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2.X Addons
ArmorySync fetches guild and character info from Blizzard's WoWArmory and synchronizes it with WOWRoster
Author: Ulminia Date: 2007-12-17 17:40:34
Characters Notes
This addon allows you to add notes to each character (example: 2 weeks on holiday).
Author: Nefuh Date: 2012-06-02 06:13:25
Show any chars bag and bank content in a nice overview just like the GuildBank addon. (This addon is a rewrite of it.)
Author: Marko Ritter Date: 2009-01-14 01:28:45
Forum Link
Adds a "Forum" button to WoWRoster's Utilities panel that redirects you to your (configurable) forum.
Author: Teta Date: 2007-12-13 18:00:02
Gems Display
Display gems by color slot
Author: Titan99 - Tyradil Date: 2007-08-23 23:06:22
Display glyphs your members can craft, sorted by class and major/minor type.
Author: emilise Date: 2008-11-27 04:35:52
Group Calendar
GroupCalendar WoWRoster 2.0 addon
Author: Ulminia Date: 2008-05-08 15:15:06
GuildHistory displays the latest 100 actions taken by GuildProfiler. Now with three display modes: short: Display a table with the informations in the format: "Date&Time - Text" long-single: Displays a table with complete sentences.
Author: Nefuh Date: 2008-02-24 18:49:30
Karma History
A WoWRoster 2.0 Addon for storing and displaying NKS point data.
Author: Tennessee Date: 2008-06-02 04:01:32
Missing Recipes
A port of the Missing Recipes addon for Roster 1.7.x. With added support for Allakhazam's new page layout.
Author: Teta Date: 2008-06-23 13:56:57
phpBB Login
phpBB Login add-on : Authenticate users using phpBB information
Author: Munazz Date: 2008-06-06 00:17:09
Synchronizes Roster with a Dragonfly phpBB forum
Author: Jaffa Date: 2008-04-08 21:54:08
QDKP Viewer
Shows QDKP data and keeps a history of that data on a per update basis.
Author: Carasak Date: 2007-11-15 18:14:06
Quest History
With the addon Quest History you're able to upload the data from the addon "QuestGuru" to look what quests you've made with your characters.
Author: Nefuh Date: 2008-03-12 23:41:47
Roster AddOnSDK 2.X
WoWRoster AddOnSDK A starter for making AddOns for WoWRoster
Author: Date: 2012-09-26 09:52:46
Roster ApiSync
Roster ApiSync character and guild updater
Author: Ulminia Date: 2011-09-18 17:28:15
Roster Gallery 3.0
Screenshot gallery
Author: Ulminia Date: 2006-10-12 00:02:33
Screenshot Storage and Viewer for UniUploader.
Author: MattM Date: 2008-09-13 22:59:56
A configurable signature and avatar generator that uses character data from WoWRoster. These signatures/avatars can be used for web forums, they will show a character's level, membership, rank, trade skill levels, and other information.
Author: zanix Date: 2006-07-05 02:02:37
SMFSync will allow you to synchronize your members with your SMF forum.
Author: Boyo Date: 2007-10-14 00:48:05
Twink Manager
This addon allows to manually set a character as alt of another character.
Author: Nefuh Date: 2011-10-15 14:46:11
Witch Hunt
Addon on to keep track of last time members uploaded their character profile(s) to the website and when the character has been seen last time online.
Author: Carasak Date: 2007-10-18 00:03:19
WoW EpGp
Display your EPGP stats on your wowroster site. This addon pulls the data direct from your epgp.lua file stored in your "World of Warcraft/WTF/Account/{account name}/SavedVariables". You can upload the file via the admin panel. Has only been tested with EPGP v5.8.4
Author: demo7up Date: 2012-09-28 11:21:54
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Dallas-based 7-Eleven is the world's largest convenience store company, but the company expects some competition from Tulsa-based QuikTrip.
James Massey, the real estate manager for 7-Eleven in Texas, said the "C-store" giant has 270 locations in Dallas-Fort Worth right now and expects to open up 15 more spots by the end of the year.
Fast forward a few years, and the company plans to open up 75 shops across North Texas in the next three years. Massey said Dallas County will see its fair share of new locations, but people living in Rockwall, Collin and Denton counties can expect to see more stores around town.
But don't expect all the new 7-Eleven stores to have gas pumps. Some stores won't have gas available if space is limited.
"Consumptions of cigarettes is down, beer is about flat, and sodas have been declining or flat over the last several years, so if you want to grow your business, you have to do something else," Massey said.
Massey said the company has listened to customer demands and added more fresh food products, such as fruit and veggie trays, salads, along with bread and milk that is delivered daily.
But don't expect to see a big beer selection at all 7-Elevens. At the store's downtown location, surrounded by office buildings, only four cooler spaces are dedicated to beer and wine.
"People use the store differently downtown because they're on foot," Massey said. "They don't want to carry a case of beer back to their car or hotel or home."
Massey said each store monitors which products sell and which ones don't. Some stores will sell more beer, while others will sell more chips and coffee. If one product is doing better at the register, slower-moving products will get moved out for quick-selling items.
"We also introduce 20 new products a week, so if things come out, other things have to come in, and that's how we find out what the customers want," Massey said. "It's a low-cost way to find out what the customers do want. If they buy it, it stays. If they don't buy it, it doesn't stay."
7-Eleven makes 300 of its "7-Select" brand products from chips to cookies and sandwiches. The company plans to unveil a "Game Day Beer" in Texas, brewed in Wisconsin.
The company is also making headway in the social media world of Facebook and Twitter. 7-Eleven has marketed products featuring "Farmville" and "Mafia Wars," two popular Facebook games.
Tulsa-based QuikTrip has 76 stores in North Texas, and five more are under construction.
Mike Thornbrugh, a spokesman for QuikTrip, said the company plans to build and open up eight to 10 stores in North Texas per year. The company chose North Texas to expand because of the sheer size and the expectations that the DFW area will grow even bigger.
"There is a tremendous population base. People use their vehicles quite a bit, and they're thirsty, and they're hungry," Thornbrugh said. "As the population continues to grow in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I mean, QuikTrip is going to build a lot more stores."
Thornbrugh said QuikTrip is so committed to expand in North Texas, they have a contract on a distribution plant in Midlothian to service their stores. The company already has a distribution hub in Colleyville.
Like 7-Eleven, Thornbrugh said QuikTrip customers have been asking for fresh options when it comes to food.
"The fresh-food market -- there's no question, that's where we're headed," he said. "We recognize it's going to take us a long time to do it the way we want to, but we're very patient."
Thornbrugh also said the company is trying to make waves in the social media market via Facebook and Twitter.
"We're learning a little bit about what the word Twitter is and how you use it, but honestly, the best thing you can do is meet the expectation of that customer every day," he said.
Get the latest news direct to your phone with NBC DFW SMS alerts. Text "DFWBreaking" to 622339 (NBCDFW) to subscribe to this free service. (Message and data rates may apply through your mobile carrier).

subset: commoncrawl


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One major goal in my photography career is to be published, so imagine my excitement when last January I was chosen to weigh in on the important decision of how to pick your wedding photographer for the Borrowed & Blue Ann Arbor Weddings blog. I think that meeting with your photographer for an in-person consultation is one of the most important things you can do before deciding who to hire. When you meet them you will get a sense of who they are and whether or not your personalities mesh well. You have the chance to ask any questions about their process while getting to laugh over a cup of coffee or tea. Lastly, during your meeting this is a great chance to hold samples of their beautiful albums and other products that they offer so you can get a feel of how they will look in your home.
If you're unable to meet in-person with your photographer before you hire them, then an engagement session is a great way to connect with your them before the wedding and get a feel for their personality. I adore when couples ask me to photograph their engagement session because I get to see how they interact together and their love for each other really shines through. It's a fun way get to know them, but also get some relaxed images before the big day. Plus, it lets me conceptualize poses and images that will truly make their wedding day something that reflects the couple.
I'm always looking to better my craft and grow as a photographer, being recognized by other publications will help get me to that next level, so keep an eye out for the next time Natalie Mae Photography is featured.
Borrowed & Blue Ann Arbor Wedding Blog
Click here to read the full article How to Choose Your Ann Arbor Wedding Photographer.


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Lead Me To The Cross Part 1
God So Loved...
Listen to the Message...
Lead Me To The Cross, Part 1
God So Loved..., Jay Higham
Recorded on Sunday, April 09th, 2017
At Hickory United E.P. Church
Here are two books that are super helpful. They are available as a free download on Kindle.
Each is a short, easy to read book that helps explain the topic of being Born Again.
Can I Be Sure I'm Saved? & What Does It Mean to Be Born Again?
Both are by written by R.C. Sproul.
Simply click, download and start reading!
7/13/2017 07:03:27 am
On the occasion of Easter day, you give the good preaching and try to give more attention on this topic. God is only one hope who gives you relaxation and give you everything that you want. This is the awesome way to give the preaching to the people.
Leave a Reply.
December 2018


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|Community | Access-Network | Accessible Travel Resources | Wheelchair Travel Tips | Wheelchair Travel Blog
|Accessible Group Tours | Independent Wheelchair Travel | Wheelchair Accessible Cruises | Photo Gallery | Site Map | Contact
Accessible Amazon Adventures
This wheelchair accessible adventure has been carefully designed for the naturalist, the eco-tourist, the photographer, and the wheelchair traveler who wants an accessible, experienced, off-the-beaten-track tour program.
Home to the largest variety of undiscovered animal species on earth and reservoir of one fifth of the planet's fresh water, the abundant lush foliage of the rain forest is home on a grand dimension to reptiles, exotic mammals and tribes of native inhabitants who survive in harmony with their environment. However, modern industrialization threatens the balance between man and nature creating an Amazon ecosystem under siege.
Our program examines the beauty and the importance of the rain forest by frequently venturing into the jungle by motorized boat to study our immediate environment in greater detail. Our naturalist guide helps us learn more about the delicate interaction between man, animal, and plant life as we explore the smaller "igarapes" (seasonal tributaries) and "igapos" (flooded woodlands), and spend time visiting local Indians.
On our many day trips on the water we enjoy bird watching and fishing for the feared piranha. After dark we return to the river where we capture (and release) South American alligators.
The Guanavenas Inn
Known by eco-tourists around the world as the paradise inside the jungle, the Guanavenas Inn has all the facilities of a first class hotel, but with one difference...it is completely inside the jungle. There are 33 triple bedrooms and 12 private bungalows with air-conditioning, refrigerators, electric hot showers, private bathrooms and verandahs. The swimming pool, game rooms, volley ball court, bird nursery, hatchery, animal zoo, and restaurant are all easily accessed by all guests. In order to communicate with the rest of the world the hotel has at your disposal a DDD telephone and radio. There are also several highly experienced bilingual tour guides ready at all times to assist clients with baggage and transfers.
The Guanavenas Inn can be reached by private plane from Manaus, or you can travel the exciting route by road and waterway. From Manaus travel by air-conditioned car is four hours then travel by motorized boat is a 2 hour ride to the inn.
1 - Manaus to Guanavenas Inn
2 - Guanavenas Inn
3 - Guanavenas Inn
4 - Guanavenas Inn to Manaus
Tour rates are not included as pricing is determined by the level of accommodations, guide services, the number of travelers & dates of travel.
For Rates and Details:
Email Accessible Journeys for more information.
The Jungle Village
If you are a nature lover you can't miss the experience of staying in The Jungle Village. Located 30 kilometers from Manaus in the heart of the jungle, the main reception hall and dining area at The Jungle Village are in an incredible structure of wooden beams, open walls and a grass roof. To respect the local fauna and flora, The Jungle Village uses only alternative energy sources, so you'll never hear a generator or a radio...only the natural sounds of the jungle. At The Jungle Village there are 16 double bungalows with open verandahs, private bathrooms and flush toilets. In addition, the food at The Jungle Village is known as the best in Brazil! There are always several eager staff members to assist clients with baggage and transfers.
The Jungle Village can be reached only by water. On the way to The Jungle Village you will pass the famous Meeting of the Waters where the Rio Negro and the Rio Solimoes join to form the big Amazonas River.
1 - Manaus to The Jungle Village
2 - The Jungle Village
3 - The Jungle Village
4 - The Jungle Village to Manaus
Tour rates are not included as pricing is determined by the level of accommodations, guide services, the number of travelers & dates of travel.
For Rates and Details:
Email Accessible Journeys for more information.
Copyright © 2014, Accessible Journeys, Inc. All rights reserved.


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18th Birthday Card - Decorated Wine Bottle
Cheers to the birthday person!
Product Description
Cover Message:
- On your 18th birthday
- Here's to you!
Inside Message:
- With wishes for
- a perfect 18th birthday
- and a bright
- and happy future
Insert Colour:
- Pink
Envelope Colour:
- Purple
- Glitter
- Embossed
- H23cm x W16cm
This card is not a toy and is unsuitable for children under 36 months. Contains small parts.
Read full description
Customer Reviews
Customer Reviews


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Emmas Flower Boutique
Played 1252 times
Emmas Flower Boutique game information:
Emmas dream job was always working in a flower boutique and now her dream is finally realized. She worked hard and her boss was happy and everyone lived in harmony. But one day her boss decided to take a break and go on vacation and hired a replacement to take his place. Emma soon discovered that her new temporary boss is nothing like her real one, because she has a mean attitude and never lets her go on breaks. Emma wants to keep her job so she has to complete all her tasks, but she also needs to let go of some stress if she wants to make it until her real boss returns, so would you like to help her do some things that she really enjoys without getting caught
How to play:
This game is played with the mouse only.
Add this game to your website or blog!
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About: Upton
Our goal is creating world no1 solutions for collecting things, organizing, describing, and managing for millions of private users as well as for specialized branches of business. Make it simple and useful.
About: Klaser - Stuff Organizer
Klaser is an app that helps you whenever you need to snap a photo of a thing, annotate it and save for later. For example, if you purchased a food item, you can have multiple pictures of the item, its receipt, the food recipe and the dish garnish all grouped together through a variety of means. You can use tag collections, text descriptions, map locations and timestamp, and combining all this gives you a huge number of possibilities to create a special place for each thing that can easily be found amidst all the clutter of your memories.
Why is Klaser a must have? All of us take pictures of things instead of writing down a note. These are pictures we don't want to forget about, information we want to refer to later, or any inventory of our stuff. These snapshots are mixed in our camera roll with our family, friends and vacation's pics. When you want to find the right photo at the right moment, browsing through an overloaded, cluttered library is a real pain. There are several tools for note taking and attaching pictures, but none of them are easy to use, fast working, and solely focused on a picture remembering application. Klaser is there for you to help manage your busy life.
App Store Description
See how you can organize your life with Klaser:
1. Lightning fast & easy remember things, places and ideas
All of us take pictures to remember something. Whether it's a thing or information don't jam it with family pics. Klaser is your handy visual memory.
Everyday life
Moms world


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Williams will survive if Toto Wolff withdraws his major stake in the famous British team. That is the vow of Claire Williams, who is founder and boss Sir Frank Williams' daughter and the new deputy ...
That is the vow of Claire Williams, who is founder and boss Sir Frank Williams' daughter and the new deputy principal of the Grove based team.
Austrian Wolff bought into Williams in 2009, but over the winter he also became a co-owner of F1 rival Mercedes.
Because of his new management role, Wolff no longer works at Williams, but he has vowed to end the 'conflict of interest' by finding a buyer for his team stake.
He has pledged to do it responsibly.
"I cannot just go into the market and say 'who wants to buy these (Williams) shares' and that's it," he told Reuters.
"If I sell, I have to find somebody who is responsible enough, who is coming in for the sport, who understands how the team functions, hopefully a sponsor," added Wolff.
"And this is not so easy to find somebody who is suitable."
Time could therefore be on Williams' side, but Claire Williams insists that - no matter what ultimately happens - the health of the team is not at risk.
"Toto is a big shareholder and he's a great shareholder," she said.
"If he feels there's conflict then he has to make the decision in the best interests of his position and we would respect that. But we'll wait and see what happens.
"We are doing a good job on the commercial front," Claire Williams added.
"We are financially stable and have a good healthy budget to go racing with. We're not complaining about that and there aren't concerns that we aren't going to be here next year."
Wolff's wife Susie is a Williams test driver.


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Kate Jeans
Pilates is an exercise form that is practised in a closely supervised group. It strengthens joints, improves mobility, flexibility and body strength. It improves posture thus ensuring that little unnecessary strain is put on joints. For anyone with chronic pain or severe back problems 1:1 classes are advisable.
What can the client expect in the classes
Each session lasts for one hour. Exercises are carried out in standing, lying and on all-fours during a typical class. Clients move in all directions during a session, thus ensuring that they achieve functional strength and movement.
The instructor will introduce beginners to the Principals of Pilates and gradually layer and develop exercises as individuals' progress. The teacher will demonstrate and use hands-on correction where necessary.
What do I need to bring
Mats and small equipment are provided. Wear stretch or loose clothing, with socks or bare feet. Bring a bottle of water.
How many sessions should the client need before they see a result
Improving at Pilates takes time – the mind and body connection needs to develop and the fundamentals of Pilates needs to be experienced and practised over time. The Principals of Breath, Centre, Control, Flow, Alignmnet and Focus need to be experienced and embraced as your practise continues. If practised regularly Pilates will have lasting benefits – improving your posture, strength, reducing pain and avoiding injury. Pilates is an exercise form for life.
What is Pilates good for
- Reducing back pain
- Stiffness/lack of mobility
- Reducing stress and tension
- Building functional strength
- Developing core stability
- Improving balance
- The list is endless!!!
Who would benefit from this class
Anyone can benefit from Pilates but we cannot accept anyone who is pregnant unless they have previously been doing Pilates with us. Anyone with existing back or joint conditions would need to contact us for advice before joining a class.
Independent Pilates Teachers Association


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Following the deadlocks that have trailed attempts to end the ongoing strike by lecturers across all Federal Government owned universiti...
Following the deadlocks that have trailed attempts to end the ongoing strike by lecturers across all Federal Government owned universities in the country, the FG has directed Vice Chancellors of the striking public varsities and inter-varsity centers to enforce no-work-no-pay rule on striking lecturers.
This directive was said to have been communicated to the universities in a memo sent by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) through the University Vice Chancellors.
The Memo which was signed by Director, Research, Information and Technology, NUC, Dr S.B Ramon-Yusuf stated that payment of salaries from any other sources will be viewed as violation of extant rules and Government directive.
It reads in parts, "In view of the current Industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the federal government has directed that there shall be no payment of any form of salaries and allowances to the staff on strike in federal and inter-varsity centers.
"Consequently, I am to direct Vice-Chancellors to apply the 'No-work-no-pay' rule.
"However, Universities and inter-varsity centers are to pay salaries and allowances to Non-teaching staff. All Vice Chancellors and Directors of centers should note that the salaries to staff on strike from whatever source of funds shall be viewed as violation of extant rules and directive of the federal government of Nigeria"
Reacting to the Memo on no-work-no-pay, Chairman University of Ibadan Chapter of ASUU, Dr Deji Omole described the FG as shameless for owing lecturers seven years of unpaid earned academic allowances and still want them to continue to work for free while the Presidency and the National Assembly feed fat on the wealth of the nation.
He said it is sad that "a government that prides itself as having integrity has shamefully shown it lacks integrity by failing to honour agreements reached with the union but resulted to harassment and intimidation of our members on a patriotic struggle to save public education in Nigeria".
Omole said that the directive will add fuel to the struggle as academic staff have resolved to get proper education for the children of the masses.
According to Omole, the Military government tried unsuccessfully to intimidate the collective will of Nigerian masses and that members of the union have resolved to fight for the future of the country.
"We have passed this road before. It is a familiar terrain which we can navigate with our eyes closed. We shall triumph any attempt to destroy the common patrimony. The power of the people is stronger than the people in power", the UI ASUU boss stated.


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Kia Optima | 1.6 CRDi ISG 3 4dr DCT
Kia Optima Overview
I would like all maintenance and service costs included
Initial Rental (Personal)
POA inc VAT
Initial Rental (Business)
POA ex VAT
Contract Length
24 Months
Processing fee
£199.99 ex VAT
Standard Options
- Automatic defog system
- Heated rear window with timer
- One touch electric front/rear windows
- Rain sensing front wipers
- Remote window closing
- Speed sensitive front wipers
- Tinted glass
- UV-reducing solar glass
- Electronic parking brake
- Emergency stop signalling system
- Hill start assist
- Traction control
- Apple car play/Android Auto
- Bluetooth connectivity with voice control
- Cruise control speed limiter
- Drive mode selector
- Driver attention warning
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Lane keep assist
- Power Steering
- Reversing camera
- Remote fuel cap release
- 8" touch screen
- Digital clock
- Kia connected services
- LCD TFT Colour Display
- Low washer fluid warning light
- Navigation system
- Speed limit display
- Trip computer
- Auto dimming rear view mirror
- Body colour door mirrors
- Electric adjustable/heated/folding door mirrors
- Diesel particulate filter
- Intelligent Stop and Go
- Bluetooth audio streaming
- DAB Radio with MP3
- Harman Kardon Premium audio system with 10 speakers and amplifier
- Rear USB port
- Steering wheel mounted controls
- USB and auxiliary socket
- Black high gloss/chrome front fender garnish
- Body colour door handles with chrome trim
- Body coloured bumpers
- Bright chrome vertical grille
- Chrome exhaust finish
- Chrome roof line trim
- Chrome side sill mouldings
- Exterior grab door handles
- Shark fin antenna
- Solid paint
- Visible VIN plate
- Automatic headlight control system
- Automatic headlights
- Front projector fog lamps
- Headlamp levelling
- High level LED brake light
- LED daytime running lights
- LED indicators in door mirrors
- LED rear Fog Light
- LED rear lights
- Projector headlamps
- Air filter
- Dual zone automatic air conditioning
- Rear air vents
- 12V socket in front and rear
- Ashtray
- Assist grips
- Centre console storage box/armrest
- Centre fascia storage tray
- Cigar lighter
- Cloth/faux leather upholstery
- Cupholders in centre console
- Faux leather centre console armrest
- Faux leather trimmed door armrests
- Front and rear door pockets with bottle holders
- Gloss Black finish electric window switch panels
- Heated steering wheel
- Leather trimmed gearshift
- Leather trimmed steering wheel
- Load area cover
- Luggage net hooks
- Paddle shift controls
- Rear centre armrest with cupholder
- Rear coat hooks
- Satin chrome interior door handles
- Tilt/telescopic adjust steering wheel
- Touchscreen satin chrome bezel trim
- Front door courtesy lamps
- Front map light with sunglasses case
- Illuminated ignition key hole
- Luggage area lamp
- Rear reading lights
- Rheostat dimmer switch
- 3 point seatbelts on all seats
- Active front headrests
- Automatic unlocking of doors in case of impact
- Curtain airbags
- Dual front airbags
- Dual Side airbags
- Front passenger airbag deactivation
- Front seatbelt pretensioners load limiters
- Height adjustable front seatbelts
- Rear door child safety locks
- Seatbelt warning
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- 4 way electrically adjustable lumbar support for drivers seat
- 60/40 split/folding 2nd row of seats
- 8 way electric adjustable drivers seat
- Driver's seat memory
- Front seatback pockets
- Heated front seats
- Height adjustable headrests
- Height adjustable passenger seat
- ISOFIX top tethers and lower anchor points
- Reclining/sliding front seat
- Anti theft alarm
- Anti-drill door locks
- Deadlocks
- Immobiliser
- Locking wheel nuts
- Remote central door locking
- Speed sensitive auto door locking
- Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors
- 18" alloy wheels
- Temporary spare wheel
Technical Options
- HC+NOx: 0.062
- NOx: 0.022
- Particles: 0.0003
- Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6
- Catalytic Convertor: True
- Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE
- Cylinders: 4
- Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE
- Fuel Type: COMMON RAIL
- Gears: 7 SPEED
- Number of Valves: 16
- Valve gear: DOHC
- EC: True
- EC Combined: 64.2
- EC Extra Urban: 67.3
- EC Urban: 57.6
- Any aspect of the vehicles safety cause concern?: Data Not Available
- Based On ID: N
- Coin Description: CRDi
- Coin Series: 3
- Man Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 6
- Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3
- NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N
- NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N
- NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 134
- NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 1.6
- NCAP Safety Assist %: M1
- Service Interval Frequency - Months: N
- Special Edition: Data Not Available
- Special Order: Data Not Available
- Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999
- Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 7
- This vehicle is classed as a car for VED purposes: 12
- Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N
- Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N
- 0 to 60: True
- 0 to 62: 11.2
- Engine Power KW: 100
- Engine Power RPM: 4000
- Engine Torque LBS.FT: 236
- Engine Torque MKG: 32.6
- Engine Torque NM: 320
- Engine Torque RPM: 2000
- PS: Data Not Available
- Top Speed: 121
- Alloys?: True
- Space Saver?: True
- Tyre Size Front: 235/45 R18
- Tyre Size Rear: 235/45 R18
- Tyre Size Spare: SPACE SAVER
- Wheel Style: N
- Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY
- Height: 1485
- Height (including roof rails): N
- Length: 4855
- Wheelbase: 2805
- Width (excluding mirrors): 1860
- Width (including mirrors): N
- Boot Capacity Saloons: N
- Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 70
- Gross Vehicle Weight: 2080
- Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): N
- Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1500
- Minimum Kerbweight: 1605
- No. of Seats: 5
- Payload: 475
Kia Optima EVER THE OPTIMIST (72/100)
This much improved version of mid-sized Kia's Optima model may look familiar, but the developments are in the details. Jonathan Crouch takes a closer look.
Ten Second Review
Kia's Mondeo-sized medium range Optima model now at last gets a class-competitive diesel engine. Whether you choose the saloon or the Sportswagon estate, there's a smarter look and some extra safety technology too. There's even Plug-in hybrid power if you want it. Overall, with this much improved model, Kia aims to challenge the market leaders and even worry a few of the more premium players.
This Kia Optima is somewhat confusingly billed as a 'fourth-generation' model. Actually, only two generations of this car have ever been sold in the UK. Earlier mid-sized Kia models were badged as the 'Magentis' in Britain and shared much of their underpinnings with Hyundai's Sonata. The Magentis was well built, cheap and well equipped but there wasn't anything very aspirational about it. In contrast, the MK1 Optima saloon we first saw in this country in late 2011 was very different, with styling from Kia's Chief Designer Peter Schreyer that signalled a move upmarket. This was an unashamed attempt to win over customers from the segment heavyweights such as the Ford Mondeo or Volkswagen's Passat and it was nearly good enough. These days though, Kia isn't satisfied with 'nearly good enough' and in creating the thoroughly redesigned MK2 Optima launched in late 2015, the Korean brand's designers and engineers focused their attention on ride and handling, refinement, interior style and practicality. The result was a car that needed only a wider range of engines, lower running costs and some extra safety tech to be truly class-competitive. Kia says that all those boxes have now been ticked with the improved version we're going to look at here.
Driving Experience
The key change is the addition of a new 136PS 1.6-litre CRDi engine, replacing the previous, rather thirsty, 1.7-litre CRDi unit. As before, there's a choice of manual or DCT auto transmission. Kia has also developed a petrol/electric hybrid model with a 2.0-litre GDI petrol engine mated to a 50 kW electric motor. Total power output for the package is 202bhp. With all Optimas, by stretching out the wheelbase, stiffening the body with 'Advanced High-Strength Steel' and upgrading the suspension, Kia has sought to improve handling dynamics. Plus Kia engineers have been focussing on Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) innovations to reduce road, wind and engine noise, stiffening the body to avoid vibration and rattles, and improving the seals and insulation around the car. A Drive Mode Selector lets Optima drivers switch between Eco, Comfort, Sport and Smart modes. Each mode enables the driver to customise the powertrain's responses, prioritising fuel economy or more immediate acceleration. It also lets drivers adapt the weight of the rack-mounted power steering system, for more relaxed or more immediate, engaging steering responses. 'Smart Mode' is designed to anticipate the driver's needs, switching automatically between Eco, Comfort and Sport modes depending on conditions. This enables the Optima to adapt to the driver's behaviour and the road conditions, pre-empting the driver's preference for different speeds and driving environments.
Design and Build
The Optima remains one of the smarter Mondeo-segment models but that hasn't stopped Kia's designers from making a series of modifications to the exterior looks. These include a revised front bumper design, as well as smarter LED tail-lamps and revised styling for the headlights and fog lamps. Saloon models also feature a fresh rear bumper design. The 'tiger-nose' grille features a brighter chrome finish. Inside, the cabin features a re-designed steering wheel and satin-chrome trim on the centre console which extends across the dashboard. Buyers can specify their interior in black, two tone black and grey cloth or leather, or choose a new brown cloth or leather upholstery. In addition, the Optima features new ambient lighting around the dashboard and doors, letting occupants switch between six different colours - or assign different colours to individual driving modes. By default, cabin lighting floods the cabin in a soft green glow in Eco mode, while Sport mode turns lighting to red. Smart mode fills the interior with soft blue ambient lighting. As before, the central fascia is angled 8.5 degrees towards the driver, with the upper 'display' zone housing a smarter 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. As for practicality, well the luggage capacity of the saloon version is 510-litres - a little way off the segment standard. Alternatively, there's a Sportswagon estate bodystyle offering a 553-litre boot.
Market and Model
Prices for the Optima remain much as before - they're pitched in the £22,000-£32,000 bracket. There's a premium of just over £800 if you want the Sportswagon estate variant. You get a choice of '2', '3' or 'GT-Line S' trim levels. This pricing places this model right in the heart of the Ford Mondeo's domain, with the Volkswagen Passat also offering a strong package in terms of refinement, quality and style for just a relatively small premium over the equivalent Optima models. This Optima is available with Kia's latest 7.0 or 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with navigation and Kia Connected Services powered by TomTom. The system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to enable full smartphone mirroring. Plus within the centre console is a wireless smartphone charger, allowing users to charge their smartphones on the move. Safety-wise, there's a new Driver Attention Warning (DAW) system that combats distracted or drowsy driving by monitoring a number of inputs from the vehicle and driver. Other safety features available on the Optima include 'Forward Collision-avoidance Assist' (FCA) autonomous braking with pedestrian recognition, 'Lane Keeping Assist' (LKA), 'High Beam Assist' (HBA) and full-LED headlamps with Dynamic Bending Light. These technologies make the Optima one of the safest cars in its class.
Cost of Ownership
Kia's all-new 'U3' 1.6 CRDi diesel engine is designed to go beyond the stricter limits laid down by the Euro 6d TEMP emissions standard. The engine employs Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) active emissions control technology to significantly reduce emissions. It therefore produces low carbon dioxide, particulate matter and NOx emissions. In the manual and auto saloon variants, expect 117g/km of CO2. Fuel-wise, the manual saloon manages 62.8mpg on the combined cycle while with the auto version, it's 64.2mpg. As for the Sportswagon estate, well with the manual and auto variants, expect 121 or 122g/km of CO2. Fuel-wise, both manual and auto Sportswagon variants manage 61.4mpg on the combined cycle. Rivals like Ford's Mondeo 1.5 TDCi ECOnetic still do slightly better, while Volkswagen's Passat BlueMotion 1.6 TDI model manages a combined cycle 76.3mpg showing, so Kia still has a little way to go here to match the class leaders. The first version of the Optima depreciated far less than its Magentis predecessors but here again, Kia has some ground to make up against rivals. This improved version should continue the upward trend and in this regard, Kia's impressive 7-year or 100,000mile warranty should help, given that it's transferrable to second owners. There's also the option of a PHEV Plug-in Hybrid petrol/electric variant with an all-electric driving range of 33 miles.
This much improved Kia Optima may not look much different from the outside - but then the outside was the one thing that didn't really need changing. What required improvement was the relatively inefficient 1.7-litre CRDi diesel engine that virtually all customers chose. Now that there's a more frugal 1.6-litre powerplant to replace that, this model deserves another chance from buyers who may have rejected it in the past. These people might also want to look at the clever plug-in petrol/electric hybrid variants too. In summary, there's much to like here. Affordable pricing, a spacious appealing cabin, high levels of equipment, a smooth DCT auto gearbox and the longest warranty in the class are all big draws. In short, Kia has rejuvenated its offering in this segment.
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Home > Accommodation > Kyoto Station area
Kyoto Station area
From October 1st, 2018, the Accommodation Tax will be levied on guests staying at accommodation facilities/residences which accept accommodation fees. Visit Kyoto City's website for details: www.kyoto-shukuhakuzei.com
Comfortable, clean and traditional style
Ryokan Shimizu is the place to stay.
A 7-min. walk from Kyoto Stn., conveniently located on Wakamiya; Tel: 075-371-5538; Fax: 075-371-5539; 644 Wakamiya agaru Shichijo Shimogyo-ku Kyoto, 600-8317; easy access to JR lines, the subway, and the city bus system; Rooms from 6,000 yen to 7,000 yen; This all-wood Japanese-style ryokan inn is fresh and clean; All rooms are traditional Japanese style with air con.; 10 rooms feature a private bath, shower and toilet; a large (shared by all the rooms) trad. Japanese-style bath of seasonal water (changed daily); Close to several famous first class restaurants; kyo.no.yado.shimizu@ ninus.ocn.ne.jp *Tax not included in prices.
A 5-min. walk from Nishi Hongan-ji Temple (an 8-min. walk from Kyoto Stn., very convenient); On the east side of Higashinakasuji, north of Shichijo; Tel: 075-371-5421; Fax: 075-371-4464; This completely renovated ryokan, in an old historical area, combines the best of traditional Japanese living with all the modern conveniences; All Japanese-style furnishing; Dinner served by our experienced Kyoto cuisine chef; From 9,720 yen/person (including 2 meals); Free Wi-Fi; AMEX, VISA, MASTER; email@example.com
Located just south of Kikoku-tei Garden, one street north of Shichijo, west of Kawaramachi, a 15-min. walk from Kyoto Stn.; Tel: 371-7781: located in quiet, traditional area and very close to a large elegant Japanese garden, Kikokutei; warm service, beautiful Japanese-style interior, relaxing at-home atmosphere ; 15,000-30,000 yen/person (with 2 meals); 10,000-12,000 yen/person (breakfast only); 70% off for kids under 12; special rates between 12/30-1/3; meals only OK ; Kyoto cuisine lunch : 3,200-6,000 yen ; Kaiseki dinner course : 8,000-15,000 yen ; service charges & tax not included.
Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Hongan-G
Perfect Japanese Comfort & Convenient Location
Most of our rooms are traditional Japanese style (tatami mats and a tokonoma alcove) but we also offer twin rooms with Western beds and rooms with an ensuite kitchen. All of our rooms have air-con, bath/shower, free Wi-Fi, etc. All this a 12-min. walk from Kyoto Station!
From 5,500 yen/person
East side of Aburanokoji, south of Hanayacho; Tel: 075-343-3500
Major credit cards accepted
A variety of Japanese cultural experience tours!
Join and enjoy cultural experiences while staying at our ryokan and take some essence of Japan home with you: Tea ceremony, Japanese calligraphy, ikebana flower arrangement, and more!
On the south side of Kamijuzuyamachi, east of Karasuma; Tel: 075-351-3727; Fax: 075-351-3505; a 10-min. walk from Kyoto Stn. or 5 min. from Gojo subway Stn.; full reconstruction in 2008; traditional Japanese style inn; convenient location for business and sightseeing; traditional Japanese (1F-4F) & Western (5F; apartment style for short & long stay with a private bath, toilet, kitchen & twin beds);5,000 yen - 11,300 yen for 1; 12,800 yen - 20,000 yen for 2; Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 10:00; free Internet access; Major credit cards accepted; firstname.lastname@example.com
Located on the east side of Nishinotoin, south of Gojo; Tel: 075-341-7201; a 15-min. walk from Kyoto Stn. or a 5-min. walk from subway Gojo Stn.; clean and classic Japanese style rooms; check-in: 16:00, check-out: 10:00; 14,040 yen-16,200 yen/person (with dinner and breakfast); 10,260 yen-12,960 yen/person (with breakfast); fine seasonal kaiseki course dinner (choose from this months special, beef or veg. & yuba course) and warm hospitality; large shared bath on 6F with superb views of Kyoto (open: 16:00-24:00, 6:00-9:00); Wi-Fi available at 1F lobby; English spoken; VISA & Master accepted.
Located on the upper floors of the Kyoto Station Bldg.; Tel: 075-344-8888; Doubles from 36,140 yen per night (two people); Twins from ¥39,704 per night (two people); Located in the splendid Kyoto Station complex, direct and easy access to/ from Kansai Intl. Airport (KIX) and all major popular destinations throughout Japan; Over 1,000 stunning pieces of museumquality artworks by Kyoto-based artists create a relaxing atmosphere; the Hotel Concierge is happy to provide you with a variety of information on hotel facilities, sightseeing, and the general arrangement of personal services; www.granviakyoto.com
On Horikawa, south of Gojo; Tel: 075-341-2411; Singles from 24,948 yen. Twins from 40,986 yen; Very comfortable, five minutes by taxi from Kyoto Stn.; Check in: 14:00; Check out: 11:00; All rooms are non-smoking; Features a courtyard complete with a stream; Western, Japanese, Chinese restaurants and BAR TERRACE available; Rooftop bar opens during the summer season; Free shuttle bus service between hotel and Kyoto Stn.; Hachijo-guchi exit).
Kyoto Century Hotel
Situated at Kyoto's doorstep about a 2-min. walk from the Kyoto Station with over 80 years of history; Tel: 075-351-0111; Rate: from 27,000 yen (additional tax & service fee required); The renovation in 2016 has enhanced comfort and quality in guest rooms while preserving the air of serenity and nostalgia; Guest rooms come in a variety of styles, including machiya townhouse style, suites facing lovely Japanese gardens, and rooms with classic elegance; Organic amenities and products, including natural ''BIO vegetables'' at the restaurant, offer comfort to guest's mind and body during their stay.


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You're Not Using Hot Towel before Shaving
It's very important for prepping your skin with a hot towel before you shave. When you use hot towel, it helps to soften hair allowing for a closer shave. Follicles become soft and smooth and allow shaving cream to penetrate. Never prep your skin with cold water since this can make it more difficult for the shaving cream to fully penetrate the skin and be effective.
Neglecting Exfoliation
Exfoliation is important to keep open pores. It removes all dirt and pollutants that block the pores and cause acne when gland oil secretes through follicles. Exfoliating your skin before you wax or shave will enable you to achieve smoother results. Exfoliating on a regular basis can also help to prevent ingrown hairs.
Not Shaving In the Hair Direction
You should always shave in the direction of hair growth. Shaving against the hair growth direction can cause irritation and increase the chances of razor bumps.
Not Storing Your Razors Properly
Storing razors in the shower leads to corroding and weaker blades. Clean and dry razors after each use and store them outside of the bathroom to avoid moisture and extend their shelf-life.


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Mintz's Second Annual "She's The Boss" Event
Mintz's Second Annual "She's The Boss" Event
Mintz's Boston office played host to this year's "She's the Boss" event for attorneys and clients and their children aimed at inspiring the next generation of female leaders. A panel of successful women from diverse fields shared their career journeys and challenges and spent time talking with attendees.Watch the Video
Mintz Represents SeedInvest in Acquisition by Circle Internet Financial
Mintz Secures ITC Victory for Long-Time Patent Client Glycosyn
Mintz Supports Cradles to Crayons' Bright Future in Cradles' Acquisition of its "Forever Home"
The Show Goes On: Ambassador Theatre Group Short-Circuits Years of Construction Litigation
Awards and Recognition
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American Lawyer
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50 Mintz attorneys and 21 practice areas are ranked among the legal profession's leaders in the 2019 edition.
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Mintz is recognized as a top tier firm in the annual "Best Law Firms" rankings.
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Mintz received its 12th consecutive perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index
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Thursday, December 31, 2015
I have not created anything for two months, and am missing my "sanity saving" outlet desperately. It will be at least another month before my new craft room is properly fitted out - boy, this move has been an exercise in patience.
I am pleased to say that I have internet access for a week. I'll be busy catching up on what's been going on, online! We are away at our holiday house, and, although it's situated in the country, I had no problem having internet connected - go figure.
I have commandeered the dining room, and set up a temporary crafting space. I'm hoping to get lots of "play time" this coming week; it's very hot, so I will happily stay indoors, in airconditioned comfort, crafting to my heart's content. Here's everything set up, ready for me to start creating tomorrow:
I look forward to being able to share with you some of my creations soon.
HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone - here's to a great 2016!
5 comments:
Well happily for me, I have found your blog, for the first time. I hope you have a very enjoyable week of craft and that it's not too long before you are up and running with your internet. xxReplyDelete
Happy creating Christine. Looks like a beautiful space for some air conditioned creative time. Happy New Year.ReplyDelete
Happy New Year! Will wait patiently for you to get Internet service. Enjoy your temporary crafting space.ReplyDelete
Hi Christine. Happy New Year to you and your family, I hope you get your internet working soon, and that you can get back to normality after your big move!!! happy crafting, looking forwards to your creations, Cheers Anna.ReplyDelete
I hope things get sorted on the internet front soon, Christine! Man, I would feel like my right arm was cut off if I didn't have instant internet. Apart from internet problems, though, I hope you are happy with your new house.ReplyDelete


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AH Primetime is a unique forum of sorts where our writers get to speak their mind on various topics in the industry. By no means, am I trying to push any of this content out as fact. Most of it is based on personal opinion, so please keep that in mind when reading. Enjoy!
I have a dream, and I'm sure you do too if you love the Android ecosystem.
Android enthusiasts dream of a Nexus-like device with a stock OS experience. It's all too often that manufacturers bog down a charming device with a proprietary forked OS version. Just recently, Samsung was lambasted by many because of how much space the new Touchwiz package takes up on the Galaxy S4. We're not here to argue semantics nor are we here to argue what company makes the best smartphones.
We're here to answer one very valid, very relevant question- why don't more companies make a stock nexus device
Now, more than ever the question is blindingly evident especially because of the recently announced Samsung Galaxy S4 Google edition. The idea is ingenious really, Samsung and Google have combined forces to offer the top smartphone in the industry with a stock Android experience- absolutely brilliant.
It's produced a new issue though, namely due to the price. The Nexus devices are known for their affordability, and the new Google edition Samsung Galaxy S4 is quite pricey starting at $649. I'm sure some people are going to pick up the stock Galaxy S4, but quite a few folks are cringing about that price tag- me included.
That being said, why don't more manufacturers offer budget-friendly stock Android devices?
Exclusivity is [Seemingly] Used to Attract More Consumers
Almost anyone will tell you this point is rather silly, but that doesn't make it any less true. Consumers and big businesses think very differently. Often, companies go with flashy features over polish and care, when it comes to a product.
In the case of Android phones, most manufacturers reskin the OS in an effort to offer something exclusive, something unique. Instead, it often gets out of hand especially when it concerns carrier branded bloatware- Verizon is one of the biggest culprits of such.
Samsung has Touchwiz, HTC has Sense, Motorola has Blur and so on and so forth. Each company offers exclusive services and features that are only available on their devices, and that even trickles down to varying wireless carriers. Verizon offers different services from T-Mobile and AT&T. You get the point.
They adopt this approach to persuade customers to buy their particular products. It seems like this is how carriers think: if we let consumers do whatever they want with their devices, thus allowing them to use any service they want than they won't use proprietary ones which translates to less money coming in.
If You've Been Left Behind, You Have More Reason to Upgrade
Stock Nexus devices outlive their life cycles considerably, at least they outlive the normal life cycle of other handsets. They get continuous updates further improving their usefulness for months, even years.
What do you see with other handsets? They have a life cycle of about 8 to 12 months, and even that's pushing it. OTA updates take extremely long to release, and when they do hit the airwaves they come with lots of bloatware and proprietary features.
Think about this logically. If you have an older device and the manufacturer announces you won't be getting the latest version of Android, what are you more likely to do? Chances are pretty high that you'll run out and purchase a new phone to stay on the bleeding edge. Sure, there's no guarantee you'll buy a particular manufacturers handset but the tactic is still making them plenty of money. Why would these companies stop now?
There's no motivation for them to release a nexus-like device. If you get continuous updates and it increases the life cycle of your device, that's less money for them in the long run.
Carriers are Also to Blame
Nexus-like devices are open and free. They include unlocked bootloaders, and they're easily modified. Think of these devices as a wireless carrier's worst nightmare.
Some carriers lock down tethering functionality, others go even further locking down support for custom ringtones and more. A lot of carriers make money by restricting access to users, and then showing them "the light" at the end of the tunnel. If users can only access a certain feature or function by paying for it through their carrier, that's more money being spent. It sure seems redundant, but companies are in it for the profits. Most of the time, they won't allow things to happen unless there's something in it for them.
A more recent example of this tactic is AT&T blocking support for Google Voice calls through their network. Verizon and other carriers block Google Wallet and various other services to further their own coffers.
Unfortunately, it seems like greed makes the world go 'round.
So What Does All of This Mean?
With any luck the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google edition will be successful, and whether you like Samsung devices or not, you should be rooting for it too. Rest assured, the other manufacturers will be closely watching its progress. If the stock Galaxy S4 moves well and consumers eat it up than Samsung's rivals will definitely follow suit.
As a general rule, companies flock to where the money is. We see the same old bandwagon approach all the time and it never gets old. For example, T-Mobile is meeting with some pretty decent success because of their new 'Uncarrier' and contract-free plans. What has the competition been doing in response? They've been adopting and advertising their own contract-free plans, because they're jumping on the bandwagon.
Personally, I would love to see an HTC One running stock Android and I know I'm not the only one. I hear about it all day, every day as soon as someone mentions the Google edition of the Galaxy S4.
What Are Your Thoughts?
I don't have to tell you twice that I'm a big Android buff, I mean I am here writing for Android Headlines, after all. That being said, I'll be the first to admit I don't know everything and that's why healthy discussions are great! I'd love to hear what you think about the lack of stock Android devices on the market. Are there any points I missed? Do you disagree with something I've said?
Since this is a Primetime piece and I get to speak my mind I will say this, keep the insults to yourself- jerkface. I'm only kidding, hopefully you were able to detect the sarcasm there.
I take that insult back, I promise. Now go forth and converse my fellow Android lovers!


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Fire Emblem if Pt.1
Fire Emblem. It's the talk of the town right about now, but I'm not too familiar with the series. About a decade ago, I played FE: Path of Radiance and FE: Radiant Dawn. I don't remember that much about it, really. Now that I have a 3DS I figure I'll give the series another shot. I never played Awakening and I haven't been following the news for this game all that closely, so what I know about it is limited mostly to a few blog site posts and reading the backs of the game preorder boxes. This run may be embarrassing.
So, the first question of course is - Anya or Byakuya version? Black box or white box? Nohr or Hoshido? When I first heard about this choice I was interested. Okay, so Hoshido is clearly Japan here, and it appears that their country is being invaded by the evil Europea-, er, Nohr folks. The box text suggests that Anya Kingdom is plainly evil and Byakuya Kingdom is plainly good, if you side with Hoshido you're fighting against the forces of evil, but if you side with Nohr you're 'being a glimmer of light in the darkness'. Okay, whatever, but then I heard that Nohr side will have some interesting mechanics about not being able to grind levels, and having more strategic goals than Hoshido. Also, I'm already a white guy living in Japan who blogs about JRPGs, so if I sided with Hoshido from the start I might hit critical weeaboo levels and have a meltdown. Nohr it is.
Forcing me to make one tough choice wasn't enough though, and the game immediately makes me pick the game difficulty, my character's gender, appearance, and class. Fem Kamui is cute but I decided to go with M Kamui for my first run. Maybe next run I can play cute lesbian Kamui on Hoshido side, but for now I'm going with this. What kind of person would try to change a warring country from the inside when given the choice of fighting them directly? That's the impression I was given of my role in Nohr, and it sounds like something that you'd have to be either incredibly smart or incredibly stupid to attempt. I have a feeling it's going to be incredibly stupid, so I made my Kamui an intelligent Sorcerer because he's going to need all the smarts he can get for this task. For difficulty, I went with Hard. I've heard Normal is too easy, but I'm too out of shape from the series to try the Lunatic difficulty right from the start, so Hard it is.
The game starts with Kamui having a dream - the pure and innocent Hoshido are being attacked by the cartoonish villains of Nohr. Kamui is with some Hoshido folks who call him their brother, and some mooks wander one at a time into our area so that we can have a tutorial battle. Cut to a battle between a prince of Hoshido, Ryouma, and a prince of Nohr, Marx. Ryouma wields a giant katana whose steel has been folded a thousand times through superior Hoshido smithing and it crackles with electricity powered by pure bushido. Marx rides in on a horse wielding some really evil looking sword crackling with dark magic that some dirty, unholy sorcerer probably enchanted. Marx gets a good hit in on Ryouma, but then Ryouma flips out and slices Marx a thousand times, and they're evenly matched.
Kamui wakes up, this time with the Nohr princes and princesses calling him their brother. It turns out the royals of Nohr are actually pretty nice folks, they're all big softies when it comes to Kamui and doting on him. I do some sparring with Marx to hone my swordsmanship - wait, wasn't I supposed to be a sorcerer? Oh well. Kamui has been declared ready to venture out of the castle he was raised in and go out into the world! Before that though, he has to go see daddy. Daddy Nohr is scary and everyone knows it.
Earlier I mentioned that I made sure intelligence was my Kamui's strong suit, but the game doesn't seem to care, because Kamui is a complete moron and decides that despite training his sword skills for years, he's a pacifist and he refuses to finish off the Hoshido captives that daddy is having him fight to prove himself. One of his brothers covers for him by teleporting the Hoshido folks to safety and pretending like he actually killed them, and daddy Nohr is pissed, but he still gives Kamui a ridiculously evil looking sword - again with the swords, I'm a sorcerer! Why let me choose when everyone will treat me like a swordsman? Maybe it'll change later? Kamui meets up with the Hoshido folks he spared and tells one of them, Rinka, that he doesn't want to fight them and would instead like to become friends with them. Huh? Isn't there a limit to how naive someone can be? These two kingdoms are supposed to be at war, but Kamui is already laying the "let's all just talk it out and be friends" JRPG protagonist act on thick. Better hope his plot armor is just as thick.
Daddy Nohr gives Kamui a new mission to prove himself, and a reminder of what a lovely kingdom Anya is by assigning a mass-murdering lunatic to accompany him on the trip. Fortunately we also have our reliable mentor-type old man figure Gunther, and a maid named Felicia coming with us. In the first real battle of the game, I immediately failed when Felicia got wrecked by archers. Now, when I started the game, I was given the choice of casual mode which makes characters never die for good, and the other option which means if they die once they're gone. I picked casual and I immediately felt like a tool when Felicia let out a dying scream and the game zoomed in on her like she had just suffered a critical injury, but then she just said she was withdrawing from the fight anti-climatically. It shamed me so much that I reset and restarted on hardcore, and Felicia immediately got picked off again by archers, permanently, muttering about how sorry she was for being clumsy to the end. Whoops. I can't be losing characters this early, so I reloaded and had Gunther and Kamui form up and take point for an easy win as long as Felicia stayed way back.
Nohr bros and sis come to save the day and send Kamui and Gunther back home, but on the way back, crazy mass-murderer guy drops Gunther off a bridge into a ravine for what looks like a fatal fall, and attacks Kamui, who sprouts some dragon appendages and smacks crazy guy around with it, but not before he also falls off the bridge. Some girl from the castle turns into a dragon and carries Kamui to a safe zone, and I come back to the real world to get smacked upside the head by Rinka and taken in front of the Hoshido royalty. They claim that Kamui is actually their long-lost brother and was abducted as a child by daddy Nohr. Someone who claims to be Kamui's mom hugs him. Now look mom, I don't want to be rude, but my Kamui is pretty close to the default art, and Kamui clearly looks, how to put it, not Japanese? He looks just like his Nohr 'brothers and sisters'. Were you messing around with some Nohr man behind your husband's back? I look nothing like big bro Ryouma. Next up I'm being taken alongside Ryouma and to go save our Hoshido sisters who were selflessly helping evacuate civilians in a village when the dastardly Nohr folks attacked it. I get it game, I get it!
So about the game itself, coming to this from playing Stella Glow is interesting. It's hard to get used to the ultra-low quality battlefield graphics at first, but it clearly must be a stylistic choice because the rest of the game is so high-budget - gorgeous cutscenes, character portraits, and usage of 3D. I'll get used to it, I'm sure. I'm looking forward to continuing playing it, I hope it surprises me and Kamui isn't just a naive pacifist-turned-killing-machine like I expect he will be.
Stella Glow Pt.9 - END
My review of Stella Glow is finally up.
Finishing up New Game+ took a bit longer than I thought, mostly because I wanted to take my time using the characters I didn't get a chance to use much in my first playthrough. Nonoka is amazing in battle! She's as overpowered as Rusty, especially if her affection is raised to max for her final attack. What Rusty and Nonoka both have in common is extremely high agility and movement speed with decent damage, and in a game with lots of hazardous terrain this is a lifesaver. Another interesting character is Dorothy - as a 'harakiri samurai', her best attacks either deal damage to herself at the same time as the enemy, or are stronger the lower she is on HP. If you're careful enough to keep her near-death but not let her die, her attack power is through the roof. It was too much of a pain trying to keep her just-barely-alive though, so I gave up and benched her after a while. Dante is like Klaus, spear-user who can hold positions. By the end of the game though, I found that holding positions was less important than being able to spread out (which characters like Rusty and Nonoka excel at), so I didn't get much use out of him. Keith was just sort of average - a stronger bow user than Popo, but Popo has song magic and he doesn't so it's not even close. Archibald is still pretty bad even after his movement distance increases, because by the endgame as I mentioned, your party is more spread out usually.
I had mentioned I was thinking this game was an 8.5 but depending on how NG+ is, I could tweak it to 8.25 or 8.75. The True Ending was awesome! I wasn't expecting that much of a change, but it changed everything. I had such a big smile on my face when Alto came up with the True End plan, why didn't I think of that? After the True End, the game also let me pick another character end, so I went with Popo this time. The character designer and main illustrator for Stella Glow, ideolo, said that Popo was his favorite character and that he recommends people choose her. He said he submitted his design for her character and it got accepted on first draft, which doesn't happen very often apparently.
Next up it's time to finally get started on Fire Emblem if. I bought it on release day three days ago but haven't started it up yet, so I'm looking forward to it. I may end up overloading on strategy RPGs at this pace, though.
Back to Part 8
Fire Emblem if
Got my hands on Fire Emblem if today. It seems to be selling well, the shop I went to had a huge display for it with 32 rows or so, but by the time I got there on my lunch break at noon, it was empty except for a single Hoshido version of the game. Fortunately I preordered it so they had my Nohr copy behind the counter.
I've still got to finish up New Game+ of Stella Glow and get that review up, which will probably take until Saturday, so with any luck I can start FE on Sunday.
I'm really hoping this turns out to be good, because with 3 routes it could be a long game. Maybe long enough to tide me over until Yoru no Nai Kuni, Atelier Sophie, and Utawarerumono in August and September. I'm a novice to Fire Emblem, the only entries I've played are Path of Radiance and Radiant Dawn almost a decade ago, so I'm looking forward to seeing what the series looks like these days.
I still haven't decided on my protagonist's gender, it may come down to messing around in the character creator for whichever looks cooler.
Stella Glow Pt.8
Game clear! It was a fun ride. The game difficulty stumbled a bit near the end (it became too easy, especially if you'd been paying attention to your gear and orb equips), but recovered itself with some intense final boss battles that I just barely beat. Rusty was the #1 most useful character throughout the game, he probably has as many enemy kills as all my other party members combined. Hilda would probably be #2, her magic is insanely strong and she can teleport to ignore terrain. Alto is the protagonist and a sword-wielder so you'd think he'd be best off up front and in the fray, but he's really better off staying behind the front lines and sticking close to the witches to support them.
I ended up following through with Hilda's ending. Boy, I sure felt like a jerk after how hard the game tried to ship Alto with Risette, and what happened in Hilda's ending must have been a serious gut-punch for Risette, but that's how these games with selectable endings go. If you really want to spoil Hilda's ending for yourself, click here to see her ending CG. Hilda (1017 year old) together with Alto (17), isn't this a bit wrong on Hilda's part? Best not to think about it that deeply. Hilda has a transformation when you finish her tuning like the other witches - she loses the black classical-witch hat and outfit, and gets a royal-looking white dress and golden crown in its place. It's a pretty amazing contrast.
One other thing I wanted to bring up that I really, really liked about this game: The party members have battle voice lines that change throughout the game. Each character has 3 or 4 sets of battle lines (4 for Alto and the witches, 3 for everyone else). The first set of lines is everyone's standard stuff in the first half of the game. The second set is for very somber battles where something really tragic/sad just happened and it wouldn't feel right for the characters to be shouting energetic attack phrases - it helps the mood a lot. The third set is after they've matured a bit and overcome issues later in the game, they sound a lot more confident. The fourth (for Alto and the witches, unlocked after their tuning is complete) is similar, more confident lines since they've taken care of their fears and insecurities. It's a great touch and I hope the English version keeps it.
Anyway, all that's left is to play New Game+ and get the true ending, which I missed on this first run. Since NG+ gives you enough time to talk to everyone, I'm looking forward to seeing more of the personalities of the other members of the party. Unfortunately levels don't carry over to NG+, but the wiki I read said that leveling becomes easier/quicker in NG+ so maybe it won't matter. I doubt I'll be able to finish this in time to start playing Fire Emblem:if (or should I call it Fire Emblem Fates now?) on release day, but at the very least I should hopefully finish by next weekend. Right now I'm thinking this game is an 8.5/10, but NG+ could possibly sway it a tiny bit to 8.25/10 or 8.75/10. Somewhere in that range, though.
Back to Part 7 On to Part 9
Stella Glow Pt.7
I couldn't help but check a wiki to see what the ending requirements were before I finished up Popo's tuning, since I didn't want to lock myself into her ending. It looks like there's a True End that is only possible to get in New Game+ (edit: this is false, the wiki is wrong! All it requires is getting Klaus' affection high enough so he learns Magic Shield before Chapter 8, thanks Gangrelion for the info). Also, NG+ has 9 free time uses per node instead of 3, meaning you can talk to three times as many characters. That means you can talk to everyone to max affection without worrying about it. I think that's great, I can't wait to get to know the non-witch party members more in NG+. I just hope I can finish the game and rush through NG+ in time for Fire Emblem's release, but if not, I'll just put off starting FE to finish this up first. Stella Glow is worth it.
Back to Part 6 On to Part 8
Finally nearing the end. It really is amazing how they managed to fit almost every JRPG stereotype imaginable into this game. It's the typical JRPG hero's journey played completely straight. To top off our trope-filled journey, we're headed to the moon to kill God. If that doesn't scream 'JRPG' to you, then I don't know what to say.
Hilda pulled a Magus on us and she's the cutest old grandma ever. You know, lots of these games have characters who look like teenagers or young adults and are 'actually thousands of years old' but very few of them actually stop and think about what kind of personality someone would end up with after living that long. Stella Glow doesn't really try that hard, either - Hilda has some moments where Alto says she's acting like an old woman, but that's about all. Saying she's acting like a 70 year old, not a 1017 year old. Let's not even get into Doctor Veronica and how crazy (okay, crazier) she should be.
Maybe it's because I didn't particularly have one witch that I was crazy about before this (I'd been talking with them about equally), but I dropped everything when Hilda joined and have been spending the last bits of conversation time I get almost all on her. I'm going for her ending, sorry Risette. I can only spend 2/3rds of my free time with Hilda though, so I'm spending the last 1/3 to finish Popo and Sakuya's tuning since they were almost done anyway. If you split your time between the witches evenly you'll inevitably end up with Popo and Sakuya maxed first, because Risette gets blocked from being raised any further for a few chapters, and Moldimolt just joins too late. I just finished Popo's last level - when a witch is completely finished being tuned, she transforms and gets increased stats and a new, stronger chorus song to use. Popo sprouted wings and her song now also deals huge damage in addition to the previous effects. The only downside is that the new song isn't nearly as nice to listen to as her old one. Maybe the other witches' second songs will be better.
Stella Glow - Pt.6
Finished Chapters 7 and 8. I knew there was going to be a twist waiting, but I didn't expect the person who was behind it. Whoops. I think this is another chapter it's best to just skip writing about since the spoiler is too crucial - game's not over anyway, on to Chapter 9. It's now clear why our own party has been acting dumb sometimes, but I still need to hear an explanation from Hilda about why her merry band of lunatics have been acting so dumb. The party's going to meet her right now so I guess I'll find out. The death toll and kicked puppy count is getting pretty high. The battles this chapter were excellent - I love when battles becomes virtually unwinnable (for someone who hasn't been doing excessive grinding) halfway through and the objective changes to become survival or escape. There was also a battle that forced me to use characters who I have barely leveled since they joined, but fortunately Rusty was one of them and I've been keeping him up to speed, with everyone else supporting him with items and healing, he managed to carry the team through.
Risette can sing now! Her song is so strong it's almost funny. I really like how powerful the songs are, it's great when the battlefield situation is looking hopeless and then one song completely flips it on its head. Risette and Popo's songs seem to be the most useful so far, surprisingly few enemies are immune to Popo's song effects (even bosses!), which causes them to be unable to attack for 1 round and then lower their defense the next two rounds. Risette's is basically a full HP and SP heal for everyone that continues ticking for 4 rounds.
The game made me pick one witch to spend time with at a crucial point and I'm thinking that may have locked me into an ending. I hope not. I chose Risette - I like Risette, Popo and Sakuya but Risette is being pushed so hard as the 'canon choice' that I don't feel like going against it. If I get the chance to ditch them all for Hilda though, well...
Anyway, it looks like our next opponent may be God, how original for a JRPG.
Back to Part 5 On to Part 7
Stella Glow - Pt.5
It's Klaus appreciation day here at JRPG Review. Klaus is the knight-captain and leader of our party, even if he isn't the protagonist. He's got high HP and defense, uses a spear with long range, and most importantly, he blocks enemies from being able to move past him without stopping at his side first, meaning he can protect party members behind him from getting attacked if you position him right. My battles in Chapter 6 of Stella Glow were all carried by this guy. He would be even stronger if I had spent any time talking to him in my free time, which I feel bad about not doing. See, this game gives you certain amounts of free time to raise your affection with the characters, which causes them to learn new abilities. This time is very limited though, so I've been spending it almost all on the witches so far - it's the obvious thing to do, because raising affection with the witches also unlocks further levels of tuning for them. It's a shame though, because I really do want to spend more time talking to some of the guys in the party like Klaus, Rusty and Keith. Maybe in New Game+ the conversation levels will carry over? I guess I'll see.
Chapter 6 started off with a big helping of teenage angst, not my favorite thing to deal with, but the protagonist is a teenager after all so I guess I really can't complain. The angst got mostly taken care of by the end of the chapter, and without any ambiguous tip-toeing around the issue either, so I've got to give that to the game too. We visited enemy HQ this time and the battles were intense - the victory conditions changed from the usual SRPG 'defeat all enemies' fluff to 'desperately try to survive while enemies come at you from all angles' - again, Klaus was the hero here with his ability to hold a chokepoint for the rest of the party. Our protagonist Alto hid in the corner for most of the fight.
See, I don't like the losing condition in this game - it's game over if Alto dies in any story fight. This doesn't make much sense to me, since if other characters die, they just retreat from the battlefield. I don't see why Alto can't do the same and just have the losing condition being a total party wipe. The result of this losing condition is that it's best to have Alto be a total coward and only move in when it's completely safe, not very heroic of him. Anyway, it looks like Chapter 7 is all 'free time', like 12 slots of it, before the buildup to what I think is the last chapter (Chapter 8), so maybe I can squeeze some talking in with characters besides the witches if they run out of conversation topics.
I've got to pick up the pace a little bit so that I can be finished in time for Fire Emblem if in a couple weeks, but I think I should make it.
Last thought: Hilda's outfit is ridiculous.
Back to Part 4 On to Part 6
Stella Glow - Pt.4
I've been thinking, the protagonists of the Ar Tonelico games and of Stella Glow are really only knights as a side-job. Their main profession is 'magical psychologist'. We'll come back to that in a minute.
Anyway, last I left off I was headed west to find the Witch of Earth. She supposedly lives somewhere to west in the desert near the ruins of a city that was destroyed 3 years ago when one of the royal knights (Rusty's father figure and mentor, in fact!) betrayed the kingdom and defected to Hilda's cult of stock villains. Hey, didn't the protagonist lose his memory about 3 years ago, too? I'm sure it won't come up again. I'm all set to head to the desert when Alto hears someone singing. It must be the last witch! Right, I forgot to mention earlier in the prologue, apparently a long time ago God got pissy and took away humanity's ability to sing, and now only witches can sing. He didn't just take away magical songs, he took away singing in general. He also may have sent a bunch of angel soldiers down to destroy everything, but taking away songs was pretty mean too. Alto rushes to the source of the sound and finds a young girl named Mary singing, who immediately collapses and gets amnesia like there's a panel of judges evaluating how many JRPG tropes she can fit into one scene. Unfortunately, I immediately know she's not the Witch of Earth because the Witch of Earth is on the cover art and this girl is not that witch. Sure enough, Mary wakes up unable to properly sing again, but she immediately wins over the hearts of the entire party by being so damned adorable, cheery and earnest. All of the knights love her, all the townsfolk think she's great, the shopkeepers all can't get enough of her. It's almost scary how much the game drills into us how likeable this girl is, I'm starting to get a bad feeling that she's either going to die horribly or be the secret main villain.
We've already wasted half of Chapter 4 on this and I'm on a strict one-witch-per-chapter recruitment schedule so I'm eager to get out to that desert. Unfortunately the locals in the desert-by-the-ruined-city are not too happy to see the royal knights who murdered almost all of them 3 years ago, even if it was just that big meanie traitor knight who defected to Hilda, and not our good respectable knights. We go back empty-handed because we're out of water and they won't spare us any, so we have to resupply in order to keep looking for the last witch. I spend the rest of Chapter 4 diving...er, 'tuning' Popo and Sakuya. Risette is still unable to sing or be tuned. With our supplies restocked, we set back out to the desert to try again. This time a pair of sisters greet us, Nikki and...Moldimort! Hey, that's the Witch of Earth, I saw her on the box and the opening movie! What happens next is a series of battles and story events that take my brain and start playing kickball with it. It's by far the coolest plot arc this game has had so far so I'd rather not spoil much of it here. Suffice to say that Moldimolt joins our party by the end of the chapter. Yeah, I just skipped the entirety of Chapter 5 in this blog, go play the actual game, it'll be more fun unspoiled. This chapter pretty much made up my mind that this is at least a solidly 'good' game when it comes time to review it.
Moldimolt's got issues. Serious issues. I mentioned earlier that Alto's role is more like a psychologist than a knight. The witches have problems and he's got counseling. It's a bit crazy how much more obviously in need of psychological help Moldimolt is than the other witches, though. The following scene does not exist in this game, but it should:
Setting: The tuneup facility. Alto got some unexpected time off so he can help the witches a bit. Risette, Popo and Sakuya all heard this and rushed over to see if they could get a tuning session, and they're arguing with each other over who should get the time slot for counseling.
Risette: I'm still traumatized by losing my mom and holding everyone back by not being able to sing, I could really use the tune-up. Please.
Popo: Popo's still scared of freedom and traumatized by the thought of people hating her! Popo should get to see Alto!
Sakuya: Well I've got to deal with putting on a hundred different faces and fake personalities for people and I'm sick of it, it's clearly my turn!
Moldimolt shuffles into the scene. She opens her mouth slowly to speak but then closes it again with a mumble, staring at the other three witches and the tuneup facility door with a blank look on her face. Risette, Popo and Sakuya all sigh and hold open the door for Moldimolt, tell her to take her time with Alto, and then they go out for tea and crumpets.
Yeah, she's that messed up. Also, her parents named her 'Moldimolt', what the hell were they thinking?
Next up is Chapter 6 which I'm just starting. I saw some sales numbers this morning that Stella Glow has only sold a bit over 13,000 copies in the first week, so little. Sometimes I forget just how niche these games are. Rounding Japan's population to 130 million, that means that only 0.01% of the population bought it. Less than that when you consider that some of those sales were to foreigners like me. I bought this game on release day at a medium-sized game shop in a mall with a decent-sized 3DS section and it wasn't even out on the shelves. I had to ask for it behind the counter. Meanwhile, Fire Emblem if has an entire display shelf to itself to show off ~24 empty preorder boxes. I checked the same game section again today on the way back from work, Stella Glow still isn't out on display. Sad.
Stella Glow - Pt.3
Last we left off, our party now includes two of the four witches we need (water, wind) and we were heading off to recruit the Witch of Fire from a country in the far east said to have its own unique culture separated from the rest of the world this game takes place in. Yep, you guessed it. The witch here is a miko, the buildings are all Japanese-style, there's a Japanese festival going on, we've landed in not-Japan.
I was prepared to tour a country full of honorable warriors and superior culture, but this game actually defied my expectations here. Let me explain - Imageepoch is also responsible for the 7th Dragon series. 7th Dragon 2020-II was one of the biggest self-flattering depictions of Japan I've ever seen. In that game, every country except the US and Japan got decimated by the dragon invasion, and only Japan's superior dragon-killing technology and samurai honor was capable of standing up to the dragons, while the Americans played the role of arrogant and underhanded jerks trying to steal superior Japanese dragon-killing technology. Now, there's nothing wrong with that plot, it's a Japanese RPG, it's totally understandable to make your own country the hero. Just look at any American FPS to see them doing the same thing. But anyway, I was expecting that treatment here too, and boy was I mistaken. Not-Japan here in Stella Glow is full of very unflattering otaku idol-worshipper sterotypes, and Sakuya, the miko and fire witch, has a terribly rotten personality behind her miko facade. So I have to hand it to you Imageepoch, you caught me by surprise here.
Anyway, everyone lives around an active volcano that Sakuya keeps from erupting with her song magic, and that's what we've got to help her with before she'll join our party. Hilda is having none of this and is trying to kill the witches before we can recruit them, so what follows are a favorite of anyone who plays SRPGs: a battle where you have to protect NPCs that move and attack on their own! A little girl in a bunny hood attacks us with her dolls and we have to protect Sakuya or it's game over, so of course she charges headfirst into the middle of the enemy forces. A lucky miss from an enemy saves her life in time for me to get Risette to heal her and the rest of the party to reform around her, and we clean up the puppets and rabbit-ear-pajama puppetmaster.
The last fight in this chapter is actually two consecutive fights - first we've got to tune Sakuya like we did with Popo earlier. Her spirit world isn't hide-and-seek like Popo's, just a simple beatdown of enemies. The hard part comes after - I was not prepared for this next, final battle in Chapter 3. Underleveled and undergeared, I gave up on the bonus mission objectives as my party started getting KO'd one after another. It was a nailbiter but in the end, I got the boss cornered with just a couple HP left and two characters with a turn before her. Two characters will both get a swipe at her before her turn arrives (at which point she'll swipe at Alto and knock him out, and if he goes down it's game over), and they each have an 80% chance to hit! Whew, I guess we're safe. Well, you can guess how that worked out. 20% chance to miss * 20% chance to miss = 4% chance of this failing, but that's SRPG hit % for you. Never there for you when you really need it. I missed both attacks and died. Instead of risking another close battle like that, I went back and bought fire-resist rings, leveled up a bit, and curb-stomped this battle the second time. Not as dramatic as I'd like, but it's the RNG's fault for denying me a ridiculously close win the first time, so I'll take what I can get.
Next up in Chapter 4 we're off to find the Witch of Earth before Hilda can get to her. With the weekend over, my next update might be a while off. I'm enjoying this game quite a bit so far, though.
Back to Part 2 On to Part 4
Stella Glow - Pt.2
Reached the end of Chapter 2 in Stella Glow. Last we left off, our merry band of knights was trying to recruit the Witch of Wind, Popo. Popo is pretty badass, mostly because she can fly and there are a lot of cliffs in this chapter. We have three knights in our party - the knight captain Klaus is an all-around powerhouse character with average movement, but high attack power, long reach with a lance, and even healing magic. Rusty is a light-armor scout/rogue type character despite being a member of knighthood, throwing or slashing with kukri in combat. He's a complete lifesaver because of his amazing movement and jump - it's no use having high attack power if you can't reach the enemies or reposition yourself out of getting back attacked. Last in our knight squad is Archibald, an all-business beefy tank of a man who moves at the speed of a glacier. He's strong but he can't ever reach anyone. I forsee him being benched from my team pretty quickly.
We also have Yuan, a 13 year old merchant who is a lot smarter than he should be for his age, pissing off certain members of the party. He's got a valuable information network though, so he's coming with us. In battle he uses guns, can open doors and chests without needing to waste time destroying them, and some of his special attacks are activated using gold instead of SP. I don't have anything against the brat but I see him getting benched pretty quick as I recruit more witches.
Speaking of witches, song magic was finally unlocked. But before we can use it, Alto has to go through more tutorials on how to do 'tuning', this game's version of diving. There seem to be two varieties - one where the whole party helps suppress the berserk witch, which is basically just a normal battle in her spirit world with the witch's familiars, and a victory condition of getting Alto to the square next to the witch. The other type is a one-on-one tuning session that involves an SRPG-grid game of cat-and-mouse and moving platforms. Bring Alto to the square next to the witch successfully and it's time for some dialogue to help her solve some of her worries, ala Ar Tonelico or Fate/Extra CCC. Anyway, with that finished, now Popo can really sing.
Our first witch (Rizette, witch of water and adoptive sister of the protagonist) can't sing yet, but Popo can. She can sing alone shortly for a pretty impressive AoE damage attack, or if the song gauge is charged, Alto can make her sing a really amazing channeled song that prevents all enemies on the field from attacking for one turn, and then lowers their defense while she sings for two more turns. By 'make her sing', I mean Alto takes a magic dagger and stabs Popo in the chest with it. What is it with these games and needing to penetrate the songstress? Ar Tonelico had those crystals, Stella Glow has this dagger. This is totally not sex. Whatever, you j-j-jam it in the witch with the holy dagger and she starts channeling this super 'ensemble' song. The battlefield music changes to a full-length song (I quite like how the first one unlocked here sounds) and everything turns green with glittering leaves spinning around when Popo starts singing. Anyway, we solve Popo's problems (and boy, did she have a doozy of a plot going on around her), and we're off to find the third witch. Sakuya, the Witch of Fire, lives in a land to the far east with its own unique culture. I'm sure this won't be this game's obligatory mini-Japan, Stella Glow has been so good about avoiding tropes so far, after all...
Back to Part 1 On to Part 3
Random JRPG blogging about the games I'm currently playing.
July 2019


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I am excited. But also sad to leave my amazing instructors and mentors as well as my design friends that will also be heading off to internships and jobs in the next few weeks.
Here is a little peek at our first finalized toile for the textile collaboration project:
Thank you to Amy, our fit model, and to Jackie Nguyen for the technical design. Congratulations to Jackie for her internship at Nice Collective this summer. They have some nice "process" pictures on their website that I would encourage you to look at.
Goodnight, world.


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David Besnard Massive Fire Crash Car 17
David Besnard was lucky to escape a massive read end crash on Turn 2 during Bathurst 1000 race on Sunday 9th October 2011.. Car 17 rear ended the wall at high speed completely tearing off the back end of car rupturing the fuel tank in the process. Fuel spilled out all over roadside with debris everywhere. Fire marshals did a fantastic job of keeping fire undercontrol and allowing driver to get out safely.
Race Control Audio of David Besnards crash – 9 min audio.
Shorter Audio of Race Control – 42 seconds.
Safety car was scrambled , which allowed many other cars to get their pit stop in.
See clip of crash.


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2009 Suzuki Equator 4x4 First Drive
The Sport Utility Truck!
For those of you in the market for an efficient, midsize adventure vehicle, the '09 Equator from Suzuki is a truck you may want to take a gander at. The sporty truck was developed in a joint effort with Nissan North America. In our testing of the Equator, we've found that it's a very capable and comfortable vehicle both on- and off-road.
The peppy Equator is fun to drive and has plenty of head- and legroom. The truck is available in two- or four-wheel drive, extended or crew cab, and short- or longbed configurations. This makes plenty of room for storing gear in the cab or hauling motorized trail toys. It's no secret that the truck is a rebadged and updated version of the Nissan Frontier-but we have to say we like it.
Suzuki decided to enter the light-truck market after consistent requests from brand-loyal motorcycle and quad enthusiasts who wanted a vehicle to haul recreational toys with a dependable 4x4 for the trail. The Equator is a tough midsize truck with a strong, fully boxed frame constructed of high-tensile-strength steel. The truck is a good balance of sport/utility vehicle and pickup truck.
Tech Specs
2009 Suzuki Equator Crew Cab 4x4 RMZ-4
Base Price: N/A
Engine (std/opt): 2.5L four-cylinder/4.0L V-6
Horsepower: 152/261
Torque (lb-ft): 171/281
Transmission: five speed manual/five-speed automatic
Transfer case: Part-time two-speed
EPA Mileage (city/hwy mpg): 15/19
Curb Weight (lb): 4,302
Wheelbase (in): 125.9 (extended and crew cab standard bed)
Length (in): 206.6 standard bed/219.4 longbed
Width (in): 72.8
Height (in): 70.1
Seating Capacity: 5
HeadRoom (in. front/rear): 40/38.7
LegRoom (in. front/rear): 42.4
Max. Cargo Volume (cu. ft.): 27.1 standard bed/33.5 longbed
Max. Towing Capacity (V-6, lb): 6,300
Approach Angle (deg): 31.5
Departure Angle (deg): 22.6
Ground Clearance (in): 8.9


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After a chase from East Hartford into Hartford, police say they have three suspects in the burglary of a Hartford townhouse.
Police responded to Plain Drive just before 2 p.m. after getting a report of a burglary and found three people trying to flee in a black Cadillac Seville.
The burglars hit the officer's cruiser and kept going, police said.
Police chased the car through East Hartford onto Route 2 across the Founders Bridge into Hartford, onto Columbus Boulevard, where the Seville struck a civilian vehicle, and eventually down into the Dutch Point area of Hartford, police said.
The suspects ran from the car to an area near the Colt building and kept running, police said.
With help from Hartford Police and a couple of witnesses, East Hartford police were able to track down and arrest three people, who were being booked as of 3:45 p.m.


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Blog Archives
Who's Interested in GOP Candidates on Facebook?
With the 2012 Presidential election just over a year away, Republican party candidates are hot on the campaign trail. To date, 9 GOP politicians have formerly declared their candidacy for President. A widely watched 'Tea Party Republican Debate' pictured to the left was hosted this Monday, and these candidates continue to march state-to-state on their soap boxes.
Who's interested in each of these GOP candidates on Facebook? We tapped our Facebook ad campaign data to find out, pulling groups of Americans interested in each candidate and diving into their relative reach and demographics.


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Down with the Sickness
Well, my wife and I have both been sick since last weekend. We've had some horrible little bug that has attacked our sinuses and worked its way down into the chest. It seems to have set up shop there and refuses to vacate no matter what we throw at it.
I've been working on a couple of major deals for the day job, but it has been a struggle with my head feeling like a tethered balloon. I hope to have some rather exciting news in that sector sometime over the next month or so.
I have to fly to New Orleans this week to finish up one of the two projects I'd been working down there. I'm nearly done and to tell the truth, I can't wait to have that whole ordeal behind me.
Ok, so back to the sickness. What is the best way to relieve severe chest congestion (if not out right eliminate it)?
Labels: Weekend Recap