Looking back to Stac Lee, Stac an Armin and Boreray while en route to Hirta.
Tony and I had planned a week to St Kilda with Murty and Murdani on the MV Cuma at the beginning of June. We were both well pissed off when the University changed the dates of the exam season and we couldn't go. I was then completely gobsmacked when Gordon Brown phoned up and asked if I would like to go on a trip to St
Staedtler Wopex 2B
Apologies for the first picture - if anyone can't read it, let me know at the usual address.
Mini Modifieds get Airborne spotlight
For immediate release AS-061511-1 SOUTH PLATTSBURGH – The Keeseville NAPA Auto Parts 4-cylinder Mini Modifieds are set to go 25 laps, 10 more than their accustomed 15-lap weekly contests, this Saturday, June 18, with the winner to earn $250. |
The Mini-Modifieds, mostly Dodge Neons and Chevrolet Cavaliers, race on street-approved tires and are primarily stock, although performance cams and extra camber are allowed. Fields of 22 or more cars that race three and four wide have been the rule so far this season. In three events, eight different drivers have had a top-5 finish. Chris LaVair of Gabriels, has won twice and is the point leader. Erick Sayles of Saranac Lake scored his first career win two weeks ago. Speedy Bresette of Peru, the number two point-man, has a pair of 5th-place finishes to go with a 2nd-place effort. Josh LaPorte of Peru is third in the standings. The Busch Bombers, Airborne’s novice 4-cylinder class, have two 15-lap features scheduled, as last week’s rained-out event will be added to the Casella Night card. Josh Durivage of West Chazy will try to extend his three-race winning streak. More than 30 Ernie’s Discount Tools Modifieds are expected to see action. Last Saturday, Pierre Berthiaume of Joliet, QC became the fourth different Modified winner in four events. Martin Roy of Napierville, QC is the point leader. Post time is 6 p.m. Grandstands open at 4 p.m. Admission is $12/adults, kids 12 and under admitted free. Contact: Tom Herzig 802-882-8131 |
SUPERTRUCKS / PROCAM - Des débuts . fracassant !!
14 juin 2011, Dans le dernier communiqué, je vous disais que l’hiver à été long pour les pilotes de l’équipe 94, et bien pas seulement pour eux puisque samedi passé au Riverside Speedway, 20 pilotes étaient prêt et heureux d’enfin ‘’peser sur le gaz’’ de leurs camions. |
Alexandre Jeannotte était prêt et son camion était très rapide pour cette première journée. Menant sa qualification, Alexandre termina deuxième après avoir vu son plus proche compétiteur passer devant lui lors du dernier tour. Lors des deux finales de 25 tours, Alexandre livra de belles batailles dans les trois premières positions mais à chaque fois des accrochages sont venus gâcher son classement final. Cette semaine tout le devant et le ‘’Côté’’ droit du camion à du être refait. Notre spécialiste, Michel ‘’MS’’ Ste-Marie à du ressortir ses talents de peintre afin de remettre le F150 W-Côté #64 en condition ‘’Showroom’’. Pascal Ste-Marie qui en était à ses premiers pas en Stock Car, en a profité pour découvrir le très beau circuit de Ste-Croix de Lotbinière. Il a bien fait, ce tenant loin des accrochages et en améliorant ses chronos tout le long de la journée. Si la température le permet, nos deux pilotes seront de retour ce samedi le 18 juin au Riverside Speedway. |
The Root Problem
Before you read this post, go read Shintar's excellent An Annotated History of the Badge System. As you read over the history, it becomes quite obvious that the current Valor Point system we have evolved over time, and now serves several different purposes than it used to.
So let's take a step back. What is the root problem that Blizzard is trying to solve?
In my view, the original design of PvE went something like this: First, a player would do quests mostly solo. After a while, she would transition into small 5-man group content. After that, she would move onto larger group content, or raiding. Each step up would be more difficult, and would reward better gear.
The problem, though, was that not everyone was able to transition from stage to stage. In particular, the transition from small group content to large group content was particularly harsh in Vanilla. Players effectively became "blocked" from moving up.
So then the problem becomes two linked--but subtly different--questions: What does a blocked player do with her time? and How does a blocked player improve her character?
That's the primary function of Valor Points. They allow a player who is in the second stage to still advance her character, by engaging in second stage activities.
Valor/Justice Points also have a secondary function. They mitigate the randomness of loot drops. Enough points guarantee you loot.1
Finally, Valor/Justice Points serve a third function. They give players a small reward even if the player doesn't need loot off a specific boss.
But is the current design of Valor Points the best way to accomplish these functions? Are some of these functions even necessary? When looking at randomness, consider that the amount of loot per player has greatly increased since Vanilla. Combine that with a more generic token system for tier pieces, and smoothing out of loot distribution is pretty much unnecessary in Cataclysm.
And the small reward is also unnecessary. Indeed, the current daily heroic cuts against this idea. Since only the end boss of a heroic gives VP, there is great incentive to skip other bosses, even though they give JP.
That really only leaves the first and greatest purpose of VP, giving a path of character advancement for non-raiders. I will look at that issue in a future post.
1. Unlike, say, Cho'gall and paladin bracers.
So let's take a step back. What is the root problem that Blizzard is trying to solve?
In my view, the original design of PvE went something like this: First, a player would do quests mostly solo. After a while, she would transition into small 5-man group content. After that, she would move onto larger group content, or raiding. Each step up would be more difficult, and would reward better gear.
The problem, though, was that not everyone was able to transition from stage to stage. In particular, the transition from small group content to large group content was particularly harsh in Vanilla. Players effectively became "blocked" from moving up.
So then the problem becomes two linked--but subtly different--questions: What does a blocked player do with her time? and How does a blocked player improve her character?
That's the primary function of Valor Points. They allow a player who is in the second stage to still advance her character, by engaging in second stage activities.
Valor/Justice Points also have a secondary function. They mitigate the randomness of loot drops. Enough points guarantee you loot.1
Finally, Valor/Justice Points serve a third function. They give players a small reward even if the player doesn't need loot off a specific boss.
But is the current design of Valor Points the best way to accomplish these functions? Are some of these functions even necessary? When looking at randomness, consider that the amount of loot per player has greatly increased since Vanilla. Combine that with a more generic token system for tier pieces, and smoothing out of loot distribution is pretty much unnecessary in Cataclysm.
And the small reward is also unnecessary. Indeed, the current daily heroic cuts against this idea. Since only the end boss of a heroic gives VP, there is great incentive to skip other bosses, even though they give JP.
That really only leaves the first and greatest purpose of VP, giving a path of character advancement for non-raiders. I will look at that issue in a future post.
1. Unlike, say, Cho'gall and paladin bracers.
Stationery Archeology 7
It's been a while since I posted anything in the Stationery Archeology slot, so here's a bumper picture post. This is my old boxfile, rescued from a skip in west London around 1985. I normally keep some old back copies of 2000AD in this. It must date to the 1960s at least, and despite showing its age, it's still sturdy. You may recognise the cover design as the wallpaper on this blog, and some may recognise the wonderful rubber-stamped manufacturer's mark inside, with the slogan "SUPPLIED FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE", from my Google profile.
Here's a close-up shot of that stamp. W. Smith Bermondsey Ltd. is long gone.
Here's a close-up shot of that stamp. W. Smith Bermondsey Ltd. is long gone.
AUTODROME GRANBY - LES PILOTES SPORTSMAN VOLERONT LA VEDETTE
Ce vendredi, le 17 juin 2011, Pacini présente Mr. Sportsman. Le pilote vedette de la soirée est Guy Ouellete, le champion défendant dans la catégorie Sportsman. Il pilote le bolide # 07. Les nombreux pilotes de la catégorie Lightning Sprint sont aussi à l'horaire. |
Les Modifié: François Bernier mène le bal. Les pilotes de la catégorie Modifié s'élanceront en piste pour une finale de 30 tours. François Bernier a mérité sa première victoire en Modifié vendredi dernier. Le pilote du bolide #49 domine le classement avec 5 points de plus que Kayle Robidoux (#46). Est-ce que le champion défendant Mario Clair (#22) méritera sa première victoire de la saison ? Il ne fait pas partie du top 10 dans la lutte au championnat 2011, il saura certainement se reprendre. Le multiple champion David Hébert (#1) ne figure pas dans les meneurs puisqu'il a connu des ennuis mécaniques vendredi dernier.
Josée Lyse Poisson Relationniste Autodrome Granby |
Brazilian Super Model Analu Campos Lingerie Photoshoot
Brazilian beauty & super model Analu Campos looking like the most stunning girl I have ever seen lately in this massive lingerie photoshoot for Gorteks. These shots have put me in a silly state of drooling which you guys will experience as well the second you click on the pictures.
Hot & Sexy Model Lauren Ridealgh Hot Lingerie Photoshoot
British hottie Lauren Ridealgh, showing off her tight little body in skimpy lingerie, This is hot lingerie photoshoot of newest collection of lingerie and swimwear from Nelly. I think this new photoshoot will convince you that Lauren Ridealgh one of the hot & sexy model.
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