Bruthaman

Be that as it may. I was never too jazzed about overclocking. On paper, the Asus flavor, of the GeForce GTX 560 seems to have the proper specs to give me all the bang I need, for the bucks I'm laying out. I will let y'all know bout the reality when it gets here. (he said rubbing his hands together eagerly)

Yeah, I'm on Windows 64-bit. And here are a few more specs to chew on.

RAMDAC---------------------400MHz
Max Resolution-------------2560x1600
DirectX-----------------------DirectX 11
OpenGL----------------------4.1
Effective Memory Clock----4200MHz
Memory Size----------------1GB
Memory Interface----------256bit
Memory Type---------------GDDR5
Core Clock-------------------850MHz
Shader Clock----------------1700MHz
Stream Processors----------336 cores

This compares favorably with the best rated GTX 560Ti on Newegg's site. The only differences being that the Ti has exactly 50 more stream processor cores. But it also costs exactly $50 more. So, what do you think? Maybe not so vanilla after all.

First off, let me say a hearty thank-you to Hyperstrike, for your informed and timely answer.

Based on your input and my own research, I have just now completed a PayPal transaction with Newegg, that will net me the aforementioned GeForce GTX 560!

Huzzah!!!

The fact that it's made by Asus will only serve to make it more compatible with the MB. The 'huge boost in performance and ability to crank video quality' are what sold me on the 'vanilla' base model. The Ti was a lil rich fo my blood (and pocket) at this juncture.

Guess it might be a regional thing, but I've always heard that colloquialism as 'blow the doors off.' Nevertheless, whether it's blowing or sucking... Here's hoping that when it gets here, the perverbial doors of my old rig will be completely sexed off.

Motherboard-------------Asus P5N32-SLI SE
2x Graphics cards--------XFX GeForce 7800
Power supply-------------Enermax 620w
CPU------------------------Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe
RAM------------------------4 gigs of 240-pin DDR2 SDRAM


Up until now, this set-up has run CoX fairly well, even with ultra mode on low settings. But now, one or the other of the two video cards is failing. It freezes solid intermittently and has also started to blink. I am seriously considering upgrading to an Asus 1gb, 256bit, GDDR5 GeForce GTX 560.

What I'm hoping to learn here, is whether or not this single card can replace the two currently there, without my performance taking a hit.

This whole issue is really just a tempest in a teapot. Because in terms of a solution to the situations posited, I can't think of a better environment to work them out than the one we currently inhabit.

I know that there are deep and legitimate grievances between the factions in Northern Ireland. I know that there is a deep-seated and long standing animosity between various Asian peoples. I know that the Palestinians and the Isrealis have a six thousand year old tradition of mutual hatred. But (if you will forgive me) until these folks start talking politics, I honestly have no idea who is on what side, of these weighty issues, just by looking at the participants.

I on the other hand, in R/L, am a 53 year old Black man of Jamaican descent. When you see me comming down your block, whatever issues you may or may not have with my blackness (or maleness for that matter) will present themselves in your mind, long before I have a chance to speak.

So, who's really behind that oh so buff hero in his tighty whities? Could be a gay guy, or a college girl, or a bored Soccer Mom. Who's behind that huge Aryan ideal, sporting the blonde crewcut and the military togs? It could so very easily be a Black, Hispanic or Asian person. Who's really behind that pubescent looking heroine with the blonde pigtails? It could really be a 13 year old girl, or an ageing pedobear. And who's really behind that voluptuous, scantily clad black heroine? Could be a black guy, 14 year-old white boy, or an actual black woman.

And therein lies the inherent beauty of this game. Each of us is free to adopt any persona we choose, and then be treated accordingly by our peers. To my way of thinking, failing real life, those seeking equity of whatever stripe. Whether it be feminism, sexism, racism or ageism, could hardly ask for a finer forum than CoH/V.

In 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Rev. Martin Luther King delivered his famous 'I Have a Dream' speech. In it, among other things, he said. 'I have a dream, that my four little children will one day, live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.' I respectfully submit, that the anonymity afforded us by this game, offers us a unique microcosm, in which to live out this principle. And these, are pretty much my last words on this subject, at least in this particular thread. (always leave yourself an out)

First let me say, that anyone who cares to understand me, will be going a long way in that direction, if they will first believe, that in any given situation I will always be for more choices. That being said, in the quest toward true equality, it would be good if the physique slider for female characters included some actual muscles as opposed to mere thickness. Also, a giant model should be inclued for the women as well. I can't say that I would ever avail myself of such a feature. As I tend to make my female characters all look as much like Kim Kardashian as possible (I view this as a personal failing)

I will say however, (and I speak here from experience) that as a Facebook user who frequents the CoH board there. Contrary to popular perception, actual flesh and blood women, of all races, ages and cultures, are very well represented among the CoH player base. And many of them have opined, that the only thing keeping them from being a more vocal presence both ingame and on the boards, is the presence of what amounts to 'hystericallly immature adolesent males.' and the assorted sorts of chaos that travels in their wake.

My Dad, who turned 82 on September 8th, has over the last 52 years told me many interesting and useful things. Not the least of which is that, 'You're right to do what you wish to do, ends where my nose begins.' That aphorism has become an integeral part of my cosmology.

Although it's been said many times before, consider this. Any game that has been designed primarily by men, primarily for men, will of necessity, contain a few perceptual flaws when it comes to it's depiction of women. These perceptual flaws are not entirely limited to men either. I have run across a few female authors that have a penchant for portraying male characters as either violent or emotionally dense or both violent and emotionally dense. I've even encountered over compensation in the opposite direction. Where one female author with a fairly wide following, would have more than one heterosexual male character burst into tears at the slightest provocation.

I think however, that it bodes well for our wee niche in society, that for the most part, we seem to at least be willing to engage each other in intelligent conversation.

Dechs Kaison... You may accuse me of cowardice. But I guarantee you that if I, like Cactus Brawler, had just come out with it, somebody would then accuse me of racist paranoia. Not that I really think that CoH as a whole is guilty of that. It's just that the whole 'the black guy has got to die' has become such a standard trope in heroic fiction. That it becomes increasingly easy to fall back on. The fact that out of only ten replys, so far, only one of you has shared my suspicions, is actually encouraging to me. But the fact does remain, that Back Alley Brawler's Dev has left. He no longer has a Task Force. And his zone is toast. But as for me, I'm with Mallerick. If someone has to go... my vote is for Citadel.

Hmmm, let's see. Somebody from Freedom Phalanx will die. I have no idea why there would be any speculation about who it might be. Afterall, in popular media there is a tried and true formula for dealing with such situations. And it would be sooo easy to actually mention said formula here. But I don't want to be the first. It might tend to make me appear paranoid. But I'm very interested to hear the consensus, on which member of FP you think will be biting the big one.

The sad thing is I have an example of one that I did myself, right there in black it says 'My Roster' and it's clickable. But I did it years ago and then forgot how. Unfortunately the only cure for getting older seems to be dying young. Rats! Given the choice I'll take getting older every time. But... Rats!

First, let me say that after the gameplay, the thing I have always liked best about this game, is the responsiveness of both the staff and the player base.

Electric Knight and All Hell,

Thank-you very much.

You know how folks include links in the body of their posts? Well I can do that. The lil tools are included. But there is a way to include a link in the text of your post, so that the only clue that there is a link, is that some of the text is underlined. I used to know how to do this, but have forgotten. I have searched the places on the forum, that I thought would have the specific answer I was looking for. But nothing was specific enough. If someone would be kind enough to remind me exactly how it's done, I would be greatful.

Sometimes in life, things don't go the way you want them to go. It's just as Cerci said, 'In the Game of Thrones you win or you die.'
Sure they killed Ned. So sad and sorry that. But Rob is growing into a man his Father would be proud of.
Juicy parts in here for women as well. How's Kaitlan Stark for a Mother. And all I can say is y'all better watch out for Peter Dinklage. Best role ever for a vertically challenged person.
And Sansa now stripped of her girlish illusions, realizes that Joffery is so not worthy of her affections.
How rare for them to show everybody growing in wisdom and maturity, and the cost thereof, while still keeping us entertained with action, intrigue and the odd bit of fleshy indulgence. Bravo!

Ok, I saw it. And I liked it. That out of the way, there are things to be said about it.
First, the buzz on it is bad. X-Men has nothing to worry about.
Hal Jordan is a bit of good looking fluff who only does one thing in his life well. And that is fly. And even that is tainted by the memory of his Father's flaming death right before his young eyes. He feels that the ring chose incorrectly because the stated criteria is fearlessness. And he knows that he is filled with doubts, insecurities and fears. The lady in his life encourages him. By showing him that it is not that he has to be reckless enough to be fearless, but courageous enough to overcome those fears.
Ironically, with the possible exception of Ryan Reynolds himself, the casting/acting is spot on, especially as it applies to the guy playing Sinestro.
The one glaring plot flaw that really irked me. Is that The Guardians of the universe are supposed to be one of the oldest and wisest and most powerful of the sentient races. One of their own members approached the yellow orb of fear to better understand and control it's power, and was overwhelmed. He became Paralax. Who goes on to decimate a host of Lanterns. And yet when a Lantern (Sinestro) suggests that a yellow ring be made, they agree instantly! Huh? Run that by me again...
But it still was a lot of fun. And it doesn't take itself too seriously. Go see it and enjoy. But take my advise, don't waste your money on the 3D version. It adds nothing.

Ah and HA!
The Science Booster Pack you say. This sounds like just the ticket!
Mille Graci!

First off, to Young Tutor and Gavin Runeblade, let me say thanks for your replies.
I am not so much interested in a cosmetic costume change (which I already know about, thank you very much) as I am in the specific example I mentioned.
Anyone who remembers the original Captain Marvel (which admittedly was a long time ago) will remember that Billy Batson was a child somewhere between twelve and fifteen, whose alter ego was the adult Captain Marvel.
I have a schoolgirl, Laurie Kinnison, who will I guess, grow up to be a sonic Blaster called Screamin' Mimi. I guess what I'm really asking is whether or not one can adjust the physical sliders in a 'build'? So that one could be a child of immature stature and the other be an adult. Because although there certainly have been a lot of changes made in my extended absence, stature changes wern't being offered in respecs before I went away.

For someone who's as experienced as I'm supposed to be, I really feel as though I should already know the answer to this question. But the fact remains that I don't. I've discreetly asked the one other person I know who plays CoH in person. He didn't know. I've tried looking it up in the help sections and in the CoHwiki. So I've done my due diligence. My questions concern the concept of 'build' and are as follows.

What's the difference between a 'respec' and a 'build'?
Can one character share two builds?
Could I have my 'Billy Batson' type alt change into Captain Marvel with a new build?
How does one go about initiating a different build?
Or is this whole build thing a casual reference to destroying your alt and redoing it altogether?

Please forgive my squirrely ignorance. But I figure the only way to learn, is to ask.

For me it's got to be the thigh high boots, Glam hair, and the belt with the large jewel. If I can't abuse these items, then life itself is not worth living.

Aarrrggh! cuteness overload. Curse you!

Ok. Now you folks are really beginning to make me jealous. Especially Grae Knight, Apollinaris and Vivace. Just exactly what does a Brutha have to do, to get himself turned into one of these sweet signatures?

You didn't make any mention of whether or not the characters were hero or villain. So I won't pay any attention to that either.

I the player am male. At last accounting, I have 53 alts in play, of which, 39 are male and 14 are female.

Whatever it is you are doing, I hope that helps.

Believe it or not... I actually liked the movie. I mean, some of the physics wasn't so spot on. But in the proper mindset that can be overlooked.

And for a refreshing change, it was nice to see that the black guy wasn't a total goof, or dead before the second reel. And who doesn't like babes in skintight gear!

Sure it was a shameless attempt to reignite interst in the Hasbro toyline. But the media and the toy business have been in bed together since about The Flintstones.

You must cease and desist from posting such things imeadiately! They threaten to un-man me. Even now, I am struggling mightily to resist the urge to say things like 'Awww, wook a da cute widdle puppy.' And if I were to ever do such a thing, my head would surely explode. Furthermore, my lifetime membership in the He Man Woman Hater's Club would be revoked.

I'm sorta surprised, that absolutely no one has commented on this lil bit o doggerel since it was originally posted 09/30/06.

Aarrrggh!

I hardly have as many as you. But of the 51 I do have, at least 30 of them could easily benefit from some power customization. But alas and alack, there probably won't be any sort of retro-fit option.

Again I say... Aarrrggh!