Today, being Black Friday, I went out with dad to go too Half Price Books ( The best place ever) and bought several items one pictured too your left. The others are presents too two different members of my immediate family. Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow is a 2004 American pulp adventure science fiction film written and directed by Kerry Conrad in his directorial debut. The film is set in an alternitive 1939 and follows the adventures of Polly Perkins(Gwyneth Paltrow) ), a newspaper reporter for The Chronicle, and H. Joseph “Joe” Sullivan (Jude Law), known as “Sky Captain”, as they track down the mysterious “Dr. Totenkopf ” (thank you Wikipedia). I watched this movie a few year back and thought it was kind of weird. I was like, ten though, so you can’t really expect me to get a movie like that. Also, at Burgur King, while eating lunch, me and Dad disscussed how someone could

simply live in a Walmart. They have food, clothes, Televisions, and they’re open 24/7.

Tonight is part 1 of the Monk series finale. I have never watched a series finale before. Come to think of it, I have watched the Scrubs Series finale, but I would not count that because they’re bringing it back. Also, Clone Wars is on tonight. I hope I can watch both. The past few episodes of The Clone Wars have really impressed me. I cannot wait to see what’s next.

-james

Breaking News- Legendary golf champion Tiger Woods has been seriously injured in a car accident in florida.

The AP reports Tiger hit a fire hydrant and a tree near his Florida home, authorities said.

The Florida Highway Patrol said the PGA star hit the fire hydrant and tree as he pulled out of his driveway in his 2009 Cadillac sport utility vehicle. His airbags did not deploy, and he was not wearing his seatbelts, which is a violation of Florida law.

Woods was taken to Health Central Hospital. Officials there did not have record of him as a patient, though the news release said Woods’ injuries were serious.

Tiger Woods is 33 years old, married and has two children.

It is being reported that alcohol was not a cause for this crash. The crash is currently under investigation, and charges are pending based on the findings of the investigation.

As news breaks on this story, we will be updating this post.

Let’s all send Tiger our best wishes for a speedy recovery, and for better days in the future…

For more information on Tiger Woods, click on the links below…

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_Woods

http://blogs.usatoday.com/gameon/2009/11/tiger-woods-in-serious-condition-after-car-crash.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/27/tiger-woods-injured-in-ca_n_372324.html

Many thanks to Azz for writing up this detailed explanation of Barad Gularan (BG) as this is still probably my favorite instance in all of LOTRO.  I highly recommend running this instance, and if you can do it at 50 it is a really good preparation for Moria instances.  There’s a good mixture of tough mobs, tricky bosses, and the end boss Udinion can be a very challenging fight.  It requires quite a bit of coordination, knowledge (which Azz has provided), quick reflexes, and a little luck (or just not bad-luck).  You may have also have noticed this is the sight of my kin’s epic battle with Amarthiel in these screenshots.

Full article over at Casual Stroll to Mordor.

Also, if you haven’t already check out the guest-writer’s blog – The Wizzard of Azz.

November 1st 1849 — Rome

While the horses in our caravan wet their lips in the warm sunlight; I am taking the opportunity to record the events of the last day. I feel at ease with the folks who are helping me, and I hope that they will understand when I have to part company with them later this evening. I am indebted to them and to the lady who sent me with them. I honestly believe that if not for the assistance of the Contessa – then I would not have left Rome as a free man.

It was soon after my last diary entry upon departing the library when trouble ensued. My ruse in the library worked splendidly but it was not long after I stepped outside their doors when I was spotted by a soldier on horseback. Running to evade him with tremendous vigor, I was lucky to gain considerable distance through the curving cobblestone streets and narrow alleys. The sounds of the clopping hooves were getting closer as I scanned the area for a proper hiding place. I saw a cemetery to my left and I noticed that it was surrounded by the customary cypress trees. This would work perfectly for me but I had to be nimble in climbing the branches. The needles scratched my face and wrists as I nervously climbed, but I was certain that I was safe. Clearly the advantage was mine as I confidently awaited the approach of the horseman in the shadows of the cypresses.

The horseman passed the grove of cypress trees and did not once look my way – only racing into the square ahead in the distance. As a precaution I held my breath as he passed, much like I have done many times before while running from those in pursuit. My breath heaved mistily into the brush of the trees as I released my exhaustion. As I listened to the sounds beyond my panting, I heard familiar noises. I focused on the chatter and banging and I knew that I was close to the workers at the fountain. In my flight from the soldiers, to my refuge in the library, to the chase to the cemetery – I had come full circle to where I had started my explorations earlier this evening.

Alerts echoed forth from the fountain as the horseman rode round the square issuing warnings of my possible presence. There were shouts and quite a clamor – for the horseman had riled the others into a frenzy. My initial reaction was to climb down the cypress trees and flee the cemetery – getting as far from the fountain as I could, but something made me change my mind. As I climbed down the branches I heard a set of horses clopping towards me – it was a wagon with one man driving the two horses and another man with a broad hat holding an upright rifle in his hands. Still and silent, I was poised in the cypress listening to them converse as they slowly approached.

One spoke in broken English with an Italian accent and the other spoke in American English. I heard the first intelligible utterances from the driver and he mentioned that The Gentleman had not been seen or heard from for the entire night – the workers and soldiers had feared the worst. The rifleman was quick to reply and told the driver that he was not worried in the slightest bit. He explained to the driver that The Gentleman is practically indestructible – no adversary he had seen could best The Gentleman in any form of combat or game of intellect. The rifleman explained that The Gentleman would eventually find his way back to the fountain but until then it was agreed that he (the rifleman) was in charge of the operation. The rifleman continued to explain that The Gentleman would want the cargo in the carriage wagon delivered promptly at dawn as directed by the official orders in the letter sent by Lord Suffington.

I was immediately curious – what could it be that was so important that The Gentleman would be directed to leave Rome to escort the wagon and cargo elsewhere? As I pondered this and once again held my breathe, I heard and then saw a horseman approach the rifleman. The driver halted the two horses and the rifleman called out to the horseman in greeting. The horseman came to a halt and proceeded to tell him that I was somewhere in the vicinity and that the other soldiers were scattering to search for me. The rifleman ordered the horseman to be careful for he said that I was considered by the House of Suffington to be dangerous and that I was expected to be caught alive. The rifleman said that I would probably not get very far with the network of strict checkpoints posted on every route in and out of the city.

I did not hear the rest of what was spoken because I was too flattered to actually be considered dangerous. Yes, enamored I felt for once in my faithful duties in subterfuge of the House of Suffington. I have often perceived myself in this manner but never have I never heard myself described as such. I admit that it pleased me to hear this for once, however time for gloating and prideful reflection would have to come later for I had to act quickly. As the horseman was ordered to carry on with his search and rode away, I silently climbed down the branches. The driver cracked his whip and just as the horses jerked the wagon on its way – I jumped onto the back and climbed onto the top of the wagon. I had found a way out of the city!

I listened as I nestled underneath a canvas cover to the top of the carriage wagon and I could hear that we were riding towards the fountain. Digging had ceased and all I heard were arguments from the obvious tension that results when underlings are left without a clear leader in a dire situation. The arguments ceased as the carriage wagon got closer. Apparently the rifleman spoke the truth for I could hear order resume as the presence of this man gave them comfort and nerve. But he knew as well as I that there was no substitute for their true leader – The Gentleman.

The rifleman ordered several guards to stay with the carriage and to not touch the cargo under any circumstances. He told them that it would be several hours until dawn and that he would personally undertake an investigation of the tunnels for any sign of The Gentleman. I assumed that he would endeavor to track him to the place where I forced him to plunge into the underground river. This was the last I heard from the man for some time.

For several hours I waited on top of the wagon – as frozen as an icicle, but I was not bothered by my predicament at all. However, I was slightly uncomfortable in my left arm, but nevertheless I laid still. I had thought about making an attempt to steal the cargo when it sounded as though all the soldiers and men had dissipated but they soon returned to within earshot. That plan would have to be undertaken when I was outside of the city limits. I considered many possibilities as I lay there patiently waiting until I heard the third rooster crow in announcing the coming dawn. Perhaps it was to shun the overlap of the beloved dawn with the blight of the moon; but that third crow of the rooster marked the return of the rifleman.

At the same time the rifleman returned, I heard the arrival of the same driver who took his place at the reins. The rifleman shouted orders in French to others in the vicinity and I could feel that we were in motion. The driver asked the rifleman about their heading and he replied that they would meet other armed escorts on horseback at a checkpoint on the northern partition of the city. He also explained that with their assistance that they would be able to travel safely for days on the roads that led to a village in the mountains of Spain.

I remember hearing about that place while I travelled with Percy. It was part of a public works development plan as a joint venture between Gustave St. Denis and Lord Suffington. Knowing what I do about those two supposed philanthropists; I was certain that no good could come from the safe delivery of this cargo. I was incredibly curious about the contents of the cargo but alas I had to remain still and hold my position on top of the carriage. The bumps on the cobblestone streets and the greater speed at which we travelled made it more difficult for me.

At last the horses slowed and halted at the aforementioned checkpoint. I could hear discussion and orders given by the rifleman. His commands were specific concerning the positioning of the accompanying escorts but all I heard from him was drowned out by the whimpering and eventual barking from a hound dog that jumped onto the driver side of the carriage. The carriage wobbled and shook as the dog howled in excitement. I knew that I would be found – there would be no more hiding and concealment from those that hunted me. I had to act fast or be shot on sight and so I gambled on a hard brash surprise.

I pulled my knife as I listened to the soldiers approach the wagon. From below my waist to my heart I ripped through the canvas and I rolled on my back – thrusting my legs high into the air, over my head, and then rolling backwards to topple over the top of the carriage. It was very acrobatic and again it was a gamble – but it worked, mostly. I had the good fortune of kicking the driver in his head and knocking him off of the seat of the coach. The dog charged after me but the driver fell upon his jowls instead of myself. I struggled to claim the whip from the hand of the bewildered driver as I felt the butt of the firearm of the rifleman slam into my shoulder. I was not so foolish as to ignore the best of the bunch; but without control of the horses – I would be captured. I ducked to avoid another strike of the rifle and I raised my arm in blocking. Oddly, the jerk from my blow was enough to take it whip from the driver. The other men were closing in on me and I knew that they held their gunfire only because of my proximity to their superior.

I shouted and with my left hand I cracked the whip on a sideways slant; sending the horses, the rifleman, the cargo, and myself speeding into the rosy glow of dawn on the streets ahead us. I focused primarily on driving the spooked horses; who were not reacting well to the sounds of gunfire from the soldiers. Normally, I would have been frightened, but I somehow I felt differently… I had gambled heavily so far in Rome and I have been lucky all the way. With great confidence I made the decision to push my luck even further when I calmly explained to the rifleman that he could pull the trigger and take the easy route to fulfilling his duties. I reminded him that he would have to live with the disrespect and scorn of The Gentleman. For the rest of his meager life he would know that he was not good enough to beat the spotty-faced lad from Fairsae and far worse for him would be the fact that he had robbed The Gentleman of his opportunity to make an example of me. In essence, I was challenging the man with the barrel of a long firearm aimed at my temple and calling him a coward. I am amazed that it worked and doubly amazed that I am still alive.

The rifleman lowered his firearm and threw his clenched fist towards my jaw. It connected on my chin – again the turbulent ride on the cobblestones helped my cause. As I consider it now, I suppose that he deserved that free shot at me – even though it did little to keep me from causing trouble. I reacted swiftly in blind response to the blow to my head and I steered right down a narrow street where I saw a handful of various vendors setting up their carts for market at the early hours of dawn. The rifleman reeled back while I got off my backside and drove my right boot into his ribcage, sending him off his seat and towards the edge of the carriage. He expected something dangerous from me and now as I reflect upon it, I see that my actions on that carriage were a direct response to The Gentleman’s assessment of me. I wanted to show him that I was truly unpredictable.

The scant vendors on the streets screamed and cursed as we flew up the narrow street. The rifleman clung to the edge of the carriage and I saw that he was lifting his leg to position himself for re-entry towards the seat where I drove the horses. I steered to my right once again and he smashed into a cart. Nevertheless he persisted and clung to the carriage. That man seemed to be a younger, more diluted version of the man known as The Gentleman and he was a serious threat to me at the time. However, I had luck on my side and I cracked the whip and flew as fast as the horses could race while continuing my efforts to press him on the side of the marketplace – hoping to scrape him off of the carriage. I shifted and slid in my seat towards the right and looked behind me. The rifleman still clung but this time at the rear of the carriage. I turned around and looked ahead of me and saw that I was fast approaching a large two tier fountain.

It was possible for me to encircle it if I slowed the horses, made a roundabout pass, and then continued up the hill. The fountain was getting closer as the carriage and horses sped down the cobblestone street and upon seeing it up close I could see something peculiar on the right side of it. At the time I was too preoccupied with the chance of the carriage toppling over as I sped around the fountain to get a proper look but alas I made a successful turn. I peeked back again and I saw my adversary looking angrily at me and I turned to crack the whip to drive the horses up a winding cobblestone hill.

All the while I tried to devise a plan, but everything was happening so fast and I could not conceive of anything worthwhile. Circumstances dictated that I strictly act on instinct and that is exactly what transpired – albeit contrary to my original scheme for the carriage and cargo. Up ahead of me and the two horses I could see a host of The Gentleman’s soldiers on horseback and on foot who were en route to intercepting me on the hill.

I saw that at the midpoint of the upward winding road was a flat clearing with an intersection and that was where I halted the horses. The soldiers were halfway down the upper section of the hill and I had very little time to react. I knew that the rifleman was climbing on top of the carriage and would soon be on top of me within a moment. I could act on one choice – although I could not help but feel the same nagging sting of regret that I felt when I tossed the chest into the underground stream just hours ago. I leapt off the coach and I released both horses from their bonds and hopped upon the horse to my left. I was forced to forsake the battle I started with the protege of The Gentleman and more importantly I had to abandon my hopes in stealing the cargo bound for Spain. It would be the second time in a day where I had to release an artifact related to the mysteries of Fairsae.

As I mounted the horse and turned to look at the rifleman to offer a condescending smirk to my dramatic departure; I saw a bird swoop in close into my field of view. I swung my horse around and looked again but I no longer saw the bird, but I noticed that the carriage was slowly descending over the crest in the hill. The rifleman sneered at me but turned his attention to recovering the cargo inside the carriage and I saw that the carriage would soon be uncontrollably speeding towards the fountain. The peculiarity that I formerly saw only as a blur in passing the fountain was now clear to me and it turned out that it was a lovely lady leaning into the bottom pool of the fountain. I had assumed that the overwhelming sounds from the gushing water had closed her senses off from hearing the imminent danger. She would die if the carriage crashed into her.

There was no other choice for me. I kicked the horse and raced the carriage down the hill. At one point I looked the rifleman in the eyes as I sped past him. Naturally, I gave him the finest boyish grin that I could muster; after all – I was known as the spotty-faced lad from Fairsae. I charged ahead as I faintly heard him curse me. The carriage rolled slightly to the left and a bit to the right as it rolled down the hill on a course towards the lady searching the fountain pool. In a feat of the most impeccable timing; I drove the horse ahead of the carriage and leaned to my right while I hooked my arm and gripped the horse with my tightened legs. I scooped the lady by her hips and raised her up to safety just a moment before the carriage crashed into the fountain.

As I prodded the horse to run faster in fleeing the oncoming soldiers, I felt a hard clunk on my forehead followed by an elbow thrown at my nose. Loud and rambling curses were bombarded at me by the bewildered lady. I ignored her for the moment and focused on getting us up the hill that I previously rode down in the carriage. The faint shouts of the rifleman could be heard beneath the continued complaints and objections of the lady who at the time must have thought she was being abducted. I was too occupied to taunt the rifleman one last time for the lady I had saved was becoming too much of a burden with her aggravated struggling.

The lady finally looked behind her to see the identity of the one who had taken her. Her lovely eyes were terribly angry but they widened like a child when she caught a glimpse of the spots on my face. Her jaw dropped at the sight of it and I simply grinned, nodded politely to her, and gestured towards the demolished carriage at the fountain site where she leaned into the pool. She noticed the damage and she calmly turned away, thanked me, and instructed me to turn right at the street ahead of us.

With great fortune and the fortitude of that horse; we evaded the soldiers in pursuit of us and found refuge on the outskirts of city in the villa of the lady whom I saved. We were greeted by two of her servants who were curtly ordered by the lady to make appropriate preparations. The lady directed me towards the wash room and to meet her for breakfast. As I waited for her to return I looked around her home. I noticed that it was relatively modest in size but extravagantly rich in decor. It seemed as though the lady was a collector of fine art and antiquities. Many of the sculptural pieces in the collection looked familiar to me. I was astonished to see some of the floral patterns that I saw in the underground chamber where I found the sarcophagus of Alsymius the Younger.

We sat at the table to partake in a hot cup of coffee along with assorted breads, cheeses, and fruits. The lady had changed into an exquisite dress and her demeanor was distinctly hospitable. She introduced herself as Alessandra di Corvoli the Contessa of Rocca di Rosa. I was famished but I always mind my manners and etiquette and so I introduced myself before breaking bread. The Contessa asked me why I was being chased and I told her with all of my Wellesly charm, and a half-full mouth of bread that I was racing the other soldiers to win her heart.

She blushed and smiled at my humorous remark along with my successful side-step of the bitter truth, but then she shifted her attitude in the blink of an eye. The Contessa’s eyes misted and her voice quivered when she began to give her unsolicited explanation of her visit to the fountain. She reached for her neck and brought forth a locket and asked me if I saw it. I nodded solemnly and examined the locket – I knew that it was this locket that hit my forehead when we fled the fountain. She turned it around and showed me a crack on the back face of it and she explained that she had thrown it in the fountain and damaged it. It was her anniversary present and although she was livid; she felt regret in dispensing with it and incidentally she was in the process of retrieving the locket when I scooped her away. A tear streamed down her cheek and she wiped it away while telling me that she had rode all the way from Milan to Rome to meet her husband for their second wedding anniversary. Instead of being greeted lovingly by him – she was coldly met by his personal servant. This servant handed her a letter from her husband with an extravagant apology which explained that he was bound by duty to accompany his friend; the Captain of The Augustina, and act as his first mate on their maiden voyage. He departed earlier in the day on his mission towards finding the best route through the Northwest Passage – and it left her heartbroken.

Her sorrow quickly turned to anger and I noticed that she was clenching her locket as she carelessly placed her demitasse on the table. My eyes widened and she observed her apparent break from etiquette and grace. The Contessa took a moment to shout at one of her servants while looking away from me at an arrangement of decaying flowers in a vase. The servant rushed into the dining hall and took it away. It was an obvious distraction but it allowed her to gain her composure and she resumed sipping her coffee. She continued her story and told me that her husband Count Silvio di Corvoli – had promised to start a family with her and to stay at home for a long time. He had broken his promise on their special day. She smiled uncomfortably and studied me for several moments while I absorbed all I heard and considered the polite response in this situation; but I struggled and could not find the right words.

Luckily she changed the subject and thanked me again for saving her while looking at me affectionately. She told me that she did not need to know why the soldiers were after me – the less she knew was better. The Contessa explained that upon her return to Rome on the previous day; she encountered many soldiers at a checkpoint. She told me that the soldiers would be after me and I would never get out of the city – only with her help could I hope to escape. Luckily for me, the Contessa promised to return one good deed for another.

The Contessa explained that her husband was a very important and successful businessman despite acting like a jackass. Her husband had scheduled shipments and deliveries that were a constant part of his work while he stayed in Rome. She told me that she would hide me inside a shipment of her husband’s cargo in a caravan that would take the roads to Milan. I was told that she would personally accompany the caravan to the checkpoint with papers signed by her husband. As soon as I opened my mouth to offer gratitude or ask her why she seemed so familiar to me; she reached across the table to bring her forefinger to my lips. She shook her head and told me again that the less she knew was better for all.

Orders were shouted and her servants bustled into action, and within moments I was whisked away by two servants. I never saw the Contessa again. However, I heard her as we rode out towards the checkpoint. Inside one of the wagons, I was locked inside a crate that was interspersed with various glassware and carpets. At the checkpoint I heard the Contessa arguing with one of the soldiers in command of the checkpoint. She yelled at him severely while I heard the rustle of papers being presented. I also heard a bit of laughter from other soldiers and members of the caravan – I assumed that she had insulted the commanding officer. After viewing the official documents presented personally by an aristocrat, the officer had no choice but to allow the caravan to pass unchecked. The officer and the Contessa said no more and all I could hear as I was carried away to safety was the clopping of hooves and the dying laughter.

That was several hours ago and until we arrived at the pool in the stream, I stayed hidden in the wagon. Now, as I sit here and recall my past two days; I feel as though I may have encountered a potential crew member. It is this Contessa – I recall her from my dreams but only vaguely remember her image from the tattoos of the Hermit. I don’t know why I was led to meet this beautiful lady but somehow I know that I will see her again. I sure hope I do for I cannot stop thinking of her. I know that she is married but I can honestly admit that she has made an amorous impression on me. As for the Gentleman; when I meet him again, I am sure that he will never regard me again as the spotty faced lad from Fairsae,; but most likely as his equal…

Mix To Go Magazine Presents

DANCE AFTER DARK | The Mix Show

The theme: “At A Classic Pitch”

Dance After Dark

Mix by DJ FREEDOM

Live at 632 Studios in Brooklyn, New York City

Monday, November 23, 2009

(DOWNLOAD LINK AT BOTTOM OF SONG LIST)

SONG LIST:

(1) Razamatazz (Free*Mix) – Quincy Jones

(2) Portuguese Love (Free*Mix) – Phil Asher’s Miami Samba Vs DJ Freedom’s Tribal

(3) You’re My Latest, My Greatest Inspiration (Quentin Harris Remix) – Teddy Pendergrass

(4) Make Sure Your Sure (Quentin Harris & Timmy Regisford Remix) – Stevie Wonder

(5) Baby I’m Scared of You (Free*Mix) – Womack & Womack

(6) Still In Love With You (Masters At Work Dub) – Melisa Morgan

(7) Forget Me Nots (DJ Freedom’s Back To Basics Mix) – Patrice Rushen

(8) Club Lonely (Original Vocal Mix) – Lil Louis

(9) Everybody Dance – Chic

(10) Encore (Freedom’s Classic Club Vocal Remix) – Cheryl Lynn

(11) In The AM (Quentin’s Remix Vs DJ Freedom’s Remix) – Mary J Blige…dedicated to cousin Ann Douglas!

(12) Horizons (Freedom’s Classic House Remix) – The Sylvers

(13) Nights Over Egypt (Freedom’s Nights Over Ibiza Remix) – The Jones Girls

(14) Super Constellation 2009 (Freedom’s Disco Pitch Remix) – Sousa & Mad

(15) Ecstasy (Freedom’s Classic Pitch Remix) – Barry White

(16) Ready 4 More – International Featuring Miss Lynsey

(17) The Night The Lights Went Out (The Black Science Orchestra Remix) – The Trammps

(18) Don’t Talk Just Dance _Free*Mix Project Featuring Jon B

(19) No One – Maxwell

(20) Bad Times (I Can’t Stand It) -Captain Rapp

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=FIWPVCN4

Indonesia, Nov 23, 2009 (AFP) – The captain of an Indonesian ferry which sank killing 29 people rejected claims of overcrowding Monday and blamed a freak storm for the disaster, as officials launched an investigation.

The search for survivors from the Dumai Express resumed for a second day off Karimun island, near Singapore, amid fears scores of people could be lost at sea or trapped in the wreck at the bottom of the Malacca Strait.

Survivors from the 147-tonne Dumai Express ferry which went down in heavy rain and huge swells off Karimun island – Sumatra arrive at the port on November 22, 2009 (AFP photo)

With the official toll standing at 29 dead and 250 rescued, officials arrived at Karimun to try to piece together what caused the latest in a litany of ferry disasters in Indonesia, an archipelago of 17,000 islands.

The 147-tonne vessel’s capacity was 273 passengers and crew, but local police said more than 400 people could have been on board. Two survivors told AFP its decks were packed with undocumented passengers.

Captain Johan Napitupulu rejected the allegations and said he had no warning he was sailing into a massive storm when he left Batam island on Sunday morning.

“The weather was fine when we left Batam port. There was no sign of rain and we also didn’t get any warning from anybody saying the weather could turn bad at sea,” he told AFP.

“About half an hour later the weather suddenly turned really, really bad. The waves were higher than two metres (six feet), the winds and currents were strong.”

The captain said the crew had done all it could to arrange lifeboats and life-jackets for the terrified passengers.

“The ferry was sinking fast, front first. Within 27 minutes it was totally submerged… There was panic, everyone was screaming,” Napitupulu said.

Survivor Amir Azli, a 56-year-old high-school teacher, estimated more than 350 people were on board, many with heavy suitcases as they set off to spend time with their families ahead of a Muslim holiday on Friday.

“I saw at least 50 people without tickets sitting on the top deck of the ferry… It wasn’t just the bad weather,” he said as he recovered in Tanjung Balai on Karimun.

“The ferry was overloaded so of course I’m angry that the ferry operator broke the safety rules and people had to die because of that.”

Another survivor, 25-year-old factory worker Zulfitri added: “The ferry was overcrowded with people and things. On the first floor there were people standing because they had no seats”.

“They didn’t tell us there was a problem but only asked us to stay calm. We only realised we were in trouble when we saw the ferry sinking and that’s when we demanded life-jackets,” she said.

Karimun-based Navy Lieutenant-Colonel Edwin said the boat’s manifest listed 242 passengers and crew including 15 children, indicating some of the passengers were undocumented.

“There’s an indication of overcapacity,” he told AFP.

“The chances of finding survivors are still high because they were wearing life-jackets.”

Heavy seas were preventing navy divers from finding the wreck to determine if anyone was trapped below decks, he said.

Ferry disasters are common in Indonesia despite repeated official promises to tighten and enforce safety regulations.

Up to 335 people were killed when a heavily overloaded ferry sank off Sulawesi island in January. In December 2006 a ferry went down in a storm off the coast of Java, killing more than 500 people.

The actual number of deaths from such sinkings is rarely known because captains and port masters routinely falsify how many passengers are on board, or simply fail to count them.

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I didn’t get too much of a chance to test this out during beta (although I did notice NPCs and my soldier being a little squishy) but there have been some pretty significant changes behind the scenes on how tanking will work.  Now I don’t so much mean the agro part of it but the mobs you’re trying to tank have been changed.  They hit harder and crit for higher percentages making it more important to keep them on the appropriate person.  To help combat this, Guards, Champs, Captains, and Wardens all get bonuses to their crit defense as a passive skill however they are not all equal as the bonus is tied to the class, the stance (for champs), and the size of your shield: (Dev Diary Here)

• Guard with Heavy Shield = 10%
• Warden with Warden Shield = 9%
• Captain alone/with shield = 3%/5%
• Champs Glory Stance = 3%
• Champs Ardor Stance = 1%
• Champs with shield (Heavy/Normal) = 5%/2%

So, looking at this your best statistical tanks will be Guards, then wardens, then heavy shield wielding Glory stance champs.  And from the comments on the beta boards, fervor tanking champs get hit REALLY hard and are not viable options.

I really like this change as again, it makes the game more complex – you can’t just toss more DPS on the fight to win it.  This was one of my biggest issues with most of the Moria content, you could out dps any content and not have to really think too much about it, not to mention some fights were just pure DPS races.  You’ll need to have a tank and work together to make sure that tank keeps agro – minnies, RKs, and hunters will most likely get hit very hard.  I think it also helps champs define their roles a bit better – if they want to tank, they need to trait and equip for it.

Hello,

as earlier mentioned, there’s going to be training on monday, tmr 8.30-11.30. We’re going to put the coaching fees on hold for a while, because we really cannot confirm anything with the possibility of a tennis camp and all. So we’ll let you know again regarding coaching fees. But if you’re going overseas real soon then please just bring your coaching fees and pay up first and we’ll refund you back whatever’s necessary later cause we really have to pay up coaching fees by end of hol trainings and there’s no one to pay for you first!

shuyi:)

After what’s seemed like an age since the last Premier League matches, we return to domestic action after the international break. Plenty to consider this gameweek as four teams play twice and a host of stars are injured. More on that later.

Last time round saw an above average score of 52 for myself but this was still quite far off the high score of 107. I was not helped by Drogba and Rooney predictably doing nothing in the big clash between Chelsea and Man Utd; while I also had 13 points marooned on the bench via Joe Hart and Scott Dann, who I hadn’t thought would do much vs Liverpool.

Our captain choices did well, with Fabregas having another big week while RVP and Adebayor also had fair contributions. If you had gone with the suggested transfer of Clint Dempsey, he would have scored you seven points too.

Gameweek 12 Top Gun (aka Tom Cruise Approves):

Maverick thinks John Terry is a fool, but his fantasy score last week was good.

Yep, John Terry was Gameweek 12’s Top Gun with the now ubiquitous defender’s score of 15 points for winning goal, clean sheet and three bonus points. The number of times this has happened is ridiculous but fair play if you’ve reaped the benefit.

But wait I hear you cry, there was someone else who also scored 15 points last week. Yes dear readers, for the first time this season we had a tie for highest score of the week. John Carew almost double his season’s score with a goal, two assists and three bonus points in Aston Villa’s 5-1 destruction of Bolton. This means Maverick needs some help in approving so what better person to have than his co-pilot Goose:

Goose approves of being involved in such silliness.

It was a struggle bringing him back from the dead, but through the powers of Google search and Photoshop I managed to do it. Maybe next time Iceman will muscle his way in on the show… Elsewhere Gomes saved a penalty to score 14 for Spurs while Wright-Phillips and Fabregas both got 13, the latter getting his fifth straight man of the match award.

On to this week.

Three Captain Choices:

With Torres and Drogba very doubtful and Van Persie and Lampard definitely out, the usual field of captain choices is substantially narrowed. In addition to that Hull, Blackburn, Fulham and Everton all play twice so it might be time for some leftfield thinking in terms of captain this week.

1. Bullard/Hull – Feeling brave? Quite the gamble this one but it could well pay off. Bullard is a good player but has been injured pretty much the whole time he’s been at Hull. He made a belated home debut last week and was the key figure in a win over Stoke scoring an assist and three bonus. Now one whole game isn’t much to go on but with Hull having two games at the KC Stadium, one against lowly West Ham you’d assume he would play a part in anything good Hull may do.

2. Anelka/Chelsea - With Drogba doubtful after Jonny Evans’ kung-fu kick to his ribs, and Fat Frank injured after attempting to sprint in England training, it leaves Nicolas Anelka as the most likely source of points for Chelsea this weekend. They face a home tie against Wolves which is as near to a gimme as you can get. I fully expect a comfortable home win with a goal or two from the Frenchman.

3. Fabregas/Arsenal - Fabregas is fast becoming the new Ronaldo of fantasy football. If in doubt for a captain choice, go with him. Sunderland away is the not the easiest place to go this season, but Arsenal have a good record there in recent years and should have enough to win, even without Robin van Persie.

Gets a Captain's tick.

Three Suggested Transfers In:

1. Eduardo/Arsenal - Now that Van Persie is out for several weeks, joining the already injured Bendtner, the onus falls on Eduardo to lead the line for the leading scorers in the team. He has had a very stop start season so far but has still got two goals and two assists in just over 300 minutes of action, which isn’t bad at all. With full fitness and a new contract in the back of his pocket, he should do well over the next couple of months.

2. Etherington/Stoke – He’s kind of slipped beneath my radar but is one of the form players of the last few weeks. In his last five games he has three assists and two goals as well as a few bonus points. Over the next four weeks, only Arsenal is a game which you would class as tough for Stoke.

3. Alexander/Burnley – His price has gone right up now but as long as Burnley keep getting penalties, he’s still worth it I’d say.

Might be worth a pick.

Three To Avoid:

1. Van Persie/Arsenal - Out for a couple of months in case it wasn’t already clear. Let’s hope he doesn’t rush back from injury like he has done in the past.

2. Benayoun/Liverpool - Has been in great from this season but has tweaked his hamstring. Also, knowing Rafa he’ll probably find a way to drop the Israeli now that Aquilani is approaching full fitness.

3. Bolton players – Bottom of the team stats with just 345 points between them.

Are you taking the mick?!

T.

The Captain and Me is the third studio album by American rock band The Doobie Brothers, released in 1973.

Tracks

1. “Natural Thing”
2. “Long Train Runnin’”
3. “China Grove”
4. “Dark Eyed Cajun Woman”
5. “Clear as the Driven Snow”
6. “Without You”
7. “South City Midnight Lady”
8. “Evil Woman”
9. “Busted Down Around O’Connelly Corners”
10. “Ukiah”
11. “The Captain and Me”

More info @ Wikipedia

So now that the NDA has been lifted, I can share a little more openly on my thoughts for this expansion.  I mainly focused on the warden and skirmishes but didn’t do any group instances or the raid.  I did work through a couple of the questing areas in Mirkwood and overall really enjoy the zone.  It is quite big and there’s a very good set of quests through there.  So I’ll try to cover the areas that I saw and what I focused on.

Skirmishes

By far, this is THE feature that makes the expansion for me.  These are all sorts of fun and provide a good option for alternative experiences.  One option that I haven’t seen talked about as much is that in addition to the normal skirmishes there’s a “survival” mode which really are lots of fun.  Basically you’re in a losing battle and try to last as long as you can – basically a skirmish made especially for us wardens   I really enjoy the mark system and I think it is a good balance of the rewards.  Without skirmishes there’s no way this counts as an expansion, but with this system in place and them using it going forward in the Epic line it is really exciting for the overall game-play mechanic.

Combat Revamp

This was a bit of a roller-coaster but overall I like the new feel.  Wardens are basically a tad faster on the gambit builders but I didn’t feel as much of a difference on that toon as I did on my captain.  Power was a bit of a concern with the new system but I think you just need to adjust a bit with the new flow.  The weapon normalization is rather disappointing as I would’ve liked some options for my toons.  Essentially now classes will use the weapons that they (or their race) get bonuses for.  I really don’t like the fact that a dagger hits as hard as an axe – I really was hoping they would’ve kept the DPS the same but changed the variance such that a dagger does more constant damage but the axe can have bigger crits.  The other good news for wardens is that the spear bug is fixed, and I honestly don’t see a reason to use any other weapon due to the DoT proc potential.

Character stat Changes

One issue that hasn’t been discussed as much (that I’ve seen) is that incoming melee damage is now capped at 15% (equivalent, it now is a rating).  In addition some items/traits have been reduced to be not as effective.  So essentially it is possible to hit that cap and we might need to re-consider our traits (again).  Tanis on the LOTRO boards posted another good analysis of the builds during beta and I’m sure he’ll update that again (if he hasn’t already).  The main difference is that innocence, zeal, and discipline are no longer as dominant as they used to be.  I’ll have to play around a bit more and see what Tanis has to say after some more data.

Also, stats have some different impacts on toons as Will now effects outgoing healing potential – which unfortunately doesn’t apply to us wardens.  And you’ll see a pretty good morale boost as our vit now add +5 to morale per point as opposed to +3 currently.  Other classes get other similar bonuses, but I forget what they all are.

Character progression

Across the board, this was the MOST disappointing part of the expansion – if I remember there was only 1 skill mildly useful (minstrel dread removal now applies to the whole group) but otherwise most people won’t even buy it.  I know I won’t buy my captain skill (withdraw isn’t even on my toolbar).  Now wardens (and hunters) did make out better as we get a port but this is a very cheap skill as well since the Moria port was just a purchased rep reward.  No trait progression, no class traits, no new legendaries, nothing for progressing to 65.  This part of the expansion is really hard for me to swallow – I just don’t like getting 5 levels for no reason at all.

New Armor Sets

So Az beat me in posting pictures, but mine are a little different in that you’ll notice you can now zoom in on the dressing room.  So I won’t post the individual pieces (go to Wizard of Azz for those shots) but the final looks.  Also in doing a little stat comparison – here are the numbers between the Mirkwood set compared to my current armor (4 spear-hurler, 6 piece shoulders, and the helm from the mirrors instance)

Total Difference (Mirkwood – current)

• Armor – +352
• Radiance – +100
• Might – +1
• Agility – -121 (holy cow this will hurt)
• Fate – +30
• Will – -57 (not liking this either)
• Vitality – +16
• Morale – +201
• Power – -49

So there are some nice boosts, but overall nothing terribly exciting for me.  I have mixed feelings about the look, but the set bonus is horrible.  And I think this sentiment is pretty much across the board – the set stats are underwhelming and the set bonuses are worthless.

On the plus side, I absolutely LOVE the look of the head and shoulders of the 3 piece set!  And the ranger hood is full of win

Summary

For the most part, when it comes to Mirkwood I’m looking forward to it for the skirmishes, epic story line, and the new zone BUT the lack of real character progression in both skills and equipment is a HUGE letdown.  Also the new stats and such are another hit for us and will take some time to get used to.  This feels very similar to the re-vamp with Moria so I’m sure we’ll get used to it, but it will be a bit hard to get used to at first.  It is almost like we’re being moved to 65 to force us to get new weapons and armor to replace mistakes they feel they made with those initial sets.  I think I’ll hold off on being totally let down until we see the next step of this progression – notice the armor set is only purple compared to the teals we now have, so we might get something better quite quickly.

Enjoy the snaps, and I’ll see ya in game!

Fear is the Key

TYPE: Action / Adventure

RATING: 8 / 10

REVIEW:

Truly a fast-paced book that you just can’t dare keep down for the fear that you’ll miss out on something in the few seconds that it will take to continue reading it.

The mystery is so very mysterious that I finished the book in a matter of hours and was relieved to find the mystery unveiled and all the puzzle pieces fitted into place. The suspense is unnerving, and the plot keeps thickening at a regular pace; it is well nigh impossible to keep from biting your nails in anticipation of what will happen next.

The latter part of the book is kinda the unwrapping of the entire suspense that has been built up in the former half and the whole thing has been so brilliantly put that even after the story gets over, it leaves you with a sense of an adrenaline rush.

DESCRIPTION:

‘Fear is the Key has a plot that will require a lot of willpower to stop you looking at the last page.’ Sunday Mirror

A sunken DC-3 lies on the Caribbean floor. It’s cargo: ten million, two hundred and fifty thousand dollars in gold ingots, emeralds and uncut diamonds guarded by the remains of two men, a wife and a very small son. The fortune is there for the taking, and ready to grab it are a blue-blooded oilman with his own offshore rig, a gangster so cold and independent that even the Mafia couldn’t do business with him and a hired assassin. Against them stands one man, and the skeletons in their watery grave are his people. His name is Talbot, and he will avenge their murders.

‘Excitement and violence … the pace never slackens.’ Scotsman

Cryptic Studios announced late last week that the bridge would be a playable space in your ship which was a bit of a surprise to me since I assumed there was always going to be a bridge, where else am i supposed to put my bridge officers. There you go we now know for sure there is a bridge and at least 20 different ones at that, with the release of the “Bridge gameplay“ video we get to see our new home and that is what it will be were the Captains will do all there strategizing and if I read this right other Captains can beam over to see use face to face, hopefully for good and not evil. The bridge officers will be at the stations you choose for them to best help your ship in what ever endeavor it is up to. Give me the Defiant bridge with a borg at each station and lets see how long you last, I can dream can’t I. This video is mild compared to the second video “Ship Tactics“ which is in the same vein as the FUTURE PAST videos. It  is an actual walk-through of the ship systems and a first look at your HUD and how the bridge officers fit in, how they and your ship can be customized. this one is a must see for every future Captain out there. Thanks to Kotaku and IGN for the videos

Hi again!

tentative training dates, 8.30 to 11.30 for each session:

Nov:

17th, 19th, 24th, 26th,

Dec:

1st, 3rd, 8th, 10th

These are the likely dates for training, so as mentioned during training, 8sessions will cost $60, 1 session is $7.50 (credits to Ruth’s brilliant math calculations). So basically, count the number of sessions you will be coming for, and times $7.50, and TADAA, that’s the amount you owe YILEEN for coaching fees this holiday.

Please calculate the fees you owe and bring it on THURS 19th NOV 2009 and pay it to YILEEN. Make sure the fees that you pay tallies with the number of sessions you’ll be attending as STATED on the blog. Only on the dates that you have stated on the blog, will you be excused from training/coaching fees.

As mentioned during training too, please attend all trainings as far as possible and try to arrange your schedule according to the given training timings as it is VERY important that we make full use of the coachings to learn and improve and train!

Even after the 8 sessions with coach, do expect that there will still be training (likely tues) but we will give you an appropriate amount of rest and a holiday of your own. Do expect that if attendance for a certain coach training is very low (esp 1st week Dec), we might change the dates.

Please all practise and train hard on your own, only a few more months left to nationals, and it’s time we start gearing up all the way and going full steam ahead for more matches, friendlies and all.

*please show a sense of urgency esp if you’re late for training!

*PT WILL start on this coming thurs and will be incorporated into training timing, do be prepared to stay back later if necessary! cause coach thinks we’re unfit and we are!

see you, captain

Hello! I’m sure you LOVED the camp TOTALLY!:D and i hope we all had a good time of bonding as a team!

For all who have replied with your holiday plans, thank you! we’ll collate them soon and see how it goes. Unless otherwise stated, i will expect to see you at trainings, if something crops up, you’re still expected to inform your Exco incharge at least 1 day in advance. Most of us will still be around for the next 2 weeks, so training is confirmed for

17th and 19th Nov

24th and 26th Nov

8.30 to 11.30AM for all training days (tues and thurs)

these are trainings with coach, cause our dearly beloved coach is finally back from barcelona!

Training schedule and payment of coaching fees will be finalised after we’ve met up with coach for further discussion. Be prepared that PT will be incorporated into training timings so keep yourself fit. All of you are highly encouraged to keep playing and training on your own as well, if you want to take up private coaching, now’s the best time.

I hate to say this, but your commitment to tennis and attendance at trainings says a lot about how much you want to play for the team and how much we would want you on the team as well, we have a long way to go, each of us so you have to be prepared to put in a much greater effort on your own if you want your place on the team and you’ll want one!:D You decide for yourself your priorities!

lovelove, captain!

By Phil Turnbull

The Scotland versus Wales friendly match tomorrow is threatening to be overshadowed by the continuing row over diving.

In a week where Liverpool striker David N’Gog dived to win a penalty in a Premier League game against Birmingham, the diving row has now reached the international scene.

While Scotland hitman Kevin Kyle conceded he personally would take a dive in attempt to influence the outcome of a game, national team-mate James McFadden yesterday hit back, saying: “No way, I couldn’t dive”.

James McFadden (picture credit: skysports.com)

Birmingham striker McFadden said: “You try to play as fair as you can. You can foul for tactical reasons but I don’t think you can get away with a tactical dive.”

“I would not deliberately do that and try to con a penalty or to get a benefit because in the end you look stupid.”

Earlier in the week Kilmarnock striker Kyle admitted he would dive in a match if it helped Scotland to win.

Asked if he would take a tumble in the box, Kyle said: “I probably would because you go out on a Saturday afternoon just wanting your team to win at any cost and you take every opportunity that’s available to you.”

Kyle’s views are at odds not just with McFadden, but also SFA Chief Executive Gordon Smith.

Smith has been at war with FIFA over players diving ever since Arsenal star Eduardo dived to win a penalty against Celtic in the Champions League Qualifiers, eliminating the Glasgow side in the process.

It is not known how SFA bosses will react to the conflicting points of view from their star strikers.

Meanwhile Scotland captain Darren Fletcher has been passed fit for the clash in Cardiff.

Darren Fletcher (picture credit: independent.co.uk)

The Manchester United playmaker had missed training on Wednesday, but has now been given a clean bill of health by the Scotland medical staff.

The decision will come as a relief to manager George Burley, who is already without Old Firm quartet Steven Whittaker, Kevin Thompson, Scott Brown and Shaun Maloney.

Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon also misses out due to a broken arm.

Scotland’s last friendly match, against Japan in Yokohama, was dogged by call offs that entered into double figures.

While the Scots have no such problems this time round, Wales have been hit by a raft of withdrawals.

Eight players, including £14 million Manchester City star Craig Bellamy, have pulled out of the Welsh squad, forcing manager John Toshack to select Swansea City centre-half Ashley Williams as his new captain.

Williams will be Toshack’s 11th skipper used in his five-year tenure as national team manager.

Wales versus Scotland kicks off at 3pm tomorrow at the Cardiff City Stadium, and is live on Sky Sports 1 from 2.30pm.

In less than 20 minutes, the best #19 ever to play the game of hockey (no bias at all) will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. His name of course is Steve Yzerman of the Detroit Red Wings. His name is Yzerman, but has been known over time as Stevie Y, Silk, Stevie Wonder, The Captain. Growing up and seeing him on TV, watching how he could do the things he did on the ice, was unbelievable. One of the best memories of mine about Stevie Y happened off the ice, at one of the Red Wings Fan Fests they used to have at the Joe. I was 13 and was waiting in line for a while to get his autograph, and when I finally get up to him we exchange head nods, and he must’ve noticed my very stylish digital watch. He then asks me what the time was, which after I stumbled over my words, I mumble the time to him. He politely says thanks and signs my program…

I’m very original (wink wink) to say that he will always be my favorite Red Wing. Sure, I love the #18 and Kirk Maltby will always be the cool dude that I ran into at Blockbuster Video, but Silk will be one of the first names on peoples’ minds when talking about the Detroit Red Wings, right up there with Howe, Lindsay and Delvecchio.

Thanks for the memories Captain, and if I see you on the street and ask for the time, I’ll have a better watch the next time around!

What do we do about Captain Keane? The superhero once called upon when times were ruthless. When buildings were burning and babies needed rescuing. Was our dependence on him too hard for any human to take? Not a superhero I would assume.

The Liverpool kryptonite destroyed his most potent weapon, the poaching right foot. We now have a shattered hero it seems. A person who wears our captain’s band but doesn’t necessarily always lead. A person who shouts and points but doesn’t seem to get anywhere most of the time.

A person. Not a superhero.

Not a game goes by where I don’t get on my knees and pray that the old Keano will resurface. I even have rug burns on my knee caps to prove it. They hurt man… are you listening Robbie? They hurt. But nothing hurts as much as the roller coaster ride El Capatino has taken us on. Ups and downs and all arounds (there I go with the rhymes again). I know this post seems a bit harsh. Afterall, he is the captain of a Spurs squad which is sitting near the top of the table having already faced all of the top 4 teams. How would that translate to “underperforming”? Come on, we all know he is capable of much more. Much, much more!

A 4 goal match where we all wanted to believe our hero finally returned and would now seek vengeance on our arch rivals. It was nothing more than a momentary glimpse of the past. I hate nostalgia sometimes. I should have kept my emotions in check. But I do believe he still has it in him (cue the “riding a bike” cliche). The goal against Sunderland shows he still has that killer poacher instinct in his gut; to be at the right place at the right time. He just doesn’t seem to believe in himself as much anymore. A few reasons come to mind. The Liverpool humble-pie… learning to play in a new position after 29 years… and last but not least, predictably being subbed in the second half of every match must be getting old for him.

So what do we do about Captain Keane? How do we instill confidence in him again? I want him back! But he has to want to return first.

Captain USA
Captain USA

Captain USA Game
Captain USA Game Description : Play as Captain USA and defeat the enemy by killing all of its soldiers through different levels. To accomplish this mission, you should stay alive against their massive attack as you have limited lives. Try to be very quick and shoot them on the spot before they kill you, also use grenades where necessary to destroy their tanks and other machines.
How to Play Captain USA Game? Left / Right Arrow Keys – Move.
Up Arrow Key – Aim Up.
Down Arrow Key – Duck.
A – Fire.
S – Jump.
D – Throw Bomb.