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Sweevo's World
This is the first issue of 1986, yet I'm writing before Christmas (just — and if I don't get a move on there won't be any turkey left — well duck actually. Ludlow duck is justly famed.)
The Big Thing recently has been the cover of December's issue of CRASH and the Domark adverts for Friday the 13th. This seems to have sparked off a controversy of sweeping proportions, with some parents cancelling their orders for the magazine. More of that in due course. Lots have written in with things to say about the game Elite from Firebird — some nice things about the game, some unpleasant things to say about Lenslok. In fact Lenslok looks all set to take over from turbo loaders as The Big Moan.
I've received a massive mailbag of very interesting letters this month and picking one out for special mention has proved difficult, but in the end I opted for this one begging for some change in advertising attitudes from the software companies.
WHERE ARE THE GAMES?
Dear Mr Mangram,
Oh what a weird world this is! (The games world, stupid.) Flicking through the millionth or so issue of CRASH (well, it seems like it) I see... ADVERTISEMENTS. (Sorry, didn't mean to scare you!)
Now what's wrong with THOSE I hear you say. Well, at a glance, nothing, but how about trying to buy the games that the advertisements advertise? Let me give you an example. A while ago, I saw an ad for Rambo by Ocean. Ha! I thought probably their Xmas 86 release, but what's this? Spectrum version £7.95 — OUT NOW! So off I went, down to Southend to investigate. Investigate indeed:
'Hello, could I have Rambo for the 48K Spectrum. It's by Ocean.'
'Rambo? (Heh, heh) Sorry mate. It's not out yet.'
'But it says so here!', I said, holding out my ad.
'Well we haven't go it. We might have it in about...' etc etc.
So, I went home a sadder, but wiser person (every shop's reply was the same). Couple of weeks later (got my new CRASH) I was at home and some of my mates were down town. They rung me from a box. They'd seen Rambo and were impressed. On the Spectrum? Not on your Quickshot, mate! The Commodore version wasn't even supposed to be out yet, let alone in the furthest reaches of Southend. So Ocean, and all the other companies: US Gold, Elite etc., WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE PLAYING AT?
I must sign off, I've got to take some more Valium before I have a violent attack of depression!
John Deamer
This is quite a common subject in letters. However, I think the plea is eloquent enough to get the software award for letter of the month, so that's £20 worth on its way to you, John. Meantime, here's another on the same theme...
NON EXISTENCE-IAL PHILOSOPHY
Dear CRASH,
Please do something! I can't stand it anymore. Why must software houses advertise games two or three months before they are even finished? Eh? Tell me why!
Looking through your 'pretty damn devastating' magazine you can find at least ten ads for games that are not yet on sale. A case in point is Swords and Sorcery which has now been in development for roughly a year. Why should PSS be allowed to take consumers' cash for a game that has not (as far as I can tell) been finished yet? It is morally and ethically wrong.
Also there was Tomahawk which has been advertised in your mag since the year dot. It has now surfaced way off schedule. If I had sent off £10 when the first ad appeared, I would now be well displeased to say the least. Do the ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) check out such cases?
I am now worried about sending off large cheques to software houses for games that only exist in a programmer's imagination. Can't the influential Big Cheeses at CRASH Towers get someone to pass a law about advertising a product that does not exist? I am sure other readers of CRASH will agree that adverts should only be placed in mags when the product is ready for sale.
Perhaps we can put an end to 'teasers' that encourage people to buy games that they haven't seen. I am sure that owners of The Great Space Race would agree that, had they seen the game beforehand, they wouldn't have splashed the cash so easily. There is a moral to this letter!
AACR WISOC (An Angry CRASH Reader Who Is Short Of Cash)
It's annoying, I know, but if it's any consolation, software houses don't like this happening either, because it tends to hit sales if a program misses its promotional 'window'. However, sometimes things just go wrong with finishing a game and bearing in mind the software house has to book its advertising many weeks before an issue appears, there is always a danger of saying 'OUT NOW' when it's not.
As to product that is advertised long before it emerges, should you have sent cash in good faith, then of course you are entitled to receive a refund after 28 days if you opt not to hang on for the product. In general, it seems to me that these two writers have a very strong point. The worst of this kind of advertising — of a completely unfinished game — is helping to damage the industry.
THAT Cover
Dear CRASH Magazine
I was disgusted at the horrific picture on the December issue of your Publication. My younger brother, who receives your magazine monthly, is only nine and I hardly think the covers are suitable for that age range and over. I really think that the pictures from the film inside were totally unnecessary and quite disturbing. I also don't really see what skimpily clad women have to do with computers (Issue 21 and others)! A lot of the covers have great sexual overtones and are totally irrelevant.
Mellany Robinson
You are not, to be fair, the only person to complain about the December cover of CRASH. The office received quite a number of complaints, including one lady who also wrote complaining to the Press Council. Their reaction was to pass on the complaint, and Graeme Kidd wrote to her. In fact, though she objected to the cover, her real cause for upset was the Domark advertisement for Friday the 13th, which has appeared in most computer magazines. I'll give my views in a moment after one or two others have had their say. As to the 'sexual' overtones of the covers, this seems a very overstated point of view. In 24 months the only covers that come to mind that might fit your bill are; No 2, the 'King Kong' one, where a girl is seen grasped in Kong's paw — very much based on the original film theme; No 17, where I suppose the members of Frankie Goes To Hollywood dressed in their birthday suits as cherubs might be considered sexual; and No 18, the cover based loosely on the game Dun Darach, where Skar holds Loeg in bondage. Whether these covers can strictly be said to be 'sexual' is very much open to interpretation, and in any event, to refer to three covers out of 24 as 'a lot' seems to be a gross exaggeration.
The next reader has this to say...
By what I am about to write I may be branded a reactionary old fuddy-duddy (I'm 37 years old) — but I feel it needs to be said. The cover to the December (Xmas — peace and goodwill to all men) Issue has transcended the bounds of good taste. Whilst I'm all for alien zapping and gobs of green blood, the Friday 13th theme is totally sick and horrific.
My nine year old son and eleven year old daughter were horrified by the cover, the spurting blood depicted is obviously meant to be human, and page 148 — Mark and Dominic, obviously intelligent guys, words fail me!
The current spate of sick and horrific computer games is an unnecessary trend which I would have thought influential magazines such as yours would not promote to impressionable youngsters who are your main reader group — where will it end, one wonders — computerised sex orgies for the under fifteens?
RA Barustain
PS. Even the Friday 13th Ad is puke-making.
This is the second complaint that has started by attacking the violence implied in the cover illustration end ended by linking it to sex, which certainly plays no part in the cover — it really makes me wonder where it will all end!
And the next, please...
Dear Sir Lloyd,
When I read the letters complaining about the gory pictures in certain issues of that well-above-average publication called CRASH, I laughed with amusement and contempt. That was before I saw the December Issue. That is sick. Some of us do not go and see the mindless gore films on principle. We certainly don't wish to see our regular magazine featuring that sort of thing on its cover, and a still worse advert inside. My contempt for that no-quality company Domark increaseth.
Neithan
Point taken. And ever onwards...
Dear Lloyd,
I am so angry that I thought I just had to put biro to paper and write to you. I used to respect your mag a great deal until I got this month's (No 23, December). I was looking through it, thinking yes, gosh, ah, cool and other things to that effect until I got to page 41, where I stopped in horror. I am not thinking of the picture on the front, or the ad on page 39 or even of the preview of Friday 13th on pages 146 and 148.
I am thinking of the ad for the Wham! Music Box.
Even the appearance of that disgusting word WHAM made me realise that this was going to be gruesome. As I looked on, I saw a picture of the members George 'Weirdo' Michael and Andrew 'changed nose' Ridley. So gruesome. This really got me mad. I showed it to my friends and they totally agreed with me.
So come on, CRASH, don't be so disgusting and let's have more pokes instead of horrible pictures. I will give your mag one more go. But please don't do it again.
Yours disgustedly
Someone who doesn't like WHAM
After The Osmonds and Perry Como, Wham are my favourite group. How can you possibly not like them? However, sorry to have so upset you! Readers complaining about unlucky days will now think this is a made up letter for light relief, but it is genuine — there are people who hate Wham. But back to the theme for the month.
Having read several of my kids' CRASH mags — and taken the scissors to several of the worst pages — this month's (December) front cover and related internal themes have sunk to a new low.
I'm getting fed up with the macabre and evil undertones in much of the contents and I will be forced to stop my son buying it if it doesn't improve, which will be a shame as it's good in general.
I hope 'earning a quick buck at any expense' isn't your only motivation, and that you have some (?) conscience about the harm you are doing to impressionable kids.
Isn't there enough horror in the world without you adding to it and glorifying it?
N Rolls
Quite why people immediately think 'making a quick buck' is the reason for including something with which the writer disagrees, has always puzzled me. No one ever seems to think that making 'a quick buck' is the reason for putting in something nice (?)!
But on we go...
I am writing to complain about your Issue No 23. I pay for a standing order at the newsagents, but when my son turned up with your last issue I was horrified at the cover — it was frightening and horrible. My lad is only 10 and the pictures and editorial pictures were very explicit. I am amazed that a magazine aimed at pre and teenagers should feature such gruesome and frightening pictures.
I know people die in games all the time, but graphics are not as frightening or bloodthirsty. The film is 18 Cert and pictures from the film should be the same. I think it was very unthoughtful of you to put these pictures in such detail.
I personally have cancelled my order for your mag and have persuaded two others to do so. I have persuaded my newsagent to send copies of the magazine back to WH Smith.
I feel so strong about this that I have taken the offending pages out and put them up where I work (A NATIONAL NEWSPAPER) with notes saying this is what CRASH MAG is trying to push on your children.
I would be very interested in you trying to justify the publication of the stills, and await your reply.
C Hayes
Okay, I can't put it off any longer — it's REPLY time!
First, though, I must make it clear that the following are my personal opinions. Yes, the cover is pretty strong in content but, unlike the films on which the game is based, it is also very stylised. The game comes packaged with blood capsules — delightful little objects that can be bought in many shops around the country, underlining the fact that this is supposed to be fun. Whether the individual considers it to be so is obviously another matter. I do think Domark's publicity stills and the general promotion is over the top, but of course they are riding on the back of the films' promotion — and it's worth remembering that they have had a colossal audience. I don't seriously think that the Domark stills, or those from the film are anything like Cert X and the photo caption in CRASH was purposely designed to remove any sting from the picture anyway. Perhaps you don't agree.
It seems very common in this sort of argument to take the attitude that CRASH is aimed at 'pre-teens and teenagers'. When the mag started, over two years ago, an advertising agency contacted Roger asking for the intended reader profile and age group, so they could word their promotion to suit the magazine's type of reader. Roger is supposed to have said that he wasn't entirely sure what age group would be predominant, the agency was alarmed, replying that they couldn't do the press release properly unless they knew what age group to write for. Roger answered, 'We're writing for 25 year olds because younger people don't like being talked down to.'
Our own questionnaire established that the average CRASH reader is well over 17, although the biggest single group is in the region of 14. In that sense we are aiming the magazine at the age group that most buys comics like 2000AD. In comparison to that, anything in CRASH is mild stuff.
In conclusion, no one here is trying to foist anything on 'impressionable' youngsters. The very use of the word 'impressionable' is intended to be emotive, implying that the 'kids' are being got at. I am not very impressed with the game Friday the 13th, but it was previewed in good faith as a bit of fun.
FOUND IT, NYA NYA
Many people have written to you claiming to have found the Lunar Jetman trailer, but you have always proved them wrong.
I decided that I would have a go at finding the trailer. Some of my friends offered to help me on my mammoth task so we loaded Jetman with infinite lives. A few days later after hours of alien blasting, we found it. We have taken a photograph as proof, which is enclosed. Maybe now you will believe the trailer exists.
Peter Featherstone, with help from Mark Connor, Martin Wilson, Chris Hubbard, and Andrew Edscer
LETTER FROM A DICTIONARY
To Lloyd Mangram
Howdy Lloyd! How's tricks?
Last week I resolved to mosey on down to the store to interchange some of the old legal tender for my pet publication of Spectrum festivities.
Upon arriving I proceeded to execute the aforementioned. (No, not arthropod celebrium!) When at my abode, burying myself in the folios, a few conclusions entered my cerebellum and medulla oblongata: excellent, first class, exquisite, high-grade, attractive, great, superior, exceptional, superb, capital, accomplished. incomparable, priceless, invaluable, magnificent, wonderful, skillful, praiseworthy, above par, first rate, terrific, amazing, neat, groovy, top hole and definitely up to the notch.
Steven Cantwell
(Roughly translated, 'I bought CRASH and liked it'.)
Yes, and I can see you've got a pirate copy of my Long Word Dictionary too. For a moment there, I thought you were going to take us to task over how many synonyms there are for 'really excellent' in the reviewers' comments!
PRAISE, INDEED
I am writing to express my complete satisfaction with the advertisement that has been placed by our company in CRASH magazine over the past few months. The response from this advertisement has been tremendous, abling us to build our micro computer section up even further.
I hope this letter will be published in your magazine so that other future advertisers will certainly consider CRASH magazine before any other. Your advertisement rates must also be the most reasonable in this country anyway, and we find it is a pleasure to do business with you and you are certainly guaranteed your advertising for at least the next twelve months. Many thanks and keep up the good work.
CK Durie, Service Manager, Walkers Computer Service and Repairs, Birmingham.
Thank you for the compliment! I suppose I should make this letter of the month! Well, perhaps not, people might start getting the idea I'm biased.
A FEW KIND (AND NOT SO KIND) WORDS ABOUT ELITE
Several readers have had a few things to say about Firebird's Elite game...
In Issue 22 I read about a game called Elite from Firebird. So taking out my birthday money I rushed to the computer shop to get this game. I got home and loaded it. I read the instructions about Lenslok and tried to find the code — after three attempts the game just went off. So I loaded it again, and again trying to suss the code. You guessed it, the game just went off. I tried this for four hours.
So the next day I took the game back to the shop — and it took them three hours to get the code. The only snag is, the code changes each time you load up. I think this is the worst act to stop pirates due to the fact that it also stops non-pirates playing the game.
The Lenslok instructions were pathetic. They didn't give any idea how to use the stupid thing. They should have showed some sort of diagram, showing how to look through the lens. I just hope all the software companies don't decide to use Lenslok because it is a complete farce.
C Ullah
All I can say about Lenslok is that we have had no trouble with it, most people finding it quite simple to set up the lens and read the code. Firebird, however, obviously agree with you on the instructions, as they have had them completely rewritten.
The next writer shares your views though.
After all the waiting, after all the adverts, after all the previews, it's finally here! Yup, you got it, we're talking about Elite.
We've both bought a copy and are exceedingly impressed. On opening the box we noticed they are having a competition playoff for the best players. What form (we ask ourselves) can this take? Perhaps a series of Spectrums networked through an IBM so that you have to battle it out amongst each other until only one is left? No. Well then, what about giving each player an identically equipped ship and a time limit, the victor being the one with the most kills or the most money. No again. The answer came to us in a blinding flash of inspiration: The winner will be the one who can work out how to use ... LENSLOK!
Perhaps it's just that our mega-sized brains can't handle something so trivial as a blob of red plastic. Maybe due to our advancing years (both of us are the wrong side of 23), we're just too muddled to cope. Could it be our reliance on another type of Lenslok, the sort you stick on your nose first thing in the morning (it's another sign of old age, being short-sighted). Honestly, neither of us can say with hand on heart that we can really see actual letters through the damned thing.
Apart from the quibbling we must say that Elite is the best game either of us have ever played. Lenslok is the most infuriating thing we have ever come across. (Next, maybe, to having to work late when the pubs are open!)
Messrs Reid and Wood
Well some turbo loaders just won't load, perhaps some Lensloks just won't unlok. I must admit that the times I've tried it has been on a CUB Monitor — maybe it doesn't look as easy on an ordinary TV screen.
THE ADAM LOCK BACKLASH
Having seen Adam Lock's letter in CRASH 23 I thought that I would write to you concerning the subject of so called 'computer' role-playing games. It may be said that Elite bears more than a passing resemblance to Traveller, not just meaning names taken from the book.
I have a friend who plays Traveller and he tells me that Elite is not exactly like it. For one thing, it is very difficult to get a ship in Traveller (unless you are very rich or lucky) and combat is not at all like the one in Elite which is more exciting (being arcade type). This is not to say Traveller is better than Elite or vice versa. They are both different games on their own, and not really comparable. This also goes for other computer games, such as Fairlight or Knight Lore.
Two major things at least are lacking from all but one of these computer arcade adventure role-playing games (to give a name). First is the ability to adventure in groups which is sadly missing. Second is the ability to actually role-play. That is, to develop a personality for your character in a long-running campaign.
These two points, I believe, are the most important, but there are others. I'm not saying these computer games are inferior — it's just that comparisons can't be made, as in the case of Elite/Traveller.
So now to the exception. This is the incredible new PSS game, Swords and Sorcery. This is (at last) a CAARPG (see above). If you like role-playing games then buy this. Anyway, please don't confuse role-playing games with computer games, the gap has only been bridged once — the rest are only on a par with Fighting Fantasy gamebooks.
James Pengelly
The next writer doesn't quite seem to agree...
RIGHT ON, ADAM
I must agree with Adam Lock's letter (Issue 23) about the similarities between Elite and Traveller. Details in the game are identical, even down to the space cadet's name (Jamison in Traveller, Jameson in Elite).
I feel that this fact actually enhances Elite, as players of Traveller have a background knowledge of the complex needs and risks of interplanetary trading. I've had Elite since it first hit the shelves, and can honestly say it's the best game I've ever played on the Spectrum.
As to the Lenslock security system, I've had no problems with it, and feel the only enemies it will make are with the software pirates, who may find themselves out of pocket if they want to play the game. My only small niggle is that the folding part of the lens is not as strong as it could be, and may break after continued use.
Thanks, anyway, to GDW for the brilliant concept and to Firebird for the computer game of a lifetime.
AD Cornwell
It's nice to see lots of people getting enjoyment from Elite because in some respects, on the surface, it isn't a game one might expect to have massive popular appeal, but it certainly is a compelling one!
CHAUVINIST PORCINE WRITES
Dear LM,
This is just a quick note typed out on my trusty OLD Adler typewriter. I read with interest the letter from Mrs Rhonda Sherman in the December issue of CRASH and I must say that I can only agree. As a dyed in the wool male chauvinist porcine, I feel obliged to point out that software companies, being what they are, would probably find it difficult to produce games made exclusively for the ladies in the programming world.
Having said that, I can quite happily see something of that sort coming from St Brides in the near future. At any rate, I know of at least one non-sexist by name — Sandy White (remember Ant Attack?)
I think that to single out women for special software is demeaning in the extreme but I do think we could all take a hint from the Chinese and drop the feminine/masculine gender from scenarios wherever possible.
Maurice Criddle
Perhaps you're right about the gender thing, but I draw the line when I'm told a 'manual' is now referred to as a 'personual'. Does this make me a MCP?
— worried of Ludlow
IS IT A NERD? IS HE A PAIN? NO ... IT'S SUPERDAD!
I would like to compliment a certain software company for helping unemployed Superheroes.
Take my Dad for instance (please). He used to fly around the States (of America, don't you know) saving people's lives and the like, but because of the bad publicity in the films and cartoons, ordinary minions think that superheroes save lives for nothing. Huh!
People like my Dad need this money for things like food and laddered tights, not to mention clean undies!
Software companies can produce as many games as they like, so long as they give me and my Dad a fiver for every ten games sold. As only an elite few of us know (Me and my Dad) the 'S' on my Dad's leotard is in fact a 5, standing for £5 — but when my Dad has saved a life or two and asks for a meager fiver the people just don't pay up and, being the nice gent he is, my Dad won't pressure them into paying. This is where you come in.
Please remind people that superheroes can't live on thank yous and send a quid or cheque payable to us, or any spare tights you might have, we will be very grateful.
I would hate to see the day when my Dad would want his five pounds in advance, before he saves someone. Could you imagine it?
David Adkinson
When you're needed people are all over you, David, but as soon as you're not they no longer care. Isn't that life?
FROM THE HIP
Issue 23 finally did it. It made me angry enough to spend time writing you. I'm fed up with people saying how good CRASH is when quite frankly, it could be much better:
1) CRASH Smashes should be given a full page. A game that gets 9 on the adventure scale deserves more than being split up over two pages (Terrormolinos)
2) Stop lying about subscription offers. They are NOT free. We have to pay £5.00 extra for old games.
3) Offers of CRASH clothing are about as good as West Bromwich Albion FC. I mean to say, £4.00 for a stupid hat that makes your ears stick out (Issue 21). The CRASH Binder Offer, £4.50 for a folder with CRASH stuck on it. Now be fair, how much DO they cost to make?
Finally and the most outrageous, was the advertisement on the Christmas edition. The cost is £1.95 compared to the usual 95p. Of course there is a poster given free and there are more pages — I would have counted that there will be about 20-odd extra pages. Does this merit a £1 increase?
I will, of course, as will thousands of others, buy the Christmas edition. Why? Because it is the done thing to buy CRASH every month. People buy everything with CRASH written on it.
I think you are selling CRASH regulars down the river. You are not being fair to the people who made you popular. So enough of this propaganda. Start getting your priorities right and your prices fair. People are starting to see through your schemes.
Yours angrily
Evan Gillespie
Come off it Evan, nearly every CRASH Smash gets two pages, but sometimes the space allowed for items doesn't work out that way. You make it sound like the thing is laid out in a few hours when actually it takes some two weeks. No one is lying about the subscription offers. The proper rate is given in the masthead and any games DO COME FREE!! If the cost to us is so high it makes the offer uneconomic, then obviously there has to be some adjustment upwards in the total offer cost. As to caps — how many other mags offer you caps AND sticky-out ears in the price? I'm not sure how much the binders actually cost us, but I do know that our mark up is considerably less than the usual 100% and that includes the box, packaging cost and the postage. A certain well known magazine devoted to computer and video games also had a giggle over the £1.95 cover price for the Christmas Special, but neglected to point out the value of their sister magazine's 'Annual' of not very many pages of reprinted listings for £2.50. As you point out, you got a large double sided poster in CRASH which alone would cost £2-£3 in a shop. As for ripping off regulars, any subscribers got their Christmas Special included at normal cost. So there.
A PROGRAMMER WRITES ...
Dear Boiled,
Thanks for the review of Brainstorm. (No, this is not a letter bomb.) While I thought most of the review was quite fair, there are just one or two points I'd like to make. Firstly, there are no bugs in the sprite routine that I know of, and if I had ever noticed the effect that you claimed happened with your copy, I would certainly have done something about it. You don't think Bubble Bus would have let me get away with something like that, do you? There is definitely nothing wrong with the production copy they sent me.
Apart from the above, I agree with the comments made by the first two reviewers — the graphics are a little dated. But, mm... well was the third reviewer a moron? I mean, when did Bubble Bus do a copy of Sabre Wulf? He didn't mean Wizard's Lair, did he? And I can't really agree that the game is a copy of Jetpac — the playing motion might be the same, but there are no other similarities are there? or do we have two different Jetpacs? It was more inspired by the early Fantasy games than anything else. Anyway, I won't bore you with my criticism about your criticism. I have one or two ideas that would improve your review even further:
1) Stop comparing Spectrum versions of a game to their Commodore equivalents. It may be alright for you to say 'this makes the Spectrum look ten times better than the C64', but I think you should compare a game to something Spectrum owners can relate to, not something they're never likely to see;
2) I think you should put reviewers' initials at the bottom of each piece of criticism they write. This would mean that readers can anticipate that a certain reviewer would, say, go over the top about any platform game, and so take his comments with a pinch of salt.
Tim Prosser
You're right about comparing cross-machine versions of games, although you might be surprised just how many CRASH readers do see 64 games. But I do think it is interesting to reference Spectrum games with those on the Commodore and the Amstrad, where the reference is relevant. The argument about initialling the reviewers' comments is an old one. Long ago we adopted the policy (right or wrong) that the reviewers would remain anonymous, largely because they were and are mostly at school, and partly because there are so many of them that it would not have much point. The system used in ZZAP! 64 magazine is quite different where the reviews are tackled by in-house staff.
RAH! RAH! SPORTS GAMES!
Please could you explain to me how software is chosen for reviewing.
I noticed, after a short look through Issue 23 that Graham Gooch's Test Cricket has not been reviewed, and I suppose will not be reviewed. Yet, in this issue, seven and a half pages were covered with reviews of eight budget titles. Only two of these (One Man and his Droid and Chicken Chase) justified the space, while the others averaged only 60%.
This magazine seems to be prejudiced against sports simulations; preferring to contain endless budget games and Quilled adventures. Two important CRL releases, Formula One and Endurance have never graced your pages. Also, Brian Jack's Superstars Challenge and Sports Hero from Martech and Melbourne House never received the full treatment. Could this have anything to do with the fact that Chris Passey finds cricket 'yawn inducing' (Issue 16) and that one of the reviewers of World Series Basketball is 'not a sports simulation person'?
I think that a separate corner should be established in the mag for sports simulations, where games could be reviewed by one who knows about and likes this sort of software.
John Cowley
A bit of an unfair criticism, seeing how many sports simulations we have reviewed in the past. Endurance Racing was reviewed last month and Graham Gooch's Test Cricket is reviewed this issue — as soon as was possible. Brian Jacks and Sports Hero did rather miss out due to the fact that they arrived during Chris Passey's Sports Special and got included there — same for the CRL game. The tendency to look down on most sports simulations is simple — most of them have deserved no more. As you will see in this issue, Graham Gooch's Test Cricket gets the full treatment and is well reviewed (in fact, breaking a CRASH confidence, Chris Passey's comment is the first one).
NO JOY FROM JOYSTICKS
I am writing this letter to complain about the lack of good joysticks at reasonable prices.
Eleven months ago I received a Protek joystick set for Christmas which included a Quickshot 1, Protek Interface and the game Airliner. Six months later the joystick fell to bits while I was playing Blade Alley. When people talk of cheap joysticks as good value, I think they are crazy. When you buy the set, just because it is cheap, you still should expect the contents to be of an acceptable standard and not rubbish. The set itself cost £19.99 which is very good value, considering the separate price would be about £30.
I have a friend who has a Gunshot 1, which after only three months is ready to go to the dustbin. These joysticks could be faulty, but many of my other friends have had the same complaint. There is no point in selling a joystick for £10 if it will fall to bits shortly after you buy it. £10 is a lot of money, and could be spent on something of more use.
I would [like to mention my] teacher, Mr Fanning. Anyway, I lent him my copy of The Quill last year. Well now he has just released The Duncan Bowen Adventure which he is selling for £4.99 at the local computer shop. But he wouldn't even give me a free copy of the game. The game he used my Quill to write.
Well, now I've got my Quill back I'm starting to write my own adventure game. I will call it The Crash Towers Adventure and I will send you a copy FREE OF CHARGE (if you print my letter).
By the way, tell Robin Candy that his POKE for Raid Over Moscow (November Issue) doesn't work, and that he should try out the POKES before he prints them. Also, he needs a haircut.
Michael Freund
Robin had a haircut many moons ago, in fact before the PCW show (he's had others since) and no longer looks anything like his Playing Tips photo — in fact he looks more like a pop group now — Wham perhaps? And all the POKES are tested before printing. Occasionally there are typesetting errors that cause the problem, but most letter and phone call complaints turn out to be operator error in entering the data. I look forward to your Quilled adventure, but perhaps you should send a copy of your teacher's along so Derek Brewster can review it!??
If you have anything to say on almost any subject in the universe as long as it relates to Spectrum games (which includes almost everything possible), then write to me, LLOYD MANGRAM, CRASH FORUM. Sadly, it is virtually impossible for me to reply personally, so please don't send in SAEs for replies — you'll just be disappointed. I'm so busy you see, I have to clean the keys of my typewriter after every hammering session. However, I'm pleased to announce that the management have seen fit to give me an upgrade — I'm now on a 1938 Hermes machine, and wow, is it flash!


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Updated on Monday 30th March 2020
Cyprus has a modern offshore legislation, a stable jurisdiction and the lowest corporate tax rate in Europe (10%). With these advantageous conditions, one of the business opportunities in Cyprus are the subsidiary companies, which represent entities that are owned and managed by a parent company that oens more than 50 % of the shares.
The subsidiary company will operate as an extension of a foreign company in Cyprus, however, it will have full autonomy in running its operations. The subsidiary company is registered as any other domestic company in Cyprus.
Below, our Cyprus company formation specialists explain how to register a subsidiary here. We can help you through every step of the business registration procedure.
The main features of subsidiaries in Cyprus
Those who want to set up subsidiary companies in Cyprus must know that this business structure falls under the Company Law which means it has to respect the same incorporation conditions, requirements in terms licensing, management and accounting like local companies.
The Cyprus subsidiary can be characterized by:
the fact that its main shareholder will be a foreign or local company (it can also have a partner and be registered as a joint venture);
it is an independent company and does not need to obtain permission from the parent company in respect to the operation it can complete;
it can complete the activities of the parent company, however, additional undertakings can also be completed;
in terms of licensing, the subsidiary needs to obtain its own business licenses, as it cannot operate under those of the parent company
the subsidiary company will need to appoint a secretary, just like in the case of local businesses;
from a taxation point of view, the subsidiary will be treated as any other Cypriot company;
the Cyprus subsidiary must have a registered address and bank account in this country.
Often, the subsidiary is compared to the branch office and the representatives of foreign companies interested in operating in Cyprus can obtain complete information on both structures from our local consultants.
Setting up a subsidiary - a process described by our experts in company formation in Cyprus
Opening a subsidiary in Cyprus can be the choice of a foreign investor, considering the benefits he can obtain from the Cyprus policies regarding his protection as a creditor and the taxes system. A Cyprus subsidiary is regarded as a legal entity and must keep its own accounts. The financial accounts and an annual audit report is required by the Companies Act, and have to be submitted to the local Tax Authorities and Cyprus Company Register.
Our experts in company formation in Cyprus created the simple scheme below presenting the main advantages of a subsidiary.
In Cyprus the forms under which a subsidiary can be organized are: private company limited by shares (LTD) and public company limited by shares (PLC). In the first case, the number of shareholders can be between 1 and 50 while for public limited companies there are no restrictions regarding the number of shareholders. Another difference between these two types of Cyprus companies is related to the required capital: for public companies the minimum share capital is 15.000 CYP, while for private entities there aren't any minimum requirements for the share capital.
The registration of a subsidiary company in Cyprus can take from 10 to 18 working days and the first step of the process is to choose a name for the company and submit it to the Registrar of Companies to be approved. After you obtain the approval (the answer can take between 3 to 6 working days) the registration process can be continued. The next step is to submit the documents regarding the shareholder's information and also about board members, the company name and address and its activity, along with a lawyer's conformity declaration. Our Cyprus company formation experts can help you during the entire process of registering a subsiridary in the country.
Documents required for opening a subsidiary in Cyprus
When opening a subsidiary in Cyprus, the foreign company must prepare the Cypriot company's Memorandum and Articles of Association, however, its statutory documents and certificate of incorporation issued by the Trade Register in its home country are also necessary.
When compared to the branch office, it is useful to know that the subsidiary does not need to run under the same name of the parent company like in the case of a Cypriot branch.
The subsidiary will also need to have a registered address in Cyprus, and for this, it must secure a rental agreement for the space used for the address. A virtual office can be used in the initial stage of the company registration procedure in Cyprus. This service can be provided by our agents in Cyprus.
Our Cyprus company formation advisors can assist with the drafting and verification of all documents which need to be prepared upon the incorporation of a subsidiary in this country.
Certificates issued after the registration of the subsidiary
As a reply to your appliance the following certificates will be issued:
- Certificate of Incorporation,
- Certificate of Shareholders,
- Certificate of Directors and Secretary
- Certificate of Registered Office Address.
The subsidiary company in Cyprus must be then registered at the following ministers: Minister of Commerce for the corporation tax (the tax on the annual profit of a company), Minister of Finance for the VAT tax and the Ministry of Labour for Social Contribution.
Taxation of a subsidiary in Cyprus
As mentioned above, the subsidiary is treated as any other Cypriot company and this also applies when it comes to taxation. Subsidiaries must register for taxation and VAT with the Cypriot authorities and pay the corporate tax on their worldwide income.
The corporate tax is levied at a 12.5% rate in Cyprus to which the Special Defence Contribution applies. Its rate is 30%.
Cypriot subsidiaries must comply with the accounting and reporting requirements imposed by the local tax authorities, however, they must also submit financial information about the parent company. Subsidiaries are also subject to the value added tax provided that VAT registration has been completed in Cyprus.
If you need information about the accounting and reporting requisites applied to foreign companies operating in this country, our agents can advise you. We can help you open a company in Cyprus, no matter if you are a single entrepreneur or the representative of a foreign company.
Advantages of the subsidiary in Cyprus
As many companies do a lot of research before deciding for a branch or a subsidiary, our specialists in company formation in Cyprus have prepared a list with the advantages and benefits of the subsidiary. Among these are:
- the registration costs and maintenance of a subsidiary company are quite low in Cyprus;
- the procedure of incorporating a subsidiary here is also time-effective, as the procedure is simple;
- Cyprus has one of the lowest corporate taxes in the EU which favors local companies, such as subsidiaries;
- in terms of tax reliefs, a subsidiary can benefit from many such benefits, among which foreign tax reliefs;
- the distribution of profits to non-residents is also made under very advantageous conditions;
- subsidiaries can also take advantage of Cyprus' agreements for avoidance of double taxation.
The decision of opening a subsidiary can be influenced by various factors and our company formation representatives in Cyprus can help you choose the right business form.
Please contact our Cypriot company formation specialists for further details and perosonalized consultancy regarding the procedures and regulations for subsidiaries establishment in Cyprus.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Blok M is a business and shopping quarter located in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, Indonesia. It runs east from Jalan Iskandarsyah to Jalan Bulungan in the west. North from Jalan Falatehan to Jalan Melawai in the south. On daily basis crowds of people throng its street, and even more so during night time. Much of the popularity of the quarter is due to the prices of goods, the night life, karaoke, massage parlor and the accessibility of the center, considering it contains one of the largest bus stations in Jakarta which many Transjakarta and Kopaja buses depart from.
Plaza Blok M is a business center in South Jakarta, located near Blok M Square. This shopping center has been established since 1990 and consists of a seven-floor shopping area and 13 floors of parking area that can accommodate about 700 four-wheeled vehicles and 300 motorcycles. Blok M Plaza was inaugurated by the late Tien Soeharto on May 30th, 1991. Plaza Blok M has become a crowded shopping mall visited today, a lot of things that can be enjoyed here, ranging from snack foods to shop for clothes for work and everyday life. Until now Blok M Plaza still continue to develop, such as improvements in some areas, from the parking lot to the interior courtyard of Plaza Blok M.
Since Blok M is also a bus station, these are the public transportation which stop here.


JERUSALEM (Ma'an) -- A Palestinian court in Jerusalem ruled Thursday that selling land to Israel was a capital offense.
Judge Ta'et At-Twil ruled that the act of selling - or attempting to sell - land to a foreign country was a criminal offense which could result in the death penalty.
Under the instruction of general attorney Ahmad Al-Mughni, the court issued the ruling as a consolidation of the previous legal principle, a statement from the prosecution said, adding that the ruling aimed to protect the Palestinian national project to establish an independent Palestinian state.


The Cruz Roja Carnaval Group, a group of over 60 men and women volunteers, successfully completed their annual fundraiser to benefit Cozumel's Cruz Roja Clinic on Ave. 65. The donations collected this year and next year will be used toward the purchase of a sonogram machine for the Clinic. In exchange for a donation of either $3, $5 or $10 USD, each donor got to select a string of Carnival beads from a large selection on display. This year souvenir Carnival tee shirts were also offered by the group. This year's leaders of the fundraiser were Marilynn and Dave Hrouda from Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and local resident and longtime Cruz Roja volunteer, Martha Sempere, who serves as the group's liaison officer with the Cruz Roja Board of Directors.
Participation in The Carnival Group is open to anyone who would like to give back to the people of Cozumel who host our visits to their island. Each volunteer is asked to commit a minimum of six hours to the project during Carnival – two three-hour shifts in the bead booth. If you would like to be a part of this once-a-year fundraiser, please email Sandy Timmons at rickandsandytimmons@yahoo.com. You will be notified next January of the kick-off breakfast, schedule for working, and attend the presentation luncheon when the funds are presented to Cruz Roja. Another volunteer opportunity with Cruz Roja is to work once a week at the airport departure lounge asking for donations from departing passengers. The Airport Group will be active between now and the end of March. Kindly email Sandy if you would enjoy joining this group of volunteers.


Two members of the Alpine Rescue Corps died and a third survived after an avalanche struck in the Alps on Friday afternoon, the Corps said.
The three men had been on an excursion on the 2,177-meter Grignetta peak in the northern Lombardy region, whose capital is Milan.
Televised news footage showed rescuers, dogs and helicopters at work to try to find the three missing men.
It took hours to dig the two bodies out of the snow once they were located, Sky TG24 private broadcaster reported. The survivor returned downhill on his own, according to news reports.
The avalanche risk for Lombardy Friday was 2 out of 5, meaning moderate risk, according to the local weather service.
In January, a German woman and her 11-year-old daughter were killed by an avalanche while skiing in Italy's northern Trentino-Alto Adige region.
About 100 tourists and residents were evacuated after an avalanche struck overnight in the Vallelunga ski resort area in the same region later in the same month.


1. Why is Tabulate a better choice versus using other bookkeepers?
We work exclusively with restaurants and bars. While most bookkeepers are generalists, we are industry experts with decades of experience in the food service industry.
We've built our own proprietary software platform specifically for restaurants and bars to deliver a substantially better customer experience. While most bookkeepers use generic one-size-fits all software, we provide robust and customized accounting reports, industry-specific KPIs, prime reporting, daily summary detail, and transaction-level data, along with COGS and labor trend analytics.
We have a tremendous value proposition. We provide all-in-one bookkeeping services, payroll, software, and analytics for very low monthly rates, no contract required. Our technology advantage enables us to provide you with more and higher quality services for less than many firms charge for bookkeeping alone.
2. Why is Tabulate a better option than buying or licensing restaurant accounting software?
With Tabulate, you avoid unnecessary software costs and get a full-service solution at a tremendous value, especially considering the cost of buying or licensing other software alone. If you buy or license other software, you will still need to hire someone to actually do your bookkeeping, as well as actually run your payroll. Tabulate not only provides its own proprietary bookkeeping software built exclusively for restaurants and bars, but we also do your actual bookkeeping and your payroll as part of our low monthly fees.
3. How is outsourcing my bookkeeping to Tabulate better than doing it myself?
Your time is not free, and doubly so if you are diverting that time and attention away from your customers and operations. Even if you are a do-it-yourself operation, you will still need to hire a payroll provider and buy or license some accounting software. You will also not get the advantages of our management KPIs and industry-specific software or our decades of restaurant and bar experience and expertise.
Add up your DIY payroll and software costs, additional personnel costs, then factor in your lost time, expertise, software and analytics – we think Tabulate will be the better choice and the best value.
4. Does Tabulate actually do my bookkeeping or just provide software?
Yes! Tabulate does your bookkeeping. And for no additional charge, we also do your payroll, utilize our proprietary industry-specific software platform, and provide you with management KPIs and analytics geared specifically for restaurants and bars. It's everything you need to successfully operate your business.
5. Has Tabulate actually designed and built its own software specifically for restaurants and bars?
Yes. We've combined our food industry expertise, experience, and passion for helping restaurant and bar owners succeed to develop our own unique, proprietary software platform. Our mission is to level the playing field for independent bar and restaurant owners by making financial and performance data accessible, affordable, and useful.
6. Is Tabulate software and analytics included in all service plans for no additional fee?
Yes. All of our service plans, without additional charge, utilize our proprietary software platform to provide bar and restaurant KPIs. This includes prime reports, COGS breakdowns, labor cost breakdowns, inventory tracking, and trend analysis, along with daily summary and transaction-level detail.
7. Does Tabulate have cloud-based software?
Yes. The Tabulate software platform is accessible 24/7 from any web browser, including tablets and mobile phones.
8. Can I continue using my current payroll provider if Tabulate does my bookkeeping?
Yes. It's not a problem if you wish to continue using another payroll provider; however, you will no doubt save money by taking advantage of Tabulate's all-inclusive plans that include both bookkeeping and payroll services at a low monthly rate.
9. I have decided to switch to Tabulate, what do I need from my current bookkeeper?
Switching to Tabulate is a simple process. We will need a final balance sheet from your former bookkeeper along with information from you necessary for us to set up and process your payroll and perform bookkeeping services. Simply providing credentials for your POS system, accounting records, operating accounts, and state and federal payer accounts will give us most of the information we need to get started.
10. My books are several months behind, can Tabulate get my books caught up?
Yes, we can. Don't worry – this happens to many businesses, but you do need to get your books resolved quickly and accurately. We will get you caught up for a substantially reduced monthly fee for prior months (typically 50% reduction), but we will need some further information from you in order to evaluate the extent of the work required before quoting you a definitive fee reduction.
11. Will Tabulate pay my vendor invoices for me?
Yes. We offer service plans that include the processing and payment of all of your invoices.
12. Does Tabulate reconcile my bank statements?
Yes. Tabulate reconciles your company's financial statements as part of all of its service plans.
13. Who at Tabulate will be responsible for my books, payroll, and any questions I may have?
We work as a team at Tabulate, which is another great benefit of working with us. A trained and dedicated team of specialists take great care to deliver you with reliable, accurate, and timely service.
In addition, you will be assigned an Account Manager to be your primary point of contact, answer your questions, and ensure that your deliverables meet your expectations.
14. How long does it take to get started?
After you sign up with Tabulate, we will promptly schedule a 30-45 minute call. Our onboarding specialist will gather all of the information necessary for us to set up and process your payroll, pay your state sales and alcohol taxes, and provide your bookkeeping services. Prior to the call, you will receive a detailed checklist to help expedite the onboarding process.
15. Does Tabulate integrate with my bank and credit card companies?
Yes. We integrate with your bank and credit card providers as part of all our service plans at no additional fee. We have integration capabilities with most financial institutions throughout the U.S.
16. How much does Tabulate charge to file and pay my sales taxes?
Nothing! We pay your state sales taxes, mixed beverage taxes, and alcohol taxes as part of all of our service plans at no additional fee.
17. How much does Tabulate charge to file and pay my mixed beverage and alcohol sales taxes?
18. Can Tabulate help with my mixed beverage and TABC audit?
Yes. We provide audit assistance with some service plans at no additional fee. We can otherwise assist you with your audit at a mutually agreed upon rate based on our estimate of the nature and scope of the engagement.
In addition, you may also find our educational talks and tips useful in learning about the mixed beverage and TABC audit process, including ways to minimize risks associated with such audits.
19. Can Tabulate file my Federal income tax returns?
Yes; however, tax return preparation is a separate service that is not included in our service plans. For a mutually agreed upon rate based on the work required, we will provide tax return preparation subject to mutually agreed upon timing and availability.
20. Why does Tabulate only serve restaurant and bar owners and managers?
Our mission is to level the playing field for independent bar and restaurant owners by making financial and performance data accessible, useful, and affordable. We set out to solve a complex problem and have applied our exclusive focus to being the best. Like the owners and managers we help succeed, we are entrepreneurs at heart, so we understand the risks and sacrifices, and we're passionate about what we do.
21. Does Tabulate provide bookkeeping and payroll for food trucks, coffee shops, fast food franchises, and other quick service eateries?
Absolutely! We provide reliable and affordable service to all segments of the industry, large or small. We also offer discounted rates for micro-businesses like popups and food trucks.
We love working with small owners and managers, not only to help them succeed, but to also help them grow. We believe that a thriving, diverse, and innovative bar and restaurant community benefits everyone.
22. Does Tabulate give discounts for very small businesses?
Yes. We love helping small business owners succeed and grow. Ask our sales representatives about available options for low-volume food trucks and other small businesses. We would love to work with you.
23. Does Tabulate give discounts for multiple locations?
Yes. One of the huge benefits of our proprietary software platform is our consolidated reporting features and functionality for multiple location businesses. If you have 3 or more locations, ask our sales representatives about available options.
24. Does Tabulate give discounts if I haven't opened my store yet?
Yes. We get it – you need financials, but also need to carefully manage your cash until you have sales revenue coming in. We have the answer – our Pre-Opening discounted plans let you check another headache off your pre-opening list.
For an extremely discounted low monthly fee, we will do your monthly books, and payroll if you it, so you're ready to roll when you open the doors. Once you open, we'll automatically convert you to the service plan of your choice.
25. If I have several store locations, can Tabulate provide store-level and consolidate financials reports?
Yes. A wonderful attribute of our proprietary software platform is the ability to easily view performance of multiple locations on both a consolidated and store-level basis, as well as run side-by-side comparisons for whatever date ranges you desire.
26. Does Tabulate provide monthly P&L statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements?
Yes. We provide these accounting statements along with making available numerous other financial and performance reports. Available options include prime reports, performance snapshots, daily summary detail, transactions, inventory, accounts payable, vendor activity, trial balances, and the general ledger.
27. Does Tabulate provide prime cost reports with monthly or weekly breakdowns?
Yes. We can provide both monthly and weekly prime cost breakdowns in our monthly reporting packages, depending on your selected service plan.
28. Does Tabulate really provide daily summary detail with my analytics?
Yes. We record daily sales, comps, receipts, deposits, and adjustments within our Daily Summary functionality. This provides our clients with substantially greater visibility into their daily business activities, which enables us to reconcile daily cash and credit card sales with actual bank deposits on a daily basis.
29. Can I see all of my individual transactions in the Tabulate software platform?
Yes. Individual bank and credit card transactions can be viewed along with applicable accounting classifications, together with easy-to-use search and sort capabilities to find specific transactions.
30. Can I view my reports on my mobile phone or tablet?
Yes. A significant part of our mission is to make financial and performance data readily accessible and useful. It is extremely important to us that you can access your data anytime and anywhere.
31. How long is the term of my contract?
No term contract is required. We want you to stay forever, but that's entirely your choice. We are committed to earning your trust and providing you with value on a continuous basis.


There are a couple of things that pop into my head immediately when I think of the Garnier brand. First is the hair ad with Davina McCall. (I know she's one of those people you either love or hate but I have to admit to having a bit of a soft spot for her as I worked with her briefly when she was young and she was one of the kindest and funniest people I've ever worked with}. And the second is the Micellar Water which I think is probably one of the best known on the high street.
But now they've brought out their Pure Active skin care range and I've been trialling the Pure Active Sensitive regime. Well, to be honest I haven't been trialling it at all. This regime was created for sensitive blemish prone skin and so I asked one of my work colleagues if she would like to try it out for me. She most often uses high-end products but was intrigued to see what the Pure Active regime could do for her complexion.
I asked her to test the three products over a 28 day period but she noticed an improvement within a week – with all but one blemish clearing up completely in that time. She used the products night and morning starting with the Garnier PureActive Sensitive Anti-Blemish Gel Wash. The gel wash combines effectiveness against blemishes with a gentle formula. Ingredients include zinc, to purify without drying out skin, and witch hazel to soothe and refresh. The formula is hypoallergenic and pH neutral. This isn't suitable for the eye area though so you'll need a separate product to remove eye make up.
The Garnier PureActive Sensitive Anti-Blemish Tonic is also formulated for sensitive skin with imperfections and has a hydrating formula that's enriched with salicylic acid to tone and tighten pores without drying. It also contains witch hazel and has a gel like texture. Application should focus on the t-zone and areas with excess sebum. Again this isn't suitable for the eye area.
The third product in this regime is the Garnier PureActive Sensitive Soothing Moisturiser. This has a gentle moisturising formula enriched with zinc to help reduce spots and marks without drying out the skin, witch hazel, and glycerin to provide hydration for 24 hours. It's not greasy or sticky.
So this is a regime that really delivers what it promises and the total cost for all three products is less than £17. That's less than the cost of one product from my work mate's usual brand. She was so pleased with it that she continued using it past the set trial period and will definitely repurchase. Oh and her boyfriend joined in with using the gel wash too!
This post contains PR samples and affiliate links.
That tonic sounds soooo lovely! I absolutely love witch hazel!


Yoga Activist strongly believes that all yoga and mindfulness trainings should offer sliding scale and scholarship options. Aside from offering scholarships and sliding scale in Yoga Activist trainings, we have helped negotiate sliding scale, scholarship and work study options on behalf of qualified individuals attending other yoga outreach trainings. We are not able to assist with facilitating scholarships for non-outreach yoga teacher trainings. Direct financial assistance is only possible for Yoga Activist or Yoga District teacher trainings.
Grants are made possible in part by the generosity of the The Frederick P. Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism. Yoga Activist is incredibly grateful to be a recipient of this grant award in 2013.
If you would like Yoga Activist to assist you in negotiating sliding scale, scholarship, or work-study opportunities for a yoga outreach training, or if you would like to attend a Yoga Activist or Yoga District training on a sliding scale, scholarship or work-study basis, please apply by providing the information and documentation as directed below.
Please answer the questions below and email all supporting financial documents to Purnima at scholarships@yogaactivist.org.
We will respond within 2-4 weeks.
4. What is the organization hosting the training?
5. What is the email and phone number of the contact person coordinating the training?
6. Are you requesting Yoga Activist assistance in negotiating a work-study, sliding scale or scholarship from the organization hosting the training, or are you requesting such assistance in the Yoga Activist or Yoga District teacher trainings?
7. What is the start date of the training?
1. Written verification of your monthly income such as pay stubs, income tax return or AFDC form.
2. Written verification of expenses (i.e. medical/dental costs) such as a bill, receipt or check stub.
3. A copy of the main pages of your last tax return.
4. Any other documentation that will help establish need for sliding scale, scholarship, or work-study.
Information which I have provided above is accurate and complete. I agree to notify YogaActivist.org if there is any change in my income or expenses which would affect my eligibility for the sliding scale, scholarship, or work-study within 5 days of those changes.


The Nike Air Max 97 shook up the running world with its revolutionary full-length Nike Air unit. The Nike Air Max 97 SE Metallic refreshes the original design with new colors.
Foam midsole with Max Air cushioning for plush underfoot comfort.
Nike's revolutionary Air-Sole unit made its way into Nike footwear in 1978. In 1987, the Nike Air Max 1 debuted with visible air in its heel, allowing fans more than just the feel of Air-Sole comfort—suddenly they could see it. 2 years after the Nike Air Max 95 brought visible air to the forefoot, the Nike Air Max 97 arrived with the very first full-length unit. The shoe made a huge splash in the running world, as anticipated by its ripple-effect design lines. It's still making waves over two decades later.


Quantum mechanics is one of the central pillars of modern physics. This mathematically complex theory which allows the properties and laws of matter to be described is, however, rather to understand intuitively. Generations of young scientists have approached this difficult concept with the help of double-slit experiments that clearly demonstrate wave – particle duality. Two new videos from the Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS) offer a practical alternative to this.
The videos clarify fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics using neutron scattering experiments from research undertaken at the Jülich institute. The videos are around 5 and 4 minutes in length respectively, and are appropriate for use in an introductory lecture course in quantum mechanics or for self-study purposes.
Jülich Blogs is the blog platform of Forschungszentrum Jülich, one of the largest research centres in Europe. In addition to the company website, which provides information in a neutral manner at www.fz-juelich.de, our blog entries are full of colourful and enthusiastic first-hand information: scientists, PhD students, and employees of Forschungszentrum Jülich write about their work as well as challenges and successes in their laboratories, and grant personal insights to Jülich research.


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Borneo, een eiland in Zuidoost-Azië
 Borneo (Amsterdam), een schiereiland in het Oostelijk Havengebied
 Borneo (Assen), een monumentale winkel annex woonhuis in de Nederlandse stad Assen

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Do you want LESS STRESS for the HOLIDAYS?
This season, Less Stress for the Holidays, Managing Time & Focusing to Attain Your Goals have been well received topics in my workshop venues. I've come to the personal-professional conclusion that what all participants relate to for an easier season is keeping things simple.
I work with positive psychology/energy modality EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques, tapping) and am a certified practitioner.
Before you get started, choose a number 1-10 (10 the highest) that is your perceived rate of stress on this topic.
Even though I know the holidays are about gratefulness & peace (inner and outer!) and I feel full of dread, I know I can get thru this.
Even though I feel like I'm being pulled in 10 directions and may be losing my mind I fully and deeply love and respect myself.
Even though I'll feel guilty if I don't visit, am not with ______on Thanksgiving, I fully and deeply love and respect myself.
Even though I really want to spend Thanksgiving with_____ and I'm having dinner for (or going to)_______, I fully and deeply love and respect myself.
Now, check in with your stress level about the holidays and I bet it's much lower. Repeat this everyday. You may substitute words as needed. Visualize positive celebrations , take time for yourself and keep up the gratefulness lists.
To all my American readers, Happy Thanksgiving!!
516 623 4353 Skype sessions and Westbury, Long Island Office.
Jeff welcomes Eileen Lichentstein, Anger Management Specialist. Join Jeffrey for a truly great conversation and interview. 20 minute segment starting at 10 minutes.
Holiday Stress Reduction and Be Grateful!!
Turkey, sweet potatoes, stuffing and pie, yum!! We are grateful and most of us are happy to be at this table. I'd like to say a bit more about grateful. and reducing Holiday Stress.
I am grateful for knowing all of you- my friends and colleagues.
I am grateful that I help so many people in my work and that I love doing that.
Call me for a FREE consult 516 623 4353 today and we can get started via Video Sktpe!


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Is Crystal Geyser Water Bad For You? - Here Is Your Answer.
Is Crystal Geyser Water Bad For You?
Crystal Geyser water might not be that great for you. It received one of the lowest bottled water scores by the Environmental Working Group (EWG)—mostly due to the fact the company gives almost no information about their treatment process.
When it comes to bottled water, today's consumers have a lot of choices: well water, distilled water, mineral water or spring water; glass or plastic packaging; and the addition of electrolytes, minerals and more.
Among all of those options, you'll eventually run across Crystal Geyser. A brand of spring water, Crystal Geyser was founded in 1990 and is sourced right here in the United States—from private wells in northern California to the Ossipee Mountains of New Hampshire. And on their official website, Crystal Geyser proudly touts that they are an independent, family-owned enterprise.
But is Crystal Geyser spring water safe? Or could it be bad for you?
Compared to other bottled waters, Crystal Geyser doesn't seem like such a great choice. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit consumer watchdog organization, recently studied 173 different types of bottled to learn if the manufacturers would disclose details on the water source, how their product is treated, and whether or not test results are shared with consumers.
The EWG also examined how effective a company's treatment methods for each bottled water was. Because as a consumer, you absolutely have the right to know where the water is from—and what is done to it prior to putting it into your body.
In the EWG analysis, filtered tap water received the best grade. Believe it or not: filtered water is usually purer than bottled water. And of all the types of bottled water, Crystal Geyser received one of the lowest possible scores. But this wasn't because the EWG detected a lot of impurities or toxins within the water itself. Crystal Geyser simply did not offer enough transparency into the product they produce.
This is alarming because well water can easily be contaminated, especially with minerals like iron and manganese. And since the wells are private, states will not test for hundreds of toxic chemicals. This is unfortunate because high levels of manganese can cause added bacterial growth in the water. Manganese toxicity has a devastating effect on the muscles, mimicking Parkinson's disease. Additionally, excessive manganese consumption can lead to hypertension in patients over the age of 40.
But even though Crystal Geyser is not very transparent about their bottling and purification process, it's still probably a healthier alternative to drinking tap water.


Thank you sistergirl! Not dealing with stress isnt good but right now I know I have to find a way to do so where I am not stress eating! If you get a pedometer, I believe that 2000 steps is a mile. Hope that helps.


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Commando Veterans Archive - Photo Gallery Commandos since WW2 Royal Marines Commando, Special Boat Service, and RM Reserve Sergeant Peter Davidson
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Royal Marines Commando, Special Boat Service, and RM Reserve
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Sergeant Peter Davidson
42 Commando RM. Died on the 11th February 1965 in Borneo. Photos of the memorial Service in 2014 courtesy of James Porter, the information courtesy of Bob Chalmers, and Paul Wilson who adds, "There is a Royal Marines Historical Society special edition book about the Limbang/Borneo conflict called 'After Limbang' with a copy of a first hand account of the incident which claimed Pater's life so tragically and a picture of the helo he was evacuated in. I would like to thank the Royal Marines Historical Society, the RMA repnet and Brigadier Rupert Van der Horst who was a young Lt at the time, who also lost his son Lt Col R Van der Horst (CO SBS) in 1995 in a tragic accident, and gave me his recollection of events which he still clearly remembers"
Sgt Davidson was accidentally killed in Borneo on the 11th February 1965. He was serving with L.Coy. 42 Commando RM and died when one of the Claymore mines set around the perimeter of the base camp as part of its defences was accidentally detonated. He is buried in Singapore. His Obituary in the Globe and Laurel in April 1965 reads:
"Sgt Peter Davidson was killed at his troop location on the 11th February 1965. He joined the unit at Kalabakan, where he carried out reinforcement training before joining 'L' Company, which was then the resident rifle company. Subsequently Sgt Davidson moved with 6 troop to their location on the Serudong River. Although he had only been with us a very short time he impressed everyone with his cheerfulness and was always willing to extend a helping hand to others. He fitted well into our organisation, and although an extremely young SNCO he was an inspiration to all around, many of them his senior in years. His loss is felt very keenly here, and our deepest sympathy goes out to his widow and his family".
Inverness memorial
Photo courtesy of James Porter
Sgt Davidson's name added to the post 1945 names on the Inverness memorial
Service at the memorial ( 1)
Service at the memorial (2)


The tools you need to grow and maximize your business potential. Hydro-Plan®/Hydro-Quote® provides for fast design and quote preparation, and complete quote package. The HR irrigation audit app and catch cups make audits fast, easy, and accurate.


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Q: Detect if Local Storage has been edited by user? I understand that local storage is a variable on the client side and they have full access to this information(edit delete etc). Is there a way to detect if a user has changed a value in local storage?

A: There are some levels of protection offered - but you are right to be cautious. If you are worried you can encrypt or add checksums / md5s to see if data has been modified.

A: No, there is absolutely nothing you can do. Whatever measures you might implement are themselves as utterly insecure as localStorage is in the first place. You cannot build security in JavaScript on top of a browser's fundamentally insecure JavaScript environment, and you cannot trust the content of localStorage. No amount of code will allow you to trust it. You must rethink whatever has led you to this solution.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Yabadoo is a kids' party entertainment company that provides high-quality entertainment at an affordable price. Aside from kids' magicians, we also do clown parties, fairy parties, princess parties, and other character parties that will surely make your kid's birthday a memorable event!
We also do corporate events - please contact us so we could get to know more about your requirements and provide an accurate quote.
Yabadoo is based in Sydney, but we also service Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Newcastle, Canberra, Brisbane, and Gold Coast.


This stock video shows a female architect sorting different color pallets. She is seated at her office desk, with the different pallet samples lying on a brown wooden table in front of her. Judging by the workload, she looks like a successful architect. You can use this video as a supplemental footage in your vlogs, documentaries, TV shows, commercials and other video projects relating to architecture, architects, design, construction, etc.


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I keep to myself, I am clean, can cook, I don't have animals. I don't have company over, I have a job, I'm drug free.
Looking in: Spring Grove PA.
Nice 5 bed 2 bath cape cod..fully remodeled..have a spare room for rent. Peaceful and quiet..no drama..nice area.
imloyal honest and down to earth...i enjoy 420 and love listening to music so maybe we can find some great tunes together!
Looking in: Hanover PA, Westminster MD, Manchester MD & Baltimore MD.
I'm very friendly An polite. I respect others personal space.
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I'm very clean, quiet, and I keep to myself. I'm responsible and respectful. I work full time as a Kitchen Manager.
Need Sunday through Thursday weekly. Work at Advanced Vein and Laser center as ultrasound tech. During the week and go home on weekends.
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Very independent and personable people. We keep to ourselves and we are tighty.
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Looking to move soon with my spouse Need comfortable quiet place to live. We both work first shift and come home around 6. No kids. No pets.
Looking in: York PA, Lancaster PA & Columbia PA.
Very clean, rarely home, professional just looking for a nice play to rent.
I am a very clean person and an excellent cook. Even willing to help take care of elderly person assist with cleaning and cooking.
Looking in: York PA, Mount Joy PA & Pennsylvania Furnace PA.
5 days a week Sunday through Thursday. For vascular job in York, I'll be going home on weekends.


When we asked Ginny if we could feature her photo she wrote out a tutorial just for you! Thank you, Ginny!
To create your own little love cushion cut out two 15cm squares of cream felted wool. For the front of the cushion cut a heart stencil from freezer paper (4cm wide by 5cms tall) and stencil through in red or pink fabric paint. For the 'LOVE' wording chose four fabric scraps. Draw a groovy 60's style font in reverse onto double sided fusible web (each letter should be no bigger than 3cm x 3cms). Fuse these onto the reverse of your fabric scraps and cut out. Apply to the front of the cushion and hand stitch to hold the letters in place.
For the back of the cushion cut out a 6cm square pocket in red felt. Before attaching this, stitch on a heart shape using tiny seed beads. Next blanket stitch the top pocket edge in cream. Pin this to the back cream square and blanket stitch the remaining three edges to secure.
To finish place wrong sides of the front and back cushion together. Pin and blanket stitch around all four sides leaving a 5cm gap in one edge. Lightly stuff through the gap, add a little dried lavender to scent and continue the blanket stitch to close.
Finally write a love note to your beloved and pop it in the secret pocket.
Don't forget to enter our True Love Valentine Contest for your chance to win some great prizes! You have through midnight tonight to enter!
Comment in any post this week for your chance to win one of these great prizes: Amy Butler Softwares (Sewing Software on a CD) from The Electric Quilt Company; $15 Gift Certificate to Lilac Lane; $15 gift certificate to SewBrookie; $15 gift certificate to Sew,Mama,Sew! Take a look at the February "True Love" prize master list to see other great prizes we'll be giving away this month.