2012 NBA Offseason Moves That Reshaped the League

"The rich keep getting richer" is a perfect way to describe the 2012 NBA offseason.
The Miami Heat and L.A. Lakers have become even more dangerous heading into the 2012-13 season, and their respective moves and acquisitions will also prove to be real difference-makers when it comes to the overall shape and structure of the league over the next few years.
The NBA is no longer a competitive league—the balance of power has shifted to a few "elite" teams that have the draw and appeal to acquire top-tier talents like never before.
The common themes of this past offseason? First, that super-teams are a thing of the present (and future) in the league, and that rivalries don't mean nearly as much as they once did.
Ahead are five offseason moves that reshaped the league and solidified the NBA as a league where parity and small-market teams have little to no chance.

Dwight Howard to the L.A. Lakers

The Dwight Howard saga came to an abrupt end with his blockbuster trade to the L.A. Lakers.

While the Lakers gave away their young franchise center for Howard, the trade just goes to show that superstar talent is drawn to big-market teams with an immediate chance at an NBA title.
The Lakers gave up their future for a chance at immediate success, and while that's the direction the league is going, it also shifted the power from the Miami Heat back to the west coast.
With Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gaosl and Howard, the Lakers have the most dominant lineup in the league, which certainly reshapes the league's look in more ways than one. If Howard isn't happy in Los Angeles, though, that shift of power could swing back when he enters free agency next year.
When LeBron took his talents to South Beach, the super-team train left the station. Now, the Lakers have not only gotten on that train, they've sped it up quite a bit.

Ray Allen Abandons the Celtics for the Miami Heat

Ray Allen's move means much more than just a cagey veteran signing with a championship-caliber team—it shows the decline of loyalty in the NBA.
It's not like there weren't any teams interested in Allen. The Celtics, his time for the past five seasons, wanted him back, but Allen wanted a better chance at an NBA title.
Can you blame Allen, though? Playing with LeBron, Wade and Bosh is much more enticing than playing with an immature Rajon Rondo, an overrated Paul Pierce and an aging Kevin Garnett.
Allen's signing just goes to show that rivalries aren't valued nearly as much today as they were in the past. The Lakers could've offered Larry Bird $100 million for one season and he would have rejected it because the Lakers were enemy No. 1. Do you think Magic Johnson would have joined forces with Bird because it gave him a "better chance" at an NBA title?
Rivalries don't mean nearly as much now, and Allen's signing with the Heat, instead of with the Celtics, all but proved that this offseason.

New York Knicks Failing to Re-Sign Jeremy Lin

Jeremy Lin's signing with the Houston Rockets won't necessarily impact the balance of power in the NBA all that much, but the fact that the New York Knicks didn't re-sign him will.
What was so shocking about this move (or, lack of one for that matter) is the fact that the Knicks are already overpaying for Tyson Chandler at $14 million, Carmelo Anthony for $21 million and Amar'e Stoudemire for $21 million per year.
Having $56 million tied up in three players not named LeBron, Wade or Bosh is absolutely insane, but what is even crazier is that the Knicks weren't willing to backload a contract so that they could build for their future. The Knicks made a decision that will not only hurt them this season, but the long term as well.
The Eastern Conference also lost another top-tier contender, as the Knicks are now a team without an identity. That certainly shifts the balance of power a bit.

Oklahoma City Gives Serge Ibaka Major Contract Extension

Serge Ibaka's four-year, $48 million contract extension is an underrated move that affects the league because it enables the Thunder to make a push for James Harden to sign an extension before he enters the qualifying offer year of his contract.
While the Thunder will have nearly $57 million tied up in Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins, the fact that Ibaka signed an extension gives the Thunder hope that Harden will follow suit.
For his part, Harden has already stated that he is "pretty sure" he will be with the Thunder for the long haul.
Instead of having to choose between Harden and Ibaka, the Thunder might have the luxury of holding onto both, solidifying the Thunder as a Western Conference favorite for the foreseeable future.
While Harden could seek a max offer at year's end, the Thunder at least have a chance of convincing the reigning Sixth Man of the Year to sign a contract extension. Should he stay, its impact will be felt for years to come across the entire foundation of the NBA.

Deron Williams Chooses to Create Another NBA Superteam

Deron Williams had a chance to go to his hometown Dallas Mavericks, but he chose to make the move to Brooklyn with the Nets, where he had a super-team forming in front of his eyes.
With Joe Johnson, Kris Humphries, Brook Lopez and Gerald Wallace, Williams has all the talent he needs to help the Nets become a top Eastern Conference contender.
The Nets have transformed themselves with their big offseason, and they have Williams to thank for that. The Knicks now have some competition in the Big Apple, and that is something that will be extremely exciting to watch over the next few years.
Shifting the focus away from the Knicks in New York is never easy, but the Nets managed to do just that over the summer. And that's certainly going to reshape the outlook of the NBA for the next few years.

@Gio

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5 Young NBA Teams Filled with Enormous Potential

Sacramento Kings

Notable Players 24 and Under: Thomas Robinson (21), DeMarcus Cousins (22), Tyreke Evans (22), Jimmer Fredette (23), Tyler Honeycutt (22), Isaiah Thomas (23)

The Sacramento Kings have all the pieces they need to succeed. They have a dynamic frontcourt duo, with DeMarcus Cousins and Thomas Robinson, and a deceptively talented backcourt with Tyreke Evans, Isaiah Thomas and Marcus Thornton.

The Kings just need someone to step up and become their leader.

It's clear that Cousins and Evans aren't going to rise to the occasion anytime soon, so that responsibility will fall squarely onto the shoulders of Thomas, Thornton or Robinson.

It's amazing how a lack of chemistry can hold a team with such potential back, but that's exactly the case for the Kings. With a dash of leadership and touch of chemistry, the Kings could transition from being a perennial lottery team to being a playoff contender in the West.

Keith Smart needs to get control of his team, and help them see just how great they could be if they started to work together.

Biggest question: Who is going to step up and be the Kings real leader on and off the court?

Houston Rockets

Notable Players 24 and Under: Terrence Jones (20), Jeremy Lamb (20), Marcus Morris (23), Jeremy Lin (24), Chandler Parsons (23), Patrick Patterson (23), Royce White (21)

The Houston Rockets are an enigma. They've transitioned from being a playoff contender into now being a team entering a rebuilding year for the franchise.
With the right coaching and veteran leadership, though, the Rockets' rebuilding year might not last all season. They have an impressive number of players under the age of 24 who are more than capable of being legitimate pieces of their future success.
The question now becomes just how well head coach Kevin McHale will get his players to play together and buy into his system. While the Rockets certainly are a hodgepodge of talent, they do have players who are capable of helping them reach a legitimate level of success.
With Jeremy Lamb's athleticism on the wing, Jeremy Lin's production at the point and Terrence Jones and Royce White holding down the power forward position, the Rockets have a lot of potential to succeed in the 2012-13 season.
Don't sleep on the Rockets this year. If they play up to their potential, they could be a very dangerous team.

Biggest Question: Can the Rockets build chemistry early on in the 2012-13 season?

Washington Wizards

Notable Players 24 and Under: John Wall (22), Bradley Beal (19), Jordan Crawford (23), Shelvin Mack (22), Trevor Booker (24), Kevin Seraphin (22), Chris Singleton (22), Jan Vesely (22)

The Washington Wizards have been an inconsistent franchise for the past decade, and that's not going to change until their young talent begins to play like a team.
They have a talented young group of players who are more than capable of establishing the Wizards as a competitive team in the East. The only problem is that those players often play better on an individual level than they do with their teammates around them.
This upcoming season will be a make-or-break year for John Wall now that he has a dynamic and efficient backcourt partner in Bradley Beal.
If Wall can finally realize his potential, he can help the Wizards become a dangerous team. If he instead continues to play inefficiently, the Wizards will continue to struggle because they need a player to be an efficient leader on the court.
If veteran players like Nene Hilario and Emeka Okafor can solidify the Wizards frontcourt, there's no limit to their success next season.

Biggest Question: How dominant can the duo of John Wall and Bradley Beal be in their first season together?

New Orleans Hornets

Notable Players 24 and Under: Eric Gordon (23), Ryan Anderson (24), Anthony Davis (19), Robin Lopez (24), Austin Rivers (20), Darius Miller (22)

The New Orleans Hornets had one of the best offseasons of any NBA team. Not only did they get two lottery picks, they also managed to trade for one of the most versatile power forwards in the game in Ryan Anderson.
The Hornets certainly have a lot of potential, but with that potential comes a high possibility to bust.
If Davis can prove why he was deserving of the No. 1 overall pick and Rivers can become a productive member of their second unit, the Hornets will have a chance at being a competitive team next season.
The biggest question will be if the Hornets can establish a level of chemistry between their returning players and their incoming talent. If Eric Gordon can stay healthy and Ryan Anderson can solidify their frontcourt, the Hornets can certainly be a surprisingly talented team during the 2012-13 season.

Biggest Question: Can the Hornets develop some semblance of depth on their bench?

Cleveland Cavaliers

Notable Players 24 and Under: Omri Casspi (24), Luke Harangody (24), Kyrie Irving (20), Samardo Samuels (23), Tristan Thompson (21), Dion Waiters (20)

There's no doubt that the Cleveland Cavaliers have a lot to be excited about heading into the start of the 2012-13 season. With Kyrie Irving at the point and Dion Waiters entering the fray, there's no ceiling to the Cavs' potential this season.
While we've yet to see how well Irving and Waiters can work together, the potential of their offensive production is exciting to say the least.
Aside from having a youthful backcourt, the Cavs also have a young frontcourt with a lot of potential with Tyler Zeller and Tristan Thompson. If the Cavs can develop chemistry, starting with the play of Irving at the point and Thompson in the paint, they can compete in the East, and they can do so immediately.
If they fail to play as one cohesive team, though, the 2012-13 season is certainly going to be a long one. The Cavaliers need to establish a productive seven-man rotation to compete with the top teams in the NBA, and if they do that, they can certainly attain a high level of success next season.

Biggest Question: How long will it take for the Cavaliers rookies and sophomores—Irving, Thompson, Zeller and Waiters—to take control of the team?

@Gio

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Tempat Unik di Dunia

 Tempat - Tempat Unik di Dunia

1. Caño Cristales

Caño Cristales adalah sungai Kolombia terletak di Serranía de la Macarena, provinsi Meta. Sungai ini biasa disebut “Sungai Lima Warna”, “Pelangi Cair” atau bahkan “Sungai Maha Indah di Dunia” karena ganggang yang dihasilkan berwarna – warni seperti merah, kuning, hijau dan biru di bagian bawah sungai yang menampakkan keindahan luar biasa.
Sayangnya, pemandangan indah itu tidak dapat kita saksikan setiap saat karena ganggang – ganggang itu bermunculan antara periode basah (musim hujan) dan kering (musim kemarau), saat itulah Cano Cristales akan menampilkan pesonanya. Warna-warni pelangi akan menutupi seluruh sungai. Itupun hanya berlangsung beberapa hari, selebihnya Caño Cristales sama seperti sungai – sungai pada umumnya. Jadi, jangan sampai melewatkan kemunculannya ya..
2. Vale Da Lua

Vale Da Lua adalah tumpukan batu yang telah diukir oleh Sungai San Miguel. Bebatuan ini terkena erosi dari sungai tetapi erosi yang menimpa justru membentuk bentuk – bentuk yang indah dan berwarna abu – abu seperti bulan. Oleh karena itu dinamakan lembah bulan. Lembah bulan memiliki beberapa formasi batuan tertua di dunia, yang diperkirakan berusia 1,8 miliar tahun. Erosi sungai telah menciptakan, gua-gua, air terjun dan formasi batuan aneh, dan membentuk sebuah labirin di dinding ngarai yang sempit. Hebatnya, ketika dilihat dari ruang angkasa, daerah yang paling bercahaya di bumi adalah lembah bulan ini. Penasaran bukan?
3. Fly Geyser Reno

Fly Geyser-Reno terletak di Nevada. Dia tidak sengaja terbentuk dari pengeboran sumur pada tahun 1916. Pengeboran mengarah pada sumber panas bumi, oleh karena itu bukan air sumur yang di dapat, malah air panas dari dalam perut bumi menyembur ke luar. Semburannya yang begitu kuat mengandung mineral – mineral yang lantas membentuk gunung kecil dengan tinggi sekitar 5 kaki. Semburan ini juga membentuk geyser – geyser kecil di sekitarnya. Karena semburan air panasnya begitu kuat dan menyengat, Fly Geyser-Reno menjadi kawasan terlarang untuk umum. Hmm…teringat Lumpur Lapindo di Sidoarjo…
4. Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto terbentang dari Pegunungan Sierra Moreno ke Teluk Cádiz di Huelva, Spanyol. Rio Tinto artinya sungai merah dan ini sesuai dengan kenyataan yang ada. Tingginya kadar besi dalam air menyebabkan warna merah di sungai.Penambangan yang ada di sungai ini adalah tembaga, emas dan perak yang telah ada sejak zaman dahulu, dan merupakan tambang tertua di dunia. Konon ada sejak zaman Raja Salomon. Warnanya yang merah menyala ternyata bukan berarti tidak ada makhluk hidup di dalamnya, karena ada beberapa makhluk hidup yang masih bisa bertahan di sana. Mereka umumnya makhluk hidup yang sudah terbiasa hidup di lingkungan ekstrim.
5. Chamarel Falls dan Colored Earth

Republik Mauritius adalah sebuah negara pulau yang terletak di lepas pantai tenggara Afrika. Ini adalah bagian dari negara kepulauan yang terbentuk dari sebuah gunung berapi bawah laut yang masih aktif. Mauritius adalah rumah bagi dua keajaiban alam. Yang pertama adalah Chamarel Falls, dengan tiga air terjun tipis yang jatuh sekitar 300 kaki ke dataran tinggi. Mereka adalah air terjun tertinggi di Mauritius. Sebelumnya Mauritius hanya dikenal karena air terjunnya, tetapi pada tahun 1960, bukit pasir berwarna ditemukan. Pasir berwarna diciptakan dari tanah liat yang terbuat dari lava mendingin pada waktu yang berbeda. Efeknya menyebabkan warna – warna pasir yang berbeda. 7 warna yang terbentuk adalah merah, coklat, ungu, hijau, biru, ungu dan kuning. Yang paling unik dari pasir ini adalah kenyataan bahwa jika Anda mengambil semua warna dan mencampuran mereka menjadi satu, maka mereka secara ajaib akan terpisah dan bergabung kembali dengan kelompok warna yang benar pada awalnya tadi. Bagaimana ini terjadi adalah suatu misteri bagi para ilmuwan yang telah mencoba untuk memecahkan sifat aneh pasir ini. Misteri lain pasir adalah bahwa tidak ada erosi terlihat. Wow..
6. Spotted Lake of Osoyoos (Danau Bercorak Osoyoos)


Danau Osoyoos terletak di British Columbia, tepat di perbatasan negara bagian Washington. Danau ini menjadi unik karena berbentuk puluhan kolam kecil dalam satu lingkaran danau yang besar. Danau Osoyoos terbentuk bukan karena buatan manusia, danau ini terbentuk secara alami karena kandungan dari berbagai deposit mineral yang ditemukan di dalamnya.
Danau Osoyoos kaya akan kalsium, natrium dan magnesium sulfat (Epsom salt). Dalam sebagian danau kecil tersebut malah terdapat perak dan titanium. Orang Indian kuno yang telah mengenal danau ini menyebut danau tersebut sebagai Okanagan Kliluk karena warna danau berubah dalam setiap musim. Selama musim panas, karena air menguap, bintik-bintik yang terbentuk memiliki warna yang berbeda tergantung pada mineral yang ada. Bintik-bintik dan bentuk jalan setapak mengkristal warna yang berbeda. Warna bisa putih, kuning, biru atau hijau. Danau ini merupakan properti pribadi, jadi sangat sulit untuk dapat melihatnya.
7. The Plain of Jars (Dataran Jars)

Dataran Jars adalah salah satu misteri arkeologi tertua di Asia Tenggara. Terletak di dataran tinggi Xieng Khouang, di pegunungan Indocina, ada sekitar 90 situs yang berbeda dalam bentuk menyerupai guci. Setiap situs berisi 1-400 guci. Diperkirakan tercipta sekitar 3.000 tahun yang lalu dari batu pasir, batu kapur, granit, breksi dan konglomerat, dengan mayoritas terbuat dari batu pasir. Jar tertinggi adalah sekitar 9 kaki. Sekilas mereka tampak ditempatkan sembarangan, dengan beberapa yang berdiri tegak dan orang lain pada sisi mereka, menunjuk ke arah yang berbeda. Penelitian lebih lanjut telah mengungkapkan bahwa guci ditempatkan di posisi yang membentuk pola-pola konstelasi bintang-bintang. Telah ada banyak spekulasi tentang tujuan dari guci dibuat, pertama adalah sebagai tempat minum raksasa, kedua digunakan untuk mengumpulkan air hujan, atau bahkan sebagai guci penguburan. Sebagian besar guci kosong, tetapi beberapa ditemukan dengan tubuh ada di dalamnya, atau diisi dengan patung-patung miniatur Buddha.
8. Sanqingshan

Sanqingshan adalah sebuah Taman Nasional kecil dekat kota Shangrao di provinsi Jiangxi, Cina. Oleh masyarakat Cina, daerah ini Sanqingshan adalah tempat suci, tempat meditasi oleh penganut Taoisme. Mereka meyakini jika bermeditasi di sini, maka jalan menuju keabadian akan terbentang luas. Sanqingshan diselimuti kabut selama 200 hari dalam setahun. Kabut memberikan nuansa mistis dari gunung, bersama dengan ribuan sungai yang membentang, granit formasi yang menyerupai siluet manusia dan hewan, dan pohon pinus berbentuk aneh. Sanqingshan adalah rumah bagi sekitar 2.500 spesies tanaman.Obat – obatan tradisional Cina tentu tidak asing bukan? Di sinilah mereka menemukan tanaman – tanaman berkhasiat itu.
9. Nine Hells of Beppu (Sembilan Neraka dari Beppu)

Beppu adalah penghasil air geothermal kedua terbesar di dunia. Terletak di Pulau Kusyu, Jepang, Beppu adalah kawasan wisata yang sangat terkenal di sana, namun sayangnya belum begitu terkenal di dunia. Neraka 1 adalah Umi Jigoku yang berarti “neraka laut”. Kolam biru yang saking panasnya bisa juga untuk merebus telur. Neraka 2 adalah Oniishibou, yang berarti “neraka kepala gundul”. Ini karena lumpur abu-abu yang ada di dalamnyan mendidih. Gelembung lumpur di permukaannya menyerupai kepala yang dicukur biksu. Neraka 3 adalah Shiraike Jigoku berarti “neraka kolam putih”. Namanya saja putih, pasti isinya air yang putih mendidih disebabkan oleh konsentrasi kalsium tinggi. Neraka 4 adalah Jigoku Yama berarti “neraka gunung. Yama Jigoku dibuat oleh sebuah gunung berapi memuntahkan lumpur yang begitu banyak sehingga menciptakan sebuah gunung kecil yang dikelilingi oleh kolam-kolam kecil. Neraka 5 adalah Kamada Jigoku yang artinya “memasak panci neraka”. Ini adalah kumpulan air panas mendidih yang diapit oleh patung setan merah dengan perawakan sebagai juru masak. Neraka 6 adalah Oniyama Jigoku, berarti “gunung setan neraka”. Oniyama adalah aliran yang sangat kuat yang dapat menarik mobil ke dalamnya, dan juga rumah bagi sekitar 100 buaya neraka. Neraka 7 adalah Kinryu Jigoku “emas naga neraka”. Musim semi ini adalah fitur dengan naga mengepul. Uap dipasok oleh uap musim semi dan diarahkan keluar dari lubang hidung naga. Naga memberikan ilusi terbang karena air menyembur keluar saat matahari terbit. Neraka 8 adalah Chinoike Jigoku, yang berarti “darah kolam neraka”. Ini karena airnya berwarna cerah kemerahan disebabkan oleh besi yang mengandung mineral. Neraka 9 adalah Tatsumaki Jigoku, yang berarti “air mancur neraka”. Tatsumaki adalah air mancur yang menyembur setiap 30 menit dan memiliki suhu sekitar 105 derajat Celcius.
10. Pamukkale

Pamukkale, yang berarti “benteng kapas” dalam bahasa Turki, adalah sebuah situs alam di Provinsi Denizli di Turki barat daya. Kota ini berisi air panas dan travertine, mineral karbonat yang ditinggalkan oleh air yang mengalir. Ini terletak di wilayah Turki Aegea dalam, di lembah Sungai Menderes, yang memiliki iklim sedang untuk sebagian tahun.
Orang-orang mempercayai bahwa mandi di kolam dapat menyebuhkan berbagai penyakit. Mitos ini bertahan selama ribuan tahun. Baru-baru ini pertengahan abad ke-20, hotel dibangun di atas reruntuhan Heropolis, menyebabkan kerusakan besar. Pendekatan jalan dibangun dari lembah ke teras, dan sepeda motor diizinkan untuk naik dan turun lereng. Ketika daerah itu dinyatakan sebagai Situs Warisan Dunia, hotel dihancurkan dan jalan dihilangkan dan diganti dengan kolam renang buatan.

@aldo

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Dragon Nest

Dragon Nest is a free-to-play fantasy MMORPG developed by Eyedentity. It uses a non-targeting combat system ensuring that players have complete control over every single one of their character's movements. Dragon Nest requires users to advance their characters by teaming up and traveling into instanced dungeons.

Gameplay

Dragon Nest incorporates non-targeting system gameplay to create a fast paced action filled experience. Players choose from a range of hero classes, characters that are of the Dragon Nest storyline that can equip customizable gear and weapons. Devastating skills can also be learned, to increase one's power when defeating monsters in instanced dungeons or defeating other players in PVP.
Dragon Nest also has the advantage of being nearly completely skill based, with lower level characters being able to defeat high level characters in PVP with skill alone. This allows a more experienced player that is of a lower level to dominate a less experienced player of a higher level player in PVP.

Classes

Dragon Nest characters exist in worlds. Players can create up to 4 characters per world. These characters cannot interact with one another, with the exception of mailing each other. Players can have 6 choices when creating a character. They are Warrior, Archer, Sorceress, Cleric, Academic and Kali. The Academic and Kali classes is not yet available in some releases. The Warrior, Archer and Kali class start their journey in Prairie Town (Ironwood Village in NA Version), while the Cleric, Sorceress and Academic classes start their journey in Mana Ridge. After reaching level 15, they can choose to advance to second class, and third class at level 45. At these job advancements, they can choose to further specialize in one aspect of their skill sets.

Cash Shop

The Cash Shop is an in game shop where players use real-life currency to purchase equipment not available in-game. Special items can also help in the development of the characters.
In Dragon Nest NA, the Cash Shop is known as the "Dragon Vault".

Releases

Asian release

On November 2, 2007, Nexon Korea Corporation secured rights to Dragon Nest. It was announced that the game would be entering its closed beta in the middle of 2008 but delayed to Fall of 2009. Dragon Nest was officially released in Korea on March 2010.
In December 2007, Shanda, game publisher in China, announced that it would be publishing the Chinese version of Dragon Nest.The Chinese closed beta began on March 25, 2010 with an official release later that year.
It was announced on November 21, 2008 that NHN Japan would publish Dragon Nest in Japan on their Hangame JP portal. On March 4, 2010, NHN Japan announced the people who would act as voice actors of Dragon Nest characters in Japanese. It was also stated that Gackt will voice as Velskerd as well as singing the official theme song of the game titled Ever. It has been announced by NHN Japan that Dragon Nest will begin its Japanese closed beta on April 17, 2010.

North American Release

At the Penny Arcade Expo in 2009, Nexon America announced that it would be publishing Dragon Nest in North America. Originally, Dragon Nest was scheduled for a mid-2010 release. Nexon America announced that a playable version of Dragon Nest would be shown at the upcoming E3 show in Los Angeles. Its release is now set to be towards the Summer of 2011. On April 21, 2011, a closed beta application was started and testing was due to begin on May 17, 2011. However, on May 6, an announcement was made that the closed beta testing will be pushed back to June 15, 2011^. Closed Beta ended on June 20, 2011. Dragon Nest Open Beta testing opened on July 26, 2011. The game was slated to go live on August 11, but this date has since been pushed back. The North American version was level-capped at 32 with the Saints Haven release on September 28, 2011. Characters, items and skill from the Open Beta Test were not cleared, so players kept the progress they made in the OBT. In mid December 2011, the North American version has extended its level-cap to 40, giving the player the ability to learn their 2nd sub-class's final skill. The Tinkerer class was added in the June 2012 patch.

South East Asia release

Shanda and Cherry Credits released the localized version of Dragon Nest for South East Asia region. Closed Beta testing period for Dragon Nest SEA ran from 13 July 2011 to 19 July 2011. Open Beta was opened from 16 August 2011 to 20 October 2011.
Official release of the game begins 20 October 2011 onwards, with the release of Saint Haven and level 32 cap on 18 October to mark its grand opening. There are currently four servers to the SEA's installation, namely (in chronological order) Westwood, Springwood, Greenwood and Holywood. The English language voiceovers and the song "The Warrior Call" for this release were produced by Aaron Walz of Walz Music & Sound.
Level cap has been increased to 40 on 13th December 2011 and will be increased to 50 on 28th August 2012. Additional content related to the increase has been added which includes new items(Lv. 40), Manticore Nest and the Apocalypse Nest. On 24th April 2012, the long anticipated Academic class has been released, bringing the total playable starting characters to 5. The long-awaited Sea Dragon Nest was released on June 4th, 2012, and also the much anticipated Level 50 cap is coming August 28, 2012 together with further advancements in their current job classes.

Merchandise

Manga

There is a manga based on the game named "Dragon Nest-Shungeki no Sedo"(Dragon Nest -瞬撃のセド, Sudden Attack's Sedo). It is drawn by TATSUBON and published by Kodansha (講談社). Three volumes has been published with about 12 chapters in total. It was serialized in Shōnen Rival (月刊少年ライバル,Getsu-Kan Shounen Raibaru) from July 2010 to May 2011. It follows the adventures of Warrior Sedo Nobusutatto, Archer Okiron Igunohisu, Sorceress Yuuri and Cleric Benetta as they fought to rescue the Prophetess Rose from a mysterious black figure, and to protect Saint's Haven from a great danger.

Dragon Nest Official Technical Guide

There is also Dragon Nest Official Technical Guides (ドラゴンネスト オフィシャルテクニカルガイド, Doragon Nesuto Ofisharu Tekunikaru Gaido)published in Japanese by Enterbrain (エンターブレイン).Two volumes has been published, Volume One in December 2010 and Volume Two in 30 November 2011.

Dragon Nest Special Packages

In Japan, there has been two special editions of the game released so far. One is the Dragon Nest Premium Package (ドラゴンネスト プレミアムパッケージ, Doragon Nesuto Puremiamu Pakkeeji) and the other is Dragon Nest 1st Anniversary Package (ドラゴンネスト 1stアニバーサリーパッケージ, Doragon Nesuto 1st Annibaaseri Pakkeeji), both containing the game DVD-ROM.Both are by Japanese game developer E frontier, inc (イーフロンティア).

Dragon Nest Drama CD

There are also a limited edition Dragon Nest Drama CD (ドラゴンネスト ドラマCD), called “Prelude- Awakening of Fate”( プレリュード～運命の目覚め～) which is 69 minute long, featuring the same Japanese voice actors in the game.

Storyline

The Goddess Althea, creator of the land of Lagendia (Verathea in the NA version), is poisoned by her evil sister Vestinel. The poison can only be cured using an antidote made using the source of the poison itself, Vestinel's magic grail, which has disappeared somewhere within Lagendia. The players as heroes of Lagendia must comb the land fighting evil dragons in order to find power stones that enable them to communicate with the sleeping goddess in order to find the grail, wake her and save the world.

Manga Details

 

Characters

Sedo Nobusutatto (セド・ノブスタット Sedo Nobusutatto)
A strong warrior with a clear sense of justice. He was guided towards the path of Heroes by the word of his father in his heart.
A hot-blooded Warrior who often jumps in to save his friends without a second thought. He was deeply influenced by his late father, who saved him from a massacre from the monsters in his childhood. By the events of Forsaken Island, he has advanced his class to Sword Master.
Okiron Igunohisu (オキロン・イグノヒス Okiron Igunohisu)
An elvish Archer, ordered to do a reconnaissance on the recent appearances of the monsters by her country.
A level-headed rational elf was just doing her mission when she was caught up with the antics of Warrior Sedo. Although she thinks poorly of him at first, she gradually learns to respect his deep loyalty to his friends. She also has a strong fear of flying or ‘unnatural thing’ (the airship) as she is very in tune with nature. By the events of Forsaken Island, she has advanced her class to Bow Master.
Yuuri (ユーリ Yuuri)
A weak-natured user of magic, is able to use flame magic.
At first unconfident and easily frightened, Yuuri learns to overcome her insecurities and initial incompetence of her skills. Sedo’s relentless faith in her gradually boosted her confidence and strive to become an even better Sorceress. By the events of Forsaken Island, she has advanced her class to Elemental Lord.
Benetta (ベネッタ Benetta)
A Temple Knight in pursuit of Velsklud, able to use lightning and healing magic.
A calm and aloof Cleric from the Temple Knights, Benetta prefers to work alone at the beginning. Scarred by the betrayal of his cleric friend who turned out to be a Dragon Follower and killed all his friends, he sought repayment and was hunting down Velsklud. Gradually he opened up to the other adventurers, and his knowledge of Shield defensive skills and healing skills proved him to be an invaluable ally. By the events of Forsaken Island, he has advanced his class to Priest.
Geraint (ジェレイント Jereinto)
One of the Six Heroes involved in the Dragon Raid 50 years ago. He is able to transform into his dragon form, also known as the Dragon of Light (光の龍, Hikari no Tetsu) or the Golden Dragon.
Argenta(アルゼンタ Aruzenta)
A mysterious woman with special powers was also a participant in the Dragon Raid 50 years ago.
Velsklud(ベルスカード Berusukaado)
The main antagonist of the story. One of the Six Heroes involved in the Dragon Raid 50 years ago. He captured the Prophetess of the Dawn (暁の予言者, Akatsuki no Yogensha) in order to activate the power of the dragon in him.

Check This Out for DN SEA!!! http://dn.cherrycredits.com/

@by: Nico Hendy

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Hatsune Miku

What is the "HATSUNE MIKU movement" ?

 

"HATSUNE MIKU" is computer music software that enables users to create synthesized singing of unprecedented quality and remarkable realism by just typing in lyrics and melody. Powered by YAMAHA's VOCALOID(= Vocal + Android) technology, HATSUNE MIKU was developed by Crypton Future Media, Inc. in Sapporo, Japan, and released on August 31st, 2007. Since then, there have been more than 100,000 songs and movies about HATSUNE MIKU posted on popular video sharing websites such as YouTube and Nico-Nico-Douga(Japan).

From this "music software" with a cute voice and an illustration of a cartoon girl on the cover, not only lots of CGM(Consumer Generated Media) music, but also a remarkable number of derivative illustrations and dedicated free software (including an amazing application tool to create 3D animation of HATSUNE MIKU, etc.) were created. Then, as the recognition and popularity of HATSUNE MIKU grew, more related activities such as launching news sites and SNS sites featuring MIKU or organizing events for MIKU fans have taken place.

HATSUNE MIKU is not merely music software anymore. It's turned into a source of inspiration to create its derivative works. With the increase of those mash-up and remix works by HATSUNE MIKU lovers, Crypton Future Media,Inc. has opened "PIAPRO.jp" as a next step. PIAPRO is a CGM content posting site for creators to collaborate and share ideas with others.

For a smoother user experience, we have launched our unique licensing system named "Piapro Character License (PCL)", which is basically an equivalent to the Creative Commons license in copyright clearance. By incorporating the PCL with PIAPRO, every creator can set up a situation for ever-more active collaboration and "peer production."

Check This Out Guys http://www.crypton.co.jp/mp/pages/prod/vocaloid/engine.jsp

@by: Nico Hendy

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Sebuah Keluarga di Cina Sudah 6 Tahun Tinggal di Toilet

Keluarga ini melengkapi tempat tinggalnya dengan berbagai perabotan.

Sebuah Keluarga di Cina Sudah 6 Tahun Tinggal di Toilet

TINGGINYA populasi dan semakin langkanya lahan pemukiman membuat harga properti semakin meroket. Untuk menyiasatinya, sebuah keluarga asal Cina bahkan rela mengubah toilet umum menjadi tempat tinggal.

Zeng Lingjun, terlahir di sebuah desa kecil di provinsi Jilin. Sejak kecil, Zeng bermimpi bisa menuntut ilmu di perguruan tinggi. Berasal dari keluarga miskin, Zeng terpaksa harus mengubur keinginannya dan memutuskan untuk membuka usaha reparasi sepatu.

Bosan tinggal di kota kecil, Zeng hijrah ke Shenyang, kota terbesar di bagian timur laut Cina. Berbekal uang 50 yuan atau hanya sekitar Rp 72.000, Zeng menjajal peruntungannya di kota Shenyang.

Dikutip dari Oddity Central, seorang teman menawari Zeng untuk tinggal di sebuah hotel yang sudah tidak ditempati lagi. Bukan di kamarnya, tapi di toilet! Tergiur dengan uang sewa yang rendah, Zeng langsung menerima tawaran itu. Zeng menata toilet umum yang cukup luas itu dengan berbagai perabotan, seperti kasur, lemari, hingga komputer.

Kini Zeng genap enam tahun menjadi penghuni toilet. Istri dan anaknya pun nampak betah dan tidak terganggu dengan kondisi ruangan tempat tinggal mereka. Makanya setiap dari kita wajib mensyukuri apa pun yang kita miliki, jangan mencari yang tidak ada, melainkan menumbuhkan apa yang sudah ada. kelak di masa depan kita bisa memetik buah yang cukup manis dari kerja keras kita sendiri....

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7 Striker terbaik sepanjang masa

1. Gabriel Batistuta

Ia menolak pindah ke klub lain meskipun Fiorentina degradasi ke Serie B Italia pada musim 1992/93. Namun pada tahun berikutnya, striker Argentina yang kerap disapa Batigol ini membawa klubnya kembali ke Serie A. Dari Newell's Old Boys hingga gantung sepatu di Al Arabi, Batigol mengemaskan total 254 gol dari 441 kali main. Setelah sembilan musim bersama Fiorentina, ia dijual ke AS Roma dan menjadi sumber inspirasi utama Giallorossi untuk meraih scudetto ketiga dalam sejarahnya.

2. Thierry Henry

Kala membela Arsenal, Henry menjadi topskor Liga Primer Inggris sebanyak empat kali (2002, 2004, 2005 dan 2006) dan menjadi pemain tersubur The Gunners dengan 226 gol dari semua kompetisi. Ia juga meraih dua gelar penting bersama timnas Prancis, yakni Piala Dunia 1998 dan Euro 2000.

3. Roberto Baggio

Sayangnya, Baggio lebih diingat dengan kegagalannya mengeksekusi tendangan dari titik putih sehingga Italia kalah adu penalti melawan Brasil di final Piala Dunia 1994. Tapi, tanpa penampilan Baggio yang gemilang sepanjang turnamen itu, Azzurri tak mungkin mencapai final. Ia menjadi anak emas sepakbola Italia sejak bergabung dengan Fiorentina pada 1985, sebelum rekor transfernya ke Juventus menjelang Piala Dunia 1990. Dikenal dengan sebutan "The Divine Ponytail" karena rambut kuncir dan ketaatannya menjalankan agama Budha, Baggio meraih scudetto dua kali - bersama Juventus pada 1994/95, dan AC Milan pada musim berikutnya. Pemain Terbaik Dunia versi FIFA pada 1993.

4. Alessandro Del Piero

Juventus forever, per sempre, selamanya! Itulah si Pinturicchio yang sudah lima kali scudetto bersama Bianconeri dan menjadi ikon klubnya dengan 500 penampilan lebih. Sama halnya dengan Batigol, ia pun menolak keluar dari klubnya yang degradasi pada 2006 akibat kasus Calciopoli. Titel U-21 Eropa pada 1994 dan 1996 disandangnya, ditambah lagi gelar juara Piala Dunia 2006. Loyalitas adalah emas!

5. Marco Van Basten

Torehan 218 gol dari 280 penampilan bersama Ajax dan AC Milan bukan prestasi yang mudah diraih. Ia juga mengoleksi hat-trick gelar pada 1992 - Pemain Terbaik Dunia versi FIFA, Pemain Terbaik Eropa, dan Pemain Terbaik Dunia. Marco van Basten menjadi pemain yang sukses mengikuti jejak Johan Cruyff, sekaligus memimpin Belanda juara Eropa untuk pertama kalinya pada 1988. Bersama AC Milan, ia meraih Piala Eropa pada 1989 dan 1990. Sayangnya, cedera pergelangan kaki memaksanya pensiun lebih dini. Meski demikian, Van Basten tetap berkiprah dalam dunia sepakbola. Ia melatih timnas Belanda pada 2004-08 dan kini mengasuh Ajax.

6. Ronaldo (Ronaldo Luiz Nazario Da Lima)

Sang fenomena ini sudah dua kali meraih hat-trick gelar Pemain Terbaik FIFA, Eropa dan Dunia. Nama Ronaldo mulai bangkit ketika melesatkan 58 gol dalam 60 pertandingan di awal karirnya bersama Cruzeiro pada 1993. Setelah dua musim yang gemilang bersama PSV Eindhoven, ia bergabung dengan Barcelona pada 1996 dan membukukan 34 gol dalam 37 laga untuk menjadi topskor. Bersama Inter Milan, Ronaldo 'mengejek' gaya pertahanan klub Italia lainnya. Alhasil, 25 gol dikemasnya, sekaligus membawa Inter juara Piala UEFA - semuanya dalam musim pertamanya. Ia juga meraih topskor pada dua musim pertamanya bersama Real Madrid. Duka kekalahan 3-0 dari Prancis pada final Piala Dunia 1998 terhapus, ketika Ronaldo membawa Brasil juara Piala Dunia berikutnya. Ia menjadi topskor dengan 8 gol, dan dua di antaranya dicetak di final melawan Jerman.

7. Bobby Charlton (Sir Robert Charlton)

Inilah salah satu pemain terbaik Inggris sepanjang masa. Bobby Charlton meraih 106 caps dan 49 gol bersama timnas Inggris. Sebagai bagian dari "Busby Babes" yang selamat dari tragedi Munich 1958, Charlton sepuluh tahun kemudian membawa Manchester United menjadi klub pertama Inggris yang juara Piala Eropa. Charlton juga membantu tuan rumah Inggris meraih Piala Dunia 1966. Perlawanan Charlton kontra Eusebio di semifinal melawan Portugal dikenang sebagai pertandingan terbaik Inggris sepanjang masa.

@Alief

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Cara Mengobati Berbagai Gigitan Serangga

Digigit nyamuk bukan masalah besar bagi kita. Namun bagaimana jika yang menggigit adalah tawon, laba-laba, atau ular?


Lebah – Tindakan pertama yang harus dilakukan ketika disengat lebah adalah mencabut sengatnya dengan segera, yang akan meminimalkan kekuatan sengatan tersebut. Jika Anda mengalami reaksi alergi seperti pembengkakan, maka berobat ke dokter sesegera mungkin. Kasus yang ekstrem dapat menyebabkan masalah sulit bernapas yang parah, jika hal itu terjadi segera panggil ambulans.

Nyamuk – Meski menyebalkan, gigitan nyamuk biasanya tidak menyebabkan masalah serius (kecuali demam berdarah atau malaria). Pengobatan terhadap gigitan nyamuk adalah dengan menggunakan salep untuk mengurangi rasa gatal. Anda juga dapat menggunakan obat alami seperti cuka, yang dalam studi di “Journal of Entomological” juga terbukti berfungsi sebagai sebuah penolak serangga.

Tawon – Musuh nomor satu publik selama musim panas, sengatan tawon sangat menyakitkan dan paling sering menyebabkan reaksi alergi. Sengatan harus diatasi dengan menggunakan es atau antihistamin untuk mengurangi pembengkakan dan rasa gatal. Jika muncul alergi, Anda harus pergi ke dokter, atau bahkan dalam kasus serius perlu memanggil ambulans.

Laba-laba – Meskipun membuat banyak orang ketakutan, hanya sebagian kecil laba-laba yang Anda temui yang bisa menggigit, dan bahkan sangat sedikit yang berbahaya (kecuali jika Anda berada di hutan belantara). Jika digigit salah satu laba-laba langka yang berbahaya, Anda mungkin akan mengalami pembengkakan, pusing, atau bahkan muntah. Jika tanda-tanda itu terjadi, segeralah  segera pergi ke rumah sakit.

Semut – Gigitan semut dapat menjadi sebuah gangguan serius. Jika ini terjadi pada Anda, maka Anda harus membersihkan daerah yang terkena gigitan. Anda dapat menggunakan obat yang dapat dibuat sendiri, dengan mencampurkan baking soda dan air untuk membuat salep penghilang gatal.

Ubur-ubur – Liburan di pantai akan sangat menyebalkan jika terkena sengatan ubur-ubur. Air kencing hanya memiliki sedikit efek atau bahkan sama sekali tidak berfungsi untuk mengatasi sengatan ubur-ubur, jadi sebaiknya hindari melakukannya. Palang Merah Inggris menyarankan untuk mengobati sengatan dengan menuangkan air laut atau cuka di atas luka sengatan secara perlahan.

@Rayner

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30 Seconds to Mars

 


30 Seconds to Mars adalah sebuah band rock alternatif dari Los Angeles, Amerika. Band ini dibentuk pada tahun 1998 oleh aktor Jared Leto dan saudaranya, Shannon Leto. Saat ini, anggota band terdiri dari Jared Leto (vokal), Tomo Miličević (gitar) dan Shannon Leto (drum).

Formasi

Dibentuk pada tahun 1998 oleh aktor Jared Leto dan saudaranya, Shannon, 30 Seconds to Mars dimulai sebagai proyek kecil keluarga. Matt Wachter kemudian bergabung dengan band sebagai bassis dan pemain kibor. Setelah bekerja dengan dua gitaris lainnya, Kevin Drake dan Solon Bixler, kemudian band mengaudisi Tomo Miličević untuk bergabung dengan band.

Menurut sebuah wawancara dari Virgin Records, mengenai nama band ini;

"Nama band sebenarnya berasal dari tesis yang ditemukan secara online, ditulis oleh seorang mantan profesor Harvard. Dan salah satu bagian dari tesis berjudul "Thirty Seconds to Mars" dan di dalamnya berbicara tentang perkembangan eksponensial teknologi yang berhubungan dengan manusia dan secara harfiah kita menemukan diri kita dalam tiga puluh detik ke mars. Dan kami pikir itu adalah yang terbaik untuk menggambarkan musik kami, singkatnya"

@Aldo

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