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The Banner Saga
Please note: we've moved all previous edits to the FAQ at the bottom of this page to keep things nice and tidy. We'll only be displaying the latest updates here.
FOR OUR NEW BACKERS: Early on in the campaign we changed the prizes so that anyone who pledges $50 and up will receive all three parts of the trilogy: the full game! It's our thanks for helping us achieve our goal so quickly.
April 20th, 4 hours left in the campaign: KABOOM. 700%. You did it. We didn't believe it could be done. We are in awe. Keep an eye out, we'll be sending out an update when the campaign officially ends exclusive to our incredible backers!
In the last three days of the campaign, we've put together a final video with a some pretty important news... plus we're hiring! Please take a look and get the full description in Update #9.
"The Banner Saga looks to take everything that was great about the heyday of animated motion pictures and crams it into a strategy game that looks almost too good to be true." - Gamezebo
"...the art speaks for itself. The developers describe it as "painstakingly hand-animated," and it shows. The colors are lush, and the stylized scenes and characters as crisp and vivid as in any animated film, perhaps more so." - Kotaku
"It's a beautifully hand-drawn, animated adventure with turn-based tactical strategy set in a post-apocalyptic Viking world. If you didn't start throwing your money at the screen six words into that last sentence, then you're either completely dead inside, or else you enjoy things that are different from the things that I enjoy, in which case you are dead to me." - Cracked
"We got a few glimpses of that hand drawn artwork when the Banner Saga site went live recently, but it looks even better in motion. The turn based combat in particular looks livelier for that hand-drawn touch. Lovely stuff." - PC Gamer
The Banner Saga is a role-playing game merged with turn-based strategy, wrapped into an adventure mini-series about vikings.
Travel through stunning landscapes straight out of an animated film. Battle painstakingly hand-animated foes in strategic, turn-based combat harkening back to the classic "Tactics" days of gaming. Make decisions with consequences in conversations with people you'll truly care about.
And throughout the whole thing record the history of your people on your banner where it will be remembered, because soon there might not be anything left.
The Banner Saga is a mature game aimed at gamers who appreciate art, story and strategy.
Our first priority has always been to make a role-playing game that feels and looks fresh, and plays like the classic tactical strategy games of our childhood. It's not about defeating the villain and saving the day. It's not about grinding to get past the next fight. The Banner Saga throws you into the end of the world and asks "how do you deal with this"?
- DRM-Free, and available on PC and Mac
- Not another generic fantasy: Drawing heavily from Norse culture while creating its own identity and mythology, The Banner Saga takes a low-fantasy approach to viking themes. Giants: yes. Horned helmets: no.
- Strategic combat: Recruit a large roster of unique characters throughout the story, each with different abilities that interact in combat in a deeply tactical way and personalities of their own. The Banner Saga harkens back to classic turn-based gameplay with a strong emphasis on tactics over brute force and endless grinding.
- Travel across gorgeous landscapes: The choices you make as events arise have a huge affect on how the story plays out- who survives, who dies, and what's worth saving. Add people to your caravan as you travel, or lose them when tough decisions arise. You're not just fighting to save nameless strangers, you're fighting for your neighbors, your family and your way of life. We want you to care what happens to them.
- An emphasis on story: Your choices in dialogue and throughout the game truly affect the story and the people around you. A mature story for adults means forming relationships and making tough decisions; not sex, violence and swearing.
- Play online: Though the single-player campaign is our focus, The Banner Saga provides a deep multiplayer game; build a unique party of characters and battle friends and enemies in multiplayer combat. Upgrade your party over time and devise new strategies.
- Risk in gameplay: A lot of modern games play it safe- you know you'll defeat the evil and save the day. In The Banner Saga you can't take anything for granted. We want it to feel like a good tv mini-series; the world doesn't revolve around you, it's about how you deal with change.
What does "Chapter 1" of the full game mean? We've added an explanation in the faq below.
With 30 years experience between us in the games industry, and after working as leads on The Old Republic; one of the biggest projects in gaming history, we know what it takes to make a top-tier game.
When we decided to go independent we knew it would mean making some hard compromises, but it was never our goal to make something small and casual. We designed a game that, at its very minimum, would cost us $100,000 while still focusing on our top priorities - story and strategic combat - at the highest possible level of quality.
Our promise to you is that all the support we receive goes right back into the game to make it the best it can be. Your donations don't just let us tack on more stuff, they let us return to the full scope of the game we've always wanted to make.
Additional funding allows us to give you:
- A bigger, richer world. More characters in combat, more animation, more diverse landscapes, more music, engaging animated cutscenes, and more multiplayer options. We have a huge story we want to tell and this will let us deliver it in the most compelling, meaningful way.
- Porting to more devices. Our first release will be on PC and Mac, but funding would allow us to convert the game to iOS, the Kindle Fire, consoles like XBLA and PSN and maybe even portable gaming devices like the Vita.
- Localization (translation) in more places. Viking culture is huge in Europe and turn based strategy is big in Japan. We'd love to bring The Banner Saga to both of those places and anywhere else we find significant interest.
- The game the way we think it should be. By crowdfunding this project we won't be tied to publishers telling us to change the giants to orcs or dumbing the story down for children. We think this means a better game for everyone.
We're absolutely over the moon to be able to offer prizes not just for a game, but as an art project. Scroll down to see everything we have to offer!
The Wallpaper
A sleek, stylized background for any size computer or portable device. Get it with or without the game logo. Obviously we can't show it here, but it's exclusive to Kickstarter backers and never seen before.
The Guild Crest
This is your chance to get in the game. In both single player and multiplayer, when the player starts the game they choose a crest to represent their family or guild. We'll give you a template, and you give us whatever symbol you want to see in the game. It could be your family crest, your guild emblem, or a drawing of your dog. It's not just for you, though; everyone who plays the game will be able to see your design. If you donate at this level be sure to check out the FAQ for some simple guidelines. Includes all previous rewards.
The Game Poster
A full-sized 24 x 36 inch movie-style poster featuring official artwork for the game and featured on the cover of Indie Game Magazine. Each poster is personally signed by the team at Stoic! Includes all previous rewards.
The T-shirt
A t-shirt designed exclusively for the Kickstarter campaign and only for backers. Carved into the horn is the history of the world. Once the campaign is over they'll never be seen again! We'll be making the t-shirt available in all the major sizes (s, m, l, xl and xxl) and both genders. Includes all previous rewards.
The Button
All prizes at the $80 and up level come with a free pin based on the brooch worn by a key character the game, which can be seen in the animation cel below. Use it to hold together your sheep-skin cloak in the icy winds! Show off your viking spirit in public! Or whatever! Includes all previous rewards.
The Score (Special music promotion)
Austin Wintory, composer of the hit game "Journey", will be providing limited edition physical copies of the soundtrack, hand-signed by the composer himself. Different from the official soundtrack, once the campaign ends these special edition CDs won't be available again. As part of the special music promotion, the donations we receive from this prize category go directly to help fund an all-out, full orchestral score in the game, recorded in a live studio! Includes all previous rewards.
The Animation Cel
This is a throwback to the golden age of animation. A cel is a single frame of animation on a transparent sheet that is laid on top of a painted image. If you're a huge classic animation nerd like we are, you can own a signed and numbered 8.5 x 14 inch animation cel from the game the way they used to do it in the good old days of Disney and Don Bluth. Includes all previous rewards. Pick one of two pivotal characters below:
The Signature (Special music promotion)
Get an autographed copy of the performance parts from the recording sessions; the SHEET MUSIC used by the actual musicians who play on the score. Needless to say, this prize will be a limited run. As part of the special music promotion, the donations we receive from this prize category go directly to help fund an all-out, full orchestral score for the game, recorded in a live studio! Includes all previous rewards.
The Landscape
We're thrilled to offer our take on works of art inspired by the incredible paintings of the American master Eyvind Earle. This is an image that defines The Banner Saga's art style. Get this framed 36 x 12 inch lithograph with no logos, no gimmicks, signed and numbered by the artist in limited supply. Your friends won't even know it's from a game unless you decide to tell them. Includes all previous rewards.
The Relic
Immortalize something meaningful to you in The Banner Saga that other players will find on their own adventures. Send us a photo of your own heirloom, memento or just something you'd like to show your friends and we'll turn it into a relic of value and power. We'll work with you to come up with a unique name and description that could include anything from a mysterious inscription to giving off a certain aura. You'll personalize it and make a coveted piece of gameplay by choosing from a list of rarities and in-game bonuses it provides. Doesn't look very viking-themed you say? That's ok, the marketplaces trade in items pillaged from all over the world. Check the FAQ for more info. Includes all previous rewards.
The Shadowbox
We'll be creating a piece of art with true depth that replicates the way the game parallaxes and overlaps. It comes in a 2-inch deep glass-paned frame at a hefty 20 x 16 inches. Below is an example image by the artist who will be creating the shadowbox (not the actual image!). Rest assured that we'll be doing something special for this piece. Includes all previous rewards.
The Transcendence
BECOME A VIKING GOD in the game itself. The gods may be dead but that doesn't mean they're not an important part of The Banner Saga. We'll work with you to create a unique deity with your likeness which will be seen all over the game in various forms of effigy and as an integral part of the lore, all in strong Norse themes. If you're interested in this prize please contact us via email. Includes all previous rewards.
The Performance (Special music promotion)
You are invited to personally ATTEND the music's recording sessions in Los Angeles or elsewhere later this year. This will include a day of hanging out with all of us at the recording studio, and lunch (on us). You will also receive a signed, leather-bound book compiling all of the game's music (produced as a one-off and therefore never commercially for sale) and earn a Music Associate Producer credit in the game and on the album. Not enough? Austin will personally compose an original 30-second ringtone, just for you! As part of the special music promotion, the donations we receive from this prize category go directly to help fund an all-out, full orchestral score in the game recorded in a live studio! Please note: this is a special case prize. While it does include the signed CD and the sheet music, it does not include any of the previous rewards. This one's for serious music fans. You must be able to travel to the Los Angeles area or elsewhere. If you're interested in this prize you must contact us to make arrangements before the end of the Kickstarter campaign: email@example.com.
The Motion Shoot
Come on over to our high-tech motion capture studio and we'll put YOU (yes, physically you) in the game, doing an animation for an attack or special skill. Think you'll look silly? Don't worry, by the time we're done you'll look a bad-ass viking warrior. After the shoot we'll take you out to lunch and chat about the game. Male or female, no problem; we've got plenty of characters to choose from. We can honestly say there will probably never be another chance like this. Must live locally or be able to travel to the Austin, TX area. If you're interested in this prize please contact us via email. Includes all previous rewards.
The Executive
We have so many prizes now we had to compile them all into one final, huge mega-prize. The Executive gives you every prize we have to offer (except for the rotoscope shoot), including the viking god and attending the recording session. On top of that, you will be given an Executive Music Producer credit in the game and on the album. Lastly, receive a framed copy of the Banner Saga main theme, each note inscribed by hand by Austin Wintory, who will also be kind enough to sign his work. Has anything like this even been done before? Please contact us before donating at this tier.
Anything else?
That's not enough? If you have any questions about the prizes or are interested in making some kind of arrangements for a private donation, please feel free to contact us at email@example.com
Stoic is made up of three industry veterans with over a decade of experience each, and from all walks of development. We're overwhelmingly confident that, with your help, we can create something meaningful and beautiful.
Arnie Jorgensen started off working on comics such as Justice League America for DC. Eventually he got into games, putting his abilities to work on Star Wars: Galaxies and The Old Republic as the lead concept artist. Now instead of making art just for concepts it goes right into the game.
Alex Thomas got into the industry early and has done everything from 3D characters and environments to 2D animation, illustration, screenplay writing, game design and cinematics for games like Star Wars: The Old Republic and Shadowbane.
John Watson has been programming since he was 6. After doing some work on the Hubble at NASA he decided to apply his vast abilities in the games industry, eventually bringing his experience as lead combat programmer on The Old Republic to Stoic.
We're honored and humbled to have this opportunity, and we're beyond lucky to be in this position at this time. We'll do everything we can to make the kind of game that we're proud of sharing and talking about with gamers and, hopefully, create something that's meaningful to you. We're in this for the long haul. Keep in touch with us at thebannersaga.com or write to us directly at firstname.lastname@example.com.
And of course, a huge thanks to our families and friends who have supported us every step of the way. We couldn't have done it without you.
Funding period
- (32 days)


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"The future," the anthropologist Edward M. Weyer Jr. once noted, "is like a corridor into which we can see only by the light coming from behind."
In 2013, that didn't stop pundits and politicians from making bold calls based on little other than guesswork and a willingness to be wrong. As Daniel Kahnemann, the Nobel laureate, explained the game, "You can make predictions, and a year later people won't remember them." But Google never forgets, and neither do we at Politico Magazine. In the words of one economic forecaster: "He who lives by the crystal ball soon learns to eat ground glass." Herewith, the year's biggest prophecies gone awry.
Story Continued Below
The Obamacare Rollout Will be Great
Slate writer Matt Yglesias: "I wanted to once again take the opportunity to lay down a marker and say once again that Obamacare implementation is going to be a huge political success." And here: "…conservatives are certainly fooling themselves if they're expecting a backlash driven by problems around implementation. … Snafus will be real enough, but broadly speaking, the rollout is going to be a huge success." Slate.com, July 17
MSNBC host Ed Schultz: "If you go to this Web site, you will find out how easy it is to read, how easy it is to navigate all the information, all the basic questions, and all the direction you need to take to get involved, to get health care." MSNBC, Sept. 30
President Barack Obama: "If you like your doctor, you will be able to keep your doctor, period. (Applause.) If you like your health care plan, you'll be able to keep your health care plan, period." Chicago address, June 15, 2009
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi: "[E]verybody will have lower rates, better quality care and better access." Meet the Press, July 1, 2012
The roster of mistaken predictions about the Oct. 1 launch of HealthCare.gov, the federal website where Americans can shop for health care plans, would fill an error log that would make Kathleen Sebelius blush. Suffice it to say that the implementation of Obama's signature health law was a universally acknowledged fiasco that has taken the president's approval numbers to new lows. His credibility also took a major hit as insurance companies notified hundreds of thousands of Americans that their plans would be canceled to meet the health law's requirements, forcing Obama to apologize on Thursday, Nov. 14: "There is no doubt that the way I put that forward unequivocally ended up not being accurate. It was not because of my intention not to deliver on that commitment and that promise."
Syria's Assad Will Fall
Republican strategist Karl Rove: "Syria's Bashar Assad will be forced from power, but Mr. Obama's failure to provide active, sustained U.S. leadership will result in a new Islamist regime in Damascus friendly with Iran." Wall Street Journal, Jan. 2, 2012
Rove is hardly the only pundit to get this call wrong—many inside the Obama administration thought the Assad regime would collapse, prompting the president to declare in August 2011: "For the sake of the Syrian people, the time has come for President Assad to step aside." But Rove's geopolitical analysis here is questionable, too—Syria's Islamist rebels despise Tehran, which is backing the Syrian regime to the hilt. Either way, Assad doesn't seem to be going anywhere. (Rove also missed the mark on unemployment, which he said would remain "around 8%." It's now down to 7 percent.)
Washington's Partisan Gridlock Is Coming to an End
President Barack Obama: "I believe that if we're successful in this election, when we're successful in this election, that the fever may break, because there's a tradition in the Republican Party of more common sense than that. My hope, my expectation, is that after the election, now that it turns out that the goal of beating Obama doesn't make much sense because I'm not running again, that we can start getting some cooperation again." Minneapolis speech, June 1, 2012
Months before his re-election, in June 2012, a self-assured President Obama predicted that Republicans would prove more congenial in his second term. In many ways, it was the signal mistake of his fifth year—a naïve expectation (his word) that informed the White House's strategies on immigration, taxes and the budget. An anonymous aide then repeated the line to Mark Leibovich of the New York Times: "Our winning will teach them a lesson. It will make them look at themselves and realize that their positions are untenable. It will, finally, break the fever." In October 2012, Obama even said he was " absolutely confident" he could reach a "grand bargain" with the GOP on the country's biggest fiscal questions. Instead, Republicans and Democrats were throwing down over the "fiscal cliff" even before his second inauguration, heralding a rocky 2013 marked by unprecedented gridlock and partisan rancor.

subset: commoncrawl


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Welcome to Kauai Backcountry Adventures, home to Kauai's most exciting adventure tours!
With our Mountain Tubing and Backcountry Zipline Adventures, you will enjoy exclusive access to over 17,000 scenic acres of former plantation lands in the heart of Kauai. We offer you and your family an unparalleled vacation experience.
Our one-of-a-kind Kauai activities include tubing down an old sugar plantation irrigation system, through open canals and several tunnels hand-dug circa 1870. Or you can soar through the air on our 7-line zipline course, traversing the side of a mountain down to a lush bamboo grove. Through it all you will learn about our island's history, culture and natural environment. Come join us and take home memories for a lifetime!
The mission of Kauai Backcountry Adventures is to provide eco-tourism activities that are accessible to a broad range of people. Our zipline and tubing tours have minimal environmental impact and contribute to the preservation of Kauai's history and culture. We have helped to restore sections of the old plantation irrigation system, which are now used for the Mountain Tubing Adventure. "We are pleased to be able to set a standard for balancing recreational activities and preservation of our amazing resources here on Kauai. We have opened up spectacular lands never before available to the public. Our exclusive access ensures careful stewardship of the land, total privacy and a genuinely unique experience", says Kauai Backcountry Adventures owner Kelley Carswell Haneberg, member of a 5th generation Hawaii family.


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Many places besides this forum are discussing the possibility that the victim numbers of the "al Qaeda" acts are greatly inflated (not to mention the numbers supposedly in any kind of organization the government refers to as "extremist Muslim terrorists"). The public response to the war on terror has been mildly successful for the war-mongers at best. Yet, there is enough padding given to them by obedient serfs that don't check the hand full of bullies making a killing off of killing people, to allow their illegal and evil wars to go through. In the public, civil liberties are continually advancing against the government's twisted idea of flourishing through bloodshed; increasingly, people are refusing to have the radiation-heavy full body scans at airports, including a pilot who became famous overnight for telling the groping inspector "if you touch my junk [genitalia], I'll have you arrested" and then being threatened unfairly with a government fine for refusing the private inspectors who never caught any fictional "al Qaeda" characters anyway. Bless that man for making a stand! We should all be doing the same when are given opportunities to make a peaceful statement for freedom. If we did, there would be even less reason than they say there is now for sending troops and bombs into foreign countries.
Forsooth, before it was accepted that there may have been no "passenger-filled airplanes" cruising smoothly into steel skyscrapers in 2001, many had already discussed the possibility that no such thing divebombed into the Pentagon or a Pennsylvania field, and rightly pointed out that there hasn't been any evidence for such things. The number of crying "family members" or grave-side photos or whatever else that was presented as evidence of deaths did nothing to sway such people from arguing with facts - there simply was not evidence of an airplane crash in either case - who were these "family members" and "friends" mourning? The possibility that these pictures were fake was left hanging in the air like an invisible monolith - and had to be squashed by the government to prevent their entire story from breaking down.
Alex Jones - who had been sent in to manage the public perception of the "Waco" incident - was called again to save the government's ass. The official government answer - you read me correctly, official government answer - to the "are all these pictures, public appearances and radio interviews fake?" question was answered when "alternative" theorists were sent in by the government to stop people from questioning whether their government had the power to control so much media. "Alternative" theorists included Michael Moore, Alex Jones and Dylan Avery and their mission was to give people a convoluted explanation for passengers (of the unproven airplanes) being landed elsewhere and killed. This is what caused people to explain it that way - despite all lack of evidence. At last they had relief from the possibility of total government control of the media - an excuse for the "family" and "friend" photos and media showcases shown as evidence of the government's stories of 3,000 American deaths to be somehow real. How Americans love to have their Hollywood-linked heartstrings pulled!
Still, the existence of airplanes was and is problematic, and became moreso as these "alternative" theorists softly herded people away from the possibility of fewer passenger deaths into the realm of accepting all four "crashed airplane" stories of 9/11 and finally into the completely herded and government controlled "Tea Party" created as a pro-oligarchy pro-plutocratic non-democratic Laissez-faire capitalistic extremist party that essentially created this whole "War/Security-Profiteers More Equal Than Others" problem in the first place.
Strangely, and we can only assume this is because of the power of imagery to control our perceptions, the people who remained unconvinced of the slime-licking Ron Paul-pumping Alex Jones and his pundit parade, and who remained steadfast on the fact that no planes ever crashed at the Pentagon or Shanksville, still believed that two passenger airplanes did crash into the World Trade Center in New York City - and that the dramatic lack of witness testimony - even compared to Pentagon or Shanksville - for such an event was somehow explicable because of lack of visibility for most people. Despite the suggestion that this would leave most people out of the "live witness" story and placed in the "television witness" story, they believed their own story-telling about "millions of eye-witnesses" somehow holding water. Millions of television watchers, radio listeners, "smells of death"-smellers (you ever been to New York? It smells of death pretty much 24/7) and running crowds does not millions of eye-witnesses make. Indeed, the entire elaborate stories people were inventing to coincide with their "witness to television" testimony smelled more of War of the Worlds confusion than a record of reality.
Consider too that the staged acts at Pentagon and Shanksville had more than a convincing number of witnesses of airplane strikes. They even had witnesses of bombers, UAVs and a host of other stories prepared to shield the original from outside doubt. It didn't make the airplane crashes there any more credible - in fact it lent weight to the desperation with which the government was treating the story - willing to employ the news media to constantly push it through invented testimony, plug it into any sort of common conspiracy theory that will grab people's attentions and hire experts to explain the "unlikely but true" physics. Yet, here, in the amazing case of New York City where millions of people live and more millions visit on a daily basis, with nothing but a few hundred people claiming to have seen something - and a something that doesn't even coincide with the official story - we are not to assume that the witnesses essentially serve as the government's method of sneaking in a "passenger airplane" through the vast unlikelihood of such an event going unnoticed by a city with millions of inhabitants?
Finally, when those who doubted the entire story, and increasingly witnessed the government's vast empire of media trumpeting nation-wide about an "evil Muslim" attack, asked questions about the corrupt business interests involved in the World Trade Center, and wondered whether anybody died there at all, the people who doubted two or four fake airplane crashes said, "STOP". That's too far. Let's just stop with two or four fake airplanes. Despite the complexity of media stories the government invented to try to "prove" the obviously fake airplane crashes of the Pentagon and Shanksville, despite the incredible gullibility of a city that found itself served a relatively negligible amount of witnesses endorsing even the idea of something colliding with one or more of the World Trade Center towers, when it comes to lying about the number of people in a closed, obsolete, redundant block of useless real estate who died during all the fictional "airplane crash" exercises, then it's simply going too far.
Think about it; the easiest number of deaths to fake, inflate or deflate at will, are the ones that simply must have been real?
There are no passenger load manifests for a building (and there weren't any for the four "airplanes" either but that's another incredibly ridiculous story), there is no government oversight of people exiting or entering a building using some kind of traceable paperwork. (And I personally don't think there needs to be though the security profiteers might disagree!) There could really have been any number of people physically inside the buildings from 0 to 20,000 or more.
Why have any?
If you are going to fake airplane crashes with fictional airplanes with doubtful tail numbers and insider-trading airline companies, if you are going to hire your emergency pundits Michael Moore and Alex Jones to admit where your vast story went wrong in several areas just to preserve the tiny bit of the story that most Americans believe and try to tow them back into line, if you are going to have an infamously wealthy series of contractors bidding on the buildings such as Peter Munk and Larry Silverstein, and your own cousin Marvin Bush owns the security company that walks freely around the entire complex - why would you have anybody die at all? You wouldn't. Especially if you could temporarily fake a certain number of deaths that might be slightly believable for the number of agents and media stories you have to produce to manage them as formerly existing personnages.
You don't have to keep them alive. You just have to keep their stories alive - and the entire war on terror is justified for the patriotic Americans who leaped into action to fend off the invading hoards of saber-rattling Muslims. (Even if Americans had to be the ones flying across an ocean and two seas just to invade the area of the "looming invaders").
The entire story is a sad joke that actually, thankfully, fewer Americans fell for than the government would have liked. Now let's make it clear to those who still endorse the government's errant secret dealings with Israel, Saudi Arabia, NGOs and black ops contractors that they were wrong about "3,000 American innocents killed" for whatever conspiracy theory reason purported by the media or its "alternative" ilk -- and move on, together, with the world, in apologizing to its citizenry for such bogus hokum being shoved down our throats to keep the war-profiteers in action.
To celebrate the opening of the new forum, please select a story about the 3,000 to 6,000 vicsims (simulated victims) purported to have existed, and re-post about your favorite fake story that you personally found the most compelling in all this mess. You can have already covered the Vicsim if you want, we just want researchers to post about a favorite story of counterfeiting human beings that they found compelling and/or amusing. It can be the SSN problems, Flip-Flopped pictures - or a favorite fake person or event. Let's have fun exposing this nightmare as the fiction it is!


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my 38 year old cousin (my only female cousin) was diagnosed with Stage 1 lung cancer. Today she went in for surgery - they told her it was completely operable and looked good. Got in there and it is Stage 4 - Scar Adenocarcinoma - they removed the entire right upper lobe and part of the lower lobe and part of her diaphram.
My Aunt called and wants a quilt. I looked up the color for this type of cancer and it says "pearl"....what the heck is "pearl". I spent an hour in Hancock today starring at 100 different shades of White and still didn't find anything.
**I got permission :0) to buy new fabric for this one**
Suggestions on colors or prints? I just can't think right - I'm going to do the same ribbon pattern as I did below - its the one my Aunt wants....
I'm just not able to think because I want it to be perfect


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#1 Fluid Landscape Prints, Framed or Unframed
#1 Fluid Landscape Prints, Framed or Unframed
In 2018, our small business raised over $10K for nonproifts with the sale of the Fluid Landscapes benefit series. While the orignals have been sold, there are prints available in paper, unframed or framed canvas prints.
Our prints ship carefully packaged, directly from our local printers in CA. Choose between paper, framed or unframed canvas print, in a classic black floater frame.
Unframed canvas prints have mirror edges, so the image wraps around and can be hung without a frame. Framed and unframed canvas prints ship with hanging hardware attached, ready to hang. Paper prints ship economically in a cardboard mailer and are suitable for framing or hanging like posters. Read more about the print types here.
These original paintings were square, so the prints are square, but if you want a rectangular print, just contact Kathryn and she can show you the cropped options.
Painting images remain copyright © Kathryn Beals.


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Wal-Mart reported quarterly earnings on Thursday that xceeded analysts' estimates, but revenue fell short of the consensus.
The retail giant's shares dropped before the opening bell, following the news. (Click here to get real-time quotes for Wal-Mart.)
The company earned $3.63 billion, or $1.08 per share, in the quarter ended Oct. 31. That compares with $3.33 billion, or 96 cents per share, in the year-earlier period.
Revenue improved to $113.93 billion from $110.23 billion a year ago. Sales were negatively impacted by exchange-rate fluctuations, the company said. Without the currency impact, sales would have been $114.9 billion, the company said.
Wall Street had expected Wal-Mart o report earnings excluding items of $1.07 a share on $114.96 billion in revenue, according to Thomson Reuters consensus estimates.
U.S. same-store sales rose 1.5 percent, well shy of the 4.6 percent forecast by Thomson Reuters.
Still, the world's largest retailer also said sales so far this month were better than expected in the U.S. as its focus on low prices has resonated in an economy where unemployment continues to be high.


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- 1 beds
- 1 baths
- $21,500 price
- 627968 mls id
- Square Feet: 360 sqft
- Year Built: 1981
- Neighborhood: Inn Paradise
- Status: Sold
Listing Description
This is a Wonderful chance to have a Gulf front property at a reasonable price! The sand is just as white, the seas just as blue as the most expensive real estate on the beach! But here you get less density and more sand for yourself! Sit back and enjoy the money you saved! This property is legally structured as a ''cooperative.'' This is a low rise project with only two stories! Enjoy the pool, shuffle board, or just grill out on the balcony. Don't feel like cooking at home? Pier Park is just 200 yards to the west! This structure was a motel, converted to Cooperative form of legal arrangement, consists of a 330 Sq. Ft. efficiency unit, with kitchen area and bathroom. (NOTE: there is a land lease under the property with 34 years remaining, and the land lease is included in the monthly
- Style Low-Rise
- Property SubType Condominium
Subdivision: Inn Paradise
Courtesy of: ERA Neubauer Real Estate Inc
Office Phone: (850) 230-3665
Listing Agent: Keith Mollman
Updated: 13th February, 2019 9:11 PM.
15727 Front Beach Road Panama City Beach, FL


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TORONTO, Ontario, Canada – February 20, 2013 – AudienceView is pleased to announce that futurist Garry Golden will give the keynote address at its fourth annual AVConnect users conference, rounding out an already stellar line-up of industry experts. Attendees are getting ready to check in at the lovely Hilton San Diego Resort and Spa for this memorable user event taking place February 26 to 28, 2013.
An academically trained futurist, Golden is one of the world's leading forecasters and strategists, speaking and consulting on issues that are shaping business and society in the 21st century. He trains audiences to close the gap that may exist between changes from the outside world and changes within their company or industry.
At AVConnect 2013, Golden will inspire attendees to tap into their inner futurist so they can spot market trends and disruptions on the horizon, then uncover the resulting opportunities. The big data buzz will be demystified and simplified, with Golden revealing how translating data can influence behaviour change in customer relationships and improve overall service satisfaction. This insight will enable entertainment professionals, as futurists, to navigate the opportunities and challenges of a more transparent, accountable relationship with their customers.
Golden will discuss the future of mobile and social media, how both will continue to evolve around advances in software and shifting cultural norms, and why being innovative with next-generation technologies will shape the audience experience. The demographic transition of Generation Y, which grew up with technology, will also present new opportunities and challenges for traditional business models as they experience changes in life stages and lifestyles.
"Garry's keynote will be powerful and valuable for AVConnect 2013 attendees, helping them to embrace developments in a new way, increase their foresight to identify emerging trends, and solve business challenges through disruptive and transformative innovation," said Mark Fowlie, President and COO for AudienceView. "There is something for everyone at AVConnect 2013. We are excited to be presenting three days of education and a forum ripe for networking with industry peers so that everyone goes home equally inspired."
Following feedback for a resounding 'more!' and to meet user needs, AVConnect has been extended over three days for the first time this year, allowing for additional sessions and more time for each session. Attendees from around the world will benefit from hands-on training, engaging panel discussions, inspiring case studies, education sessions led by in-the-trenches experts, and networking with fellow AudienceView users in the sunny city of San Diego.
About AudienceView
AudienceView provides a powerful, enterprise-level e-commerce solution to the entertainment industry, including commercial and not-for-profit arts organizations, regional ticketing agencies, arenas, film festivals, college athletics, professional sports teams, and race tracks. With customer relationship management (CRM) at the core, it ensures ticketing/e-commerce, marketing, fundraising, content management, venue management and business analytics are effectively integrated in a single, easy-to-use, web-based solution. Supporting over 550 venues across six continents, AudienceView operates seamlessly across traditional and next-generation environments – from physical box offices, kiosks and desktop computers to social media, mobile and tablet devices.
MarketView is the world's first white-label, self-serve e-commerce and CRM solution. Developed upon the company's widely deployed e-commerce platform, the innovative, cloud-based solution enables any business or brand to enter the emerging self-serve event management and ticketing market quickly, affordably and profitably. It provides more features and functionality than other currently available self-serve platforms.
For additional information please visit AudienceView.com, or connect with the company on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/audienceview) and Twitter @AudienceView (http://twitter.com/AudienceView).
Media/interview requests:
Christine Payne
Primoris Group Inc.
+1 416.489.0092


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Who knew Riri wanted to go gray so early?
The "Right Now" singer dyed her strands gray, revealing her new color to the world via Instagram, writing: "New color ice grey ish, call it #Brrr." In another post she also wrote, "Grey is the new black! Blondies, it's quiet for y'all! #brrr."
Rihanna can basically pull off anything. But how do you think it looks on us civilian types.
Photo Credit: Instagram


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One of the top back doctors for Wilmington, DE is Dr. Matthew Schaeffer, M.D. This is according to Mainline Today Magazine, and a feedback from hundreds of patients through-out mainline and to Wilmington. Beyond the recognition he receives from respected publications and Medical Society's, Dr. Schaeffer is most proud of his work as a back doctor for Wilmington, DE residents.
Are you looking for a top back doctor in Wilmington, DE?
Dr. Matthew Schaeffer is an interventional physiatrist with more than a decade experience treating spine and back pain. Dr. Schaeffer is committed to helping patients recover from chronic back pain as quickly as possible and with minimally invasive surgery. He believes that over 90% of all back pain can be successfully treated without surgery.
About Dr. Matthew Schaeffer
- Director of the Spine Center at Chester County Orthopeadics in Kennett Square, PA and West Chester, PA
- Lectures extensively on spinal disorders and chronic back pain treatment
- Was voted one of the region's Top Doctors
- Conducts studies regularly on back pain treatments and protocols
- Received his medical degree from Temple University
- Graduated internship in Internal Medicine from Lankenau Hospital
- Completed residency training as a chief resident in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation from Stanford University
- Board certified by both the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine
- Active member of the International Spine Intervention Society since 2002
- Native of the Philadelphia suburbs
Dr. Schaeffer begins treatment with a thorough examination and may include diagnostic testing, medication, physical therapy, fluoroscopically-guided spinal injections and alternative therapeutic exercise programs.
Dr. Matthew Schaeffer is dedicated to helping his patients regain a healthy level of function and return to activities as quickly as possible. Dr. Matthew Schaeffer's goal is to get you off the sidelines and back into the game of life."


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Darley Anderson Literary Tv and Film Agency
ADULT LIST : Download
CHILDREN'S List : Download
"The Darley Anderson Literary, TV and Film Agency was founded in 1988 by ex-publisher Darley Anderson and is based in London with a regional office in Hay-on-Wye on the English/Welsh borders.
The Agency specialises in handling a broad range of bestselling commercial Fiction and Non-Fiction.
A Market leader in Adult Fiction, our list includes thrillers, mysteries, crime, horror, fantasy, accessible literary, romantic comedy, chick-lit, women in jeopardy, sagas and historical.
Many of the Fiction writers talent spotted and represented by Darley Anderson himself, are amongst the highest paid bestselling authors in the world. Most notably Martina Cole, Lee Child, John Connolly, Lesley Pearse and Tana French.
Other top selling fiction writers represented by Darley are Chris Carter, Jane Costello, Alex Barclay, Carmen Reid, Tara Hyland, Chris Mooney, Annie Murray, Margaret Dickinson, Clare Dowling, Lee Weeks and Adrian Plass.
Martina Cole is the highest selling adult fiction hardback novelist in the UK. She has had 14 No.1 Sunday Times Bestsellers.
Lee Child is the biggest selling Agency author in the U.S. Each of his novels now go to No. 1 on both the New York Times Hardcover and mass market Paperback lists. And Lee Child is only the fifth adult author to sell one million Kindle books.
The oldest writer ever to be taken on at the Agency is Elizabeth Waite at the age of 70, who has now had 17 books published.
And the four most prolific writers at the Agency are: Saga writers Anne Baker, Lynda Page and Gloria Cook and bestselling religious writer Adrian Plass, who has been at the Agency since its inception!
Working with Darley Anderson to further build on the enormous success he has had with top selling crime and thriller writers is Camilla Wray.
Camilla's fiction writers include three for whom she achieved six figure deals for their debut novels: A.J. Cross, Jason Dean and Helen Grant. Also, talented newcomers Sean Slater and Tim Weaver. And established bestsellers Pat Dunne and Rebecca Shaw.
Darley's No. 2 at the Agency is Madeleine Buston. She is the Women's & General Fiction Agent and Deputy MD of Children's Books. Her list of adult fiction writers includes international bestsellers Carolyn Jess-Cooke, now translated into 20 languages, the US bestseller J.J. Salem, and new writers destined for future bestsellerdom: Carrie Duffy, Victoria Fox, Emma Garcia, Ella Kingsley, Martel Maxwell, Cally Taylor and Anna-Lou Weatherly. She has a long term vision and an international plan for each of her authors, negotiating high five and six figure deals both here in the UK and the US, liaising with publishers around the world and working with the Agency's film agent in LA.
Among the Non-Fiction writers handled by the Agency are: Constance Briscoe (author of the No.1 Bestseller and Sequel Ugly and Beyond Ugly); Alan and Barbara Pease's Why Men Don't Listen and Women Can't Read Maps (with worldwide sales exceeding 10 million copies). Graeme Sims, Paul Hauck, Lucy Summers, Nadia Finer and Emily Nash and Fr Kenneth Leech.
The Darley Anderson Children's Book Agency Ltd was recently set up as a separate company with Deputy Managing Director Madeleine Buston responsible for developing the list. YA writers represented by Madeleine include C.J. Daugherty, S.B. Hayes and Phil Earle. And children's writers currently represented by Madeleine are: Dave Lowe, Adam Perrott, Anne Cameron, Lucy Jones and Rob Stevens. MD of the Children's Book Agency, Darley Anderson, represents bestselling children's author Cathy Cassidy and Waterstones Children's Book of the Year winner Michelle Harrison.
Also, Sophie Gordon represents a growing number of talented children's book illustrators.
US book sales are handled directly by the Darley Anderson Agency. But for sales of books or original scripts to US Film and TV companies the Agency works as it has for the last 18 years, in association with top Talent Agent Steve Fisher of the APA Agency in Los Angeles.
In foreign language book sales, the Darley Anderson Agency has great success in placing books with international publishers around the world.
Over the past twenty three years the Agency has built up an extensive worldwide network of foreign contacts, working with leading subagents and directly with foreign publishers.
Clare Wallace, ably assisted by Mary Darby, oversees all aspects of the foreign rights department; holding regular auctions, negotiating major deals and meeting over two hundred and fifty foreign editors at every major international book fair.
The focus at the Agency is on making our writers international bestsellers.
Four of our authors have been sold in 30 or more languages and ten of our authors have been sold in up to 25 languages. Every territory is just as important as another, from Germany to Brazil to Taiwan and Indonesia, we sell translation rights to over 55 countries. We aim to translate our titles into as many languages as possible, creating internationally bestselling authors.
Our Agency motto is : 'Our writers mean business'. "
How to Get A(Love) Life-Rosie Blake
Some people book last-minute holidays, walk barefoot in the grass or party on a week night. Not Nicola Brown. Nicola is the kind of girl who double-locks the front door, leaves the plastic covering on new furniture, sticks to a super-strict diet and definitely, absolutely Does Not Date.
Broken Harbour - Tana French
In Broken Harbour, a ghost estate outside Dublin – half-built, half-inhabited, half-abandoned – two children and their father are dead. The mother is on her way to intensive care. Scorcher Kennedy is given the case because he is the Murder Squad's star detective. At first he and his rookie partner, Richie, think this is a simple one: Pat Spain was a casualty of the recession, so he killed his children, tried to kill his wife Jenny, and finished off with himself. But there are too many inexplicable details and the evidence is pointing in two directions at once.
Lee Weeks-Dead of Winter
When three bodies surface in the garden of a rented house in North London, forensics discover prints which link back to an unsolved crime that no one in the Metropolitan Police wants to remember. The prime suspect of the first case was an officer from the force, but since no conclusive evidence was ever found, the police closed ranks to prevent the media frenzy that would surely follow his discovery.
Jane Costello-All the Single Ladies
Samantha Brooks' boyfriend has made a mistake. One his friends, family, and Sam herself know he'll live to regret. Jamie has announced he's leaving, out of the blue. Jamie is loving, intelligent and, while he isn't perfect, he's perfect for her - in every way except one: he's a free spirit. And after six years in one place, doing a job he despises, he is compelled to do something that will tear apart his relationship with Sam: book a one-way flight to South America. But Sam isn't giving up without a fight.
Tim Weaver - Vanished
For millions of Londoners, the morning of 17 December is just like any other. But not for Sam Wren. An hour after leaving home, he gets onto a tube train - and never gets off again. No eyewitnesses. No trace of him on security cameras. Six months later, he's still missing.
Out of options and desperate for answers, Sam's wife Julia hires David Raker to track him down. Raker has made a career out of finding the lost. He knows how they think. And, in missing person cases, the only certainty is that everyone has something to hide.
Sean Slater-Snakes and Ladders
When Homicide Detective Jacob Striker discovers that a string of recent suicides might actually be covered-up murders, his investigation quickly leads him to the Riverglen Mental Health Facility.
The victims were all patients from the support group overseen by psychologist Dr. Erich Ostermann. And when Striker discovers Larisa Logan - a very dear friend of his and a patient of Ostermann - has gone missing, his investigation goes into overdrive.
Emma Garcia -Never Google Heartbreak
NEVER GOOGLE HEARTBREAK tells the story of Vivienne Summers who is left, in her mid-thirties, by her fiancé for the third time. Googling 'heartbreak' inspires her to create a relationship website in an attempt to overcome her own heartbreak and help anyone who has loved and lost. This novel is written in a contemporary, fresh and engaging way as it combines first person narrative with case studies, top tips and blog entries. These develop during the course of the story as Vivienne starts a campaign to win her true love back.
Jane Costello-All the Single Ladies
Samantha Brooks' boyfriend has made a mistake – one everyone knows he'll live to regret. Jamie, the love of her life, has announced he's leaving, out of the blue. Jamie is gorgeous, loving, intelligent and perfect for Sam in every way but one – he's a free spirit. And after six years in one place, doing a job he hates, he is compelled to do something that will destroy his relationship with Sam: book a one way flight to South America. Only Sam isn't giving up without a fight.
Tara Hyland -Fallen Angels
Franny Healey grew up in post-war rural Ireland. Addicted to the glamorous films of the day, she determined to do whatever it took to one day be a film star herself; immortal, adored. When she fell pregnant at seventeen, Franny faced an awful choice: leave behind the family she loved, or suffer the life she never wanted. Seven years later, Franny faces another devastating choice. Now living in the East End, she has a good friend in Annie, and a beautiful little daughter, Cara.
Tana French-The Likeness
Six months after the events of In the Woods, Detective Cassie Maddox is still recovering. Transferred out of Dublin's Murder squad at her own request, she vows never to return. That is, until her boyfriend, Detective Sam O'Neill, calls her one beautiful spring morning, urgently asking her to come to a murder scene in the small town of Glenskehy.


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April 28, 2014, LOS ANGELES, Calif. (ISN) – The NAACP has decided not to honour Donald Sterling with a lifetime achievement award from its Los Angeles chapter after the Clippers owner allegedly made racially charged comments in a recorded conversation.
Donations made by Sterling, who has owned the team since 1981, will be returned, Leon Jenkins, president of the Los Angeles NAACP, said at a news conference Monday. Jenkins wouldn't say how much money was involved.
"There is a personal, economic, and social price that Mr. Sterling must pay for his attempt to turn back the clock on race relations," he said.
Sterling, 80, had been slated to receive the honour on May 15 as part of the 100th anniversary celebration of the Los Angeles branch of the nation's oldest civil rights organization.
Sterling's purported comments urging a woman to not bring black people to his team's games have overshadowed the NBA's opening playoff round and prompted an NBA investigation. The NBA is planning a Tuesday news conference to discuss the probe.
There still has been no official confirmation that Sterling is on the recording, portions of which were released over the weekend by TMZ and Deadspin.
Jenkins was asked how detrimental he considered Sterling's alleged remarks.
"On a scale of one to ten? Eleven," he said. "It goes back to a segregation system and a time that nobody in America is proud of."
Sterling was chosen to receive the award because of his long history of donating to minority charities and giving game tickets to inner city children, Jenkins said. The NAACP has honoured Sterling several times in the past.
(AP / Mark J. Terrill)


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I have been wanting a nice nativity set for many, many years but I have never been able to find one I have liked. I started looking again this year & found a lot of nice looking sets at Fontanini Store.com. I purchased this one ...
Friday, November 29, 2013
Not a Happy Camper : (
I have been wanting a nice nativity set for many, many years but I have never been able to find one I have liked. I started looking again this year & found a lot of nice looking sets at Fontanini Store.com. I purchased this one ...
Posted by Shirlee at 9:14 AM 28 comments
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by Shirlee at 5:54 AM 13 comments
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Las Vegas
I have just spent 2+ hours trying to find a decent blog template to match with any number of winter/holiday header photos I have. What an ordeal. I'm not thrilled about the way things are looking right now but I am (no surprise) tired of playing with it ... so I will catch you up on my life these past several days without my computer.
Most of you assumed that my computer was going away for some repairs or upgrades of some sort. I can understand why you thought that, but the computer stayed right here on the dining room table. It was me who went away. I didn't want to post ahead of time that I would be gone for a few days & I'm sure you can understand that decision : )
John has been wanting us to travel someplace together for months now, but with my surgery & health issues it hasn't been possible. Although my health is still rather iffy, I figured I was well enough to go somewhere for a few days. John decided we'd go to Las Vegas. He had been there not long ago & really enjoyed himself. He loved the weather & enjoyed walking around & seeing all the hotels.
I had been to Las Vegas when I was 19 ... 41 years ago. Two friends & I decided to leave home (Pittsburgh) & move to California. Hard as it is to imagine, I was a model during the brief time we lived there. The photographer I worked for took several of us girls to Las Vegas for 2 days for a photo shoot at a nearby ghost town. It being my first time away from home, I was in awe of being someplace so famous that I had only seen & heard about on TV. Here I am back then ... 1972. I asked the photographer to take a picture of me as we were heading back home so I could remember my visit.
Posted by Shirlee at 12:38 AM 29 comments
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Bye-Bye Computer
I just wanted to post a little note to say that I won't have the use of my computer for a few days. I have no intention of using a library computer or anything like that, so if you email me & don't hear from me right away, this is why. I know ... some of you are saying "We emailed you a long time ago & are still waiting for a response!" I deeply apologize. I have been trying to catch up as best I can. Lots of stuff going on here, & of course I have been stitching away on Christmas exchanges & gifts. I wish I could show you some of them but that will have to wait until they are received : )
In the meantime, I can show you another photo of Sophie soaking up the heat coming from the heating vent. She's actually sleeping on it here! She looks like the picture of contentment, doesn't she : )
Posted by Shirlee at 4:31 PM 19 comments
Saturday, November 16, 2013
A Trip to the DMV
I renewed my driver's license this past Thursday. When we moved here, I was quite impressed when the DMV clerk took 4 photos of me, grouped them together, & asked me to choose which one I liked best. Like a proof sheet! Back in the days when people used to take photos using cameras with film in them, professional photographers, especially those who photographed Hollywood stars, would use rolls of film during a photograph session & would then have the photos developed onto proof sheets, like this one.
Posted by Shirlee at 8:25 AM 27 comments
Friday, November 15, 2013
Ecclesiastes 3
Posted by Shirlee at 8:19 AM 21 comments
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
An Absolutely Fantabulous Morning!!!
"Look," says the Easily Influenced Stitcher! "Snow!"
"The Lord is my strength & my shield;
my heart trusts in Him, & He helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
& with my song I praise Him."
Psalm 28:7
Posted by Shirlee at 5:51 AM 24 comments
Monday, November 11, 2013
Two Giveaways at Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe
Nancy at VMSS has 2 simultaneous giveaways happening at this time! One is for a lovely sewing necessaire. Click here for a chance to win! Drawing will be held on December 1st.
Posted by Shirlee at 7:46 PM 3 comments
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Floss Show & Tell, & a Cry for Help
Not long ago I posted how I store my DMC floss & showed a photo of my designer floss collections ... WDW & GAST ... hanging from large binder rings on a rod in an upstairs closet. I made a reference to how I had once had these collections hanging from my dining room chandelier & someone said they would have loved to have seen a photo of that. I had done a post about them in the early days of my blog but had no idea where it might be. Well, this morning I was searching through some old blog posts for something else & came across those photos ... so here they are : )
Posted by Shirlee at 11:03 AM 35 comments
Thursday, November 7, 2013
And the Winners are ...
Congratulations to ...
Posted by Shirlee at 9:16 AM 20 comments
Friday, November 1, 2013
30 Days of Thankfulness, Giveaway Winner, & Birthday Goodies
Posted by Shirlee at 12:00 PM 28 comments


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Inquiry Question
Supplementary Resources
By looking at Andersonville: Prisoner of War Camp, students can more easily understand the workings of a Civil War prison camp, including the living conditions of prisoners and how they coped with the prison environment. Those interested in learning more will find that the Internet offers a variety of materials.
Andersonville National Historic Site
National Park Service Civil War Website
Civil War Soldiers & Sailors System
Historic Places Honoring Those Who Served
Southeast Archeological Center
National Archives and Records Administration
Library of Congress
The Valley of the Shadow
The Story of One Union Soldier
Brothers Bound
Wirz Trial Home Page


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'BingItOn' and 'Scroogled' Microsoft's war on Google dominance
In every basic economics or introduction to business class since the original "Adam Smith," the business student has learned that competition between strong competitors is good for the consumer. As competing businesses battle for consumer acceptance, these businesses tend to offer some combination of better services, higher quality or lower prices in order to entice the consumer to acquire the products or services of that business. Now we are seeing an epic, high budget battle between two of the most affluent powerhouses in the Web-based service industry engaging in a massive battle for consumer acceptance. The latest salvo in this ambitious drive to both acquire new customers and steal existing customers from the competition is Microsoft's attack on Google's dominance in both the ubiquitous search engine field and the wildly popular free e-mail service market. Two of Microsoft's primary weapons in the recent assault on Google's dominance are its "Bing it On" and "Scroogled" campaigns.
There is not much doubt that in terms of popularity, Google has become the primary search engine for the majority of users. While different reporting services report different market shares for the competitors, one fact is abundantly clear: Google is the No. 1 most popular search engine with a current market share calculated from a low of 67 percent (according to comScore) to a high of about 88 percent (KarmaSnack). Google has become so dominant in the marketplace that the phrase "Google it" has almost become a generic term, much the same way that "making Xerox copies" means making photocopies. By contrast, Microsoft's Bing search engine scores a market share calculated as low as about 4 percent of the global market share to as high as 16 percent of the domestic market share.
It is inevitable that some type of "Jack, the Giant Killer" will try and topple the market leader, Google, and "steal" market share. While many other search engine services advertise and promote their services, Microsoft, with its deep pockets, is financing a massive campaign to dethrone the champ with is heavily advertised "Bing It On" campaign, promoting the claimed superiority of Microsoft's Bing search engine with a side-by-side comparison of similar search results on Google.
Microsoft's BingItOn.com Website asks the user to enter a search term, and then displays an anonymous side by side display from both Bing and Google. The user is then asked to select which one provided the preferred search results by checking a box, or selecting the box indicating that the two results are a draw. After five searches, with each randomly displayed on a side of the window, BingItOn displays the selection results. I tried five different search terms (all in lower case), including "examiner beaumont," "lamar institute of technology," "sonic restaurants," "trend micro," and "parkdale mall beaumont," with BingItOn reporting that in all five searches, I selected the Google results. While it appeared to me that Google produced better results, Microsoft reports that in an independent test of a thousand users composing a representative sample of Internet search engine users, Bing was selected over Google by nearly a two to one margin. According to Microsoft, "When the results were tallied, the outcome was clear – people chose Bing Web search results over Google nearly 2:1 in the blind comparison tests. Specifically, of the nearly 1,000 participants, 57.4 percent chose Bing more often, 30.2 percent chose Google more often, (and) 12.4 percent resulted in a draw."
While Google is clearly the most widely used search engine and Bing is attempting to make inroads on Google's dominance, I still choose to use Yahoo as my primary search engine — to each his own. While the search results as displayed on Bing are attractive and easy to read, Microsoft has quite a way to go to convince millions of users to switch to Bing from Google.
While search engine wars are appearing nightly on our TV screens, another battle is taking place between the titans, Microsoft and Google. Microsoft is in the process of phasing out its nearly 20-year-old free Hotmail e-mail service, replacing it with a more modern and sophisticated e-mail service under the moniker of its popular e-mail software, Outlook (Outlook.com). While the Hotmail service currently has an estimated 286 million unique global users, all of whom are being encouraged to migrate to Microsoft's new Outlook e-mail service, Google's popular Gmail service claims 425 million users, according to current statistics posted on "E-mail Marketing Reports." Not to be outdone, Microsoft has launched an expansive advertising campaign to attract Gmail users over to its side. In its "Scroogled" campaign (scroogled.com), Microsoft claims that Google electronically scans all e-mails on Gmail for key words, and displays targeted advertising based on the content. The Scroogled website says, "Google goes through every Gmail that's sent or received, looking for keywords so they can target Gmail users with paid ads. And there's no way to opt out of this invasion of your privacy."
In a challenge to the privacy of non-Gmail account holders who send e-mail to a Gmail account, Microsoft says, "Outlook.com prioritizes your privacy. You won't see ads based on keywords from your personal e-mail. Your e-mail is nobody else's business. But Google makes it their business. Even if you're not a Gmail user, Google still goes through your personal e-mail sent to Gmail and uses the content to sell ads" (Source: Scroogled.com). In order to make the point to Google, Microsoft has created an online petition for Gmail users to protest the alleged privacy infringement. As I type this, 103,038 claimed Gmail users have signed this petition, exceeding the petitioner's (Outlook's) goal of 100,000 signatures. In order to be fair to Google, it costs an enormous amount of money to process the billions of incoming and outgoing e-mails sent and received by nearly a half-billion Gmail users hosted on Google servers. Google needs to recover that cost and make a profit on the service, as Gmail (like the other e-mail services) is not run as a charity.
For the record, I have free e-mail accounts with Gmail, Outlook and Yahoo, and each has some advantages over the others. Any one of these three free e-mail services would provide an excellent platform and service. As far as the privacy of e-mail with any of these services, it is important that users read and understand the published privacy statements of the respective services, and if they are not acceptable, switch providers. Most of the free e-mail services can import address books and e-mail from the other services, easing the transition from one to another; most will also send out a free, personalized e-mail to addresses in the address book informing others of the address.


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- 2 Beds
- 2 Full
- 1,144 +/- Sqft
Property TypeResidential – Single Family
SubdivisionBUFFALO (PARK CNTY)
Listing Date02/09/19
Year Built1983
AreaPark County
Lot Size8.00 Acres
Property Description
Rare Opportunity to own the perfect getaway or full time residence on 8 Park like acres bordering over a million acres of Nat'l Forest. 2 Lots allow you the possibility to build your second cabin on the property with an addt'l well. Beautifully Treed, Fantastic Views, 2 Sheds, Green House, Parking for all your Toys and RV. Fenced and cross fenced. This 2 BR 2 Bath cabin has an open floor plan, large mud room and spacious deck. It doesn't get more Peaceful anywhere. Lot 182 & 183 Buff F-3
Presented By
- See Remarks
- Meadow
- Mountains
- Private Fishing Rights
- See Remarks
- See Remarks
- Electricity
- Phone
- Propane
- Satellite
- Septic In Place
- Snow Removal
- Trash Pickup
- Well In Place
- Propane
- Wood Stove
Financial Information
Area Information
We're sorry, but community information for this property could not be found.
3 Beds 1 Baths
2 Beds 1 Baths
3 Beds 1 Baths
2 Beds 1 Baths
We get asked this question a lot. Below is a tool that gives you the ability to see what the market is like in your community. Find out what homes like your own are selling for right in your back yard. Simply enter in your address, choose the proximity of the search and find out market data for other homes that are selling near you.
While we'll provide you with plenty of information, this is a snapshot of your market data and there are real people behind the high-tech and automated tools. If you would like more detailed information or help in understanding the results we are here to help.
Until then, enjoy the tools!
The data relating to the real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange program of the Vail Multi-List Service, Inc.
Copyright © 2019 Vail Multi List, Inc. (VMLS). The information displayed herein was derived from sources believed to be accurate, but has not been verified by VMLS. Buyers are cautioned to verify all information to their own satisfaction. This information is exclusively for viewers' personal, non- commercial use. Any republication or reproduction of the information herein without the express permission of the VMLS is strictly prohibited.
Listing courtesy of Jefferson Real Estate, Inc.


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|Home >> Course Descriptions >> College of Arts and Sciences
|Thesis I
|Three semester hours.
|To be scheduled by the student in consultation with his/her advisor. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission from the student's thesis advisory committee. Approval of the major professor and the department chair. All core courses should be completed prior to beginning thesis work preferably during the last year of the student's program of study. Evaluation of performance in this course is on CR/NC basis. If grade of IP is received, student must enroll again for credit.
Home - General Information - Student Services -
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Graduate Degrees - Course Descriptions - Faculty -
Appendix A - Appendix B - Appendix C - Appendix D


text: Orzo is made with Durham Wheat Flour (Semolina) which makes it a pasta. The Orzo Is 1/3" long and rice shaped. The toothy, firm texture and subtle flavors lend its use to many different applications. Orzo maintains its shape and color dulls slightly when cooked. Traditionally, Orzo has been used with rice to make Pilafs. Orzo like many pastas, has become a versatile ingredient. In Italian, Orzo means "Barley." Since pasta doesn't contain any Barley, the name is probably in reference to the shape of Orzo. Pasta has been a main stay ingredient in Italian cooking for centuries. Orzo is just one of the many shapes developed for specific uses. One pound dry yields 6 1/2 cups cooked.


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Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones can't help but think about the New York Giants going from 7-7 to a Super Bowl title last season.
Maybe Jones was a little giddy after the Cowboys beat Pittsburgh 27-24 in overtime Sunday for their third straight win.
Dallas is tied for first in the NFC East after winning three straight games and five of six. For the first time in weeks, the Cowboys (8-6) don't need help to reach the playoffs. They're in if they beat New Orleans on Sunday at home and win the finale at Washington.
Jones says it isn't "unrealistic" for the Cowboys to mimic the Giants, who beat Dallas in the final week last season with a playoff berth on the line.


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Seiko Double Electric Chime Clock Movement
Seiko ELECTRONIC DOUBLE CHIME CLOCK MOVEMENT
With just a flip of a switch, our electronic double chime movements offer either Westminster or Whittington melodies. Also featured is a removable speaker (with generous leads)...either leave it attached behind the movement or attach it in your clock case to effect the best tone. The chimes sound every 15 minutes with the full melody and hour count on the hour. The pendulum models are supplied with an adjustable (up to 20") rod and your choice of a 2", 2-3/4" or a 3-1/2" bob (please specify). Other features include an optional night time silence, volume control, 8 MM (5/16") shaft diameter, optional speaker bracket, brass mounting hardware with open end nut and your choice of hour & minute hands (check index for location). A compact 3-1/4"H x 2-1/2"W x 1-1/4"D. Made in Japan.
Requires one "C" battery. Three year guarantee.


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December 10, 2010 |
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