One of the best games in the past decade gets an even better 3DS release.

Cave Story, available as a 3DS eShop title, is the third version of the game to appear on Nintendo handhelds. The first was a DSiWare release of the original version of the game, and the second was the 2011 3D retail release. Both earlier versions of the game had their merits, but at this point, theyre just about worthless because Cave Story on the eShop is the definitive version (at least until they do some other re-release).

For the uninitiated, Cave Story was originally a freeware game made by Daisuke Pixel Amaya in 2004. It was beloved, and eventually Nicalis remade it for WiiWare and DSiWare in 2010. In 2011, Nicalis remade the game with 3D character models for a retail 3DS release and also released Cave Story+ on Steam, the latter of which is the basis for this new 3DS eShop release.

The game itself is comparable to seminal 2D works such as Metroid, though its story is a little more guided than that games. The hero has a variety of guns he can wield, and you learn a lot of fun combat and traversal tricks as you progress. The game features multiple endings, branching paths, and delightful 2D platforming gameplay. For anyone who has any interest in 2D platformers, you should have played this; if you havent, what are you waiting for?

On the eShop, Cave Story features the original versions graphics and music, but retains all the content (including the Wind Fortress and Curly Story) of the Cave Story+ Steam release. A few more additions sweeten the pot, including optional widescreen graphics, customizable controls, and wonderful stereoscopic 3D backgrounds. Still, there isnt really anything new or unique to this version outside of some bells and whistles.

The use of 3D is masterful, as there are multiple layers of depth that make the simplistic 2D game look full of life. It might not add anything to the gameplay, but the 3D straight up makes Cave Story a better experience. The widescreen graphics, which fill out the top screen, are similarly effective.

Even without any additions, Cave Story is still the same amazing game people have raved about for eight years. Its one of the best 2D platformers in recent memory, and this version is worthwhile if youve never played it before or are itching for a reason to play it again.

The rest is here:
REVIEW: Cave Story Review

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) September 13, 2012

When adding on to a home, should a homeowner go up or out? Its a common question homeowners face when their house is undersized or lacks desired features and they dont want to move. Adding on to a house may be the solution, but should they add on horizontally or vertically?

Sometimes the only way to go is up. Although some experts feel that given a choice, its wiser and less expensive to add on to the ground floor rather than building a second floor, some homeowners dont have that option because their lot is too small. Others dont want to give up certain advantages to a second story addition. For example, some parents want to put their kids upstairs with extra bedrooms and a playroom. Others are caring for aging parents who need a downstairs bedroom and want to add a master bedroom and bathroom upstairs for themselves.

There are various reasons people want a second story addition, says Obie Sibug, owner of Bid Construction. Weve had people call whose lot was small or setbacks wouldnt allow for a ground floor addition, so they wanted to add a second floor to an existing house or add living space on top of their garage. Others dont want to lose yard space.

Some advantages to a second story addition include:

A second floor addition gives a homeowner the chance to enhance the interior of a home with a higher ceiling and dramatic staircase and improve the exterior appearance of a home.

More space can be added with a second story addition if the lot is small or other limitations exist such as local setback requirements.

If a homeowner has a specific need such as a nursery, an artist studio, a home theater, or a home office, adding a second story gives a homeowner complete freedom to design the spaces.

Whether adding on horizontally or vertically, construction projects are stressful and messy, but the payoff is huge. The house will be transformed into a home that is a perfect fit for a homeowners lifestyle, taste, and budget and will increase value to the property. The key to success is careful planning and having a realistic understanding of what the job entails, explains Obie. There are several things a homeowner should consider when planning a second story addition.

For example, a homeowner must check city ordinances which vary greatly but typically dictate how much square footage can be added and allowable heights for houses. Second story additions usually require structural upgrades and like any extensive remodel, a homeowner may need to upgrade mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. All these considerations make it extremely important to choose an experienced and qualified contractor that can foresee and guide a client through any complications. A qualified professional can also ensure the lines between the original structure and addition produce a seamless home.

See the original post:
San Diego REO Contractor Announces Current Best Practices for Homeowners Considering Additions to their Homes

02-07-2012 11:03 10332 Almond Street, Alta Loma, CA 91737 - 4272 Sqft, 4 BD, 6 BA, Office, Room Addition, Lot 25426 Sqft. Stunning custom estate high on the foothills of Alta Loma with inspiring views of the mountains, valley and city lights. No immediate neighbors to the north. Professionally landscaped front and back yards feature a fountain, pool and spa with cascading water features, a fire pit, BBQ, RV parking and lush flower beds of fragrant roses. Impressive entryway, custom flooring, arched windows, majestic fireplaces - including a dual-sided one in the master suite, shared with the master bathroom. Essentially a single-story floor plan with a spacious second-story quarters featuring amazing views from a private balcony. Enjoy the gourmet kitchen, stately formal dining room, expansive formal living room, large family room, and an elegant office. For more information about buying or selling a custom home in Alta Loma, contact Hajia Zafar today: or 951.538.2488.

Read the original here:
ALTA LOMA, CA - 10332 Almond Street, Custom Estate, SOLD by Hajia Zafar - Video

By Erik Matuszewski - 2012-07-03T04:01:00Z

Dara Torress bid to qualify for her sixth Olympic team at age 45 ended with a fourth-place finish in the 50-meter freestyle at the U.S. swimming trials.

Jessica Hardy earned her second individual win yesterday in Omaha, Nebraska, where she finished in 24.5 seconds to add the 50m to her triumph in the 100m freestyle. Hardy missed the 2008 Beijing Olympics after testing positive for a banned substance later ruled to be caused by a tainted supplement.

Kara Lynn Joyce took the second Olympic berth in the 50 freestyle with a time of 24.73, hitting the wall nine-hundredths of a second ahead of Torres, whose 12 Olympic medals are tied for the most by a U.S. female swimmer.

This is really over, Torres, who took three silver medals in Beijing, said in a televised interview. Im going to enjoy some time with my daughter, have a nice summer and cheer the U.S. team on.

Torress only event came on the final day of the U.S. Olympic trials, where Michael Phelps said hed drop the 200- meter freestyle from his schedule in London, leaving him with a shot at one fewer gold medal than the record eight he won in Beijing four years ago.

Phelps, whose 14 Olympic gold medals are the most in history, had won the 200m freestyle at the trials on June 27, yet said hell skip it to focus on other events.

The biggest thing we wanted to do is make sure that we could compete at a high level with a lot of events, Phelps said in a phone interview. After this week, thinking about everything that will be there in London with possibly adding three relays, we just want the best shot at doing the best that we can with the events that we have.

Phelps will race in four individual events in London -- the 100- and 200-meter butterfly and the 200- and 400-meter individual medley -- and probably compete in three relays.

Hardy, 25, won both the 50- and 100-meter freestyles in Omaha after failing to qualify for the Olympics in her best event, the 100-meter breaststroke.

Original post:
Dara Torres Falls Short of Sixth Olympics at 45 as Hardy Wins

29-06-2012 20:48 One of a kind! Top floor tri-level two-bedroom two-bath loft floor plan extended to living room windows. Features an additional loft/attic area of approximately 200 sq. ft. This unique layout also includes a private upstairs master bedroom suite and a bright den/office area with wall-to-wall windows. The added loft area offers a panoramic view of Alamitos bay. All work is allowed, and permitted square footage is 1368 + loft/attic area of 200+ sq. ft. Modifications include a second HVAC system for upstairs. Please contact Geary Smith for more information. Phone: (562) 754-1732 Email: Website:

Excerpt from:
7313 Marina Pacifica Dr N - Video

June 29, 2012 - New York-Penn League (NYPL) State College Spikes NILES, OH - Joely Rodriguez was superb on the mound, tossing five scoreless frames to start the game, but the State College Spikes let a late lead slip away for the second night in a row as the Mahoning Valley Scrappers took a 3-2 decision on Friday night at Eastwood Field.

Rodriguez made his third start of the year his best by allowing just three hits and a walk over his tenure on the mound. The southpaw also struck out three batters, including two in his final inning of work.

State College (7-5) had to wait out a 1 hour, 14 minute weather delay before the game could begin, but jumped on the board in the third inning. Chris Diaz singled with one out and proceeded to steal second base and advanced to third on Barrett Barnes's single. Diaz then scored on a groundout by Samuel Gonzalez to give the Spikes a 1-0 lead.

In the fourth inning, State College manufactured another run. Yhonathan Barrios led off with a single and stole second base before going to third on a flyout. Jared Lakind then brought Barrios in with a groundout to make it a 2-0 Spikes lead.

Mahoning Valley (5-7) would start its comeback in the seventh inning, however. Spikes reliever Adrian Sampson, who retired the Scrappers 1-2-3 with a pair of strikeouts in the sixth inning, gave up a one-out single to Joe Wendle. Hunter Jones followed with a double down the left field line, his first hit of the series, to plate Wendle. Jones would then score on Aaron Siliga's base hit one batter later to tie the game, 2-2.

The Scrappers then took their first and last lead of the game in the eighth inning. Tyler Naquin started the frame by reaching second base on a Lakind error. After a sacrifice bunt, Charlie Valerio delivered a sacrifice fly to center field to score Naquin and make it 3-2, Mahoning Valley.

Jordan Cooper (0-1) took the loss after allowing the Scrappers' eighth-inning run, which was unearned, in his lone inning of work. Sampson, who made his professional debut on Friday, struck out four batters over two innings while allowing two runs on a total of four hits.

Jacob Lee (1-0) earned the win in relief for Mahoning Valley after retiring all eight batters he faced, four via strikeout, over 2 2/3 innings. Lee took over for Scrappers starter Jake Sisco, whose 6 1/3 innings were the most in a single outing for a Spikes opponent on the mound. Sisco yielded both State College runs on a total of six hits and two walks.

Wendle went 3-for-4 on the game for Mahoning Valley, one night after driving in the game-winning run as a pinch-hitter.

Saturday, the Spikes finish their six-game road trip with the last of a three-game series against the Scrappers at Eastwood Field. The matchup, scheduled for 7:05 p.m., will pit State College right-hander Jake Burnette (0-1), the Pirates' seventh-round draft choice in 2011, against Mahoning Valley right-hander Luis DeJesus (0-0), whose 0.82 ERA places him among the New York-Penn League's leaders.

Link:
Rodriguez Shines, But Spikes Fall to Scrappers, 3-2

Melville, Saskatchewan (PRWEB) June 29, 2012

Today (June 29, 2012) the City of Melville, SK, became the second local government in the province to embrace the iCompass Meeting Management Solution, a technology service that will provide easier access to information for the public and council as well as a reduction in paper waste. In subscribing to iCompass meeting and tracking applications, Melville is furthering its efforts to go green. Adopting a paperless agenda solution adds to the many eco-friendly initiatives underway at the municipality.

iCompass Technologies of Kamloops, BC provides a web-based Meeting Management Solution that streamlines the creation, approval and distribution of agendas, minutes and related meeting actions for over 400 local government customers across North America.

Melville Assistant City Clerk, Kayla Hauser, says: We are very excited to use the Meeting Management Solution software provided by iCompass. This will make us one step closer to achieving our goal of going green within our City.

iCompass President and CEO, Todd Stone, says: Municipalities of all sizes are increasingly faced with the challenge of managing huge amounts of data, websites that need to be updated frequently, and never-ending constituent requests, said Stone.

"Municipal employees are buried under thousands of pages of documents that need to be organized, and they often cant find what theyre looking for in a timely fashion. Now, for the first time ever, small to medium urban and rural municipalities are able to afford information management applications that have traditionally only been available to the larger municipalities, added Stone.

About the City of Melville The City of Melville is a clean, safe and friendly community of approximately 4517 residents, which constitutes an excellent environment to raise a young family or to retire. Melville is located in South Eastern Saskatchewan along Highway # 10.

Over the last several years, the City has been bustling with new commercial, industrial and residential developments. One of the newest additions to Melville is the Horizon Credit Union Centre. This facility will be a health, wellness, and cultural centre for Melville and the surrounding communities.

About iCompass Technologies During the past 14 years, iCompass has built a market of over 400 local government and other public sector customers across North America. iCompass provides CivicWeb, the leading cloud-based meeting, records and content management solutions for city clerks who are swamped with never-ending tasks related to managing their meeting process, records administration and tracking responsibilities.

CivicWeb automates meeting, records and content management workflow in one system, facilitating open governance through comprehensive and seamless access to information. It provides a real-time pulse and complete visibility into whats going on across the entire organization, and enables the shifting of resources to other pressing priorities.

See the original post:
City of Melville, SK, Purchases Paperless Agenda Software as Further Commitment to Environment

28-06-2012 12:36 Immaculate 3 bdrm, 2.5 bath home. With irrigation system, sod installed yard, and professional landscaping, sidewalk for children, this homes exterior is the best on the block. This modern 2 story foyer opens to a second level balcony. The entry with wood flr flows into the bright and elegant formal dining room. A butlers pantry allows for additional storage as well as a wine rack leading into the kitchen with included lighting improvements and island addition. First floor boasts 9' spanish lace ceilings. Kitchen cabnetry is a warm birch against newly painted warm modern grey walls and white trim. All black appliances stay. Kitchen nook opens to a large "trek" deck for many years of work-free enjoyment. Perimeter of decking offers a raised garden bed and established grape vine. White trim fireplace mantle compliments the ceramic framing of the gas log fire place. The decorative insert includes modern crystal/spa rock stone appearance(logs also provided for traditionalists). All windows include white wooden blinds (only). Stately stairway leads to 2nd story with 3 bdrms, loft living area, and laundry room (washer and dryer included). Mstr bdrm features deep walk-in closet, ceiling fan, garden tub, and single shower with 32" high vanities (double sinks), with new modern mirrors and glass shelves. Second upper full bath includes a double vanity and modern mirrors. Add'l 2 bdrms include one walk-in closet and the other with french door closet. Take a look at this Urban Loft ...

Link:
7222 Tayside Trail, Fort Wayne, IN 46814 (For Sale) - Video

Once above the fray, the military is now the target of criticism in Egypt. But SCAF seems to know how to talk to Washington

AFP / Getty Images

Egypt's new president-elect Mohamed Morsi (front-L) walks with Interior Minister Mohammed Ibrahim Yusef (C) during their meeting in Cairo on June 26, 2012. Egypt's first civilian president, and its first elected leader since an uprising ousted president Hosni Mubarak early last year, pushed ahead with selecting a government of mostly technocrats amid delicate negotiations with the ruling military on its future powers

Abby Hauslohner and I have this weeks cover story on the Egyptian military and whos really in control of the North African country. Mohamed Morsy may have won the election, but a committee of 19 generals have retained most of the power for themselves. Given that they are basically functioning as the de facto parliament, have stripped the executive branch of much of its power and, most analysts say, also control the courts, they are without question the most powerful institution in Egypt right now. In the story, we pull back the curtain a bit on the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF).

Egypts military is very different from the U.S. armed forces. It has traditionally played a much more powerful role in Egyptian society while trying to seem above the fray. For example, in addition to external security SCAF also has the responsibilities of the National Guard, stepping in to deal with natural or man made crises; at the same time officers are barred from voting and live often in cloistered suburbs built just for them. No one knows these guys because theyve always felt if the military gets involved in the politics of country, it gets corrupted, says Graeme Bannerman, who was the generals consultant in DC for nearly 20 years before retiring in 2005.

So, who make up the SCAF? There is a core of 19 generals led by Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, 76, Egypts top military commander and defense minister since 1991, appointed by now-deposed president Hosni Mubarak. The members of SCAF are the heads of the military branches, air force, navy, infantry, plus the regional generals who form the backbone of Egypts defense, as well as the head of military intelligence. Tantawi has recently added a few advisers, so often the number is reported to be 36, but the additions are temporary and have been brought in for their expertise in law, politics and the economy, subjects the generals feel they need advice on since assuming power after the fall of Mubarak in February 2011. Tantawi has fought in four wars and was trained by the Russians back before the 1978 Camp David accords drew Egypt into Americas sphere of influence. Like all officers since Egypts second President Gamal Abdel Nasser overthrew the monarchy in the early 1950s, Tantawi, born in Nubia, comes from a simple middle class family; one of his parents is said to have come from Sudan.

The second in command is SCAFs chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Sami Hafez Anan, 64. Anan was also trained in Russia, but has since forged close ties with the U.S. After that the two most popular generals in Washington are General Mohamed Said El-Assar and General Fouad Abdul Halim, who run annual white paper visits to Washington. Like Tantawi and Anan, they speak English. El-Assar went so far as to do a C-SPAN interview on his last visit last year. Abdul Halim is considered Egypts top expert on military aid with an ability to recall off the top of his head minute details of the funding. Its almost like they understand Washington politics better than Egyptian politics, says a senior Senate staffer who has worked with the generals for years. Its fascinating the extent to which they are following legislation and what the Washington Post editorial board is saying about the process.

The white paper trips tend to involve a lot of lobbying for Egyptian priorities. The generals also read the papers carefully and respond in person to lawmakers comments theyve seen over the year and want to dispute or clarify. They also have a presentation with slides that they give to lawmakers, U.S. officials and policy wonksthough the show did not always have cutting-edge graphics. About three years ago, Jon Alterman, an Egypt expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, received such a briefing from the generals. He noticed that the slides had been done in Word Art, the most basic and elementary graphics program available on Windows. Later, he pulled the general aside and told him his presentation might be more effective if he upgraded to PowerPoint. The general looked abashed and replied Tantawi himself approved the slides and this was the program with which he was familiar. Fourth graders think Word Art is very cool, says Alterman. Grown ups generally dont use Word Art, especially those with a $1.3 billion annual military budget.

The generals used to always ask for upgrades to the weapons as part of the package. They were always looking for an improvement and we usually had to say no, mostly due to qualitative edge pledge to Israel not to sell more advanced arms to Egypt, says Joel Rubin, Joel Rubin, director of policy and government affairs at The Ploughshares Fund and a former State Department Egypt desk officer. There was this dynamic with the generals where they sort of play a long game. They never wanted to create an adversarial relationship with us but they never wanted to take no for an answer. So there was a continual massaging.

Behind the scenes, the Pentagon has quietly been pushing the generals to step backfrom the political process in Cairo. In the past week Defense Secretary Leon Panetta called Tantawi and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey spoke with Anan twice last week ostensibly to discuss the subject. The White House in a statement commending the election results, thanked the generals for their role in supporting a free and fair election, and [the President looks] forward to the completion of a transition to a democratically-elected government.

Read the original post:
How Egypt's Ruling Generals Talk to Washington

June 29, 2012 - North American Soccer League (NASL) San Antonio Scorpions SAN ANTONIO, TX (June 29, 2012) - The San Antonio Scorpions will host the first annual Scorpions International Challenge presented by Aeromexico this Saturday, June 30, beginning with their NASL match with the Atlanta Silverbacks at Heroes Stadium at 7:30 p.m.

The match will be immediately followed with an exhibition between two Mexican Primera Division clubs: defending CONCACAF Champions league winner C.F. Monterrey and San Luis F.C. The exhibition will be broadcast in Monterrey by Multimedios.

Saturday's contest with the Silverbacks will be the third meeting of the season between the two clubs. The two sides claimed a point each in a 0-0 draw in the Scorpion's inaugural NASL match on April 7 in Atlanta. The second meeting was a 3-0 victory in favor of the Scorpions at Heroes Stadium on June 9.

The Scorpions enter the match with a 6W-4T-2L record, giving them 22 points in the league standings, one point behind the league-leading Puerto Rico Islanders, who sit at 23 points.

A victory over the Silverbacks could once again put the Scorpions back atop the league standings.

SCOUTING ATLANTA

Atlanta (1W-5T-7L) enters Saturday coming off of a 2-1 loss to Puerto Rico on June 23, handing the Silverbacks their seventh loss of the season. The Silverbacks currently sit at the bottom of the table with eight points on the season, three behind FC Edmonton and only have one victory in 13 matches this season.

Silverbacks striker Reinaldo Navia is tied with the Scorpions forward Pablo Campos for league lead with six goals, but has failed to score in two games against the Scorpions this season. But the rest of the Atlanta offense has struggled, scoring just 14 goals this year.

In goal for the Silverbacks most likely will be Daniel Illyes who has given up 24 goals this season out of 67 shots faced. Illyes has allowed two goals per match this season and the Silverbacks currently have the worst goal differential in the league (-13).

LAST TIME OUT

Continue reading here:
First Annual Scorpions International Challenge Set