The 10 Best Indie Games for the Holiday Season

1. Torchlight 2

The fantasy-RPG sequel to the wildly popular 2009 game Torchlight, Runic Games' latest installment in the franchise, doesn't mess with its recipe too much. And in this case, that's a big positive. Part steam-punk treasure hunt, part magic-heavy flight of fancy, Torchlight 2 capitalizes on the fast-paced, action-filled environment crafted by the designers of Diablo, Diablo 2 and Fate. Expect a lot of loot-grabbing from this game, as a bulk of the fun takes place in expansive and randomly generated cave systems practically filled to the brim with treasure and fancy equipment for your specific character class. Torchlight 2 really gilds the lily with a long-awaited and happily embraced local LAN option ? meaning you can raid dungeons with three of your closest friends. This makes the experience, for the first time, a cooperative one, and has been one of the best new features. This game is really a continuation of that old-school play style seen in the previous Diablo installments, so if solo (or small group) hunting is your thing, download away. Price: $19.99 on Steam Platform: Windows

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[More from Mashable: 10-Year-Old Creates Fun ?Call Me Maybe? Parody With Harvard Educators]

You or someone you know is probably one of those fickle gamer types. While the regular masses would be awed by a freshly minted copy of Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, you're searching for something deeper and more refined than the average franchise from your big box store.

Whether you want to be the "cool indie guy" who passes out sweet games to your friends, or you're looking to snag some new and interesting games to get you through that lull between Christmas and New Years, here are 10 indie games worth picking up.

[More from Mashable: How Not To Network Online During The Holidays]

From survival horror to puzzle platformers, there's a little bit of everything to satisfy all types of gamers. So, what are you waiting for? Get your download on, and happy holidays.

What's your must-play (or must-give) indie game this holiday season? Let us know in the comments.

This story originally published on Mashable here.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/10-best-indie-games-holiday-season-011403652.html

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GOP senators press Obama official on FHA losses

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Republican senators are pressing the U.S. government's housing official to take steps to shore up the federal agency that insures mortgages for millions of borrowers. An audit shows the agency faces $16.3 billion in losses and might require a taxpayer bailout.

Shaun Donovan, secretary of housing and urban development, said Thursday at a hearing of the Senate Banking Committee that the agency, the Federal Housing Administration, has already taken action to strengthen its finances.

Republican senators said more must be done, such as ending the FHA's backing of reverse mortgages. They said the FHA has sustained big losses from defaults on those loans, which allow homeowners age 62 or older to borrow against their home's equity. They also urged reducing the maximum amounts of mortgages that can be insured by the FHA.

The independent audit showed that the FHA's estimated losses were steeper than earlier projections. High numbers of mortgage defaults triggered by the housing crisis have reduced the agency's reserve funds, it showed. Mortgages insured by the FHA that were issued in 2007 and 2008 caused a major part of the losses, Donovan said.

There is "clear potential now for a taxpayer bailout," said Sen. David Vitter, R-La.

The agency has expanded so-called short sales ? when a home sells for less than what is owed on the mortgage. And it has raised annual insurance premiums paid by FHA borrowers by an average of $13 a month.

"Based on those steps, I believe we have significantly decreased the chance of having a bailout at the end of 2013," Donovan said.

But Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama, the committee's senior Republican, said the agency must do more.

"It is time for serious reform of the FHA before it needs a taxpayer bailout, if it isn't too late already."

Donovan agreed the changes would be helpful. But he said that HUD lacks the legal authority to make those changes in the FHA's operations and Congress would have to revise the law to make it possible.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/gop-senators-press-obama-official-180502963.html

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When drugs for depression fail, talking therapies help

LONDON (Reuters) - Patients with depression who fail to benefit from antidepressant drugs may do better if they are also treated with a type of "talking" psychotherapy called CBT, according to new research published on Friday.

In the first large-scale trial to test the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, alongside medication for depression, scientists said they found that the combination works where drug treatment alone fails.

Nicola Wiles of Bristol University's school of social and community medicine, who led the study, said the findings underline the need to increase the availability of therapy for depressed patients.

"While there have been initiatives to increase access to CBT in both the UK and Australia, worldwide initiatives are rare," she said in a statement.

Wiles and colleagues recruited 469 adults from across Britain who had not responded to at least 6 weeks of treatment with an antidepressant. For the study, 235 patients continued with their usual antidepressant medication, while 234 patients got their usual care plus CBT and were followed up for 12 months.

The results, published in The Lancet medical journal, showed that after 6 months, 46 percent of those who got CBT as well as their usual care had improved - reporting at least a 50 percent reduction in their depressive symptoms. This compared to 22 percent of those who did not get CBT.

Patients treated with CBT, which involves talking through behaviors and ways of thinking with a trained psychotherapist or psychologist, were also more likely to go into remission and have fewer symptoms of anxiety, the researchers said. Similar effects were reported at 12 months.

Major depression affects around 20 percent of people at some point in their lives. The World Health Organization (WHO)predicts that by 2020, depression will rival heart disease as the health disorder with the highest global disease burden.

While there are many antidepressants on the market, including top sellers such as Prozac and Seroxat, it is widely accepted that many antidepressants work in only half of patients half of the time, and drugmakers are struggling to come up with a new generation of drugs in this field.

Willem Kuyken, a clinical psychology professor at Exeter University who also worked on the study, said its results showed that doctors and patients should be looking beyond drugs.

"This trial provides further evidence that psychological treatments like cognitive therapy can provide substantive and lasting help to people who suffer depression," he said.

Wiles added, however, that even in wealthy countries such as Britain, where there has been a recent push to invest more into psychological therapies, many people who have not responded to antidepressants still don't get the chance of trying intensive CBT that take between 12 and 18 sessions.

In the United States, only about a quarter of people with depression have received any form of psychological therapy in the last 12 months, she said.

(Editing by Sonya Hepinstall)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/drugs-depression-fail-talking-therapies-help-000240098.html

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Blue Light Therapy for Skin Pre-Cancer / Cancer - The Hull Truth ...

Today, 11:39 AM
? Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Venice, Florida Posts: 11,054	This morning I underwent blue therapy for skin cancer. I have had numerous basil cell, squamous cell, and actinic keratosis removed starting when I was 33 years old. I arrived at the office at 8am and they washed my face with acetone. This wasn't as bad as it sounds but I clue to what I was in for over the next two hours! After cleaning my face, they applied a cream which then had to soak in for two hours. I waited in a nice waiting room where they had snacks, drinks, TV, etc. and watched some Springer to make me feel better about MY life After two hours of basting, they took me too a room where I underwent the blue light exposure. This "activates" the chemical in the cream which destroys the cancer cells, even the ones you cannot yet see. This is where the "fun" really begins! The assistant tells me I will feel a tingling sensation as they put this big machine with light tubes around my head and fire it up. TINGLING? Within about 30 seconds we were well beyond tingling! Those crazy bitches need to try this thing out for themselves before using it on other people and telling them there will be a "tingling" sensation. For all you cops and criminals on THT, at first it was like getting pepper sprayed. That lasted a few minutes and then it was just plain painful. Like having your face sand blasted with molten hot lava sand? I have pretty fair, sensitive skin so maybe worse for some than other but it really sucked. After 6 minutes they told me I ONLY had another 10 minutes left and I about pooped and cried all at the same time. I thought the tears might actually cool my face somewhat though. After the half way point of 8 minutes the burn became a little more tolerable. When it was done, they washed the area again, applied sunscreen, and sent me home. I have to stay in the house (no sunlight) for 48 hours. My face is very red and looks like I have a bad sunburn. Since I reacted pretty strongly to the treatment, I will probably peel but the areas with cancers will scab over and heal. It should leave no scars. It still burns pretty bad like the worst sunburn I have ever had and I have a pretty good headache going. I will update as things progress.... Day one __________________ Holiday Shopping Sale! $4.99 USA and Pirate Flags $10.99 Dive Flags Free 2'x3' flag with Rod Holder Flagpole Purchase Dive Flag with Rod Holder Flagpole Combo 15% off American Made USA Flags w/free shipping 20% off American Made State Flags w/fee shipping 15% off all Fish Sticks Shallow Water Anchors w/free shipping 10% off Ocean Tamer Marine Bean Bag Chairs 10% off SeaSpension Shock Absorbing Seats $5 off Truck Bed Fishing Rod Racks $25 off Rigging Stations www.CoolWaterProducts.com
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Today, 01:17 PM
? Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Titus AL Posts: 660	DAMN THAT LOOKS LIKE IT SUCKS!!! Sorry man! __________________ _________________________________ 2008 Hydra-Sports Bay Bolt 19 2008 F-150 Yamaha
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Today, 03:47 PM
? Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 11,442	Quote: Damn, is this treatment instead of removing the individual areas that were cancerous or to stop a reoccurance? If so I guess the scaring will be reduced dramatically? How ironic, because my appt. for 9AM today got extended one week; and now I'm not sure I can take enough crying towels for that light! The Dr. told me that once there are a whole bunch of them on somebody's face, the only way to do it properly is that light treatment. Otherwise, freeze marks all over for what he can see, and what he can't see (yet) come right through over time. I was planning to work this afternoon, but after seeing those shots, I think I'll drink instead!
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Posting Rules You may not post new threads You may not post replies You may not post attachments You may not edit your posts HTML code is Off

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Source: http://www.thehulltruth.com/dockside-chat/470260-blue-light-therapy-skin-pre-cancer-cancer.html

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Video: Medal of Honor recipient James Stone has died

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Source: http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nightly-news/49766640/

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Huntingdon Valley Resident To Run in Philly Marathon to Fight Cancer

Jennifer Franks of Huntingdon Valley will be among 27,000 people from across the county and around the world to be part of the 19th Annual Philadelphia Marathon.

Franks is taking on this physical challenge to honor her aunt Kathy, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma about six years ago and lost her battle to the disease in the spring of 2011. This will be Frank?s first event with Team In Training (TNT), The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society?s (LLS) sports endurance charity program.

Team In Training was first suggested to Franks by two of her friends who completed the program last year when they participated in San Diego Rock ?n? Roll Marathon. Her friends could not say enough good things about the sports endurance charity program and convinced Franks to take on the physical challenge.

?I always wanted to run in a marathon, so I thought Team In Training was a good opportunity for me to train for it, while also having a chance to make a difference in the lives of other people by raising funds for cancer research and patient services,? said Franks.

TNT participants have the option of running or walking a full or half marathon, cycling a 100-mile century bike ride, or completing a triathlon. In addition to weekly training sessions under the guidance of a certified coach, TNT offers clinics on nutrition, equipment, injury prevention and safety. Participants are also given tools to help them fundraise. TNT also arranges airfare and lodging to send participants to the event of their choice.

Teams are now forming for the spring/summer season, which includes the inaugural Nike Women?s Marathon Half in Washington D.C., the San Diego Rock ?n? Roll Marathon, Philadelphia Triathlon, New Jersey Marathon at the Shore, St. Luke?s ? Marathon, and America?s Most Beautiful Bike Ride in Lake Tahoe. For more information, please call the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter at (800) 482-2873 or visit our website at www.teamintraining.org/epa.

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About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society?

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world?s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. LLS mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin?s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada including the Eastern Pennsylvania chapter. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

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About Philadelphia Marathon

The Philadelphia Marathon, founded in 1994, is an annual marathon sporting event hosted by the city of Philadelphia on the third Sunday of November each year. Race weekend activities include a Health + Fitness Expo, Rothman Institute 8K, and Arctic Ease Kids Fun Run ? all leading up to the Marathon and Half Marathon races on Sunday.

The course begins and ends at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Throughout the race, runners will travel past historic landmarks like Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center and the Liberty Bell, through urban neighborhoods such as Old City, University City, South Philadelphia and Manayunk, and along the gorgeous waterfronts of the Delaware and Schuykill Rivers.

Source: http://lowermoreland.patch.com/articles/huntingdon-valley-resident-to-run-in-philly-marathon-to-fight-cancer

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MarketingHackz.com | Search Engine Optimization Specialists ...

Search Engine Optimization Specialists

SEO has turn to be a requirement for sites on the Internet. Today, the circumstances for your site to be ranked high in the search engine results are supported the SEO process that you choose to apply. The development in need for SEO-friendly websites has led in the growth of search engine optimization specialists, whose principal point is to assure that your site can be ranked highly on search engines and produce a lot of traffic as a maneuver result of optimization. Search engine optimization specialists get in the form of advisers, and employees from businesses and companies whose primary task is to cater SEO resolutions to amend their customer?s online business rankings and status. A search engine optimization specialist is not that difficult to drop by, but you ought to be conscious a few of those who pose as specialists in the market may not have the qualifications nor the experience to accomplish the work.

Search engine optimization specialists are professionals who could work marvels with your business. Online marketing is the one and only aspect that aids an online business to be prosperous on the World Wide Web. Online visitors are all of the time looking for information on distinguishable aspects on the web and if an online site is capable to extend them something unusual, then the website will certainly draw in clients and do good business. A search engine optimization specialist is the most benevolent individual who can assist you make a website that easily draws in visitors and customers as well.

Search engine optimization specialists have professional qualification and acknowledge what matters needs to be added up and what matters have to be dispatched to create the site auspicious to search engines. All major search engines have reliable standards for giving rankings and evaluations to sites, and search engine optimization specialist is the most effective source for you to attain this. Your business will need to take in charge various types of schemes to give your business the sort of success it merits, instead of attempting whatever type of scheme for advertising your business site.

If you own up an online business, you need to have search engine optimization specialists. Your possible clients hire search engines to get hold your products. SEO enables your business to rank high in the search results, building it among the first possible clients see and thus one of the first from which they?re expected to purchase. Since you?re most probable not skillful in SEO, you ought to check out employing the services of search Engine optimization specialists.

Search engine optimization specialists frequently charge in accordant to the add up of keywords and/or key phrases that will come along on your site. Keywords and key phrases are the words and phrases possible clients are likely to enter into a search engine. The more often those keywords and phrases appear on your site, the more likely the customers are to find your site. Other search engine optimization specialists charge not only for the keywords and phrases, but also for the number of first page results they generate. Still others may charge for additional services such as running a weekly report to track how your ranking is performing. SEO work is time-intensive and difficult. It is also constantly evolving as search engines and the internet itself is constantly evolving. Because of this, there is still no industry-wide standard for pricing. Specialists charge whatever they think the market can bear.?For more information aboutbest SEO tools?you can check out the?free SEO training?blog.

About The Author Jason Drohn

Jason does a lot of stuff ? but it?s all web/business related. He started Tech Solution about 4 years ago which is a social media training and consulting firm. He also works on The Hackz Network, writing here and there and taking care of the business side.

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Source: http://marketinghackz.com/search-engine-optimization-specialists-how-to-find-the-experts/

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