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Digitally Downloaded writes: "It's a pity, because CD Projekt Red games are incredible. The Witcher 2 is my favourite western-style RPG since the original Baldur's Gate, as cringeworthy as its portrayal of women is. I have no doubt whatsoever that this game will also be incredible.
So why the heck do they feel like they need to prove the critics of the games industry right?"
Well you don't want some peopleofwalmart.com women as models for the game. I suppose a lot of the male characters are butch, muscled, and have sculpted features. It's not just the gaming industry, either. Look at models for clothing, cologne, anything really.
Well said. Every industry uses sex to sell.
And if I'm a guy, and I love girls, and I'm the key demographic why shouldnt the devs cater to me?
And why should I be made to feel bad about that?
this cracks me up because, i have some friends who are male models and even they dont look as good as nathen drake or as buff as marcus phoenix. the male protagonists in the video games look as sexualized as their female counter parts. im tired of people trying to be mad about big boobed gorgeous girls in games when the men are just as superficial. how many male gamers actually look like the characters we play as in games, im sure not many.
Make a trailer of a half naked muscular man with rock hard abs killing or doing etc. No one complains but half naked women YA GONE TOO FAR!!!!
"Whatcha got there? A game where a muscular guy runs around in a loincloth? Cool"
"Whatcha got there? A game with a woman that is half-dressed?!!?! OMG DATS SEXIST!!!"
Most games feature attractive males and females. What we have here is an exaggerated issue, I tell you what.
not sexist, that's how humans work, it's call biology
Sooo... Extremely instable, dangerous, blood dripping blade equipped female cyber psychopat is kneeing among massacrated and mutilated people and that's sexist for some because as a predator she's dressed provocative?
While more sexist stuff is being projected into minds of minors by the mainstream media?
Damn world went wrong. And stupid.
It's basically super stimulus.
Enhancing the items beyond their normal form to heighten their attractiveness.
Boo hoo, someone made women look beautiful... How lame that the characters aren't chubby, gassy, and not willing to shave their legs in the winter...
I'm not for objectifying women, but let's face it...we're animals. If someone wants to provide me a beautiful woman to look at, there's nothing wrong with that. I don't get all bent out of shape over Marcus, Drake, Depp or Pitt... If women have a problem with beautiful women, maybe they should try being beautiful themselves. As it is now, it seems like women who complain about this stuff are just jealous. OF A CARTOON. It's pathetic. Therapy worthy, even.
A different perspective...
I actually think cdprojekt is ahead of its time as far as incorporating sex in games.. In the industry today it's still considered taboo to go very far with it even though Hollywood goes much further.
Cdprojekt games such as Witcher 2 also has a more grown up / mature feel to it.. I give them props for everything they do...
peoples who whine about sexism in media/games are usually simply a bunch of jealous fat cows and ugly girls.
Sexism: Prejudice or discrimination based upon sex.
Another term that has become a buzzword.
It's the sad reality of the double standard that is present in our society.
I'd say that this article is a pretty good summation of what element said:
Just look at this sexist game photo too!!!
I don't really like being associated with the folks that accuse every pretty lady portrayed in the media of conforming to a sexist agenda (and god knows given our lack of context, this is not the time to already be throwing the "sexist" card around for this game), but it WOULD be nice to get some female characters that weren't super-sexualized and/or over-empowered. You rarely get that in games, even for male characters.
It has always been my stance that there is nothing wrong with sexuality existing in games, but at some point it gets goddamn boring seeing the same characters portrayed with different sexy skins.
Again though, just speaking generally. I am VERY excited for 2077.
WTF is this crap. Sexist? ...............
Submit another article like this MattS and I will block you and hopefully anything you submit.
Don't disrespect Cyberpunk 2077 without having the full game in your hand and actually witnessing the way it is meant to be portrayed. Right now everything your writing is an assumption. We all know what that means.
Videogames are meant to be played. They are games. They are designed for us to escape and enjoy a fantasy world. It's entertainment. If we're allowed to conquer galaxies and annihilate nazis and fly through the air in a jet and besiege castles (oh wait, we're not, because that makes us violent...), then I don't see why it's such a big deal that we would be allowed to look at an attractively-designed fictional character.
Why would I want to play "Irritating, Lumpy, Lady in the Grocery-Store Simulator 2013"?
You fundamentally misunderstand the issue. Those male character are not sexualised. You do not enjoy playing as them because they are sexy, and women do not either. When a man in a video game is butch and muscled with a strong jawline, husky voice, etc. it's about POWER, NOT sex. If they were walking around in skin-tight speedos bulging at the front THEN they would be sexualised. But they are not. They are "powerised", so to speak.
It's sad that this article has more hits than the actual trailer itself. -_-
Not really all that good of a trailer to use to rail against a sexist industry. After all, in the end, she ends up bald and wearing combat gear that hides her features...
Nothing in this trailer suggests that the person will play or look like that the whole game. Seeing one scantily clad woman throughout does not suggest the direction of the game similar to how the nuns in Hitman: Absolution are not in the whole game either.
Riiight, and the Witcher games aren't "sexist" if you apply the same standards? When you hear words like "Sexism" or "Racism" they'll immediately be followed up with hypocrisy or a double standard.
Geralt having sex with hookers and collecting saucy cards with their picture on it isn't sexist but the new CD Projekt trailer is...I see.
The stupidity here is that when the first Witcher game was released these dumb liberal "writers" were screeching about "misogyny" and sexism yet here this noob is praising them...you just have to shake your head.
Fake scandal is fake, like RE5 was "racist" but "no Russian" wasn't a problem, White protagonists slaying waves of Africans "The Horror!", White protagonists slaying waves of Whites..meh...
You do realise what racism is right? As in discrimination based on race, not nationality.
You could argue that the violence was worse in CoD2, but there is a big difference between white psychopaths shooting up white civilians, and a white heroic protagonist with arms the size of melons killing hordes of African tribals throwing spears at you from their swamp huts...
IT's just a game!!
Right now its just an announcement.
Also got from the trailer that the woman being shot at was the same as the one in the copper suiting up at the very end.
It almost certainly is. Remember how the woman got shot in the cheek and it left a scrape? Woman suiting up at the end has the exact same bullet scrape on her cheek.
And you know how sexy bald women are, Godmars. Just look at them flaunt about her bald head for those few seconds. Heck, why don't they just strip her naked if that's how she's going to look the whole game! /s
Wait, what? What?
Two women in what could be in different positions of the same situation who both have the exact same scar on their cheek.
What is it with the baldness?
Exactly. Its getting absurd! espn just appologized for innocent compliments from brent musberger. Her boyfriend/QB wasnt pissed because of comments but because she ia getting more attention than alabama. She was miss alabama...r u kidding me. And now, as soon as a great trailer is released by a great company for what is sure to be a great game, we get trolling articles like this.
Video games are just as valid a form of art as movies or paintings. It's time they started being held to the same standards.
oh but its okay if movies do it, no problem at all, this guy needs to F off
didn't read it, did you? Article quite explicitly states that it's not OK when movies do it.
ill admit, that this is the first time i havnt read the article and only looked at the title, mostly because im gettting tired of these sexism in gaming articles, its just getting redundant, lets be honest who walks around looking as buff as kratos, marcus fenix, or as perfect as nathan drake, so i apologize.
So, u only wanna see certain types of movies and games. Not realistic ones or fantasy ones, but PC (politically correct) ones that reflect an altruistic version that meets somebodys standards. We dont actually know these standards cuz they change everyday, the result of a reletavistic society. Remember that while trying to implement your certain type of morality u box everyone else in. This is just absurdity that results from boredom. Instead of allowing freedom and money (or demand) to decide, u want to decide for us. Many women watch movies and many more play games. If it is meant to change, it will. I am tired of being lectured to by quasi-moralists.
Stereotypes and sexism often goes both ways in any form of media.
It's automatically not okay for a hail of bullets to be fired upon a female robot, but it'd be a-okay for a hail of bullets fired upon a dude.
Love how the comments are already closed. Got something to hide? Or just not able to deal with the consequences of your ill-thought-out actions?
Put simply: you're reaching. I guess you can take comfort in the fact that you're not the only one, but... really, you should stop. As a female commenter on the article said, you're doing no one any good.
It's great that you want to end sexism in gaming, but you have to KNOW WHAT SEXISM IS FIRST. You, obviously, do not. Rather, you are superimposing a projection of sexism onto a situation where none is present.
Ironic that you talk about the video having a lack of context, and then supply your own in the way of screaming "SEXISM!!!!"
Great [not] reading [the article at all] skills there, chief.
to be honest, i dont fault him for not giving a hit to a site looking for cheap hits.
I would also like to point out that you see the woman suiting up at the end of the trailer. I don't think this says anything for sexism against women.
I find the new Dante sexist. No guy I know is that handsome (whether you like the game or not, you can see he is one sexy bitch lol).
Too bad I was born a white, middle class male. I never fit into any minority, thus have no 'right' to complain. Even so, I wouldn't exactly call females a minority.
Some people just sit around at their computer all day waiting for something to get angry about. Enter MattS, hypersensitive blogger and N4G contributor.
its the problem with media these days is any ignorant person can write an article to complain about anything.
Just look at what happened with miss alabama and the rose bowl. 99% of people disagree with all the complaints about an announcer calling a pageant winner beautiful. but you only hear the ignorant 1% in the news.
What about the fact that every guy in gaming is a buff macho buzz headed marine with a 6 pack and the face of a male model and I don't give a shit.
Yeah, glaring double standard, but they don't care. They don't really have any sort of crusade against the alleged sexism (and probably racism, too) they see all around them in their everyday life. They just want a battle to fight, legitimate or not. Unfortunately, they also know how to use the internet, so everyone else has to deal with it.
Sexism isn't confined to one gender. Technically that could be construed as sexist. However, some groups are more sensitive to that sort of thing, and as a society we've been conditioned to be more sensitive to the objectification of the female form. So much so that a man took it upon himself to defend one side of the issue, without looking at the reality of society or human nature.
Because that's not sexualisation. They aren't strong, commanding, powerful men because they know their audiences will find it sexually attracive, they're like that because they're POWERFUL. It's a POWER trip, not a SEXUAL one. Way to miss the point like the rest of the idiots on this site.
Are you implying that most people don't find a powerful man sexy?
Because most do, regardless of gender.
Boys want to be powerful men because that's what females find sexy, power.
Way to insult others to instead of admitting what a piece of crap this article is.
I'm entertained by the fact that guys that write these articles act like an attractive woman in any depiction within a game is automatically sexist, regardless of the fact that there are lots of attractive women in the world, and among those who play video games.
Meh, he's probably just trying to start some sort of controversy where it doesn't exist. Doing so means lots of exposure for him. Kotaku does it on a daily basis.
There are real issues when it comes to sexism in society, and the objectification of women is one of them, but far from the most important. Women, and men, have been objectified for centuries, and have had varying degrees of respect and rights within those different societies.
In a way, a man trying to bring about this discussion is a form of sexism in itself. It's shows an underlying need to be some sort of protector of the weak. In addition it is based off a moral stance which seeks to box in society cutting off expression as a form of voice.
This guy has obviously never seen Blade Runner or Ghost in the Shell and makes some wild accusations on a trailer that he also says has "no context".
Quite simply, a laughable "article".
Ghost in the Shell was the first thing to come to my mind.
Also, I found it very amusing that the author of that stupid article found a "half-naked women positioned in a submissive position" to be more alarming than the half dozen or more bloody corpses of the people she had just murdered.
If anything stood out, it was the fact that she was impervious to bullets, had huge fold-out blades jutting from her arms, and was soaked in blood and surrounded by several of her victims' corpses. But what stood out in this guys mind was that she was female and in a submissive position. WTF?
Just look at any media with futuristic settings and you'll bound to see sexualized women in them. Nothing to get angry about.
It would be strange playing a game where you can instal chainguns in your body but everyone (in the game world) are too shy to show any bare skin.
Of course the trailer did remind me of the aftermath of the Sandy Hook massacre. Allowing powerful implants that could make people go crazyis almost like giving unstable people easy access to guns debate.
Hey, if the women in video games are good looking so what? I don't exactly want to play a game with an ugly looking character unless its part of the storyline or something. It's kind of funny how we get these sexist articles when we get games that use their characters as a selling point, but as far as I know, nobody really complained about (just an example) Fat Princess? I know it's a cartoon, but hey, it's a woman stuffing her face with pie to get fat.
It's marketing, and most people who play video games are in their early 30's and under, so of course they're going to put a good looking woman in the game.
Actually fat princess did receive some of that.
People will always find something to complain about, and use anything they can to try and spread an agenda.
You didn't read the article. You assume he has a problem that she's attractive. You are incorrect. He has a problem with her being almost naked, in a submissive position, while men shoot at her; when SURPRISE she's a robot and even though she's a woman she's not totally powerless!
Good effort though.
Actually I did read and you read my comment without looking at the bigger picture, which is why you posted that ignorant comment. I did not "assume" that he has a problem with her being attarctive, it's the way shes presented in the video.
Good effort on your assumption that I didn't read though.
Everything you said was about her attractiveness. If you want to talk about something else related to this, go ahead, but I can't read your mind.
I just posted this directly in the article; "The trailer isn't being sexist or objectifying women. If you watch that rewind theater ( http://www.ign.com/articles... ), it explains why she is half naked, and in a "submissive position". She has augmented her body (probably to be more beautiful than she originally was, that isn't sexist, it's an observation of society.) The more these people augment their bodies, the more insane they become, hence her breakdown and subsequent murder of innocents. She is broken down and unfeeling, so she dropped to her knees and is no longer resisting the police. Sure, this may have some sexual connotations, but it doesn't make the trailer as a whole sexist. There is a reason for the way she is dressed, her position and the way the police are handling her. I feel like anytime a woman is shown in a game or trailer, it is automatically deemed sexist. Let's look past the obvious and find out the reason behind it. Yes some games objectify women, I get that. But there is a purpose for it in this trailer. That is just my two cents."
I thought the trailer was really cool. Have this person never seen of heard of Bladerunner?, or the original pen & paper game that Cyberpunk 2077 ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wik... is based on?, or have they ever seen the anime Bubblegum Crisis or AD Police?
Just cause the trailer showed a very beautiful women in revealing attire it is considered sexist now? Did they even see the whole trailer where this women laid waist to the people around her after being psychologically affected?
Honestly watch the entire trailer, do some ACTUAL RESEARCH ,that's what most journalist do right? So you can spare us the effort to waste our time with this garbage.
I don't think most people actually know the definition of sexist anymore; "discriminatory on the basis of sex (usually said of men's attitude toward women)". The word "sexism" is being thrown around way too much lately, and not just in gaming.
And you know MattyG that is what is wrong with society right now. There are far to many unknowledgable people that do not do their research about the subject matter.
Take this trailer. If they did their research about the Cyberpunk series which has spanned pen & paper games, novels etc. they would know that this lady has underwent body altering procedures. However the more procedures a person goes through the less & less the person has grasping at what is real & what is not. The trailer shows that this lady has encountered a psychotic break & killed many in the process. The police are there to subdue her while the cool looking gentleman behind her is a special agent dispatched specifically to deal with 'rouge' patients. I believe just when the dude is about to pull the trigger the lady wakes up from her psychotic break.
The trailer is very well presented in showing this event happening & to have this person question whether it is sexist is comical & clearly has not seen or read much about any of this & the source material is based on.
it could both ad police and bubblegum crisis .ive seen both anime and there are a lot of things that remind me of them .like The cyborg girl getting shot by police. is just like the first ep of ad police files .which in turn a reference to blade runner as they mention pleasure droids in the movie
Don't really care about sexism. The cyborg girl is hot and badass, but in the same time looks fragile too. Also the sci-fi / cyberpunk setting remains me a lot of Ghost in the Shell, one of my most favorite anime & manga. So i hope i already have a decent PC when this game got out.
Quote from the bottom of the article: "No doubt if this story gets up on certain websites the comments are going to be various degrees of abusive, but that's good too as it will pretty much prove my point: this continues to be an industry complicit with sexism, despite those occasional public outcries"
Me saying you're grabbing for attention isn't being complicit with sexism. I'm just refusing to be complicit with poor criticism. This isn't a trailer we're supposed to take at face value. This trailer is eye candy because THAT'S WHAT A TEASER IS. Are there probably a couple people going, "ooh, boobies, yay!"? Well, yeah. Teenagers exist. But clearly the point is to make the audience ask "why is this women in the middle of a pile of bodies? Why is she bulletproof? Why does she have freaking arm blades?" It's out of context, so now we all want to know what's going on, so now we'll be following their game! Mission accomplished!
A sexist ad would have just been "hey, we got boobs." This one is "Hey, we got intrigue and interesting world-building... and maybe some boobs on the side."
And honestly? If I was sexy and bullet-proof, I'd be flaunting what I got.
I'm not going to say the criticism was warranted but the teaser was not brilliant and was likely intended to spark controversy for the sake of generating internet buzz which plenty of people are willing to give into on either the criticism side or in defending it. Even I'm writing this comment. But it did not make me wonder what's going on and wanting to follow the game. It just left me without any particular impression about it and I might hear more about it when some gameplay is shown, but until then and after this article it's irrelevant to me.
"was likely intended to spark controversy for the sake of generating internet buzz"
There's an actual hidden message from the team at CDPR explaining the reasoning behind the teaser. Why there is no gameplay, a window for release, etc.
But I wonder why you assume they did this to "spark" controversy. The Tomb Raider BS was a stretch but at least there was something controversial to latch on to.
The teaser was there to give those who familiar with the "lore" an idea of what CDPR wants to do.
:O there was a sex reference in Half life 2! OMG Womanizing bastards! /s
People need to calm down, guys like things like boobs and nice legs. its a fact. Girls like.... IDK muscled backs and masculinity or something. No one wants what you would probably consider non sexist, i sure as hell dont want to watch 300 pound Americans having heart attacks for 20 hours, but dont worry, its not sexist.
Sexist bastards!!! Why put attractive things in games? I would much prefer the character to be big fat slobs.


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Composer and music producer for film, television, video games, and the web.
Welcome to my page on AudioJungle. I compose and produce music and sound effects for commercials, animation, games, film, television, audiobooks, and iPhone/iPad applications.
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I make it my responsibility that you are satisfied with the music files you download here. If you are ever unhappy with a download, please contact me.
I am excited to hear how you use my music. Please let me know and I can inform my network of fans to check out your film, short, anime, game, app, tv show, website, or whatever you are creating. I will provide you with my full name and contact information if you will be listing me in the credits of your project. I look forward to working with you!
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subset: commoncrawl


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See Mark Wahlberg Return To a Life of Duct Tape-Assisted Crime in the Contraband Trailer
Did you guys realize that Mark Wahlberg and Kate Beckinsale were starring in a little heist movie called Contraband? Me neither, but that's probably because Universal has quietly scheduled the film, from Icelandic director Baltasar Kormákur, for a quiet box office
death release next January. But we're going to need something to watch during that winter wasteland month so let's take a look and see if super-angry Mark Wahlberg, his abs, and and Kate Beckinsale undressing for the camera can't motivate us to buy tickets.
It kind of looks like a poor man's Ocean's Eleven, right? Instead of Brad Pitt and George Clooney casing casinos for hundreds of millions of dollars via ingenius scams involving expensive copycat vaults, world class pick pockets and tiny Chinese gymnasts who can navigate security laser beams, Mark Wahlberg points a gun at someone's head and then duct tapes fat stacks of cash to his abdomen. Problem. Solved. The problem being that his brother-in-law got him into some trouble and now he owes Giovanni Ribisi's character (who can place that accent?) a lot of money that he doesn't have. Looks like it's time to return to his criminal ways!
Look for Contraband, which also co-stars J.K. Simmons, Diego Luna and Giovanni Ribisi, in theaters January 13.


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Review of Amudim be-Toldot Sefer ha-Ivri Haghot u-Maghim
by Eliezer Brodt and Dan Rabinowitz
Yaakov S. Spiegel, Amudim be-Tolodot Sefer ha-Ivri Haghot u-Maghim (Chapters in the History of the Jewish Book Scholars and their Annotations), Ramat Gan, 20052, 689 pp.
In 1996, Bar Ilan Press published Amudim be-Toldot Sefer ha-Ivri Haghot u-Maghim from Professor Yaakov S. Spiegel. Shortly thereafter, this edition sold out due to its popularity. A few years later Amudim be-Toldot Sefer ha-Ivri Kitevah ve-haTakah (volume two) was published. More recently, Amudim be-Toldot Sefer ha-Ivri Haghot u-Maghim was reprinted with over seventy five pages additional pages full of many important additions. In this new edition, Spiegel apologizes to the people who purchased the first edition of his work and would now have to buy the new one if they want the updates. Spiegel offered that the requirement for a completely new edition rather than an addendum was out of his control.
Although the importance and quality of the book will be obvious shortly, it has not been reviewed or discussed properly in academic journals except for a short review on Hamayan (37, 3: 69-75). This post hopefully is a start in rectifying this omission.
This volume is the first of two (current) volumes discussing the History of the Jewish book - specifically the creation and alteration of the Jewish books. That is, this volume covers annotating or editing texts. Essentially, this work is divided into two parts, (Spiegel divides it into four parts) the first, discusses the permissibility of editing texts and the second discusses annotators and editors.
The first portion begins with the sugyah of editing texts in the time of the Mishana (sifrei torah) and moves into the topic of the prohibition of having a unedited sefer. These two chapters play an important role in the background of this topic of editing seforim. Spiegel then moves into the era of the geonim and rishonim dealing at great length with there methods of editing or annotating texts. He discuses at great length the methods of Rabbenu Gershom, Rashi and Rabbenu Tam. As is well known Rabbenu Tam prohibited the editing or annotating texts Spiegel discusses the complete background of Rabbenu Tam's opinion going through the myriad of sources when Rabbenu Tam's restriction applies. This discussion includes an analysis of Rabbenu Tam's work Sefer Hayashar and his famous disagreement with R Meshulem. Spiegel, as he does in each of the chapter, quotes all the previous sources on the topics and rechecks it all carefully and comes out with many new important conclusions.
Spiegel then proceeds to deal with the different works of haghot in the times of rishonim and the nature of these works. Of particular interest is his sections on the Haghot Ashrei (pp. 183-90) and on the Ravad's comments on the Ramabam discussing if those comments are plain haghot or hasaghot (pp. 198-207).
The second section of the book surveys the story of Haghot u-Maghim from the beginning of the printing press, in approximately 1456, until 1840. He begins with chapters on the importance of the printing press (see also pp. 300-06) and moves in to the job of the annotators and editors and their methods. Dealing with topics such as, did Rabbenu Tam only speak to instances where one is erasing the text and substituting another but if one merely notes an alternative reading and preserves the original that is OK? Or, is it only applicable to manuscripts or does it apply to printed works as well? The distinction being, in the case of a manuscript, that manuscript may be the only copy and, if one alters the text, the original is forever lost. Additionally, Spiegel discusses at length the important question of whether one can correct texts based on logic or textual support. An interesting section is where he brings a bunch of sources that there is a special will from God that these mistakes happened and should remain (pg 262-269).
There are chapters on the various 'editors' such as R. Betzalel Ashkenazi, R. Yoel Sirkes (Bach), Maharshal, Maharsha, Maharam, R. Jacob Emden, R. Y. Pick, Gra, Rashash, and a host of others. For each one Spiegel discusses which version of the Talmud they were addressing their emendation and whether their emendations were based on manuscript evidence or their own determination that the text was corrupted. These questions are very important. For example, Spiegel notes that the Maharshal (p. 315) and Maharsha (p. 323) did use manuscript evidence many times whereas the Maharam (p. 325) did not use manuscript evidence frequently.
As to the Bach's emendations, Spiegel notes that weren't published until the 19th century, but the Bach's comments were addressed at earlier, different version of the Talmud. Thus, at times, it is unclear what the Bach is changing. Indeed, Spiegel shows how some commentaries have misunderstood the Bach's comments. Spiegel deals with at length what the Bach's goals were. Spiegel also shows that there were additions to the work after the Bach's death. As to the Bach's usage of manuscripts Spiegel shows it's still not proven that the Bach used them as most of the changes can be found in Ein Yakkov.
Spiegel devotes a long chapter dealing with the Gra notes amongst the topics he discusses are what was the Gra's point in his comments, and to why there are contradictions in his notes on Shas to his other writings (pg 450). As to the question of whether the Gra used manuscripts Spiegel concludes that it appears that he did not [although he did visit libraries and saw old seforim (pg 454-457)].
Another whole section Spiegel devotes to is discussing Rabinowich's Dikdukei Soferim at length. This is especially important in that Dikdukei Soferim is a collection of variant readings of the Talmud. As many great Rabbis of Rabinowich's time praised this work, this tends to show these Rabbis' position on emending texts. Spiegel shows the may people who used it and how those who did not use it could have benefited from availing themselves to Dikdukei Soferim. Spiegel deals with various theories why it was not used widely. He concludes that it appears that the Dikdukei Soferim is becoming more widespread. He even quotes recent sales of Dikdukei Soferim and notes how quick it sold out after being reprinted after being out of print for quite a while. Although a Otzar haChochma search comes up with well over 2000 hits in over a thousand seforim (of course not all this are good hits as there search engine is still limited although useful). It still does not appear that the Dikdukei Soferim is used widely in the main yeshiva circles. Perhaps that will change.
Spiegel deals extensively with the position of the Hazon Ish regarding manuscripts. This topic, one which has gotten much attention (see, e.g. the Shnayer Z. Leiman, Kook, Moshe A. Bleich articles in Tradition, Hevlin in Meah Shearim as well as the articles in Beis HaVaad), is discussed in detail with the backdrop of all the nuances Spiegel raises throughout this work. Spiegel discusses the curious fact that the Chazon Ish himself did sometimes use the manuscripts of Gemarah when learning (p. 567 n.126).
Spiegel concludes this section with a discussion on to more recent printings of the Shas such as the shas Vilna, Frankel and Oz veHadar. It appears that the methodology of both Shas Vilna (the original one) and Oz veHadar in deciding which texts to use etc are not clear. This is especial important to know with Oz veHadar what the methods that they use as they advertise as if they are making incredible important changes but one only wonders what they are ad on what basis they are made.
The last section of the sefer is devoted to the various annotators and editors to various editions of the Ramabam including the editions of Bragadin and Justintine. Spiegel also deals with when were the divisions of halachot put into the Rambam (pp. 637-638). He also deals at length with the Amsterdam edition and the comments of R. Sholom Leon and showing its influence on later editions. R. Sholom Leon authored other seforim including Mesectas halacha Le moshe miSinia which was recently printed in a annotated edition including a nice introduction. The editor of this new edition was not aware of Spiegel discussion regarding R. Leon. Spiegel has an interesting discussion about a third work called Merkevet ha-Mishna by R. Leon that was not known to many people and thus people made a mistake attributing a source (pp. 648-49).
It is amazing to see Spiegel's mastery of the Talmud and the sources with all its nuances throughout the book. The amount of classical seforim quoted and discussed is breathtaking many very rare works are quoted. Another point is the respect and tone he uses when he speaks about all the authors, a problem some have with many academic books. Another thing is he is not embarrassed to admit mistakes he made – he could have easily left out a specific footnote instead he writes it and explains that he made a mistake (see, e.g., p. 259).
From the above, it should be apparent that this book contains a wealth of information regarding the issue at hand, emending texts. While that alone would be enough to recommend in the strongest terms this book, it must be noted that Spiegel, mainly in the many footnotes, covers an amazing amount of tangential topics. Here are some examples:
p.29 n. 8 Spiegel has a discussion about the sefer Kol Dodi quoted by Agnon (for more on this work see this post ).
p. 41 n.12 sources regarding the custom of placing a possul sefer torah in the ark and whether this violates the prohibition of "al tiskon be-ohelkha" (one should not have uncorrected texts in their home).
p. 65 n.105 testimony from R. Yaakov Katz that Rav Hai Goan was a copyist.
p. 75 n.153 noting that la"z the term used to indicate a translation should not contain the quote mark as it is not an abbreviation.
p. 80 n.177 noting that Krochmel in his Moreh Nevukeh haZeman quotes the Mahritz Heyos only as "Hakham Eched."
p. 89 n.29 discusses R. Zevin's offhanded comment that the rishonim did not use "nusach aher."
p. 102 n.110 discusses "nusach Sefard" and whether it is more reliable.
p. 103 n.115 notes that although a statement from the Rosh (responsa, klal 20, no. 20) is used by multiple authors to show that Ashkenazik customs have a long history, those many authors ignored the other implication of the statement regarding
the "nusach haTalmud shel beni Ashkenaz."
p. 105 n.123 who authored rashi on Horyois.
p.105 n. 126 if one learnsa small daf is it considered a Complete daf.
p.107 n.132 discussing the issue of when the Talmud records a pusuk differently than our Sifrei Torah.
p. 131 n.14 corrections of rashi that were later added into the printed edition of Shas.
p. 142 n.55 when Rashi says Hachei Garseninon did he have a different version in front of him.
p. 170 n.64 the common meaning of the word "sefer" - as in yodeah sefer which sefer?
p. 218 n.7 Spiegel explains the melitza used by the printers of the 1494 Nevim to describe what they did. The melitza includes the line "lower the high and raise the lower" (Ezekiel 21:31). Dr. M. Glaser explained that in the early printing presses the letters would be set and they faced upwards, the printer would coat them in ink and then place the paper on top. This is in contrast to how writing was done previously - from above.
p. 230 n.67 citing examples of books where the Soncino press accused the Bomberg press of using (illegally?) Soncino editions.
p. 234 n.79 discussing the alleged apostasy of Yakkov ben Hayyim Ibn Adoniyahu, the editor of the Mikrot Gedolot and other seminal texts.
p. 268 n.95 many sources that say the Havah Minah of the gemarah is true and important.
p. 318 -21 he discusses the methods of R Dovid Meubin a talmid of the Maharshal in annotating the Gemarah including many general rules that he mentions in his sefer.
p. 329 -35 discuses the notes of the Levush on shas if they were really from him and dealing with R. Zechariah criticism on this.
p. 426 n.18 discuses about Fogelman work on R. Menasha Milyah.
p. 464 n.167 the Gra's opinion on the laining on Rosh Chodesh.
p. 540 n.29 the plagiarism of the Tolodos Adam.
p. 587 n.41 deals with a bit if Chaim Bloch was a forger.
p. 652 n.185 Kapach opinon on the Teshuvos of Rambam to Chachemei Lunel.
In the academic world Spiegel work has gotten some attention for his discussion of the Chazon Ish and manuscripts. Specifically, Benny Brown in his unpulished dissertation, The Hazon Ish Halakhic Philosophy, Theology and Social Policy As Expressed in His Prominent Later Rulings (Hebrew) pp. 129-40, & Appendix pg 111- 113 deals with Spiegel's discussions with comments and additions. As has been noted here Sperber in his recent work Nesivos Pesikah uses Spiegel's discussions on this topic. And, in his doctorate on R. Betzalel Askenazi B. Toledano uses Spiegel's comments on R. Betzalel. Finally, others have used Spiegel's work, but as Spiegel notes only sometimes do they give Spiegel credit, (see here for more and see the introduction p. 13 and the notes therein and page 183 n.132).
Finally, although Spiegel's work is very comprehensive, there are some additions to some of the topics discussed in the sefer:
In the beginning of the book Spiegel has a chapter about אין כותבין ספרים תפלין ומזוזות במועד ואין מגיהין אות אחת אפילו בספר העזרה בספרים אחרים גורסים ספר עזרא
To add to his long list of sources see Archaei Tanamim Vamorim (Rebbe of Rokeach) (Blau edition 2:666-67) and R. Meshulam Roth, Shut Kol Mevaser 2:2823.
For the chapter (pp. 39-83) about המחזיק בספר מוטעה אל תשכן באהליך עולה see Efodi in his Maseh Efodie p. 18 in the introduction.
For his chapter about Rabbenu Tam's methods of amending texts see also R. Yakov Shor (intro to Sefer haIttim p. vii) where he says he followed Rabbenu Tam's method in his edition of the Sefer haIttim and did make corrections on the actual text.
In chapter twelve where he discusses the Mesectos which are not learned (407-414) Spiegel mentions Nedarim as not being learnt (p. 407). See also the Merei in his Seder Hakabbalah (p. 128 Ofek Edition) where he writes
דעו בעדות נאמנה שלא נשנית מסכת נדרים בישיבה זה ק' שנה
On Nedarim see also R. Reven Margolis, Mekharim beDarkei HaTalmud, pp. 81-84; R. Zevin, Sofrim Veseforim (geonim) pp. 46-48; the extensive discussion of R. Zev Rabanovitz in his Shaerei Toras Bavel (pp. 299-310).
About Meschates Moed Koton see the important comment of R. Yissacar Tamar, Alei Tamar Moed Koton pg 312; and Yeshurun 20:702.
Another mesectah not really learnt in the time of the Rishonim was Mesectas Avodah Zarah see; Professor Chaim Solovetick, Hayayin Byemei Habenyaim pp. 133-36.
When discussing Meshtas Chagigah (pg 409) he brings the famous story from the Menorot haMeor that:
מעשה בתלמיד אחד, שהיה מתייחד במקום אחד, והיה למד בו מסכת חגיגה. והיה מהדר ומהפך בה כמה פעמים, עד שלמד אותה היטב והיתה שגורה בפיו, ולא היה יודע מסכתא אחרת מן התלמוד זולתה, והיה שונה בה כל ימיו. כיון שנפטר מן העולם הזה, היה לבדו באותו בית שהיה לומד בו מסכת חגיגה, ולא היה שום אדם יודע פטירתו. מיד באה אשה אחת, ועמדה עליו, והרימה קולה בבכי ובמספד, ותרבה אנחתה וצעקתה, כאשה שהיא סופדת על בעלה, עד אשר נקבצו ההמון, ואמרה להם, ספדו לחסיד זה, וקברוהו בכבוד גדול, וכבדו את ארונו, ותזכו לחיי העולם הבא, שזה כבדני כל ימיו ולא הייתי עזובה ולא שכוחה בימיו. מיד נתקבצו כל הנשים וישבו עמה סביב למטתו ועשו עליו מספד גדול, והאנשים נתעסקו בתכריכיו ובכל צרכי קבורתו, וקברו אותו בכבוד גדול. ואותה אשה בוכה במר נפש וצועקת. אמרו לה, מה שמך. אמרה להם, חגיגה שמי. וכיון שנקבר אותו חסיד נעלמה מן העין אותה אשה. מיד ידעו שמסכת חגיגה היתה, שנראית להם בצורת אשה, ובאה בשעת פטירתו לספוד לו ולבכותו ולקברו בכבוד, מפני שהיה שונה בה ושוקד עליה ללמוד אותה. והלא דברים קל וחומר, ומה חסיד זה שלא למד אלא מסכתא אחת בלבד כך, הלמד תורה הרבה ותלמוד הרבה ומעמיד תלמידים הרבה על אחת כמה וכמה.
It should be noted that there are eleven versions of the story see S. Askenazi notes to Kav Hayashar and updated to 15 versions in his Alpha Beta Kadmita Deshmuel Zeria pp. 331-36. [These sources were not know to Y. Hacohen in his new annotated edition of the Magid Mesharim (p. 292). The Otzar Yad Chaim (pg 198) goes so far as to say that because of this story some say it's a segulah to learn this Mesechtah on a yarzheit. [See also Megedaim Chadashim introduction to Chaggiah.]
In regard to The famous abrevation ענ"י which Mescetas were hard add R. Emden who writes on the Zohar which says
עני איהו תמן בסימן עירובין נדה יבמות
"בנה סוד על הלצה בעלמא, שהיתה מצויה בפי עוסקי התלמוד בישיבה, שלא יכלו לירד לעמקן של מסכתות הללו החמורות מאד, מחמת ריבוי החלוקות החדודות שבהן, הודו ולא בושו בעניות דעתם וקוצר יד השגתם, שלא יכלו להשוות כל הסוגיות השונות והסתירות הנמצאות בהן, לתרצם וליישבם כדרך שעשו בשאר כל המסכתות, חוץ מאלו קשות ולא מצאו כל אנשי חיל ידיהם. ונתנו בהן סימן על דרך הצחות, שלא יתפלא אדם, גם אם יאמר החכם למצוא פשר דבר לא יוכל, שכבר צווחו בהן קמאי דקמאי ולא אסקו בידייהו, אלא כמאן דמסיק תעלא מבי כרבא ועניא דקרי אבבא, היאומן שדברים כאלה יצא מפי תנא, אין צריך לומר מפי משה רבנו וא משאר נשמות מעולם הנעלם". (מטפחת ספרים עמ' מו).
See also S. Askenazi, Alpha Beta Kadmita Deshmuel Zeria pp. 422-24.
For General sources on this topic of which Mesctas were learnt (partially based on Spiegel) see M. Breuer, Ohelehi Torah, pp. 90-94.
On page 280 Spiegel discusses the famous correction of a godal that the beracha of Pidyon Haben is אשר קרש עובר and not אשר קדש he brings some attribute it to R. Chaim Berlin. In the Zecher Daver, the Aderes has a fascinating chapter showing fifty seven examples how a kutzo shel yud makes a difference. The Aderes cites his friend, R. Chaim Berlin, who told him this (p. 20). On this see also R. Chanoach Erentru in his Eiyunim Bdevrei Chazal Vleshonoim pp. 144-45; R. Yissacar Tamar, Alei Tamar Shekalim (p. 17) writes he does not believe it's a mistake.Additionally, although Spiegel cites to one of Prins' books discussing this issue, פרנס לדורו p. 460 a discussion regarding this topic appears on page 455 of the same book as well as the other book from Prins, פרנס לדורות on page 270.
On pp. 287-88 Spiegel discusses the Tana De be Eliyeahu with the perish Zikukin Denoroah Ubiyorin. But, see the strong words of the Radal against this pirish in his intro to Pirkei de Reb Eliezer p. 11 saying how this is what the Cherem against changing texts was referring to. See also A. Epstein (Kesavim vol 2, pp. 368-69); M. Ish Sholom, intro to his edition of Tana De be Eliyhu (pp. 4-7).
Although Spiegel writes at the outset of his list of those who used Dikdukei Soferim that its not complete - the following can be added: R Sholom Albeck in his incredible sefer, Mishpachet Sofrim where he used the Dikdukei Soferim on almost every page (this sefer has a very warm haskamahs from the Maharsham and R Eleyahu Meisles amongst others). Another work well worth mentioning is the Shaerei Toras Bavel from R Zev Rabanovitz he also used Dikdukei Soferim extensively [in his work on Yerushalmi he also amends texts – but according to R Zevin in Sofrim Vseforim a bit to much]. Another person who used the Dikdukei Soferim was R. Greubart in Chavalim Beniymim (last page of volume 3, he also mentions seeing a shas from 600 hundred years ago in Chicago). Another person who used it was R. Yeruchem Leiner in his Tifres Yeruchem (pp. 115, 189). Another is R. Elyashiv in his teshuvot (1: p. 478) and in his work on Sotah he uses the Munich ed. in the Talmud HaYisraeli edition (p. 234). A Bar Ilan search shows that others not included in Spiegel list use or used it such as Beis Mordechaei and Shevet haLevei (four times), the latter being very interesting as he is close to the camp of Chazon Ishnicks. Bar Ilan search also shows that some of the Gedolim which Spiegel shows used it used it even more than he shows such as R Zodok and the Or Someach.
In Spiegel's discussion of the Adres using Dikdukei Soferim Spiegel does not have too many sources (p. 491). To add to this: first in Knesses haGedolaih the Adres uses it in at least two places – these two pieces are now printed in back of his Har haMorieah printed by Ahavat Sholom pp. 253 and 254. In his sefer Megilat Simanim which explains all the Simanim in Shas he used the Dikdukei Soferim numerous times (see index) this work was printed after Spiegel printed his sefer. In his Tefilah leDovid (Ahavat Sholom edtion pp. 8-9,23, 25, 121, 125, 137) (which is the best edition of thos work) we see he was involved in switching texts some times based on manuscripts of Rishonim.
On page 500 Spiegel leaves one thinking that A. Epstein was not pro the Dikdukei Soferim, which is not true at all (see Epstein's Kesavim vol 2 p. 354) where he criticizes Halevei for בכל ספרו לא נמצא זכר החיבור הנחמד דקדוקי סופרים, שנאספו ובאו בו נוסחאות כתבי יד שונים וספרים עתיקים. (see also pgs 83,51,357).
Another very interesting passage in regarding Dikdukei Soferim was written by A. Berliner:
בדרכי לברלין השתמשתי בשעת הכושר לבקר במינכן את ידידי המלומד רבינוביץ ולהציץ למעבדתו הרחונית בה נעשית היצירה הגדולה דקדוקי סופרים שהכרך הששי מאותו הספר הענקי יצא בזמן האחרון. כאן השתוממתי והתפעלתי מאוסף כתבי היד ודפוסים יקרי המציאות, המשמשים יסוד לרבינוביץ בעבודתו. ובאמת ניתן לומר, שאותו מפעל גדול ונהדר, להוציא את התלמוד הוצאת ביקורתית על יסוד כתבי היד ואינקונאבלים הוא מפעל לאומי, הראוי לתמיכה מצד כל אלה, שיש להם הבנה למדעי היהדות ולב פתוח ועד לקידומם. איני יודע חתימה נאה לפרשת מסעי מאשר להביע את משאלתי מי יתן ואותו מפעל גדול יוכתר בהשלמה וסיום מוצלחים". (ששה חדשים באיטליה עמ' עב).
On page 426 Spiegel deal with the reliability of M. Fogelman (Plungin) see the interesting piece by A. Korman in Musagim Behalcha p. 203. See also the recent article from D. Kamentsky in Yeshurun vol 20.
On pages 428-29 Spiegel deals a little with the Kol Hatohar. It should be added the recently printed work Olam Nistar Bemaddei Hazman by R.Shucat pp. 262-91 (see also this post discussing Shucat's work generally.)
To the disscusion of Chazon Ish and manuscripts see also Maseh ish 1:93; 2:72, 218; 3:92
Finally to add to Spiegel's sources on pages 555, 569 regarding the yarhzeit of Yehoshua bin Nun. R. Hamburger, in his Shorshei Minhag Ashkenaz (3:262) points to one such source that Lag b'omer is the yarzeit. Additionally, in the Megillas Ta'anis, the last section, there's a section called Megilas Taanis Basra. In many versions of this text, the death of R' Yehoshua bin Nun is on Lag b'omer. Professor Shulamis Elitzur, in a recent incredible book, Lama Tzamnu, deals with this at great length and brings many early sources from ancient piyutim which verify this (pp. 18, 26, 34, 39, 66, 120, 126, 172).


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If you love fairytales, this is for you.
If you love dressing up, this is for you.
And even if you don't love those two, just the colours and beauty are worth seeing.
Click here to check out these amazing photos of the Coney Island Mermaid Parade or click on the tab above.
Over 700,000 people are expected to turn out for the scantily clad parade.


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Please don't make this into a Cowherd sucks thread. You can like him or not I don't care.
Cowherd had RW as 12th best QB in the NFL. There's a few guys ahead of him that you might disagree with. He had Luck as 9 I think and Griffin 11. Romo and Flacco were also ahead. The top 8 or so I don't think anyone would seriously disagree with.
What I really found interesting was the guys BEHIND Wilson. Bradford, Stafford and Newton all behind Wilson. #1 overall picks.
Sorry I don't have a link to the list, but I thought it was interesting and well-thought even if you don't agree.
Top 8 (top of my head) Rodgers, Brady, Manning, Brees, Manning, Ryan, Romo, one other.....


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NEWARK, NJ � Seniors Dave Sica (Lyndhurst, NJ/Lyndhurst HS), Mike Marcucci (Whitehouse Station, NY/Immaculata) and freshman rightfielder Brian Gill (Manasquan, NJ/Wall) had three hits apiece to lead a 19-hit Rutgers-Newark attack as the Scarlet Raiders defeated Farmingdale State, 16-6, to advance to Sunday's title game of the ECAC Division III Metro Baseball Championship against John Jay, an 11-7 winner over Manhattanville. Senior reliever James Cariello (Springfield, NJ/Jonathan Dayton) picked up the win in relief of junior lefthander Tom Reynolds (Garfield, NJ/Garfield) for Rutgers.
The Rams got to Reynolds for three runs in the first inning on two singles, a double and a pair of throwing errors on a stolen base attempt. Reynolds went four and a third, giving up four runs on eight hits while striking out four and walking two. Cariello (4-2) finished the game, giving up two runs on a home run by freshman Tom Heeman (Valley Stream, NY/Hewlett). Heeman started in centerfield, moved to pitcher, then finished at shortstop for Farmingdale State while going three for four at the plate. Junior outfielder Nick Barone (North Babylon, NY/North Babylon) also went three for four in the game, scoring one run in the first. Sophomore Keith King (Massapequa, NY/Massapequa) had two hits on the day for Farmingdale.
Ram starter Rob Savarese (Syosset, NY/Syosset) retired the first six batters of the game over the first two innings, before the Raiders exploded for six runs on seven hits in the bottom of the third inning. Rutgers led 8-4 after the fourth and increased the lead in the sixth, scoring six runs on five hits, two walks and a hit batter to make it 14-4. Two more runs from Farmingdale and two more from the Raiders would end the game in the run-rule.
The Rams finish the season with a 19-19 record, making their first appearance ever in the ECAC Metro Championships.


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Liberals question need for more MLAs
ACT Opposition Leader Jeremy Hanson says he will not be rushed into making a decision on increasing the size of the Legislative Assembly.
Last month an independent review recommended the Legislative Assembly increase from 17 to 25 members at the 2016 election, and increase to 35 members in either 2020 or 2024.
Currently there are five government ministers to cover all areas of government and Chief Minister Katy Gallagher is keen to see the size of the assembly increased to lessen the workload on ministers.
"I think it's time for members to show leadership, look at the evidence and not the cheap politics," she said
Opposition Leader Jeremy Hanson is yet to outline his position but has told the Assembly there has not been enough consultation with the broader community.
"I'm surprised that the government hasn't thought to do a survey of what the people of Canberra think about doubling the number of their politicians," he said.
Any bill to increase the Assembly's size needs the support of the Liberals to pass.
Topics: states-and-territories, state-parliament, act, canberra-2600
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Size May Matter to Shell
Falling profits at Royal Dutch Shell last year could be explained by volatile oil and gas prices. But Heard on the Street's Andrew Peaple reckons economies of scale may no longer be working for the oil behemoth.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
I ... the the ... it's all it's like ... she has ... lost a lot ... of people reckons the stock has fallen ... oil prices that the problem ... is all things to ... do ... with these results was expected ... in a word of a bit worse than that analysts the full cost and ... I think in a time when oil prices of being around four hundred dollars a barrel ... people are putting them all rule that Shell ... was exhausted the Daily Apple wants and knead yet it that's one way to the minute ... you think that they would be raking it in right now but a couple of problems for Shell one is that they have levelled of the exposure of shale gas in the U S now see we know gas prices over there and ... in America has been pretty low so that's the impact of their profits ... adding more broadly the industry is saying that as oil prices go up of course all the costs go up as well people's among higher wages ... at the energy costs that sch ... oil companies themselves upside so actually even though the prices are going up ... the profits of going ... by the strong ... generally the case had that in a big company like that you've got economies of scale head ... on it I say that ... they've still got to play babies ... this is a little on the reading was in the table with us the real challenge for Shell mounted that a company like this enormous company still making of a twenty billion dollars of ... property it was ... still ... in ... size until winter isn't over two hundred billion dollar company an Ensign in the enormous don't know when she gets that size actually growing is quite haunt ... now Shell has a lot of good projects ... it strategically seems to be in the right place a ... symptom of the gases can accrue in the in the next two years ... but ... the problem is that you know even when it spending around thirty billion dollars it's the ... only capsule expenditures amid growing production by about one percent see it ... that so much over it to the other is assuming this is the problem just for the oil companies like Shell and in one of the auto companies how the aging of the piece ... well that I think you know you look at Joe Nichols ... has Bravo a stronger than some of those other oil companies is pressing problems in the Arctic this year but said ... unity of the Duke of BP with all its troubles in Russia ... Robles and a conga governance of the energy but said in a show is at least more stable than the of this and and that's probably an attraction still for investors ok but it ... does say that things have been a will be getting better this year ... are even signs of leaving the fourth quarter loss to the craps ... profits were improving and that ... is a Chas of this sort of falling to ... have a so so ... take the right medicine say they are pretty ambitious plans I mean they want to grow production over the next few years ... ABS twenty seventeen when did ... quite a big improvement the show wants them the problem that investors have a thing with the oil sector in general is that ... the sum of the promises from oil companies and in in the production group never quite matches ... while the oil companies of sense that it's a slow moving company it's a slow moving oil tanker of this story


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Bernstein Festival of Arts offered potpourri of sights, sounds
Annual four-day event ran gamut of creative genres – from music to dance, theater to visual art
You had to be quick on your feet on the final day of the Leonard Bernstein Festival of the Creative Arts. One sound blended into the next as you moved through campus, one crowd replaced by another.
What Cheer? Brigade appeared outside the Shapiro Student Center. The uniformed 19-piece brass band seemed to come out of nowhere, playing their signature, "aggressively loud" street songs and separating a sea of fans as they marched to Chapels Field.
The crowds followed them - or sometimes led at the band's request - while the Boston Hoop Troop and other costumed characters mixed in with the musicians.
Children chalked brightly-colored designs on the concrete with public street artist Sidewalk Sam, and created masks inside the Shapiro Center, where revelers also found student belly dancers and visual art exhibits.
At the Shapiro Campus Center Theater, the Guy Mendilow Band, nominated by the Boston Phoenix as one of the best world music acts in the area, played a set that included a song arranged specifically for Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Mendilow said Eastern European Jews' wartime story is well-known, but the plight of Ladino Jews is not. The song spoke toward entire Turkish communities that seemed to disappear overnight, he explained.
Part of the weekend's FolkFest, guitarist Ryan Fitzsimmons began his set in the theater with a nod to the folk festivals of Brandeis' past.
"I was just listening to Bob Dylan at Brandeis the other day," Fitzsimmons said, launching into "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right," a song included on Dylan's recently released recording from Brandeis' first folk festival.
"I don't know why I always want to play that song like its punk rock, but I do like it that way," he added afterward.
Over at Chapels Field, the largest crowds gathered for SpringFest, which brought several rock bands to the stage throughout the afternoon. A small, shortly-lived mosh pit formed when Of Montreal hit the stage - a theatrical, genre-defying band from Athena, Ga., which played Boston's Club Passim that evening - while others relaxed in the grass or threw Frisbees.
The festival culminated in a Sunday evening performance by Brandeis' own Lydian String Quartet.
Categories: Arts, Student Life


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Moderator: Tuefish
samuelzz10 wrote:I think it should be in some game shop in kansas. I have no idea where to host it at, but Kansas is essentially the geographic center of the US.
alphafalcon541 wrote:And there go the chances of me ever being at Ragnablok 2014. Lets remember the West Coast Americans to please
stubby wrote: my floppy penis gets first dibs on it for tradition's sake, but it doesn't seem likely that he'll want to stick around long enough to play.
alphafalcon541 wrote:Lets remember the West Coast Americans to please
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Follow RFF News on your cell phone. Text follow rff to 40404 you will receive txt messages with RFF News
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Why did Valeria & Bohdana shave three locals' heads? Did the young boy not count for some reason?
Is there a reason why teams don't always leave the pitstop in the same order they arrive in?
They can't have a MFE penalty for the final leg, can they?
Second) What was Alexey & Olena's relationship before if he proposed just now? I was under the impression that they were already married.
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Brian Porter Successfully Defends Melges 24 National Championship Title
21 September 2008
Charleston, S.C. - Brian Porter (Winnetka, Ill.) on USA-749 Full Throttle showed that you can come from behind some 10 points out of first place and win back-to-back Melges 24 National Championship titles. On board with Porter was tactician Harry Melges, brother John Porter and Andy Burdick. "We sailed pretty well all week, today we just made all the right choices, especially on the last beat,' said Porter immediately after racing. A well earned second place finish was awarded to Stuart Simpson (London, UK) on GBR-569 Team Barbarians with Jamie Lea at the helm, and in third is overnight leader Simon Strauss (New York, N.Y.) on GBR-592 Simplicity.
With Strauss firmly in the lead of the 2008 OSASailing.com Melges 24 U.S. National Championship, the final day of racing was nothing short of spectacular. The racing conditions were on equal par with the quality of the fleet, although under very overcast skies, the breeze was an acceptable 10-12 knots for the start. Off the leward pin end with speed Kristen Lane (Tiburon, Calif.) on USA-623 Brickhouse 623, alongside side hubby, Peter Lane (Tiburon, Calif.) on USA-539 Brickhouse for speed. Upwind the fleet went back to the right as they sailed closer into the weathermark. Lea skirted around first with a serious challenge from Porter. At the gate Lea was still in the lead, Porter still challenging in second. Very impressive, considering his forced penalty turn at the weathermark, he still maintained his second place position. USMCA Southeast District Governor Steve Kopf on USA-489 Blur had a great race rounding the gate third. The three maintained position up to the mark this time Porter pulling into the lead right ahead of Lea for the final rounding. Porter was quick with a clean set, jetted to the finish for the win. Lea was close second and Kopf took third.
The last race of the championship series was to do or die for Strauss as he found himself now one point behind Porter in the lead. Larson also finished deeper than anticipation. Porter, on the other hand was taking no prisioners. The start was immaculate as the fleet lined up for perfect position for the start. It was a match race made in heaven with Strauss, Chris Larson (Annapolis, MD) on USA-655 Lightwave, Porter and Lea amongst the pack leading the upwind charge. Larson made it around first followed by Lea and fleet new-comer Stuart McNay on GBR-620. Lea was the first to gybe out to the right for clean air. Larson sped away downwind. The air was rapidly diminishing as the fleet approached the gate. Larson stretched his lead taking the right gate. Lea followed in second while McNay was third. Taking fourth was Strauss on the right and Porter just slightly behind rounding on the left.The next two legs of the race was dominated by Larson. Lea followed behind, then Strauss and Porter, with Porter constantly creeping up on Strauss.
For the finish beat, Larson set his sites on the line. Lea put down a fantasic chase but Larson extended his lead for the win. Strauss now in third, took to the left looking for the right gear to place him outfront, ahead for the overall win. Porter shot out to the right. Porter came out on top some three positions ahead of Strauss as the leader pack took off for the finish line. Larson confidently took the win with Lea in second. In third was Porter, putting him one point ahead of Strauss to win the title. McNay moved back up the leaderboard to finish fourth, with USMCA Midwest District Governor Mike Dow (Traverse City, Mich.) on USA-613 Flying Toaster in fifth.
The awards ceremony was held immediately after racing where the Charleston Yacht Club served sandwiches for lunch and teams relaxed after a long, hard-fought National Championship.
This was by far, one of the most organized regattas sanctioned by the U.S. Melges 24 Class Association. A very special thanks goes out to the Charleston Yacht Club, especially Regatta Co-Chairs Reggie Fairchild and his wife Judy and Chris Hamilton. Most especially to all the sponsors and competitors!
TOP TEN RESULTS (Eight Races Completed)
- Brian Porter, Full Throttle; 2-1-17-1-[14]-7-1-3 = 29
- Stuart Simpson, Team Barbarians; 7-4-11-3-1-[14]-2-2 = 30
- Simon Strauss, Simplicity; 4-6-2-[14]-2-2-9-6 = 31
- Chris Larson, Lightwave; 1-8-5-9-[10]-1-19-1 = 35
- Alan Field, WTF; 9-2-3-6-21-11-7-8 = 46
- Scott Nixon, Quantum Racing; [17]-3-1-8-3-15-8-15 = 53
- Kristen Lane, Brickhouse 623; 3-9-[13]-10-4-6-15-10 = 55
- Mike Dow, Flying Toaster; 12-[23]-7-5-7-18-5-5 = 59
- Stuart McNay, GBR-620; 16-12-6-{17]-11-8-4-4 = 61
- Allan Terhune, USA-738; 5-10-14-4-6-3-20-20 = 62
It was another tight battle amongst the Corinthian teams at the 2008 OSA Sailing.com Melges 24 U.S. National Championship. Coming out on top is USMCA Charleston Fleet Captain Reggie Fairchild on USA-626 Wireless who surpassed second place Paul Hulsey (Detroit, Mich.) on USA-615 Hoodlum Racing by six points. Next in line for trophies was another Charlestonian John Lucas and Marcus Durlach on USA-450 Spray.
- Reggie Fairchild, Wireless
- Paul Hulsey, Hoodlum Racing
- John Lucas/Marcus Durlach, Spray
- Gary Schwarting, Obsession
- John Hamilton, Mustang
- Travis Weisleder, Carloan.com
- Stephen 'Alex' Shaffer, Lamorak
- Bill Carleton, Tiburon
- Charlie Hess, Funtech Racing
- Darren Chambers, ImageFreeway
The 2008 OSA Sailing Melges 24 U.S. National Championship is hosted by the Charleston Yacht Club and takes place on September 18-21. The Championship is sponsored by Ocean Sailing Academy, Yacht Scoring, Charleston City Marina, Cre843, ASB Flower Design, Coral Reef Sailing Apparel, Quantum Sails, Sadler and Hamm , Aqua-Safaris.com, Sail22 and the U.S. Melges 24 Class Association.
The Melges 24 is designed by Reichel Pugh and considered the most unique one design sportboat in the world as well as one of the fastest-growing classes of high performance yachts. For more information visit the U.S. Melges 24 Class Association (USMCA) and the International Melges 24 Class Association (IMCA) on the web.
For more information or press photos, please contact:
Joy Dunigan
2008 OSA Sailing Melges 24 U.S. National Championship Press Officer
U.S. Melges 24 Class Association Communications Director
+1 (912) 398-5776


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I wanted to complain about the horrible customer service I received at the Tysons Corner Gap store on 08/22/09. This is in regard to the promotion Gap is having at the stores - "Buy one shirt, get the second for free". I bought of pair of similar shirts for 30$ each and my wife bought two similar Sweaters for 20$ each. Thinking with the "buy one shirt, get the second for free" promotion, it would cost both of us 50$ (30$+20$). But at the checkout, the salesman ** mentioned that he would waive only the two lowest prices of the 4 items we were purchasing (30+30+20+20 = 100$ - 20$-20$ = 60$).
I found this part of sales from Gap very deceiving as they have been advertising "buy one, get one free" and by waiving two lowest prices, I was losing 10$. So I kindly told him to split the bill into two. One for my wife (20+20 = 40$-20$ promotion = 20$ bill) which she would pay separately with her credit card and I would pay my 30+30 = 60$ - 30$ promotion = 30$ bill for me. That I would pay with my own personal credit card.
But the salesman ** started misbehaving with me and refused to let me buy the shirts. He in fact took the shirts from me and kept it with him. I told him I want to buy those shirts. But he said I am defrauding the company. I told him, "How am I defrauding the company when I can buy these same shirts after 2 hours or come tomorrow to the same GAP and buy the same shirts separately to get a discount." But the salesman ** was not bothered and was acting as if he owns the GAP store. I asked him for the store manager. He's telling me that I stand outside till the sales manager comes.
I told him, "What nonsense and customer service is this? You stop me from buying clothes?" I met the store manager ** and explained him the problem. But he didn't intervened at the time of commotion. I asked for **'s full name, which I believe finally got ** scared that I am going to complain against him and he finally proceeded with the sale.
As we were about to leave the Gap store, the store manager ** stopped us and asked us about the problem. I explained him the math and logic. Which he agreed was right. He mentioned that ** had been manager in his previous job and needs to be disciplined. But I fail to understand when ** was misbehaving with me so badly in front of all the shoppers, why didn't he intervened? ** made me feel embarrassed like I have committed some sort of crime.
I and my wife have been a loyal Gap customer for years. I in fact have been Gap stock shareholder for last 5 years. I have never been humiliated like this in my life. I am sorry to say but I think GAP has failed miserably in providing customer service and have earned a lot of bad publicity from such stupid/senseless incidents created by their employees. I sincerely suggest GAP should provide some form of customer feedback at their stores and make their employees more accountable.
HOUSTON, TEXAS -- So today, I go into GAP and their manager or assistant manager (I think it was assistant, but I'm not certain) tells me that Gap is having their "Buy one shirt, get the second for free" as long as it's the same price or lower. I find two shirts but one is a size smaller so I ask one of the sales representative to get me another size (A young Asian female cashier checked on the computer and it said they had 7 in the back).
So she sends a young man back to the storage room to get it for me and the man comes back out and says, "The shirts are in a box at the bottom and there are too many boxes on top of it for me to get to the shirts." I told him "OK, I can understand that and see how that might be a problem." The young cashier (young Asian female, early 20's-mid 20's) who had the young man look for the shirt for me saw what had happened, so I grabbed a polo which was 10$ more and asked her, "Since ya'll won't get me the shirt I want, could I substitute the polo and be charged for the cheaper of the two," and the young cashier said, "Yeah, I can do that."
So I go to the fitting room to try the polo on to make sure it fits, then I head to the checkout line. There were two cashiers which were the young Asian female and another lady, the other lady ended up checking me out. I tell her what had happened and what the young cashier had told me, so the manager (or assistant manager, like I said I'm not sure what her title is) swings by to see what's going on. I then proceed to tell her what the young cashier told me and the young cashier LIES and says "No, I didn't say that." I honestly couldn't believe that she was lying right in front of me.
I have a good feeling the reason she was lying was so she wouldn't look bad in front of her superiors and that she wasn't allowed to charge me for the cheaper of the two shirts in the first place. Then the manager/asst. manager proceeds to scold me like a child in front of a line of people about how she already told me how the "buy one, get one free" works and how just because the computer says they have 7 shirts in the back doesn't really mean they do. On top of that, she says "if you went in the back to see how many boxes we have, you would understand."
I have honestly never been treated like this before in ANY clothing store, or let alone any store. This is by far the worst shopping experience I've had and feel that the young cashier should be fired for lying and the manager/asst. manager should be fired for how she handled the situation.
This happen at the GAP in the Galleria Mall in Houston, Texas 77056 on 8/20/2009 around 12 pm-12:30 pm. The lying cashier Young Asian female around early 20's - mid 20's (could possibly be younger than 20). Manager/Assistant manager (not sure what her position is) Older Caucasian woman maybe late 30's - early 40's who had glasses/blond hair and seems a little strange.
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA -- I bought a pair of khakis on 01/28. I never wore them and they sat in a drawer. Since I lost the receipt, they just continued to sit there. I was cleaning and found the receipt yesterday (03/20) and since the receipt said you have 90 days to return, I figured there would be no problem.
Took them today to the GAP store (Anchorage, AK). Was immediately told the return policy was changing April 1 for returns to be done within 30 days. I said that was fine, no big deal, I always return quickly- except for this one time I lost the receipt. I was then told I could not return because the pants were 'final sale'. I said I was never told that when I bought them in store (apparently, items ending in. 97 are final sale?) and had no idea that was a policy.
She then went on to talk about the new policy and how they hate for people to return so late because then things are horribly outdated (how outdated can khakis be?) and they lose money. Okay, fine. But the pants were on clearance when I bought them (this has NOTHING to do about needing the money, but rather the fact I don't need stuff hanging around the house I don't need).
I apologized for returning, but pointed out that I was still within my right. At that point, another salesperson (who I've talked with previous times while shopping) kindly said there was no problem and to just return. The other girl just sort of huffed about it and did not say anything else.
Listen, GAP, I get it- stuff goes out of style. But I was within the time frame YOU established… why make me feel bad about playing by the rules?! I'm a good customer and I'm entitled to make a purchase and return if I don't like it- and you shouldn't make me feel like a criminal for doing it.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA -- I purchased 2 cotton t-shirts 1 1/2 months ago for my niece's birthday gift. I gave them to her last week and they didn't fit. I went to my local Gap store to return/exchange them. I was told it was passed 30 days and I could not return them - not even for a store credit or exchange. When the 'manager' decided he would let me exchange them, he was going to give me $5 less per shirt (the amount they are priced at NOW) even though I presented him with my receipt showing that I had paid full price and not used any discounts, etc. This is unfair and unreasonable. The policy to not give even a store credit when the merchandise has tags and is unworn is wrong!
I used to shop at Gap frequently, however, I will not shop here any longer (or at Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, Athleta). I am curious if The Gap employees are still handing cash over to the thieves that I have seen steal an entire table of merchandise and then have their friend walk back into the store to return the items. I have seen this happen many times, especially in the Stonestown (San Francisco) store.
The receipt says (in very fine print), the exchange policy is 30 days for Gap and 60 days for Baby Gap. What is the difference, really??? If you work hard for your money, you may not want to be stuck with merchandise that you don't want. SHOP at stores with customer friendly return policies (Nordstrom). Ask before you purchase items!! I hope The Gap sees a further drop in sales because of their lack of customer service.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA -- Gap has recently revised their return policy. I purchased some shirts in different colors for my 9 year old daughter September 6th. It finally got cold enough to wear them and they were too big. We went to the store today to return them. Their new return policy, if you buy something from Gap Kids is 30 days period. If you are 1 day over 30 days, you cannot return it, even with a receipt except for the current price.
I paid $16.50 for the shirts and they are now marked down to $4.50. Even though I have the receipt showing what I paid, because it is over 30 days I can only get the sale price. I can't even get a merchandise exchange. This gives you virtually NO TIME to return or exchange items if it doesn't fit. We went today because she was out of school, and she would be with me to try on clothes. I am very upset and will not purchase anything from a Gap store again. Oh, and if you buy in the baby Gap section, you get 60 days instead of 30 days!!! Like that makes any sense. I am furious and will NOT be shopping at any Gap storage again.
SAN FRANSISCO, CALIFORNIA -- Gap earnings drop 8.3%... Dear Gap executives!!! Wake up! You are driving your customers away with poor quality clothing and poor customer service. Return policy changes without notification to customers… Shame on you Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy. I went to return items purchased and shipped from a Banana store and was told I was past the 30 day return policy cut off (what cut off) and despite the receipt, could only get a credit for current value.
Opened a Gap credit card online today to purchase my 4 children's uniform clothes (now online only). I was on the phone (documented) from 2 pm until 9:45 pm, one giant mess up and disaster after another. No card number issued but card approved. Then had to drive to a Gap store to get my card number. Got home to place the order and wouldn't give me my new card holder 20% discount. Called customer service, they didn't have the promotional code. Told me there was nothing they could do about it.
Spoke to customer service agent ** at 9 pm, she gave me invalid code and told me that's all she could do for me and then hung up on me. All of this is documented on my account. Do you realize this is bad customer service… Do you care?
I am so unhappy and disappointed with the Gap. I purchased a pair of shoes as a gift for my daughter on March 26th. I wasn't sure if they would fit her. Shoes can be tricky, but the return policy was return/exchange within 90 days, so it wasn't a problem. No risk or so I thought.
I gave them to my daughter and found out they did not fit her. It was about 40 days later, but no problem because I have my receipt, right? Sadly, not the case. The Gap changed their return policy after I made the purchase from a 90 day return/exchange to 30 day return/exchange. Now, regardless of whether or not I have the receipt, I cannot return them. I am stuck with shoes that do not fit my daughter and no recourse. I was a frequent Gap Kids shopper with 2 kids and 7 nieces/nephews. I will never make a Gap purchase again.
AURORA, ILLINOIS -- Quite disappointed!! I first want to start off by saying I am ("was" now) a 30 year loyal customer. More and more I am disappointed by GAP in the ways they cheapen out the brand. I live in the Aurora, IL and frequently shop at the Gap Outlet for kids. Today, I was attempting to return some merchandise that purchased last week, payment was made by check via your ACH method. Funds were withdrawn out of checking account within 1 day. Little did I know that GAP return policy NO LONGER return CASH for checks written - How crazy is that! My question is how do the GAP get immediate access to their funds and I have to wait 5 - 7 days before I get my check in mail.
Collecting interest on all of shoppers by making them wait for their funds - seems like a class action suit waiting to happen. If I want to be treated as an assumed defrauder, there are plenty of rock bottom discount stores where I can shop and be treated that way.
MACON, GEORGIA -- The Gap store in Macon, GA (new mall) is terrible. We had high hopes for the new store when it moved from the old mall, but it's the same crap. The lack of merchandise is unbelievable and the store is run poorly. Yes folks, they brought the old manager with them that is very rude and racist. If you have ever been in the store, everyone knows who I'm speaking of because she has been there for years. My wife and I call her Ms. Attitude. I love the Gap but me and several others refuse to go there for the things I mentioned above. I wish Corp would do something with that store or a least come ask the local people who will tell them the truth.
I received a shirt for Christmas that was too small. Not being able to find any in the store that suited me, I tried to return the shirt with the gift receipt. I was told that I could not get a cash refund but could only get a merchandise refund. Not being a big shopper, I have no desire to keep coming back to see if they have something I want. Hoping I do lose the certificate before that. Isn't that the whole purpose of a gift receipt? I would have been given the same option if I returned the shirt with no receipt. Not that it will break them but I certainly won't be back. I hope that this is fair warning to anyone giving a gift. Don't expect that the gift receipt will be helpful to the receiver.