Sorry, Readability was unable to parse this page for content.
Source: http://www.facebook.com/unwatch/posts/10151514161531561
Animal Crossing New Leaf wwdc santa monica college Shannon Richardson Terrilynn Monette Belmont Stakes National Donut Day
Friday, August 2, 2013
Golf: Simpson sets the pace at Bridgestone Invitational
AKRON, United States: Former US Open champion Webb Simpson set the early pace and his six-under 64 held up to take the first-round lead at the Bridgestone Invitational on Thursday.
Despite a bogey on his final hole, the par-four ninth, Simpson finished with a one-stroke lead over Sweden's Henrik Stenson, whose round included an eagle at the par-five second hole.
World number one Tiger Woods was among a group of four players sharing third place, two strokes off the lead at the Firestone Country Club.
Woods, a seven-time winner of the event, was joined at four-under by England's Chris Wood, Ryan Moore and defending champion Keegan Bradley -- who had four birdies and no bogeys.
Jim Furyk, Luke Donald and Rickie Fowler -- who all notched runner-up finishes in the event -- posted three-under 67s and shared seventh place with Jason Dufner, Bubba Watson and Bill Haas.
Woods's effort included six birdies and two bogeys. He hit 10 of 14 fairways and all but two greens in regulation.
"It was a little blustery today," Woods said. "Wind was up, greens were soft. But at least the ball was flying. And even though it was a little wetter because of the rain, with it being this warm, the ball is still travelling."
Phil Mickelson, teeing it up for the first time since winning the British Open, carded a two-over par 72.
"I certainly didn't want to shoot over par and leave myself this far back after the first day," Mickelson said. "But my game feels sharp. I feel like I'm rolling the ball well. Tomorrow if I can just mentally see it a little clearer, I should have a good day."
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, who will defend his PGA Championship title next week, recovered from a double bogey six at the par-four 10th to finish at even par 70 for the round.
Simpson, the 2012 US Open champion, is playing the Bridgestone for the first time. He qualified last year, but didn't play because of the birth of his second child.
Simpson rolled in a 17-footer for his first birdie of the day at the 13th, drained a 20-footer for another at 15, and launched a run of four straight birdies at 17.
Simpson cooled off with a bogey at the third, but he added birdies at six and seven -- sinking a 30-footer at the sixth -- before capping his round with a bogey at the last where he missed the green.
"Did a lot of things well today and made a lot putts," Simpson said. "Just played really good solid golf. I missed a couple left today with some iron shots, so I've got something to work on, even on days like today."
Stenson opened with a birdie, then drained a 31-footer for eagle at the second.
He landed his approach two feet from the pin for a birdie at 11, and birdied the par-three 12th from within three feet.
"Birdie-eagle start, you can't get any better than that," said Stenson, who didn't have a bogey. "I feel I'm playing nicely and just doing my job on every hole."
Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/golf-simpson-sets-the/763720.html
ncaa basketball scores Harry Reems ncaa basketball ncaa tournament schedule March Madness Live Google Keep ncaa scores
Bryce Harper said about the Washington Nationals now being 10 12 games back in the NL East We play the Braves nine (more) gam...
8:15 PM: AnnArbor.com reports a University of Michigan tennis coach gave birth in the parking lot of Michigan Stadium after traffic & street construction prevented her from reaching the hospital in time.
8:00 PM: From The Onion: "Report: Alex Rodriguez Has Asked 4 In 5 Americans For Steroids"
7:45 PM: Middle Tennessee State announced Wednesday it has dismissed three football players who were arrested on assault and aiding & abetting charges earlier this month. Defensive tackles J.D. Jones & Marcus Robinson and cornerback Rodney O'Neal were previously suspended after their arrests.
7:30 PM: North Carolina QB Drew Davis, son of former Tar Heels coach Butch Davis, is leaving the school to transfer to Coffeyville Community College in Kansas.
7:15 PM: The Baltimore Orioles announce pitcher Bud Norris, who was acquired from the Houston Astros on Wednesday, will start against the Astros on Thursday.
7:00 PM: Houston Rockets player Terrence Jones has pleaded not guilty to charges of stomping on the leg of a homeless man in Portland, Oregon early Wednesday morning.
6:45 PM: Lakers player Steve Nash shares a photo from his Tuesday tryout with Italian soccer club Inter Milan: "Didn't quite make the Guinness @intchampionscup but man do I look a player (not)! Had a blast today!"
6:30 PM: Rory McIlory said on Wednesday that he hadn't heard Gary Player's comments about McIlroy needing to "find the right wife": "I don't really know, all I know is I've got a lot of respect for the man, and he's someone that I definitely look up to."
6:15 PM: Philadelphia Eagles receiver Riley Cooper went on Twitter to apologize after video surfaced of him using the n-word at a Kenny Chesney concert: "I am so ashamed and disgusted with myself .... What I did was wrong and I will accept the consequences."
6:00 PM: The Houston Astros have traded pitcher Bud Norris to the Baltimore Orioles for outfielder L.J. Hoes, pitcher Josh Hader & a 2014 draft pick. Norris was the Astros' highest-paid player, earning $3 million this season.
5:45 PM: KNXV-TV profiles Megan Welter, an Arizona Cardinals cheerleader who previously served as a U.S. Army platoon leader in Iraq.
5:30 PM: Photo of Chicago Blackhawks player & St. Louis area native Brandon Bollig hoisting the Stanley Cup from the pitcher's mound inside Busch Stadium on Wednesday.
5:15 PM: KPTV shares a slideshow of the Oregon Ducks' new six-story, $41 million football performance center which opened this week.
5:00 PM: CrossingBroad.com has video of Philadelphia Eagles receiver Riley Cooper at a Kenny Chesney concert at Lincoln Financial Field last month, with an agitated Cooper saying: "I will jump that fence and fight every n****r here, bro."
4:45 PM: Photo of UConn women's basketball player Stefanie Dolson giving President Obama bunny ears during the Huskies' visit to the White House on Wednesday.
Source: http://www.sportsbybrooks.com/sbblive?eid=54627
megamillions winners university of louisville louisville ky lotto winners mega ball winning numbers baltimore county current tv
One in three U. S. youths report being victims of dating violence
[unable to retrieve full-text content]About one in three American youths age 14-20 say they?ve been of victims of dating violence and almost one in three acknowledge they?ve committed violence toward a date, according to new study.
Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/WsP8M5J2b4U/130731152208.htm
Survivor Philippines Fashion Island shooting Victor Cruz nfl standings Vicki Soto Adam Lanza cnbc
Why shopaholics overspend? Poor credit management, buying to boost mood, study says
[unable to retrieve full-text content]Why do shopping addicts keep spending even in the face of harmful financial, emotional and social consequences? A new study suggests poor credit management and a belief that new purchases will create a happier life fuel compulsive buying.
Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/living_well/~3/OSoDwyizqos/130801142426.htm
Turkey Cooking Time Kmart Black Friday PlanetSide 2 sweet potato casserole Pumpkin Pie Recipe wii u wii u
Vermont Health Connect Announces Final Plans for Health ...
WINOOSKI -?Vermont Health Connect announced today the health insurance plans available to Vermonters through the health insurance marketplace starting this October. The plans give Vermonters a range of meaningful health coverage choices at premiums that are comparable to those available in the market today. Through Vermont Health Connect, Vermonters will be able to compare up to 18 plans and premiums side-by-side and, for many, have access to financial help to lower the cost of the plans.
?I am very pleased that Vermont is the first state in the nation to finalize both its premiums and its choices for its health insurance marketplace,? said Governor Peter Shumlin. ?We are committed to bringing Vermonters a clear, affordable way to choose health insurance this fall.?
?
?All health insurance plans offered through Vermont Health Connect are designed to meet the needs of individuals, families and small business owners across the state,? said Mark Larson, Commissioner of the Department of Vermont Health Access. ?Vermonters have been asking about what they should expect, and we are pleased to provide individuals and small businesses the time to review their options between now and the start of open enrollment this October.?
?
The plans are offered at four levels: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. The levels vary in the amount of premium versus out-of-pocket costs, and those purchasing as individuals and employees alike may pick the plan that best meets their medical needs and budget. All plans offer the same quality benefits, including preventive care, mental health services, and dental and vision coverage for children. The lowest rates, before financial help is applied, for individual monthly premiums at each of these levels average to: $347.80 for Bronze, $426.35 for Silver, $505.45 for Gold and $588.55 for Platinum. Also through Vermont Health Connect, catastrophic plans are available to some people under 30 years old, and adults can purchase Delta Dental benefits.
The average single Vermonter making $35,000 per year would qualify for financial assistance and pay about $230 per month for a Bronze plan. A family of three making $60,000 per year would qualify for financial assistance and pay about $340 per month for a Bronze family plan.
?
David Crosby, Executive Vice President of MVP Commercial Business, said, ?We are happy to be part of the State of Vermont?s quest to transform the currently fragmented health care delivery system to one that is seamless and organized around preventive health and community systems. The work we have done in Vermont to support health improvement, access and affordability will allow MVP to become an integral part of the health care solution throughout the State.?
?
?We are very pleased that our Exchange products and prices have now been finalized,? said Don George, President and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont. ?Our goal was to assure that Vermont?s small businesses and individuals have a strong choice of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont health care coverage options available to them through Vermont Health Connect. Now, we look forward to working with the state and with others over the next few months to explain those options and assist businesses and individuals in this important transition to a new way of purchasing health care coverage.?
?
For the first time, starting this October Vermonters will be able to go to one place to compare plans side-by-side, determine if they are eligible for public plans and, for many, access financial help to lower the cost of their plans. Assistance is available on-line, by phone, or in-person for Vermonters who want support selecting a plan that best meets their unique medical needs and budget.
?
?
Follow Vermont Health Connect on:
?
Source: http://governor.vermont.gov/newsroom-gov-shumlin-final-vt-health-connect-plans
KDKA Pumpkin Carving Ideas Hurricane Sandy path sandy Time Change 2012 news 12 world series
Appealing To The Romantic, Empathic Gamer: A Q&A With Silicon ...
Only last month, George Lucas spoke at a games industry event, saying that he thinks the ?big game of the next five years will be a game?aimed at women and girls.? For an industry still primarily focused on appealing to men, that could be quite a shift for the future. While I don?t have a crystal ball to see what?s to come, I reckon one source of such a game is Silicon Sisters. It?s the first female-owned and run video game studio in Canada, and it?s already achieved some success with high school-focused School 26 and School 26: Summer of Secrets.
Brenda Bailey Gershkovitch with co-founder, Kirsten Forbes.
Brenda Bailey Gershkovitch, CEO of Silicon Sisters, was kind enough to find time in her busy schedule to discuss women gamers, empathy in games, and reveal some information on the firm?s latest title, Everlore.
148apps: Empathy is a primary issue that both George Lucas and Steven Spielberg feel games need to overcome in order to progress as a medium, do you agree?
Brenda Bailey Gershkovitch (BBG): I guess that depends on how you perceive progress. If amazing graphics and incredible physics are your criteria, then we are very advanced as a medium. But if, like the filmmakers mentioned, you view the ability of the storyteller to connect with their audience in a more emotional and meaningful way, then I think empathy is an important tool. And there are some games that have done that incredibly well. Playing The Walking Dead can rip your heart out. But as an industry, we have lots of room to play this out more fully in our storytelling. We also have a fairly limited repertoire of voices through which we tell stories, and that can expand and be part of the growth of our medium as well. The market is expanding and needs to expand further, and expanded voice and perspective are part of that change.
Telltale Games?s The Walking Dead.
148apps: Do you think women gamers solely need empathy and romance, or is something else needed in order to encourage the female market further?
BBG: I think that women gamers are a huge and growing segment and that no one or two things can possibly define what they would like to enjoy in this medium. I think it?s parallel to other forms of entertainment like film or books. Would we think that because rom-coms exist, that means women won?t have interest in sci-fi or thrillers or animated films or historical films or documentaries? Silicon Sisters is building romance games not to limit the market, but to expand the range of choices in the market, which we feel is somewhat limited currently.
148apps: What games do you feel encapsulate empathy and romance the best at the moment?
BBG: I think Bioware is nailing a lot of this right now. So are some of the smaller more innovate indie games. I am playing a little game out of Vancouver Film School called Allie and the storytelling is terrific. As I mentioned above, the empathy and moral dilemmas in The Walking Dead or The Last of Us are really compelling. Silicon Sisters Interactive?s first title, School 26, is a game based on empathy and we?ve had more than 700,00 downloads in 30 countries. Girls ages 12-16 love that game, and empathy is the primary mechanic.
Silicon Sisters? School 26.
148apps: A recent study has found nearly half the female population already game, a marked improvement on past years. Is a game specifically designed for women really needed at this point? Does that gender divide need to be created?
BBG: This question always seems a bit weird to me. Why are we uncomfortable with games made for women or girls? (More so than with books written for women or movies targeted at women?) Why does this make us so uncomfortable? We segment markets all the time ? it doesn?t mean anything beyond the idea that a market can be well served if a product is designed for them specifically, and built with them in mind. What gets my Irish up is when games are very haphazardly and disrespectfully built for women and girls ? the ?pink it and shrink it? model. These games are usually not designed from the ground up with that market in mind. Often, in the old days of manufactured product, these games had smaller budgets, lesser teams and were ?guy games? quickly re-wrapped for girls. These games often tried to reach the female audience through cheap tactics like lots of pink and throwing in a cute animal or two. That?s not game design. But games that really look for mechanics that connect with women and girls or that are designed from the very beginning with them in mind are a good thing, I think. Of course, there will always be games that appeal to both sexes and that?s great, but having segmented games isn?t a problem. It?s respectful of the audience you are trying to serve.
Forthcoming title, Everlore.
148apps: Why do you think, historically, women have been slower than men to take up gaming?
BBG: Women have always played games. Croquet, Mahjong, Poker, Cribbage, Rummy, Charades, Solitaire ? you name it, women have historically enjoyed all types of games. That we have been less connected to computer-based gaming than men have is complicated and related to both who makes the product and who they make it for, as well as the endemic sexism in technology and education worldwide. Remember, women are dealing with the hangover of some pretty nasty limits to education, and it takes time for this stuff to level out.
To share an example, my Grandma was in the first class of women admitted to our provincial university, and even though she and her classmates were paying course fees, the first assignment given the female students was used to remove rocks on the playing field for the men?s sports teams. Moreover, as women?s roles have extended post WWII further into public life, our domestic responsibilities have not been equally redistributed, resulting in women generally having less free time than men. So, the fact that women haven?t been making the games, the games have not been made (historically) for a primarily female audience, and that women generally have less free time in their lives have all contributed to this medium not being equally subscribed to by men and women.
This is now all in flux. Smaller mobile games allow busy women to game anytime, anywhere?and they are. More women are entering the game development world, and men in the game development world aren?t 20 years old anymore?they?re fathers and husbands and many care deeply about creating great content for the female audience. These factors are conspiring to open gaming up to women and we are seeing the results reflected in the numbers.
Everlore?s romance.
148apps: Why do you think people are so apprehensive to include romance or intimate relations in games?
BBG: I can?t speak for why other studios aren?t doing it more, but I can say it is by far the toughest thing any of our developers have experienced. Romance is difficult to deliver in gameplay, and writing intelligent romance dialogue for games is really difficult. We had a number of writers help us on this project because it was just so difficult to get the narrative to be romantic and pithy rather than flowery and long. I think we nailed it in the end, but it was a long and difficult build.
148apps: Will there be the opportunity for any same-sex relationships within Everlore?
BBG: Up until our alpha build, Rose had the ability to have a romantic relationship with her closest friend, Fendrel. However, a lesbian friend pointed out to me that having only one lesbian choice and multiple heterosexual choices felt a lot like tokenism. She had a number of helpful suggestions, all of which would have taken more time and money than we had access to. It was a difficult decision, but in the end, we removed that option.
Everlore?s dialogue.
148apps: Will Everlore be relatively open for those players who might not want to follow a set path?
BBG: Everlove is all about choice. Your outcomes are based on the choices you make, and there are a host of variables and permutations in the game. This is fun because it also leads to lots of re-playability.
148apps: It?s a question I long to not be relevant one day, but how have you found the industry to be for women? Is there a stigma attached to being a female dev, or does it not really matter any more?
BBG: I wish it didn?t matter, but no, that has not been my experience. I do think it has been both positive and negative though. When I was the only women in a room vying for the attention of a publishing executive, it was easy to make a lasting impression. I?m not just another t-shirt clad dude with a beard, so when I say something intelligent, the speaker is more likely to remember me because I look different. On the downside, there are days when the sexism makes you want to poke your eyes out. But all and all, most of the people in this industry are completely awesome to work with, and I love it.
One of the puzzles in Everlore.
148apps: Who do you think is the best female role model in gaming? Either in terms of someone in the industry, or a character.
BBG: There are many. I think Leigh Alexander is doing some good stuff on the journalism front. I think Anita Sarkesian is saying a lot of the hard things to say that need to be said. Jessica Tams who runs Causal Connect is amazing and does a ton for women in the industry, and she?s a PhD in computer science to boot. My business partner, Kirsten Forbes, who has been in the industry as a producer for 14 years, is an amazing role model to lots of women entering the industry, and has continuously tackled bringing high quality product to market, whether building the CSI franchise at Activision / Radical or in co-founding Silicon Sisters Interactive.
Many thanks to Brenda for answering our questions. Everlore is set for release later this month. We?ll be sure to take a look at it when it does. School 26 and School 26: Summer of Secrets are out now.
Tagged with: Brenda Bailey Gershkovitch, Empathy, Everlore, George Lucas, Kirsten Forbes, Leigh Alexander, romance, Romantic Gaming, School 26, School 26: Summer of Secrets, silicon sisters, Steven Spielberg, The Last of Us, the walking dead, Women Gamers
Review disclosure: note that the product reviewed on this page may have been provided to us by the developer for the purposes of this review. Note that if the developer provides the product or not, this does not impact the review or score.
weather channel Kaepernick Eddie Vanderdoes puppy bowl national pancake day bar refaeli Paul Harvey
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)