Drive just a couple of hours north of San Francisco and you’ll be treated to one of the state’s most scenic coastal drives. Breathtaking scenery, historical attractions — you name it, this drive has it all.

The drive starts in Bodega Bay, just 22 miles through rolling hills from Petaluma and Highway 101. For us, Bodega always reminds us of the famous Alfred Hitchcock movie, “The Birds,” which was, of course, was filmed at Bodega Bay. While it’s been more than 50 years since Cary Grant was in town filming that movie, there is no question that Bodega still finds birds are big business.

You can’t cross the street without some reminder that the movie was filmed there. The Tides Restaurant – featured prominently in the movie – now has an unusual gift shop that seems almost like a museum with its many Birds-related clothing, posters, photos and toys.” Of course, no matter that the “real” restaurant burned down long ago and the replacement buildings bear no resemblance to those used in the movie.

What does remain is the same sleepy seaside village that appeared in the movie. There is still some waterfront flavor that you saw in the Birds if you just go down to the Tides Restaurant. Fishing trawlers bring their fresh catch to a seafood company on the dock, and there are always plenty of barking sea lions hoping to dine on leftovers. In the movie, Tippy Hedron rented a small motorboat at this dock before motoring across the bay to her new boyfriend’s house.

Head up the road about 20 more miles and you’ll find Jenner, with its views of the Pacific Ocean and Russian River. Vacation rentals are popular in Jenner, and you’ll be tempted to stop at Goat Rock State Park, a photographer’s favorite with its views of the craggy rock towers that poke dramatically through the frothy waves.

About 12 miles north of Jenner, we stopped at Fort Ross State Historic Park, a well-preserved piece of California coastal history. One of the oldest parks in the state system, Fort Ross had its beginnings in 1812 when a party of 25 Russians joined with 80 native Alaskans to start construction of a fort including a stockade, blockhouses and several log buildings. They chose a relatively flat bluff overlooking the Pacific that offered plenty of space for Native American encampments that would sprout up alongside the fort.

Fort Ross was established as a California colony for the Russians, who could not grow enough food in Alaska to support themselves. Not only was this area a source of food, but also of sea otters which proved quite profitable for the Russians. Today, visitors can tour the buildings, some of which offer authentic displays with artifacts such as 19th Century musket rifles or household tools and other items actually used by the Russians. Out in the courtyard we noticed there were several real cannons – we know they were real because Park Service employees were firing them off in a demonstration for a group of school children. The park, in general, is well worth the $6 per car admission.

Heading northward on Highway 1 there are almost continuous vistas of the ocean, including many opportunities for beach access. The day we were touring, a thick layer of white fluffy clouds was just offshore and had descended enough that tourists could stop at the coastal vistas and actually look down on the clouds.

Another 40 miles of spectacular views and we approached the Point Arena area, where we planned to spend the night. About a mile off the highway is the Arena Cove and perched on a hill overlooking the cove was the Coast Guard House Historic Inn, a popular bed-and-breakfast that figures prominently in this area’s history.

The Coast Guard was preceded by the U.S. Life-saving Service which was established in the late 19th Century as a means of providing rescue to the many mariners who lost ships or got into trouble in the fog or on the stormy seas just off the point. In 1901, the Cape Code-style building now known as the Coast Guard House was built as a “life-saving station” — a place where those in the Life-saving Service could live. Much like today’s firehouses, the rescuers lived together and were available on short notice for emergencies. In those days, they rowed out to the stricken ships in long boats that seemed almost as hazardous as the ships they were rescuing.

This historic building makes a charming inn, where innkeeper Kevin Gallagher offers guests a choice between separate cottages and rooms in the main building. We enjoyed a tiny, yet unique accommodation called the Flag Room which was ideal for a couple or single person. The room basically is a Queen bed, a private bathroom and a dining or reading area that includes a couch-like bench, table and three large windows overlooking the Arena Cove and the sea beyond. The bedroom area, while small, seems open because it also has a wall full of windows. Furnishings, floors — everything in this room is upscale.

Judging from the conversation at the breakfast table, guests do find the inn to their liking. Over an elaborate Spanish-style omelet, fresh pastries, juice and coffee, we enjoyed meeting an extended family that had booked several rooms for their group as they toured California with family members from Israel. The guests who stayed in the cottages enjoyed their breakfast in their rooms. As with many bed-and-breakfast innkeepers, Gallagher — a Philadelphia native — is a gracious and affable host who makes a point of getting to know each of his guests, whether at breakfast or while they are enjoying some quiet relaxation in the reading room.

In addition to the life-saving station, a strong light beam was needed to direct ships away from the many coastal hazards. During the 1860’s, ships carrying lumber past Point Arena would go aground almost weekly. So it was in 1866 that the government funded the Point Arena Lighthouse. While the original was damaged beyond repair in the 1906 earthquake, the replacement lighthouse stands to this day and is a popular stop just a couple miles north of the town of Point Arena.

Near the base of the Point Arena Lighthouse is a small museum and gift shop where visitors can spend a few minutes while they wait for the next tour to the top of the lighthouse. With more than a hundred steps, the stairs to the top can be challenging for older visitors, but the spiral staircase leads to a unique up-close look at the famous Fresnel lens – a lens that makes the light visible 18 miles at sea. There are also great views of the coastline from the top, although the best photo opportunities are just a quarter-mile or so from the lighthouse where you can also look out on the rocks and tidepools.

Maybe the best place of all to view the rocky coastline is the Stornetta Public Lands, just a short walk on a trail located at the first bend in the road once you leave the lighthouse. For wide open beaches, there is no better place along here than Manchester State Park, with its dunes and scenic views of the Point Arena Lighthouse.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: This tour starts in Bodega, just a half hour drive from Petaluma, and there are fascinating coastal views and attractions all the way up to Point Arena and beyond. Further up the road is Mendocino, famous for its seaside landscapes and fine restaurants and lodgings.

WHAT: The drive from Bodega to Point arena can easily be done in a half-day, which makes it perfect for a day trip or an overnight getaway.

WHEN: Year-round, although the weather along the coast can change quickly and be quite unpredictable.

WHY: The California coast is a national treasure, and it simply lifts the spirits to see what Mother Nature has given us along this gorgeous stretch of Highway 1.

HOW: For more information on the Coast Guard House Historic Inn, phone 707-882-2442 or visit www.coastguardhouse.com.

BJ Bounds

If you’re not already on Point or PointCentral 7.2, now is the time!  Constantly changing Federal regulations have shaken up the foundation of the mortgage industry.  You’ll need this release in order to process loans in 2010.   

7.2 includes several new compliance requirements that have been added since our last release in August.  You must have these for January!

•  GFE Provider List:  An add-on to HUD’s final rule of the revised RESPA Rules that requires loan originators to provide a new standardized Good Faith Estimate (GFE) starting January 1, 2010, also requires mortgage companies to list service providers on a separate form attached to the GFE.  This add-on has been addressed with the addition of fields within the GFE forms and the ability to print the additional form on a single page.
• Transmittal Summary (1008):  Fannie Mae has updated this form, effective January 1, 1010, to include new project classification codes for Refi Plus™ loans secured by properties that are located in condominium, PUD, or cooperative projects and for projects approved through the Project Eligibility Review Service (PERS).  The new form includes the codes V Refi Plus, T PUD, and T Co-op.

 We will continue monitoring the industry and keeping you up to date on all new or upcoming regulation changes.  That’s why you need to keep your subscription current.  Trust us to keep you in compliance!

 If you need assistance in learning about your software or other topics, check out our available classes at http://www.calyxsoftware.com/training/schedule.asp.

Playing well for part of the game and coming up short in the end seems to be the trend following the Guelph Hurricanes these days.

Thursday night they faced a very good Waterloo Siskins ( 19-5-0 38 pts.) team at home and found themselves down 3-0 after the first period. Then they clawed their way back to outscore the Siskins 2-1 in the 2nd and 3rd period, eventually losing the game 4-2.

Saturday night they travelled to Cambridge (14-7-2 30 pts.) to take on the Winter Hawks in a game where they faced 52 shots, including 31 in the 2nd period. Cambridge scored 5 goals in that period and would go on to win the game 6-4.

Then the Canes visited Elmira (11-11-3 25 pts.) Sunday night and they finally avoided the one period let down and came away with a single point in a 3-2 shootout loss.

That point will be critical as teams jockey for playoff position. Currently Guelph sits 8th in the MidWestern Division and would face the top seeded Brantford Golden Eagles in the first round of the playoffs.

*Other GOJHL Notes:

The Stratford Cullitons snapped their 11 game losing streak Sunday afternoon with a 6-5 win over the Listowel Cyclones.

GOJHL’s leading scorer is Josh McQuade (Brantford Golden Eagles) is averaging 3 points per game (81 pts. in 27 games) and is on a pace to score 153 pts. this season.

Next home game for the Canes is Thursday December 3 when they face Josh McQuade and the 1st place Brantford Golden Eagles. Game time at the Sleeman Center is 7:45 p.m.

Snitching

In a society that thrives on images and adapts to lifestyles that aren’t necessarily belonging to everyone, the term snitching seems to saturate the topic of conversation. Taking a factual approach we find that snitching is to become an informant or revealing confidential information. Now no one can stand a rat or an untrustworthy comrade. Betrayal is a hard act to forgive and accept. There is no room for snitching or squealing. Or is it? As I’ve lived on this earth and walked the turf of many neighborhoods, every place has their own code of doing things. But across the board snitching is not allowed! To snitch or not to snitch. That really is the question! I’ve experienced and witnessed the misuse and manipulation of the law and grew a bitter feeling for a lot of the judicial system. I feel it’s better to resolve matters without the law due to this. They are human also! But as I grow wiser I place things in perspective. Due to not snitching: a father sits incarcerated not being able to raise his children, while his comrades are supposedly taking care of them. Due to not snitching the dope boys and out of control “children” run and ruin the neighborhood; with elders and kids afraid to go outside. Due to not snitching a girl grows up into a battered, abused, and sexually violated woman. Now I could respect this code of not snitching if morals were in order. If a person is flat out wrong or guilty, that sucker should own up to his “mess-ups”. What’s weird today though is everyday people seem to hold allegiance to those out doing wrong. And these everyday people are not affiliated with it or benefiting from it at all. Okay maybe they get to lie under the bed in fear of their life being taken but let’s not boast. I can even understand someone not snitching due to fright. They have to live there. But when the tables are turned and it is your house that has been burglarized or your child that has been murdered; what do people ask for on the evening news? In a pitiful voice, “Please turn yourself in” or “If anyone knows anything please call this number”. Well it is only what we are allowing!

POINT BLANK:

A lot of kids are compromised into bad situations and positions because they have no outlet and feel if they did tell they would be considered a snitch. They succumb to a messed up situation with someone they had no affiliation with. But what if he/she looks up to someone that promotes such a hush lifestyle. Hmmmm!

When your outline is complete and you are ready to write your first draft, many writers make a common mistake at this point. They try to “get it right” the first time. They may work on a paragraph for hours, fine-tuning the words until they are perfect. Writers thus shut off their creativity by insisting on profession.

Remember, the first draft is a working draft. It should be written quickly without too much thought to elegant expressions or final order and paragraphing. Your object is to get the material on paper to flash out the structure of your outline. Let the words flow. Start wherever you can—in the middle, even near the end. The opening or introduction can be completed later. Any weaknesses in logic or gaps in information, any points that are out of place can be corrected in the final version.

As you write the first draft, keep your audience in mind. Doing so will help you stay focused on the purpose of your work. Keep writing until you have completed the first draft.

My Consultancy–Asif J. Mir - Management Consultant–transforms organizations where people have the freedom to be creative, a place that brings out the best in everybody–an open, fair place where people have a sense that what they do matters. For details please visit www.asifjmir.com, and my Lectures.

This company has recently been added on Expopedia, the tradefair service finder. Visit our website for more information.

Elevation Point
Ryan Road 4081
Il 60031 Gurnee (United States)
More information about Elevation Point …

An overview of the available activities for Elevation Point …

• Stand construction: custom build

Waterloo’s relentless forecheck kept the Hurricanes on their heals most of the night and this created many scoring chances for the Siskins in their 4-2 win over the Guelph Thursday night at The Sleeman Centre.

Guelph's Martin Kudla battles Waterloo's Kevin Henriques for the puck

Except for 10 minutes in the 2^nd period, the Siskins were aggressive in taking the play to the Hurricanes.  

If it wasn’t for the stellar goaltending by Chris McDougall who turned away 40 of 44 shots, the score of this game could have easily mirrored the score in their last outing when Waterloo beat Guelph 8-0.

In the opening period, Waterloo fired 24 shots at McDougall and jumped out to a 3-0 lead on goals by Scott Nagy, Ryan Dilks and Andrew Csumrik.

Tyson Theaker pulled the Hurricanes within 2 with a goal 17 seconds into the second period.

Waterloo’s Tony Blyde restored the Siskin’s 3 goal lead 2 and a half minutes later.

The score stayed 4-1 until Peter Soligo scored on shot from the point after Siskins goalie Will Sibley stopped Nic MacEachern and Mike McFarlane on a 2 on 0.

The Hurricanes pulled their goalie late in the game but couldn’t get another one past Sibley.

Final Score: Waterloo (now 18-5-0) 4, Guelph (now 8-16-2) 2

The Hurricanes take to the road for their next 2 games, Saturday in Cambridge and Sunday in Elmira.

Guelph’s next home game will be next Thursday December 3^rd against the league leading Brantford Golden Eagles. Game time is 7:45 pm.

What is Motion Path?

Is a custom path usually alignedthat a graphic object follows across a powerpoint presentation.

So… the girl from the blind date read my last blog (I gave it to my friend and she passed it along). Only problem is that it made her feel kind of bad and me look like I was desperately impatient. And now that I re-read it from her perspective, I feel bad! Cause I can totally see her point.

Sure, I started off with the “Oh me! Oh my! How lame, oh lame, am I?” crap, but at the end it could easily be interpreted like I was putting it all on her by saying she now had my contact info but hadn’t contacted me! Like that’s fair! I’m the lame one that didn’t talk to her on our date! And, of course, that wasn’t what I meant (famous last words)! The part about her not contacting me yet was there for dramatic affect. Anyone that knows me knows I do that!

Oh, but wait, she doesn’t know me! I didn’t talk to her! How could she know that?

You know, sometimes, I can be really stupid!

But, there is a silver lining! We do still have the second date planned. It looks like it will be sooner then I originally thought (YAY!). And, best of all, she’s still looking forward to it! (thus the title of this post)

So, blind date girl (no I’m not giving you guys her name), if you happen to read this, please understand that while I may be an idiot at times, I’m usually a well-intentioned idiot. And, that I’m sorry for not talking to you in the first place. I promise, I totally plan on talking to you on our next date! In fact, I stopped on my way home tonight and bought some Miracle Grow (I checked, it says it works on nuts) just to make sure!

Still single… but hoping!

Scott

Oh, and just to clarify, this is not desperately impatient. This is anxious and excited.

OK… I really have to shut-up now!

Au Gratin Potatoes

(3 Points per Serving using skim milk)
8 Servings

.

1 sprays cooking spray
1 Tbsp butter
1 medium onion(s), thinly sliced
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cup fat-free skim milk (I prefer 2%)
2 pounds Yukon Gold potato(es), thinly sliced
1 cup low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat a 2-quart covered baking dish with cooking spray.

.
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in flour; add milk slowly, stirring. Add potatoes and stir to mix. Bring to a boil. Stir in 3/4 cup of cheese, salt and pepper.

.
Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and level out surface. Bake for 1 hour, uncovered. Cover and bake until potatoes are fork-tender, about 20 minutes more.

.
Change oven temperature to broil. Sprinkle remaining cheese over potatoes. Broil 6 inches from the heating element until the cheese is golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before slicing into 8 pieces.

~~~

~~~

Yum, yum!  These potatoes are worth the effort!

These portraits illustrate why

I normally like photographing

landscapes. No two-way 

conversation is necessary.

Once I see what I like the most

about their personality, I point

and shoot. For most portraits,

it is  necessary to talk to

the subject to develop the most 

cursory of relationships prior

to pushing the button to expose

the subject’s personality.

Stephen K. Malshuk

American Photographer

3109710    หลักการวิเคราะห์พิษภัยและการควบคุมจุดวิกฤติ    Principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point

หลักการวิเคราะห์และแก้ปัญหาด้านสุขศาสตร์และคุณภาพในกระบวนการผลิตอาหาร

(Principles of analysis and solutions of problems in hygiene and quality of food processing.)

(3109710 จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย)

to drive the point/message home - объяснять (доказывать) свою точку зрения приводя существенные доводы

I’m explaining to my daughter the dangers of drinking and driving and to really drive the point home, I showed her pictures of accident victims. It was gruesome, but I think she gets it now.

The speaker really drove his message home, repeating his main point several times.

Чтобы запомнить: доставить точку зрения на свое место (в дом) т.е. так чтобы она была востребована (принята)

L’approccio di Cyberoam è invece quello di estendere la sua offerta di sicurezza dal gateway all’end point rispondendo alle esigenze di protezione dati anche delle piccole e medie imprese oltre che delle aziende di grandi dimensioni.

La suite End Point Data Protection di Cyberoam () assicura un controllo delle policy basato sia sulle singole identità utente che sui gruppi, nonché il tracciamento delle attività al fine di fornire un controllo esaustivo e piena visibilità sulle attività di trasferimento dati su dispositivi removibili (come USB o CD/DVD), o attraverso applicazioni web o di posta elettronica o tramite le funzioni di chat e instant messaging delle soluzioni di network sharing come Messanger e Skype.

Grazie a Horus Informatica, distributore italiano a valore aggiunto di soluzioni di sicurezza, è possibile per i lettori di Computerworld Italia scaricare dal nostro sito una della nuova soluzione di Cyberoam utilizzabile per 30 giorni con una licenza fino a 10 utenti.

Il Gruppo Volkswagen e il MIT al lavoro su AIDA, un robot in grado di assistere gli automobilisti nella guida meglio di un navigatore

Fonte:
http://www.cwi.it/notizia/19383/2009-11-23/La-protezione-degli-end-point-anche-per-piccole-e-medie-imprese.html

Point Reyes is an amazing preserved part of the California coastline that is just like a little bit of the Irish Coast.

But this is not Ireland. This is the Point Reyes Seashore, a couple walking along the road an awe-inspiring landscape that brings together the land and the sea in a concoction sure to stimulate the senses. Broad, sweeping, rolling hills of green work their way to the craggy cliffs that signal the beginning of the Pacific Ocean. Best of all, this area is relatively untouched by man. Altogether there are 125 miles of trails and most times you won’t be bothered by droves of other tourists.

A weekend away and a world apart might be a good way to summarize a getaway to the Pointe Reyes Seashore, a startling contrast with the metropolitan area that is so close to the south. In fact, once you cross the Golden Gate Bridge, or perhaps the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge coming from the East Bay area, there is a definite line of demarcation between city and country. Oh, there are cities up here all right — but it’s obvious this part of the Bay area was built up by people who wanted to leave the bustle of the city behind them when they retreated from a demanding day at the office.

One of the scenic ways to reach the Point Reyes Seashore is to cross on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge and turn off on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, a slow, meandering two-lane road that weaves in between the forested hills and mountains of Marin County and other locales north of San Francisco. Once we exited onto Sir Francis Drake, we passed a bay full of ferryboats waiting to return to the city to bring commuters home for the evening. Then the road took us deeper into forests that we never realized were there.

Check out San Anselmo for antiques, with more antique stores for a small town than just about any other place in California. More than 130 antique dealers are tucked into just a few blocks of this inviting small town where tree-lined streets and historic architecture suggest a quiet, simple life enhanced by the natural beauty of the forested hills and many nearby vistas.

A little further up the road is the Samuel P. Taylor State Park with its 2,700 acres of redwood forests and grassland. It’s a quiet place to stop a boat lying on its side on landor a picnic. Enjoy the sounds of the babbling brook, the wind gently rustling the trees and the scenic splendor that made this the first park in California that was set aside specifically for city people to go visit.

Just about an hour’s drive from the San Francisco Bay, we reached our base of operations while in the Point Reyes area — the Point Reyes Seashore Lodge. While not actually on the seashore — there are no lodgings on this part of the coast — this comfortable country inn is located very close to the action. The Seashore area’s Bear Valley Visitor Center is just a two-minute drive from the lodge, and the town of Point Reyes is only a little bit farther.

Even without the seashore nearby, the Point Reyes Seashore Lodge is an enchanting retreat of its own with its unique architecture — kind of a cross between a Cape Cod mansion and a modern hunting lodge — and its peaceful grounds. The lodge is located in the tiny town of Olema, where Sir Francis Drake meets Coastal Highway 1. There are a couple of restaurants in town and not much else, but our suite at the lodge offered a warm fire, plenty of reading materials and a gorgeous view from our balcony overlooking the lawns, walkways and streams that are all part of the inn’s two-acre backyard.

After settling in, we took one look at the sunny weather and decided it was time to quickly make our way out to the far reaches of the Point Reyes Seashore — about a 45-minute drive from the inn — where we wanted to visit the famed Point Reyes Lighthouse. Weather in this part of California is a little tricky. Fog can come at any time of the year, although the tendency in winter is for it to be foggy in the interior, yet clear out on the coastline. In summer, that often is reversed.

During our winter visit, we enjoyed clear views all the way out to the Seashore as we drove along the “Irish” countryside, making our way ever closer to the spectacular cliffs leading to the sea. Along the two-lane country road, Point Reyes Lighthouse encountered several historic dairy farms that the National Park Service is allowing operators to maintain. Fascinating to us were the numbers of deer we were encountering throughout the area — not just a deer or two, but clusters of them and all pretty tame.

Along the way to the lighthouse, we saw several signs for roads leading to the park’s many beaches. We took a little side trip down to Drake’s Beach where it is surprising to see, on this pristine beach, a National Park Service restaurant. This and other Point Reyes beaches are wilderness beaches that seem to put you in tune with Nature. An airplane could have you in San Francisco in 10 minutes — but this felt like the other side of the world.

At the end of the road was the lighthouse, an easy—if slightly uphill—15-minute walk from where vehicles are parked. The lighthouse is way out on a cliff and, just beyond, there are miles and miles of open sea. From the Lighthouse Visitor Center it is a 308-step walk down to the lighthouse — which is also 308 steps back up. Many visitors are content to enjoy the views from the observation area. On the day we were there, those views included several migrating whales that are easily visible with binoculars.

Near the lighthouse are several trails that take you out to breathtaking ledges where there the powerful sea washes onto the rocky coastline hundreds of feet below.

After a fair amount of exploring, we next drove our way back to the Bear Valley Visitor Center to get some maps and information for further exploration of the preserve. It soon became obvious that our quick overnight trip to Point Reyes would only scratch the surface of the natural attractions in this area. In the north part of the preserve, for example, you can find herds of elk. Or you can take a short walk from the Visitor Center up to Kule Loklo, a replica of a Coast Miwok Indian Village.

We took a little hike from the Visitor Center along the Earthquake Trail, where the path follows the San Andreas fault line. It’s incredible when you see just how much the ground moved during the 1906 earthquake — the two sections now are 20 feet apart.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: Point Reyes National Seashore is just an hour’s drive north of the San Francisco Bay area. It’s easy to include in any Northern California vacation itinerary.

WHAT: The park is an expansive area that, for the most part, has been left untouched by man and offers a close-up look at the rugged natural beauty of the California coastline.

WHEN: Year-round. Temperatures in the area are moderate, although fog can develop. Always check for travel deals and vacation packages during the shoulder seasons. Last minute travel deals are sometimes possible, depending upon the lodging operator.

WHY: The park provides easy access to a wide variety of trails and natural attractions sure to appeal to visitors of all ages. There are other attractions not too far away: Drive inland a ways and you’ll start to come across several California wineries. Even the big city’s not far away with San Francisco just an hour’s drive. If you’re looking for variety, this is a great place to go for your Northern California vacation.

HOW: For more information on Point Reyes National Seashore, go to www.nps.gov/pore/. For more information on Point Reyes Seashore Lodge, phone (415) 663-9000 or visit www.pointreyesseashore.com.

Die früheren Konsolen Spiele auf Gamecube waren ja schon eine Pracht für sich und überzeugten mit typischen Rollenspielelementen vermischt mit toller Hardware. Jetzt versucht man ein neues Spielkonzept für Nintendo's Wii auf dem Hauseigenen Downloadservice WiiWare. Seht selbst, wie gut "Rumble" wirklich ist!

Ein neues Pokémon Spiel kommt für WiiWare heraus. Wir haben den Titel unter die Lupe genommen und werden hier unsere Meinung zu dem Nebenspiel sagen.

Was ist Pokémon Rumble?

Pokémon Rumble ist der Mix aus Beat em Up und Action Adventure. Man hat ein Pokémon, dass man selbst spielt und kann mit Hilfe zwei verschiedener Attacken die Gegner besiegen. Hierbei handelt es sich aber nicht um rundenbasierte Kämpfe, sondern um Echzeit. Das sieht auf den ersten Blick vielleicht nicht einfach aus, sollte aber nur die jüngeren Spieler und Leser beanspruchen. Noch etwas ganz wichtiges: Pokémon Rumble ist kein richtiges Pokémon RPG und ordnet sich auch nicht in die normale Chronologie ein. Die Grafik erinnert nicht nur stark an “My Pokémon Ranch”, es waren auch die selben Macher am Werk. Das lässt sich bemerkbar bei der mittelmäßigen Grafik machen, und dem recht simplen Aufbau der Steuerung. Man kann zwei  Tasten (die 1 und 2 Tasten) mit Attacken belegen und muss dann durch linear aufgebaute Welten wandern und Gegner besiegen. Wenn man dann genügend Welten hat, kommt es zu einem größeren Tunier, dass man bewältigen darf. Jeder besiegte Gegner dropt verschiedene Items, meistens Geld, selten auch eine Spielfigur. Spielfiguren sind die Wesen die man spielt, die mit Hilfe eines Wunderschlüssels aufgezogen werden.

Wie spielt man Pokémon Rumble?

Zunächst braucht man eine Nintendo Wii sowie einen Internetzugang. Wenn man dann den Nintendo Shop Kanal besucht, kann man unter der Rubrik WiiWare gegen Wiipoints (100 Wiipoints entsprechen 1€) Spiele eintauschen. 1500 Wii Points kostet der Titel und ist damit einer der teueren Titel. Zwar ist der Umfang recht groß, ältere Spieler sind aber sehr schnell gelangweilt, da einfach das lineare System irgendwann keinen Spaß mehr macht. Es gibt einen Koop-Modus, mit dem man bis zu viert an einer Konsole spielen kann, hierbei überzeugt übrigens die Funktion, einen Nunchuck anzuschließen und diesen dann als vollwertigen Controller zusätzlich zu benutzen. Hierbei kann man sogar ohne zusätzliche Controller zu zweit spielen. Dennoch ist der Preis

Ein Bossgegner

unserer Meinung etwas teuer. Steuerungstechnisch spielt man Pokémon Rumble entweder mit WiiRemote oder WiiRemote + Nunchuck, Classic Controller soll angeblich auch gehen, hier müssen wir gestehen, dass wir das nicht nachgeprüft haben. Unnötig wäre diese Kompatibilität allerdings schon ein bisschen.

Sonstige Anmerkungen:

Die Grafik überzeugt nicht, die Steuerung ist viel zu simpel und auch ansonsten bietet der Titel nicht wirklich viel. Wenn man mal wieder ein kleines Mini-Abenteuer, dass etwas Länge bietet, spielen will, dann kann man gerne zuschlagen, allerdings ist das kein wirklich guter WiiWare Titel. Alternativen gibt es in dem Bereich auf Wii noch nicht, man kann allerdings man Lost Winds 2 probieren, dass ebenso viel kostet und deutlich mehr bietet!

Its weird how I am usually the one trying to console others, willing to listen to their problems. Always trying to be empathetic about what others are going through. Yet maybe I might just be the one who needs the consoling.

I think I am at a point where I am just tired of beating myself up. I am in need of some darn good news. Maybe its the toll of not seeing my family in so long, or being stuck here without a job, or maybe its just the loneliness, craving a partner, or better yet maybe its a combination of everything I just mentioned. Regardless of whatever it is, I am sick of the negativity and its time things start turning around.

Is it arrogance to expect better out of life? Doubt it. I look around at what my peers are doing and can’t help but think I am behind the curve. On the other hand, I also look at some of the things I have embarked on and think to myself, wait a minute, maybe its the opposite.

It just sucks to put so much effort into something and not see the benefits, at least not yet.

I had an interview last week, the lady talked glowingly about my empathetic skills and calm demeanor. I was almost tempted to tell her, if only you knew what was going through my mind. Most likely I get the job, which is bittersweet in that I need the money but wish I didn’t have to do that.

I need my batteries recharged. Need to get out of here. Heck need me some damn good sex lol. Whatever the case, it wouldn’t hurt getting a vacation. Maybe seeing my parents again would do it.

I heard New Moon has shattered opening day records and I am thinking too myself, wait a minute, I have got a bunch of ideas like that but yet have no one to give them to. Truly frustrating, but then again I am reminded, I am still young and have got all this time ahead of me. See that’s the crutch, it always reverts back to the age thing and how much of it I have or think I have. Quite frankly, I hate it. Age should never be an excuse. What does it matter if I am successful now or at the age of 40? I have stories to tell now, I dont want to have to wait 20 years from now to get a shot.

Its thoughts like this that constantly run through my mind. I just wish it weren’t the case.

We have a large inventory of new parts for Ford tractors (1939 and later), New Holland, Bolens, Troy-Bilt, Kohler, Tecumseh, and Briggs and Stratton.

Online Parts Lookup Tool

Contact Alan at 717-896-3414 or parts_sweigardbros@yahoo.com

We also have a large inventory of NOS (New Old Stock) parts for Ford tractor, New Holland, Dearborn, Ferguson, Bolens, Troy-Bilt, Garden Way, Fordson Major, Fordson Dexta, Ford 6000, 9N, 2N, 8N, NAA, Golden Jubilee, 600, 601, 800, 801, 900, 901, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, New Idea,  Avco, Woods, Wood Brothers, Tecumseh, Lauson, Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Sauder, and others.  Give us a call or send an email.  We will be happy to check if we have it.

We also have hard to find plow shares, moldboards, landsides, shins, coulter parts and other plow parts to fit Ford, Dearborn, and Ferguson.

Photographed by Ben Harris-Roxas

Taken at the southern end of Umina beach on the New South Wales Central Coast. Pearl Beach and Patonga are just around that point.

– License