a critical problem for not only turkey roosts, but also loss of quality grazing acres. ERC infestation also results in the elimination of native wildlife vegetation that benefits many other species in addition to wild turkeys. If left alone, this invasive tree species will eventually out compete native tree species. ERC that isn't removed or subjected to prescribed burning will eventually grow up into the cottonwood tree canopy. When the roost tree canopy becomes choked with cedar trees, turkeys will likely move on to better sites if they are available. Chervenka has removed the cedars in and around his existing roost areas. Additionally, a fence was built to protect some of these riparian zones from cattle grazing. Chervenka obtained cost-share assistance for these projects through the ODWC's "Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program."
Yet another major project that Chervenka has accomplished on his property is the establishment of an 18- acre wetland area. Through cost-share construction assistance provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's "Partners for Fish and Wildlife program," Chervenka's wetland provides quality habitat for a variety of migrating waterfowl and shore birds. He lowers the water level in the spring to stimulate the growth of moist soil plants, such as barnyard grass and smartweed. The plants then mature and produce seeds in late summer. This vegetation is then flooded in the fall to provide prime food resources for migrating waterfowl.
Economics will always dictate the amount of resources a landowner can use to manage his or her property. Chervenka has used several cost-share programs to not only enhance his property for wildlife, but also livestock production. He consistently works with a number of agencies to obtain technical assistance and at times financial assistance for his management practices. However, long before current programs were established, Chervenka has implemented wildlife habitat projects on his own. Through his stewardship,
Chervenka is reaping the rewards of his habitat programs. In the past few years, bobwhite quail numbers have stabilized and Rio Grande turkey numbers have increased. White-tailed deer are also doing extremely well and the property has produced some quality bucks in recent years. Overall, Chervenka feels that his habitat improvements will contribute to the bigger habitat picture and wildlife populations have responded by using his property on a year-round basis.
Equally impressive is the fact that Chervenka is willing to share his experiences and successes with others. He has also involved his children and grandchildren in his wildlife management activities. Chervenka believes it's important to expose young people to the concept of natural resources management. Oklahoma's land and wildlife resources will be enriched for future generations through the outstanding stewardship by landowners like Verline Chervenka.


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Strong consumer interest in Obamacare coverage ahead of Monday's enrollment deadline was leading to long waits and website trouble for some Californians.
The Covered California exchange said sign-ups have been building throughout the week with about 80,000 people picking a health plan Monday through Thursday. An additional 150,000 households created an online account and started the shopping process in the last three days, officials said.
That heavy volume was creating havoc, confusion and delays for many consumers, enrollment counselors and insurance agents trying to use the exchange's website.
"The website is slow some of the time and waiting until Monday is a bad idea," said Peter Lee, executive director of Covered California. "But it's great news that we've still got so many people saying, 'I want health insurance.'"
To ease the logjam, the state is giving people who start an application before midnight Monday until April 15 to finish enrollment. Officials provided a similar grace period in late December when a deluge of applicants wanting Jan. 1 coverage overwhelmed the exchange and insurance companies.
Overall, about 1.1 million Californians have already chosen a private health plan, part of 6 million people nationwide under the Affordable Care Act. An additional 1.5 million residents have been enrolled or deemed eligible for Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program for the poor.
Across the nation, similar scenes were playing out as uninsured people searched for help online and in person, and government officials advised them to be patient amid the heavy traffic.
At the Panorama Mall in the northeast San Fernando Valley on Friday, makeup artist Donna Moss waited for more than an hour alongside 30 other people to see an enrollment counselor. She signed up for a policy last month, but then she wanted to switch because she had trouble finding any doctors nearby.
She couldn't get through on the state website or to the call center, so she came to Friday's enrollment event.
Her counselor at the mall didn't fare much better. The online enrollment system repeatedly froze, so the counselor booked an appointment for Moss to come back Monday.
"It's a waste of time," Moss said. "I thought I'd be done today."
Sherman Oaks resident Robert Petretti, 53, got through the line at the mall in 30 minutes and selected a Bronze plan for $125 a month. "It was clearly explained and everything was shown to me," he said. "I'm satisfied."
California has added call center workers, extended its hours and upgraded its website in recent weeks in preparation for the expected surge of interest.
Clinics, local officials, unions and health plans are also holding enrollment events this weekend across the state at libraries, churches and other locations. The state's website at https://www.coveredca.com lists many of those events and information on how to find a certified enrollment counselor or insurance agent nearby.
A survey released this week by the Public Policy Institute of California indicated that a majority of uninsured residents still plan to enroll. Seventy-five percent of the uninsured people surveyed said they would get health coverage before the deadline.
Statewide, public opinion remained evenly split over the Affordable Care Act, a more positive reading than what national polls show four years after the healthcare law was enacted.
A steady stream of college students were trying to beat the deadline to enroll on the Cal State L.A. campus.
The line was so long this week that Marina Miranda, 23, made an appointment and took an hourlong bus ride to enroll in Medi-Cal.
College student Fabiola Juarez, 25, signed up for a Bronze plan with Health Net Inc. that costs her $27 a month thanks to a federal premium subsidy. She tried using the state website on her own a couple of months ago but found it too complicated. Then she put off her application until she saw a flier on campus last week advertising enrollment help.
"I'm a student. I tend to procrastinate," said Juarez, who was previously uninsured.
Real estate broker Murphy Richardson, 55, recently picked out a Bronze policy with L.A. Care Health Plan to avoid the penalty for being uninsured. Most Americans must have health insurance starting this year or they face a fine of $95 per adult or 1% of household income, whichever is greater.
Richardson said he lost his previous health coverage a few months ago when he missed a premium payment. That shouldn't be as much of a problem now. He qualified for government assistance based on his income and owes $1 a month for his policy.
"It's amazing," he said.
Twitter: @chadterhune
Twitter: @skarlamangla


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Supported by
Your Money - Philanthropy
News about Your Money - Philanthropy, including commentary and archival articles published in The New York Times. More
Plenty of people do a great job allocating the funds in their investment accounts but wring their hands when it comes time to divide their philanthropic contributions each year. The skills needed are similar, though, like the ability to research, track and measure the returns on your giving. This page contains news and features that can help you evaluate the charities, nonprofits, universities and others that make regular appeals to donors.


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Michael D. Setzer II, the leader of the project once known as Ghost for Linux (G4L), recently received a cease and desist email message from a lawyer representing Symantec. The company is demanding that the project change its name because the use of "Ghost" violates a trademark held by Symantec for its Norton Ghost disk imaging software.
Chelseaa Bush, from the law firm of Heller Ehrman, emailed Setzer in late September, saying:
We ask that you not use GHOST, SYMANTEC, NORTON or any other Symantec trademark as the name of your program or in any other trademark sense. In addition, changing to G4L is not sufficient. The G in the acronym stands for GHOST so that you are still making reference to and drawing off of Symantec's proprietary name and products. Please adopt a new name for the program that does not draw upon or make any reference to GHOST. Ghost for Linux and G4L should be replaced with this new name everywhere--on all web sites, in the program itself, etc.
Setzer has asked the Software Freedom Law Center for guidance. "I do this 100% for free, and don't even accept donations, so I have no resources for doing any legal battle, but will take the legal help that I can get," he says. Unfortunately, the SFLC says it is unable to help with the matter, other than to point out that Symantec's lawyer should be able to provide the serial or registration number for the mark in question.
When asked, Bush did provide the registration number for the trademark on Ghost. It was first registered to a corporation in Illinois named Gimix, Inc., in 1978. The USPTO database reflects a change of address in 2003 from the original registrant to that of the law firm now representing Symantec in this matter, but the Gimix registered mark had nothing to do with the Ghost software product. Symantec acquired the software in 1998, when it purchased Binary Research, a software development firm in New Zealand, which had originally put Ghost on the market in 1996.
Setzer notes that the term ghosting has been in usage long enough to warrant a number of its own definitions on Wikipedia, one of which is given as "The act of creating a completely identical copy, or a ghost image, of a hard disk using backup software such as Ghost, on to removable media or a network drive to be used as a backup copy of a PC in case a restore of that PC is required. Also known as disk cloning."
As of now, Setzer has removed all references to ghost, Norton, and Symantec from the website, the code, and the documentation. He's hoping to be able to keep the name the same, but Symantec wants the G removed, too. Setzer doesn't want to do that, but can't afford a legal fight with anyone, let alone a firm the size of Symantec. He is still hoping to hear something from the legal staff at SourceForge.net which would allow him to keep the name unchanged. Our parent firm, SourceForge, Inc., owns both Linux.com and SourceForge.net, which hosts the project. They were copied on the original email from the Symantec legal team, but so far Setzer has heard nothing from them.


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Despite a clause that would guarantee $3 million of his contract for next year scheduled to go into effect on Feb. 6, the Philadelphia Eagles apparently aren't in a hurry to make a decision on the future of quarterback Michael Vick.
According to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, the guaranteed money is not a major issue to the Eagles and it's unlikely his status will be resolved by then.
Per Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, there is a provision in Vick's contract that allows the Eagles to take their time in making a final decision.
If the Eagles were to release Vick after Feb. 6, they would only owe money to Vick if he wasn't signed by another team or if another team signed him for less than $3 million. With Vick scheduled to make $15.5 million in base salary next season it's still unlikely Vick would remain in Philadelphia without a restructured contract.


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The winner of two sheets of digis is Hazel please e mail me at firstname.lastname@example.com.
We say a sad farewell to Chris Olson this week she is stepping down from our happy band so we want to wish her all the best for the future and thankyou for your inspiration Chris.
Now then, on to this weeks challenge..we want to see Glitz and Glitter on your creations the very talented Audrey has given us our challenge, and,the DT have made the most inspiring samples i just wish photos would do justice to all the sparkle that i know is on these projects.
so come on lets get crafting.
Fabby eh!!


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World Premiere: First FSC certified rattan forest in Laos
WWF and its partners have been piloting FSC certification for rattan forests in four villages in Bolikhamxay province. The total area of 1,200 hectares now become the world's first FSC certified rattan forest. FSC certified rattan benefits stakeholders along the rattan supply chain. For instant local communities gain an extra 30 per cent of income.
The partners in this EU co-funded project are the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute, Department of Forestry, Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and local communities.
"Today, more and more buyers care about sustainability. Therefore, smart international rattan buyers are requesting FSC certification", said Mr Bouaphet Bounsourath, WWF Laos' Sustainable Rattan Project Manager.
WWF and government authorities plan to expand FSC certification of rattan forests to another 24 villages by 2014, with a total area of 20,000 hectares in Bolikhamxay Province. These forests provide a home for wildlife such as Asian elephants, great hornbills, and white-cheeked gibbons. Estimated volume of certified rattan to be harvested in 2012 is 430 tons, 1,162 tons in 2013, and 2,000 tons in 2014.
Rattan is a palm relying on other vegetation to grow in the forest. Currently overharvesting and land conversion is causing a rapid decline of natural rattan.
"We see the importance and benefits of certified resources. Therefore we strongly support and guide the communities to obtain FSC certification. This forest is a model for how other non-timber forest products can become certified. Many rural communities rely to a large extent on these products", said Mr Khamphay Manivong, Deputy Director of Department of Forestry.


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Gas is air in the intestine that is passed through the rectum. Air that moves from the digestive tract through the mouth is called belching.
Gas is also called flatus or flatulence.
Flatulence; Flatus
Gas is normally formed in the intestines as your body digests food.
Gas can make you feel bloated. It can cause crampy or colicky pains in your belly.
Gas can be caused by certain foods you eat. You may have gas if you:
Other common causes of gas are:
The following tips may help you prevent gas:
Call your doctor or nurse if you have:
Your doctor or nurse will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, such as:
Tests that may be done include:
PR Gibson, SJ Shepherd. Evidence-based dietary management of functional gastrointestinal symptoms: The FODMAP approach. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2010 Feb;25(2):252-8.
Bailey J. FPIN's Clinical Inquiries: Effective management of flatulence. Am Fam Physician. 2009;79:1098-1100.
Ohge H, Levitt MD. Intestinal gas. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 16.