Easy mode will ruin a game, says Assassin's Creed dev | Lazygamer ...

Some games out there, are ludicrously easy, even when the challenge has been amped up to 11. Titles like The Amazing Spider-Man, or Star Wars The Force Unleashed 2, which played like a high budget title that had training wheels attached to it. And that?s generally not a very good thing to have on your new game, something which Assassin?s Creed 3 creative director Alex Hutchinson believes can ruin the enjoyment of the game.

?A lot of games have been ruined by easy modes,? Hutchinson said to EDGE. ?If you have a cover shooter and you switch it to easy and you don?t have to use cover, you kind of broke your game. You made a game that is essentially the worst possible version of your game.?

Hutchinson then also demonstrated this problem, citing examples of how other media such as movies and books needed to be broad in order to attract as many people as possible to spend some cash on it, something that video games should not have to worry about.

?It?s like if I picked up a book and it said, ?Do you want the easy version or the complicated version??? Hutchinson said. As usual, Assassin?s Creed 3 won?t have options when it comes to difficulty modes, and will instead have one set level of challenges. The variety here though, is that AC3 will instead reward players by asking them to complete certain tasks during a mission, goals which are difficult to accomplish.

It?s not the first time that? ?Easy Mode? has been in the headlines this week, after Dark Souls director Hidetaka Miyazaki mentioned that his notoriously difficult game might receive such an option, in order to draw more people in.

And while it is great to have a genuinely challenging experience in a game, sometimes, you can alienate audiences by making things too hard on them. What do you guys think, should games have options there for less skilled players, or should we keep things set at maximum challenge?

Source: http://www.lazygamer.net/general-news/easy-mode-will-ruin-a-game-says-assassins-creed-dev/

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Turkishspine.org - Shopping and Product Reviews

The historical Gorham silver was founded in 1831 by Jabez Gorham, a master craftsman at Providence, Rhode Island. The company?s major item was?Gorham silver spoons though they also produced small products like combs, thimbles and jewelry. When Gorham?s son, John, [?] ? Read the rest of this entry?

Source: http://www.turkishspine.org/shopping-and-product-reviews/09/03/46/

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NZ's No. 8 wire approach 'hampers global business growth' | Voxy ...

Grant Thornton New Zealand?s Director of People and Culture and MBA student, Vicki Caisley has recently returned from a two-week Massey University study tour of the United States (US) looking at international business models and innovation.

Stories abound of New Zealand businesses, large and small, falling over when they try to go off-shore and make it in larger markets. Some succeed brilliantly but these seem to be few and far between. Vicki talked to a wide range of US business people from large corporates to start-ups and met with a number of Kiwi?s working in the US market and gained a number of valuable insights along the way.

Strengthening a firm?s expertise by "letting other people in to help" and ditching the "No. 8 wire mentality" are two crucial steps she believes that New Zealand companies must take if they are to succeed in the international arena - or at least the US market

Many successful New Zealand businesses are built on the back of successful entrepreneurs who have an innovative concept and business model but then hang on and try to do everything themselves. We talk admiringly of the ?jack of all trades?, or ?no 8 wire? mentality as a cornerstone of Kiwi culture and innovation.

Undoubtedly these qualities have led to many promising New Zealand start-ups, but "this business culture can hamper building a business of sufficient global scale and their ability to compete internationally" says Vicki.

We talk of the new age where geography doesn?t matter but in reality strong businesses are built from strong relationships with the people who can open the right doors for us. And this means investing time and energy in building networks. This can?t be done with one fleeting visit to the market once a year.

Like it or not, we can?t change our size and our geographic location therefore we need to acknowledge our limitations and enlist expertise when needed. By surrounding ourselves with experts who hold the skill sets we haven?t personally mastered and ensuring we have a team who are focussing our product or service towards the local customer?s needs, we will ensure that our business is building, even when we aren?t there. A perfect example of this is Zoom Systems, founded by Kiwi entrepreneur Gower Smith. Born in Dannevirke and now based in San Francisco, Gower is inspirational in terms of what Kiwis can achieve in the global market. Zoom Systems designs high-end automated retail shops (Zoomshops). These are essentially vending machines dispensing electronic goods including digital cameras, i-phones, and i-pods in spaces such as airports, military bases and tourist resorts (they have 1,250 machines across Europe, Japan and the US).

What is unique about the business model is that Gower has identified the vending technology and the electronic procurement systems as his touch points of excellence. He has focussed on outsourcing the areas of expertise that can be performed by others - such as inventory replacement.

Gower?s success also comes from his ability to identify that his core area of expertise is in innovation and technology and he has surrounded himself with experts in leadership, financing and other core business disciplines.

"There are many Kiwis and Aussies doing well here in the valley. To raise capital and build a great company you need to be persistent and you need a talented and focused team dedicated to executing the vision" says Gower.

One of the difficulties of breaking into the US for New Zealand entrepreneurs is the ruthlessness of US investors and businesses when it comes to opening doors for new comers. At times our laid back approach doesn?t work in our favour. Kiwi?s report examples of pitches to major US corporations as ill-prepared and targeted, with poor personal and product presentation, and no real focus on the target customer. New Zealand businesses need to ensure they present as ?A? players and sometimes need to enlist the support and expertise of those who have the appropriate knowledge, contacts and skills for what it is they are trying to achieve. The difference between success and failure also lies in how well our Kiwi entrepreneurs understand the business drivers and needs of who they are talking to whether it is a potential investor, a distributor or an end customer. By taking the time to understand what their key drivers of success look like, and being prepared to adopt appropriate styles and strategies and then by pitching at the right level, Kiwi?s will dramatically improve their chances of success.

New Zealand technology companies have a great resource available to them to help navigate the complexities of doing business in the US. The brainchild of John Holt, the Kiwi Landing Pad is a public/private venture in the heart San Francisco?s SoMa district. Established to help New Zealand technology companies accelerate their growth into the US marketplace, it provides office and business development support to New Zealand technology companies attempting to establish or grow their business in the US and facilitates vital links to investors and entrepreneurs. It also offers a reality check by challenging some of the assumptions that Kiwis make regarding the ease with which they can enter a new market. Their Catapult programme provides start-ups with a month in San Francisco to ?test the waters? before they commit too heavily.

Hugely successful in New Zealand, Rod Drury has taken Xero to the US and enlisted the expertise and assistance of the Kiwi Landing Pad. Hopefully, other sectors will come on board to help ease the way for other New Zealand companies looking to export into this market.

Of course it is not just because of investor expectation that New Zealand businesses need to recruit specialist expertise. The sheer size and complexity of doing business across the States (in terms of federal and state laws and tax systems) is challenging and presents a major risk too. Kiwis should look to their New Zealand advisers for help in navigating through the complexity of the local markets and answer critical questions like: where is the best state to set up in business? How do we meet compliance obligations without massive expense? What is the best structure to lawfully position ourselves to minimise our tax obligations? The benefit of working with local New Zealand advisers with strong direct links is obvious.

So the message from both US business people and the successful Kiwi business abroad is: "don?t believe we can do it all ourselves. There is plenty of help out there - grab hold of it because it will really lift your chance of success".

Source: http://www.voxy.co.nz/business/nzs-no-8-wire-approach-hampers-global-business-growth/5/133886

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Elder care: Passion for fun creates better health and longer life span ...

BY CAROL ABAYA

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

THE SANDWICH GENERATION

Medical studies have clearly shown that, regardless of age, fun positively impacts a person?s mental and physical health. Sandwich Generationers should encourage parents and other aging relatives to follow their dreams and not become a couch potato.

The following are concerns expressed by sandwich generationers and my responses.

Question: "My mother will be 80 soon and wants, as a gift, a weekend at a nearby hotel that has a spa. She wants to relax in the sauna, having a facial and massage, and 'drink champagne.' We think she?s too old for such nonsense. Please advise."

Answer: Your mother is a smart lady, and you should be guided by her. No one is too old to feel good about herself! It?s very important that everyone look forward to and then thoroughly enjoy something fun. A facial helps revitalize skin and makes you feel good about yourself. A massage helps stimulate blood circulation and the functioning of key organs.

And drinking champagne and being waited on by others is just fun.

Besides treating your mother to a spa weekend, treat yourself, too. You?ll return home in a much happier and healthier frame of mind!

Question: "My mother, 78, wants to take a cruise with her ?boyfriend? who is 76. They are both healthy, but how can we convince them they?re too old to go off by themselves?"

Answer: First of all 78 now adays is not old. Earlier this year an 88-year-old friend of mine hooked up with a 83-year-old boyfriend. They are having such fun doing things together -- theater, art galleries, community events, bridge, family events and celebrations, and more -- that it would take a book to tell all. If your mother and her boyfriend are healthy and mentally alert, you shouldn?t be getting involved in the first place. It?s your mother?s business.

One the positive side, a ship provides marvelous protection for an elder and is far less tiring then other kinds of tours.

Ship staff are usually very solicitous of older people and keep an extra eye on them. There are always doctors and nurses on board, so if your mother or boyfriend get sick, help is immediately available.

Once on board they can relax and don?t have to worry about unpacking and repacking and meeting another bus or plane. At the same time, off-board sightseeing can be fascinating and on-board activities keep away boredom.

Encourage rather than discourage your mother. The last long trip my father took at age 84 involved a 10-hour plane ride.

The Sandwich Generation is reader interactive and comments and questions are welcome. Contact Carol Abaya via her website www.sandwichgeneration.com or e-mail sandwchgen(at)aol.comsandwchgen(at)aol.com.">. She does not respond to comments posted here.

RECENT COLUMNS BY CAROL ABAYA

Elder care: FUN is the name of the game for seniors and the elderly

Elder care: Money can be a touchy subject for seniors and elders

Elder care: Caregiver MUST take care of self first

Source: http://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/healthquest/elder-care-passion-for-fun-creates-better-health-and-longer-life-span

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Utah hiker survives being trapped for 4 days

A 33-year-old hiker is in stable condition at a Salt Lake City hospital after he was trapped in a drainage tunnel in the foothills east of the city for four days and three nights.

Daniel Samuelsen said he fell into the tunnel, near the mouth of Parleys Canyon, and broke his leg during a hike on Wednesday morning.

When his cell phone died, he found a rock and banged it against the tunnel walls in hopes of attracting someone's attention. But no one ever came although numerous hikers passed by above the tunnel.

"I thought I was going to die," Samuelsen told ABC affiliate KTVX in Salt Lake City.

By Saturday afternoon, after four days without any food or water since the fall, it became clear that he needed to take action. Samuelsen decided to crawl out of the corrugated tunnel. He was able to find a piece of wood and make a split of sorts for his severely fractured leg. He eventually crawled to a nearby highway, where he was discovered by a motorist.

"I was near tears when someone finally stopped. I clasped my hands together and was like 'thank you, thank you,'" Samuelsen said. "I was so happy to see somebody who cared enough about me to stop and realize I needed help."

According to doctors at St. Mark's Hospital, Samuelsen's right leg is broken in numerous places, and may need to be amputated, because the wound was open for four days.

Kate Moss Achilli, director of marketing communications for St. Mark's Hospital, said Samuelsen was admitted to the hospital with a compound fracture in his lower right leg and was severely dehydrated. He was treated with surgery and IV fluid.

"He has had surgery for his wounds and is doing okay at this point," Moss Achilli said.

Doctors are determining whether he is safe to discharge, but amputation is still an option at this point.

"I am about to be moved into physical therapy right now and thought of that frightens me, because my leg was broken for four days," Samuelsen said. "Anytime I move it into a standing position I get an intense rush of pain."

Also Read

Source: http://gma.yahoo.com/utah-hiker-survives-being-trapped-4-days-180013180--abc-news-topstories.html

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Do Away with Common Roof Issues by Calling a Professional Roof ...

What if your Memphis, Tennessee, home has all but a roof structure? With the sporadic tornadoes, thunderstorms, and hailstorms in the city, this is the final circumstance you want to be in. This is a theoretical scenario, but if you don't know about the way to spot indicators of roof damage before they grow, you might as well not have a roofing system at all.

Your roof is leaking

You're busy minding your own business when you unexpectedly feel water drenching on you from the roof deck. So you observe the ceiling, and see brownish stains that weren't present until that time. You opt to assess the attic and almost tripped over on the pool of water below. If the scenario sounds very common, your roof most likely has a leak, which is among the most common roof concerns.

Your electricity bills are going up

Aside from keeping the elements out, roofs also adjust the temperature inside your house by preventing cold or heat from getting out. If you observe that you need to regulate your air conditioner's thermostat to a higher level than usual in the summer months, examine your roof. Do the same if your heating unit is already insufficient to keep your household warm during the winter months.

Your roof looks old

If you notice murky tarnish on your roof, these are most likely fungi or algae that will in the end deteriorate your roofing system. If your roofing system consists of shingles, and these shingles are cracked, coiled, or lost, you need the aid of contractors that perform the roof repair Memphis TN homes require. Peeling or blistering roof paint is an additional indicator that your roof requires repair, and so is decay of siding or sheathing. The longer you keep your roof unattended, the more likely that it's damaged.

Don't forget the chimney

Your roof structure can cover your home virtually totally. In any case, you may have a smokestack as the only open--and therefore, vulnerable--part of your roof covering. If you find out leaning, cracked joints, or damaged bricks on your smokestack, professionals for roof repair Memphis residents depend on can take care of these.

Figure out ways to spot the signs that you need urgent Memphis roof repair. This way, you can safeguard your property, your household, and your wallet. For additional knowledge on fixining roof leaks, check out home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/repair/how-to-repair-a-leaky-roof.htm.

For more details search memphis roof repair, roof repair Memphis and roof repair memphis tn in Google.

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FCRA: Fair Credit Reporting Act ? Business Management Daily ...

Every employer using credit reports to make employment decisions must abide by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). To do that, employers must have a legitimate business need for consumer credit reports, and must take certain steps both before and after they initiate an adverse action based on those reports to avoid violating the law.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act prohibits employers from using information found in investigative consumer reports or consumer reports provided by a consumer reporting agency against an employee or applicant without having a legitimate business need or without notifying applicants before requesting their consumer reports and obtaining from them a written acknowledgement of the notification.? The FCRA also requires employers that use consumer reports to give applicants the telephone number of the reporting agency and a statement of their rights under the law to dispute the accuracy or co...(register to read more)

To read the rest of this article you must first register with your email address.

Source: http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/19583/fcra-fair-credit-reporting-act

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