1. Use the practice green to guage speed and work on distance control. Distance control (sometimes called speed control) should be the focus when practicing putting.
2. Hit your putts at a ball marker, not at a hole, to start with. Don't immediately try to make putts - simply roll the ball toward a ball marker you've put down about six feet away. Think about the stroke and centering the ball on the putter face.
3. Set down distance markers and alternate putting to different distances. Set ball markers, clubs or some other markers at 10-foot intervals, out to 30 feet. Alternate hitting balls to the different distances.
4. Hit from one side of the green to the other to practice long putts. Making a 70-footer is something we're very unlikely to do, it doesn't make sense to aim at the cup. You'll only be disappointed when the ball doesn't go in.
5. Practice making putts, not missing them. Putt from no more than six feet out, and preferably around four feet out. Even the pros make only about half their 6-footers. If you're practicing 15-footers, you're only hurting your confidence.
6. Putt on a flat part of the practice green. On a practice green, you want to practing making putts. That means putting from a short distance - and on a flat part of the green. Short, flat putts are the ones you have to make to get better.
7. Always end your practice session by making short putts. Don't walk off the green on a miss. Force yourselve to make five or six putts in a row to end the session - even if you have to putt from 6 inches to do it.
Also
Visualize to stay positive. Confidence plays a huge role in putting. As you stand over putts on the practice green, visualize a trough leading from your putter to the cup and imagine hearing the sound of the ball dropping into the cup.
Put down a chalk line to practice keeping your putter on-line. You can find a chalk line in a hardware store - it's that string carpenters snap to a surface to leave a chalk imprint.
Practice keeping your putter on line and hitting the sweet spot in your living room. Use an alignment tool (a ruler, for instance) and putting aids you can buy to affix to your putter's head that will help with centering the stroke.
Orignal From: Practicle Putting Tips
Friday, April 18, 2008
Things to Consider Before Buying a Name-Brand Computer
A Few Things to Consider Before Buying a Name-Brand Computer
Provided by Q & N Premium Computer and Electronics
It is inevitable that we will all eventually need to upgrade or purchase a new computer. Important things like cost, tech support, warrantee and quality are all a big factor in deciding what to buy. But what about maintenance? Suppose the hard drive dies, no big deal you can get a new one anywhere. Suppose the power supply goes? If you bought a Dell, chances are you can only get one from Dell ..if your computer is still under warranty.
A few years ago a man brought his computer to me because it would not boot up. After quickly checking it out I noticed that the fans were all running very slowly, and the hard drive did not start. I told him I thought the hard drive was probably dead and either the motherboard or power supply was going bad. I took it to the office to repair.
The computer was manufactured by Dell in 2000. Upon testing the computer I found that, indeed, the hard drive had gone bad as well as the power supply. I had another hard drive and power supply on the shelf, and proceeded to install them. While attempting to install my standard ATX power supply I discovered that it would not fit. Weird. I then noticed that the Dell power supply was built completely opposite of a standard (nonproprietary) power supply and could not be installed into the Dell case. So I did a search on the internet to purchase a Dell power supply, but found that no one on the internet sells one. I also found out that even if you hacked up the computer box to fit a standard ATX power supply, the wiring configuration is completely different. Compounding the pounding, Dell uses a standard ATX plug to attach to the motherboard and at this point the unknowing individual would plug in and fry the motherboard and toast the power supply. So the only choice I had was to go to Dell to get a power supply.
I then found out that Dell does not sell parts, they replace them under warranty, if the computer in still under warranty. If not, you will need to return the unit to them for repair and pay for all the shipping, allow 3 to 4 weeks for the return of your computer. Or trade it in for a new one. This was unacceptable, 4 weeks or $600 for a new tower! All I needed was a $30.00 power supply.
Getting back on the internet I found a guy who makes an adapter for the wiring, but still no way to mount the power supply into the Dell box. My next thought was to get a new box and move the other components into a new box. Then as I went to remove the motherboard out of the Dell I noticed that it mounted differently than all the other motherboards I had installed before. All of the ports would not line up and none of the mounting holes lined up.
Not only was the Dell power supply proprietary (not interchangeable with standard industry parts), but so was the motherboard and tower. In fact even the CPU fan was proprietary. Now what else do I need? What are my choices? The Dell was a 1 GHz Intel (a PIII) with 256K Rambus Ram (RDRAM). RDRAM was real hi-tech and expensive at the time. But trying to find a standard Motherboard for a PIII (socket 370) and RDRAM is impossible. I spent at least 10 hours searching for one, to no avail.
Now before I go on, I must say that all the parts Dell used on this machine were high quality parts, but barebones. The power supply was only a 200 watt, but very well made. RDRAM must be installed as pairs, Dell installed a single stick or 256K and the second stick was a filler. RDRAM needs a pair to run at top speed. The tower was well constructed weighing a good 15 pounds, stripped.
The CD-ROM was salvageable. and the CPU, or the RDRAM, but not both. By this time you can no longer find a P3 socket 370 motherboard that accepted RDRAM. The only motherboards that would accept it were P4 socket 478 motherboards which were really expensive at the time.
After all was said and done, my client spent $800.00 for a new nonproprietary pre-built computer, due to the inability to purchase the $30.00 power supply that was needed to fix his machine.
Now the point to this story is before you buy a pre-built computer you want to find out if the parts are proprietary like Dell's, Compaq's ,HP's, Gateway's, and Packard Bell's. If so, buyer beware. I know Micron was using all standand parts the last time I looked at one, but these days I build my own computers. If a power supply goes, I simply take another backup part off the shelf and install it.
The same can go for upgrades, too. If you plan to upgrade one of these pre-built computers a lot of times you are probably better off just buying a whole new system.
Case in point.. point out a case you like and have somebody build you a computer that will not only save you money on repairs, but can mean the difference between purchasing few inexpensive upgrades or being forced to buy an entirely new system just to get the same results.
Orignal From: Things to Consider Before Buying a Name-Brand Computer
Provided by Q & N Premium Computer and Electronics
It is inevitable that we will all eventually need to upgrade or purchase a new computer. Important things like cost, tech support, warrantee and quality are all a big factor in deciding what to buy. But what about maintenance? Suppose the hard drive dies, no big deal you can get a new one anywhere. Suppose the power supply goes? If you bought a Dell, chances are you can only get one from Dell ..if your computer is still under warranty.
A few years ago a man brought his computer to me because it would not boot up. After quickly checking it out I noticed that the fans were all running very slowly, and the hard drive did not start. I told him I thought the hard drive was probably dead and either the motherboard or power supply was going bad. I took it to the office to repair.
The computer was manufactured by Dell in 2000. Upon testing the computer I found that, indeed, the hard drive had gone bad as well as the power supply. I had another hard drive and power supply on the shelf, and proceeded to install them. While attempting to install my standard ATX power supply I discovered that it would not fit. Weird. I then noticed that the Dell power supply was built completely opposite of a standard (nonproprietary) power supply and could not be installed into the Dell case. So I did a search on the internet to purchase a Dell power supply, but found that no one on the internet sells one. I also found out that even if you hacked up the computer box to fit a standard ATX power supply, the wiring configuration is completely different. Compounding the pounding, Dell uses a standard ATX plug to attach to the motherboard and at this point the unknowing individual would plug in and fry the motherboard and toast the power supply. So the only choice I had was to go to Dell to get a power supply.
I then found out that Dell does not sell parts, they replace them under warranty, if the computer in still under warranty. If not, you will need to return the unit to them for repair and pay for all the shipping, allow 3 to 4 weeks for the return of your computer. Or trade it in for a new one. This was unacceptable, 4 weeks or $600 for a new tower! All I needed was a $30.00 power supply.
Getting back on the internet I found a guy who makes an adapter for the wiring, but still no way to mount the power supply into the Dell box. My next thought was to get a new box and move the other components into a new box. Then as I went to remove the motherboard out of the Dell I noticed that it mounted differently than all the other motherboards I had installed before. All of the ports would not line up and none of the mounting holes lined up.
Not only was the Dell power supply proprietary (not interchangeable with standard industry parts), but so was the motherboard and tower. In fact even the CPU fan was proprietary. Now what else do I need? What are my choices? The Dell was a 1 GHz Intel (a PIII) with 256K Rambus Ram (RDRAM). RDRAM was real hi-tech and expensive at the time. But trying to find a standard Motherboard for a PIII (socket 370) and RDRAM is impossible. I spent at least 10 hours searching for one, to no avail.
Now before I go on, I must say that all the parts Dell used on this machine were high quality parts, but barebones. The power supply was only a 200 watt, but very well made. RDRAM must be installed as pairs, Dell installed a single stick or 256K and the second stick was a filler. RDRAM needs a pair to run at top speed. The tower was well constructed weighing a good 15 pounds, stripped.
The CD-ROM was salvageable. and the CPU, or the RDRAM, but not both. By this time you can no longer find a P3 socket 370 motherboard that accepted RDRAM. The only motherboards that would accept it were P4 socket 478 motherboards which were really expensive at the time.
After all was said and done, my client spent $800.00 for a new nonproprietary pre-built computer, due to the inability to purchase the $30.00 power supply that was needed to fix his machine.
Now the point to this story is before you buy a pre-built computer you want to find out if the parts are proprietary like Dell's, Compaq's ,HP's, Gateway's, and Packard Bell's. If so, buyer beware. I know Micron was using all standand parts the last time I looked at one, but these days I build my own computers. If a power supply goes, I simply take another backup part off the shelf and install it.
The same can go for upgrades, too. If you plan to upgrade one of these pre-built computers a lot of times you are probably better off just buying a whole new system.
Case in point.. point out a case you like and have somebody build you a computer that will not only save you money on repairs, but can mean the difference between purchasing few inexpensive upgrades or being forced to buy an entirely new system just to get the same results.
Orignal From: Things to Consider Before Buying a Name-Brand Computer
WHICH INSTINCTS DO YOU HAVE?
WHICH INSTINCTS DO YOU HAVE?
Gathering
1. Do you buy healthy food only to have it rot in the refrigerator while you go out to eat fast food?2. Do you often feel panicked about money, safety and having enough of things?
3. If you can sleep in as long as you want to, do you?
Hunting
1. Do you delight in knowing details or facts?
2. Do you feel good when you can master a process, like using a software program or doing your taxes?
3. Do you try to find the most efficient, most effective way to do something?Warrior
1. Do you believe that there is a right way and a wrong way to do most things, and you know the right way?
2. Do you believe second place is first loser?
3. Do you get annoyed at people who get in your way and delay you?
Worker
1. Do you pretty much take things with a grain of salt and not worry too much about stuff you can鈥檛 control?
2. Do you get up every day and go to work at some crappy job, but you keep doing it because you need the money?
3. Do you have a hobby? Do you collect things or make crafts?
Inventor
1. Do you constantly see the way things around you could be improved?
2. Do you often feel depressed because other people cannot see things that are so obvious to you?
3. Have you ever taken apart something just to see how it works?
Attraction
1. When choosing clothes to wear, do you consider what other people, (including strangers), may think of your clothing?
2. Do you have to 鈥渕ake yourself presentable鈥?before you leave the house?
3. Do you get depressed when you see pictures of yourself and realize that you are aging?
Nurturing
1. Are you often concerned about the negative and unhealthy ways some people are living their lives?
2. Do you constantly put other people鈥檚 needs before your own?
3. Do you want to live as long as you can, and just want everyone to be happy and healthy?
Home,
caveman, diet,
relationships, -
who am I ? The more questions you answer YES,
The more of that instinct you may have.
Orignal From: WHICH INSTINCTS DO YOU HAVE?
Gathering
1. Do you buy healthy food only to have it rot in the refrigerator while you go out to eat fast food?2. Do you often feel panicked about money, safety and having enough of things?
3. If you can sleep in as long as you want to, do you?
Hunting
1. Do you delight in knowing details or facts?
2. Do you feel good when you can master a process, like using a software program or doing your taxes?
3. Do you try to find the most efficient, most effective way to do something?Warrior
1. Do you believe that there is a right way and a wrong way to do most things, and you know the right way?
2. Do you believe second place is first loser?
3. Do you get annoyed at people who get in your way and delay you?
Worker
1. Do you pretty much take things with a grain of salt and not worry too much about stuff you can鈥檛 control?
2. Do you get up every day and go to work at some crappy job, but you keep doing it because you need the money?
3. Do you have a hobby? Do you collect things or make crafts?
Inventor
1. Do you constantly see the way things around you could be improved?
2. Do you often feel depressed because other people cannot see things that are so obvious to you?
3. Have you ever taken apart something just to see how it works?
Attraction
1. When choosing clothes to wear, do you consider what other people, (including strangers), may think of your clothing?
2. Do you have to 鈥渕ake yourself presentable鈥?before you leave the house?
3. Do you get depressed when you see pictures of yourself and realize that you are aging?
Nurturing
1. Are you often concerned about the negative and unhealthy ways some people are living their lives?
2. Do you constantly put other people鈥檚 needs before your own?
3. Do you want to live as long as you can, and just want everyone to be happy and healthy?
Home,
caveman, diet,
relationships, -
who am I ? The more questions you answer YES,
The more of that instinct you may have.
Orignal From: WHICH INSTINCTS DO YOU HAVE?
FREE Rare list - Monopoly 2007 Game at McDonalds
Don't buy a rare piece list for the Monopoly 2007 Game at McDonald's. It is free virtually everywhere. In fact I'm providing it to you free right here. I nearly fell out of my chair when I saw sellers were making a bunch of money on this. Here is a neat list for your viewing pleasure. This isn鈥檛 as pretty as my HTML version but the eBay guide interface wont allow me to post HTML. Don't be afraid to hit the "yes" button on the "this guide was helpful" section below. Monopoly 2007 Game at McDonald's Rare ListName Appeal # of Rares Prize $ #801 - Mediterranean Avenue Rare 15,000 $50#802 - Baltic Avenue Common#823 - Reading Railroad Common#824 - Pennsylvania Railroad Common#825 - B&O Railroad Common#826 - Short Line Rare 1,500 $100 #803 - Oriental Avenue Common#804 - Vermont Avenue Rare 250 $500#805 - Connecticut Avenue Common #806 - St Charles Place Common#807 - States Avenue Common#808 - Virginia Avenue Rare 250 $1,000#809 - St James Place Common#810 - Tennessee Avenue Rare 50 $5,000#811 - New York Avenue Common#812 - Kentucky Avenue Rare 30 $10,000#813 - Indiana Avenue Common#814 - Illinois Avenue Common#815 - Atlantic Avenue Common#816 - Ventnor Avenue Rare 5 $25,000#817 - Marvin Gardens Common #818 - Pacific Avenue Common#819 - North Carolina Avenue Common#820 - Pennsylvania Avenue Rare 5 $50,000#821 - Park Place Common#822 - Boardwalk Rare 3 $1,000,000 Property Pieces OnlyThis guide's format and information style belongs to socure. This guide remains copyright 2007 by socure
Orignal From: FREE Rare list - Monopoly 2007 Game at McDonalds
Orignal From: FREE Rare list - Monopoly 2007 Game at McDonalds
Playstation 3 vs. Xbox 360
I have read some pretty bias articles lately on the differences between the Ps 3 and the xbox 360. The Majority of these articles favor the playstation 3 as the Next generation console. Not one of these articles talk about game quality and title availability. They have mostly drooled over the fact that the Ps3 has 7 processors and a 60gb harddrive, so that must make it better. Never once do you read that becuase of those 7 Single layer processors that big game studios have turned Sony exclusive games into xbox 360 games as well. Game titles that include: Final Fantasy XII, Grand Theft Auto IV, Metal Gear Solid IV, Assasains Creed, Guitar Hero II, and the list goes on..
Why are all these ex Sony exlusive titles migrating to the xbox 360? Because Sony has made it so difficult to produce a game for its console that game companies like Rockstar will have to sell 500,000 copies of EACH title just to break even on their game.. The next question I would ask is if it is so hard to make games for the ps3 does that give me better graffix? The answer I'm afraid is NO.. Both consoles support 1080p and frankly I dont know any television that can do better than that.. Infact the ps3 only has 256mb of Ram compared to the 360's 512mb of Ram. I do give the Playstation 3 credit it does have a milionth of a sec. faster load time,but, Frankly I cant see a milonth of a Sec. I can however see the $200.00 price difference and a Milionth of as sec is not worth $200 to me..
Now lets talk about the harddrive size difference.. The playstation 3 does come with a huge 40gb difference in harddrive size. The reason behind this is Sony has made their games harddrive dependent. What exactly does that mean? Well, it means that a portion of every game you put in your ps3 is copied and saved to your harddrive. With this happening to serious gamers like me my harddrive could fill real quick, so I can see why they added an additonal 40gb of space. The xbox 360 supports a smaller 20 gb harddrive but has no software dependancy on it. Anouther words if you dont let it save it wont..
I have also read an article that stated Sony's online media experience was incredible. Come on now, The 360 has a way better media center. You can download brand new release Hd movies to your console for under $5.00, download your favorite television programs like: Lost, CSI, MTV, Sports games and more. Further more your Ipod or Zune player plugs right into your 360 for optimal streaming of music. You can set up your own sound tracks for all games. Not to mention has the best online game play in history. Now with the release of Microsoft Vista you will be able to play 360 vs the pc. Yes, that is right! When the release of a much anticipated game called shadow run releases you will be able to play it on your pc and take advantage of xbox live from any computer. You can use either a Keyboard and mouse or plug your 360 controller right into your usb port. They also have created a adapter for your usb port so you can use your wireless controllers. Xbox 360 has monthly tournaments for gamers to compete for money, has famous actors and other celeberties playing so that you can Q&A them. Lets face it Ps3 can not compare the xbox 360's online experience.
There are alot more inconsitancies in these articles where the writers are ultimatelly bias to Sony. There was an independant research done at the begining of Febuary where they called and found a 84% instock rate on Ps 3's and a 70% instock rate on xbox 360's. For a New console like the Playstation 3 that is having problems delivering quanities to the US, there should be a 0% instock rate like the Nintendo Wii. When the xbox 360 released you could not find a single 360 on a store shelf untill well into the summer and they release 1million more units during launch than the PS3. Sony executives themself have been quoted saying if we do not drop the price, release some better games that people want to buy we will not be able to even think about designing a playstation 4.
People may say that I am a hippacrit, writing an article calling people bias to the Ps3 as I promote the xbox 360. Well, all I can say to defend myself to that is I never played my xbox but for halo, and halo 2. I have allways been a diehard Sony fan. I've waited in line for days at every playstation release, including the ps3. One day I decieded to go play some online game play and walked up to my consoles to turn them. When I got to my entertainment center I realised my ps3 was collecting dust on it's stylish black case. I then began to think that besides Resitance fall of man I havent played any other title on my ps3. Then I looked at my profit op sheet for my store at the New release games coming out. I noticed immidiatelly that all of the releases coming out I have beaten already on my 360. At that point I decieded I wasted $600 of my hard earned cash on a system that I wont play. It's just not me that thinks this way. The country of Japan has allways been a huge Sony follower. They would never buy an american console vs. a Sony product. It was just unthinkable, But, if you take a look at Japans top 10 games for the month of Febuary you will notice that there is not 1 Ps3 game on it. There is two xbox 360 games on it. Now dont misunderstand what I am saying, the playstation 3 is way outselling the xbox 360 in Japan, however, they are not buying games. That is right, the playstation 3 is nothing more than a $600 BlueRay DVD player with an extra bonus that it plays games. I am sorry Sony but I am a gamer!! I want to feel the challange of killing someone else during an online battle or playing an RPG that I can just get lost in a fantasy world for a few hours. I could really care less about Talladega Nights!! Dont worry Sony. There are plenty of gamers that do care about watching Movies.
So to answer the question on which system is better for. It all depends on what you are looking for. If you want a dvd player than the ps 3 is the way to go. If you want gaming with a great online experience, then save $200 and get a xbox 360
Orignal From: Playstation 3 vs. Xbox 360
Why are all these ex Sony exlusive titles migrating to the xbox 360? Because Sony has made it so difficult to produce a game for its console that game companies like Rockstar will have to sell 500,000 copies of EACH title just to break even on their game.. The next question I would ask is if it is so hard to make games for the ps3 does that give me better graffix? The answer I'm afraid is NO.. Both consoles support 1080p and frankly I dont know any television that can do better than that.. Infact the ps3 only has 256mb of Ram compared to the 360's 512mb of Ram. I do give the Playstation 3 credit it does have a milionth of a sec. faster load time,but, Frankly I cant see a milonth of a Sec. I can however see the $200.00 price difference and a Milionth of as sec is not worth $200 to me..
Now lets talk about the harddrive size difference.. The playstation 3 does come with a huge 40gb difference in harddrive size. The reason behind this is Sony has made their games harddrive dependent. What exactly does that mean? Well, it means that a portion of every game you put in your ps3 is copied and saved to your harddrive. With this happening to serious gamers like me my harddrive could fill real quick, so I can see why they added an additonal 40gb of space. The xbox 360 supports a smaller 20 gb harddrive but has no software dependancy on it. Anouther words if you dont let it save it wont..
I have also read an article that stated Sony's online media experience was incredible. Come on now, The 360 has a way better media center. You can download brand new release Hd movies to your console for under $5.00, download your favorite television programs like: Lost, CSI, MTV, Sports games and more. Further more your Ipod or Zune player plugs right into your 360 for optimal streaming of music. You can set up your own sound tracks for all games. Not to mention has the best online game play in history. Now with the release of Microsoft Vista you will be able to play 360 vs the pc. Yes, that is right! When the release of a much anticipated game called shadow run releases you will be able to play it on your pc and take advantage of xbox live from any computer. You can use either a Keyboard and mouse or plug your 360 controller right into your usb port. They also have created a adapter for your usb port so you can use your wireless controllers. Xbox 360 has monthly tournaments for gamers to compete for money, has famous actors and other celeberties playing so that you can Q&A them. Lets face it Ps3 can not compare the xbox 360's online experience.
There are alot more inconsitancies in these articles where the writers are ultimatelly bias to Sony. There was an independant research done at the begining of Febuary where they called and found a 84% instock rate on Ps 3's and a 70% instock rate on xbox 360's. For a New console like the Playstation 3 that is having problems delivering quanities to the US, there should be a 0% instock rate like the Nintendo Wii. When the xbox 360 released you could not find a single 360 on a store shelf untill well into the summer and they release 1million more units during launch than the PS3. Sony executives themself have been quoted saying if we do not drop the price, release some better games that people want to buy we will not be able to even think about designing a playstation 4.
People may say that I am a hippacrit, writing an article calling people bias to the Ps3 as I promote the xbox 360. Well, all I can say to defend myself to that is I never played my xbox but for halo, and halo 2. I have allways been a diehard Sony fan. I've waited in line for days at every playstation release, including the ps3. One day I decieded to go play some online game play and walked up to my consoles to turn them. When I got to my entertainment center I realised my ps3 was collecting dust on it's stylish black case. I then began to think that besides Resitance fall of man I havent played any other title on my ps3. Then I looked at my profit op sheet for my store at the New release games coming out. I noticed immidiatelly that all of the releases coming out I have beaten already on my 360. At that point I decieded I wasted $600 of my hard earned cash on a system that I wont play. It's just not me that thinks this way. The country of Japan has allways been a huge Sony follower. They would never buy an american console vs. a Sony product. It was just unthinkable, But, if you take a look at Japans top 10 games for the month of Febuary you will notice that there is not 1 Ps3 game on it. There is two xbox 360 games on it. Now dont misunderstand what I am saying, the playstation 3 is way outselling the xbox 360 in Japan, however, they are not buying games. That is right, the playstation 3 is nothing more than a $600 BlueRay DVD player with an extra bonus that it plays games. I am sorry Sony but I am a gamer!! I want to feel the challange of killing someone else during an online battle or playing an RPG that I can just get lost in a fantasy world for a few hours. I could really care less about Talladega Nights!! Dont worry Sony. There are plenty of gamers that do care about watching Movies.
So to answer the question on which system is better for. It all depends on what you are looking for. If you want a dvd player than the ps 3 is the way to go. If you want gaming with a great online experience, then save $200 and get a xbox 360
Orignal From: Playstation 3 vs. Xbox 360
Sierra On-Line: A History, Part TWO
A History of Sierra On-Line, Part Two: What's In A Name, Anyway?
This article is a continuation of the History of Sierra series presented by magisterrex . Part One can be found here: How It All Fits Together
Packaging was not the only aspect of Sierra that was in a state of flux throughout their history; their very name and identity have changed over the years.
As most old-school gamers know, the company was founded by the power-gaming couple of Ken and Roberta Williams in 1980. Back then it was known On-Line Systems. The games Mystery House and Time Zone were first released under this label.
By 1982, the company changed its name to Sierra On-Line, but used two other labels to sell some of their product line. SierraVenture was created to sell the company's re-released software that once sold under the On-Line Systems brand, while the company's action/arcade games were to be produced under the SierraVision label. Both logos were discontinued in 1984, and the company published all their titles under the Sierra On-Line label.
As revenues increased, so did buying opportunities for Sierra, which had become a software juggernaut. The company acquired other software companies, often including both logos on subsequent products. Purchases included:
1990 Dynamix1992 Bright Star Technology1993 Coktel Vision1995 Arion Software, Green Thumb Software, Impressions, Papyrus Design Group, Pixellite Group, subLOGIC1997 Berkeley Systems, Books That Work, Headgate, Pyrotechnix
However, in 1996 Sierra On-Line itself was sold to CUC International, and ceased to be an independent company. Shortly thereafter, in 1997, CUC International merged with HFS Incorporated, creating a new company named Cendant Corporation, which itself was purchased by Havas in 1998, which was then purchased by Vivendi that same year. A veritable whirlwind of stock acquisition!
In 1998 Sierra reorganized themselves, and went with five internal divisions:
Sierra Attractions, home the Hoyle and You Don't Know Jack franchisesSierra Home, where various "home improvement" software was housed, such as Master Cook and Print ArtistSierra Sports, home of the Nascar, Trophy Bass and other sports-related titlesSierra Studios, the logo under which all the mainstream titles such as King's Quest would be publishedDynamix, A Sierra Company, which continued to produce all the 3D combat simulations (such as Red Baron)
All seemed well - or well enough - until 1999, when the downsizing axe fell on Sierra in a day known as Black Monday among Sierra collectors. If the company had only seemed a shadow of its former self prior to Black Monday, in the aftermath the Sierra that everyone had come to know and love was gone forever, replaced by a soulless corporate entity that looked only to what market share could be found for the least amount of expenditure. For the next few years Sierra would lay off hundreds of employees by closing entire divisions. Gone were Dynamix (R.I.P., 2001), Impressions (R.I.P., 2004), Papyrus Design (R.I.P., 2004), Berkeley Systems (R.I.P., 2000), and others. Sierra itself would change its name once again, this time to Sierra Entertainment, Inc., a name which it has kept to the present day.
But there's hope! Sierra was injected with new life in 2006 and has released several hot new products, which include new additions to the Police Quest SWAT, Caesar, and Trophy Bass lines. Although it will never recapture its past glory, Sierra continues to be a vibrant software company, with many more "hot" titles to come!This article was continued from A History of Sierra On-Line, PART 1: How It All Fits Together This article
continues from the years 1979-1980, found here: Sierra
On-Line GENESIS: 1979-1980 This article continues from the year 1981,
found here: Sierra
On-Line GENESIS: 1981 This article continues from the year 1982, found
here: Sierra
On-Line GENESIS: 1982 This article continues from the year 1983, found
here: Sierra
On-Line GENESIS: 1983 Visit our store for GAMES and MORE! Click here
=> http://stores.ebay.com/Magisterrex-Retro-Gaming-GamesAlso
Visit our ABOUT ME Page! Click here => magisterrrex
About ME Page
Orignal From: Sierra On-Line: A History, Part TWO
This article is a continuation of the History of Sierra series presented by magisterrex . Part One can be found here: How It All Fits Together
Packaging was not the only aspect of Sierra that was in a state of flux throughout their history; their very name and identity have changed over the years.
As most old-school gamers know, the company was founded by the power-gaming couple of Ken and Roberta Williams in 1980. Back then it was known On-Line Systems. The games Mystery House and Time Zone were first released under this label.
By 1982, the company changed its name to Sierra On-Line, but used two other labels to sell some of their product line. SierraVenture was created to sell the company's re-released software that once sold under the On-Line Systems brand, while the company's action/arcade games were to be produced under the SierraVision label. Both logos were discontinued in 1984, and the company published all their titles under the Sierra On-Line label.
As revenues increased, so did buying opportunities for Sierra, which had become a software juggernaut. The company acquired other software companies, often including both logos on subsequent products. Purchases included:
1990 Dynamix1992 Bright Star Technology1993 Coktel Vision1995 Arion Software, Green Thumb Software, Impressions, Papyrus Design Group, Pixellite Group, subLOGIC1997 Berkeley Systems, Books That Work, Headgate, Pyrotechnix
However, in 1996 Sierra On-Line itself was sold to CUC International, and ceased to be an independent company. Shortly thereafter, in 1997, CUC International merged with HFS Incorporated, creating a new company named Cendant Corporation, which itself was purchased by Havas in 1998, which was then purchased by Vivendi that same year. A veritable whirlwind of stock acquisition!
In 1998 Sierra reorganized themselves, and went with five internal divisions:
Sierra Attractions, home the Hoyle and You Don't Know Jack franchisesSierra Home, where various "home improvement" software was housed, such as Master Cook and Print ArtistSierra Sports, home of the Nascar, Trophy Bass and other sports-related titlesSierra Studios, the logo under which all the mainstream titles such as King's Quest would be publishedDynamix, A Sierra Company, which continued to produce all the 3D combat simulations (such as Red Baron)
All seemed well - or well enough - until 1999, when the downsizing axe fell on Sierra in a day known as Black Monday among Sierra collectors. If the company had only seemed a shadow of its former self prior to Black Monday, in the aftermath the Sierra that everyone had come to know and love was gone forever, replaced by a soulless corporate entity that looked only to what market share could be found for the least amount of expenditure. For the next few years Sierra would lay off hundreds of employees by closing entire divisions. Gone were Dynamix (R.I.P., 2001), Impressions (R.I.P., 2004), Papyrus Design (R.I.P., 2004), Berkeley Systems (R.I.P., 2000), and others. Sierra itself would change its name once again, this time to Sierra Entertainment, Inc., a name which it has kept to the present day.
But there's hope! Sierra was injected with new life in 2006 and has released several hot new products, which include new additions to the Police Quest SWAT, Caesar, and Trophy Bass lines. Although it will never recapture its past glory, Sierra continues to be a vibrant software company, with many more "hot" titles to come!This article was continued from A History of Sierra On-Line, PART 1: How It All Fits Together This article
continues from the years 1979-1980, found here: Sierra
On-Line GENESIS: 1979-1980 This article continues from the year 1981,
found here: Sierra
On-Line GENESIS: 1981 This article continues from the year 1982, found
here: Sierra
On-Line GENESIS: 1982 This article continues from the year 1983, found
here: Sierra
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Orignal From: Sierra On-Line: A History, Part TWO
ATV scam
I found multiple ATV scams when starting in the ATV Polaris Ranger category. The scams use a USA location but have a Euro price. They don't have a bid now button. They have a direct email contact. These are all red flags per Ebay security. Watch out!! There is one item a Honda Rincon that has 18 bids. If you are one of these bidders you need to check scam warnings. See the Ebay security section on how to report these jerks.
Orignal From: ATV scam
Orignal From: ATV scam
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