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Mission: 50 Billion Connected Devices by 2020
If you did a Google search for "IoT" in 2012, the top results would have included "Illuminates of Thanateros" and "International Oceanic Travel Organization." A search for "Internet of Things" would have produced a results page with a list of academic papers at the top, but with no advertisements – a strong indicator if ever there was one that in 2012, few people spent marketing dollars on the IoT.
Two years on, and this had changed dramatically. In 2014, the IoT was one of the most hyped buzzwords in the IT industry. IT analysts everywhere tried to outdo each other's growth projections for 2020, from Cisco's 50 billion connected devices to Gartner's economic value add of 1.9 trillion dollars.
Until we have reached this point in the future, no one can tell just how realistic these predictions are. However, the excitement generated around these growth numbers is significant, not least because it highlights a general industry trend, while also creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts.
We saw something similar happening with the auctioning of new mobile spectrum in the early 2000s. Literally billions were invested in the mobile Internet. And although it took longer than expected (remember the WAP protocol?), the mobile Internet eventually took off with the launch of Apple's iPhone, and has since exceeded market expectations.
Meanwhile, Google – another major player in the mobile Internet sphere – has bet heavily on the IoT with its acquisition of Nest and Nest's subsequent acquisition of DropCam. 2014 also saw many large IT vendors, such as PTC with its acquisitions of ThingWorx and Axeda, pushing themselves into pole position in the race for IoT supremacy. On the industry side of things, many central European manufacturers and engineering companies rallied around the Industry 4.0 initiative, which promotes the use of IoT concepts in manufacturing. GE heavily promoted the Industrial Internet and spearheaded the establishment of the Industrial Internet Consortium. Many industrial companies began implementing IoT strategies and launching IoT pilot programs. And slowly the first real results emerged. Some were telematics or M2M solutions dressed up as IoT solutions, while others were true IoT solutions according to our definition, which we will provide in the next section ("Enterprise IoT").
Thus, at the time of writing, it seems that the final verdict on the significance of the IoT is still out. However, it looks as though industry is determined to seize the opportunities promised by the IoT. The authors of this book believe that the IoT (or whatever it will be called five to ten years from now) will become as fundamental as the Internet itself. It took the Internet about 25 years to become as ubiquitous as television and the telephone system and to transform a large number of industries. The situation in 2014 is reminiscent of the climate in the early 1990s, when we had our first exposure to Mosaic and later Netscape and the promises they stood for. Just think what a long way we have come since then, and where we stand with the IoT at the present time.
Customer Perspective: Value-Added Services
From the customer's point of view, the main benefit offered by the IoT will be new services enabled by connected products and (potentially) backend services based on big data. The figure below provides an overview. Within different ecosystems (we call them Subnets of Things, or SoTs), assets (or devices that are part of an asset) are connected to a cloud or enterprise backend. New services are emerging with software running both on the asset and in the backend. For example, the Connected Horizon [BoschCH14] is a technology that has been developed by Bosch. It provides a backend that combines traditional map data with additional data such as traffic signs and road conditions, and then uses this data in the car to provide the driver and the vehicle's various control devices with important advance information that enables safer driving. This is a good example of an SoT that already integrates a multitude of devices and external data sources.
Integration between different SoTs can occur at multiple levels. Assets can communicate with each other directly, for instance in Car2Car, Car2X, etc. Alternatively, integration can take place in the backend, with examples such as Cloud2Cloud, Cloud2Enterprise, and so on.
For the end user, the advantages are value-added services based on connected assets and devices. Big data can provide contextual information, as seen in the Connected Horizon example. Furthermore, big data analytics can be used to initiate additional customer services, such as recommendations based on customer profile and current location. There is no shortage of ideas for new business models based on these new technological capabilities.
Manufacturer Perspective: Connected Asset Lifecycle Management
From the manufacturer's point of view, the potential impact of the IoT is equally as vast. Most manufacturers today hear very little about their products once they leave the factory. In fact, this was traditionally seen as the best possible outcome, the most likely alternative being a costly product recall.
The ability to connect (almost) any kind of product to the IoT has the potential to fundamentally transform the value chain of product manufacturers. The traditionally disconnected asset lifecycle will become a fully connected asset lifecycle.
As we will discuss throughout this book, the capabilities provided by the IoT require a new appraisal of product design. How can new products leverage these new capabilities? How can value-added IoT services be created based on existing physical products? How can data received from connected products be used to optimize product design? How can we reconcile the different development times typically found in the worlds of physical products and software services? How can we align diverging development models – for instance, a waterfall model for physical products and an agile model for software services?
New real-time and long-term analytics of usage data from connected products on the demands and behavior of product users will also have a dramatic impact on sales and marketing, as it provides new insights into usage patterns and value creation. Moreover, the IoT also has the potential to fundamentally change business models and value propositions, by moving from an asset-centric transactional sales model to a relationship-oriented service model, for example. In turn, this will require new organizational capabilities in sales and marketing.
Connected products also call for specialized processes for product or service activation, including the enablement of basic communication features (for example, the activation of embedded SIM cards) as well as user account setup and management, etc.
Following product activation, new remote-monitoring capabilities can be leveraged both by the service and the sales organization. Particularly for industrial products, the use of remote condition monitoring in order to provide customers with advance warnings about potential problems, thus increasing Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), can be an important value add. Internally, product/service processes can be optimized by leveraging the same data. Analysis of product usage patterns could potentially help sales teams to identify cross- and up-selling opportunities.
More than anything else, the combination of physical products and digital services has the potential to generate significant revenue after the sale of the initial product or service. Consider, for example, a service that allows the customer to upgrade their car's engine performance for a weekend trip by temporarily reconfiguring the engine software.
Finally, connected products also make it easier to get involved in product re-sale and retirement activities, which is important from the point of view of customer retention.
Servitization: The Next Logical Step?
Taking things one step further, many people in the IoT community see servitization as the next logical progression in the evolution of the IoT. The concept of servitization has been around since the late 1980s [Van88 ], but is currently experiencing a boost thanks to new capabilities such as connected asset lifecycle management.
The basic idea of servitization is that manufacturers move from a model based on selling assets toward a model in which they offer a service that utilizes those assets. For example, Hilti offers a service that guarantees customers access to required power tool capabilities for as long as they are needed, wherever they are needed. The monthly fee – which includes costs for tool provisioning, service, and repairs – makes financial planning much easier for customers. Similarly, Rolls-Royce, GE, and Pratt & Whitney offer aircraft engines as a service (for a fixed rate per flying hour). One immediate benefit of such models for customers is that instead of earning money for each repair, suppliers are now highly incentivized to reduce the need for repairs, because they have to carry the costs themselves. And fewer repairs means greater uptime for customers. In addition, the customer can focus on their core competencies, such as running an airline. Finally, a recent study shows that servitization customers are reducing costs by up to 25-30% [Aston14].
From a supplier perspective, servitization also has many benefits:
- Value-added services can generate additional revenue
- Continuous, service-based revenue streams allow for more predictable financial planning
- A recent study [Aston14] shows that servitization promises sustained annual business growth of 5-10%
- Highly differentiated services increase competitiveness
However, servitization does not come for free. Many manufacturers are focusing on product features and capabilities, instead of taking a customer perspective focused on outcomes.
Instead of focusing on products, the focal point of servitization must be solutions. Instead of emphasizing output, suppliers need to take a customer perspective and think about results. Single sales transactions are converted into long-standing customer relationships. All this requires numerous changes – from strategy and business models to technologies and organizational setup.
As mentioned above, servitization is not a new development, and has been successfully deployed outside of the IoT. However, the IoT is now adding interesting capabilities that could help to make servitization more efficient, or even pave the way for servitization models that were previously unfeasible:
- The previously discussed concept of connected asset lifecycle management provides new insights into product usage, which can be leveraged to make servitization much more efficient for the supplier; for instance, by using remote condition monitoring instead of costly onsite equipment checks;
- New IoT-based digital services could create completely new service models, in which a predictive maintenance solution can be used to sell improved service-level agreements (SLA) with greater guaranteed uptime, for example.
Prerequisite: Operator Approach
All of the approaches discussed above – from connected asset lifecycle management to servitization – have a common prerequisite: manufacturers must adopt an operator approach in order to implement them successfully. This is something that should not be underestimated, because it requires a completely different infrastructure, organizational setup, and set of processes from those found in a traditional manufacturing business. Operating an IoT-based service is not just a technical challenge, operational considerations can go far beyond the operation of an IT service infrastructure.
For example, the eCall service discussed later not only requires the operation of an IT infrastructure that can accept and process incoming distress signals from vehicles on the road; it also requires a physical business operation, mainly in the form of a call center that can receive incoming distress calls from drivers and ensure that these calls are answered in the right language, etc.
Another example is provided by the real-rime car-sharing services that we will discussed later. These services need an efficient fleet management process and service structure, which a manufacturer may not be able to establish and operate alone. For instance, it is no coincidence that BMW set up a joint venture with car rental company Sixt to operate the DriveNow service. It is clear that BMW is relying on Sixt's experience in operating a very large fleet of rental cars and car rental stations and in managing customer relationships.
Another interesting industry with a wealth of operator experience that may be hugely relevant to the IoT is the telecommunications industry. Few other sectors have as much experience in running an organization and infrastructure that supports millions of distributed, intelligent, connected devices with advanced backend services. Moreover, this industry has a great deal of experience in managing firmware and application updates for remote devices such as smartphones.
For companies striving to conquer the IoT, it will be vital to learn from these kinds of examples in their transition towards becoming service operators.
Impact: Disruption versus Evolution
We believe that the IoT has the potential to disrupt many industries in the future, just as the Internet did over the last few decades. Take as an example real-time car-sharing services. A number of companies such as DriveNow, Car2Go, and ZipCar are now offering customers real-time car-sharing services. Instead of owning a car, customers can simply locate and reserve the nearest available car using an app on their smartphone, open the car with a chip card, use a specialized on-board unit in the car to manage the rental process, and simply lock and leave the car once they have reached their destination. Currently, these services are mainly limited to urban areas. However, with many young urban consumers no longer viewing a car as the ultimate status symbol, these kinds of services are becoming increasingly popular and have the potential to transform the entire automotive industry over the coming decades.
Another potential disruptive aspect of the IoT concerns data-driven business models in formerly asset-centric business areas. Google's Nest giving away thermostats for free, and then earning money by means of house owners' behavior profiles, would be one example. Another scenario goes back to the example of car-sharing. Imagine your service provider offering you 50% off the cost of a ride if you agree to listen to targeted advertisements while you drive. Combining your customer profile data with location-based information could be very attractive for local businesses eager to target you with special offers. In fact, this could even develop to the point where your local mall offers to sponsor your ride entirely, provided you use the car to drive to that specific mall. If we then add autonomous driving to the mix, the automotive industry will be changed beyond recognition, as it will truly have transformed into a transportation business.
There are many other examples of potentially disruptive business models driven by the IoT, from smart grids to smart homes and smart cities. However, there are also a number of obstacles that will have to be overcome, including regulatory requirements (for example, a lack of regulation permitting autonomous driving), an absence of standards to allow interoperability, and the complexity of some of the technologies required for some IoT applications.
Finally, not all use cases supported by the IoT are necessarily disruptive. Many companies today are looking at more evolutionary use cases – including Remote Condition Monitoring (RCM), remote maintenance, and predictive maintenance – as well as highly specialized service add-ons for existing assets, such as the eCall Service which notifies emergency services in the event of a car accident.
The important and potentially huge impact that these more evolutionary IoT-based servitization use cases will have on existing organizational structures should not be underestimated. Transforming a large service and support organization to make efficient use of remote services such as remote condition monitoring and remote maintenance will unquestionably require significant organizational change, and it may well take a number of years before the positive effects of these new capabilities are fully leveraged.
Clash of Two Worlds: Machine Camp versus Internet Camp
As exciting as the opportunities presented by these "connected products with services" are, we need to bear in mind that they will require two fundamentally different worlds to work together: the physical world and the service world. And this is not as easy as it sounds.
The physical world has traditionally been dominated by what we will refer to (for simplicity's sake) as the "machine camp": manufacturers, engineering companies, and so on. On the other hand we have the "Internet camp": companies that have, over the last 25 years, rapidly transformed several industries with their Internet-based service offerings.
Most people in the machine camp work for companies that have a long heritage, some with roots in the early Industrial Revolution. To achieve such long-term success, careful risk management and long-term strategic thinking is paramount. Those in the Internet camp, on the other hand, usually start on a green-field site – without the restrictions of existing product lines that must be maintained, or corporate governance rules that must be followed, and often with extremely big risks. The venture capital (VC) funds often backing these companies actually demand such high-risk/high-growth strategies. The VC business model is typically based on the assumption that only a small number of investments will succeed, but those that do will pay such a high dividend that it is acceptable to write off other failed investments (an approach described as "fail fast, fail often, fail cheap").
This also has a strong impact on corporate culture in these different environments. In the machine camp environment, a corporate career is the norm. Many managers will move between vastly different domains and roles over the lifetime of their career. This can lead to situations in which a longer learning curve is required in a new job. Members of the Internet camp are often more focused on subject matter, and tend to follow their passion rather than a long-term career development plan. This can be advantageous, in that they will push a project they strongly believe in much harder. On the other hand, many entrepreneurs generally tend to stay with a company during a specific phase only, often the early-growth phase.
Many of those in the machine camp have a background in physics or engineering, while the domain of the Internet camp is often IT and services – two key perspectives that need to be combined in the IoT world. Because of their background, people in the machine camp tend to think big in terms of complexity of solutions and global rollout (for cars, aircraft, or steel mills, for example). The Internet camp usually also thinks big in terms of global rollout, but often starts with very focused point solutions (such as Skype, WhatsApp, Doodle, etc.) that evolve over time into more complex platforms (such as Amazon, eBay, or Salesforce). The concept of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) has become a common strategy for many startups, promoting an iterative process of idea generation, prototyping, field trial, data collection, analysis, and learning.
Another key difference that must be bridged in the IoT is the general approach to running projects. Many in the machine camp still run projects using a waterfall model, while most in the Internet camp have by now adopted an agile approach. For many Internet companies, following a perpetual beta approach is the norm ("fast patches"). Large Internet portals commonly roll out multiple updates per day, often running test versions for smaller user groups in parallel. Those in the machine camp come from a world where a single failure can have potentially deadly consequences (for example, malfunctioning car brakes) or, at the very least, result in costly and image-damaging product callbacks. Naturally, therefore, lengthy QA and release cycles are the norm in this environment, the aim being "zero defects."
This is perhaps one of the biggest challenges for the IoT. However, it is clearly influenced not only by cultural differences, but also by technological restrictions. For decades, the machine camp had to deal with environments in which it was nearly impossible – or at least cost-prohibitive – to modify a product after it had been deployed in the field. With the ever-increasing digitization of products in the IoT, this is now changing. For example, it is now possible to remotely update the embedded software that controls a car engine. Of course, we are not suggesting that the perpetual beta approach should be applied to car engine control software. However, it is clear that there are many benefits to this new flexibility – for instance, the ability to simply roll out two million patches over a global, wireless network instead of having to recall two million products. Yet in order to take advantage of the new opportunities offered by digitized physical products, manufacturers will have to transform themselves into operators that are capable of managing these processes in a secure and highly reliable way. Incidentally, a lot can be learned from the telecommunications companies and smartphone platform operators here, as they are currently the only ones who understand how to operate networks comprising millions of intelligent, physical products and how to deal with issues such as software updates on this scale.
The pressure is on for many of those in the machine camp in this area. Customers do not understand why they can update their smartphone apps at the tap of a finger or purchase a new generation of powerful smartphone every year, but are stuck with their cars' on-board systems for years on end without the option to update hardware or software, or at least not easily. Nobody wants to spend an afternoon at the auto repair shop installing the new telematics unit required for their new usage-based insurance (UBI) policy. Customers want the same experience they receive from their smartphones: "Do you want to allow the ACME Insurance app to access your driving behavior? Click yes and save $100 a year on your car insurance."
Of course, the differences between the machine camp and the Internet camp are not just cultural or technological in nature. Another important area relates to standards and regulatory requirements. Those in the machine camp are used to living in a world dominated by DIN, ISO, et al. Whereas those in the Internet camp often take the liberty of ignoring these restrictions, especially in early development phases. Take, for example, the development of a truck fleet management solution with integrated telematics unit. Regulations in different countries require the communication modules to use different frequencies. A startup might simply ignore this requirement and take the risk of rolling out a solution based on a single frequency in different countries, which may mean they capture markets faster, but at a higher risk. A large company simply cannot afford to take such a risk, and will attempt to build a multi-frequency solution from the beginning. This means the solution will be much more complex to start with, and will probably be rolled out later and possibly at a higher cost. Managing such situations while also balancing cost efficiency and compliance is a key challenge for large companies, particularly in the context of the IoT.
Every company will need to find its own way of dealing with this "clash of two worlds." Some may try to build bridges and new capabilities internally; some may seek out partners; while others may decide to go down the acquisitions route. There are many different examples in practice, from Google's acquisition of Nest, to BMW's joint venture with Sixt for the new DriveNow car-sharing service.
Difficulty of Finding the Right Service
As we can see, bringing together the worlds of the machine and the Internet in the context of a single solution is challenging at the very least. Furthermore, in our experience it is quite common for the development of an IoT solution to have one of the two perspectives as its starting point, i.e. either the Internet camp moves towards the physical world, or the machine camp moves towards the service world. Over the past few decades, the machine camp has transitioned from "things" to "intelligent things" by adding local intelligence using electronics. Now many are adding connectivity, and moving towards what we call "intelligent things with Internet services." The Internet camp, on the other hand, started off with Internet services, and is now moving towards "Internet services with (potentially intelligent) things." This means that we are essentially looking at two different versions of the same IoTS formula: one has a "thing" at its root, the other a service.
Let's discuss the implications using a theoretical (and again exaggerated) example (inspired by [HSG14]): Remote-controlled light bulbs. Light bulbs in general are a domain that has been dominated by the machine camp for the best part of a century, with high production volumes and usually low margins. Roughly 20 years ago, an interesting innovation took place whereby manufacturers added intelligence to light bulbs by using motion detectors to switch on lights whenever movement was detected. And now we have the connected light bulb, enabled by the IoT. So the question is: what happens if you ask a person who has spent the last 20 years as a product manager for light bulbs, focusing on improving things like energy consumption and product durability, to design a service that utilizes the new connectivity features? Our bet is that their immediate reflex would be to design a service that allows you to manage all of the light bulbs in your home using your smartphone.
And what about the Internet camp? We expect that initially, they would not be interested, because remote management for light bulbs is not the focus of their attention. But then one person in the Internet camp, who provides an Internet-based security service for home owners, may pause and reconsider. What if you recorded the home owners' light usage patterns and then played them back while they're on vacation? That way, the remote-controlled light bulbs could be used to improve the security service by simulating the lighting pattern that would occur if the owners were at home.
Let's compare the two approaches. For the light bulb manufacturer, adding the remote management service seems to make sense. The only question is this: will they be able to sell this service as a value add, and thus generate extra revenue? Or will customers simply assume this to be a standard feature of next-generation light bulbs? Now take the security service that utilizes light bulbs to provide an additional feature for a highly differentiated product. In this case, it seems more likely that the service owner will be able to charge extra for this feature, due to its innovative nature and the different context in which it is sold. However, they have no control over the technology used, and may run the risk of annoying their customers if the mechanism does not function properly – for example, if the lights stay on for the entire duration of the vacation, running up a big electricity bill. In summary, this means that we have two versions of our simplified IoTS formula for success:
- Intelligent Thing(s) with Service: Ti + S
- Service with Intelligent Thing(s): S + Ti
This example may not be perfect, but it helps to highlight some of the key points about the differences in thinking with regard to IoT business models. Many believe that truly transformative, IoT-enabled business models will require more out-of-the-box thinking in respect of new services, as our example demonstrates.
As outlined above, there are many other differences in the typical behavior of engineering-based companies versus Internet-based companies. Engineering companies would be well advised to adapt certain elements of the startup world, such as service thinking and a bit more of a "fail early, fail often" philosophy. Internet companies, on the other hand, will not succeed in the IoT unless they learn from engineering companies about how to ensure high product quality standards and integration with the lifecycles of non-digital products.
Foundation: Digitization of the Physical World
The foundation for the new business models enabled by the IoT is the digitization of the physical world. Billions of sensors that generate massive amounts of information, cost-effectively managed by utilizing state-of-the-art, scale-out, big-data architectures, provide the basis for new Internet-based services. Cost efficiency is probably the key word here; from telematics to M2M, connecting sensors and other components with backend databases is not a new phenomenon. However, as outlined in the discussion above, previous solutions were costly and limited in both scope and functionality. Advances in technology such as processors for mobile devices, (almost) ubiquitous wireless communication infrastructures, scale-out cloud data management, and the emergence of IoT application platforms now seem likely to bring down the cost of creating a real-time digital image of the physical world to a level that will allow the emergence of several new data-driven business models. Of course, there won't be just one digital model of the entire physical world – we expect many different digital models to emerge, motivated by different use cases, company boundaries, partner ecosystems, etc. We also expect these different digital models to develop along the lines of the Subnets of Things, which we described above. Using mashup technologies, different isolated digital models can be integrated to form more complex models that also help advance the transition from Subnets of Things to the IoT. These real-time digital models of the real world, enabled by sensors and big data, will provide the foundation for numerous different use cases, many of which are not even known yet.
Critical: Security and Data Privacy
The excitement surrounding digital models of the physical world, including the collection of new customer usage data and product data, also creates concerns for many users – and rightly so. Security is one such concern. Not only do we need to ensure that all of this "big" data in the backend is managed in a secure fashion, in a distributed environment such as the IoT we need to secure the connections between the different participants, as well as the hardware and software running on the assets. Stuxnet and the hacking of the Tesla Model S electric car [Te14] by Chinese students in 2014 illustrate just how important this issue will become. Imagine a hostage situation where criminals hacked into a pacemaker, or seized control of an aircraft in flight…
The other side of the equation is less concerned with external intruders and hackers, and more focused on the corporate policies and governance processes regulating the newly obtained customer and product data. One aspect here is compliance with regulatory and legal requirements in different countries. Another aspect is transparency and respect for customer rights and preferences. Many users rely on social networking services such as Facebook and LinkedIn to use their social media data to generate relevant updates and recommendations. However, these same users are frequently frustrated by the complex and ever-changing data usage policies enforced by such companies.
Given the nature of the data that could potentially be acquired by IoT solutions – not just social data submitted more or less voluntarily, but data captured by possibly hidden sensors and vital systems – it will be absolutely essential for the IoT industry to handle security and data privacy efficiently. Otherwise, there is a huge risk that customers will not accept these new IoT solutions, out of fear of an Orwellian dystopia.
Timing: Why Now?
Finally, many people ask: Why now? We have been waiting for hockey-stick growth curves in the M2M market for nearly a decade; why is the IoT taking off now? The answer to this question has partly to do with momentum, partly with business models, and partly with technology. In 2014, we could see that the IoT had gathered a momentum not shared by M2M. Business magazines like Forbes and Der Spiegel dedicated lengthy articles to the topic, creating a high level of visibility. Many large businesses have now instructed their strategy departments to devise IoT-based business models – even if we are still in the learning phase in this respect. Initial business successes can be seen, with examples such as ZipCar, DriveNow, and Car2Go. Most large IT players now offer dedicated IoT implementation services, IoT middleware, or IoT hardware (or a combination of all three). Finally, a combination of different technologies seems to have reached a point where managing the complexity of IoT solutions has now become more feasible and cost-efficient:
- Moore's Law: Ever-increasing hardware performance enables new levels of abstraction in the embedded space, which provides the basis for semantically rich embedded applications and the decoupling of on-asset hardware and software lifecycles. The app revolution for smartphones will soon be replicated in the embedded space.
- Wireless technology: From ZigBee to Bluetooth LE, and from LTE/4G to specialized Low-Power Wide-Area (LPWA) IoT communication networks – the foundation for "always-on" assets and devices is either already available or in the process of being put in place.
- Metcalfe's Law: Information and its value grow exponentially as the number of nodes connected to the IoT increases. With more and more remote assets being connected, it looks like we are reaching a tipping point.
- Battery technology: Ever-improving battery quality enables new business models, from electric vehicles to battery-powered beacons.
- Sensor technology: Ever-smaller and more energy-efficient sensors integrated into multi-axis sensors and sensor clusters, an increasing number of which are pre-installed in devices and assets.
- Big data: Technology that is able to ingest, process, and analyze the massive amounts of sensor-generated data at affordable cost.
- The cloud: The scalable, global platform that delivers data-centric services to enable new IoT business models.
While nobody knows for sure exactly how many billions of devices will be connected by 2020, it looks as though the technical foundation for this growth is maturing rapidly, inspiring new business models, and making this an extremely exciting space to work in.


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subset: commoncrawl


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Tag: sheets
Vintage White Sheet Set
21 January 2011
Vintage White Sheet Set 'Actil' White Cotton Sheet Set, in original box. Size (approx): 63" x 100" Condition: Fold marks yellowing. Does not appear to have been used. Box marked. This piece was discovered at Salvos Stores Tanilba Bay.... Read more


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There is a difference between understanding a concept and seeing it. Understanding is the basic theory that people often misinterpret for actually experiencing life that makes you really see how it works. Unfortunately it takes time to really see something for what it is and often you have to simply grow out of eras of your life to really be able to see the whole phase from a workable perspective. Clubbing and bar hopping is a prime example. It seems that most people age out of this phase either once they move back to the suburbs or take on serious full-time career responsibilities. However, there are a few of us who continue to revisit this phase because we understand it more and so are better able to control the fun by messing with those who are not yet thinking outside the bar.
Tag Archives: eras
I once had a close friend whose method of disconnecting from things, eras in life, and people was much different than my own. He would put a lot of time and energy into building something awesome, then enjoy the fruits of his labor for years, only to one day kick it to the curb calling it a worthless piece of junk.
Nothing he called "junk" was junk at all. He simply couldn't see how to bring the object, habit, or person into his next phase of life with him. Since he couldn't form a plan to mix the old with the new, he automatically thought that the old must be gotten rid of. Labeling it as worthless was the only way he knew how to depart from it.
The gap in his reasoning evolved from his belief that by that point in his life he should know how to handle life. To save face from not knowing that more options for dealing with the situation existed, his ego assumed that his default method of departure was the only way to handle it.
Respectfully departing would involve feelings of loss, disappointment, evaluations of love, and many other emotions that, in order to save face, he had a strong urge to hide. These, more positive, goodbye emotions were replaced with disrespect. In justification for his actions, he pushed aside the good aspects to focus on the few things he felt resentful for. Since objects and people are never perfect, flaws pointed out can hold a lot of weight, especially when other people feel as if the flaws are the result of some sort of personal failure.
If something is junk, well then obviously someone wouldn't think twice about getting rid of it. But a pattern of calling once-cherished things junk just to avoid facing the loss…is, well, sad. But people do what they do and it picking up the pieces gives them more things to do.
Retracing Back to the Starting Point
The difficulty in assessing the correct answer to the question: "What the Hell Happened?" is that most of the time I am still inside the situation when I start asking that question.
It isn't until the situation dies down, to a practically non-existant level, that I can look back and see the starting line more clearly, then I realize where it all went awkward. In hindsight, my first clue to most ackward interactions with people was in fact the first real interaction of the era. Relationships (of any kind or magnitude) have eras, each of which have distinct characteristcs and levels of involvement which can and often do fluctuate.
So the awkwardness usually starts at the beginning of pivotal points, either when first realizing that the human body presenting itself to me actually is more than a typical drone/robot, when starting to hang out with someone again after a long period of not hanging out with that person, or when moving from acquaintance to friend. Anyways, in two cases, I have to admit, I honestly loved the awkwardness of it. I think it is fun and flirty. The real spark of this writing situation, however, just plain sucked because it was set up vaguely from the start and remained that way the entire time. I was confused. In wondering why everything was so vague, I realized that it was me in the first place who kept playing along despite the fact that I can't handle vagueness with people. My brain fills in the gaps with a bunch of paranoid crap that makes me delete phone numbers because I have no way of ever knowing if I will ever actually get to know certain people who keep appearing in my life. Perhaps a post on "timing" or "people who don't talk but still want to communicate" would be more appropriate.
Oh well, the sun is already coming up in another world, I'm sure it won't take long to find out what is weird about this one. There is always something weird, one must just be patient and wait for it to manifest and then choose whether or not the person is worth the weirdness and if I am capable of living with their issues.


text: Recently in One Laptop Per Child, we began our career lessons, which are Etoys pages we will make including information about a specific occupation for the students in St. John and other areas to learn from. There are many career categories, from music and art to social studies. My career category is math, and I will research the job description, work environment, pay, and necessary skills of a statistician, mathematician, or surveyor with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (pictured below) and the Prospects website. With this information as well as feedback from the 6th graders at CSG, we will make fun, interesting, and informative lessons on each career category. Leading up to the career lessons, we learned about Etoys in OLPC and the different and creative ways we can make pages and booklets in the program. At first, I thought that Etoys was a little confusing and hard to understand and utilize, but as I became more familiar with the program, I learned about the different things you can do with it, like drawing and animation, and began to like the program more. I hope that our career lessons will be a success and people will be able to learn a lot about different occupations and have fun!


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in your favor, you'll command attention.
Stacked Short Hairstyles It's time and energy to join the hair revolution and swap your go-to daily styles for the hot new look. We've got all the hairstyle inspiration you have to strengthen your locks, whatever style you would like to rock or hair length you're flaunting.
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In life, accidents and injuries can happen at any time. Whether you're at work or driving to the store, there is always a chance that you may be involved in an accident that can change your life in an instant. If you were recently involved in an accident that left you with painful injuries or emotional distress, you may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit. Victims who win or settle their personal injury claims may collect compensation for their:
- Medical Treatment
- Rehabilitative Care
- Lost Wages from Time Taken off of Work
- Future Lost Income (for Disabling Injuries)
- Property Damage
- Pain & Suffering
- Emotional Trauma
Here to Serve You
You may have a great deal on your mind during this difficult time, but your recovery needs to be your first priority. With Berger, Fischoff & Shumer, LLP, serving as your supportive litigator, you can focus on your rehabilitation while a lawyer concentrates on obtaining any compensation to which you are entitled.
The personal injury lawyers, at Berger, Fischoff & Shumer, LLP, are ready to help you. We do not get paid if you don't get paid, we work 100% on contingency. Call today to set up your initial consultation.
Experienced Legal Representation That You Can Afford.


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Treat yourself and Kids 'n Kinship, too!
Burnsville Women of Today invite you to Spa-ahhh!!, a fundraising event to benefit Kids 'n Kinship. Treat yourself or someone you know to pampering, relaxation, and fun! Kids 'n Kinship's mission is to provide friendships to children ages 5-16 who are in need of a positive role model. Advertisements
Join the conversation about Minnesota's civic health!
On the eve of the Citizens League Annual Meeting, I'm honored by the invitation to take part in the ongoing conversation about Minnesota's civic health. The "Minnesota Civic Health Index 2009," co-authored by Harry Boyte and Nan Skelton in partnership with the National Conference on Citizenship, is slated for release next Monday. Following the press … Continue reading
Blog Action Day 2009: Climate Change
Earlier this week, I started a new position with grassroots solutions, a grassroots consulting firm headquartered in Minneapolis. Having worked with and received technical assistance from a number of their staff in a couple of my previous consulting projects, I'm excited to be coming on board with such talented, passionate, and fun people! In honor … Continue reading
Agents and Architects of Democracy: The Struggle for the Future of Higher Education
It's been an absolute pleasure for me to serve on an International Public Achievement working group these past few months because of the people involved and the possibilities for growth of an amazing program! I want to pass on word about an upcoming and similarly-focused webcast that Professor Harry Boyte, of the Center for Democracy … Continue reading
Seeing with Ugandan Eyes
In study abroad opportunities, students are often prepped, before leaving, to experience culture shock in the new country, and upon returning, for smooth re-entry into the home culture. This explicit discussion of expectations and transition readies the traveler to more fully enjoy the journey by mitigating and preparing for otherwise unforeseen and disturbing experiences. While … Continue reading
You're Invited: Citizens League Annual Meeting!
I'm a proud member of the Board of Directors of the Citizens League and my favorite event of the year is coming up – and you're invited! Our Annual Meeting is always fun, engaging, and the place to be and be seen if you're into community-building, politics, or helping build a better Minnesota! Naked Civics: … Continue reading


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Martina Judge
Licensee Salesperson, Ray White Bayfair
After a long career in Retail Sales and Management where she spent her time building lasting relationships and providing an individual service. Martina followed her passion for real estate and began her career in this exciting industry at the beginning of 2008. At this time the real estate industry was going through huge changes of which Martina absorbed thus giving her a well grounded and fresh approach in a changing market and delivering her positive skills on to her clients and acquaintances.
Buying and selling a home is a big decision in anyone's life and Martina's aim is to help people to do this with as little stress as possible in every way. Her focus is on knowledge of residential property both at the Mount and Papamoa where she has lived for 13 years. She has achieved many successes from a wide range of loyal and trusting clients for whom she has negotiated to get the best possible outcome.
Martina works with a fantastic team of focused colleagues and is proud to be part of a very successful company. If you are thinking of buying or selling your property or have any other Real Estate needs, Martina is committed to provide you with an honest and open service to achieve this. For confident professional advice with all Real Estate matters call Martina.
This is an appraisal of the service we received as executors of my mother's estate, from Martina Judge, during the period of sale of 7 Acacia Court, Mt Maunganui. Martina had several open homes and was an active representative of the property. We found Martina to be professional and representative of the best interests of the buyers, our stepfather Roger Balemi and us as executors. In a declining market it was disappointing to have to consider dwindling offers, but Roger and we realise that the final price agreed upon was fair in circumstances and we were pleased with the handling of the sale.Martina was always polite on the phone and engaged in informative discussion pertaining to the sale of the property. In addition to this Martina went beyond the call of duty when showed demonstrably that she cared about Roger's welfare. This was evidenced by her frequent visits to him to keep him updated and the concern she showed about Roger when speaking to me. This was touching and the mark of a person engaging wi
When selling our property in Papamoa, we engaged Martina Judge as our salesperson. We found her to be both professional and informative throughout the whole marketing and negotiating process which she handled with integrity. She achieved for us a fair market price for our property which enabled us to make the move we really needed. We found Martina's friendly personality made it simple for us to communicate our wishes to her which she easily understood and readily carried out. We would confidently recommend her as a real estate salesperson to anyone wanting to sell their property. Jessie Burrows
We found Martina Judge to be a very good property sales consultant from the first time we met at an open home Martina was running she was very helpful, through the following week she found out the information we required for the holiday rental in Mount Maunganui also she found a selection of properties to visit which suited our requirements. We met the following week and Martina drove us round to see all the properties finally at the last one we decided that was the one for us. As we were going through the purchasing process Martina was available to answer any questions we had and kept us up to date the whole way through. I would recommend anyone who would like to purchase property in the Mount Maunganui area to give her a ring. We wish her the best in her property career and hope to keep in touch in the future. Lisa & Ross Drinkwater
She at all times was caring and concerned for us after the home we first wanted was withdrawn, and worked very hard to find us something.
Robert and Judith
Martina is a polite, respectful and non-intrusive person who conducts herself in a professional manner. We have found her easy to speak with available at any time and will always provide a weekly report of the property. We are happy with her feedback and reasuring.
James & Betty
Martina communicated effectively and regularly.She was a true professional in every way.
Cornelius & Susan


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It doesn't really matter which industry you belong to, since a business number is essential for all businesses. The importance of a business number can't be underestimated, since it allows your clients and customers to engage with the business and ensures that the growth of your brand and your business is unhindered. However, there is some confusion regarding the difference between a toll free business number and a local business number.
To ensure that you make the best possible decision for your business, we have outlined the difference between a toll free number and a local number, along with the impact it can have on your business.
Toll Free Numbers
All businesses who have a national market and a national brand, tend to prefer having a toll free number, since they don't have to bear the costs of long distance calls, while the business is not charged for any calls that come from mobile phones or landlines. Most companies also have international toll free numbers, which allows them to focus on a larger clientele without experiencing any of the costs for international calls. The toll free service provider will bear those costs, while the business will continue to flourish. Some of the most profound benefits of toll free numbers include:
- Enhanced credibility
- Improved customer service
- Countrywide national coverage
- Easy to remember
- Location doesn't matter. Customers can reach to you in case your location is changed.
Toll free numbers are generally the way to go if you are a large enterprise and want to capitalize on your industry. It not only ensures the faith and credibility of your business but also sets you up for improved business dealings with clientele from all over the country.
Local Numbers
If you are a growing business that is only focusing on local customers, then a local number may do the trick for you. These numbers are generally specific to an area of the city and don't allow some of the call features and benefits that are offered by toll free numbers. However, local numbers also have their own advantages and if you decide to get a local number for your business here are some of the positives you can take from it:
- Generate local presence
- Unique features
- Easy local advertising
- Create physical presence of your businesses
- Target specific region & get local customers
Both toll free number and local phone number have their advantages. So, you must select both type of numbers for your business success.


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Separate names with a comma.
Discussion in 'Wii - Emulation and Homebrew' started by hugoool17, Oct 23, 2010.
I cant add players after i launch HBC and even in the HB games can some one please help me
like media players?
no for example when i play super mario war i cant play with more than one player i try to add more wii remotes but they dont sync how do i sync them
read the wii manual lolzzz
just hold the red sync button for a few seconds on the console next to the SD slot the press the sync button on each wiimote(next to battery compartment) to fully sync(not temp sync) the wiimote to that wii
you can press that red button all you want, but UNLESS THERE IS OFFICIAL SOFTWARE RUNNING, YOU CANT SYNC A WIIMOTE.
lol yeah forgot to add must be dont in the SM
iirc you can also hold 1 and 2 instead of opening the back.


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Field Construction Manager - Telecom
Req#: 34958BR
Date published: 9-Aug-2018
Opportunity: Experienced Hire
Business Line: Telecom
Business Plan: CNS
Level: 004
Construction Manager with Wireless Telecom Experience for NSB's and modifications. This position is accountable for the successful construction execution for subcontract projects. This position has authority to allocate resources and make construction decisions for the assigned area in accordance with Division Policies, Standards, Guides and Contractual commitments.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
Accountable for site safety, quality, schedule and cost on assigned projects. This position is responsible for assuring availability of resources with proper expertise and tools to support assigned construction project execution. Must be able to perform accurate material and scope take off's. Must be able to reconcile construction activities and manage scope change during construction. A strong understanding of construction practices and organizational skills is a must.
Accountable for managing the overall project execution performance including scope, cost, safety, quality, schedule, implementation, and customer satisfaction. Responsibilities in the roll include:
• Serves as single-point of contact, between the Lead Construction Manager and construction
• Providing oversight of construction execution on all assigned construction projects
• Must be able to maintain and managing sub contractor relationships. Assuring that work is
performed in accordance with project requirements.
• Must be able to take corrective action as necessary.
• Will be required to develop detailed material take offs and scope of services lists from
RFDS's and Engineered drawings.
• Must track and coordinate material delivery, schedule construction, and drive completion
to meet schedule and budget expectations.
• Reports project status and performance data as required to management.
• Identify and assesses improvement opportunities, which will add value.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in construction, engineering or heavy industrial experience preferred, or relevant experience. 2 years with a degree or 3 years at Superintendent level. All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.
Preferred Job Qualifications:
3+ years of relevant (Wireless and OSP/ISP telecommunication industry) Construction
Experience required.
•Must be knowledgeable in quality construction practices.


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By: Jane Kelly / University Communications
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has awarded the University of Virginia $3.47 million to launch a major humanities initiative dedicated to the study of the Global South. The funding will go toward the creation of new courses and research focused on the connected histories and cultures of Africa, Latin America, South and East Asia and other world regions.
The College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences will match the grant, making the initial five-year investment to launch the initiative about $7 million.
By: Anne E. Bromley | UVAToday, Office of University Communications
H. Julian Bond, University of Virginia professor emeritus of history and one of America's foremost civil rights leaders, died on Saturday night in Fort Walton Beach, Florida after a brief illness. He was 75.
By: Diana Williams | UVAToday, Office of University Communications
The sounds of weights clanging together could make it nearly impossible for the average person to concentrate and hold a conversation, but for Thomas Q. Jones, it's all in a day's work. Jones is calling from the gym, where he's squeezing in a workout (and an interview) before he begins another busy day.
By: Katie McNally / University Communications
Long before he ever stood in front of a University of Virginia classroom, wrote for Slate, finished grad school at Harvard, or even finished college himself, Jack Hamilton rocked stages across the United States and Europe as a member of the Mike Welch Band.
By: Caroline Newman / University Communications
In a Gallup survey examining the long-term success of college graduates across the country, University of Virginia alumni surpassed national averages in employment, engagement at work, well-being and attachment to their alma mater.
The University of Virginia celebrated its 186th Final Exercises over the weekend. Take a look back at some of the moments captured over the two days of graduation ceremonies and celebrate with the Class of 2015. For more videos, pictures, stories and more from Final Exercises, click here.
By: Lorenzo Perez, Senior Writer
A University of Virginia astronomer and a former Ph.D. student from the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences' Department of Astronomy are playing key roles in an international effort to dramatically extend the reach of discovery for the next generation of Extremely Large Telescopes.
By mail
(434) 924-7213
Other ways to give


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I am fully aware that we are currently wheel-deep in all things Dover Raceway – October 16! But guess what, I am being burdened by content that I am compelled to share.
Bikers, I crave your indulgence. A revolt with championship threatening implications is being planned within the ranks of the bikers who ply their knee-dragging trade at Dover Raceway. Threats are being hurled with reckless abandon everywhere! More on that later.
I have consistently maintained that the WRC serves a scrumptious dish which would satisfy any greedy motorsport enthusiast. And what revved through the gravel stages and the streets of Catalunya recently, confirmed that accuracy continues to be the standard that I willfully maintain!
Watch this and salute the WRC!
But wait, there is more.
Dover Raceway, Oct 16. Will you be there?
Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer


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Sovereign Ultra Lounge
Ovation Ultra Lounge is your answer to a vibrant, unique upscale lounge offering live entertainment, comedy, dancing and specialty drinks. Our lounge features the highest caliber, most proficient mixologists, divine appetizers provided by our customer-focused staff.
Ovation Ultra Lounge features over 3500 square feet of sultry design with a full stage and VIP seating. A smooth lounge atmosphere gives off a warm and inviting ambience, enticing anyone who passes to come in. The inviting furniture, glowing granite bar, lively music and warm candlelight glow, gives the utmost feel of comfort and sophistication. Our scrumptious menu perfectly compliments Ovation Ultra Lounge cocktails.
Perfect for a night out with friends, a drink and appetizers with co-workers, a casual business meeting or a place to enjoy and party all night long.
Ovation Ultra Lounge is the spot to go for the city night life experience without the drive!
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday


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For nearly three years, war had torn Europe apart. The German-led Central powers and the Allied powers, led by Great Britain and France, had fought one another with horrific new weapons: air attacks, machine guns, and poison gas. Hundreds of thousands had died, but the war seemed to have no end in sight.
It was now the spring of 1917, however, and the United States had joined the fight. A general with more than 30 years' experience was coming to lead the American forces—John J. Pershing. The trim, stiff-backed, 56-year-old Pershing was the model of military efficiency. He had fought in Cuba and the Philippines, and had tracked gunman Pancho Villa across Mexican deserts. Pershing knew that the coming challenges would be the greatest of his already colorful and dramatic career.
TIM McNEESE. is a Associate Professor of History at York College in Nebraska. He is the author of more than fifty books and educational materials on everything from Egyptian pyramids to American Indians. Professor McNeese graduated from York College with is Associate of Arts degree, as well as Harding University where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science.
CASPAR W. WEINBERGER was the fifteenth secretary of defense, serving under President Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1987. Born in California in 1917, he fought in the Pacific during World War-II then went on to pursue a law career. He became an active member of the California Republican Party and was named the party's chairman in 1962.


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Adjustments: A Fire Emblem Fanfiction
My story? Well, it actually begins long ago. My name is Mihara of Staltone, country of the horse laguz led by Lord Keenan and his mate, Lady Gwenna. I, however, am no horse laguz. Rather, I am of a bird, but I am not like the nearby country of Ailon, with its swan laguz led by Lady Laurel. I am a sort of bird of prey, and instincts tell me I am a hawk. Why I am the only one, I have no idea. Our three intersecting countries, Nylonti being the last with its otter laguz, are not very large and are completely surrounded by water. I grew up here and love it here, despite my own mysterious background, and would do anything to defend it.
A young woman resting in her bed stretched and yawned, kicking the covers off of her body, which was clad in a nightgown. She ran a hand through her messy black hair that fell to just below her shoulders before running the hand down her face, sighing heavily. It was another early morning that she had woken. She just couldn't sleep lately… She had strange dreams about these two people with dark wings and a large enormous cat with a tiny sparrow on its shoulder. Whatever this dream was, it constantly woke her at least a half hour early from her slumber. Consequently, she couldn't fall asleep again and ended up waking her friend and roommate so that they could start their duties for the day. As she let her bare feet touch the chilled stone floor, she then stretched her deep red wings, which were about nine feet in length. Turning her nearly-glowing golden eyes to the other person in the room that was still asleep, she tiptoed over and shook her lightly. "Aislyn. Come on, it's time to wake up."
The other young woman in the bed grumbled unhappily and flipped over, her dark brown horse ears pinning back against her skull. "Go away, Mihara… I want to sleep for once…"
"You know that Lord Keenan is probably already up and waiting for us," Mihara pointed out, walking back to her dresser, selecting her clothes for the day. "I'm going ahead and changing."
Aislyn heaved a heavy sigh and remained still while Mihara changed her clothes. Though, she still went ahead and sat up in bed, removing her covers, revealing her black horse tail, her dark brown hair, and weary green eyes. Once Mihara called that she was done, Aislyn stood up, her legs a little wobbly at first. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and told Mihara, "Go on ahead. I'll meet you outside."
"Okay. But if you don't show up in ten minutes, I'm coming back to get you," Mihara threatened as she moved out the door, leaving a slightly pouting Aislyn, staring at her bed with despair. Once Mihara closed the door, she moved on down the enormous hallway until she reached the light outside. The sun had barely even peaked over the horizon of the mountains that surrounded the giant valley that was Staltone, with a grand lake in the center. Clad in her light green loose, sleeveless shirt that reached down to just below her waist and her tight-fitting capris that flared out at her shin, emphasizing her sandals that were black and reached up around her ankle securely, Mihara moved out towards the small cliff where the Staltonian palace sat, overlooking the valley. Sitting down at the edge and daring to dangle her feet over the edge, Mihara awaited Aislyn's arrival.
True to her word, the horse laguz was now ready, looking more awake and wearing her usual clothes of a dark green shirt with short sleeves, long jeans, and her black boots. She swished her tail back and forth, giving Mihara a threatening look. "Are you happy? I'm here, and I don't see Lo-"
"You don't see who, Aislyn?" boomed a voice of pure authority. Aislyn yelped, turned, and bowed as Mihara scrambled up to do the same. Before them stood a tall man with grown out black hair that reached into his brown eyes. Atop his head were golden horse ears that constantly moved, always listening for danger. His black tail was very long, nearly touching the ground, even though he was easily six foot three. He was giving the two a stern look before he softened his gaze and even cracked a smile. "Come now, you two. Stand straight. Thank you. Were you both heading out for your morning patrols?"
"Yes, sir," Aislyn replied, her face now straight and serious. Keenan was one man that held her complete respect, and she was an honored laguz to be his right hand woman. Mihara merely gave a silent nod, not quite as formal with him, but still polite and courteous to the man that had taken her in. He had found her in the valley as a baby, only two years old, and brought her in under his wing.
"Very well. Carry on, and I'll see you two at breakfast with the herd." Keenan turned and walked off, heading back towards Gwenna, who was waiting for him back at the entrance.
Aislyn looked back at Mihara and gave her a pat on the shoulder. "Alright. See you in a little bit." With a flash of light brown light, in Aislyn's place then stood a very tall Morgan horse. She nickered and took off down the hill into the valley. Mihara watched her go, and then smirked slightly before running to the cliff and jumping. She soared through the air for just a moment before she was engulfed by a crimson red flash of light. Beating her wings, she raised higher in the sky, now in her full hawk form and much larger. She veered off towards the left side of the valley, leaving the right side to Aislyn. Her sharp eyes were turned towards the ground, looking for any signs of trouble or just anything that was out of place. Many times, there were injured horse laguz in the valley from fights with other men for a woman, and they never received aid until the morning, when either Mihara or Aislyn found them. For the longest time in Staltone, there had been no help given to the laguz who fought for a female, but as of late, many of them had received severe wounds and ended up passing on. With a tiny shudder, it made Mihara happy that she was never the center of a fight like that. After all…she was the only one in the three countries that was a hawk. Some swan men had made passes at her, but nothing too serious.
For her, it was rather lonely. Some days, she didn't mind being the only one, but after being the only one for around twenty-six years…it got tiring. She did long for someone to be with her, but she still wanted someone of her own race. Forget the whole "beggars can't be choosers" thing... I know that so many people are there for me. They always have been and always will be, but…that still can't fill this void in my heart.
On and on Mihara flew, not seeing anything out of the ordinary. As she reached the far end of the valley thirty minutes later, she turned around and began to head back towards the palace by going down the center of the valley. The palace was simple, yet very nice, looking somewhat like a regular barn. It had four stories, with Keenan and Gwenna residing at the top. The two floors below that were for guests and any who needed safe rest indoors, and the bottom floor held the kitchen, which was only used for guests, and the throne room, as well as other small rooms for idle conversations. To Mihara, it felt like a home she could return to, but it wasn't necessarily the home she was looking for. She wanted to see flapping wings, other birds, and more open sky for her to fly in…something more related to her domain.
She met up with Aislyn at the entrance to the palace once she returned, both having nothing to report to the other or to the Horse Lord. They walked into the palace, only to see that not a soul was inside. Aislyn frowned and muttered, "Maybe we took too long? Were they already out in the valley?"
"I saw them all heading towards the lake," Mihara suddenly recalled, having spotted the large herd moving off in the distance.
Aislyn glared at her and smacked her friend on the hand with her tail, drawing for a protest from Mihara at how it stung. "You didn't think to tell me already? Why didn't you go ahead and meet up with them?"
"Well, I figured that you might not have passed by them, yet, so…" Mihara trailed off. "Oh, whatever. I'll race you to them."
"Again?" Aislyn grinned, walking back outside. "Alright. Let's go on three. One…"
"Three!" they both exclaimed, shifting back into their full forms and shooting off towards the lake. While Mihara may have had the advantage to fly, the horse laguz were the quickest land creatures Mihara had seen. Aislyn was easily able to keep up with the hawk laguz, pushing her legs to run as fast as they could, Mihara flapping her wings to gain even more speed. The ground was a mere blur beneath both of them as they caught up to the herd, which had only been ten minutes into the walk to the lake. Mihara glanced down and saw that Aislyn was actually gaining ground on her. She attempted at speeding up just a little more as they came to the herd, but a breeze suddenly blasted against her, throwing her off-balance. Aislyn raced into the herd before rearing and whinnying with victory. Mihara regained her balance and steadied herself. Turning her gaze down to look at her, she grumbled, "If that turbulence hadn't hit me, I would've won."
"Maybe next time!" Aislyn's nickers sounded suspiciously like laughter, and Mihara sighed. From the head of the herd, Mihara saw Keenan turn back to see what had caused the commotion, and once he saw who it was, he merely shook his head and walked on, his proud golden mustang coat gleaming in the morning sun.
The hawk laguz continued to fly above the herd, watching them graze in peace near the shimmering lake. A few of the young ones even ran and jumped in, splashing about and swimming, making games out of it. They ran out and began to play a game of tag, sending water droplets flying around everywhere, but those they hit didn't mind or even hardly notice. Having the foals play was just a way of life. Once more, the slight tinge of jealously wormed its way into Mihara's feelings. Sure, she had grown up playing with the horses, but there was still no one to share the experience of flying with. All of them were too scared to ride on her back in their half forms, but she couldn't carry even the foals in her talons for fear of hurting them. Still…this feeling of emptiness…it hardly ever plagued her this much in a single day. Maybe I'm just getting a feeling that today won't be eventful, so I'm too busy thinking about other stuff, she muttered in her head. There had to be a reason for it, at least.
The day carried on slowly. The herd migrated from the lake to different parts of the valley, grazing, running, resting, chattering idly. Mihara spent a good bit of her day just flying. A few times she landed to rest her wings for a moment and speak with a few of the other laguz. She felt like a real part of their family…but in every family, there were many internal conflicts.
"…can't even win a simple race," came a chortle from a nearby colt of a draft breed. He was rather large for his two year old self, filling out nicely with white feathers on his legs near his hooves, contrasting from his dark brown coat, mane, and tail. His brown eyes stared Mihara down with a loathing in his eyes. Indeed, many conflicts came from those who didn't think that a bird belonged in the family of proud equine beasts, but that she should have been given to Lady Laurel, queen of the swan laguz. Still, Keenan stood by his decision to let her remain with the herd, and those who didn't approve were ordered not to bother her. Also, like in large families, there was always at least the one rule-breaker.
Mihara touched down onto the ground, not letting go of her full form. In fact, even though this young colt was very tall, she was still easily a foot taller than him. Her golden eyes pierced his own brown orbs, challenging him. "Is there something you would like to say to my face, Turent?"
Turent snorted fiercely from his nostrils, raising his head in defiance. "Say? Why, no, not at all. After all…my actions speak louder than my words…wouldn't you say?" The few other young mares gathered around Turent whinnied in agreement with him, swishing their tails about while gazing at him with fantasizing adoration.
Mihara could've puked at the sight of them. She spread her wings and screeched at Turent, completely spooking the mares. "Is that a challenge, colt?"
Turent hadn't even flinched at her actions, but continued staring her down as an acceptance. He turned towards the closest exit to the herd and began to walk. "Over here."
Mihara couldn't hardly even wait. She flapped her wings to lift off the ground, ignoring the questioning and slightly panicked look that Aislyn was giving her from a short distance away. Several times, colts challenged Mihara to a fight, but she rarely accepted because she knew that on both sides, there were unfair advantages…though most were on her side. She could easily fly out of reach of attacks and use air currents to her advantage, not to mention fly in the path of the sun to blind whomever she was fighting. …Something must really be bothering her today. She's not been herself…
Once they were a safe enough distance from the herd, Mihara flew low to the ground, within easy reach of the colt, who then pawed at the ground with anticipation. In the distance, the ever-watchful eyes of Keenan gazed, wondering why the two were starting a fight with each other. Aislyn approached his side, inquiring, "…Should I stop them?"
"No, let them be. Turent could use a dosage of humility." Keenan couldn't help but chuckle at the sight, remembering times from when he was but a young colt, picking fights to impress the equally young mares.
Aislyn ignored his ending chuckle, but noted on his first short sentence, "So, you believe there isn't any challenge here?"
"None whatsoever. Mihara will show him what it means to fight the sky. After all…it is her realm, not ours."
Mihara pretended to give off a yawn as she hovered before Turent. "Any day now would be very much appreciated. I would say that I have places to be, but obviously, that isn't the case. After all, I've been- oh…I've been here, with the herd, all my years…haven't I?"
Turent's eyes flashed with rage, and he charged without warning towards Mihara. As he was just within reach, he reared, jerking his hooves towards Mihara's wings, hoping to ground her and put her at his mercy. However, before he could even aim, she had dashed to the side and taunted him further by flicking his back with a talon. He screamed with anger and bucked, kicking his back legs out. Mihara carefully dodged those blows, as well, though it came a little closer than his first attack. "Are you sure you don't want to give up now and spare yourself any embarrassment, Turent?"
"Never!" Turent whipped around, trying to keep his prey in his line of sight. He pinned his ears back and snapped his teeth at her, trying to show her how serious he really was.
"Okayyy." Mihara sighed, nearly feeling bad for the young colt. Last time she had really fought, he had probably been too young to remember, or else he may not have challenged her. She flew higher into the air, lining herself up with the sun, dismissing his calls of her being a coward and running. Angling herself just right, she took a deep breath, reminding herself to be careful and not hurt him. She tucked her wings in and dove at him, her talons fully extended. As he saw her rapidly approaching figure, he froze, unsure of what to do. Before he even knew what had happened, Mihara wrapped her talons around his body, securing them under his belly, and lifted him from the ground. It took a lot of effort, because more developed horses were extremely heavy, and she knew she wouldn't be able to hold him for long. Besides, it wasn't helping that he was now thrashing about violently, screaming, trying to break free and let his hooves touch solid ground again. "Stay still and you won't get hurt," she growled to him, tightening her grip.
Naturally, he didn't remain still. So, Mihara took him towards the lake, since the herd had come back for an evening drink before they went back towards the palace for the night. Once she hovering over at just the right spot, where she knew it was deep enough for him, she released him in one quick motion, the draft horse screaming the whole way down, crashing like thunder onto the water. It took two or three seconds before he broke the surface, gasping for air. As he swam towards the ground he could touch, Keenan was standing there, waiting. His eyes watched Turent pull himself from the water before looking at the Horse Lord with a frightened gaze. "…What is going on here, Turent?"
"M-my Lord…I'm-"
"Sorry, I know. Do you believe it was wise to challenge Mihara?"
"N-…No, My Lord…"
Keenan snorted quietly and turned his gaze towards Mihara as she landed close to him. She gave him a bow of her head. "I'm sorry, Lord Keenan."
"No apologies necessary, Mihara. I'll deal with young Turent. How about you take a flight and cool off? Xavier was expecting a visit from you soon."
Mihara paused, taking time to consider his suggestion. As Aislyn trotted near them, trying to analyze the situation, she nodded. "I'll do that. I could…use the time." Turning toward Aislyn as she spread her wings, she said, "I'll be back early tomorrow to help you, as usual."
"…Right. See you then."
Aislyn watched her close friend take off into the air and fly off, towards Nylonti, where the otter laguz lived along a coastline of beaches. She shook her head, but agreed that she could use some time to herself. With a look from Keenan, she cantered off, preparing to scout around the area once more before bed, into the settling darkness.
Mihara flew as fast as she could, wanting to get away from the others. She couldn't help but enjoy the adrenaline rush that fighting gave her, but that wasn't even a fight. She had only wanted to give Turent a little dose of reality, that she wasn't just a weak little bird, but rather, a master of the skies. There was a reason Keenan kept her around, and he needed to realize that. Still…she felt so conflicted about it all. Darkness had claimed the land when she reached the beaches, making it hard to continue flying all the way to the palace, where King Xavier was awaiting her arrival. She touched down on the beach in her half form, deciding to walk the rest of the way. She dragged her feet along the white sand, just out of reach of the waves that came calmly sweeping onto the shoreline. Small nighttime scavengers were out, scurrying about around her, searching for food. She watched them as she walked, her feeling of emptiness increasing. Her eyes caught sight of a spiky conch shell, perfectly formed, lying on the sand without an inhabitant.
She snapped.
Bending down to wrap her fingers around it tightly, she chucked it as hard as she could into the sea, a few hot tears of rage brimming in her eyes. As the shell splashed into the water, Mihara sunk to her knees, the tears spilling over. Her arms hung limply at her side as she sobbed softly, questioning why she had been the only hawk laguz in so many years…why she had been the only one, ever. There had to have been some strange magic involved in it… She looked at the ocean and the rising moon and loosed a strangled cry. "I had to have come from somewhere! I didn't just appear! I had to have had parents…! Someone… Someone like me…" Her voice cracked, allowing her to say no more. She couldn't believe how weak she was feeling. She never cried in front of anyone else, never allowed anyone to see her weakness. She tended to try and find the silver lining in what she could, but at the moment, everything looked absolutely grey and bleak to her. She felt lost, not having a true home…not having her own people…or even her own family.
"Now, now…such a lovely young lady shouldn't be crying like this, hmm?"
Jerking with surprise, Mihara turned her head towards the sound of the low, soothing male voice. She saw a young man standing there, the moonlight shining off of his icy blue hair that spiked upwards, giving her a gentle smile. Mihara quickly attempted at drying her tears, flushing with embarrassment. She hadn't thought anyone had been outside near her, but perhaps he heard her yells and thought something was wrong. Taking a closer look at him, she saw that he had two separate colored eyes, his right eye being a magnificent amethyst and his left eye gleaming a bright green. She then could note that he was a laguz, for she spotted his tail and ears that were the same shade as his hair. However, looking at his ears made her freeze. They were not of an otter's ears…they were too triangular… Mihara cleared her throat and inquired, "Who are you?"
"My name is Ranulf, miss. Please tell me…why were you crying?" Ranulf's voice seemed to display genuine concern for her. He didn't take any steps to get closer, though, in case he may frighten her. After all, she didn't know who he was.
Mihara gave a dry laugh. "A number of reasons." Pausing to think, she looked back at him. "Now, really… Who are you?"
Ranulf grinned, seemingly almost cat-like, and gave an approving nod. "The right question, indeed. I am Ranulf of Gallia, right hand to the young Lion King, Skrimir."
If Mihara hadn't been on the sand already, she would have more than likely fallen. The names rushed through her head. Gallia? Lion King? Skrimir? What in the world was he talking about? Just as she was about to ask him questions, he leaned over to be a little closer and suggested, "I think we should be asking a better question here, miss. Who are you?"
"Me…? I'm Mihara… A hawk laguz…"
"Now, now. That can't be all to you, can it?" Ranulf narrowed his eyes, becoming more serious. "Mihara…does the name Tibarn mean anything to you?"
"Tibarn…?" she repeated slowly. There was something familiar about it, but she couldn't quite place it. It felt…comforting, in a way. Like it gave her a feeling of safety.
"What about Altiaire?"
The second one was fainter, but still, she had no doubt that she had heard it before. But from where was another question entirely. "What…are they?"
"That's a little harder to explain. First off, let me help you up…and I'll show you." Ranulf extended his left hand to aid her. Hesitantly, she accepted it, letting him use his strength to lift her from the sand. "Would you like me to show you?"
Her mind swam with questions that desired answers, and here was a stranger that might hold some for her. He didn't seem very dangerous, but rather, a gentleman. He appeared to genuinely want to aid her, and she couldn't help but flush a little at his sturdy, warm hand. Not trusting her voice, she nodded. No matter who it came from, she needed to know more about her. She wasn't even questioning why he didn't ask her about her identity as a hawk, seeing as there were none in the three known countries. She'd ask him later.
He gave an approving smile and held tightly onto her head. "Very well." Raising his head upward, he looked towards the starlit sky. "We're ready, Yune."
Mihara barely had time to question the name he had spoken before there was a flash of light and darkness claimed her.
"Oh, why…darling…she's just beautiful!"
"Just as her mother is."
"Oh, but she's got your eyes. Look. Oh, and…how lovely her little stubby wings are… Her color will be similar to…to Trinity's."
"…Indeed. They will be, one day. She'll probably be just as strong, too."
"Like her father. Darling, what should we name her?"
"Well…I was thinking, perhaps…after your grandmother? After all, she helped us so many times during the dark days…"
"So…Mihara, then?"
"If that's what you would like. It's a lovely name."
"You hear that, little one? Mihara…"
Mihara groaned lightly as consciousness began to flow through her, erasing away the voices she'd heard in her dream. Now, she heard other hushed voices, whispering amongst her, but she recognized none of them, save for one sounding a little bit like Ranulf's. As she shifted, she could tell that she was lying in a soft bed, a thick comforter draped over her body. Not only that, but she felt rather lightheaded and sort of weak, like she had just run a short marathon. Did that all…really just happen? I was talking to…to Ranulf, and then…he said…Yune's name…? Slowly opening her eyes, Mihara saw a high ceiling, painted a light, sky blue color, giving the room an open feeling. As she turned her head to the side, she noticed that the walls were pained a few shades darker, and gray curtains hung from several windows that were around the room, trying to contain a small portion of light that was trying to flow into the room. After another moment, Ranulf's head showed up in her line of vision, a smirk still on his face, eyes sparkling.
"One would think you've not travelled like that before, Lady Mihara," he said with a sarcastic tone of voice.
"…Where am I?" Mihara croaked through her hoarse throat, not catching that Ranulf had addressed her as "Lady". Too many other things were circulating in her mind to catch every little detail of what was happening at the moment.
"A place called Altiaire," he responded, more gently. "A country of hawk and raven laguz."
His response stunned her into silence as her brain attempted at processing this information. An entire country of laguz like her, and she hadn't ever heard of it?! If there was such a place, it had to be across the waters, further than she'd tried flying before. Making the journey was extremely dangerous, though, and required at least a group of four. But now…she wasn't alone any longer?
"Not very chatty, eh?" another voice commented from behind Ranulf. As he stepped aside, Mihara took a moment to scan over the two people who she hadn't seen until just then. She could tell by their scents that they were hawks. The one she had spotted that spoke was the shorter of the two, his wings a lighter shade than his taller companion.
The only quiet words she caught from the taller one were, "I believe she is overwhelmed."
The trio's continuing dialogue faded from her ears as she focused on their wings. They seemed to light, so beautiful, so soft… She felt like reaching out and touching them, but she doubted her arm would let her…not to mention, she doubted they would just stand there and allow her to do that… But she had to prove to herself that she wasn't imagining their existence.
"…ara. Are you listening?" Ranulf suddenly demanded.
Mihara snapped away from her tiny fantasy and stuttered, still with a croaking sound, "Wh-what?"
He grinned once more with amusement, but with another hidden element. Like…pure happiness. It made her question what was going on. "You still don't believe? Take a listen."
Mihara noticed that Janaff had opened his mouth to add something, but he hesitated in thought, and apparently decided against it, closing his mouth. She then took a moment to listen. She spotted a balcony across the room from the bed she was in, catching that it was open. A light breeze blew in, carrying with it many sounds. She heard faint speech from outdoors, children's laughter, birds chirping, footsteps shuffling about…but most of all, she heard flapping wings. She turned to Ranulf for answers, but before she could even think to say anything, he approached her and offered to help her sit up. She really was rather lightheaded, and her stomach as empty as if she hadn't eaten in several days. "But…if I was…from here, then…why was I…there?"
"It's a long and complicated story," the taller one by the wall voiced first. "Perhaps Tibarn is the only one right now who can answer your questions."
That name… Mihara's vision began to swim viciously before her, and her head felt lighter than it had before. She heard a few faint shouts, and before she realized it, she was back down on the bed. Regaining control of herself, she heard someone say, "…doubt! I'd be in shock, too!"
A warm hand touched Mihara's shoulder, Ranulf's voice asking, "Mihara? Are you okay?"
"Well, no…," she managed to choke out. She was beginning to feel more confused than before, to the point of hopelessness. She was getting no answers, only more questions! Or was she still dreaming everything? "I just… I don't understand…!"
"…Janaff. Ulki. Ranulf. Leave me. I'll speak with her," came a low voice of authority. The ones who had been named turned their heads and nodded, Ranulf giving her a look of assurance as he left her side.
The doors closed and the Hawk King himself walked regally across the room, to the side of the bed where Ranulf had just been. Despite the fact that she had just nearly fainted, Mihara studied him as he entered. He was extremely well built, his large wings giving off their own powerful appearance, and his muscular form seemed intimidating, even in his half-beorc form. His face was stern, but once he looked at Mihara, it was replaced with something of a softer nature. Softer was the only way to describe it. "You…are Mihara, correct?"
Not trusting her voice, Mihara gave a slow nod. She attempted at sitting up, but Tibarn shook his head and motioned for her to remain still. "Do you know why you were brought here?" This time, Mihara shook her head decisively. "…I see…"
Silence fell in the large room, nearly driving Mihara crazy. The king of Altiaire was standing before her, apparently the only man with the answers to her questions, and he was barely even speaking! She tried to be patient and suppress the questions she most wanted to ask, thinking that he had to have his own reason for hesitating.
At last, Tibarn nearly whispered, "Mihara…you…do not remember anything, do you?"
This seemed to be an opportune moment to speak, as far as she was concerned. "Re…member? Remember…what?"
The words nearly seemed to catch in the king's throat. "When you were a young one…two years of age…you were stolen away from this country."
Mihara's heart pounded more fiercely now than it ever had before. Her eyes widened with even more confusion and shock, and she had to remind herself how to breathe. "What…what do you mean…?"
Taking a deep breath, he explained slowly, "Your mother had just put you to sleep…and someone snuck inside the castle. He stole you from your crib. Your…father went into a rage, chasing this person down, fighting to get you back, but…he was too late. The abductor had spoken with Ashera – the goddess. He paid a price and had you transported to the country you grew up in."
"H… How could you possibly…know anything like that…?" she muttered softly. "How? Is…it true? Is it true? Is it?"
Tibarn's eyes narrowed as he struggled internally to choose his next words. Mihara swore that if he took another five minutes to answer, she would…! Well, she couldn't actually physically harm him or anything, but she could sure let her disapproval known! She could-!
"Every word is true, Mihara. I know these things because…I…am…your father."
Well, I decided not to ruin how the beginning looked by a starter author's note. We all know the disclaimer: I own nothing of Fire Emblem, its characters, or anything…except for things that you do not recognize, such as the three different laguz, my main character, etc. Bah, I hate sounding official! For all of you that have read Adjustments before, be prepared for entire twists as you have noticed from just the prologue! First, though…I need to give out some credit.
Firstly, to Cata-nee. I received your review on the eighteenth of June and it completely inspired me to begin rewriting Adjustments. If not for this review, who knows how much longer everyone else would've been waiting. You are so awesome! (gives a cookie cake)
Next, to both Fluffystuff101324 and also to dracomancer6491. Both of you have been very supportive with allowing me to use your characters once more (don't worry, haha…they'll come in earlier!) and for offering ideas, scenarios, and even facts that will help make the story more realistic! Kudos to both of you! (gives brownies)
I suppose my sister, Ethereal Thoughts, deserves a bit, too. She sometimes proof-reads my stories and edits it…when either of us remember to email it to the other. =P But she has stuck with the story from the beginning and even gets a little excited (I think) when I tell her that I'm writing more. Thanks, sis! Love ya! (gives ice cream)
Okay, enough chattering! I hope you enjoyed the new and improved Adjustments and will look forward to the next chapters! Please drop a review on your way out, and don't forget that I accept suggestions for ideas of things you would like to see in the story!


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Phillies 5, Rockies 3
DENVER — Tommy Joseph hit a pinch-hit, three-run homer in the seventh inning to carry the Phillies. Vince Velasquez allowed two runs over six innings and won his third straight decision since coming off the 15-day disabled list with a right biceps strain on June 27. He struck out six and walked two. The Phillies have won eight of their past 10.


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December 31, 2016
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Raft Guide Training
Instructor: Bob Daffe or Kevin Daffe
Course includes:
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Course location/river will be detemermined closer to the course date due to Water levels. Camping will likely be required.
1st course: June 6-7 and June 9-10th
All equipment.
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